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MCU

By: Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards
Narrated by: Andrew Kishino, Joanna Robinson
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Publisher's summary

“I watched all the movies. I devoured all the articles. I listened to all the pods. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the MCU . . . and then I read this magnificent book. For fans, by fans; hilarious, gripping, and emotional; no infinity stone is left unturned. I loved it three thousand.” Damon Lindelof

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.

©2023 Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards (P)2023 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about MCU

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You’re Hooked!

Enjoyed listening to the narration, excellent job! Kept me wanting to know what happens next. Very enlightening

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Thorough and revealing history of Marvel Studios

Robinson, Gonzales and Edwards were able to get many, many behind the scenes details of how Marvel Studios was formed, the bets they made, the directors and actors they hired, The ones that worked, the ones that didn't and why. Now I know why Jon Favreau stopped directing the Iron-man serie and why the tone changed in the Thor series, leading to the most successful comedy in movie history (Thor Ragnarok) how the Disney + shows helped then hurt the studio. It also does a terrific job of painting a picture of Kevin Feige. The narration was awesome. Over-all a total winner. I look forward to the 2nd printing with an update on this next phase of movies.

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Well reported, well told

Really comprehensive history and documentation of one of the more interesting phenomena in modern entertainment. Lots of new stories and details even if you follow the authors other work. Structured and paced so that even the uninitiated can keep all the characters and set pieces straight...kinda like the MCU. Hoping for a sequel.

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A must-listen for any MCU diehard fans

This was very clearly researched and written over the course of years, because the amount of detail compiled is astounding. I have a new appreciation for Kevin Feige and a renewed disdain for the creative committee. Great narration as well.

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Incredible story!

If you are a fan of the MCU, you need to hear this book it explains so many secrets about what happened during production and why the movies ended up being the way they were

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great telling on the history of the mcu

A well researched story about the genesis of the mcu and how to build a complex series of interconnected stories.

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Fascinating

Although the history of the MCU is not over and likely will not ever reach its endgame, the fascinating history, combining art, and business is well worth a listen. Although I do not agree with all of the opinions and societal issues raised, it is a very thoughtful and and evenly paced production

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Exactly What Every Marvel Fan Is Looking For

This excellent audiobook covers the detailed history of Marvel & the MCU all the way through mid-2023. It’s not a paint-by-numbers fluff piece and goes into detail on many of Marvel’s early failures, sex discrimination, Hollywood backstabbing, and more. It’s a great book for anyone interested in learning more about how the MCU became a household term.

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Great history of Marvel

Great story, history and insight into a behemoth of a company and the hero’s we all know and love.

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loved it

I'm a huge fan of the Marvel Universe this story is well told and love the little shorts also love love loved it

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