The genius minds behind some of Marvel’s biggest hits are the Russo Brothers, Anthony Russo and Joe Russo. With movies like Captain America: Civil War and Endgame, they transitioned from directing TV shows like Community to the superhero genre. These guys largely contributed to Marvel becoming the huge franchise it is today. The wildly successful Avengers: Endgame was their final Marvel project, and they are now disclosing the reasons for a pretty “unusual choice” they made for that movie.
Marvel’s use of needle-drop music to connect audiences with superheroes
The Marvel Cinematic Universe movies have always celebrated their 1960s Silver Age comic book roots. They distinguished their movies from the grandeur and epic tone of DC’s superhero movies by capturing the essence of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s work by giving their films a pop culture flavor. Marvel has taken the approach of placing these characters in a relatable setting, even when dealing with figures like Thor, who is virtually a god. The usage of famous musical moments in the form of needle-drop music cues has played a vital role in establishing this connection with the audience.
With tracks from AC/DC, Suicidal Tendencies, and Black Sabbath on its soundtrack, Iron Man established this trend. The movie Guardians of the Galaxy went one step further by including a 1970s mixtape into the plot. These musical selections helped us connect with these superhuman people personally because we both enjoy the same hit songs. As a result, when Avengers: Endgame finally debuted, it was appropriate to entice us with an incredible, late-’60s soundtrack that provided a further sense of familiarity and tie to the Marvel universe.
The bluesy and slightly trippy Dear Mr. Fantasy, one of the finest tracks of Traffic, would serve as the opening music for the superhero fight scene in Avengers: Endgame. One of the highest-grossing movies ever has an original concept for its opening according to directors Joe Russo and Anthony Russo.
The Russo brothers explained why they decided on an unusual song for Avengers: Endgame
The Russo Brothers chose to forgo the customary symphonic Marvel Studios fanfare in Avengers: Endgame, as the world was in shock over the horrific effects of Thanos’ deeds. They opted for Steve Winwood’s Dear Mr. Fantasy instead. This unexpected decision was made to acknowledge the significant 22-movie journey that led to this finale as well as to connect with the movie’s themes.
This choice was discussed in the audio commentary for the film by the Russo Brothers and the screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. They noted that Dear Mr. Fantasy sounded appropriate in terms of both tone and lyrics, which related to the Marvel universe and the high expectations of pop culture blockbusters. Anthony Russo said in the audio commentary for the film via Slash Film, “You know, it was an unusual choice. And the way that stood in contrast to “Infinity War.” It was important again because we’re trying to let people know right away that this is a different story.”
To indicate that Avengers: Endgame would be different and a unique chapter in the Marvel saga, the unusual choice of music was made on purpose.
Source: Slash Film
Frequently asked questions
What was the Russo Brothers’ "unusual choice" in Avengers: Endgame?
The directors opened the film’s climactic battle sequence with Traffic’s late-1960s song "Dear Mr. Fantasy" (fronted and co-written by Steve Winwood) instead of the customary Marvel Studios orchestral fanfare. In the film’s audio commentary, Anthony Russo called it "an unusual choice" made deliberately to set Endgame apart.
Why did Joe and Anthony Russo pick that song instead of the usual Marvel score?
In the audio commentary, Anthony Russo framed it as a contrast with Infinity War: "It was important again because we’re trying to let people know right away that this is a different story." The unexpected music signaled that Endgame was a distinct, final chapter and helped acknowledge the 22-movie journey leading to that finale, rather than continuing the same tone.
Was Avengers: Endgame really the Russo Brothers’ last Marvel movie?
Yes. Endgame (2019) was the directing duo’s final completed MCU film, capping an MCU run that also included Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Infinity War. The brothers have since been announced to return for upcoming Avengers films, but Endgame closed out their original Marvel tenure.
