Pinoy Marvel enthusiasts assemble at 'Avengers: Infinity War' fan’s day event

Passionate Marvel fans, pop culture enthusiasts, and members of the press had quite a blast at the “Avengers: Infinity War” Manila Fans Day event.

Held on Sunday April 15 at SM Megamall Cinema 7, the red-carpet function was far more than just a showcase of merchandising tie-ins and scenes from the highly anticipated film. It served as a gathering of local cosplayers who came garbed in some remarkably accurate costumes based on the characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Avengers assembled

As soon as the trailer for the upcoming superhero blockbuster was played, Walt Disney Philippines’ Veronica Espinosa-Cabalinan addressed the audience, marveling at the sight of close to 500 fans all excited for the culmination of the film franchise that has spanned 10 years and 18 films so far.

Batches of cosplayers were also called to the front and interviewed. Some of the most memorable ones included a ventriloquist with a Rocket Raccoon puppet, an impersonator of Marvel creator and comics legend Stan Lee, a fan rocking an Iron Man suit with a moving faceplate, and a husband-and-wife tandem dressed up as “Avengers: Infinity War” antagonist Thanos (in a humongous, scratch-built costume) and one of his vicious deputies, Proxima Midnight of the Black Order.

Fans were then instructed to record a message for the stars of “Avengers: Infinity War.” After the fourth-time attendees said the line “We’re ready for you, Avengers!” while looking at a video camera, the screen lit up to reveal a marvelous surprise: “Avengers: Infinity War” actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Karen Gillan and director Joe Russo, watching and listening via live feed from Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

“Get ready, get excited”

To the delight of everyone present, the stars answered a few questions about the upcoming film.

Russo, who co-directed “Avengers: Infinity War” with his brother Anthony, played it coy. When asked about the film, he replied, “obviously, Thanos demands your silence,” — humorously referencing the Russo brothers’ recent calls on social media for fans to keep mum about plot details and spoilers.

According to Russo, the real impact of the film on audiences will be “the chemistry of the characters” on screen, calling it “the most exciting part” of the production.

Gillan, who plays the space-faring warrior Nebula, was similarly tight-lipped. “I think [Nebula] has a very specific, terrible relationship with her father, Thanos,” shared the Scottish star, adding that Nebula will undergo “quite [a] cathartic experience” in her quest to hunt down and defeat the Mad Titan.

Meanwhile, Cumberbatch, who portrays Doctor Strange, discussed the dynamic between his character, who transitioned from medical practitioner to Master of the Mystic Arts, and the MCU’s lynchpin, Iron Man (played by Robert Downey, Jr.).

After calling both characters “egotistical and vainglorious” and jokingly mentioning how both heroes sport facial hair, the British thespian described how Strange’s journey into mystery and magic took him on a different trajectory.

“But they’re also men of science, men of logic,” said Cumberbatch, “and Strange has this meeting with mysticism, and the attempt to heal himself as you saw this in the origin story. That skews his sights, his mind towards something that’s more universal, inclusive, and cosmological.” Cumberbatch also praised his co-star Downey Jr., calling the actor “inclusive” and “incredibly generous.”

The livestream ended with Russo inviting fans to watch their favorite Marvel characters come together on the big screen. “If you have invested in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the last 10 years, this is it — this is the big finish,” teased the American filmmaker. “Have fun with it.” — LA, GMA News

“Avengers: Infinity War” hits Philippine theaters on April 25.