Marvel Universe brings superheroes, villains to life

Marvel Comic fans young and old are expected to fill the SaskTel Centre to see their favourite superheroes and villains do battle as Marvel Universe Live opens in Saskatoon.

Behind the back-flips, somersaults and make-up are stunt people from across North America. Stunt captain Joshua Murillo does a great job pretending to be his favourite superheroes just like he did as a kid.

“I read comics growing up and I used to pretend to be a superhero in my backyard as a kidk, so it’s a dream comes true,” Murillo said just hours before the opening show.

Playing a mix between Dr. Bruce Banner and the Incredible Hulk, Murillo said it’s the perfect character for him, because the Hulk has been a family favourite from when his father was a child.

“My dad was a huge fan of the Hulk, I think he was just a big Lou Ferrigno fan, so I grew up with him talking about how awesome the Hulk was,” Murillo said. “I read Spiderman and Wolverine comics growing up, but there’s a cool place in my heart for the Hulk, so to bring that character to life is a blessing.”

Since the crew have been on the road since July 2014, Murillo said the atmosphere backstage is similar to a football team; they train together, and they have each other’s backs. When they slip into character, that’s when the rivalries between the heroes and villains boil over.

“On stage, the characters don’t like each other, so we have to make those fights come alive, and sometimes we take a couple of lumps, but that’s all part of the job,” Murillo said with a laugh.

Featuring 25 of Marvel’s icons on one stage, audiences can expect an action-packed show, bridging the gap between the first and second installments of The Avengers movies.

The show was in development for two years before hitting the road, and the action is expected to keep mom and dad entertained while showcasing all the heroes and villains younger generations have come to know.

The show opens Thursday at 7 p.m. and runs through to Sunday. The last show starts at 5 p.m. Tickets for Marvel Universe Live are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca

fbiber@rawlco.com

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