It’s less than twenty-four hours until Marvel‘s latest juggernaut THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON arrives in cinemas. Ahead of the release the cast, minus Chris Hemsworth, stopped into London as part of their exceptionally hectic press tour. We spent thirty minutes sharing the same oxygen as director Joss Whedon and cast members Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Paul Bettany. And what a marvellous (pardon the pun) half hour it was.
The group revealed their inspirations; Bettany loves John Lennon, Taylor-Johnson likes Gary Oldman, Elizabeth Olsen looks up to Faye Dunaway and Chris Evans admires his dad, a man who incidentally Joss claimed as his inspiration too. Robert Downey Jr. insisted on a wardrobe change at half time switching from his suit jacket to a much more rock and roll leather jacket and shades. Scarlett Johansson confirmed she’d be interested in a solo Black Widow film, but co-star Mark Ruffalo remained tight-lipped about a solo Hulk movie.
We couldn’t be that close to that many A-listers and not ask a question. AGE OF ULTRON has many interesting character arcs and developments so we seized the opportunity to ask who their favourites were. Please note that the below commentary contains very minor spoilers which some readers may wish to avoid.
THN: Other than your own, which character’s story arc do you find the most interesting in AGE OF ULTRON?
ROBERT DOWNEY JR: Hawkeye’s got a heck of an arc. Also I think I can say, from us who have gone before, that the arcs of what happens to – obviously Paul has a very interesting turn. Also with Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch. Paul, Aaron and Lizzy came out and they exceeded expectations left, right and centre field. I feel like in watching the film I was like ‘Wow this is a big triumph for the film’.
CHRIS EVANS: I liked Scarlett and Ruffalo. (Downey Jr makes slight noise of agreement). (Evans to Downey Jr) Meh? (All laugh). It was just nice seeing the intimate moments between Scarlett and Ruffalo. It’s kind of the challenged relationship amongst a team of superheroes. We don’t normally get to see romance in the group. (Clicks fingers) Nailed it. (All laugh) You’re up Scar Jo, good luck.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON: I thought Joss’s arc was really interesting (Everyone laughs).
AARON TAYLOR-JOHNSON: Yeah I’d probably agree with Chris. I think it was great to dive into Mark Ruffalo’s character in the Hulk. To see such a sensibility in that beast and this emotional journey as well.
PAUL BETTANY: Hawkeye I loved. For me it really was the heart of the film and was really moving. He’s fantastic in it.
MARK RUFFALO: I would also have to say that Hawkeye’s storyline I found great. As an actor who is often away from home fighting imaginary evil guys, and a wife who’s at home saying ‘Where the Hell are you? Why aren’t you here?’ I’m really sympathetic to that.
JEREMY RENNER: I like them all, I’m not going to pick one of them. I think it’s a huge, huge testament to Joss to be able to write this movie that has all of these characters who are interesting, and flawed. I think it’s like a chess board and you need all these pieces for any of them to make sense. I’m just very appreciative that we’re able to dive deep into character a bit more.
PB: You should totally have picked me though because I picked you. (All laugh)
MODERATOR: Joss is this what it’s like on set?
JOSS WHEDON: No, some of them are paying attention (laughter).
RDJ: I feel like I help wrangle them.
MR: He does, he helps.
CE: Sometimes.
RDJ: Back to you Olsen.
ELIZABETH OLSEN: Yeah, I – the Scarlett/Ruffalo through line I love. My favourite moment is the first time we watch Black Widow talk down the Hulk. I think that’s such a beautiful moment in the entire film. I’ve seen that moment twice and I think its one of my favourite parts of the film.
THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON arrives into cinemas tomorrow 23rd April. Read our review here.
Images by Kat Smith
