Joss Whedon Weighs In On THE AVENGERS Success!

While acknowledging the superhero assembly's flaws, Marvel's The Avengers writer-director Joss Whedon admits the box office spectacle's numbers “become meaningless.” Check it out!

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By DCMarvelFreshman - 8/31/2012


In another segment of New York blog Vulture's lengthy chat with Marvel's The Avengers helmer Joss Whedon, the critically acclaimed filmmaker shared thoughts on the superhero ensemble flick's box office success. After being asked precisely has it all “sunk in” yet, Joss Whedon jokingly responded:

“It never really has, but when it does, I'm going to become such an enormous dick. [Laughs.] I'm going to have a personal dog polisher and the biggest posse ever. I'm going to be insufferable — well, I mean more insufferable than I already am. You know, at some point, the numbers become meaningless. They're large, and you can't really count that high. I felt like I had a particular mission in making what I felt was a slightly old-fashioned movie, because I grew up wanting to make summer movies and wanting to make superhero movies, and I got to do both at once. I felt like summer movies haven't been what I remember them to be, so I felt like I would love to evoke something that's less hip and ironic and more heartfelt and character-driven, and apparently, other people cared about that in a large way. I don't think it's a perfect movie. I don't even think it's a great movie. I think it's a great time, and I'm proud of it, but for me, what was exciting is that people don't go to see a movie that many times unless it's pulling on something from within, unless there's a need there. That's very gratifying.”

If case you missed it, the remainder of Vulture's interview with Joss Whedon covered The Avengers sequel and S.H.I.E.L.D. TV pilot here, and The Avengers deleted scenes here.




Marvel Studios already describes their highly-anticipated sequel to the No. 3 highest grossing film of all time, “Marvel's The Avengers,” as another “big cinematic event.” And expected to feature the reassembly of iconic Marvel super heroes Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Widow & Nick Fury taking on a new unexpected enemy, new additions to the superhero team up of a lifetime are possible.

Expecting reprisals from Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” sequel is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. And set for release May 1, 2015, the film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. In addition to the sequel, Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including “Iron Man 3” on May 3, 2013; “Thor: The Dark World ” on November 8, 2013; “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” on April 4, 2014; and “Guardians of the Galaxy” on August 1, 2014.

Source: Vulture
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localman - 8/31/2012, 11:46 AM
He's right . . . Avengers wasn't perfect, but it was a hell of a lot of fun to combine all those characters, the action and the humor.
jazzman - 8/31/2012, 11:47 AM
Marvel's The Avengers was great funny.

also did The Avengers has the most mistake in a movie for 2012 always breaking records LOL
G3n3r4lzZoD9 - 8/31/2012, 11:53 AM
This guy is funny as [frick], and yes The Avengers had alot of mistakes but it doesn´t ruin the experience.
marvel72 - 8/31/2012, 11:53 AM
he's right it wasn't perfect but no comic book movie is,still very good a movie for the whole family.

@ jazzman

yeah it has about 12 if i remember correctly,something else might of beaten it by now.
marvel72 - 8/31/2012, 11:55 AM
just checked the article its 15. :D
jazzman - 8/31/2012, 11:56 AM
@marvel72

15 mistake and i never once anything i even watched it twice lol
marvel72 - 8/31/2012, 11:59 AM
@ jazzman

i've seen it twice didn't notice one.

apocalypse now has 395 mistakes

star wars 270 mistakes

the avengers doesn't seem that bad after all.
jazzman - 8/31/2012, 12:02 PM
@marvel72

WTF apocalypse now has 395 mistakes and star wars 270 mistakes LOL.

