Big, bold and colorful – three words Benedict Cumberbatch uses to describe the finale of Avengers: Infinity War. And we can’t say we disagree.
The British thesp has been doing the press rounds to promote his title role in Patrick Melrose, the limited drama series in which he battles addiction and crippling substance abuse. It’s a performance that drew praise from fans and critics alike, but in comic book circles, 2018 will always be remembered as the year when Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange and Iron Man were at loggerheads in what quickly dissolved into a war of the egos. And a war of the Sherlocks.
Both characters are all set to return for Avengers 4, but when asked about his own reaction to Infinity War and its remarkably bleak finale, Cumberbatch had nothing but praise for what is essentially Marvel Studios’ crowning achievement.
I was thrilled. Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled and thrilled with the pitch for the second film. And thrilled by the ingenuity of the whole thing. And to be in an audience and experience that was something else. I’ve been part of Sherlock, with a very famous cliffhanger. It’s a very brave thing for movies that are that big, bold and colorful.
Such a carefully calculated risk is quite rare for a blockbuster of Infinity War‘s nature, given it exists in a genre known for its larger-than-life characters – characters who typically overcome great odds to save the day. But this time, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes were on the losing team, which only makes us all the more intrigued by next year’s untitled sequel.
All roads have been leading to this. By the time Avengers 4 opens on May 3rd, Marvel Studios will be transitioning between one era and the next, so don’t spend too much time sweating over who lives and who dies – as far as we’re concerned, all bets are off.