Fun Marvel Shared Universe

[Doctor Omega]

Martin Freeman Set For More MCU Films





He made a brief appearance in “Captain America: Civil War” and has a key supporting role in current box-office champion “Black Panther”. But don’t expect that to be our last glimpse of Martin Freeman’s CIA character Everett Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Speaking with Den of Geek this week, he confirmed he’ll be back for at least one more: “They introduced me in Civil War and said there would be a couple of other films, one of which was Black Panther.”

Freeman hasn’t been spotted filming scenes for either of the upcoming “Avengers” films or “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” leading to speculation we may see a digitally de-aged (or a younger actor altogether) in the role in the currently filming and 1990s-set “Captain Marvel”. Ross has a history with the Air Force which would make him an understandable inclusion.

 

[Doctor Omega]

 

[Doctor Omega]

“Panther” Fans Petition For “Wakanda” Series





“Black Panther” fan Eric Hamilton has started a petition asked for Marvel to develop a TV series that chronicles the beginnings of Wakanda, the fictional African country of advanced technology seen in “Black Panther”.

The petition asks for a show to explore how Wakanda used vibranium from a crashed meteorite to become the most technologically advanced country on Earth. At the same time, it can richly explore issues of how the country thrived by keeping itself hidden from the greed and ruthlessness of colonizers in the past century.

As of this writing, the petition has over 4,300 signatures and is expected to exceed its goal of 5,000 fast. Those who wish to join can sign up at Change.org

It comes as the film keeps going from strength to strength. Its second weekend domestic estimate of $104 million was revised upwards to $111 million when the final figures came in. Disney has been very chuffed with the film’s success and has pledged $1 million dollars to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to help open new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program centers across the nation.

Disney CEO Bob Iger says (via THR to expect to see a lot of “Black Panther” merchandise on the marketplace around Halloween, and there’s consideration of theme park attraction tie-ins at the movement.

 

[Gavin]

“Black Panther” fan Eric Hamilton has started a petition asked for Marvel to develop a TV series that chronicles the beginnings of Wakanda, the fictional African country of advanced technology seen in “Black Panther”.

Well I'd absolutely watch that.

 

[Doctor Omega]

Fox Plans “Silver Surfer” & More “X-Men” Films





Though the common belief has been that the merger of Disney and 20th Century Fox means the latter has slowed down the development of their “X-Men” films, Heat Visionhas a new report that indicates the opposite is true.

In fact, Fox is now reportedly developing more Marvel-related projects now than they ever have in the past. The biggest new reveal is that the studio is developing a “Silver Surfer” stand-alone movie which is being penned by Eisner award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan.

Fox is also sticking to its planned schedule of two “X-Men” films this year (“Deadpool 2,” “X-Men: Dark Phoenix”) and then three in 2019 and three in 2020. The three in 2019 are looking likely to be “The New Mutants,” “Gambit” and “X-Force” with the latter set to begin filming in October.

Additionally, the “New Mutants” delay is reportedly so that additional photography can be done to add a whole new character to the narrative, though which character it could be remains to be seen.

The projects join Noah Hawley’s “Doctor Doom” film and the recently announced Kitty Pryde film from Brian Michael Bendis and Tim Miller. Due to the time taken 3with the merger, it’s expected the fourth “Avengers” film will NOT address the X-Men at all.

 

[Doctor Omega]

Chris Evans Is Done With Captain America?





Those involved in the making of “Avengers: Infinity War” have made it quite clear that with the contracts of various cast members coming to an end, numerous characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be killed off – permanently.

Which ones, of course, is a guessing game with the likes of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor or Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man both being frequently speculated about as potentially meeting their makers. Now, if a hint from actor Chris Evans is anything to go by, it looks like Captain America has shot up on the possibility list.

In a new interview with the New York Times, Evans was asked specifically about his role in the future of the MCU to which he responded: “You want to get off the train before they push you off”. The article adds that Evans: “expects that planned reshoots in the fall will mark the end of his tenure in the familiar red, white and blue super suit.”

That doesn’t mean Cap won’t be back, but it could mean either Anthony Mackie’s Falcon or Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier take on the mantle following the loss of their friend. “Avengers: Infinity War” opens April 27th and will be followed by “Ant-Man and the Wasp” in July

 

[chainsaw_metal1]

Well I'd absolutely watch that.

Same here. My son and I watched Black Panther this last weekend, and both loved it. Not just a great movie, but it was all the better for how many tin foil hat wearers it pissed off.

