Long-Term Movie Contracts Are Over According to Kevin Feige
With their wide array of characters and films, Marvel studios often would require long commitments from their actors; but apparently, long-term movie contracts are over according to Marvel President Kevin Feige.
For well over a decade, Marvel Studios have been behind some of the biggest film Franchises in the history of cinema; and developed lasting characters that have engrained themselves into the very fabric of popular culture.
The studio was widely revered for its casting decisions, yet, would often be faced with the difficult task of convincing these incredible actors to commit to the length of their characters’ stories.
Chris Evans, the man behind the brilliant Steve Rogers, tells the story often; recounting his hesitancy to accept the role- a role he declined to audition for twice before being offered it- as tied to the incredible commitment the film required.
For Evans, a young and incredibly talented actor with some experience in big movies, the commitment wasn’t signing on for Captain America The First Avenger; it was about signing on to partake in the entire Infinity Saga.
it appears, however, that these things are changing; and apparently, long-term movie contracts are over according to Marvel President Kevin Feige.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Feige was asked about the length of contract that Marvel presents to potential actors, and how that varied from the early Marvel Studio’s days; Feige stated, “That got a lot of attention way back when, with I think Scarlett [Johansson], and [Chris] Hemsworth and Evans and Sam Jackson. It varies now.”
Feige notes the incredible difference in the circumstances surrounding Marvel’s acquisition of potential actors today, versus back in 2008.
For instance, Feige noted that films and streaming appearances aren’t where the commitment ends anymore.
”[I] would throw theme park attractions” is what Feige states he would add to the list of responsibilities; which gives tremendous insight into a pinnacle difference in what is required from the actors Marvel works with today.
When asked in a multi-picture commitment is what Marvel is requiring of actors who are joining the brand today; he stated,
“It varies, project to project, cast to cast. Really, what we want are people that come in, are excited to be in the universe, are excited at the opportunity to do more things, as opposed to being locked into contractual obligations.”
It seems as though Marvel is reliant on their great reputation in ways they couldn’t have been in 2008.
Perspective actors know exactly what Marvel Studios is about; they understand the now decade-long history of excellence that is within the vast multitude of films.
In essence, the studio no longer has to contractual require the commitment from actors in order to work on their films, actors are desperate to work on as many Marvel projects as possible.
Essentially, long-term movie contracts at Marvel are no more, and Kevin Feige can reap the reward of that; knowing that they have become the prime destination actors are lucky to work for, as opposed to being the new studio lucky to nab certain actors.