1. 1. For excellent takes on the origins of the author, see Woodmansee and Jaszi; Rose; Fisk, Working Knowledge.
2. 2. Gender likely plays a role in the public response to Kennedy. Authorship narratives throughout history have often been built around highly masculinized tropes, and this is certainly true of Disney’s corporate auteur. A feminist analysis of this discourse is ultimately outside the scope of this article, but for more, see Scott.
3. 3. The history of racism and misogyny at Disney is well known and is documented with clarity in Sperb and in Bell et al. Marvel’s checkered past is not discussed as widely but is well documented. See my account in Kidman 148–50.
4. Alexander, Julia. “Snyder Cut Fans Demanded AT&T’s Attention.” The Verge, 28 May 2020, https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/28/21269091/snyder-cut-hbo-max-stream-warnermedia-att-movie-fandom-fans. Accessed 3 Aug. 2020.
5. Ball, Matthew. “The Absurdities of Franchise Fatigue and Sequelitis.” REDEF, 1 Aug. 2019, https://redef.com/original/the-absurdities-of-franchise-fatigue-and-sequelitis-or-what-is-happening-to-the-box-office. Accessed 3 Aug. 2020.