Joe Finn
Staff Writer
If anyone has ever been a Marvel lover or has been following movies recently, you must of heard talk of the upcoming blockbuster, “Avengers: Infinity War.” One of the most anticipated films of the decade, the movie by Marvel Studios comes to theaters worldwide on April 27th. Serving as the culmination of 10 years and 18 films by Marvel, “Avengers: Infinity War” takes the talents of multiple directors, producers, and the actors that ran from 2008 to now. The film displays widespread talent throughout the cast, with big names such as Chris Pratt, Robert Downey Jr., and Benedict Cumberbatch all starring in their respective roles. A groundbreaking achievement in both cinema and casting, “Avengers: Infinity War” looks to break numerous records at the box office when it debuts at the end of the month. Not surprisingly enough, however, it has already broken many records before its premiere. The first trailer alone broke record as the highest viewed movie trailer of all time, scoring up to 230 million views across multiple online platforms. The second trailer managed to make third in the top viewed trailers for movies racking up to 179 million views. “Avengers: Infinity War,” according to both Fandango and AMC Theaters, has also sold more pre-sale tickets online than any other comic book movie ever produced.
The plot of the film sees the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy team up together to stop the upcoming threat in the form of Thanos, a mad titan who seeks the bend the rules of the universe with six all powerful Infinity Stones to change the fabric of reality. Prominent Marvel figures like Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and Black Panther also come to their aid. With all of these characters in one film, it was unsurprising it became the longest movie Marvel has ever made, running at a meaty two hours and forty-minute runtime.
The film itself is so gargantuan and mind-blowing in scope that it would make sense for this to be 10 whole years and 18 films in the making. A shared universe of films was never really attempted before, but when Marvel came along, they succeeded beyond expectations, allowing other studios to replicate Marvel’s formula. Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, envisioned a world where the Marvel Comics characters can share a world together just like in the comics. Beginning with 2008’s “Iron Man,” that vision became reality.
Labeled the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Avengers: Infinity War,” marks the beginning of the end for some beloved actors. Veterans like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans are slated to be finished with the franchise after the fourth untitled “Avengers” film comes out next year since their contracts expire. How Marvel Studios chooses to end some actors’ characters in the films remains to be seen, but we can take solace in the fact that the reputation Marvel has in their quality filmmaking won’t stop just because some actors are departing. We have clearly seen that newer actors to the franchise like Chadwick Boseman, Tom Holland, and Benedict Cumberbatch excel in the character’s roles according to the audience and critics. Marvel’s actors, old and new, will always have their place in our hearts forever.
“Avengers: Infinity War,” acts as both an end and a beginning of an era. It begins the end a worldwide franchise filled with so much talent and heart, but it begins again in the form of a new rise in quality films. Sometimes we need to say goodbye, and though it’s never easy, the legacy these Marvel actors leave behind will never be forgotten.