James Mangold Doesn’t Like Credits Stingers

Like, that audiences are actually asking for scenes in end credits when those scenes were first developed for movies that suck, so they put something extra at the end to pick up the scores when the movie couldn’t end right on its own f–king feet.

“Now we’ve actually gotten audiences addicted to a f–king bonus in the credits. It’s f–king embarrassing. It means you couldn’t land your f–king movie is what it means. Even if you got 100,000 Twitter addicts who are gambling on what f–king scene is going to happen after the fucking credits it’s still cheating.

Yeah, um, screw this guy. I loved Logan, but I don't care what he says. I love the credits scenes.

In a new interview with the New York Times, Evans was asked specifically about his role in the future of the MCU to which he responded: “You want to get off the train before they push you off”. The article adds that Evans: “expects that planned reshoots in the fall will mark the end of his tenure in the familiar red, white and blue super suit.”

either Anthony Mackie’s Falcon or Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier take on the mantle following the loss of their friend

Some buddies and I were discussing this. Both men took up the mantle in the comics, and hell, they even had the scene in Civil War where Bucky held the shield. I'd be happy seeing either of them take the role, but I'd like to see Bucky first, just because it would be bittersweet to see him fill his friend's shoes, and to make up for his time as an assassin.

 

[Doctor Omega]

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo have teased what could come next for the “Avengers” beyond next year’s fourth film and once they get well into the fourth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Joe tells Internaute: “We’ll say that if that Fox deal goes through with Disney there’s a lot more characters to work with all of a sudden, it would be interesting to do something like ‘Secret Wars’.” The storyline in the comics saw the Avengers, X-Men and Fantastic 4 transported to a planet to participate in gladiatorial games.

 

[Doctor Omega]

FROM DARK HORIZONS: A LIST.....

A subjective list published on Dark Horizons of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies, ranked from best to worst....

TIER 1: The Very Good Ones

1. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”
Up there amongst the best superhero films made, certainly one of the best sequels, the “Raiders”-inspired first film gives way to a far more fascinating “Three Days of the Condor”-esque contemporary political paranoia thriller. Steve Rogers’ bland incorruptibility, that which made him a frustrating one-dimensional lead in his first film, becomes a strength here – the stalwart and inspiring man of principles who stands alone against a hopelessly corrupt system.

Kudos also to an excellent supporting cast with Johansson & Jackson, along with those new to the franchise like Mackie and Redford, really fleshing things out and allowing the film to deal with serious themes and adult concepts in between the moments of crowd-pleasing action. It’s the most ‘adult’ movie of the MCU thus far and works all the better for it.

2. “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Even more than Whedon with “Avengers” and Black with “Iron Man 3,” this is the movie of this universe where the filmmaker’s sensibilities can be felt the most in every frame. Given an obvious great amount of freedom by being both tonally and physically separated from the rest of the MCU, James Gunn’s trippy space fantasy film boasts a wonderful aesthetic, robust character comedy, the best soundtrack of the series, and ambition on every level. The regular MCU flaws of a weak villain, awkward foreshadowing and some bloated third act issues remain, but the rest is so strong it’s not really a problem.

3. “Iron Man 3”
The most controversial placement on this list by far as “Iron Man 3” is nothing if not divisive and a film which a lot of the hardcore Marvel fans HATE with a passion for its deliberate slap in the face of comic book canon. As someone unfamiliar with the comics though, that twist is a brilliantly subversive expectation smasher and totally in line with the rest of this effortlessly enjoyable film.

The wonderful Shane Black is let loose with a big budget and an actor like Downey Jr. who is a perfect fit for his material, resulting in some of their best work to date. The middle hour in particular – between Tony’s snowy crash land and the thrilling Air Force One rescue sequence – is my favorite hour of the MCU. In fact it is when the “Iron Man” parts of the film have to be focused on, like the opening and closing half hours, that it feels less engaging but still quite robust. If the first and last half-hour were as strong as that middle hour, it’d easily be my favourite MCU film.

4. “The Avengers”
Still held up as the gold standard not just for the MCU but comic book films as a whole, there’s little point denying that Joss Whedon’s first “The Avengers” is one of the most entertaining and crowd pleasing superhero films, and certainly the most accessible for a general audience.

The often unwieldy and sandwiched in elements setting up this were the clunkiest parts of the individual ‘Phase One’ films, but the payoff is worth it – delivering a true ensemble piece with distinct personalities colliding, clashing and collaborating in fascinating ways. Combined with Joss Whedon’s deft focus on character and knack for humor, the results are very strong bar some quibbles over the action sequences which can and do drag – mostly in repeated viewings.

