Event Details

Superheroes have taken over Hollywood, filling screens with ripped physiques and bold ideals. But their story doesn’t begin—and certainly doesn’t end—with comic books.

Long before Marvel’s universe exploded onto the big screen, larger-than-life heroes like Maciste flexed their power in Italian silent films. This lecture traces the evolution of the heroic body across space, time, and genre—from Europe’s early cinema to America’s cinematic giants.

Explore how the muscular hero became a symbol of cultural identity, national pride, and cinematic spectacle. Through film clips, analysis, and historical insight, we’ll uncover how superhero myths were sculpted—not just in comic books, but in the DNA of visual storytelling itself.

Join us for a dynamic look at what muscles mean on screen—and why they matter.