Marvel and DC have record-breaking trailers for their 2024 releases, and their popularity could be the spark that the superhero genre needs.

Marvel and DC are breaking records with their latest trailers, and the proven interest from audiences shows that 2024 could be exactly what the superhero genre needs. Superhero movies are not as dominant as they once were. The MCU isn’t the guaranteed hit it once was pre-Endgame, and the DCEU shattered. 2023 was one of the worst years for the genre, with Marvel and DC releasing a handful of box office flops. The two studios only have two combined movies in 2024: Deadpool & Wolverine and Joker: Folie à deux.

While the quantity of superhero movies in 2024 is low, interest is high, showing there is still excitement for superhero films. The first trailers for both films broke viewership records, displaying that there is still genuine interest in this genre, even though superhero fatigue is starting to become an industry trend. If both films can deliver on the anticipation, then 2024 could be the year that saves the genre.

Joker 2 Beat Barbie For The Most-Viewed Warner Bros. Trailer In 24 Hours

The trailer for Joker: Folie a Deux debuted on April 9 and featured footage teasing the musical relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn. The sequel sees Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn joining Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, and the film will feature many musical sequences showcasing their shared delusional romance. While a sequel to Joker wasn’t one many expected, the first film made over $1 billion at the box office, meaning Warner Bros. would want to capitalize on its success.

The studio is doing exactly with this sequel, and it could have similar success to the original after the trailer broke a significant record. The first trailer received 167 million times in 24 hours, breaking the record for 24-hour viewership for a Warner Bros. trailer previously held by Barbie. Barbie also made well over $1 billion, so early signs could be pointing to a much-needed win for DC. However, Joker 2 couldn’t bring another trailer record recently broken by Marvel.

Deadpool & Wolverine Has The Most Viewed Trailer Of All Time

The first trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine debuted during the Super Bowl, but that didn’t stop it from achieving a massive amount of views in its first 24 hours. The trailer was viewed 365 million times, making it the most-viewed trailer within 24 hours of all time. The record was previously held by Spider-Man: No Way Home, which accumulated 355.5 million views in 24 hours. While the trailer didn’t show much, many viewers can’t wait to see Ryan Reynolds’ return as Deadpool and all the multiverse shenanigans he’ll encounter in the MCU.

Viewers tuned into the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer because they hoped to see Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Unfortunately, all they got was a glimpse of his back in the iconic yellow spandex. However, it provided a hint at what the movie is about with the TVA arriving and telling Deadpool that he’s needed to save the Marvel multiverse. He considers himself “Marvel Jesus,” and that could be true in more ways than one, as Marvel may need him to restore the audience’s confidence in the brand.

2024 Could Be the Year That The Superhero Genre Desperately Needs

Joker 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine could be the massive success stories that Marvel and DC need. While Joker 2 is not part of the DCU being established by Peter Safran and James Gunn, it’s a unique film within the superhero genre that will give audiences something they haven’t seen yet. The first film was a dramatic psychological thriller akin to films like Taxi Driver, while the second film will be a twisted, romantic jukebox musical. Musicals haven’t been attempted within comic book movies, and it’s nice to see DC investing in something so bizarre but different.

While Deadpool & Wolverine won’t be that much of a genre shift, it’s the first R-rated MCU film and can prove to audiences that Marvel isn’t scared to shake things up. Outside of Deadpool’s trademark bloody gore and crude language, the film will also include Jackman’s Wolverine, along with plenty of cameos that will get audiences excited. This could be a reminder of what made the MCU great. Joker 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine are highly anticipated films, and their success could provide the spark that reignites the superhero genre’s dominance over Hollywood.