The Russo Brothers Recall Fighting For Avengers: Endgame’s Big Portal Scene, And I’m So Glad They Won That Battle

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I absolutely can’t fathom watching “Avengers: Endgame” without the portal scene. When Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), after donning the Infinity Gauntlet, snapped everyone back to life, Captain America (Chris Evans) geared up for his final confrontation with Thanos (Josh Brolin). But just as it seemed all was lost, a helping hand – or rather, half of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – swooped in. The scene gave us goosebumps, and the theater reactions were some of the most awe-inspiring we’ve ever seen. So, learning that the Russo Brothers had to fight tooth and nail with Marvel Studios to keep that sequence in the film brings me joy, as they’re returning for “Avengers: Doomsday,” which means they might be able to conjure up some of that enchanting magic once more.

The Russo brothers, namely Joe and Anthony, have a dominant role in the Avengers series within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They demonstrated their ability to manage large ensembles by directing “Captain America: Civil War,” followed by the powerful combination of “Infinity War” and “Endgame.” In an interview with Empire, as reported by ScreenRant, Joe Russo revealed that not all parties were in agreement regarding the concept of portals, stating:

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the intense discussions surrounding the most iconic scene across all Marvel films – the breathtaking moment of portals opening at the end of Avengers: Endgame. Originally, the idea was that the camera would orbit around Steve Rogers with everyone gathered behind him. But it lacked those unique character entrances, causing quite a stir. I recall battling it out for months in the editing room. While I won’t reveal who took which side, let me tell you, it was a tough battle indeed! In the end, Anthony and I decided to capture it during reshoots.

Wow, I couldn’t believe it when I found out that was a reshoot! It’s almost as mind-blowing as Robert Downey Jr.’s transformation into Iron Man in the same movie. Convincing him to say, “And I am Iron Man” is one of the most iconic moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Imagine Avengers: Endgame without that pivotal sequence. No thunderous applause for each returning Marvel hero. No heart-pounding moment of, “On your left.” It’s unimaginable. That reshoot added an extra layer of magic to the film that we wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.

It seems that at least one person, including Stephen McFeely – a co-writer for Avengers: Endgame – had reservations about the original version of the scene in question. He stated this in his discourse.

Sure thing!

* I’ll take the blame because I wasn’t acting alone. The initial plan seemed to be successful, and it was exciting, but Joe makes a valid point since he has an instinct for showmanship like P.T. Barnum.
* Over time, I’ve discovered that feelings tend to outweigh facts in my collaborations with these people and with Marvel. It’s not an easy way out; it’s simply what the movie requires and what the audience wants.

I really enjoy delving into the intriguing tales that happen off-screen, the discussions that might have altered the course of our beloved Marvel films’ histories. Since the MCU Multiverse is a reality, many of these errors can be attributed to a different universe’s timeline. However, if Avengers: Endgame had been made without the amazing portals scene, it would have been a massive blunder. I’m relieved that reason prevailed, the reshoots were successful, and we can now savor that fantastic sequence forever.

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2025-01-18 00:37