Joss Whedon Wanted Spider-Man In ‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron’–What Stopped Him?

After securing the second most successful U.S. opening in film history (following only the first Avengers film), Avengers: Age Of Ultron is well on its way to becoming one of the highest grossing movies ever to hit the big screen. The release of Age Of Ultron also marks writer/director Joss Whedon‘s final film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but after several years of working under Marvel, Whedon seems content to call them out on complications involving–but not limited to–the Agents Of SHIELD television series and its influence on the MCU. But it sounds like Whedon butted heads with the studio on multiple occasions, especially during the making of Avengers: Age Of Ultron. While talking to the Empire Film Podcast, Whedon went on to discuss the many aspects in which he and the studio had their grievances.

For those who have seen the film (and for those who haven’t, don’t worry, we won’t spoil you), you’ll know that a good portion of the story involves the characters having extended dream sequences caused by the Scarlet Witch. These events lead the Avengers to retreat to a farmhouse in order to regroup. In Whedon’s mind, these scenes were essential to the integrity of the film. Marvel, however, was more interested in paving the way for future films, and they fought for a scene where Thor and Erik visit a cave, pushing forward the whole Infinity Stone plotline.

“The dreams were not an executive favorite either — the dreams, the farmhouse, these were things I fought to keep. With the cave, it really turned into: they pointed a gun at the farm’s head and said, ‘Give us the cave, or we’ll take out the farm,’ — in a civilized way. I respect these guys, they’re artists, but that’s when it got really, really unpleasant.”

These weren’t the only ways in which Whedon was unable to get his way in Avengers: Age Of Ultron. Originally, the director wanted to put Spider-Man and Captain Marvel in the film. Surprisingly, this isn’t something that didn’t make it in because of the studio, but rather a result of slow business dealings.

“I would have put both of them [in Age OfUltron],” Whedon said. “But neither of the deals were made.”

What do you think of Whedon not being able to get his way in Avengers: Age Of Ultron? Should have he been allowed to have his way, or are these movies ultimately better for it? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

[Image Credits: IB Times, AP Photo/Matt Sayles]