Key Takeaways:
– One of the most memorable lines from Avengers: Infinity War was improvised by Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth during the final battle scene.
– Both actors were experimenting with their appearances, which resulted in quirky and humorous dialogues that resonated with the audience.
– Despite its initial success, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) experienced a downfall post-Avengers: Endgame.
– Joe Russo, one of the Russo brothers, attributes this to a changing media consumption landscape and generational divides.
Unscripted Banter in Infinity War Shines
Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) experienced a downward plunge, it had reached heights in the superhero franchises known for its gripping storylines, high stakes and integrated humor. Such is the case with MCU's 2018 iconic film Avengers: Infinity War.
The film's popularity arose from its ability to blend high-tension situations with humor without ruining the essence of the storyline. Despite the heroes being in grave danger and the fate of the universe hanging in the balance, a sense of jocularity endured throughout the film. One particular scenario stands out – the final battle scene where Thor and Captain America's teasing exchange was unexpectedly improvised.
Unforgettable Improvised Scene
During the final sequence, as Thanos attacks Wakanda for the Soul Stone, superheroes Captain America and Thor cross paths. As they fight Thanos' army, they engage in friendly banter, assessing each other's styles and appearances.
The film features both heroes imitating each other's looks, with Thor displaying a clean-cut trim and Captain America adopting a rugged style with long hair and a beard. Entertainment Weekly reports that actors Chris Evans (Captain America) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) were continuously fine-tuning their lines even during filming.
Captain America's and Thor's Role in the Scene
“I'll be like, ‘Short hair now? Good choice.”, suggested Evans. Hemsworth added, “And I'll go, ‘Yours too. The beard. Very rugged.'” The improvised banter, meant to add some humor, was not initially intended to be in the final cut. However, the Russo brothers, directors of the film, enjoyed the friendly banter so much that they included it in the final version of the film.
Marvel's Downfall in Post-Endgame Era
After Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame was a massive hit globally, raking in around $2.7 billion at the worldwide box office. However, subsequent films failed to garner the same enthusiasm and appreciation from the audience, leading to a period referred to as ‘superhero fatigue.'
Change in Media Consumption to Blame?
Speaking at the Sands: International Film Festival, Joe Russo, one of the Russo brothers, suggested that this decline occurred due to shifts in media consumption habits and changes in generational preferences. Russo particularly pointed out the emerging ‘I want it now' attitude and multitasking propensity of newer generations, attributing it to the challenges currently facing Marvel Studios.
Impact of Changing Times on the Film Industry
With the rise of short content and reels that deliver loads of information in brief periods, the future of long-form films, like those produced by Marvel, remains uncertain. Only time will tell if these fan favorites can withstand the fast-paced nature of modern media consumption.
Despite these challenges, Avengers: Infinity War remains a beacon of Marvel's peak period and serves as a reminder of the brilliant improv skills of its stars that added to its charm.
For those who want to experience or re-enjoy the film, Avengers: Infinity War is available for streaming on Disney+.
