by The “exponential” growth of in-universe was discussed by a Marvel Studios Unrealistic In-Universe concept sculptor.
The MCU is full of insanely cutting-edge technology, from Tony Stark’s technological prowess to Shuri‘s sharp brain. Since Stark created Iron Man, it has functioned as a showroom for other manufacturers to display their own equipment.
With the MCU’s growth came the introduction of more advanced technology, including as Pym Particles, vibranium from Wakanda, and Tony Stark’s own nanotechnology.
Nevertheless, some of this technology hasn’t yet been used in the actual world since it is so advanced. A fresh interview is now explaining this topic.
The MCU Has Advanced In-Universe Technology, Why?
Marvel Studios concept sculptor Adam Ross discussed Taskmaster’s design and the cutting-edge technology of the MCU in Marvel Studios’ Art of Black Widow.
In order to create a functional costume, Ross first described how he developed Taskmaster’s design over a real 3D body scan:
“Often, we don’t know what talent has been chosen to portray the character, so I start with a generic body scan of average height and build and start sculpting and modeling the costume from there. The goal is always to be true to the concept design, but sometimes you find that an element or piece needs to be moved, scaled, or otherwise modified to fit comfortably on the body. The task (pun intended) becomes spreading those modifications out over multiple pieces or elements, so it still visually looks like the concept but fits the talent correctly.”
The influence for Taskmaster’s helmet, which “some functional elements” from pre-nanotech Iron Man as well as Iron Patriot outfits and military aviation helmets, was revealed by Ross in his subsequent statement:
“With Taskmaster, the main element that drew our focus was the helmet, which brings some functional elements in from the pre-nanotech Iron Man and Iron Patriot suits namely, smaller panels that engage/disengage as locking mechanisms that allow for the visor and/or the muzzle area to open up to reveal the face. I also drew from military aviation helmets and how their visors and oxygen masks can be raised and lowered. I always try to incorporate some element of functionality from things in the real world, things that are recognizable, to lend credence and legitimacy to the design.”
As the MCU embraces cutting-edge technology, Ross acknowledged that he took caution when designing Taskmaster’s weapons so that they could be convincingly hidden:
“I played on the pre-existing notion in the MCU of magnetically mounted/deployed/retracted weaponry. We’ve seen how functionality is hidden and components can be impossibly small or thin and retain an immense amount of strength.”
Ross continued by explaining that the crew now has a “suspension-of-disbelief factor baked in,” so they accept that’s how tech works in-universe, which is why the MCU’s technology has already “expanded in complexity exponentially”:
“I think that through other films earlier in the MCU, it’s been established that its tech started off very close to what we know, but then expanded in complexity exponentially over two dozen films. We now have a suspension-of-disbelief factor baked in, so we just accept ‘that’s how advanced tech works in the MCU.’”
However, in order to “maintain consistency” the concept artist continued, they “harken back to scientific and tech elements” from earlier films:
“We still harken back to science and tech elements from previous films or characters to maintain that consistency, so the believability is maintained. This is why Taskmaster’s shield is incredibly thin, translucent, unfolds from something the size of a letter envelope, fits in the backpack, and yet is incredibly strong.”
Will Phase 5 of the MCU Include Newer Technology?
Adam Ross’ most recent remarks suggest that, despite the MCU’s many cutting-edge technology, consistently displaying these sophisticated features remains the superhero franchise’s primary focus.
This is significant since Phases 5 and 6 of the MCU will still feature more technologically advanced projects. More technological developments are anticipated to be brought to the forefront when Ironheart and Armor Wars take centre stage in the years to come.
The first magic vs. technology clash in the MCU will be featured in Ironheart, signalling a new level of testing for the franchise’s cutting-edge technology.
Researching characters’ designs in-depth, such as Taskmaster, only serves to reinforce the MCU’s dominance of shared universes.
Even if the MCU uses cutting-edge technology, it is still plausible since only a select few people or organisations possess it. It’s impossible to know if technologies like repulsors and highly developed artificial intelligence on the level of JARVIS exist in the actual world and are just waiting to be used.
Disney+ is currently streaming Black Widow.
