Marvel must be nervous. Avengers: Age of Ultron comes out next Friday, and their beautiful cast went from charming to messy. Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner whipped out their dude-bro personas to “joke” about that “wh0re and slut“ Black Widow, who had the nerve to date someone besides Cap or Hawkeye. Renner’s remarks (and Evans’ eager agreement) played like two guys dissing a woman who won’t hand over her digits. Or guys who slut-shame women after they date them simply because they’re not together anymore.

Renner’s response to the journo’s questions showed his true nature, and Evans’ instant, merry laughter was disappointing. Add that to Evans’ sloshed dance vibe for this whole tour. I wanted to shout, “Joss Whedon, come get your boys.” But Joss is busy coping with backlash to his old-fashioned rape joke in the movie. There was also a Graham Norton appearance where Elizabeth Olsen said Scarlet Witch had “gypsy-like” style. Norton warned her against using that term, and Renner and Mark Ruffalo chanted “gypsy” in response. Dude bros strike again.

Evans and Renner both issued apologies for their Black Widow comments. My initial assumption was that Marvel’s PR wrote these apologies, but I’ve changed my mind. They’re both very different responses, which tells me that they did come from the guys. Renner acts like an #unapologeticbro, and Evans takes the situation more seriously. I’m not excusing Evans at all, but his apology comes across as pretty sincere:

Jeremy Renner: “I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone. It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour.”

Chris Evans: “Yesterday we were asked about the rumors that Black Widow wanted to be in a relationship with both Hawkeye and Captain America. We answered in a very juvenile and offensive way that rightfully angered some fans. I regret it and sincerely apologize.”

[From People]

Well I’m glad they issued separate apologies instead of a canned, joint statement. Here’s my interpretation of how these two feel about the backlash.

Renner: “Marvel told me to apologize. I don’t think I said anything wrong. All of this is make-believe anyway, and you people exhaust me. Sorry, not sorry.”

Evans: “Marvel told me to apologize. I’m embarrassed at how my inner douche-bro slipped out. My mom fought for feminism, so I should have known better. Man, you’re not going to forget about this for awhile. Ahhh. I’ll be self-flagellating in the corner. I’m sorry.”

Film still courtesy of Marvel; screencaps courtesy of YouTube; Fame/Flynet & WENN