With fans counting the seconds until the release of Avengers: Endgame, fans are still left in a state of shock and awe from the Avengers: Infinity War ending. The decision to end that film on a decidedly sour note was a unique one for the MCU, showing all of the beloved heroes in a state of agony and defeat. Despite the downer ending, the film still generated strong box office results and reviews, displaying the power in the Marvel brand.
Marvel producer Kevin Feige has been instrumental in the development of MCU, but even he has some doubt at times with his projects. In an interview with Empire, Feige discussed his nerves heading into the release of Avengers: Infinity War after early screenings.
“When we do test screenings, you can judge the authenticity of reactions based on when the applause starts. Here, there was nothing. Nothing. Silence. The best reactions after were like, ‘I hated it, but I loved it. I hated it, but I understand why it had to happen.’ Panther disappearing at the end was shocking to people. Spidey: That was filmed on the first or second day of what would be an almost two-year process.
Then I started to get really nervous. It was like, ‘Wait a minute; what have we done?’ For years, leading up to the release of that ending, people were going, ‘These movies are predictable. The good guys always win.’ And for years I was thinking, ‘Just wait.’”
It’s good that Feige ultimately trusted his gut, as Avengers: Infinity War is a great addition as the Empire Strikes Back of the MCU. By establishing stakes and consequences going into Endgame, fans will be even more on the edge of their seats when it hits theaters.
What do you think of Feige’s comments? Were you a fan of the film’s ending? Tell us your thoughts in the comments down below!