The Avengers

The Avengers

Join Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, the Avengers, in their ongoing fight to save the world from cosmic threats, alien invasions, and powerful villains. Explore articles featuring the team’s iconic members like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, and Black Widow. From the MCU’s biggest moments to classic comic book arcs, dive into the latest Avengers news, movie reviews, character profiles, and more. Whether you love their cinematic battles or comic origins, this is your destination for all things Avengers.

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Movie News

Avengers: Infinity War Movies Get Re-titled

It’s learned that Marvel Studios and Disney have retitled the two Avengers: Infinity War movies. 

The first movie (Avengers 3) will now be simply titled “Avengers: Infinity War” and has the same release date of May 4, 2018.

Marvel Studios has dropped “The Infinity War – Part 2” title from the fourth Avengers film, with the film currently having no title other than “Avengers Untitled” (meaning yet to be named).  Avengers 4 (or whatever they call it) is still planned for a May 3, 2019 release.

The change has to to due with the fact that both movies are different from each other and are not one big movie cut in half (à la The Hobbit).

Assuming nothing else has changed, the Russo Bros. are directing both Avengers movies and are due to begin filming this November starring Josh Brolin as the Mad Titan, Thanos.

(via Deadline)

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Movie News

Benedict Cumberbatch Teases Doctor Strange & Tom Hiddleston’s Loki On Screen Together

Will we ever see Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston on screen together?

Now that both English actors are a part of the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse, it could happen, which more than likley would be with one of The Avengers: Infinity War movies (or maybe Thor 3?).

Following the recent Doctor Strange panel at Comic-Con, MTV caught up with Benedict Cumberbatch where they chatted about Tom Hiddleston. MTV said we need to see the two together in a film now that they are in the Marvel Universe.

“I know. I know. We’ll see. Stuff could happen,” Cumberbatch responded with a big grin.

Benedict Cumberbatch also talked about his character, Doctor Stephen Strange, and said he’s arrogant and a “douche,” – similar to Tony Stark – and that they are using some humor as well. Cumberbatch also added that the Doctor Strange movie is dark and serious, but again, does have humor.

Watch more in the video below.

“Doctor Strange” has a November 4, 2016 release starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mads Mikkelsen.

Synopsis:

“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.

“Doctor Strange” is the latest film in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase 3’s goal—over the course of four years and nine films—is to introduce audiences to new heroes and continue the adventures of fan favorites.

Doctor Strange Comic-Con trailer:

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Movie News

Comic-Con: Marvel Announces Brie Larson As Captain Marvel

Today at Comic-Con saw Marvel announce that Brie Larson is playing Captain Marvel.

Larson will first appear as Captain Marvel in the Avengers: Infinity War prior to her solo movie.

The Captain Marvel movie has a March 8, 2019 release written by Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Meg LeFauve (Inside Out).

Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 hits May 4, 2018.

Brie Larson is also starring in Kong: Skull Island with Tom Hiddleston.

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Movie News

Josh Brolin Utterly Blown Away By Avengers: Infinity War; Hints At Large Cast

Josh Brolin offers more thoughts on the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War movie.

Brolin spoke with Digital Spy stating he was blown away and further hints the movie has a large cast.

“I literally can’t say one word about it, but it’s an incredible story,” Brolin said. “There’s no script yet. But I do know the story inside and out and it’s an amazing story. I sat at a table and listened to the story and was completely and utterly blown away. I was told it by all the people involved. It was a large table, I’ll put it that way!”

Last we saw of the Mad Titan was at the end of Avengers 2 when Thanos decided to go get the Infinity Stones himself (watch below).

It’s possible we may see Josh Brolin at next week’s Comic-Con as well.

The Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 hits May 4, 2018 with Part 2 on May 3, 2019.

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Comic Book News Marvel

Captain America Gets Bronze Statue For 75th Anniversary At Comic-Con

For Captain America’s 75th Anniversary, Marvel is unveiling a 13-foot-tall bronze statue at this month’s San Diego Comic-Con.

The Captain America statue will then be on display at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park for a dedication ceremony on Aug. 10th.

The Captain America statue has yet to be revealed, but USA Today showed off the following concept art.

“For the past 75 years, Captain America has inspired generations of fans serving as the ultimate global icon for freedom, strength and doing the right thing,” Paul Gitter, senior vice president of licensing for Marvel at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, said.

It’s noted the statue weights a ton and also features a line from the Captain America: The First Avenger movie: “I’m just a kid from Brooklyn.”

Captain America was created back in 1941 by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon.

