Rarely will a blockbuster director give a frank and honest assessment of an issue that irks them to the public, let alone when it involves Joss Whedon. The man behind The Avengers gave a Q&A and, according to THR, he let something off his chest that had irked the 52-year old for some time.
An underlying issue throughout superhero films, whether they be in the Marvel or DC realm, is the concept of state run power and regimes. Conflicts arise as a result and in the climate of the 2016 election, with a divided nation pulling further apart, superhero movies are unwittingly delving into elements of fascism. Whedon is tired of the trope.
Authoritarianism Leads To Dangerous Territory For Director
The great confrontation in Ultron was less about the physical villain. Nor was it about the split between the superheroes. Seeing Tony Stark and Bruce Banner comfortably control and wield an authoritarian position while Captain America splintered off from that way of thinking. This was not lost on Whedon.
"I think you’ve addressed an issue that’s bugged me for years. That was the chief conflict in Ultron," replied the director. "Superhero stories are on some level fascistic. I still love them, but you’ll notice that as much as I love the elevated self, I hate the idea of the few being rightfully better than/in control of the many. That’s why Buffy shares her power at the end of the show, to lay down the Western mythos and create stories celebrating community."
Whedon Finishes His Save The Day Series With Vote Push
Variety reports that Whedon has kept himself busy with some of the cast of the Marvel superhero world. Urging those the day before the 2016 election to get out there and plan ahead leading into Tuesday. Featuring more of Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson, the tightening in the race has left no room for error. Causing the stars to make a last ditched effort to encourage a big turn out.
The video also featured Keegan-Michael Key, James Franco, Julianne Moore, Martin Sheen, and Neil Patrick Harris for good measure. Clearly Whedon thinks that fascism isn't just limited to his movies.
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