While Avengers: Infinity War was one of the most secretive big-budget movie productions ever, it’s remarkable how forthcoming its creators are now.
The new Blu-ray and VOD streaming copy features a commentary track by directors Joe and Anthony Russo, together in the same room with writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. It’s great that they’re all on the same page; even better that they manage to confirm a few theories along the way. If you haven’t had a chance to hear it yet, here are the best nuggets of info you might not have known (aside from ones we knew already, like that Kenneth Branagh cameo, or Hulk’s motivation).
The X-Men Connection
When Doctor Strange tries to bind Thanos with red energy beams, the Russo brothers confirm that he is indeed using the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, which he previously used against Kaecilius. Cyttorak is a cosmic deity best known in the Marvel Universe for imbuing a gemstone with a fraction of his power, granting those who possess it the power of the Juggernaut. In comics he has also battled Strange’s master the Ancient One, so he’s apparently one of those characters like Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver who could potentially be part of both Avengers and X-Men rights. That won’t be an issue much longer, but with Juggernaut also having grace our screens so recently in Deadpool 2, it’s a fun coincidence.
Drax Is Sick of the Zune
In a deleted scene, Drax finally has had it with Peter Quill playing music all the time. The song that breaks him? Ace Frehley’s “New York Groove.” Perhaps coincidentally, Drax actor Dave Bautista was famously a WWE superstar, while Frehley’s band KISS were briefly affiliated with rival promotion WCW.
This Is How Gamora (Probably) Returns
From the moment Gamora died, fans have speculated that she’ll be resurrected due to being inside the Soul Stone now. The commentary confirms that the final scene between Thanos and Young Gamora after the snap is indeed taking place inside said stone, and clearly indicates that at least a version of little-girl Gamora is there too.
Thanos’ One Weakness
Though it’s never explicitly called out in the movie, the Russos had to think of a way that Thanos could actually be fought when wielding the Infinity gauntlet. They came up with a technicality: he can only use the power of the stones individually when his fist is closed. Attack him while his hand is open and there’s a slim chance, though once he has all the stones all bets are off.
If He Only Had…
When Thanos is done, in his final scene, look towards the lower left of the screen. It’s out of focus, but the commentary confirms that there’s a scarecrow wearing Thanos’ gold armor. This is a reference to his last scene in the Infinity Gauntlet comic, although in that case he had been defeated and was now living a simple life as a farmer.
Who’s the Main Hero?
While Infinity War is told as Thanos’ story, the hero’s journey of the film is undertaken by Thor, who sacrifices everything to get the weapon that can save the day. He even gives his life and gets a resurrection moment — that blast from the star was going to kill him, but in a callback to previous Thor movies, Asgardian weapons have healing/regenerative powers, and holding Stormbreaker is what saves him. In the same scene, Groot also continues a long tradition in Marvel movies of characters losing an arm or hand, a trend which Kevin Feige has confirmed is a subtle Star Wars nod.
In the next movie, however, you can expect Captain America to be the primary hero. As balance, the Russos initially weren’t even going to have him show up onscreen until he punches Thanos in Wakanda. They soon realized that was not a good idea.
Did you notice anything else in Infinity War? Leave us a comment below and tell us what it is!
