Research on representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Supported by the University's RIKE Project Accelerator Grant, the pilot study critically analysed how the Marvel Cinematic Universe has approached equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

A pilot study formed the foundation of the research, engaging a team of students from across the university,  including those studying Film and Television, Film Production, Digital Music, and Computing. They collaborated to analyse pivotal scenes from The Avengers (2012) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), gaining valuable hands-on research experience while contributing to the study’s findings.

Reflecting on her experience, Natalie Madziyire, a Film and Television student, says:

"Working on this project was incredibly rewarding. It gave me the chance to apply what I’ve learned in class to a real-world research study. I developed my analytical skills and gained a deeper understanding of representation in media, which is something I’m passionate about. Collaborating with peers from different courses also brought fresh perspectives that enriched the entire experience."

Dr. Adam Vaughan, co-lead investigator, emphasises the importance of the project:

"This research went beyond fandom to address critical questions about how the MCU reflects and shapes our understanding of identity and inclusion. The collaboration with students from diverse disciplines enriched our analysis and underscored the importance of varied perspectives in research."

The project will now move onto its next stage, which will involve recruiting a research assistant to support the team in expanding the analysis to a larger dataset, conducting in-depth qualitative and quantitative evaluations, and assisting with the preparation of an online resource and publications to share the findings with academic and industry audiences.