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Whatever you might think of them, “toxic fans” are a part of modern pop culture. Sometimes, the term is inappropriately used, but in the majority of cases, the so-called “fans” who think themselves superior to others – like they are the only ones who actually understand a franchise – are properly labeled.
While these individuals are not true fans of a franchise, they believe they are. They claim to understand the author’s intentions and sometimes even assert that they know better than the author. They insist they know what can and cannot be done, and what is or isn’t lore-appropriate.
However, the sad reality is that for these so-called “fans”—who are often just bigots—the only elements they consider lore-unfriendly are women, non-Caucasian characters, and LGBTQ+ characters. This has become the standard.
These “toxic fans” will organize review-bombing campaigns and trash-talk about series online, which is why the major studios have decided to change their approach to new works, relying solely on superfans now, rather than all the fans.
The confirmation of this new practice appeared on Twitter, with Variety being cited as the source. Here is what we know:
Due to recent toxic fan behavior, studios now rely on superfans to review marketing materials for major franchise projects.
A studio executive explained, "When it's early in the process and the film is still in production, we have the flexibility to make those adjustments."… pic.twitter.com/nICEaRu0dQ
— MCU Film News (@MCUFilmNews) October 3, 2024
So, it seems that the influence of “toxic fans” will be completely eliminated, as their hate campaigns won’t matter anymore. The studios will rely on superfans, true fans of a franchise, who will be the ones to discuss the materials before it is released and this might influence the final product before it is released.
This is definitely a great move. The opinions of “toxic fans” will no longer matter, nor will their hate campaigns. However, many regular fans may feel left out. That said, their opinions will still matter after a show has been released.
While we agree that this is definitely a good way to counter the so-called “fans” and to show them that they truly are irrelevant, the people commenting on this are divided (as expected):
Not surprised tbh, these homophobic, sexist, racist individuals don't deserve to be called "fans"
— IXSymbioticxTrevXI (@SymbioticxTrev) October 3, 2024
LOL… shill brand loyalists won't give you productive feedback.
— DJ Terry (@DjT74154) October 3, 2024
I want to believe that this is only part of a new strategy to stop online hate lead by Alt right political groups and greedy YouTubers that milk racism and misogyny.
— Brie Larson Fan #TheMarvels (@BLWorldW) October 3, 2024
SuperFans are not gonna tell the truth
— Nehemiah hall (@Namanaspeaks) October 3, 2024
Had they not being doing this before? It feels weird that this wasn’t standard practice from the start.
— Alex (@aleco_9) October 4, 2024
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!