 “We hope that when fans see the statue, they will think back to a favorite comic book, treasured action figure or even be transported back to a special time and place in their lives where Captain America’s values played influence,” Gitter said.

Comic-Con runs July 20-24.

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Marvel Movie News

Skrulls Are Owned By Both Marvel Studios & Fox Says James Gunn

Just in case you didn’t know, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn says the Skrulls are co-owned by both Marvel Studios and Fox Studios (similar to Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver).

Gunn took to Twitter to answer a fan’s question about the Skrulls where he also reveals certain members of the shape-changing alien reptilian race are specificially owned by Fox.

“Some specific Skrulls are at Fox. But the Skrulls as a whole are co-owned,” Gunn said.

While James Gunn didn’t mention the specific Skrulls, we can probably assume those Skrulls with names are owned by Fox, such as the Super-Skrull Kl’rt.

Whether or not Marvel ever uses the Skrulls in a movie is probaby doubtful as Marvel used the Ultimate Comics version of the Skrulls in The Avengers with the Chitauri.

It’s also probably a safe bet Marvel Studios won’t be adapting the Marvel Comics “Secret Invasion” storyline any time soon as it was written by Brian Bendis, a member of the Marvel Comics creative committee that Kevin Feige recently booted from having any involvement in the Marvel movies. Bendis also took the Guardians of the Galaxy comic book away from Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning when word of the movie getting green lit became known.

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Marvel Movie News

Marvel and Fox Talks Rumored Again (Avengers & X-Men)

Once again it’s being said that Marvel and Fox could potentially come to an understanding.

It’s been rumored that an Avengers and X-Men movie is in the works for quite a while now.

Even the X-Men execs have stated they are interested in working with Marvel.

Now the latest comes from a producer on Kevin Smith’s Fatman on Batman podcast, Matt Key.

Matt Key doesn’t go so far as to make claims that an Avengers and X-Men movie is happening, but he does at least say there has been talk at Fox about hooking up with Marvel.

“I’ve heard from a few of my sources, my little birds that Fox and Marvel have… kind of talked, but not really, but like there’s interest from Fox, like, ‘Ooh, y’know, what they did with Sony and Spider-Man is actually pretty cool, like, maybe…’ We’re years away from that ever possibly happening… but I think that’s what it would take… Fox joining hands with Marvel…”

If Spider-Man: Homecoming happens to be a billion dollar success, that may give Fox further incentive to work with Marvel.

As noted, if it ever does happen, it looks to be years off.

However, the Avengers and X-Men movie rumor did state 2020, so that’s at least four years away.

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Marvel Movie News

Independence Day’s Roland Emmerich Slams Marvel Movies & Superman

Roland Emmerich, known for directing the Independence Day movies, White House Down and The Patriot, isn’t a big fan of superhero movies.

Actually, it doesn’t sounds as if Emmerich is a fan of them at all and specifically mentions Marvel.

“When you look at my movies it’s always the regular Joe Schmo that’s the unlikely hero. A lot of Marvel movies, they show people in funny suits running around,” Emmerich said, reports the UK’s Mirror.

Emmerich continues with what sounds like a dig on Superman as well.

I don’t like people in capes. I find it silly when someone dons a superhero suit and flies. I don’t understand it. I grew up in Germany, that’s probably why,” Emmerich said.

Roland Emmerich’s next movie, Independence Day: Resurgence, gets this released this Friday. It’s probably safe to assume a regular Joe Schmo saves the day in the film.

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Movie News Marvel

Marvel Studios Phase 4 Rumors Include Nova, Spider-Man, Black Widow & More

Possible BS, but the gang on Reddit are currently discussing a reported list of Marvel Phase 4 movies that sees Marvel Studios up their releases to four per year.

Obviously this could be just a guess, but Nova is there. We want Nova.

A previous batch of MCU rumors also made mention of Nova, Sentry and more.

Via 4chan:

May 1, 2020 – Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3
Jul 10, 2020 – Spider-Man: Coming Of Age
Nov 6, 2020 – Doctor Strange 2

Mar 5, 2021 – Black Widow
May 7, 2021 – Inhumans
Jul 9, 2021 – Black Panther 2
Nov 5, 2021 – Antman 3

Feb 4, 2022 – The Winter Soldier
May 6, 2022 – The New Avengers
Jul 8, 2022 – Nova
Nov 4, 2022 – Captain Marvel 2

Mar 3, 2023 – Sentry/Spider-Woman
May 5, 2023 – Inhumans 2
Jul 7, 2023- Spider-Man: Greatness Awaits
Nov 3, 2023 – Doctor Strange 3

***Due to many franchises Marvel will start to release 4 movies per year starting 2021.

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Movie News

Josh Brolin Blown Away By Avengers: Infinity War & Thanos

Josh Brolin will be suiting up as the Mad Titan for Avengers 3 and Avengers 4 – maybe even before that – and Movie Fone caught up with the actor who talked about the movies as well as Thanos.

