Marvel unleashed the cast of “Avengers: Age of Ultron”on Comic-Con Saturday in its version of a football pep rally. Moderator Chris Hardwick announced the full roster: Robert Downey Jr., Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Elizabeth Olson, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, James Spader, Paul Bettany and Aaron Taylor Johnson.
The only person missing? Scarlett Johansson, though she appeared in a video.
“This is the largest bench of talent I’ve ever been a part of,” Downey said. “I get less significant every time.” Marvel would beg to differ, given the millions it has had to pay the actor to retain his services as Iron Man.
Also read: ‘Age of Ultron’ First Look: Robert Downey Jr. and the Avengers Meet Their New Foe (Photos)
Marvel devoted the panel to its 2015 slate, which will feature “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Ant-Man.” Development of the latter has landed Marvel hot water because of its dismissal of Edgar Wright, the director who had helped develop the movie with the studio. They split, citing creative differences, angering many fans who adore Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy.
A man brought a sign to Comic-Con reading “Edgar Wright was right” and the response to the new director, Peyton Reed, was tepid. Yet that was the lone sore spot in a panel of constant adulation and appreciation.
Fans changed “We want Marvel” and “We Will Rock You” before the panel began, and some fans tried to get a massive wave going.