Marvellous idea
Stars and directors back call for Scots premiere
AVENGERS Infinity War directors have hinted at an Edinburgh premiere for the upcoming Marvel blockbuster.
The cast and crew of the film spent seven weeks last year filming in the capital.
And directors Anthony and Joe Russo have now given a strong hint they could return for the premiere.
It came after star Dave Bautista, who plays Drax, backed an online petition to bring the prestigious launch to the capital.
The 49-year-old actor tweeted: “I’m down to go to Edinburgh!”
Inverness-born co-star Karen Gillan, who plays Nebula in the £400million blockbuster, replied: “Ha! Hell yes.”
But the most encouraging reply came from the Russo brothers.
The pair’s shared Twitter account posted: “Let’s do it, Dave. We’re on it. Get ready, Edinburgh.” Parts of Edinburgh were transformed during filming last year. Stars including Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth jetted in. The shoot also featured Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Paul Bettany and Sean Gunn. Parts of the Royal Mile were shut down as they shot fight scenes and Waverley Station was fitted out with a 40ft green screen and cafe facade during overnight shoots.
Anthony Russo had spoken previously of how charmed he and his brother were by Edinburgh.
They even changed filming plans so they could capture the city at night.
He said: “Edinburgh has ancient character and that marvellous stone which seems to suck up light in such a fantastic way.
“Initially, we didn’t plan to shoot the sequence at night. But it set a very intense, moody scene for this very intense
action sequence. It helped us craft what will be a very unique experience.”
Edinburgh International Film Festival’s artistic director Mark Adams was delighted that the campaign to bring Avengers stars back to Scotland had won such star-studded support.
He said: “Dave Bautista and Karen Gillan – a patron of EIFF – have come out and said they would love it to happen.
“Maybe it is playful banter, but it would be a great thing to happen.
“The directors have given their support on Twitter, but there is a long way to go.
“Nothing is confirmed for EIFF … we just love to see great films premiere in the city.”