So intense was the spotlight placed upon Avengers: Infinity War that, leading up to release, directors Joe and Anthony Russo used trailer misdirects to throw everyone off the scent.
As part of a post-launch analysis conducted by Variety (h/t Screen Rant), the outlet caught up with the Russo Brothers to discuss Infinity War, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and that devastating third act in which Tom Holland went off-script to deliver what is arguably his finest moment as the young Peter Parker.
We’ll refrain from divulging any spoilers here, mind you, as part of what makes Infinity War so special is its dazzling sense of spectacle – a spectacle that really ought to be viewed on the biggest screen possible. But after the jump, Joe Russo outlines the reasons why Marvel’s immense marketing campaign included tactical misdirects and other red herrings. Spoilers: it has something to do with leaving viewers out of the loop and, by effect, safeguarding the sequel’s biggest twists and turns.
Still with us? So whereas Avengers: Infinity War‘s trailers hinted at the possible demise of Iron Man and Captain America, those two Phase One heroes were still standing once the film’s eerie credits began to play.
Said Joe Russo:
We do our best work when we follow our instincts and tell the story we want to tell. We’ve had one or two experiences early in our careers where we didn’t do that and we learned a very hard lesson: When you try to predict what an audience wants, you’re going to make mush. When you commit to the story you want to tell, it tends to have a much more resonant impact on the audience … The audience can tell you they love chocolate ice cream, but if you give it to them every day, they’re going to get sick of it real fast. You’ve got to stay ahead of them.
No mention of that slow-mo action shot featuring Captain America and his allies, though considering Avengers: Infinity War‘s third act largely revolves around Thanos and his siege on Wakanda – think Helm’s Deep with superheroes, and an overpowered God of Thunder – it’s not all that surprising that Joe and Anthony Russo left that particular money shot by the wayside.