Brolin says he is pretty psyched what he has been told so far:

“Avengers: Infinity War” is going to be a singular film experience that you’re going to be asked to talk about most likely to the end of your days. So, tell me, where are you now as far as your anticipation, your excitement, for the whole thing, and to go fully into character rather than these cameos that you’ve done?

Yeah, I sat at a table and I listened to the story from beginning to end, which was … you know, sometimes you go around and you go, “Oh, it’s a great movie. Or this is a great experience,” and you kind of know that it’s not. This is the opposite.

First of all, from a publicity point of view, or an interest, I’ve gotten more publicity playing Thanos, even though I haven’t done it yet, than all other movies combined. If there’s any blurb of publicity at all for me, it includes Thanos in some way or another. “By the way, he’s got “Hail, Caesar!” coming out. But don’t forget about Thanos — that’s coming out,” which is amazing, which is really cool.

Then the other side of it is really how much it means to people. It all comes down … these stories … these Avengers stories all come down to this conclusion, and that’s our involvement. Basically, my character against everybody. And it’s really fun what they’ve chosen to do with the story. I think it’s brilliant, personally. I was blown away, and had goose pimples pretty much 50% of the time that I was listening to what was going on, and pretty amazed that I’m going to be involved in it. So it’s a big thing that’s coming up.

The untitled Avengers 3 hits May 4, 2018 followed by Part 2 on May 3, 2019.

Infinity War teaser:

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Movie News

Alan Silvestri Returning To Score Avengers 3 & 4

Alan Silvestri has announced he will be returning to score the music for both The Avengers 3 and The Avengers 4.

“We are pleased to announce that Alan is slated to score the Marvel films ‘Avengers: Infinity War – Part I and Part II,” a statement read that was posted on Silvestri’s website.

Alan Silvestri also scored the music for The Avengers and Captain America: The First Avenger.

The Avengers 3 has a May 4, 2018 release, with The Avengers 4 hitting a year later on May 4, 2019.

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Movie News

Infinity War Renamed To Avengers 3

Update: Following our article, Deadline has since corrected themselves with note Avengers 3 is currently untitled.

 

With the news that Brie Larson is in talks to play Captain Marvel, comes a tidbit that the Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 movie may have been renamed to Avengers 3.

In Deadline‘s report about Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, they make mention that the character may first appear in a different Marvel franchise “possibly Avengers 3 (formerly Avengers: Infinity War Part One).”

The report also states Captain Marvel may appear in Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

Regarding the reason for the change to Avengers 3, we can speculate it’s for branding and marketing purposes, and it might even signity the first Infinity War movie is set more on Earth.

The Avengers 3 has a May 4, 2018 release.

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Movie News

Andy Park Concept Art: Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Ant-Man, Ultron

Fan-favorite Marvel concept artist Andy Park has posted more images on his official Instagram account.

This time we are treated to pics of Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Ant-Man and Ultron Mark 1.

Nice!

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Movie News

LEGO Marvel Avengers Spider-Man Trailer

Spider-Man Character Pack Coming to LEGO® Marvel’s Avengers TODAY, Featuring Characters from Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War

 

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced today that a new Super Hero will be available in LEGO® Marvel’s Avengers – Spider-Man! The Spider-Man Character Pack will be available starting today as a complimentary download for all consumers who purchase the game. This exciting new content will feature six (6) fan-favourite web-slingers in full LEGO ® form, including the character’s first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as seen in the recently released blockbuster, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, and classic versions from select Marvel comics. This downloadable content (DLC) will be available on PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U™, and Steam® (Windows PC).

Spider-Man Character Pack:

· Spider-Man (Marvel’sCaptain America: Civil War)
· Spider-Man (Peter Parker)
· Spider-Man (Mile Morales)
· Spider-Girl
· Iron Spider
· Scarlet Spider

Players can also purchase the LEGO® Marvel’s Avengers Season Pass for access to all currently available DLC content, including:

· Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Character & Level Pack – – Inspired by Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., characters and vehicle include Agent Bobbi Morse, Agent Daisy Johnson, Agent Jemma Simmons, Agent Koenig, Agent Leo Fitz, Agent Melinda May, Cal Johnson (Mr. Hyde), Deathlok, Gordon, Grant Ward, Jiaying, Lincoln, Raina, and The Bus
· Classic Black Panther Character & Level Pack – Characters and vehicle include Black Panther, Aragorn, Black Knight (Augustine du Lac), Black Panther Skybike, Dora Milaje Warrior, Killmonger, Man-Ape (M’Baku), Shuri, Ulysses Klaw (Classic), and White Wolf
· All-New, All-Different Doctor Strange Character & Level Pack – Characters include Doctor Strange, Baron Mordo, Clea, Doctor Voodoo, Dormammu, Jennifer Kale, Mindless One Warrior, and Night Nurse
· Classic Captain Marvel Character & Level Pack – Featuring Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel’s Skycycle, Helen Cobb’s Plane, Kang The Conqueror, Magnitron, Moonstone, Poundcakes, Tic, Warbird, and Wonder Man
· Classic The Masters of Evil Character & Level Pack – Featuring Baron Zemo, Black Knight (Dane Whitman), Black Knight (Nathan Garrett), Enchantress, Executioner, Iron Man (Classic), Melter, Radioactive Man, Thor (Classic), Valinor, and Whirlwind
· The Avengers Explorer Character Pack – Featuring Iron Skull, Scuba Iron Man, and Space Iron Man
· The Avengers Adventurer Character Pack – Featuring Hyperion, Scuba Captain America, and Space Captain America
· Thunderbolts Character Pack – Featuring Atlas, Citizen V, Jolt, Mach V, Meteorite, Songbird, and Techno

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Movie News

Guardians of the Galaxy Confirmed For Avengers: Infinity War

Star-Lord and Rocket Raccoon have already been confirmed for The Avengers: Infinity War, and now the rest of the gang will be joining them.

Avengers: Infinity War writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely basically confirm the Guardians of the Galaxy will be a part of the movie (via Nerdist).

“Let me put it this way. You know who owns that gauntlet, right? And you know who’s in another movie? His kids are in that movie. It’s a big universe” McFeely said, with Markus adding, “You do the math!”

Thor and Doctor Strange have also recently been confirmed to be lending a cosmic hand for Avengers: Infinity War.

“The Avengers: Infinity War Part 1” hits May 4, 2018 followed by Part 2 on May 3, 2019.

Guardians of the Galaxy 2” has a May 5, 2017 release.

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Movie News

Doctor Strange Confirmed For Avengers: Infinity War

We have a Thor.

We have a Star-Lord.

We have a Rocket Raccoon.

And now we have Doctor Strange.

Prior to the release of the Doctor Strange movie this November, Avengers Infinity War writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely confirm the Sorcerer Supreme will be lending the heroes a hand.

While discussing the hectic schedule The Avengers: Infinity War will produce, the pair mention how difficult it is to schedule the actors as they are all huge stars, with mention of Benedict Cumberbatch.

“You’ll do movie one in the morning, and then movie two in the afternoon,” McFeely said in a podcast. “It’s because there are so many movie stars. Like the scheduling has got to be a nightmare. You can’t just say ‘Benedict Cumberbatch’ – or whoever –  ‘come to Atlanta for nine months.’ You know. It can’t work that way.”

Both The Avengers: Infinity War movies will be filming at the same time; Part 1 hits May 4, 2018 followed by Part 2 on May 3, 2019.

Doctor Strange has a November 4, 2016 release.

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Movie News

Sounds Like Rocket Raccoon Confirmed For Avengers: Infinity War

We already have confirmation Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy will appear in Avengers: Infinity War, and now it seems as if Peter Quill will be bringing his pal Rocket Raccoon along for the ride.

Avengers: Infinity War writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely spoke with The Verge about Captain America: Civil War, which led into questioning about making Thanos work in the Infinity War films with Rocket seemingly confirmed:

You said the magic word there, grounded. You’ve done a very good job in making these superhero movies feel like they’re part of a recognizable reality. But as you said, there’s a big purple space guy coming in the next two movies. How do you make that work, tonally?

SM: We’ll try to split the difference. We certainly don’t want to try to betray the Jim Starlin Thanos, all those comic runs. They get pretty trippy. That’s in the DNA of it. But before we get there, you’ll see Guardians 2, you’ll see Doctor Strange. My hope is that the movie audience will be a little bit more prepared for some trippier stuff.

CM: Also, whether they’re a 12-foot purple guy, or a raccoon, or an android, they’re all people, and we’re going to write them as people. You can’t write them any other way. So, ideally it will stay grounded because you’ll completely understand why the characters are doing what they’re doing, and you will in some way or another empathize.

