Exclusive: Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey Hopes To Return For 'Avengers 2' (Plus His Thoughts On 'Godzilla')

We just got off the phone with Seamus McGarvey, the genius cinematographer behind everything from "We Need To Talk About Kevin" to "The Avengers," to discuss this week's brilliant "Anna Karenina." Of course, we had to ask if McGarvey would be back for "The Avengers 2," which will see original writer/director Joss Whedon returning (Disney already has May 1^st, 2015 release date penciled in). It turns out that Whedon is already looking to bring back one of his big guns for the sequel.

"Well, you know, I'm not really allowed to talk about these things. They make us sign these ridiculous nondisclosure agreements…" McGarvey said, tentatively. McGarvey helped give the big-budget extravaganza some much-needed visual oomph, with perfectly executed comic book compositions and some surprising flourishes (like those great long shots during the finale). Thankfully, it looks like his relationship with Whedon continues to be strong, and he will likely return to work that magic again.

"Joss and I have been talking about 'Avengers 2,' " McGarvey said. "We got along great on the first one and I hope that all works out." Just to be completely clear, he reiterated: "He has asked me to shoot it."

McGarvey has lined up another huge property, Warner Bros.' pricey "Godzilla" reboot, which features a script co-written by (amongst others) "The Dark Knight" scribe David S. Goyer and Marvel favorite Drew Pearce, to be directed by Gareth Edwards, who made a name for himself with indie sensation "Monsters."  

"We haven't really worked out what we're doing yet. We don't start shooting until March of next year," McGarvey said. "I'm in the process of testing what our visual approach will be." He had nothing but great things to say about Edwards, who will be making his big-budget debut. "It's wonderful working with Gareth. He's a wonderful filmmaker and somebody who understands the camera," McGarvey remarked.

McGarvey then boiled down what makes Edwards so special: "It's great working with people who understand the history of cinema and the unique properties of cinematography and use the camera like a writer uses words, so it's not just a witness to big explosions and spectacle. It's something that has a thought out and intelligent approach to storytelling."

"Godzilla" comes out on May 16^th, 2014, with "Avengers 2" to follow the next summer. "Anna Karenina" opens on Friday.