When it is running at full speed, the Marvel movie-making machine is like no other, beyond even the famed 007 production line of the 60’s that put out a new movie every 18 months. That quantity over quality clearly became an issue for Marvel.
You would expect actors to complain about the mechanized nature of it all. However, that is not the case. Many involved have spoken about what a broadly enjoyable experience working with Marvel is, talking about using the framework as something that gives them adaptability and freedom within it.
So basically, it is the filmmaking equivalent of an Agile methodology. Empowerment, but with control and guardrails, all enabling product vision to be realized while delivering value, fast.
It did work gloriously up until Endgame, then they failed to take notice of their WIP limits, and appointed Product Owners who weren’t listening to their customers. This feels like some kind of case study. But I digress…
A glimpse inside the machine was recently provided by Benedict Cumberbatch, Doctor Strange himself, when he appeared on an episode of the Bingeworthy TV podcast to promote Eric. He was, or course, asked about the MCU, and fast reshoots and rewrites:
“I was unaware of the articles. You’re part of a big machine, but you’re just trying to solve the problems on a set like any other job. And, yeah, it’s a massive sand pit to play in with very big and expensive, breakable toys. But you can only really do that if you’re loose and free and just doing your work as an actor. So, I kind of knuckled down and did that.
I take my hat off to anybody who’s using the resources to try and make something better and just improve and improve and improve right up to the end.
I mean, the most famous stories after the premiere, I think of the first ‘Avengers,’ Downey Jr. suggested the Shawarma scene and then it was put in for the final cut that then got distributed. I mean, that’s fun to think you can still do that.”
Will Stephen Strange be returning to the MCU:
“Who knows! We will see. We will find out. I’m not sure where he’s been and what he’s been up to and who with, but yeah, I know as little as you.”
Avengers 5 will be here within the next couple of years, as Marvel continues down its recovery path.
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