I’m curious to see if Rocket Raccoon will be brought to Earth or if they’ll keep him out in space for the Avengers: Infinity War movies.  I have to agree with what Guardians of the Galaxy comic book writer Dan Abnett said about bringing Rocket to Earth which is a rather goofy approach, but keeping him in an outer space setting works. Here’s the quote:

I think that’s why I’ve always loved the cosmic side of Marvel: placing super heroes in an [sci-fi] context means that it’s less about costumes and secret identities and integrating super hero roles into a ‘real world.’  These are characters [that] look and behave the way they do because of non-terrestrial technology, culture, and abilities. We get a sense of the whole universe, and the possibilities are vast and ingenious. Take Rocket, as an example. On Earth, he’d be a curiosity, a goofy “fun” character. Out in the universe, he’s non-human adventurer that we don’t have to qualify or excuse. We can just get on with enjoying his misadventures.

“The Avengers: Infinity War Part 1” has a May 4, 2018 release followed by Part 2 on May 3, 2019 directed by Joe and Anthony Russo.

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Movie News

MCU Rumors Include: Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers Infinity War & More

A batch of rumors regarding the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have hit the net, which includes Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, Thor: RagnaorkDoctor Strange, Captain Marvel, Black Panther and more.

I took a quick glace, and some of them are news already known or speculated about, but it’s still fun to check out.

I think these come from 4chan (via reddit):

Mads Mikkelsen is playing Dr. Anthony Druid in DOCTOR STRANGE. He’s the main villain. Amy Landecker and Scott Adkins are playing his followers. Michael Stuhlbarg is playing a LHC scientist who assists Doctor Druid. Dormammu is referenced.

Kurt Russell is playing Stakar in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2. He’s Star-Lord’s father and the main villain. Secondary villains include Tullk and Taserface. Ego, the Living Planet, will appear, and they’re scouting high-profile actors to voice him.

Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone and Christopher Lloyd have minor roles in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2.

The main villains of SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING are Norman Osborn and the Vulture, with appearances by Spencer Smythe and Miles Warren.

Michael Keaton was approached to play Osborn, but declined because he didn’t want to commit to a multi-picture contract. Other actors are now being approached, including Jason Clarke and Dougray Scott.

Mark Rylance has been approached about playing the Vulture and Gary Oldman is in negotiations to play Smythe. Andrew McCarthy is in early talks to play Warren.

Peter won’t have a prominent love interest in the first movie, although he will have a crush on Liz Allan, who is being played by Laura Harrier. Flash Thompson will also appear, with Blake Jenner in talks to play him. Daniel Zovatto and Charlie Rowe are in talks to play Harry Osborn.

THOR: RAGNAROK will feature Cate Blanchett as Hela and Surtur will be unleashed in the third actor. Josh Brolin will have an appearance as Thanos that leads directly into AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR.

Tessa Thompson is indeed playing Broomhilde, the warrior valkyrie. She is Thor’s new romantic interest. It will be established Thor and Jane Foster’s relationship ended on amicable terms due to his responsabilities as the guardian of the Nine Realms preventing them from committing to a life together.

Villains of BLACK PANTHER are High Priest Achebe, Ulysses Klaue and M’Baku. Andy Serkis will reprise his role as Klaw. Martin Freeman is also reprising his role as Everett Ross.

Black Panther’s love interest will be Monica Lynne, reinvented as a political envoy employed by Ross. Other supporting characters are Shuri, T’Challa’s sister; N’Gassi, the royal advisor; Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje; Adenbi, Achebe’s loyal follower; and Jack Truman, Lynne’s handler.

Casting is still in early stages, but Marvel has already named Michael Jai White as one of the frontrunners for M’Baku, and had meetings with Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nicole Beharie, Yaya DaCosta and Sharol Leal for the lead female roles, either Lynne or Shuri or both.

Carol Danvers will appear in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR before CAPTAIN MARVEL, and Emily Blunt is lined up to play her. Emily Carmichel in talks to direct.

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR – PART 1 will be renamed. First draft has recently been delivered. Apparently set on Earth and centered on the assembly of the Infinity Gauntlet.

CAPTAIN MARVEL will feature the Kree as villains. Not much is set.

ANT-MAN & THE WASP will feature the return of Janet Van Dyne and Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne fighting an old enemy of Hank Pym’s past familiar with the Quantum Realm, but his identity hasn’t yet been determined.

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR – PART 2 will be set in Space and feature the final battle against Thanos.

INHUMANS will most likely be scrapped.

Chris Evans is expected to renew his contract for more CAPTAIN AMERICA movies in Phase 4. Robert Downey Jr., however, is not. although there’s renewed interest in IRON MAN 4 lately.

