Why Marvel Remains Hesitant To Bring The Netflix Heroes Into The MCU

Though the MCU is lauded as an interconnected universe on every front, it isn't quite as connected as one might hope. Sure, the movies have featured an intense web of connectivity, but the same can't be said for the TV side of things. Both Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Netflix shows don't really relate to the movies in any substantial way, and the same is true vice versa. Fans have been clamoring for a crossover between the movies and shows, but Kevin Feige explains why it just isn't that simple.

I think it's extremely impressive what Netflix has done and it will be the same answer I always give, which is, 'It all depends on timing.' It all depends on how to do it because I don't think what anybody wants to do is have such important characters show up for one second. Black Panther and Spider-Man to me are the high bar in Civil War of how you can bring in new characters into something. Vision and Ultron, Wanda and Pietro in Ultron. And it takes a lot of screentime, and it takes a lot of work. Infinity War has a lot of people in it already. So it just depends on how we could figure it out.

In an interview with Collider, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige was asked what his thoughts were on the Netflix MCU, and if he thought any of those characters would make the big screen transition (it should be noted that Feige has next to nothing to do with Netflix side of things). While Feige was quick to point out the success of shows like Daredevil and Luke Cage, bringing them into the movies isn't so easy. In fact, he makes the argument that bringing them in could end up being a disservice to the characters.

I have to say that I largely agree with Feige on this one. People really like these characters, and as cool as it would be to see Daredevil patrol the streets with Spider-Man, there's no point in bringing him over if it doesn't service the story. It's also a disservice if they just pop in for a scene or two and then just disappear. A cameo that only exists in fan service is ultimately distracting and unsatisfying for the audience.

How Captain America: Civil War introduced Black Panter and Spider-Man is pretty much perfect. It teaches the audience everything they need to know about the character without detracting from the main plot, and giving them enough material to make people want to see them again. The ideal goal would be to do that same thing for the Netflix heroes, but with Avengers: Infinity War already packed to the gills with characters, we might have to wait longer for next big MCU event film to come around.