NetEase’s Marvel Rivals has captured the attention of an unexpected fan: the son of Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. In a recent interview with The Wrap, Feige revealed that his child previously showed polite but superficial interest in Marvel’s films and comics. However, after playing the free-to-play title, his curiosity deepened, sparking questions about lesser-known heroes and villains.

He started asking for details on characters like Hela and The Punisher, Feige shared. Eventually, he began exploring their stories through other mediums.

This shift highlights Marvel’s evolving strategy to engage younger audiences. Feige also credited Disney Junior’s animated series Spidey and His Amazing Friends for bridging generational gaps and drawing new fans into the franchise.

The game’s impact isn’t limited to Feige’s household. Since its late 2024 launch, Marvel Rivals has amassed 40 million players worldwide. Season 3, now live, introduces playable versions of Phoenix and Blade, alongside fresh gameplay mechanics.

Ahead of The Fantastic Four: First Steps theatrical release, NetEase has rolled out movie-inspired cosmetics and gameplay features. Building on the team’s Season 1 debut, players can now activate a collaborative power move between Johnny Storm’s Human Torch and Ben Grimm’s The Thing, blending aerial assaults and ground-smashing combos.