The legendary director of ‘Alien’ and ‘Gladiator’ Ridley Scott doesn’t hold back when it comes to modern superhero movies. It seems that the superhero films which have the audiences in a chokehold, don’t impress Scott.
He believes that the films lack any sort of storytelling or creativity, making them “boring” and sometimes unwatchable. While his comments might seem harsh, other directors also share the sentiment.
Ridley Scott’s Main Critique For Superhero Films Is The Lack Of Depth In Scripts
Ridley Scott, the filmmaker behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic movies, has never been one to mince words. In a recent interview with Deadline, Scott took aim at the superhero movie genre with his brutal critique of the films. “The best films are driven by the characters,” he said. “Superhero movies? I’ll fucking crush it. They’re f***ing boring as s**t.”
Related: Ridley Scott Said No To ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Offer. Here’s Why
Scott didn’t stop there. He argued that many superhero movie scripts lack depth, saying, “Their scripts are not any fucking good.” While acknowledging their massive popularity and box office dominance, Scott suggested that these films often rely too heavily on visual effects rather than compelling storytelling.
Additionally, this isn’t the first time Scott has expressed frustration with the current state of Hollywood. He’s consistently emphasized the importance of character-driven narratives, which he believes are the backbone of truly great cinema. In his view, many superhero films fail to meet this standard, instead prioritizing spectacle over substance.
Ridley Scott Believes His ‘Superhero Films’ Are Better
While Ridley Scott blames the bad storytelling of superhero movies for Hollywood’s downfall, he himself has indulged in the genre. Scott claimed he’s already made his own version of superhero movies. “I’ve made three great scripted superhero movies,” he declared.
In case you missed it: ‘Gladiator II’ Director Ridley Scott Reveals Historical Quirk Behind The Madness Of Roman Emperors
“One would be Alien with Sigourney Weaver. One would be f***ing Gladiator. And one would be Blade Runner with Harrison Ford.” Moreover, for Scott, these films feature characters and stories that transcend their genres, proving that even high-concept ideas can be deeply human and emotionally resonant.
Additionally, Scott’s outspoken criticism of superhero movies highlights a broader tension within the film industry. While blockbusters dominate the box office, other directors agree with Scott’s take. Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary director of ‘The Godfather’, has been a vocal critic of Marvel films.
He’s described them as “despicable” and “not cinema,” arguing that their primary focus is on profit rather than artistic expression. Coppola believes that Marvel films lack the personal touch and unique vision he considers essential to true cinema. He contends that they are essentially “prototypes made over and over again to look different.”