With all the negative buzz over Kevin Hart, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences needs to be rescued. And who better for the job than the mightiest heroes at the multiplex, the Avengers? Reportedly, with Hart out, the annual Oscars ceremony will be host-free, with a variety of celebrities taking the stage to introduce different segments, and the Academy is hoping to assemble the cast of the various Marvel movies on the same stage. That would certainly deliver star power!
Ironically, the Academy announced plans last year to introduce a “Popular Film” award, to honor movies like ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, which do well financially, but aren’t exactly critical darlings. But after an outcry, the Academy opted to postpone adding this new category. Now, it looks as though the Oscars are getting an infusion of popcorn anyway.
Assembling the Avengers would be a win-win for nearly everyone. Obviously, ABC and the Academy could use the appeal of Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, etc. to draw viewers. Ratings for the Academy Awards telecasts have steadily declined over the years, as viewers opt-out because of the high-brow nominees that not many casual theatergoers have seen. It helps that ABC is owned by Disney, which also owns Marvel Studios. Disney could use its muscle to ensure that the stars can attend if it means big ratings for ABC.
As for Marvel, the Oscar telecast occurs on February 24, before the releases of ‘Captain Marvel’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. While ‘Endgame’ doesn’t need the help, an all-star gathering of Avengers in one place would still help elevate the buzz even further.
Reportedly, several Marvel cast members were asked not to present at last weekend’s Golden Globes, so that when they appear at the Oscars, the excitement will be even greater.
In 2013, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, and Samuel L. Jackson appeared at the Oscars together, following the release of the first ‘Avengers’ in 2012. Needless to say, there are a heck of a lot more Marvel cast members now. If even half of them turn up, that’s still a mighty gathering!
The Oscar nominees haven’t been announced, but Disney is campaigning hard for ‘Black Panther’ to receive recognition. If that happens, it could not only increase the likelihood of other Marvel actors playing a role in the telecast but will add to the superhero goodness of the event.
The Oscar telecast will be produced by Donna Gigliotti and co-produced and directed by Glenn Weiss and airs on ABC, February 24.
From Marvel Studios, ‘Captain Marvel’ opens on March 8, followed by ‘Avengers: Endgame’ on April 26, and ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ on July 5.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