5. “Iron Man”
The film that started it all remains one of the best to date – Robert Downey Jr. is a casting coup that can’t really be beat, and his sheer charisma and style helps power through some of the film’s more problematic plot issues and overly familiar beats.

These beats thankfully don’t really prove much of an issue until the final half-hour or so, director Jon Favreau keeping things tight and simple as he fills out some of the supporting roles with great talent such as Gwyneth Paltrow as the MCU’s still most interesting love interest, and Paul Bettany as pretty much the best A.I. put to screen. Favreau even displays a welcome knack for action with some of the year’s best taking place during much of the film’s mid-point. Still one of the best and most enjoyable superhero origin tales to date.

6. “Black Panther”
Ryan Coogler’s Afro-futurist sci-fi fantasy is something of a wonder. The production values and design are impeccable and the cast is exquisite with a whole bunch of memorable new supporting characters added to the mix. It also solves two of Marvel’s biggest problems – it has a strong score and an excellent and charismatic villain (Michael B. Jordan) with an interesting and even sympathetic agenda.

Coogler directs with panache, adding political and racial elements without getting preachy along with some superbly shot if repetitive action – setting up a mini-universe here that I can’t wait to revisit. It only really falters on two fronts – Boseman is excellent as T’Challa, but the character’s arc here just isn’t as interesting or efficient as it was in ‘Civil War’. Also when it has to steer back to the Marvel formula (like another third act army vs. army scene) it loses its freshness. It’s a superb start, but I think sequels could take this franchise even higher.

 

[Doctor Omega]

TIER 2: The Good Ones

7. “Thor”
No scene better epitomises “Thor” than the one in which our hero on horseback gallops along a giant wormhole generating energy conduit. Kenneth Branagh’s “Henry V…In Space” is gloriously bats–t insane – a blend of Shakespearean and space opera tropes, challenging world building and myth creation, a hero with an actually compelling personal arc of humility, and what is still easily the only truly great villain the MCU has produced thus far.

Its romance scenes are weak and the Earth-bound scenes in the middle are a weak spot, plus the camp is certainly not for everyone. Yet – if you go with its weird blend of sci-fi, family melodrama and comic book adventure – you’ll see a really wonderful and distinct vision up on screen.

8. “Spider-Man: Homecoming”
The second or equal best of the “Spider-Man” films overall, Jon Watts’ “Spider-Man Homecoming” works in ways so many other MCU films fail at. Bar maybe Loki, the villain is easily the most grounded and interesting of the MCU to date with stellar underplayed work by Michael Keaton. Also the ‘smaller focus’ which failed so badly in “Ant-Man” works far better here.

Tom Holland proves the most likeable Spider-Man, supporting characters are solid (if caricatures), and the overall tone is great – upbeat, sweet and breezy. If there’s a fault it is perhaps lack of ambition – its good formula but still familiar and still trapped in the genre to some extent. The plot is threadbare, and there’s nothing in here that’s really cinematic which makes it feel lightweight. Nice job all round from everyone involved.

9. “Captain America: The First Avenger”
Another controversial choice, this is probably lower on the list than others would place. I was never a fan of the character before, and Joe Johnston’s “Raiders”-lite period piece is handsomely made but never really clicked with me – leaving me wondering why it still gets so much love. Even so, there’s an earnestness here that’s missing from the cookie cutter-style of the more recent movies that I do admire.

Arguably it’s the most easily emotional of the MCU films, certainly of the first phase, and the story of a physically weak man with such a strong inner humanity being able to become a warrior for that ideal (albeit via a cheat) has an easy appeal. Evans is good, as is Hayley Atwell and Sebastian Stan, but Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull and other elements just feel like clunky knock offs of stuff even Johnston himself did better in “The Rocketeer”.

10. “Thor: Ragnarok”
The “Thor” franchise has always struggled with tone. Branagh’s first film tried to balance the comedic and cosmic with a real operatic flare. The second ran away from that so far it became a dour slog. Brilliant auteur Taika Waititi changed things up again with this, reversing direction from the second and going way further than Branagh did into the realm of bright pastels, self-parody and irreverence.

It’s without doubt a hell of a lot of fun, Hemsworth’s comedic chops are formidable, and is certainly the most widely accessible and conventionally enjoyable of the three films. However when it veers away from comedy and has to stick to a story it stumbles – badly. From a criminal waste of Cate Blanchett to a real lack of energy in everything that takes place off Sakaar. Unlike Marvel’s best work which holds up well on repeat viewings, I can see the appeal of this wearing out quickly – even with all the charm to spare.



