Asian sidekicks in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Detective Comics Extended Universe (DCEU) films

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to determine how Asian roles and characters are portrayed in two of the Hollywood’s character-based entertainment universes; Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Detective Comics Extended Universe (DCEU). Specifically, this study aimed to: 1) determine what kind of sidekick role or character (good or bad) most Asians and/or Asian-Americans are often given with in Marvel films 2) determine what kind of sidekick role or character (good or bad) most Asians and/or Asian-Americans are often given with in DC films, and 3) identify the societal issues that involve the characterization of Asians, present in the dialogues and scenes of the films. This study analyzed four (4) movies: two (2) from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the other two (2) will be from the Detective Comics Extended Universe. Specifically, the movies Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016) and Suicide Squad (2016) under the production of Detective Comics Extended Universe, and the movies Doctor Strange(2016) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), produced by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, were covered in this study. The method used to employ the data of this study was Content Analysis and it used coding sheets as its instrument in determining the film's character’s profile, scenes and dialogues, along with their specific minutes. The study concluded that Asian sidekick characters are often portrayed as bad characters in Detective Comics Extended Universe films and good in Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was also concluded that Asian sidekicks are portrayed as loyal companions of the main characters as well as the villains whom they are sidekicks to. Asian minority, racial and language discrimination, and stereotyping are the common societal issues that involve Asians, portrayed in several Hollywood films. These portrayals of societal issues may have an impact on how the viewers of the movies address and perceive Asian people in general.