Thunderbolts* actor and longtime MCU star Sebastian Stan has voiced his support for Marvel against recent criticism targeting the franchise’s notoriously big-budget, high-impact films. Although numerous well-respected giants of the entertainment industry — such as renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese and actress and director Jodie Foster — are vocal opponents of the MCU, Stan doubled down on his defense of the brand, crediting it as an instrumental aspect of Hollywood’s survival.

Speaking to Variety about his upcoming roles in The Apprentice and Thunderbolts*, Stan shared a unique perspective on the recent surge of vitriol against the MCU. Over the past few years, many influential directors and actors have vocalized their distaste for Marvel and superhero movies in general, with criticisms generally targeting Marvel’s large budgets, overuse of CGI, shoddy scriptwriting, and lack of emotional resonance. Certain corners of the internet have also added their opinions, including even self-professed former fans confessing their disappointment with more modern Marvel properties.

Having worked closely with Marvel Studios for several years — with his first introduction to the MCU occurring all the way back in 2011 — Stan is understandably a little protective of the films. However, his defense of Marvel runs far deeper than that; it’s the perspective of a seasoned actor in a cutthroat entertainment industry. “It’s become really convenient to pick on [Marvel films],” Stan said. “But they’re a big part of what contributes to this business and allows us to have smaller movies as well. This is an artery traveling through the system of this entire machinery that’s Hollywood. It feeds in so many more ways than people acknowledge.” In short, despite its shortcomings, the MCU is a vital and consistent source of jobs and money that Hollywood may not survive without.

Hopes Are High for Thunderbolts* Despite MCU Criticism

Although Thunderbolts* has experienced numerous delays in its production due to writers’ and actors’ strikes last year, the film remains highly anticipated. It’s a return to the familiar team dynamic that Marvel has been missing since the conclusion of Guardians of the Galaxy, and it’s also managed to stir up quite a bit of intrigue since the addition of the mysterious asterisk at the end of the film’s title. However, in light of the recent criticisms against Marvel, Thunderbolts* also has the opportunity to distinguish itself as a more well-rounded movie overall — especially compared to releases like Sony’s Madame Web and Morbius.

Given that the expected release date for Thunderbolts* has been pushed back until May of next year, the film’s production value should be top-notch. Thunderbolts* will also reunite several fan favorite characters, with Stan’s beloved Bucky Barnes — aka the Winter Soldier — among them, meaning that nostalgic appeal for the film is already high. And with a stacked cast that includes returning Black Widow stars David Harbour and Florence Pugh, the potential for Thunderbolts* to become one of Marvel’s more successful properties can’t be denied, even in the midst of increasingly anti-MCU sentiments.