Victoria Alonso, co-founder of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and former President of Physical, Post Production, VFX and Animation at Marvel Studios, was reportedly behind the company's toxic VFX work environment.
According to Vulture senior reporter Chris Lee (via The Direct), Alonso was "singularly responsible for Marvel's toxic work environment: a kingmaker who rewarded unquestioning fealty with an avalanche of work, but who also maintained the blacklist that kept FX pros wild-eyed with fear." He added that she "held a crazy amount of power" and that everyone in the VFX industry was "quite scared" of Alonso. However, other reporters have disputed Lee's claims and have instead suggested that Alonso is being used as a scapegoat for the company's current problems. Marvel Studios has not yet commented on Alonso's sudden departure from the company.
Prior to her departure on March 17, Alonso had been with Marvel Studios since 2006, beginning as the company's chief of visual effects and post-production and ending as its president of physical, post-production, VFX and animation. While no reason has been given for her sudden resignation, it is possible that changes are being made internally at Marvel Studios after its Phase 4 titles received criticism for unpolished visual effects. As recently as January this year, Alonso came under fire for reportedly being the reason some VFX companies would never work with Marvel again. Other visual effects artists have called Marvel Studios their worst client, alleging that the company overworks and underpays the VFX companies it hires.
Marvel Studios Is Committed to Change
In addition to the VFX controversy, Marvel Studios received "internal negative feedback" regarding Phase 4's distribution and quality. In response, Marvel Studios has reportedly re-examined its upcoming slate with a greater focus on quality over quantity. It is expected that upcoming MCU projects will spend more time in the creative and post-production phases to ensure that both the story and visual effects are of the best quality. It has also been stated that there will be more breathing room between MCU projects to prevent superhero fatigue in audiences. While unconfirmed, this is reportedly why Secret Invasion and Loki Season 2 have seen their Disney+ release windows delayed to later in 2023.
Quantumania Kicks Off Phase 5 of the MCU
Released in February 2023, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania marked the official start of Phase 5 of the MCU. The film received mixed reviews from critics upon release, with many praising the performances but criticizing the unfinished visual effects. At the time of writing, Quantumania has grossed $463 million worldwide on a $200 million budget. The next Phase 5 film to hit theaters will be Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in May, followed by The Marvels in November.
Source: The Direct