Netflix Paid Marvel to Keep the Money and Make Mediocre TV

by

Ted Sarandos offers insights into Netflix‘s Marvel deal, explaining that the streaming service aimed to enhance the quality of shows such as Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Defenders.

During that period, Marvel TV operated independently from Kevin Feige’s Marvel Studios and allegedly had a strained relationship with them. Ike Perlmutter, known for his frugality, oversaw Marvel TV, which was responsible for creating the Marvel Netflix series.

Netflix wanted to make great Marvel TV

According to a conversation with Variety, Netflix’s CEO, Ted Sarandos, expressed his ambition to produce high-quality television programming; however, Marvel Television seemed reluctant.

On our productions, we found ourselves working under the old Marvel TV system that functioned autonomously within Disney. They were known for their frugality, and whenever we aimed to expand or enhance the shows, it was like knocking on a closed door. Our objectives often clashed because while we strove to create exceptional television, they focused primarily on generating profits. I believed that quality programming could also generate revenue.

Biggest deal in the history of television

Initially, it was believed that “House of Cards” was Netflix’s most significant venture; but as revealed by Sarandos, it was actually the Marvel series that represented their largest deal.

Back in 2013, our Marvel deal stood as the most monumental agreement ever made in television history. It’s highly unlikely that any future deal will surpass it. The deal encompassed five complete seasons of TV shows without any pilot episodes. Each series consisted of costly 13-episode arcs focusing on individual characters, followed by a joint season. This venture taught us valuable lessons about the intricacies of the entertainment industry.

Marvel didn’t spend, they kept

Sarandos elaborates on his experience with Marvel TV, stating that he discovered it’s more advantageous to work independently. It appears that Marvel TV retained the profits, a move presumably intended to enhance the quality of their shows, although one could argue this would have been beneficial for both Netflix and Marvel as well.

You prefer collaborating with individuals whose goals coincide with yours. When someone is creating for you, their aim tends to be cost reduction. On the other hand, my goal is to make things exceptional, which I’ve learned over time. In terms of production, Marvel only spent what was necessary, so any attempts to enhance the show met resistance. So, every time we wanted to improve the show, it became a debate or disagreement.

What happened to Marvel TV?

In due course, the partnership between Marvel and Netflix came to an end. Later on, Kevin Feige assumed control over Marvel, leading to the departure of individuals associated with Perlmutter’s Marvel TV, which included both Perlmutter and Jeph Loeb.

Despite not being originally slated for a comeback, the Man Without Fear character was reintroduced due to the success of Netflix series. Kevin Feige then welcomed Charlie Cox back in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” and later in “She-Hulk.” Similarly, Vincent D’Onofrio made a return in “Hawkeye.” This means that these popular characters from previous shows have been reintroduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Daredevil: Born Again

Marvel Studios’ “Daredevil: Born Again” debuted on Disney+ recently, however, its release hasn’t been without issues. Kevin Feige has been adjusting the show to align it more closely with the Netflix version, but fans appear undecided as audience numbers are reportedly quite low.

Interestingly enough, it seems that Disney has been reducing the production budgets for their Marvel series on Disney+, a shift that’s quite noticeable in shows such as Daredevil: Born Again, Agatha, and Echo.

producing shows with modest budgets and focusing on street-level narratives.

It’s a pity to consider it – one could envision a spectacular $200 million version of Daredevil. However, due to low viewership, Disney executives might believe that budget cuts were necessary, despite the fact that the issue isn’t inherent to Daredevil or Marvel; rather, it lies with the creators of the MCU on Disney+. Ultimately, it’s the fans who are bearing the cost.

Read More

2025-03-19 23:31