Kristen Stewart Calls Marvel Movies a 'Nightmare'

Kristen Stewart doesn't mince words when it comes to superhero films. She’s known for diving deep into intense, character-driven movies like Spencer, so it’s no shock that she finds the idea of joining the Marvel movies almost unbearable. During a recent podcast chat, Stewart bluntly said that acting in an MCU project would be nothing short of a “f–king nightmare.” She’s always gravitated toward roles that push boundaries or subvert expectations, far removed from the mainstream flashiness of superhero blockbusters.

Her skepticism isn’t just about the costumes and explosions. Stewart seems uneasy with the entire superhero formula popularized by the MCU. She pointed out that these movies often operate within strict guidelines, leaving little space for creative risks or unconventional storytelling. Stewart mentioned her mentor Jodie Foster, who has repeatedly criticized how superhero franchises dominate Hollywood. Foster argued these films are just a “phase”—they’re everywhere now, but she hopes that more diverse stories will stage a comeback.

Greta Gerwig Could Sway Stewart into the MCU

Despite her harsh words, Stewart admitted there’s one way she might change her mind. If acclaimed director Greta Gerwig—famous for hits like Barbie and Little Women—asked her to join a Marvel project, Stewart would seriously reconsider. She trusts Gerwig’s creative instincts and thinks the director could bring some real depth and originality to a genre known for playing it safe. Stewart singled out Gerwig’s ability to reshape familiar territory and make space for bold, grounded characters. In her view, that's exactly what superhero movies are missing.

This shout-out to Gerwig says a lot about how some actors evaluate big franchises. Stewart, for one, doesn't just write off superhero films; she's wary of the assembly-line style but open if someone with serious artistic credibility leads the way. Gerwig’s reputation for balancing commercial and critical success is rare in Hollywood, which makes Stewart’s conditional ‘yes’ pretty eye-opening.

Stewart’s comments echo a growing list of critics. Industry heavyweights like Martin Scorsese and Ridley Scott have questioned whether Marvel’s approach leaves much room for creative evolution. Many actors feel that smaller, more personal films are struggling to survive because so many resources and screens are gobbled up by superhero epics. Stewart sees herself on the side of filmmakers fighting to preserve that arthouse spirit.

• Jodie Foster (Stewart’s mentor) has called superhero dominance a 'phase.'
• Directors Martin Scorsese and Ridley Scott have publicly criticized Marvel's influence.
• More Hollywood actors are questioning whether joining Marvel is the right move for unique storytelling.

Marvel’s empire keeps expanding, drawing in plenty of stars but also sparking louder backlash from those who believe there’s more to cinema than what superheroes can offer. Stewart’s position captures the tug-of-war between blockbuster mindsets and the urge to keep pushing Hollywood to do things differently.