Serialised direction, social media buzz: Russo brothers reveal the 'Endgame' recipe of success
'Avengers: Endgame' has shattered opening box office records already.
By Bloomberg |
Agencies
The Russo brothers
By Christopher Palmeri
How did “Avengers: Endgame” shatter box-office records in its opening weekend? To hear the movie’s directors tell it, the success stemmed from a few key ingredients, including social-media buzz and a serialized approach to filmmaking.
But the rise of streaming services also helped, according to Anthony and Joe Russo, the brother duo that oversaw “Endgame” and other blockbusters for Walt Disney Co.’s Marvel Studios. Despite fears that Netflix Inc. and other online platforms will depress movie attendance, the services can help get fans get excited about franchises -- and get them into theaters.
“They’re supercharging each other,” Joe Russo, 47, said of video streaming and the movie business. “There’s just an addiction to content consumption. This generation is craving a new kind of storytelling.”
The brothers spoke Monday on a panel at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, laying out their tips for filmmakers looking to replicate the success of “Endgame.”
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Serialized Stories The brothers have directed four Marvel movies, including “Captain America: Winter Soldier,” which took the super trooper out of his frozen past into the modern age. With “Captain America: Civil War” they persuaded Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. to be a bad guy for a bit, leading to superhero infighting and ultimately a loss at the end of last year’s “Avengers: Infinity War.”
“You have to take chances,” Joe Russo said. “You have to surprise the audience. They’ll tell you they like chocolate ice cream. If you give it to them 15 times in a week, they won’t.”
Social Media The brothers have 1.7 million Instagram followers and like to drop nuggets about the projects they are working on -- but try not to reveal too much or be too controversial.
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“We like to tease the fans,” Joe Russo said. “We put clues out there that are very inscrutable. We don’t respond directly to fans, but we put information out there they can have conversations about. People from all over the world can talk to each other instantaneously. It will reach millions of people in a an hour all over the world.”
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Day-and-Date Releases Movie studios used to stagger their releases in countries around the world, due in part to varying holidays and school schedules. “Endgame” came out in nearly all its major markets at roughly the same time, creating a global event that got people talking in advance and attending theaters in groups -- some even in costume.
“It’s critical, because of that collective experience,” said Anthony Russo, 49. ‘‘It can feel a little like a rock concert, the crowds are so vocal. That’s a whole dimension to the experience that can’t be achieved at home.”
Thanos's Infinity Stones Have A Deeper Meaning In Real World: How Can These Gems Turn Your Life Around
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Ever since the release of 'Avengers: Infinity War' last year, Marvel fans have been eagerly waiting for the final part.
As the superheroes gear up to take a stand against Thanos on April 26 in 'Avengers: Endgame', the mystery of the Infinity Stones continues to intrigue fans.
Pankaj Khanna, Founder & Managing Director, Khanna Gems Private Limited, shares what each of the gems mean and how they hold the power to liberate people from problems created by planets.
Important Note: Spoilers ahead (watch the movie already!)
Ever since the release of 'Avengers: Infinity War' last year, Marvel fans have been eagerly waiting for the final part.
As the superheroes gear up to take a stand against Thanos on April 26..
Read More
In Marvel Cinematic Universe's 'Avengers', the Infinity Stones are described as the most powerful gems that are tied to different aspects of the universe, created by cosmic entities.
Each of the six stones has unique capabilities that are necessary for the existence of the universe, giving its bearer phenomenal power over others.
Also, before you decide to don any of these stones, consult with a gemologist to get a stone that aligns well with your planetary position.
In Marvel Cinematic Universe's 'Avengers', the Infinity Stones are described as the most powerful gems that are tied to different aspects of the universe, created by cosmic entities.Each of the six s..
Read More
What the Power Stone means in the movie: The purple gem, also known as the Power stone, increases the bearer’s strength and durability beyond cosmic levels. The 'Guardians of Galaxy', featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and Vin Diesel & Bradley Cooper's voices, had entrusted the planet Xandar to protect the Power Stone (the source of their strength) after it was acquired from Ronan the Accuser, member of the Kree. While the movie didn't show how Thanos, played by Josh Brolin, got the stone, Thor revealed to Guardians of Galaxy that Xandar was decimated by Thanos's army to get hold of the gem.
What it means in the real world: The purple-coloured gem, Amethyst, helps to overcome fears.
What the Power Stone means in the movie: The purple gem, also known as the Power stone, increases the bearer’s strength and durability beyond cosmic levels. The 'Guardians of Galaxy', featuring Chr..
