"The Marvels," Marvel Studios' highly anticipated sequel to their blockbuster "Captain Marvel," aims to defy the current challenging box office climate and negative perceptions. Despite generating a solid $6.5 million in Thursday previews, its opening day gross is projected to exceed $20 million, a figure lower than expected. To reach the initial forecast of $60 million, the film would need a significant boost over the weekend, which seems uncertain at this point.

The film’s projected $50 million domestic haul, while still early to confirm, may be bolstered by promotion from stars Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, and Samuel L. Jackson, coupled with the coinciding return of Taylor Swift's tour. However, early indications don't promise much of an uplift, and the movie may struggle to overcome its late momentum.

"The Marvels" has been embroiled in controversy, largely stemming from online backlash against "Captain Marvel" and Brie Larson. The actress faced toxic fan reactions for advocating more diversity in press interviews, sparking debates often marred by racism and misogyny. This negative discourse, along with questions of Marvel's supposed decline, has overshadowed much of the film's reception.

The film's struggle at the box office is symptomatic of broader issues in 2023, including delayed negotiations with guilds, shifts in viewing habits due to the pandemic and streaming services, and general fatigue with the superhero genre. Despite these challenges, "The Marvels" stands as a vibrant, fun-filled comic book movie with a strong sci-fi story and action spectacle, showcasing great chemistry among its cast.

"The Marvels" brilliantly blends ethos (Captain Marvel), logos (Monica Rambeau), and pathos (Ms. Marvel) through its character interactions, grounded in themes of family and relationships. The film adeptly navigates complex action sequences and emotional arcs, under the direction of Nia DaCosta. Despite criticisms, DaCosta's direction has been unfairly scrutinized, often through a lens tainted by systemic racism and sexism, particularly prevalent in Hollywood and fan communities.

The backlash and discourse surrounding "The Marvels" reflect deeply ingrained societal issues, exacerbated by fan and media reactions. This unfair treatment overshadows the film's achievements and tarnishes discussions around it. "The Marvels" arrives at a crucial moment for the superhero genre, Marvel Studios, and its fanbase, offering a high-quality sequel that expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe, yet faces undue criticism and underperformance due to external factors and entrenched biases.