Vanity Fair: Martin Scorsese’s Daughter Playfully Teases Him About Marvel

Article by Savannah Walsh

Martin Scorsese, while promoting his new film Killers of the Flower Moon, has been trying to connect with younger audiences who might be hesitant about watching a three-hour movie. His efforts included a lively conversation with Gen Z actor Timothée Chalamet, the use of Letterboxd, and several popular TikToks with his 23-year-old daughter, Francesca Scorsese. However, he has not shown support for one trend popular among the youth: Marvel movies.

In October 2019, Scorsese shared his opinion in an interview that Marvel films aren’t really cinema. A month later, he further explained his stance in a New York Times op-ed, acknowledging that while many elements defining cinema are present in Marvel movies, they lack revelation, mystery, or genuine emotional danger. “There is no risk”, he said.

Drawing attention to this, a recent TikTok with Scorsese and his daughter was captioned “The Muse,” in which Scorsese is seen affectionately engaging with Francesca's schnauzer, Oscar. Francesca mentioned in a GQ interview that her father absolutely loves Oscar.

Reacting to Scorsese's view, director Joe Russo, who has directed multiple Marvel movies, humorously responded in his own video, teasing about Scorsese’s dog Oscar by saying that his dog is named “Box Office.”

Francesca confessed to GQ that she doesn't know about Russo's video but does remember having some fun at her father's expense over his Marvel criticism. She particularly recollected a Christmas where she wrapped all his gifts with Marvel-themed paper, even documenting the prank on her Instagram Stories.

When asked about her opinion on Marvel's cinematic value, Francesca was reluctant to comment, fearing that she might offend someone. “While I stand by my dad’s viewpoint, I've taken time to educate myself on this after watching all the Marvel films during COVID lockdown. Despite that, I still stand by his opinion, but, I’d admit, some Marvel movies can be fun”, she told GQ.

These conversations may find place further in a book that Francesca revealed to GQ she and her father have been commissioned to write by A24. The book will explore her upbringing in the film industry and how it has shaped her as an individual and an artist.