11. “Captain America: Civil War”
A far better sequel to “The Avengers” than ‘Ultron,’ the third “Captain America” deftly balances a solid action style with time between practically all the members of a massive ensemble. At the same time it also pays more than just lip service to its central idea of a political and ethical divide coming between the heroes. Three characters steal the whole show – a new Spider-Man, the first appearance of Black Panther, and Ant-Man’s first team-up with other Avengers – that are brilliantly introduced into the action as the wild card, moral heart and comic relief respectively.

Sadly the film lacks the pacing and cohesiveness of ‘Winter Solider’, the setup to get these heroes fighting feeling a bit forced while the villain and third act problem that has been an issue in the past for MCU films raises its head again here. Even more than ‘Winter Soldier,’ the Russo’s films don’t feel as distinctive or cinematic as other MCU helmers which gives this film more of a TV feel than expected despite being so highly polished.

12. “Avengers: Infinity War”
The MCU may be populated by epic films, but its interconnectedness and often uniform look has led to justifiable claims that it plays out more like a season of a TV series with each film a different episode – some effectively standalone, some connected to the larger mythology. That feels more true than ever with ‘Infinity War,’ which is better described as “MCU Season Finale: Part One” and that unfortunately robs of some of its power – it struggles to stand on its own.

Considering how many characters and subplots are in play, the Russos expertly balance the massive ensemble giving everyone a fair shake and get to spend a little time on some interesting character pairings, even as they waste time on some superfluous action at others. Thanos is a strong villain and full bodied character, though his reasoning is never truly justified. Gorgeous & epic in scope, there’s a real boldness and genuine emotion and surprise at times – the question is how much of it will be walked back in the next one.

 

[Doctor Omega]

TIER 3: The OK Ones

13. “Doctor Strange”
Scott Derrickson brings the wild stylings of Steve Ditko’s illustrations to life with some of the best visuals of the franchise. From chases that would make MC Esher envious to a wildly trippy visit into a blacklight universe, it’s certainly inventive from a visual perspective. At times it also takes a couple of risks which give you hope of something fresh.

Unfortunately, all too often, it falls back into incredibly safe and familiar territory – remaking Tony Stark’s story but with a far less charismatic lead. A superb cast does what they can but the material is just too thin to work – Cumberbatch and Swinton come out well, but the likes of Ejiofor, Mikkelsen and McAdams are utterly wasted. It’s a shame a film that’s often glorious in looks is so ordinary at heart.

14. “Ant-Man”
Much like the “Thor” sequel, Marvel’s “Ant-Man” is one of its safest and most by the numbers films – which also makes it one of its least interesting. There’s a welcome reduction in stakes here to just the fate of individuals and a man’s legacy, some familiar inventiveness that makes use of fun “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”-style scale differentials, a playful but sanitised sense of humor, and very likable lead turns from both Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas. Yet there’s also arguably the weakest villain of the MCU to date, one of the most forgettably generic heist stories I’ve ever seen in a heist film, and a real feeling of this being only a very minor entry in the whole canon.

15. “Avengers: Age of Ultron”
Certainly a more ambitious film than the first, this attempts to dive a bit deeper into the characters this time out whilst retaining the balance that made the original so fun. Yet even Whedon, who is such a master with large ensembles, is juggling too many balls in the air with this and can’t help but drop a few even as he impresses so well with what ones he can keep up.

James Spader’s Ultron proves very disappointing in his rote evilness, the additions of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch leave much to be desired, and poor Thor is given the strangest subplot of the MCU to date. Yet the film’s handling of The Vision is wonderful, same for the Hulk-Black Widow relationship and giving Hawkeye some proper development. Despite its fundamental flaws, it’s still a highly polished effort.

16. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”
James Gunn tries for something a little different with the sequel, which neither falls into the trap of carbon copy repeating its predecessor or falling back on MCU formula (for the most part). Instead, the humor and easy appeal of the first gets nudged to the back burner as the heart comes to the fore and a storyline is built around it. It’s great big heart that hurts and asks you to behold its beauty as it shares its very specific pain with the world.

Gunn however hasn’t mastered emotional filmmaking beats as well as he has comedic ones, and the greater focus on the former comes at something of a cost to the latter – at times making this akin to a heavy-handed Pixar film squeezed into a lesser pre-reboot “Star Trek” film where the labored metaphors are too often made manifest. The film’s greatest supporters will recognise that it is quite overstuffed, while its greatest detractors will admire some of the inventive ideas and bravura on display.

