In a fun twist that blends the worlds of Hollywood and gaming, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed that Marvel Rivals has made an impression not just on fans, but inside his own home. Speaking during a recent Q&A, Feige admitted the free-to-play brawler has sparked curiosity in his child, who has been diving into Marvelâs vast roster of characters after spending time with the game.
âThey came to me asking about Hela and the Punisher,â Feige shared with a grin. âItâs wildâthis game isnât just being played, itâs creating new Marvel fans. Itâs inspiring them to learn who these heroes and villains are beyond the screen.â
Marvel Rivals as a Cultural Bridge
The comment underscores how Marvel Rivals has become more than just another competitive online title. With its mix of blockbuster characters and unexpected roster picks, the game is introducing younger audiences to Marvel icons outside the mainstream Avengers spotlight. Hela, who ruled Hel in Thor: Ragnarok, and Frank Castle, Marvelâs hard-edged vigilante, arenât exactly household names for kids. Yet through Marvel Rivals, theyâre gaining traction with new generations. For Marvel Studios, this is an unexpected synergy. While the MCU typically pulls players toward films, here the influence is flowing the other wayâgames inspiring interest in comics and cinematic corners that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Gamingâs Expanding Role in the Marvel Machine
Marvel has long relied on films and comics to keep its characters alive in the public imagination, but titles like Marvel Rivals highlight how interactive media can plant seeds of fandom in fresh soil. Itâs not just about crossover events or promotion; itâs about discovery. Feigeâs anecdote is a reminder that games are often the first encounter fans have with characters. Just as Marvel vs. Capcom once gave X-Men and Avengers heroes global arcade exposure, Marvel Rivals may be the gateway for the next wave of Marvel diehards.
What It Means for the Future
If Marvel Rivals continues to engage players this way, Marvel Studios might see more organic bridges between its cinematic universe and the gaming space. A kid who first met Hela through the game might chase down Thor: Ragnarok on Disney+, while a player curious about Punisher could dive into Marvelâs grittier Netflix-era series or future projects. Itâs a reminder of how porous fandom can be: the gateway doesnât always start in a theater. Sometimes it begins with a late-night gaming session and a curious question to a parent who just happens to run Marvel Studios.