The Marvel Cinematic Universe has covered many genres, from high school comedy to space operas, but there is still one genre that it has yet to touch on. This is somewhat surprising, given that many of the movies either feature songs as a part of its soundtrack or contain plots that could easily be adapted into the musical format.
It is easy to imagine that somewhere within the multiverse, there could be an alternate reality where these films were instead presented as movie musicals. Perhaps in some cases the change of genre may have even offered something of an improvement.
Iron Man (2008)
Within the main timeline, the first Iron Man movie released in 2008 and presented fans with the first glimpse of Robert Downey Jnr as Tony Stark, a vain and egotistical weapons manufacturer who must learn to place the priorities of others over his own. The film boasted a soundtrack of classic AC/DC songs, as well as a titular number by Black Sabbath.
A musical take could follow a similar approach to the rock movie Rock Of Ages, which featured songs from a wide variety of rock bands including Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses, and Bon Jovi. Rock Of Ages' comedic tone would be a perfect fit for Tony Stark's snarky quips, and Tony's iconic 'I Am Iron Man' speech could easily become a musical number through the Black Sabbath song.
Thor (2011)
Directed by Kenneth Brannagh, the trilogy's most iconic scenes. With its rich mythology concerning Asgardian Gods and frost giants and its almost Shakespearean approach to the dialogue, there's a certain theatrical feel to the movie that would suit a musical adaptation well.
A multiversal Thor movie musical could take inspiration from films such as Elf: Buddy's Magical Christmas and the musical Romeo And Juliet, taking the fish out of water comedy angle from the Elf musical for Thor's banishment to Earth and blending it with the Shakespeare-infused stylings of Romeo And Juliet. In addition, Kenneth Brannagh's play directing experience would complement a musical take nicely.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
2011's Captain America: The First Avenger gave audiences a rare glimpse at a more historical take on the MCU. Set during the Second World War, the first Captain America's soundtrack comes with a suitably more period approach to the music, including an original song and dance number entitled 'Star-Spangled Man,' which is performed during a montage of Captain America's stage performances.
In another universe, a musical take on The First Avenger could have gone all out on the WW2 setting, incorporating classic war tunes to help further create a feel for the time period. Going for a Sound Of Music vibe could have offered a truly unique take on the superhero genre, and allowed the movie to further stand out from other comic-book offerings.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
One of the most popular aspects of the first most iconic songs in the MCU. The tunes from Peter's Walkman are heard throughout the film, and feel almost like an additional character within the movie, in the way that they are interwoven with every significant event which occurs within the screenplay.
Guardians Of The Galaxy would make for a great jukebox musical, with the songs in this universe's version being a collection of well-known hits from the '70s and '80s. An alternate universe Guardians film may take inspiration from Singin' In The Rain, which conveys a very similar feel-good tone within its narrative.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 2 (2017)
Like its predecessor, Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 2 also features a heavy focus on music. Featuring a whole new mixture of popular hits, once again provided by Peter Quill's late mother, Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 2 possesses a killer soundtrack. The movie's credits also feature an original number entitled 'Guardians Inferno,' sung by the film's cast and crew alongside David Hasselhoff.
As with the first movie, a multiversal Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 2 would have to take the form of a jukebox musical, this time incorporating popular songs from the likes of ELO and Fleetwood Mac. Director James Gunn could also expand further on Peter's '80s influence during the fight against Ego, which features '80s gaming icon Pac-Man, by featuring a unique medley of various '80s tunes.
Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
The sequel to 2012's blockbuster smash managed to get plenty right. Its narrative contains plenty of spaces where songs could be slotted into the mix.
In another universe, Natasha Romanoff and the Hulk's romance could have been underscored by a romantic ballad, similar to the song 'Hopelessly Devoted To You' from WandaVision.
Doctor Strange (2016)
Occupying a weirder corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange may at first seem like an unusual choice. However whilst its soundtrack doesn't feature any actual songs in this universe, it does feature the backing of one Paul McCartney, who compared its score to the Beatles song 'I Am The Walrus.'
The multiverse version could draw inspiration from the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Like Doctor Strange, The Rocky Horror Picture Show features some very surreal imagery, but it cleverly underscores its narrative's kooky nature with its brash and vibrant musical numbers. It also leans heavily on the horror aspect which Doctor Strange is most known for, making it the perfect template.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
When Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures announced Spider-Man: Homecoming would turn out to be one of the most successful Spider-Man films to date, but perhaps it could have reached even greater success had it incorporated the musical genre.
In another universe, Spider-Man: Homecoming could have followed the path of a school comedy musical, taking inspiration from the popular family flick School Of Rock. That uses its educational setting to full effect within the narrative, playing with similar themes of responsibility to Spider-Man. A Spider-Man film musical would also be more likely to succeed than the stage show Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, as CGI means the same practical limitations are no longer an issue.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
One of the most ambitious superhero flicks ever made is without a doubt Avengers: Infinity War. The movie boasted one of the biggest casts of leading Hollywood talent committed to film, many of whom normally fulfill the lead role in their individual movies. Avengers: Infinity War could have been more ambitious if it was made as a musical.
Another reality's Infinity War could have possessed the ability to not only bring these heroes together but to also seamlessly integrate their individual sounds. Imagine an Infinity War that combines the AC/DC songs of Iron Man, the mixtape tunes of Peter Quill, and also some Rocky Horror-inspired musical numbers by Doctor Strange. It could make for a truly unique style of superhero cinema.
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021)
Outside of the Guardians Of The Galaxy movies, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings perhaps has the most intriguing musical prospects. Shang Chi's lead actor Simu Liu has recently stated that he wants to make a Shang-Chi musical, and whilst the film has yet to release, its soundtrack already displays a lot of possibilities for a film musical adaptation.
Shang-Chi's soundtrack is said to feature songs by the likes of Saweetie, Niki and Bibi, meaning that the music is already there to be incorporated into a multiverse version. A Shang-Chi musical could perhaps draw inspiration from the animated Disney film Mulan, which successfully combined the martial arts flick with the film musical genre.
