Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Avengers: Endgame.
The women of the Marvel Cinematic Universe gathered around for lunch in a brand new Avengers: Endgame behind-the-scenes image shared by Robert Downey Jr. One of the best moments in the latest superhero blockbuster comes at the height of the final battle against Thanos where all female heroes of the universe team up to protect the new Infinity Gauntlet - a bit which apparently was almost cut. And now, fans get the chance to see what it looked like during the lull moments on the day the shot that scene thanks to a freshly-released photo.
Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo with the story written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, Endgame picks up after the tragic end of last year’s Avengers: Infinity War where Thanos wiped out half of the universe’s population. The sequel shifts the focus on the remaining heroes, particularly the founding MCU characters alongside new allies such as Ant-Man and Captain Marvel as they attempt to bring back everyone who’s affected by the Mad Titan’s snap. The team pulls the mission through, setting up an epic battle between almost all heroes in the MCU against Thanos and his minions. Both Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch) and Chris Pratt (Star-Lord) had shared BTS videos of filming the iconic action set piece, and now it’s Downey’s turn to share some snaps.
Taking it to his official Instagram account, Downey shared a couple of images of the women of MCU during one of his infamous lunches during filming days. Gathered around the table are Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Pom Klementieff (Mantis), Evangeline Lily (Wasp), Danai Gurira (Okoye), Olsen, Karen Gillan (Nebula), Letita Wright (Shuri) and Gwyneth Paltrow (Pepper Potts) alongside him. The shot’s missing Tessa Thomspon (Valkyrie) although she was present during the memorable shot and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) who sadly, wasn’t in the scene, so might not even be on set at that point. Check out the image below:
Downey has been known to host regular lunches while filming MCU projects. This first came to light during the Captain America: Civil War production and continued for the back-to-back shoot for Infinity War and Endgame. It’s a great way for cast members to mingle with each other, particularly those who belong to different sub franchises. And seeing him hosting one, seemingly exclusively for the ladies of Marvel is very meaningful.
The number of female heroes in the MCU have significantly increased over the last couple years inching fans to the possibility of an all-women MCU project which the actresses themselves have been campaigning for. The last time fans saw these super heroines gather was more than a year ago, captured after the MCU’s class photoshoot took place. And seeing these two images with all of them looking like they’re having a great time with each other is a powerful image - something that many are hoping to translate in the big screen through their character sooner rather than later.
That being said, as epic as the girl-power sequence is, not having Black Widow there is unsettling some. As the first female superhero in the MCU, she should’ve been there. But with her heroic death taking place prior to the big battle scene in Avengers: Endgame, she wasn’t able to partake in the memorable sequence. Here’s to hoping that her upcoming standalone film makes up for this missed opportunity.
More: Every MCU Phase 4 Movie Avengers: Endgame Sets Up
Source: Robert Downey Jr.
- The Avengers 4 Release Date: 2019-04-26 spider-man homecoming 2 Release Date: 2019-07-02
