Netflix Changes 'Avengers: Infinity War' Description After Backlash From Marvel Fans
By Kwadar Ray
For Marvel fans, there was no better way to wake up on Christmas morning than seeing Avengers: Infinity War available on Netflix. After opening up gifts with their family, the game plan for diehard Marvel adherents was to sit back and watch the acclaimed movie, free of charge.
And while there was a bit of an issue with the movie's availability in foreign countries, Netflix quickly fixed the problem. However, some fans were still upset with the streaming service due to Netflix's description of the film.
The original description read: "Superheroes amass to stop intergalactic sociopath Thanos from acquiring a full set of Infinity Stones and wiping out half of all life in the universe."
the summary i- pic.twitter.com/5iSHaQBd3k
— syd saw spider-verse (@beastbucky) December 26, 2018
Fans took issue with the "sociopath" label, because they believe Thanos' character is too complicated for that type of generalization.
The Netflix description for Infinity War describes Thanos as a sociopath. So does this mean that Thanos knows that what he's doing is wrong, but is doing it anyway because he's stubborn? Does he *truly* believe that wiping half of life from the universe is key to saving it?
— ?20-nineTYne? (@tysynapse) December 26, 2018
To prevent any further controversy, Netflix changed the description, which now reads: "Invader. Annihilator. So-called savior. As Thanos moves ever close to omnipotence, the fate of the universe rests with the Avengers."
While the new description may be more accurate, some fans believe Netflix should have kept the label and not succumb to the pressure to change it.
I hate the internet sometimes. Fans are outraged because Netflix described Thanos as a sociopath? Is that what we're doing today? Don't you have better things to do?...ya know like live life? Please miss the entire world with that bullcrap. Stop being sensitive about EVERYTHING.
— Damo the Senpai (@damobware) December 26, 2018
Infinity War's directors, the Russo Brothers, have described Thanos as a "noble, holy warrior." However, some fans believe "intergalactic sociopath" perfectly defines the character.
He displays lack of empathy, abnormal moral conduct, and inability to conform with norms of society. Thanos IS an intergalactic sociopath! https://t.co/eXOlroF0eO
— GOAT Movie Podcast (@GOATfilmpodcast) December 29, 2018
Ultimately, it was a lose-lose situation for Netflix. Hopefully, fans can just enjoy re-watching the movie and not worry too much about a character who essentially committed a genocide being labeled a sociopath.