While some appreciate Disney’sMarvel Cinematic Universeand Warner Bros.' DC films for capturing audience interest and keeping moviegoing alive, others decry the superhero genre for overtaking the limelight and taking away opportunities for other kinds of films to be produced. Now,Licorice Pizzadirector Paul Thomas Anderson has weighed in on the discourse, stating his approval of the subgenre.
A slew of filmmakers have recently shared their opinions on superhero films.Martin Scorcese famously shared his opinionon superhero films, stating thatMarvelmovies were not cinema, but rather more comparable to attractions such as theme park rides. And afterThe Last Duelreleased in theaters last October to disappointing numbers, film director Ridley Scott joined Scorsese in voicing their displeasure with superhero films, describing them as boring and mostly saved by special effects.
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In an interview withThe New Yorker, Paul Thomas Anderson, the director of many beloved dramatic films includingMagnoliaandThere Will Be Blood, admitted that he liked superhero films. “I just don’t feel that way,” he stated while reflecting on whether the genre has ruined movies. “I mean, look, we’re all nervous about people getting back to the theatre, but you know what’s going to get them back in movie theatres? “Spider-Man.” So let’s be happy about that.”
Thomas Anderson’sLicorice Pizza, kickstarted its platform release earlier this year to immense critical success. The film stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s son, Cooper Hoffman, and Alana Haim of the music group HAIM. The film follows their characters as they fall in love while growing up in California’s San Fernando Valley during the 1970s. The film has already achieved significant success with awards bodies, receiving four nominations from the Golden Globe Awards and eight nominations from the Critics' Choice Awards. The film is also expected to be a major player at this year’s Academy Awards.
While theatrical releases have struggled to reach the box office grosses they were once capable of, superhero films, particularly ones based onMarvel and DC Comics properties, have achieved remarkable success throughout the past few years. However, not every film enthusiast agrees on whether this is a good thing.
The majority of major filmmakers have stated disapproval of modern superhero films, so to see a renowned filmmaker showcase a positive view of the genre is a refreshing occurrence. Thomas Anderson is an especially surprising source of optimism about the genre, as his films are commonly austere in their artistic ambition. Nevertheless, his thoughts are a pleasant surprise that fans ofMarvel and DC superhero movieswill be able to agree with.
Licorice Pizzais now playing in limited theaters and will be released nationwide on June 28, 2025.