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What the Space Stone means in the movie: The blue gem, signifying the Space stone, allows the holder to teleport and modify the shape of people or objects. The blue stone was stored in a 'Tesseract' that Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, had stolen from Asgard before its destruction. When Thanos's army defeats Asgard, Loki attempts to kill Thanos by offering him the Tesseract in exchange for Thor's (character played by Chris Hemsworth) life.
What it means in the real world: The majestic blue Sapphire possesses the power to make and break an individual’s life. Wearing this stone can help the bearer have a calmer and sharper mind, and ensures people take up tasks in a proper manner.
What the Space Stone means in the movie: The blue gem, signifying the Space stone, allows the holder to teleport and modify the shape of people or objects. The blue stone was stored in a 'Tesseract..
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What the Reality Stone means in the movie: The red gem which is referred to as the Reality stone in 'Avengers', allows the bearer to alter the reality as desired. The gem was in the Collector's (played by Taneleer Tivan, right) possession in Knowhere. Thor and Guardians of the Galaxy join forces to protect the stone. They split in two teams where one heads to Nidavellir (dwarven planet) to get a weapon capable of killing Thanos (L), and the other to Knowhere. But Thanos reaches there first to create an illusion of a perfectly-functioning Knowhere, retrieves the stone, and kidnaps his adopted daughter Gamora, featuring Zoe Saldana, as she knows the way to the Soul Stone.
What it means in the real world: The red gem, also known as Ruby, improves the real power of concentration.
What the Reality Stone means in the movie: The red gem which is referred to as the Reality stone in 'Avengers', allows the bearer to alter the reality as desired. The gem was in the Collector's (play..
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What the Soul Stone means in the movie: The orange gem or the Soul stone allows the bearer to control and snip the souls of the living and the dead. After his adopted-daughter Gamora takes Thanos to Vormir, the planet where the gem is kept, the Soul Stone's keeper, Red Skull, reveals possessing rock comes with a heavy price. Thanos is told that he can own the stone only when he sacrifices the life of his beloved (in this case - Gamora). He finally gets the stone after he throws his daughter off the cliff, crying.
What it means in the real world: The orange stone that represents Coral promotes strength, wisdom, intellect, power, courage, determination and enthusiasm.
What the Soul Stone means in the movie: The orange gem or the Soul stone allows the bearer to control and snip the souls of the living and the dead. After his adopted-daughter Gamora takes Thanos t..
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What the Time Stone means in the movie: The green gem, which is the Time Stone, allows the holder to control the flow of time. As the Avengers get together to subdue Thanos and pry his gauntlet, protector of Time Stone - Doctor Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) - views 14,000,605 alternate futures to defeat him, but reveals the superheroes win in only one. Thanos hits back, takes his gauntlet, and threatens to kill Tony 'Iron Man' Stark, featuring Robert Downey Jr) if Doctor Strange doesn't hand over the green stone.
What it means in the real world: The green stone representing Emerald ensures better earning opportunities and a steady and positive in-flow of wealth. It promotes career growth, ensures societal recognition, and yields spiritual benefits.
What the Time Stone means in the movie: The green gem, which is the Time Stone, allows the holder to control the flow of time. As the Avengers get together to subdue Thanos and pry his gauntlet, prot..
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What the Mind Stone means in the movie: The yellow gem that represents the Mind Stone allows the user to read and control the thoughts and dreams of others. The gem is inserted in the forehead of Vision, character played by Paul Bettany, that came from Loki’s scepter (right). The superheroes' attempts to stop Thanos from killing Vision to acquire the stone fail, and half the population (including Avengers) turn to dust.
What it means in the real world: The yellow stone, known as the magnificent Sapphire in all its hues, is associated with wisdom, wealth, sound health and prosperity.
What the Mind Stone means in the movie: The yellow gem that represents the Mind Stone allows the user to read and control the thoughts and dreams of others. The gem is inserted in the forehead of Vis..
Director-Driven Stories The brothers were studying law and acting in their hometown of Cleveland when they read about Robert Rodriguez making “El Mariachi” for $7,000. They borrowed money and spent three years making their own independent film, which caught the eye of director Steven Soderbergh. He became their champion, and the brothers went on to direct TV shows such as the cult hit “Arrested Development.”
When Marvel studio chief Kevin Feige was picking filmmakers to oversee the series, he opted for independent directors. That made a big difference for the franchise, Anthony Russo said.
Indie directors “come in and put their stamp,” he said. “They have their own tone. That’s what keeps these exciting.”
Marvel Avengers Doomsday mystery deepens: Russo brothers’ tease and Doctor Strange doubts spark new Marvel Metaverse talk2025-09-11T03:35:54Z