Sequels for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, DOCTOR STRANGE, BLACK PANTHER and SPIDER-MAN already in discussions. They’re being optimistic, but more reserved with CAPTAIN MARVEL.

SECRET INVASION and SIEGE are popular storylines that are being considered as overarching storylines of Phase 4 and beyond.

There is a plan for the potential return of the Fantastic Four to the MCU. However, there are no contigencies for the X-Men, which are unlikely to ever return. There is interest in Namor, too.

There is interest in the Sentry, Spider-Woman, Hercules, Photon, Nova. the Young Avengers and the Thunderbolts for Phase 4 and beyond.

Blade, Moon Knight and Ghost Rider are being lined-up for Netflix shows.

BLACK WIDOW is actually of interest, but likely won’t happen in phase 3. Likewise, there’s been debate about a standalone WINTER SOLDIER movie.

There’s a running gag about producing a Supreme Squadron movie, but chances of it actually happening are virtually zero.

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Marvel Movie News

Marvel Almost Sold Rights To Captain America & Thor

It’s learned back in the Marvel bankruptcy days, that the licenses for Captain America and Thor were almost sold off to other studios.

THR has an article taking a look inside Marvel from the perspective of former Marvel president and chief operating officer David Maisel, who, like a lot of people, you probably haven’t heard of. Maisel is behind the upcoming Angry Birds movie.

Among some of the highlights:

Maisel was in part responsible for selling Marvel to Disney at a value of $4 billion.

It’s said Maisel was responsible for the Marvel-method of movies, which he borrowed the idea from George Lucas and Star Wars.

Maisel put the stop on selling Captain America to Warner Bros. and Thor to Sony, noting: “If I had gotten there three months, six months later, those deals would have been done,” he says. “And there would be no chance to bring all these characters together.”

Maisel was behind releasing the direct to DVD Avengers and Iron Man movies as a way of showing people there was a value to the products:  “It allowed me to say to people: ‘Look at the value of our IP. Here’s someone paying all the money, and we have creative control and get half the profits,’ ” says Maisel.

Ike Perlmutter (who Kevin Feige recently had booted from being involved with the movies) gave Maisel the go ahead for Iron Man as long as Marvel didn’t have to put up a dime.

Maisel is said to have had tensions with Spider-Man producer and former Marvel Studios CEO Avi Arad (Feige also booted Arad from any involvement in the new Tom Holland Spider-Man movies). Arad is said to have left Marvel and sold his stock for around $20 a share (Disney ended up purchasing Marvel for $51 a share).

Regarding the 2008 Iron Man movie, the board of Marvel is said to have been just happy enough to break even on the movie, but more excited for toy sales: “Don’t worry. We’ll be very happy if this breaks even and we can sell more toys.” Iron Man went on to gross $585 million worldwide.

Maisel made a deal with Universal Studios where Marvel would get the rights to the Hulk back, but Universal would be able to distribute any Hulk solo movie (which is why there is no new Hulk movie since). Universal would have no rights and receive nothing if Hulk appeared in other films (i.e. The Avengers happened).

February of 2009 saw Maisel meet with Disney’s Bob Iger. Maisel set up a meeting between Iger and Ike Perlmutter. Six month later Marvel was sold to Disney for $4 billion, ten times what Marvel was worth when Maisel started at Marvel.

captain-america-civil-war-thursday
Movie News

Captain America: Civil War Trails Batman Vs. Superman For Thursday Advance Screenings

Round 1 goes to Batman Vs. Superman.

Captain America: Civil War opened last night with advanced screenings and brought in $25 million domestically, which is less than the $27.7 million Batman Vs. Superman did for its own Thursday night screening and less than last year’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron, which did $27.6 million.

Civil War is still expected to have a hefty opening weekend, close to or even surpassing $200 million, with some estimates stating $188 million.

My thoughts:

I saw the movie last night and honestly felt it was “okay.” It didn’t blow me away, though the airport scene was pretty solid. Similar to Batman Vs. Superman, I felt the story was a bit lacking (and felt the Civil War comic book was a lot better). It was pretty much a “popcorn” movie, not that there is anything wrong with that of course. I’ll also add Disney released way too much footage online, which is a reason – similar to Avengers 2 – that Civil War may come off as underwhelming for some. I also felt some of the camera work was off in certain places (some fight/action scenes seemed too fast and CGI wasn’t that good).

“Captain America: Civil War” is now in theaters directed by Anthony and Joe Russo starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Frank Grillo, Paul Bettany, Don Cheadle, Emily VanCamp, William Hurt, Martin Freeman and Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther.

Synopsis:

Captain America: Civil War picks up where Avengers: Age of Ultron left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.

