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Kevin Feige: The man behind Marvel’s magic
A rock star welcome at Comic-Con
When Kevin Feige took the stage at San Diego Comic-Con in 2022, the reception was nothing short of electrifying. The thousands of fans in Hall H greeted the Marvel Studios president with the same fervor they reserve for their favorite superheroes. One fan even echoed a memorable line from Avengers: Endgame, shouting, “We love you 3,000!” This kind of adulation is rare for studio executives, but Feige’s impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has made him a beloved figure.
The journey from ‘Iron Man’ to ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
Feige’s vision for the MCU began with 2008’s Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. His goal was to bring the interconnected storytelling of Marvel comics to life on the big screen. This ambitious project has involved dozens of directors, hundreds of actors, and thousands of artisans, resulting in a franchise that has grossed over $29 billion worldwide. Now, as the 49th title in the MCU, Deadpool & Wolverine, is set to premiere, Feige is being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 25.
A dream come true
For Feige, a kid from New Jersey who once visited Hollywood on a family vacation, receiving a star on the Walk of Fame is a dream come true. “You don’t expect to get a star on the Walk of Fame when you’re a behind-the-scenes person,” he says. ”That’s all my dream ever was — just to be a name in the credits of a movie, to have a spot in this industry, in this town that I love unabashedly, with no cynicism at all.”
Early inspirations and career beginnings
Discovering a passion for filmmaking
Feige’s love for movies began at a young age. “I was very young, probably 10 years old, when I realized that actual human beings made these things,” he recalls. This realization came when George Lucas was on the cover of Time magazine in the lead-up to Return of the Jedi. Feige even kept a chart of the movies he watched, noting the date, the movie, and the sound system.
The pinnacle of success
When Feige first dreamed of making movies, he imagined success as simply being in Los Angeles and working on a movie lot. “From trimming the hedges on a movie lot to being George Lucas and creating universes, I would have been happy anywhere in between,” he says. His admiration for Lucas’s world-building and sequels has clearly influenced his work with the MCU.
The significance of the Hollywood Walk of Fame
A lasting legacy
Feige first learned about the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a childhood trip to Los Angeles. “I very much remember walking down the Walk of Fame and seeing names I recognize,” he says. For Feige, having his name on the Walk of Fame means becoming a part of Hollywood history. “It means that literally you’re going into the foundation of Hollywood history,” he explains.
Becoming a household name
Feige never expected to become a household name, but he began to realize his growing fame when strangers started pronouncing his last name correctly. “That might have been my first clue,” he says. Despite his fame, Feige remains grounded and focused on his work.
Navigating fame and maintaining focus
Staying grounded
Feige’s encounters with fame are almost always positive. “If somebody recognizes me, they’re probably pretty cool,” he says. He doesn’t seek special treatment but appreciates the occasional ego boost from fans who express their admiration for his work.
Learning from mentors
In the early stages of his career, Feige worked with producer Lauren Shuler Donner, who taught him the importance of addressing everyone’s concerns to improve the film. “It was very inspiring to me to see that,” he says. Feige’s role as a creative producer has been crucial in shaping the MCU.
Overcoming creative challenges
Bringing ‘The Avengers’ to life
One of Feige’s proudest achievements is overcoming the belief that The Avengers was too big of a concept for live action. “Internally at Marvel for many years, it was thought that The Avengers was too big of a concept to do in live action,” he says. Feige also played a key role in bringing Spider-Man into the MCU, working with Sony Pictures to make it happen.
Day-to-day victories
For Feige, the day-to-day victories are just as important as the big ones. “I get excited by the tiniest of victories,” he says. Whether it’s solving a creative hurdle or contributing ideas in the cutting room, Feige’s passion for his work is evident.
The future of Marvel and beyond
Scaling back to focus on creativity
Feige’s responsibilities have grown significantly since overseeing 2008’s Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. To maintain his focus on creativity, he and his team have scaled back their workload. “We’ve navigated that; I think that’s clear,” he says.
A lifelong passion
When asked if this is the last job he’ll ever have, Feige hopes to continue making movies that touch people around the world. “I hope to be able to be a part of that for the rest of my days,” he says.
Explore more
For those interested in diving deeper into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, check out the trailers and information pages for some of the key films mentioned:
Feige’s journey from a movie-loving kid to a Hollywood powerhouse is a testament to his passion, vision, and dedication. His work has not only shaped the MCU but has also left an indelible mark on the film industry.
