Despite the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) being a massive Hollywood franchise, some of its Disney+ shows have faced criticism online, not always due to genuine quality issues but rather driven by certain agendas. This backlash has led to discussions about fan expectations, representation, and the place of social commentary in superhero storytelling.
Ever since Marvel Studios introduced their lineup on Disney+, several of these series have faced significant criticism from fans online, frequently expressed as “review bombing” where ratings are heavily downvoted on platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and Metacritic.
Since 2022, this trend has become increasingly noticeable as many shows have faced an influx of artificially low ratings shortly after their release. While some of the negative feedback is based on genuine dissatisfaction with creative decisions, a large part has been instigated by orchestrated outrage. This encompasses everything from backlash against diverse casting to complaints driven by racism, sexism, or opposition to progressive themes.
7 Review Bombed MCU Shows
Moon Knight
When Moon Knight debuted in April 2022, it was subjected to review bombing on IMDb as a result of a short yet impactful historical reference made in the opening episode, which some viewers found objectionable.
The controversy stemmed from a statement made by Ethan Hawke’s character, Arthur Harrow, who linked the Armenian Genocide to other horrific events such as the Holocaust and Pol Pot’s regime. He suggested that these tragedies could have been avoided if they were stopped by the Egyptian goddess Ammit. This remark infuriated some viewers, especially those who reject the historical reality of the Armenian Genocide, an event yet to be officially acknowledged by the Turkish government.
A deluge of one-star reviews hit IMDb, as viewers criticized the series for allegedly being propaganda, disseminating inaccurate historical data, and even branding it racist for what they perceived as unfair portrayal of a particular nation.
Ms. Marvel
As soon as Ms. Marvel premiered on Disney+ in June 2022, it was rapidly criticized on IMDb with numerous one-star reviews. This deluge of negative feedback stood in stark contrast to the show’s highly favorable critical acclaim.
Some criticisms centered around the show’s more youthful approach and departure from Kamala Khan’s comic book background and powers. However, a significant number of negative reviews exposed underlying biases. Certain viewers denounced the series as “woke,” condemning its portrayal of a Pakistani-American Muslim teenager, alleging that Marvel was prioritizing social matters over narrative development. Others were enraged by what they perceived as the show’s lack of political commentary, especially its omission of discussing the India-Pakistan conflict, and even suggested that Marvel might lose favor with their Indian audience due to this oversight.
She-Hulk
In August 2022, the series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law faced a wave of negative reviews on IMDb, with numerous one-star ratings. Interestingly, many of these reviews were submitted before the show’s premiere. The main criticism seemed to come from older male viewers who disagreed with the series’ feminist themes and its exploration of gender dynamics. Additionally, critics took issue with the show’s mature content, sexually explicit marketing, and visual effects, often labeling it as “woke” and “awkward.
Critics, nonetheless, highlighted that a significant amount of the criticism seemed to stem from misogyny and was indicative of a larger trend of criticizing diverse Marvel productions. At that time, She-Hulk had the highest percentage of one-star ratings on IMDb among all MCU shows streaming on Disney+.
Secret Invasion
After its debut on Disney+, Secret Invasion faced criticism soon after for issues such as inconsistent pacing, inadequately developed characters, and failing to capture the suspense that made the original comic book series so cherished by fans. Critics pointed out excessive use of false death scenes, a powerful and unjustified Super Skrull plot twist, an overreliance on CGI in the climax which clashed with the intended realistic atmosphere, and overall, a disappointing viewing experience for many.
People voiced disappointment over what they saw as political undertones and alterations to traditional Marvel storylines, especially concerning the Skrulls. Additionally, negative initial reviews by critics contributed to it being the least popular MCU series on Rotten Tomatoes.
Echo
As a movie buff, I eagerly anticipated the release of Echo, but to my surprise and disappointment, it faced a wave of negative reviews upon its premiere. This unfortunate trend seemed to align with what we’ve come to expect from Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) releases. However, this instance was distinct in that all episodes were unveiled simultaneously, offering binge-watching enthusiasts like myself the chance to consume the series in one go.
Although most critics commended the series for its realistic narrative and powerful main acting, some audiences pointed out issues such as its brief duration, leisurely tempo, and limited connections to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, even though Marvel marketed it as an individual “Spotlight” production.
Some viewers might be reacting negatively to the series due to its diverse leads or dissatisfaction with the MCU, similar to what was seen with recent shows featuring female leads.
Agatha All Along
Following its debut, Agatha All Along encountered a surge of one-star ratings on IMDb, which significantly lowered its overall rating despite numerous favorable reviews. Critics labeled the series as “woke,” “juvenile,” and “unprofessional,” often directing their complaints towards the writing quality and overall feel of the show.
It seems a large part of the criticism against the show was triggered by its portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters, with Joe Locke’s openly gay character and its emphasis on strong female roles being major points of contention. Although there are valid criticisms to be made, the overwhelming number of low ratings suggests that bias may have played a significant role in many of these assessments, rather than objective analysis.
Ironheart
The series titled Ironheart encountered review bombing prior to its debut, as indicated by an initial audience rating of 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, which was subsequently removed and now stands at 53%. Following its release on Disney+, the show was subjected to further criticism on IMDb, earning a score of 3.5/10. A large portion of the unfavorable comments seems to be driven by internet trolls, stemming from prejudice towards a superhero series headlined by a Black female protagonist.
Some viewers admired Dominique Thorne’s acting and the show’s effort to portray a street-level superhero narrative, but others found issues with its speed and thought the series started to lag soon after it began. For those who are unsure about watching Ironheart, Thorne suggested to TopMob, “Hop aboard! It’s already here. We’re already here.
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2025-07-06 13:38