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Movie News

More Captain America: Civil War WHIH World News Teasers

Following the video and the Hulk teaser, check out the latest batch of Captain America: Civil War WHIH World News viral teasers which includes Iron Man, Crossbones, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, The Avengers, Vision, HYDRA and more.

“Captain America: Civil War” has  a May 6, 2016 release date directed by Anthony and Joe Russo starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Frank Grillo, Paul Bettany, Don Cheadle, Emily VanCamp, William Hurt, Martin Freeman and Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther.

Synopsis:

Captain America: Civil War picks up where Avengers: Age of Ultron left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.

avengers-alliance-2-civil-war
Movie News

Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2 Civil War Trailer

Marvel’s Avengers Alliance 2 is now available to play. Check out the Civil War trailer above.

Play the epic new event in Marvel: Avengers Alliance inspired by Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” in theaters May 6. Whose team are you on – Captain America or Iron Man? 

Watch the Thanos trailer here.

Info:

Disney Interactive Games and Marvel Entertainment today announced that the new turn-based team role-playing game “Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2” is now available on the App Store®, Google Play™, Amazon App Store and the Windows Phone Store. “Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2” is the mobile sequel to the smash hit social game “Marvel: Avengers Alliance,” offering fans stunning visuals and a deep roster of Marvel Heroes to build the ultimate team.

“’Marvel: Avengers Alliance’ is Marvel’s most successful social game ever, captivating an audience of millions of passionate fans over the past four years with the stories of Marvel’s super heroes and super villains,” said Chris Heatherly, SVP & GM, Disney Interactive Games. “’Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2′ stays true to the roots of this successful game but with all new visuals and gameplay built for mobile players.”

In “Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2,” players will assemble a team of super heroes featuring the Avengers, Daredevil, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, Wasp, and others to battle Ultron, Baron Strucker, M.O.D.O.K., and additional epic super villains. Commanders will team up with friends and other players from around the globe to prevail against deadly foes in story-based missions, Spec Ops, and more.

In this original storyline for “Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2,” pieces of the planet are disappearing, with entire cities vanishing without a trace. It is a mystery with a single clue: All of the disappearances are at previous sites of Incursions. Villains are taking advantage of the chaos, as well as the massive deposits of Iso-8 left behind by each disappearance. Each player must level up heroes, customize each hero with special abilities, and assemble the ultimate team to take into battle.

“The original ‘Marvel: Avengers Alliance’ attracted a worldwide fan base due to its great storytelling and unique gameplay,” said Peter Phillips, EVP/GM, Interactive and Digital Distribution, Marvel Entertainment. “’Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2′ expands on the original with exciting new missions and one of the most robust character line-ups in any Marvel game.”

Since its launch in 2012, the original ‘Marvel: Avengers Alliance’ has become the most successful Disney Interactive-published social game with nearly 70 million players, and over 100 super heroes and super villains for players to collect and nearly 1,600 different combat situations to battle through, including PVP Tournaments and Incursions.

“Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2” features include:

Create a Team: Players assemble the ultimate team to strategize and defeat evil forces in epic 3-on-3 combat.

Customize Heroes: Fans collect, level-up, and equip super heroes with unique abilities.

Story-Based Missions: Players take on dozens of replayable story- based, Spec Op, and Daily Op missions for rewards.

Active Competitions: Contestants earn additional powerful rewards in PVP tournaments.

For more information, please visit https://www.MarvelAvengersAlliance2.com.

national-superhero-day
Comic Book News Marvel

Today Is National Superhero Day

Today happens to be National Superhero Day, which was created by employees of Marvel back in 1995.

Why not stop in at your local comic book shop and pick up a few items!

Or you an always head to Amazon.

Check out some social media posts celebrating the occasion:

avengers-x-men-not-serious
Movie News

Avengers & X-Men Crossover Not Being Seriously Considered

Following Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn stating not to believe the rumors about Fox and Disney, now Deadpool director Tim Miller and executive producer Simon Kinberg say more of the same.

Miller and Kinberg spoke with CBR, where Miller notes he doesn’t think “anybody would seriously consider it” due to the legal issues and such.

Miller: I’m ready for it, but the studios are not ready for it.

Kinberg: We would love it. I mean, Tim and I talked about it quite a bit. We grew up on comics that did it all the time, quite freely. Not just within the Marvel Universe, but outside the Marvel Universe. So it’d be rad to see it. Those decisions are made by people at a much higher part of the food chain than Tim and I — we just go execute it.

But yeah, we would love it, and we certainly each have a really good relationship with Kevin Feige. Maybe one day there’s a sit-down, “Godfather”-style dinner where we could broker a deal. It’d be cool.

