Article Summary
Marvel Studios is considering bringing back the original Avengers ensemble, including Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson, who died in Avengers: Endgame.
The recent Spider-Man film's success, featuring the return of past villains portrayed by the original actors, hints at the possibility of resurrecting deceased characters in the comic book realm. Yet, the endeavor of bringing back these actors would require a significant investment, taking into account their previous salaries and the demand for an impactful screenplay. Disney currently grapples with the obstacle of diminishing box office revenue and unfavorable critiques.
Marvel Studios is currently facing challenges, and in tough times, it's common to revisit successful strategies from the past. According to Variety, the executives at Marvel Studios are considering taking drastic measures after Bob Iger publicly acknowledged the negative consequences of an excessive amount of Marvel TV content.
Insider reports reveal that there have been discussions about potentially bringing back the original Avengers team for a new movie. This ambitious project would feature the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, despite their characters' deaths in Avengers: Endgame. But as it is in the world of comic books, death doesn't necessarily mean permanence, especially when there are significant financial stakes involved.
The most recent Spider-Man film, No Way Home, introduced a plethora of villains, all portrayed by the original actors who had previously died in their respective movies. It should be noted that the studio has not yet committed to this idea, and if they were to bring back these actors, it would come with a substantial price tag. Insider sources have revealed that Robert Downey Jr. was paid approximately $25 million upfront for his role in Iron Man 3, and that was during Marvel's successful phase. Bringing back Downey and potentially reuniting with Chris Evans would require a significant amount of money and a compelling screenplay.
However, Disney may have to acknowledge the fact that the Marvel brand is gradually losing its reputation due to declining box office earnings, with only Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 being a rare exception, along with mediocre reviews. Additionally, their recent PR scandal involving Jonathan Majors has added to the negative perception. The solution to this predicament is attracting more audience members and curbing the wave of negativity. However, accomplishing this is easier said than done.
Are the Original Avengers Coming Back?
The original Avengers team that remains intact consists of Chris Hemsworth's Thor, Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye (although Renner's survival is currently uncertain), and Mark Ruffalo's Hulk. While these three actors have their own significant presence, the absence of Downey, Johansson, and Evans is a major blow for Disney. Given the desperate circumstances and the current focus on the Multiverse in the Marvel phase, it may be necessary to explore an alternate reality where these actors are willing to return and reprise their superhero roles one final time. While Johansson is still contractually obligated to Marvel, as she is working on her own project, negotiation will likely be involved. As for Downey and Evans, it is possible that new arrangements would need to be made.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I'm thrilled by the potential return of Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson as the original Avengers. Their iconic performances as Iron Man, Captain America, and Black Widow, respectively, left an indelible mark on the franchise and hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
The success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which brought back past villains played by the original actors, suggests that audiences are eager to see their beloved heroes and villains resurrected. While the idea of reversing character deaths may seem like a gimmick, it's important to remember that comic books have a long history of resurrecting characters, and the MCU has already dabbled in this concept with Loki and Vision.