MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios

The unauthorized, behind-the-scenes story of the stunning rise — and suddenly uncertain reign — of the most transformative cultural phenomenon of our time: the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Marvel Entertainment was a moribund toymaker not even twenty years ago. Today, Marvel Studios is the dominant player both in Hollywood and in global pop culture. How did an upstart studio conquer the world? In MCU, beloved culture writers Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards draw on more than a hundred interviews with actors, producers, directors, and writers to present the definitive chronicle of Marvel Studios and its sole, ongoing production, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For all its outward success, the studio was forged by near-constant conflict, from the contentious hiring of Robert Downey Jr. for its 2008 debut, Iron Man, all the way up to the disappointment of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and shocking departures of multiple Marvel executives in 2023. Throughout, the authors demonstrate that the original genius of Marvel was its resurrection and modification of Hollywood’s old studio system. But will it survive its own spectacular achievements? Dishy and authoritative, MCU is the first book to tell the Marvel Studios story in full — and an essential, effervescent account of American mass culture.

"A superb chronicle of how Marvel Studios conquered Hollywood... This definitive account of the Hollywood juggernaut thrills." Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A riveting, deeply researched history of the collaborative wizardry and backstage showdowns behind Marvel Studios’ popcorn-movie empire." Douglas Wolk, author of All of the Marvels

"A highly entertaining, well-researched, wide-ranging, detailed, and objective examination of one of the greatest Hollywood success stories. Documenting this specific story illuminates the universal story of big-budget studio filmmaking in the 21st century. There will never be another story like the Marvel Studios story, and maybe there shouldn’t be. But those who want to understand this phenomenal story can do no better than read MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios." Michael Curley, PopMatters

"MCU reveals the real saga behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe... A fresh backstage perspective into the successes, failures, and twists that have spanned Marvel’s long production history. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the MCU, but the book is filled with revelations I never imagined... [MCU] is not only enlightening, but enthralling." Cosmic Circus

"A deeply researched and engagingly written spin through Marvel history that gives credit where it’s due, without papering over cracks. Even the biggest fan will find new revelations and new perspectives in the often first-hand accounts of the studio’s climb to world dominance." Helen O’Hara, Empire Magazine

Joanna Robinson is a writer and podcaster at the Ringer. Previously, she worked at Vanity Fair. She lives in Oakland, California.

Dave Gonzales is a podcaster and has written for the New York Times and the Guardian. He lives in Denver, Colorado.

Gavin Edwards is the best-selling author of The Tao of Bill Murray and twelve other books. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.