{"id":356408,"date":"2026-02-26T00:45:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T00:45:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/356408\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T00:45:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T00:45:07","slug":"superheroes-are-out-daddy-energy-is-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/356408\/","title":{"rendered":"Superheroes Are Out, Daddy Energy Is In"},"content":{"rendered":"

The phrase \u201csuperhero fatigue\u201d has come and gone like waves in the wake of Marvel\u2019s blockbuster Avengers: Endgame<\/a>, with newer comic book projects having fans go from \u201cwe\u2019re so back\u201d<\/a> to \u201cit\u2019s so over<\/a>\u201d at the flip of a dime whenever the new new doesn\u2019t hit as hard as the golden age of superhero mania a decade prior. Now we have empirical data that young folks no longer desire what\u2019s passed as superheroes. What they want is what the Washington Post has dubbed \u201ccompetency porn<\/a>.\u201d Or more specifically, a kind father figure who\u2019s really good at their job.<\/p>\n

According to Deadline, a recent survey<\/a> from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA\u2019s annual Teens & Screens found that nearly 60 percent of Gen Z and Gen Alpha would prefer to see characters like The Pitt\u2018s Dr. Robby Robinavitch<\/a> or that guy pal hockey duo from Heated Rivalry<\/a>. More specifically, the survey\u2014conducted last August with 1,500 people ages 10 to 24 across the U.S.\u2014found that young folks want more regular, emotionally present guys who can actually express their feelings without the whole world collapsing, rather than the churn of guys we often see in superhero films who are tortured by phenomena having to display emotions, much less enjoy doing so.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor years, creators and executives have operated under the assumption that young male audiences prefer, or at least expect, stoic, independent male heroes,\u201d says the report. \u201cThe data from our 2025 snapshot shows that the next generation of viewers is eager for a version of masculinity rooted in connection. By centering emotional vulnerability and active parenting, creators have a rare opportunity to provide the authentic representation that young audiences are actively seeking.\u201d<\/p>\n

From the survey, things that a majority of Gen Z and Gen Alpha would like to see more of in media are:<\/p>\n