Tom Hanks critiques comic book movies, urges return to storytelling

Tom Hanks says audiences are moving past VFX-driven comic films, favoring movies with genuine storytelling.

Tom Hanks recently expressed concerns over the future of comic book movies, stating that audiences are growing weary of visual effects-driven spectacle in favor of stories with genuine emotional depth.

Speaking on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, Hanks noted he hasn’t been approached to join either the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the DC Universe. While he enjoys the genre, he feels that after two decades of superhero blockbusters, viewers are asking more critical questions, like “What’s the story?” and “What’s the point?”

Referencing classics like Christopher Reeve’s Superman, Hanks highlighted how advancing technology allowed the genre to bring beloved characters to life. However, he feels the industry now focuses too heavily on VFX, potentially at the expense of meaningful narratives.

The recent box office performance of films like The Flash and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania suggests shifting audience interest, while high-grossing films like Deadpool & Wolverine show exceptions. According to Hanks, audiences now look for films that provide more introspective themes and character-driven plots.