 

[Doctor Omega]

TIER 4: The Bad Ones

17. “Iron Man 2”
The energetic drive and carefree spirit that made the original such a welcome change of pace from the superhero films that came before gets muted in this problematic and over-stuffed sequel. Much like the problems that would plague ‘Ultron’ a few years later, the far more ambitious narrative often loses track of itself and is overly self-conscious.

The result is Downey Jr.’s charismatic charmer becomes more obnoxious, the villains more interesting in concept but blander in execution, and of all the films this is the one where the setting up of the greater MCU has the most crippling effect on this solo film’s structure. A noble failure, but a failure nonetheless.

18. “Thor: The Dark World”
The “Thor” sequel remains a great example of too much polishing. On the surface to many people it’s a film better than its predecessor in almost every way – a much larger scale, a more lived in and less fantastical universe, a decidedly more serious tone with less irksome comedy, and a greater sense of ensemble with smoother tie-ins to the rest of the MCU.

Yet it sits on the bottom of many lists because, quite frankly, it’s dull. The first one’s campiness, clunky edges and silly elements are the very things that made it what it was and give it a real individual flavour. With most of that scrubbed away, the sequel feels incredibly generic on every level – to the point that there’s no need for more than one viewing.

19. “The Incredible Hulk”
The saving grace of the film is its pre-Hulk first half-hour as Edward Norton’s Bruce Banner hides out in a Brazillian favela trying to curb his anger. Essentially “The Bourne Irradiation,” this bit is well paced, grounded, serious and gives star Edward Norton the chance to do most of his acting as a proactive and sympathetic Banner whom we get to know before all the green computer animation fully takes over.

Once it does though it unfortunately becomes a victim of the worst superhero film tropes – multiple overacted arch villains, bombastic set pieces more akin to a video game, and really nothing beyond the most conventional of thrills.

 

[Gavin]

Thank's @Doctor Omega for your list. While I don't agree with all of your placements, its well thought out and explained. I might have to respond with my own list after I've seen Infinity War tomorrow.

And in the meantime (not as a criticism but just because the OCD part of my brain can't handle it) can I just point out that the picture you've used for Captain America: Civil War is actually from Winter Soldier.

 

[Doctor Omega]

It's actually not my list Gavin, as I have shamelessly filched the entire article from elsewhere, in my magpie like wanderings, but thought it made for an interesting read. I see now that the beginning was written in the first person, which made it sound like me! So have swapped that opening for a credit of origin.

Doctor Plagirism.

The only work I will contribute to the article will be to correct the original author's picture error. Then I will have a rest after all my dishonest labouring.

 

[Doctor Omega]

Comcast Could Pay $60B To Nab Fox





Comcast is reportedly preparing to offer an all-cash bid for 21st Century Fox, which would likely disrupt the in the works Disney-Fox deal.

Reuters reports that U.S. cable operator Comcast Corp. is asking investment banks to increase a bridge financing facility by as much as $60 billion so it can make an all-cash offer for the media assets that 21st Century Fox Inc has agreed to sell to Walt Disney Co. for $52 billion.

Comcast had been pursuing Fox before the Disney deal was put in place and has continued to pursue it. A lot though will depend upon if the U.S. government approves AT&T’s acquisition of Time-Warner – if it happens, Comcast will then make an all-cash bid. If not, Comcast will have to back off. That decision is expected next month.

 

[Doctor Omega]

 

[Doctor Omega]

A fifth film is "Highly likely"

 

[Doctor Omega]

Disney Says A Fifth “Avengers” Is Likely




While next year’s fourth “Avengers” film marks the end of the third ‘Phase’ of Marvel Studios, and wraps up storylines from a decade of films, it will NOT be the end of the “Avengers” says Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Speaking about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Tuesday during an earnings call, Iger talked about planning for the studio when it comes to future Marvel films:

“We meet on a regular basis with our Marvel team, and we’ve plotted out Marvel movies that will take us well into the next decade. I’m guessing we will try our hand at what I’ll call a new franchise beyond Avengers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t see more Avengers down the road. We just haven’t made any announcements about that.

Given the popularity of the characters and given the popularity of the franchise, I don’t think people should conclude there will never be another Avengers movie.”

The 19 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have reportedly earned more than $16 billion globally, but Disney CFO Christine McCarthy admits that due to the sheer scale of the movie and the expense – the film won’t offer the same amount of ‘return’ as other films in the MCU.

The report comes as Los Angeles police are investigating the theft from a Pacoima warehouse of an actual Iron Man suit Robert Downey Jr. wore and was used in at least one of the Marvel films. The costume is reportedly valued in the mid-six figures, and there are currently no suspects.

 

[Doctor Omega]

 

[Doctor Omega]