The Avengers Scene Marvel Changed To Avoid An R-Rating
If Kevin Feige didn’t re-cut that original scene, “The Avengers” could have been the first R-rated film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Right now, the franchise’s first adults-only flick is Ryan Reynolds’ “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which folds the X-Men characters into the MCU. The “Deadpool” threequel certainly pushes the envelope for Marvel fans, as it features tons of profanity, gory violence, and suggestive themes that definitely aren’t appropriate for children. And if all goes well, Disney and Marvel could produce more R-rated movies, expanding its narrative reach.
The decision to do so would be interesting, as MCU entries have consistently received PG-13 ratings, which tend to be the most profitable and accessible. However, Marvel hasn’t been afraid to push boundaries and go into uncharted territories. In early 2024, Disney+ debuted “Echo,” the first Marvel series to receive a TV-MA rating. The animated “Marvel Zombies” series is also on track to receive the TV-MA rating.
The franchise’s cinematic offerings are also evolving to accommodate more mature content. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” notably features Chris Pratt uttering the MCU’s first F-bomb — something Feige tried to initially avoid. While the Marvel architect let that slide, there have been times where filmmakers and actors went a bit too far in terms of maturity. There are tons of R-rated MCU scenes that fans will never see, with many moments going beyond what fans expect from typical releases.