Tom Hanks Says Superhero Movies Need More Of This

That is a sentiment that’s hard to argue with. Hanks says that the familiarity of superhero characters has diminished their impact on audiences. While acknowledging the technological advancements that have let directors create visually stunning superhero movies, he stressed the need for compelling narratives and stories. He said that audiences now demand more than action-packed sequences and seek deeper meaning and thematic exploration. Here is his whole quote, courtesy of CBM: “I think we are now enjoying the luxury of riches because you can make anything happen on screen. We are being brought back to the concept, ‘Okay, that’s true, but what is the story.’ Without a doubt now, I’ve used this analogy before so I apologise, you can drain Lake Michigan and fill it with cuckoo clocks and form a three-headed dragon that breathes fire and destroys the city of Chicago. You can do that but to what purpose is the end of the day? What’s the story and what’s it going to be saying about us?” Hanks apparently has not met with executives from Marvel Studios or DC Films, stating that he doesn’t believe he fits their wheelhouse. He said that it wouldn’t matter anyway because he has a full schedule of projects and is focused on pursuing his own creative projects. “That’s a good challenge for any filmmaker, it might just not land in the roundhouse for the industry. The industry often says, ‘Well, this works and it will work again.’ The audience is far ahead of it. They see the familiar and say, ‘I’ve seen that already. What’s next?’ It’s not just eye-popping stuff, it’s what’s the story? Tell me about myself. We’re in new territory.”