The Franchise Fatigue: Why Teens Are Tuning Out Marvel and Star Wars
There’s something deeply revealing about how teenagers perceive pop culture—they’re the canary in the coal mine for what’s truly resonating (or not) in the entertainment landscape. A recent report by Puck’s Matthew Belloni, where he sat down with a group of Los Angeles teens to discuss their thoughts on Hollywood, has sparked a fascinating conversation. What’s striking is their lukewarm response to two of the biggest franchises in the game: Marvel and Star Wars. Personally, I think this isn’t just a blip—it’s a symptom of a larger issue plaguing these franchises.
Marvel’s Event Horizon: Is One Spider-Man Enough?
One of the most intriguing takeaways from the report is the teens’ reaction to Marvel. While they’re looking forward to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, their enthusiasm feels measured. One teen described it as “sort of” an event, which is telling. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it contrasts with the heyday of Marvel’s Infinity War and Endgame era, when every release felt like a cultural phenomenon.
From my perspective, Marvel’s current predicament is self-inflicted. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger admitted as much in 2023, acknowledging that the studio had over-saturated the market with sequels and Disney+ series. If you take a step back and think about it, the sheer volume of content has diluted the sense of occasion. When every other month brings a new superhero saga, it’s no wonder teens aren’t clamoring for more.
What many people don’t realize is that Marvel’s success was built on scarcity. Each film felt like an event because it was an event. Now, with the MCU churning out content like a well-oiled machine, the magic has faded. Spider-Man might still be a safe bet, but even that feels like a band-aid on a much larger wound.
Star Wars: The Nostalgia Divide
The teens’ take on Star Wars is even more revealing. While they appreciate the “old stuff,” the new releases? Not so much. One teen bluntly stated, “Anything that came out after I was born isn’t that great.” Ouch.
What this really suggests is a generational divide in how Star Wars is perceived. For older fans, the franchise is a treasure trove of nostalgia, but for younger audiences, it’s just another piece of media vying for their attention. The Mandalorian? Meh. Baby Yoda? Creepy.
A detail that I find especially interesting is their critique of Baby Yoda, or Grogu. One teen compared him unfavorably to Rocky from Project Hail Mary, calling Grogu “animatronic” and inauthentic. This raises a deeper question: has Star Wars lost its ability to create characters that feel real and relatable?
It’s worth noting that not everyone agrees. DECIDER’s Jesse Hassenger argued in 2025 that Star Wars TV is on a hot streak, citing shows like The Acolyte and Andor. But if the teens are any indication, this hot streak isn’t translating to the younger demographic.
The Broader Implications: Are Franchises Losing Their Grip?
If you ask me, the teens’ indifference to Marvel and Star Wars isn’t just about these franchises—it’s about the fatigue we’re all feeling with blockbuster culture. For years, Hollywood has relied on established IPs to drive box office numbers, but what happens when the next generation isn’t as invested?
One thing that immediately stands out is the lack of originality in today’s blockbuster landscape. When every other movie is a sequel, reboot, or spin-off, it’s no wonder audiences are tuning out. Teens, in particular, are craving something fresh, something that feels like it was made for them, not for their parents’ nostalgia.
This raises a provocative question: can Marvel and Star Wars reinvent themselves for a new era, or are they destined to become relics of a bygone age? Personally, I think the answer lies in taking risks. Marvel needs to step away from the formulaic and embrace storytelling that feels bold and new. Star Wars, meanwhile, needs to stop relying on nostalgia and start building characters and worlds that resonate with today’s audience.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Franchises
As I reflect on this report, I’m struck by how much it says about the state of modern entertainment. Franchises like Marvel and Star Wars have dominated the cultural conversation for decades, but their hold on the next generation is far from guaranteed.
What makes this moment so interesting is the opportunity it presents. If Hollywood listens to what teens are saying—that they want fewer sequels, more originality, and characters that feel authentic—we could be on the cusp of a new golden age of storytelling.
But if the industry doubles down on the status quo? Well, as one teen put it, “Spider-Man’s always gonna hit.” But for how much longer?
