This chapter introduces the concept of Marvelization and explains its impact on cinema, focusing on the shift in storytelling techniques and the loss of original essence.

• Marvelization refers to the way cinema has changed due to the influence of Marvel movies, characterized by constant quipping, self-awareness, and the notion of everything needing to be part of a franchise.
• Much of what was once unique and original in cinema is lost due to Marvelization.
• The speaker feels a disconnect in today's cinema, both in theatres and at home.

This chapter delves into the concept of storytelling entropy and its role in the Marvelization of cinema.

• Storytelling entropy is a term coined by the speaker to describe a phenomenon where stories lose their essence and become diluted, often seen in sequels and franchises.
• Storytelling entropy can explain why audiences may lose interest in franchises, why certain sequels do not succeed, and why jokes in movies might not land.
• The speaker uses the lightsaber from Star Wars as an example of anti-entropic storytelling, where multiple story elements are compressed into their absolute essence.

This chapter discusses the three key features of Marvelization: franchise-building, meta-awareness, and corporate passion.

• Franchise-building is the most obvious feature of Marvelization, where standalone movies are increasingly rare and crossover events are planned ahead.
• Meta-awareness is another feature of Marvelization, where movies include self-aware commentary and references even when it does not contribute to the story.
• Corporate passion refers to the trend where movies are produced based on recognizability and franchise potential rather than storytelling passion.

This chapter explores the consequences of Marvelization on cinema and storytelling, focusing on the dilution of original ideas and the loss of passion in filmmaking.

• Marvelization can lead to dilution of original concepts, as seen in the Star Wars franchise, where the lightsaber loses some of its original meaning due to added complexity.
• Franchise-building becomes detrimental to storytelling when it is used as a marketing model rather than a storytelling device, as seen in the DC Universe and Star Wars expansion.
• The memeification of culture and the trend towards ironic detachment in storytelling serve as entropic forces, disconnecting the audience from the emotion of the scene and undermining the core idea of the story.

This chapter offers suggestions for returning to anti-entropic storytelling, emphasizing the need for original stories, passionate filmmakers, and allowing stories to end.

• To counteract storytelling entropy, filmmakers and studios need to focus on creating original stories that stand on their own without being forced into a larger franchise.
• Passionate filmmakers who are genuinely invested in the story they are telling have to be involved in the production process.
• Stories need to be allowed to end when they have reached their natural conclusion, rather than being stretched out into unnecessary sequels or franchises.

This chapter concludes the discussion on Marvelization and introduces MUBI, an online cinema streaming service that encourages active engagement with cinema.

• While Marvelization is a significant trend in cinematic culture, there are still great movies being made outside of this trend.
• Audiences can break out of the passive consumption cycle promoted by Marvelization by becoming more actively engaged with cinema.
• MUBI, a curated online cinema streaming service, offers a platform for audiences to explore and appreciate cinema.