Miller: I honestly can say, as an adult who works in this industry, you certainly can see all the reasons why it doesn’t happen. The corporate inertia, just the lawyering of that deal alone is so daunting that I don’t think anybody would seriously consider it.

But as a fan, you just want to go, “Fuck man! Why can’t I see that?” Because that’s what I got in comic books. What’s more, they had DC/Marvel crossover events that were just stupendous. On a creative level, you just want to say that comic books is just a huge world. I read Marvel, and I read DC, and I read Image, and I read small independent publishers. I’ve got a “Goon” comic book from Dark Horse. I love all of that stuff. To me, it’s all one big world.

The previous Avengers and X-Men rumor stated a crossover movie was happening in 2020, with a second rumor stating the X-Men was going to be rebooted within the MCU following X-Men: Apocalypse.

marvels-avengers-revelution
Marvel TV Trailers

Watch: Marvel’s Avengers: Ultron Revolution Season 3, Ep. 7 – Clip 1

Watch a clip below for the next episode of Avengers: Ultron Revolution featuring Dormammu.

The Avengers come to Doctor Strange’s aid against Dormammu in a clip from “Marvel’s Avengers: Ultron Revolution,” airing Sunday at 8:30 AM ET on Disney XD! 

About:

After defeating world-shattering threats like Ultron and Thanos, the Avengers have less reason to come back together to fight smaller villains as a team. However, the unexpected return of Ultron reunites the Avengers and they must learn what it is to function as a unit again. New challenges include the unpredictable Ultimate Ultron, but also Baron Zemo, the Masters of Evil, the Inhumans, and the futuristic Kang the Conquerer. Through these events, the Avengers prove once again that they are more than a powerhouse team–they are also a family and their combined strength is what allows them to be Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. 

With an all-star roster consisting of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Hawkeye, Falcon and, occasionally–when she feels like it and only when she feels like it–Black Widow, the Avengers are a team in the truest sense. The Avengers save the world from the biggest threats imaginable–threats no single super hero could withstand.

avengers-infinity-war-thanos-67-characters
Movie News

Avengers: Infinity War Writers Talk Thanos & 67 Characters

The Russo Brothers previously hinted The Avengers: Infinity War movies would feature a whopping 67 characters.

Now the writers behind the films, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, bring in a little clarity and throw the Mad Titan into the mix.

“Well, I mean that number is literally — that number comes from the fact that that’s everyone who’s already been introduced. If you line up all the character’s who are available to use from the prior Marvel movies, it racks up to about 60 something characters, let alone the new ones you could bring in,” Markus told Huff Post.

“We had our office filled with cards of everybody who was alive and available, and the brothers came in and went, ‘Whoa.’ So that doesn’t mean that everyone is, you know, there’s not going to be 67 lead parts,” McFeely added.

While 67 characters may not be featured, Thanos will be.

“[Thanos]. It’s easy,” said McFeely. “Really giving him good scenes. You know, he’s never been the villain in any of the movies. He’s never been the main character in that way, so giving lots of good screen time to Thanos is paramount and pretty fun.”

“There’s an aspect of, you know, people know what’s coming, so our challenge is how best are we going to handle this somewhat known quantity. But also he’s barely been touched on. He’s at about 20 seconds of screen time,” said Markus.

The Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 hits May 4, 2018; Part 2 gets released May 3, 2019.

Watch: Avengers: Infinity War teaser:

joss-whedon-return-marvel
Marvel Movie News

Joss Whedon Wants To Return To Marvel

A few months ago saw Joss Whedon make mention he was done working with Marvel, but now it’s learned the Avengers director may have just needed some time off.

While participating at the SVA Theatre in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood as part of the Tribeca Film Festival’s Talk series along with Hulk actor Mark Rufffalo, Joss Whedon mentioned that he isn’t close minded about taking on other Marvel projects down the road, and he hopes Marvel hasn’t quit on him either.

“It was just five years of my life,” Whedon told Deadline about working on both Avengers movies. “I took a two-week vacation for the first time in 25 years, except for the four month vacation where I wrote the Buffy musical. I set out to accomplish nothing.”

Ruffalo welcomed Whedon back into the fold.

“I begged him to do Avengers 3 and 4, Hulk 3, Thor 3 and Quasimodo, and he said, ‘I’ll never do it again,’” Ruffalo joked to the audience. “I was getting worried about you, but you’re back.”

“Yeah, I’m back,” Whedon said.

It’s noted Whedon’s next project (not Marvel) is currently being kept under wraps, but Whedon offered it’s “super good” and “a definite departure.” 

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