At the Venice Film Festival, Chloé Zhao champions comic-book films, asserting that they play a vital role in storytelling.
During a masterclass at the Venice Film Festival on September 4, 2026, acclaimed filmmaker Chloé Zhao defended the value of comic-book movies, emphasizing their potential for storytelling. This was part of a broader discussion on her career, where Zhao reflected on her journey from aspiring manga artist to award-winning director.
While reminiscing about her childhood ambition to be a manga artist, Zhao humorously acknowledged that her drawing abilities fell short. "I wanted to tell stories. I didn't think cinema was an option for me," she remarked. Despite this, Zhao has made significant waves in the film industry, directing the Oscar-winning film Nomadland and the blockbuster Eternals. In her opinion, films based on comic books serve a similar purpose to traditional narratives, providing meaningful frameworks for audiences to engage with deeper themes.
Zhao highlighted the importance of not dismissing any form of storytelling simply because it lacks the status of "high art." She stated, “I do feel it's important to not write off stories because we don't consider them high art.” This stance comes against a backdrop where some filmmakers, such as Martin Scorsese, have critiqued superhero films for their escapist nature, likening them to "theme parks."
During the session, Zhao drew parallels between Eternals and Nomadland, arguing that both films, despite their different genres and scopes, share thematic elements. She pointedly refuted the idea that one was a stark departure from the other, emphasizing that both explore complex human relationships and the environment.
Zhao’s insistence on finding value in diverse storytelling methods resonates with audiences who appreciate the multifaceted nature of narrative art. As superhero movies once dominated the box office, their appeal may have declined, particularly post-pandemic, but Zhao argues for their legitimate place in the grand scheme of cinematic storytelling.
Zhao's defense of comic-book films is particularly significant within a fluctuating industry landscape, where the popularity of superhero narratives appears to be waning after reaching a peak pre-pandemic. Her insights could encourage filmmakers and audiences alike to appreciate varied storytelling approaches without prejudice. Zhao's commentary comes as she is back in the awards race with Hamnet, a film recounting the family life of William Shakespeare, further exemplifying her versatility and commitment to storytelling across different formats.
Chloé Zhao's masterclass at the Venice Film Festival has sparked renewed discussions about the cultural significance of comic-book movies. By positioning these films within the broader context of art and narrative, she challenges prevailing notions about genre hierarchies and underscores the importance of all forms of storytelling in our lives. For fans and filmmakers, her perspective might reignite interest in the narrative depth that comic-book films can offer in the ongoing evolution of cinema.
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