Marvel's agents of S.T.E.M: Representations of scientists in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Perrott, Lucy; Little, Hannah

Abstract

Between 2008 and 2019, the Marvel Cinematic Universe produced 23 blockbuster films in their “Infinity Saga”. These films spanned themes of superheroes, magic and science and many major characters in the franchise are scientists. With collective box office takings of nearly $23 billion, these representations will have undoubtedly affected public perceptions of scientists in relation to their demographic features, expertise, appearance, and personality traits.

Previous work has shown that perceptions of what scientists can look like are influenced heavily by the media (Boston et al., 2018). Further, representations of scientists who share demographic features with an audience can empower that audience to feel like science is for them (Archer et al., 2014). For example, representations of women in science have been shown to improve girls' STEM career aspiration (Pietri et al., 2020).

In the current study, over twenty characters were identified with an expertise in science. We found that representations of scientists have changed from the beginnings of the saga: from Tony Stark’s straight, white, playboy genius to Dr Jane Foster and Shuri bringing more representation of women and people of colour.

On-screen representations of scientists are departing from traditional stereotypes as greater exposure leads to embracing scientists as people with human concerns (Haynes, 2014). Marvel executives have indicated that they aspire to a more inclusive, diverse MCU in the future (Yamato, 2019). However, in relation to representation of scientists in the Infinity Saga, this study found over 80% of the scientist characters are white and 65% are male.

By comparing on-screen representations of scientists with common stereotypes and tropes of scientists prevalent in western fictional media, we will identify how these films reinforce or challenge stereotypes, and how representations of scientists are changing in mainstream cinema in subtle and explicit ways.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Popularizing STEM: Science and Technology in 21st-Century US Popular Culture
• Start Date: Nov 15, 2021
• End Date: Nov 18, 2021
• Deposit Date: Sep 4, 2021
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7741820