The main difference with
The Avengers is that the filmmakers had to rely more on the events in the Marvel Cinematic Universe rather than relying solely on the comic books for inspiration. Executive producer
Jeremy Latcham had this to say about that process.
"It was a very unique challenge in figuring out what material to adapt into the screenplay for ‘The Avengers.' For all of the previous films we could look at the comics for a jumping off point, but with ‘The Avengers’ we said let’s see what we’ve established in our previous films. It’s really about, ‘How do we pay off this cinematic universe that we’ve established? How do we give fans of the movies what they want while still honoring and giving fans of the comics what they want as well?’"
"Marvel had a very clear idea of what they wanted in the screenplay and the structure in which it played out," adds
Joss Whedon.
"That was really great for me because it gave me something to build off of and the only thing I was interested in building was ‘how do we get there?’ With spectacle, I believe you have to create it yourself so it fits into the framework. I don’t think you can just drop it in as you need it. I love creating action and I love being very specific about it. The start of the process for me is ‘who are these people and how is it that they are dysfunctional?’ How hard is it for them to be with each other and how much does that save them from themselves?’"
"When I finished writing the script, it really felt like an original story. You get to see how these characters come together to form ‘The Avengers’ despite themselves and all of the forces trying to prevent it from happening. Even with so many characters in the story, they all have their moments and scenes in which they get to shine."
•Kevin Feige, Joss Whedon and Robert Downey Jr. Discuss MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS
•The Cast Of MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS Discuss Their Characters In The Superhero Ensemble
•Kevin Feige Describes THE AVENGERS As Being From Nick Fury's Point Of View
•Joss Whedon, Cobie Smulders And More Comment On Maria Hill's Place In THE AVENGERS
•Robert Downey Jr.: "If Steve Rogers And Tony Stark’s Relationship Doesn't Work, Then THE AVENGERS Doesn’t Work"
•Joss Whedon Describes Agent Coulson's "Man Crush" On Captain America In THE AVENGERS
•Robert Downey Jr. And Gwyneth Paltrow On The Return Of Pepper Potts In THE AVENGERS
•Joss Whedon And Chris Evans Discuss The First Day Of Shooting THE AVENGERS
STARRING:
Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America
Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man
Chris Hemsworth as Thor
Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye
Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Ramanoff/Black Widow
Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk
Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury
Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson
Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill
Tom Hiddleston as Loki
RELEASE DATE: April 26th, 2012. (UK) May 4th, 2012. (US)