There are a few things you can always count on seeing in an average Marvel movie. These include: bombastic action sequences, post-credit scenes, and (most importantly) some form of partial male nudity. Ever since the first Iron Man hit theaters in 2008, Marvel movies have established a tradition of making sure that its heroes regularly take an opportunity to show off their six packs. Don't believe me? Check out the video below to see for yourself.
I'm beginning to think that whenever an actor signs not to a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe they're instantly given a tub of whey protein as a signing bonus. If that video tells you anything, it's that Marvel Studios has a vested interest in making sure that the actors who portray its heroes stay in shape. From Chris Pratt's Peter Quill, to Chris Evans' Steve Rogers, and Chris Hemsworth's Thor Odinson (Marvel seriously loves to hire guys named Chris), just about every major Marvel movie features a scene in which one of these guys will inevitably take off a shirt. It doesn't matter if they're cleaning a wound, changing wardrobe, or simply taking it off because they feel like it, they're going to take something off.
That being said, I don't think anyone is complaining about the shirtless scenes. Even Chris Pratt recently came out and voiced his opinion that men should be objectified on the silver screen just as much as women. Admittedly, if we looked like that we probably wouldn't mind showing off either.
Oh, by the way, this tradition isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Even Spider-Man: Homecoming will feature the trademark Marvel shirtless scene.
That's admittedly a bit weird when we consider the fact that Tom Holland's Peter Parker is supposed to be 15-years-old, but it definitely gets to the root of the idea. Marvel likes to let audiences know that its heroes legitimately look like superheroes, and the shirtless scene is one of the easiest ways to sell that idea without saying a word.
As the Marvel Studios continues its insane hot streak into Phase 3, we get the distinct sense that the shirtless scenes aren't going anywhere anytime soon. They have become a fundamental aspect of silver screen superheroes over the years, and telltale trademark of the genre. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will continue to expand when James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters, and yes, we have a feeling that it will include a shirtless scene.