The Avengers is a masterpiece compare to them lol

rockerdude22 - 8/31/2012, 12:12 PM
Man, Joss was so funny in this interview haha. But, I will say he's right about one thing. Some people do become enormous d***s when money is the only thing that matters to them. So glad he has the right attitude about film-making!
marvel72 - 8/31/2012, 12:13 PM
@ jazzman

yeah i had a look most movie mistakes,apocalypse now is number 1,superman 4 is 2nd & star wars is 6th.
KaneVonDoom - 8/31/2012, 12:21 PM
Avengers is one of the few movies I have watched in theaters multiple times. I dig it. I felt that childhood giddiness the whole time.
kemuael - 8/31/2012, 12:30 PM
i noticed some mistakes like black widow steel hair lol
but who cares it still Awesomeness in its purest form :-D
GoILL - 8/31/2012, 12:32 PM
Joss seems real cool.
Ghaleonausa - 8/31/2012, 12:38 PM
the mistakes are realy just nitpicking, take it for what it is. a really enjoyable movie.
PaulRom - 8/31/2012, 12:43 PM
As incredible as Avengers was, it definitely has a handful of flaws. Seems like Joss is really humble about the whole experience.
Maximus101 - 8/31/2012, 12:48 PM
Ya every movie has mistakes but only haters really seem to care. Movie was awesome lets just leave it at that.
thalidomide - 8/31/2012, 1:02 PM
Joss is so humble.
ckal - 8/31/2012, 1:03 PM
The Avengers was a great time. That's why I go to see movies. It was the best time I've ever had in theaters.
Oxbow - 8/31/2012, 1:05 PM
[frick] the box office. What mAtters is the enjoyment we get with our friends and loved ones from the EXPERIENCE
PapaMidnight - 8/31/2012, 1:07 PM
Every movie has fails anyway. Avengers was [frick]ing good, funny, with awesome action scenes. Dying to see the extended version!
JerseyJoker - 8/31/2012, 1:12 PM
Why not just post the entire interview, instead of taking bits and pieces of it and making like 5 different useless posts?
MarkV - 8/31/2012, 1:18 PM
I'm buying a blu-ray player just for this movie!
thewonderer - 8/31/2012, 1:34 PM
I thought Avengers was fantastic, but yeah it has problems.

I just don't understand why TDKR gets the "I know its flawed" opening, but Avengers doesn't...

I'd argue TDKR and Avengers have a pretty even number of issues
pud333 - 8/31/2012, 1:35 PM
Awesome way to describe it. 100% agree that The Avengers wasn't really a great movie, but a great time. I had lots of fun watching it, but it's not Shakespeare, if you know what I mean.
nerdman81 - 8/31/2012, 1:35 PM
Joss is a class act! He admits his film isn't perfect which is something you'll never hear Nolan admit! lol
Kingdork - 8/31/2012, 1:41 PM
thewonderer: TDKR takes itself way too seriously, The Avengers doesn't.
Mechagino - 8/31/2012, 1:52 PM
Reason why it did so well? 3D.
*awesome face*
Kingdork - 8/31/2012, 1:53 PM
cipher: I enjoyed both ^^ I was just answering thewonderer on why the TDKR gets the "I know it's flawed.
Kingdork - 8/31/2012, 2:16 PM
cipher: It's all cool then ; )
Ranger14 - 8/31/2012, 2:30 PM
Well, after the mass banning, this place has toned down quite a bit on the trolling and "ite" wars.

Joss is a class act. I am glad he is finally getting some kudos for his work from more than just his "cult-following" fans...for lack of better terminology.
SunSp0t - 8/31/2012, 2:30 PM
Greatest Comic book movie thus far!
HBarnill - 8/31/2012, 2:36 PM
@nerdman81 I don't recall Nolan being like that. In fact, he's just as humble as Whedon. My opinion, I'm usually picky on film but both The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises gets 5 out of 5 from me.
thewonderer - 8/31/2012, 3:02 PM
Yeah Nolan only states stuff like "we gave it the best we had and wanted to provide an ending to our interpretation"

He ALWAYS calls it an interpretation and never exudes this arrogance that his Batman IS Batman.

ITS THE INTERVIEWERS who are always like, incredible film, and he humbly replies thats kind of you to say and thats all.

