Reality Crisis explores how the multiverse has evolved from a science fiction convention into a framework for understanding contemporary culture, examining alternate realities, competing truths, and multiple versions of the self across entertainment, politics, technology, and everyday life.

This book traces the multiverse's rise across popular culture, from major franchises including Marvel, DC, Star Wars and Blade Runner to films such as Everything Everywhere All At Once, connecting them to post-truth politics, AI deepfakes, social media algorithms and immersive nostalgia. Drawing on theories of cultural resistance and metamodernism, it examines the oscillation between authenticity and artificiality, irony and sincerity, despair and hope. Combining close analysis with wide-ranging commentary, the book explores what it means to navigate a world where reality has become multiple choice.

Written for students and scholars in media studies, cultural studies, film and television studies, and contemporary philosophy, as well as general readers interested in cultural and technological change. Suitable for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate courses exploring contemporary media, reality, and identity.

Will Brooker is Professor of Film and Cultural Studies at Kingston University. His books include Batman Unmasked, Using the Force, Alice's Adventures, The Audience Studies Reader, Hunting the Dark Knight, Forever Stardust, and Never-Ending Watchmen. His work explores popular icons, cultural history and audience interpretation, spanning comics, cinema, television, music, literature, video games and critical theory.