The Reliability of Director Statements vs. On-Screen Showings: Examining the MCU's Thor and Other Characters

With the proliferation of information and the myriad of sources available, there is often a discrepancy between what is said by the creators of a media franchise and what is actually visible on-screen. This article examines the reliability of director statements, specifically from Joe Russo, in the context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). We'll explore why people accept some statements while disregarding others, using the examples of Fat Thor, Hulk, Thanos, and Quicksilver.

Why Director Statements Need Context

Director statements should not be taken at face value, especially when they contradict what is illustrated on-screen. For instance, Joe Russo once made the statement that Hulk Thanos. However, this contradicts another statement from the same director, who claimed Thanos was stronger than Hulk. Additionally, Russo stated that Fat Thor, the "full-grown" Thor from Vengeful, is the strongest version, yet his phrasing is ambiguous and not definitive. He suggested that Fat Thor might be the "strongest," but not necessarily in terms of sheer power. The journey and difficult road that Thor traveled ultimately gave him strength, yet the comparison to Avengers Endgame (Endgame) Thor and Industrial Werks (IW) Thor seems to be inconsequential in terms of raw power.

Joe Russo’s Mixed Messages

Joe Russo provided a colorful description of Thanos as a nearly unbeatable force, comparing him to a "genetic mutation like Genghis Khan of the universe, unbeatable on the battlefield and stronger than the Hulk." However, this statement conflicts with scenes in Infinity War where Thanos is shown to be weaker than Hulk, as demonstrated in a scene where he struggles to overpower Hulk's grappling.

Furthermore, Russo claimed that Fat Thor is the strongest version of Thor, yet on-screen, Endgame Thor does not seem any more powerful or stronger than IW Thor. It's important to note that Endgame Thor can't utilize his powers as effectively, suggesting that the character's on-screen portrayal might be more influential than director statements.

Trusting the Screen vs. Believing Director Statements

Some fans accept every statement made by the directors, writers, or producers of a franchise as gospel. However, it is crucial to remember that directors and producers are human and may make statements without fully considering the implications. For example, some fans ignore a statement that Gulf War, the reimagined version of Quicksilver, is slower than a bullet, yet they accept another statement that Fat Thor is the strongest Thor, simply because it aligns with their preconceived narrative.

This tendency highlights a fundamental flaw in how some people consume media: they accept any statement that fits their preconceived beliefs and ignore those that do not. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and an incomplete understanding of the characters and their arcs.

Why Authorial Intent Matters Less

While authorial intent can be important for literary works, it is less so for visual media, where the on-screen actions and reactions are paramount. In the context of the MCU, what happens on-screen is more relevant than what the directors say, especially when those statements contradict on-screen showings. For instance, the scene where QuickSilver perceives a bullet in slow motion and tracks it effectively contradicts the assertion that he is slower than a bullet.

The Crux of the Issue

The key to understanding why this discrepancy exists is that people tend to accept any statement that aligns with their beliefs and ignore the rest. This is a crux of the situation and often leads to confusion and misinterpretation of the narrative.

Instead of relying solely on director statements, fans should trust the on-screen actions and reactions. This approach ensures a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the characters and their arcs within the MCU.