Comic Book Movies
Was ‘Avengers: Endgame’ The MCU Conclusion We Wanted Or The One We Needed…
‘Avengers: Endgame,’ has moments where I had to pinch and remind myself that this is a film about comic book superhero characters. There were times, however, when I was punching the air in sheer delight, moved to the edge of the sofa through wracked nerves and sobbed uncontrollably when it all got a bit too much, and all this in a film that I have seen 3 or 4 times now.
I mentioned in my recent review of Infinity War that I was a relatively late convert to the MCU. I always thought they were entertaining enough but ultimately a little silly and just full of smug cos-playing wisecrackers. Infinity War changed all of that, after watching it with Marvel devotees in a packed cinema, I suddenly understood that these films mean a hell of a lot to people and I was being drawn into it all, so much so that I started buying the blu-rays and rewatching them all and I finally understood the devotion.
Watching Endgame for the first time at a packed screening with my son, (who never had any doubt about the MCU) it was once again a piece of event cinema, things that truly are rare. It was a special day.
Yes, the film is long, but not really that you would notice. I remember thinking that the first meeting with Hulk was at the start of the movie, but it’s actually 35 mins in, the film keeps up a cracking pace. Besides, there are a lot of loose ends to tie up here. I will try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, but as if this is the last hurrah for many of the characters, the original 6 Avengers (Iron Man, Cap, Thor, Black Widow, Hulk and Hawkeye) are put front and centre in this one, it is their film. The exception is Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man who was absent from Infinity War but here offers the majority of the comic relief.
The beauty of this film is that by and large, it is a conclusion, unlike some franchises that have ambiguous endings that allow for further development, here the story for the majority is satisfyingly ended. The loose ends are neatly tied, and the potential for other characters is firmly in place.
I’m not bothered too much about the science, it’s not why I watch these films. I am here for the spectacle and there is absolutely bucket loads here. From a storming revisit to 2012 New York, too a heartbreaking trip to Vormir. There is so much going on but it is brilliantly put together and is excellent storytelling that is immensely engaging.
The MCU films, especially those of the last 5 years or so have demonstrated social awareness, whether that be ‘Black Panther,’ or ‘Captain Marvel’ breaking down barriers for diverse casting and superheroes, with Endgame being no different. The depiction of mental health issues that Thor goes through, is played partly for laughs granted, but are also an interesting change of direction for the most other-worldly Marvel character. Hemsworth himself seems to enjoy the challenge of showing a completely different side to the God of Thunder. 
There is also the brief girl-power moment of the final battle that has received some criticism of it clumsy handling, but better to have a brief moment like that than not at all, and once again shows that the female characters of the MCU are equal to all their male counterparts.
Now onto the final battle. If I’m honest it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the Battle of Wakanda from Infinity War but it is still enthralling and contains one of the greatest punch the air moments of quite frankly, any film.
The Portals scene warrants a new paragraph, it is simply majestic and for me, it is right up there with “I’m Spartacus”, George punching Biff and Lando flying the Falcon out of the 2nd Death Star, whilst engulfed in flames at the end of Return of the Jedi. Perfectly accompanied by Alan Silvestri’s rousing score, it is a moment that feels the MCU was building too. Even more touching that Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther is first out, especially when you consider that he led the charge alongside Cap in the Battle of Wakanda.
At this point the Cinema was literally bouncing, don’t think I’ve experienced anything like that in a UK cinema before. It was simply stunning.
I won’t say any more about the battle, most people have seen it now and know the outcomes but I will leave it there. The final 30 minutes of the film is like one long epilogue, but it’s beautifully done and like I said at the start ties up many of the loose ends.
If I am nitpicking there are a couple of moments that didn’t land. I’m never a fan of jokes that in time will age a film. Of course, it is always great to see Korg but the Fortnite gag won’t mean much in 10 years, likewise Hulk doing the dab with his young fans, but these are minor quibbles.
This is Cinema at it’s most communal, at it’s most epic. It is packed full of perfectly choreographed action, a plot that isn’t too full of itself. There are moments of unexpected humour, emotional deaths of favourite characters (some you may have expected beforehand, one definitely not) and all in all it’s a film that makes you feel good. It does also make me feel quite emotional, as the end credit roll call (which is a bit like a theatrical curtain call) is one final reminder of the effort that has been put in over the years simply to thrill and entertain, but also a reminder that this will be the last time this phenomenal cast will all be together in one place.
What started as a Cinematic experiment concludes with flying colours. The MCU will continue after Endgame for that there is no doubt, if it can just reach half the level of thrills and excitement then there is lots to look forward to.
Comic Book Movies
Christopher Abbott Says He Hasn’t Read the X-Men Script Yet but ‘Can’t Wait’ to Play Professor X
Christopher Abbott may already be Marvel Studios’ new Professor Charles Xavier, but the actor says he still knows surprisingly little about what awaits him in the MCU’s upcoming X-Men movie.
Abbott was officially announced as Professor X earlier this year, taking over one of the franchise’s most iconic roles following previous live-action portrayals by Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy. Despite already landing the part, Abbott revealed that he has yet to read the screenplay for the highly anticipated reboot.
