Prime Video's 'The Boys' Parodies MCU in Latest Promo Stunt

Amazon Prime's hit show "The Boys" is back with its crazy marketing antics that go viral, with Marvel's Cinematic Universe as the latest target of its parodies. 

In a post, the fictional corporation Vought International laid out its plans to produce several films starring "The Seven," as well as the other "supes" in its roster.  

Vought is proud to unveil its plan for the future of entertainment today at #V52. This is only the first stage, Phases 7 through 10, with 9 more phases coming soon. Most projects are on time, with only a few minor delays for reshoots of reshoots! pic.twitter.com/tSKgRidngg

— Vought International (@VoughtIntl) June 27, 2024

Here, they parody the style in which the comic book franchise lays out its cinematic universe with the "V52 Expo," complete with phases, for the coming years. 

The titles in its stacked lineup include the "The Deep: Secrets of Atlantis," starring The Deep (played by Chace Crawford), "A-Train: Into the Multiverse," starring A-Train (played by Jessie T. Usher), and more. 

‘BLACK NOIR: BACK TO HANOI 3’ is alive at @VoughtIntl.

Already generating buzz for Best Actor and Original Screenplay, Noir is said to be “eagerly awaiting direction” on set between takes. #V52pic.twitter.com/GjfAwZ5mmW

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 27, 2024

Fans familiar with both the Prime Video series and Marvel's films were quick to point out the similarities between font style, titles, and the way they were revealed on social media. 

"The Guardians of Godolkin," for example, takes clear inspiration from Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy," with many users pointing out the similarities. 

Check out these five viral marketing campaign examples.

The Parody Trend

The posts, shared across platforms by multiple media channels like IGN and Discussing Film since the release of the latest "The Boys" episode, have garnered millions of impressions from netizens.

And in the true spirit of the show, fans played into the jokes as if they were real, even going as far as criticizing Vought.

"I’m honestly getting sick of these multiverse concepts, it makes me want to rip my hair out. As someone who’s adored Vought’s previous projects, this is extremely disappointing, and lackluster," one user wrote. 

Meanwhile, others pointed out the "shade" the parody was giving towards the MCU and its plans.

this being an obvious parody of marvel and dc is funny y’all need to fight back https://t.co/xGr9Io4ZMk

— faiza ☪︎ THE BOYS SPOILERS (@korysstar) June 27, 2024

However, "The Boys" is not the first to take a bat at Marvel by engaging in satirical, viral marketing.

Animation studio Illumination also dropped a trailer featuring actor Steve Carrell (voice of "Gru") laying down its "Megaverse" timeline à la Marvel.

This was done in promotion of its upcoming film "Despicable Me 4," which comes out on theaters on July 3.

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Editing by Katherine 'Makkie' Maclang