TDK/R still tie for the best CBMs of all time imo, but I respect all the praise Avengers is getting.
Brady1138 - 8/31/2012, 3:07 PM
Whedon just gained my respect X10!
billytwohats - 8/31/2012, 3:14 PM
I really enjoyed Avengers it was just a cookie cutter bog standard action movie but I got my monies worth. Joss deserves his success not a fan of everything he's done but good for him
Solitario - 8/31/2012, 3:20 PM
Exclusive interview to Maximiliano Hernández, Agent Sitwell in Marvel films.

http://www.defanafan.com/2012/08/entrevista-maximiliano-hdez-agente.html
dahamma - 8/31/2012, 3:26 PM
So glad we have this guy and Fiege making Marvel movies. This guy is humble, has a since of humor and more importantly he has PASSION and RESPECT for the comic source material. I can only dream of DC getting someone like great as Joss.
SFCamerica - 8/31/2012, 3:58 PM
I thought it was pretty damn close to perfect myself.
musashi - 8/31/2012, 4:12 PM
The Marvel movie future is looking bright! Now do some about your animation division!! What a great way to expand your universe and introduce second tier characters to the world and record awesome story arcs for future generations! Please and thank you.
CCR - 8/31/2012, 4:23 PM
Flaws, shmaws. I never notice most of these "flaws" the nitpickers do because I'm too busy enjoying the movie. If the movie is more good than bad then it's good. And The Avengers was excellent. Same as TDKR. So there. lol

And Joss Whedon frickin rules, always has, and I'm glad now everybody can acknowledge this!
mgeoff88 - 8/31/2012, 5:19 PM
He's surprisingly humble about him changing up the superhero genre.

Not to mention, The Avengers becoming the third highest grossing film of all time!!!

It's great to see Joss Whedon hasn't let the mega success of The Avengers go to his head. I can't wait to see what he has planned for The Avengers sequel!
SauronsBANE1 - 8/31/2012, 5:56 PM
Gotta love people openly admitting that Avengers has flaws (they only admit it after the director does, of course) and yet they still love the movie. and yet, when TDKR has a few mistakes, you get reactions along the lines of "Oh this is sucha horrible movie, i can't deal with all these plot holes!" when in reality, most of the plot holes can be debunked by using just a little bit of logic and common sense. yes, both movies have flaws, but no movie is flawless. the dark knight had flaws, yet it was an absolute gem. tdkr has flaws, but that shouldnt detract from the overall film. lots of love for whedon's not-so-great movie, but lots of hate for nolan's movie. double standards, anyone?
peppy - 8/31/2012, 6:20 PM
The greatest comic book movie ever
Ranger14 - 8/31/2012, 6:29 PM
SauronsBANE1@ Not a double standard. Both films had flaws, but I had a lot more issue with TDKR's shortcomings than I did with The Avengers. All a matter of opinion. I don't consider the "use your imagination" as a way of debunking film flaws, which I saw used a lot, but to each their own.

Bottom line for me is which film felt more like it was coming to life on the big screen off the pages of the comic books and for me that was no contest...The Avengers. I didn't hate TDKR, I didn't think it was great either. Somewhere in between. Different strokes.
ThePowerCosmic - 8/31/2012, 6:40 PM
SauronsBANE1@

The thing is, Nolan tried to make his universe "Realistic" so when something doesn't make sense it stands out more. In a Movie like Avengers where there are aliens, you tend to overlook things because it's pure action, sci-fi fantasy.

Nolan set the bar to high for himself and let some people down with TDRK. If you loved it, who cares...there are plenty of people who agree with you!
RAWRG - 8/31/2012, 6:43 PM
The Avengers had its flaws but it didn't stop me from enjoying it! Whedon is very humble unlike other directors...
RAWRG - 8/31/2012, 6:46 PM
Everyone lets just stop making comparisons about TDKR and The Avengers and IMO I enjoyed both movies
marvel72 - 8/31/2012, 7:03 PM
@ SauronsBANE1

don't make it out that people have just started saying it because the director has.

i've always said it wasn't perfect,i'm still waiting to see a perfect 5/5 or 10/10 comic book movie.

i don't think i ever will.
dahamma - 8/31/2012, 7:26 PM
Ok really this is a whedon avengers page Nothing has anything to do with TDKR or theprecious Nolan he is done anyways.
CCR - 8/31/2012, 7:33 PM
If, in your opinion, you haven't seen a 10/10 comic-book movie then I think your standards are a little too high there bud. Wow. You should just not watch movies anymore maybe, lol.
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