“I haven’t read anything yet. Nothing,”
Abbott said while discussing the film. “I’m not even being coy. It’s true, I haven’t read anything.”
While Marvel is apparently keeping details close to the vest, Abbott made it clear that he is excited about joining the project and working with director Jake Schreier.
“But I’m excited to work with Jake Schreier, I think he’s a great director and that cast is really, really good,” Abbott continued. “I can’t wait, I love the X-Men.”
Charles Xavier [Image credit: Marvel Comics]
That could provide an interesting indication of how Marvel Studios and Schreier are approaching Professor X. Charles Xavier possesses one of the most powerful mutant abilities in the Marvel universe, but some of the character’s most memorable stories have centered on his complicated relationships with his students, fellow mutants and longtime friend and ideological rival Magneto.
Abbott’s comments also suggest that Marvel is still keeping major story details away from at least some members of the cast. With the movie not scheduled to arrive until 2028, there is still plenty of time before cameras begin rolling.
The upcoming X-Men movie will introduce Marvel Studios’ primary version of the mutant team following years of individual mutants and characters from Fox’s X-Men universe appearing throughout the MCU.
Marvel’s X-Men Cast [D23]
For Abbott, the opportunity also marks another chance to enter the Marvel universe after appearing as The Foreigner in 2024’s Kraven the Hunter. This time, however, he’ll be stepping into a considerably larger role as the leader and founder most closely associated with the X-Men.
And even without seeing the script yet, Abbott already sounds ready to get started.
“I can’t wait,” he said. “I love the X-Men.”
Comic Book Movies
Anthony Mackie Reveals Avengers: Secret Wars Will Still Be Filming Months Before Release
Marvel Studios may be facing a tight turnaround to complete Avengers: Secret Wars ahead of its scheduled December 2027 release.
Anthony Mackie, who plays Sam Wilson/Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently revealed that he expects to return to work on Secret Wars after completing his upcoming Broadway run in Macbeth.
Mackie is set to star in the Broadway production beginning in 2027, with the run expected to keep him occupied through July. Speaking about what comes next, Mackie confirmed that Avengers work will be waiting for him once the production concludes.
“So once I finish on Broadway, I’ll go to finish up all the Avengers stuff for Secret Wars,” Mackie said.
The comment is particularly interesting considering Avengers: Secret Wars is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 17, 2027. If Mackie is still completing work on the film after July, Marvel could have roughly five months between his return and the movie’s theatrical release.
Anthony Mackie [Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images]
Still, the timing adds to questions surrounding just how ambitious Marvel’s schedule for Secret Wars has become.
Reports have previously suggested that principal photography may not begin until early 2027. The Russo Brothers have also spent much of 2026 completing Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026.
Secret Wars will follow just one year later and is expected to serve as the culmination of Marvel Studios’ Multiverse Saga. A movie of that scale will likely require extensive visual effects and post-production work, making the increasingly compressed production timeline notable.
For comparison, Avengers: Doomsday completed principal photography more than a year before its scheduled theatrical release, although additional photography continued afterward.
There has already been speculation that Secret Wars could eventually move from its December 2027 release date, but Marvel Studios has not announced a delay. For now, December 17, 2027 remains the official date.
Mackie’s comments don’t confirm that a delay is coming, but they do provide a clearer picture of how late work on one of Marvel’s biggest movies could continue.
Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027.
Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are back on top.
Avengers: Endgame has officially reclaimed its title as the highest-grossing movie of all time, passing James Cameron’s Avatar following the successful Avengers: Endgame Encore theatrical rerelease.
The 2019 Marvel Studios blockbuster has now earned approximately $2.925 billion worldwide, narrowly surpassing Avatar, which currently sits at approximately $2.923 billion globally.
It marks another chapter in a box office battle that has gone back and forth between the two films for years.
Avatar originally held the worldwide box office record for nearly a decade before Avengers: Endgame surpassed it during its historic theatrical run in 2019.
James Cameron’s sci-fi epic eventually took the crown back following another theatrical rerelease, pushing Endgame back into second place.
Now, Marvel has returned the favor.
Chris Evans as Captain America, Avengers: Endgame [marvel studio]
The performance also shows that audiences remain interested in Marvel’s biggest team-up event more than seven years after its original release.
Endgame served as the culmination of more than a decade of Marvel Cinematic Universe storytelling, bringing together heroes including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Black Panther and many more for the final battle against Thanos.
Marvel is hoping to recapture that massive event-film atmosphere with Avengers: Doomsday.
Anthony and Joe Russo are returning to direct the upcoming Avengers film, which will once again assemble characters from across the MCU. Robert Downey Jr. will also make his highly anticipated return to the franchise, this time portraying Victor von Doom instead of Tony Stark.
The success of the Endgame rerelease could be an encouraging sign for Marvel heading into Doomsday, demonstrating that audiences are still willing to turn out for an Avengers-scale theatrical event.
For now, however, Avengers: Endgame can once again call itself the biggest movie in box office history — at least until Avatar gets another opportunity to take the crown back.
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