Eammon Jacobs reviews Avengers: Endgame: The Official Movie Special…
As Avengers: Endgame thunders on through the box office, it’s important to retrospectively look back on the franchise’s humble beginnings from 2008’s Iron Man, onwards. And after 21 films – audiences have finally been given the inevitable confrontation with the Mad Titan, Thanos. It’s a monumental achievement, regardless of the typical criticisms on comic book adaptations. In the Official Movie Special, readers are treated to in-depth conversations with a variety of key players from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, providing unique insight into the final piece of The Infinity Saga.
The book starts by talking to the Marvel Studios President and the architect of the franchise, Kevin Feige. He speaks freely about the difficulties they were faced with when approaching yet another team-up superhero movie, and the stereotypical ending of the ‘good guys always win’ scenario. It’s fascinating to read his thoughts on setting up The Infinity Gauntlet storyline, and whether the ambition was too much for a studio that at one time barely had the rights to many of the Avengers. Fans expecting Feige to drop hints about the future of the series will be disappointed, this book is definitely about celebrating Avengers: Infinity War, Endgame and the MCU as a whole.
As the book carries on, it takes the time to pay homage to the biggest members of the team by interviewing the main cast members. Refreshingly, it doesn’t just give pint-sized quotes because they couldn’t get the time to speak with these A-list actors. Each cast member is given plenty of time to divulge their thoughts on everything relating to their character. From their most iconic moments in character, the story arcs of our favourite heroes or anecdotes from working onset – it’s a peek behind the curtain that works a treat. It might have had more impact if it had been released before Endgame’s cinematic debut, but as a celebratory book it’s fantastic.
Although to slightly contradict the previous sentiment, the book also feels like it could’ve benefited from more direct information about Endgame, and specific scenes that pay off some incredible storylines arching across the MCU. But since that would mean discussing spoilers for audiences who haven’t seen it – it’s understandable why it doesn’t delve too deep into the “showdown of all showdowns” as producer Louis D’Esposito eloquently puts it towards the end of the book.
While this is obviously about the heroes that have been saving the world (and the universe) onscreen for over ten years, the book also discusses the big bad of the entire franchise, Thanos. Many of the actors and producers discuss Josh Brolin’s performance and what he brings to the villainous role. The only problem being is that would be great to hear what it meant for Brolin himself. How did he approach the role? What did he think of Thanos’ motivations? Nevertheless, it’s still a compelling read for fans of the series.
While the book acts as a retrospective celebration of everything MCU, it’s perfect for fans who haven’t managed to go see the film just yet. The Official Movie special ramps up the excitement and spectacle of seeing the team fight to save the universe. The only question it leaves you with is; what’s next?
Eammon Jacobs
Originally published May 5, 2019. Updated July 19, 2024.
