Marvel is a trailblazer when it comes to comic-book-based movies and Michael Mann acknowledges that. Whether one likes it or hates it, it is impossible to ignore the MCU. Over the years, the MCU has built up a staunch fanbase that would put others to shame. Many prominent directors, like Martin Scorsese, have made viral comments about Marvel movies not being real cinema, equating them with theme parks.

Michael Mann
Michael Mann (image via. Mubi)

While this may have hurt the sentiments of many and created a war online that has not been seen since the Crusades, Marvel President Kevin Feige might take solace in knowing Michael Mann loves their movies, especially the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. However, there is one Guardian of the Galaxy movie that even he does not like.

The one Guardians of the Galaxy movie that is the least favorite of Michael Mann

The seasoned director of movies like Heat, Ali, Collateral, and Ferrari, Michael Mann, has been on the receiving end of a BAFTA Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as nominations for four Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. Needless to say, his words carry a certain weight when it comes to movies. Recently, there has been a heated discourse surrounding superhero movies. While many in the industry defend superhero movies with all their hearts, there are plenty of detractors who do not deem them to be real cinema. So, when Michael Mann came out in support of superhero movies, especially the MCU, many fans around the world rejoiced.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (image via. Marvel)

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Speaking in The Playlist’s The Discourse podcast, he did say he does not see himself helming a superhero movie anytime soon; however, it cannot keep him from enjoying one. He also acknowledged that these movies can work in the right context and showered praise on James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy series. He also said that he did not enjoy the last Guardians of the Galaxy movie quite as much as the other two. Check out his full comment below:

“I only make films that I feel passionate about and that placed me a little bit more on the frontier. That’s where I do my best work. I’d like to be a journeyman director, go from film to film to film, but I don’t think I’d be very good at it. It doesn’t get my blood running. On the other hand, I think that Guardians of the Galaxy, for example, not necessarily this last one, but the two before, have really worked and I love watching them.”

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (image via. Marvel)

He then went on to give analytical insight into why he thinks the movies worked:

“And the reason they work is because they have a really, really well done story structure behind them. So it’s exciting in the sense of being able to expand into myth that way and to create myth. I think that’s a very exciting medium. Let’s not say something I wanna do. I do wanna do a science fiction project, but it’s not superheroes.” 

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It surprised many fans since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is seen as the best one in the franchise by many Marvel maniacs. It grossed $845 million worldwide, retaining a top position for weeks. The Independent even found it “the best Marvel movie in years.”

How did fans react to Michael Mann’s comment?

Michael Mann
Michael Mann (image via. Warner Bros)

When the account Reel Updates posted about the news on X (formerly Twitter), fans across the globe just lost it. It got many fans upset since, as mentioned before, the last movie is seen as the creme de la creme of the series, which was the most perfect conclusion to the saga. Check out some of the reactions below:

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In an age where seemingly every auteur thinks it is probably “en vogue” to hate superhero movies, Michael Mann gave an interesting perspective. Even when he has no plans to participate in making such movies, he acknowledges their merit, which is a huge nod of appreciation and would go a long way with the fans.

The Guardians of the Galaxy movies are available to watch on Disney+.

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