It’s not a good look for Disney as Marvel Studios’ VFX president Victoria Alonso‘s exit continues to be in the spotlight with a new report indicating she was fired from her position. Marvel fans have been dumbfounded since learning that Kevin Feige, though was not part of the firing process, did not intervene to stop her dismissal.
The internet is firing up with speculations since news broke on Kevin Feige‘s “impossible situation” with the termination of Victoria Alonso from Marvel Studios. Opinions are ranging from some suggesting this may be Bob Iger cleaning house (referring to the mouse house’s upcoming layoff rounds) to others insisting this is the studio’s response to the VFX controversy surrounding Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantuamnia and other Phase 5 titles.
It should be noted Variety’s sources were “unclear” on why Alonso was let go from Marvel Studios. Though, the verdict was decided by a group that included Disney’s co-chairman, Alan Bergman. This may be one of the few occasions Marvel Studios have been reprimanded by the heads controlling the production company.
Some film journalists also claimed Victoria Alonso is facing hate comparable to what Star Wars’ Kathleen Kennedy received for her decision over the franchise. Others also believe the former post-production head was scapegoated for the franchise’s current hit-or-miss situation with its content on Disney Plus and theatrical releases since the pandemic. A slow of MCU titles releases has already been confirmed by Kevin Feige.
Alonso did receive support from 3 up-an-coming Marvel actors who described the former VFX head for Marvel Studios as “Alonso was only a supportive force on set.” Even so, statements from MCU’s newcomer stars do not seem to hold much weight to convince the fanbase. Readers can check it out below
I’m happy she’s gone. Again if this was under Bob Chapek I would be inclined to say she’s a scapegoat but given the timing I’m more inclined to believe it’s Bob Iger cleaning house. https://t.co/2J38tpgLH5
— Blazecap(Bad Batch era) (@Blazecap1203) March 23, 2023
We cut the word "fired" from my report, but I can tell you the reason Victoria Alonso was fired will probably end up in litigation and it has NOTHING to do w/VFX or even Marvel production, period. Everyone should be asking more questions about who benefits from scapegoating her. https://t.co/MsMo0uzSlC
— Sarah Marrs (@Cinesnark) March 23, 2023
Kevin Feige to the three MCU actors sharing
their opinions about Victoria Alonso : pic.twitter.com/HbINalUe9G— Matt Murdock (@ZeroYear97) March 23, 2023
Great reporting on a diabolically fucked up situation. https://t.co/JQLvmNkORP
— Joanna Robinson (@jowrotethis) March 23, 2023
Well gosh, that takes care of all that neat and tidy, thank god. VFX exploitation is OVER! 🫶👍 https://t.co/QFYpJqk9TW
— Daryl "Ridged Chips" Bartley (@hypercubexl) March 23, 2023
Really odd to see the MCU in this state
This does feel like it could be Iger getting more money off the books
Maybe they needed someone's head to fix things with VFX industry. I said before it's not mainly the money, it's the strict deadlines, changing & not knowing wut they want https://t.co/9v6BSmUJTx— Jason Kane (Greatphase) (@GGeneralHolt8) March 23, 2023
We know why tho https://t.co/BEXtKWu9tl
— Cult of Ember (@Cult_of_Ember) March 23, 2023
It’s not greedy. It was a content mandate pushed on them by Disney overlords.
— Joanna Robinson (@jowrotethis) March 23, 2023
Oh yeah Kevin is covering that neck of his omg https://t.co/FpxQONkCUf pic.twitter.com/UDLufEepNU
— Galatea (@velucifer) March 23, 2023
As I've mentioned before, Feige doesn't have complete say and oversight of his own house as the MCU enthusiasts here seem to think. Not so different from other studios.
I will say, him simply sitting this one out seems odd. That seems like it's sort of spineless leadership. 🤔 https://t.co/hSd48AwWCN
— Kirby's Last Snack (@KirbysLastSnack) March 23, 2023
Kevin Feige when he saw Iger and Bergman about to fire Victoria Alonso: https://t.co/3p7uGqFh7G pic.twitter.com/vS7ZSXNjjS
— CAPTAIN_117 (@captain_117) March 23, 2023
This might be the stepping stone to better VFX and visuals in later marvel movies. But tbh, it’s not just that
The scripts are BADLY written as well https://t.co/byW8o407PP
— Desmond Taylor (@TheDesTaylor) March 23, 2023
If the workers are saying she was using her power as a tyrant and not managing the circus that is Marvel Post Endgame then she deserved what she got.
Those senior workers are lying to save face for the company instead of their fellow man. Its truly disgusting https://t.co/fRpoBXRwX8— John Baaaker (@JasonTheTodds) March 23, 2023
WOAHHHH SHE WAS FIRED ???? https://t.co/MIdqXdGCZI
— angela 🤍 (@astrolst) March 23, 2023
Yeah, that’s typically what happens when you’re the head of a department that has been consistently been performing mediocrely for the last few years. https://t.co/64bo3c7wE8
— Dan Holo 🇵🇭 (@thedanholo) March 23, 2023
The underwhelming box office from Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania has been considered to be one of the possibilities for her firing. In addition, a story concerning the former Marvel executive reportedly being the cause of VFX artists’ toxic environment is also being thrown around as a possible incident that drove the decision. Disney is also currently on a cost-cutting mission with CEO Bob Iger set to cut over 7,000 jobs worldwide.
