Episode 338: We Talk Movie Costs, Theaters, and the Spider-Man Box Office

We assert that Marvel’s recent film and streaming strategy has yielded mixed results, prompting debate about whether the franchise offers more misses than hits. I summarize our extended discussion of how “hits” should be measured — by ubiquity, viewership, and cultural impact — and we dispute whether series like Loki and shows such as Wonder Man qualify. We review specific examples, including Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man box office success, and the Disney Plus releases, and we examine how corporate economics and streaming metrics informed recent content decisions. I also report a personal update: I underwent surgery and now receive daily infusions and a six‑week antibiotic regimen while recuperating at home. We discuss the rising cost of the moviegoing experience and how that influences consumer choices. Finally, we remind listeners of our live show schedule and invite them to join us on Sundays at 9:00 pm Eastern on Twitch and YouTube.