How a Star Wars geek became the most powerful man in Hollywood

Kevin Feige turned Marvel from a debt-ridden comic studio into a cinematic juggernaut. So, what are his secrets to staggering success?

Kevin Feige, chief creative officer and president of Marvel Studios is said to be uninterested in the theatrics of status. AP

Ian Leslie

Aug 13, 2021 – 9.36am

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William Goldman’s famous maxim “nobody knows anything” is obsolete. After a century of experimentation, Hollywood has figured out what works: superhero stories set in fantastical worlds, with returning characters, cross-movie storylines, and visual pyrotechnics.

These titles generate revenue from the global box office but also from spin-offs, merchandise, video games and theme parks. From 2017 to 2019, nearly every member of the top 10-highest grossing hits was part of a blockbuster franchise (the sole exception was Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody).

New Statesman