There is little doubt that 2012's The Avengers is one of the most successful Marvel Cinematic Universe films as it introduced the franchise's first superhero team-up. However, the movie could have had a different script penned by Zack Penn, who has just spoken up about how Joss Whedon decided to rewrite the screenplay and take all the credit for himself!
The recently published book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios offers readers an intriguing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes intricacies of various Marvel films (via Comicbook). Authored by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards, the book delves into a treasure trove of revelations about the MCU. One noteworthy revelation revolves around Zak Penn, who holds a story credit on The Avengers.
Originally, Penn was slated to write the full script for the film, but director Joss Whedon eventually took over the task. The book shares some candid comments from Penn, shedding light on the evolution of The Avengers screenplay.
"All the other directors we had been talking about, Joss wasn't on the list," Penn said. "I heard he was going to rewrite the script himself. He didn't even want to meet with me – which, by the way, I always call the writer I'm replacing. I feel like that's courtesy."
"He said to me, 'No, it's not awkward for me. I'm rewriting you.' It became pretty apparent that he had less than zero interest in, in any way, having me involved with the movie," he continued. "I think he's a d-ck."
Penn added. "I think he's a bad person, and it was really surprising. Remember, my bonus is based on my credit. So literally millions and millions of dollars, which is not the issue here, but that just came out of my pocket and went into Joss's pocket."
Kevin Feige Refuses to Work with Joss Whedon Again
Interestingly, the book doesn't limit its insights to Penn's involvement. It's previously been disclosed that Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige has no plans to collaborate with Joss Whedon in the future due to a sour experience.
The strain in their working relationship can be traced back to the Marvel Television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as Feige reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with how the series contradicted events in the MCU films, particularly Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The show's portrayal of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s continued existence appeared to disrupt the MCU's "Sacred Timeline," a concept highlighted in Feige's foreword to another MCU-focused book.
These revelations from MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios provide fans with a deeper understanding of the challenges and creative decisions that have shaped the MCU over the years. They underscore the intricate nature of building a cohesive cinematic universe and offer a glimpse into the dynamics between key players behind the scenes. The book was released on October 10, 2023.
