How Much Green Screen and CGI Was Used in Avengers: Endgame

The climax of Avengers: Endgame is one of the most visually stunning and technically impressive sequences in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Realizing the spectacle required extensive use of green screen and CGI. Beyond the obvious battles, there were many behind-the-scenes revelations that showcase the immense scale of visual effects.

Where Green Screen and CGI Were Prominent

Green screen and CGI played a pivotal role in numerous scenes throughout Avengers: Endgame, particularly in the climactic fight at the end of the film. Here’s a detailed breakdown of where these technologies were most prominently featured:

Battle Scenes

The final battle at the end of the film required extensive CGI to create a large-scale environment and accurately depict the various characters' powers and effects. This climactic sequence is estimated to be 90% CGI, showing just how much the film relied on these technologies to bring scenes to life.

Character Effects

Characters like Thanos, who were created using motion capture technology, relied heavily on CGI to bring them to life. Motion capture technology captures the performances of actors, but the final renderings and integration with the rest of the scene required significant post-production work.

Set Extensions

Many locations in the film, such as the Quantum Realm and various alien planets, were entirely created through CGI. Sets like these could not have been physically constructed due to their complex and fantastical nature. The Grandmaster’s palace, for example, was a meticulously crafted digital environment.

Less Obvious Uses of Green Screen and CGI

While the scale of visual effects is impressive, there were many hidden techniques and behind-the-scenes details that reveal the extent of the CGI and green screen work. Here are some lesser-known revelations:

Virtual Interior Sets

A significant portion of the film's interiors, including the interior of Stark Tower where the Captain America vs. Iron Man fight takes place, were virtual sets created entirely through CGI. The filmmakers opted to build a set for the stairs and a glass platform, but the rest was staged and recreated digitally. This decision was made to maintain consistency with the overall visual style of the film.

One interesting fact is that the Quantum Suits, which were a crucial part of the ending, had not been designed by the time filming began. Cast members wore tracking dots, and the suits were added later. This showcases the flexibility and adaptability of modern visual effects techniques.

Special Effects Challenges

A hypothetical flight of stairs and a glass platform in Stark Tower instead of an actual set contributed to the seamless integration of real and virtual elements. In one scene, the effects team initially replaced the stunt actor’s face with images from the aftermath of the Battle of New York, but audiences found it confusing to follow. The team ultimately decided to stick with the cowl, a classic disguise that signified trust.

Character Aging and Body Replacement

A detailed process involving casting an older man as the skin double of Chris Evans, who played Captain America, in a scene where the character ages dramatically. This innovative technique involved moving wrinkles from the skin double onto Chris Evans’ face and morphing his body, much like it was done in the first film. This is a testament to the artistic and technical skills of the visual effects team.

Conclusion

The final battle in Avengers: Endgame is the greatest of all time in the MCU, and the visuals are dominated by CGI. Whether it's the apocalyptic battle, character effects, or set extensions, the film's scale and complexity are unmatched. Green screen and CGI broke new ground for the MCU, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in live-action film production.

The aforementioned scenes and techniques not only highlight the technical mastery of the filmmakers but also underscore the growing importance of visual effects in modern cinema. Avengers: Endgame serves as a prime example of how green screen and CGI can transform the power of storytelling, enhancing the narrative and immersing the audience in a fantastical world.