(Image source: Esquire)
The Russo Brothers, who recently released their new Netflix film "The Electric State," have been busy sharing production secrets for the movie. Inevitably, they've also faced questions about their upcoming "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty" and "Avengers: Secret Wars."
In a recent interview with Brazilian outlet Omelete, the Russo Brothers were asked whose idea it was to bring Robert Downey Jr. back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom. They directly admitted it was Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.
Joe Russo revealed, "That was actually Kevin Feige's idea, and interestingly, discussions about it started a long time ago. Robert later tried to convince us to do it, and we refused. It was strange because we had said we wouldn't return. We couldn't come up with a story; we couldn't find a way back, so we were resistant for a while. Then one day, Steve McFeely, who has worked with us for a long time (writer for "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame"), said, 'I have an idea.' He then called us and said, 'This is my story concept, and this story needs to be told.' It's a very compelling story, and regarding this film, I just want to say: we love villains who believe they are the heroes of their own stories."
(Image source: NPR)
In a separate exclusive interview with the British newspaper The Times, the Russo Brothers — who have directed one of the highest-grossing films in history and co-produced the Oscar-winning "Everything Everywhere All at Once" — were asked if they felt the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was sidelining commercial films from nominations.
Joe Russo responded, saying, "This trend was started by Harvey Weinstein (the renowned producer, who has been blacklisted in recent years due to multiple sexual assault allegations). He devalued mainstream films solely to bolster the art-house films he was campaigning for Oscar nominations. Before the mid-1990s, mainstream films would win Oscars. It wasn't until Weinstein began his disparagement campaign... This affected how audiences viewed the Oscars because they hadn't seen most of the nominated films. We're in a complicated situation where we should be celebrating together, but instead, we're slinging mud at each other, much like the current argument that Marvel movies are destroying the film industry. But, well, Marvel movies seem to have kept theaters open for a long time."
via： The Times