Martin Scorsese’s declaration that Marvel movies aren’t actually cinema has provoked a wide range of responses from the movie community.
Chadwick Boseman, who stars as T’Challa/Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has now joined in the discussion, too, questioning why Scorsese has decided to make these comments at this particular time.
Read more: Bob Iger takes aim at Scorsese and Coppola’s ‘b**ching’ over Marvel
At first, though, Boseman made sure to declare his respect and appreciation for the Academy Award winning director of Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas, remarking, “I have to respect his opinion because he’s a genius at what he does.”
But Boseman then told the BBC, “At the same time you’ve got to think about when he’s saying it. He’s saying it when he’s possibly campaigning for an award. He’s saying it at a time when he’s making a Netflix movie, so that’s how eyes get on his film and it’s not going to be in the cinemas.”
Director Martin Scorsese arrives for the premiere of film “The Irishman”, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. October 24, 2019. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
“It’s not going to be seen the best way. So, he again is speaking to the time period. He is speaking also to his advantage. So you have to take the truth of it.”
There’s no denying that Scorsese’s viral battle with Marvel has made more people interested in his new movie The Irishman, which will be released on Netflix at the end of the month.
However, it should also be noted, that Scorsese was merely trying to talk about The Irishman when the original question was asked by Empire, while he was only going to give interviews when he had a film to promote.
Read More: Martin Scorsese doubles down on Marvel comments, saying ‘cinemas need to step up’
Ultimately, Boseman doesn’t feel as though he really has to do defend Marvel, especially as he had the starring role in Black Panther, the first “superhero movie that was nominated for a (Best Picture) Oscar.” “I’m secure in that,” concluded Boseman.
