Paul Dano Calls Superhero Fatigue a ‘Welcome Moment’ That Could Lead to Better Movies

Christian Zilko
·2 min read
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The overwhelming popularity of comic book movies over the past decade led many esteemed actors to take on blockbuster roles that they would have never previously considered. Paul Dano is a perfect example, having briefly traded his status as an arthouse darling for international superstardom when he played The Riddler in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman.”

In a new interview with The Independent, Dano opened up about taking his first dive into the world of comic book blockbusters. The actor explained that he was never particularly interested in the genre because he finds many of the movies to be overly predictable, but was persuaded to join “The Batman” based on the strength of Reeves’ writing.

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“There are enough comic book movies where you just know what you’re gonna get,” Dano said. “Reading the script for ‘The Batman,’ you knew it was a real film. Every sentence… that’s just Matt Reeves.”

Many recent Marvel and DC tentpole movies have brought in smaller box office hauls than their predecessors, prompting some industry voices to express their belief that the genre’s grip on pop culture is finally beginning to loosen. When asked about superhero fatigue in Hollywood, Dano expressed optimism about the phenomenon and explained why he believes it will help fix creative stagnation.

“It’s an interesting moment where everybody has to go like, ‘OK – what now?’” Dano said of recent superhero movies failing. “Hopefully from that, somebody either breathes new life into [comic book movies], or something else blossoms which is not superheroes. I’m sure there will still be some good ones yet to come, but I think it’s kind of a welcome moment.”

Dano went on to add that his frustrations with the creative side of the industry extend to more than just comic book properties.

“It’s a larger thing, too,” he said. “As soon as the word ‘content’ came into what we do – meaning making movies or TV – it meant quantity over quality, which I think was a big misstep. And I certainly don’t need that as a viewer or as an artist.”

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