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Marvel Comics movies update

Benjamin Grimm Apr 11 2007 10:50 AM

This is all from IMDB. Iron Man is due out in 2008. Jon Favreau directs. Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. Gwyneth Paltrow is Pepper Potts. Plus Terrence Howard as Jim Rhodes, Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane and Shaun Toub as the Mandarin. I like Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. (My first choice, Clark Gable, is dead at the present time.) I don't remember who Obadiah Stane is. A business rival of Tony Stark, I believe. The Incredible Hulk is in pre-production for a 2008 release. IMDB says, "Casting is currently underway" which gives me a measure of hope that they're starting fresh and not creating a sequel to that awful 2003 movie. Maybe this time they'll get it right. (I want to see Rick Jones playing the harmonica in the desert, and Bruce Banner throwing him into that ditch just as the bomb goes off!) Thor is also in pre-production for a 2009 release. (It will be hard to do the character justice without making a very silly looking movie, I think.) In the category of "Announced" we have Nick Fury in 2008. (Here's the plot description: "A daring amateur boxer from Hells Kitchen is recruited by the Army for some top-secret assignments. He soon is promoted to captain, where he puts together the First Attack Squad, a group of elite soldiers who carry out elite missions.") and Captain America in 2009. ("Unassuming Army officer Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals.") Hopefully any Captain America movie would be set in World War II, and we'd see the Red Skull, Baron Zemo, and, of course, Bucky. (I'd also like to see the Sub-Mariner and the Human Torch and Toro too but that's probably too much to ask.)

Nymr83 Apr 11 2007 12:22 PM

I look forward to Iron Man, after the last Hulk movie (by far the worst of the recent flood of Marvel movies) its hard to be too enthusiastic. Thor will probably suck, why not just make an Avengers movie? Captain America, if set in WW2, could be amaing. If set in modern times (as most or all of the recent movies have been) its going to suck big time. I pray to god that its not Capt. America in Iraq, regardless of the view the producers will take of the war. Nick Fury is interesting..he's by far the least known marvel character that they're planning a movie on. the movie is therefore pretty likely to stand or fall on its own. it could be Delta Force, it could be terrible.

Mark Healey Apr 11 2007 02:50 PM

Didn't David Hassellhoff star as Nick Fury?

Vic Sage Apr 12 2007 01:46 PM

Mark Healey wrote: Didn't David Hassellhoff star as Nick Fury? yes, in an awful made for tv movie. it could be Delta Force, it could be terrible. that's redundant.

Nymr83 Apr 12 2007 04:24 PM

i liked delta force, of course a much better movie is about the real life incident from which delta force stole its plot- "Victory at Entebbe" The Israeli movie on the same incident, "Operation Thunderbolt" (Mivtsa Yonatan) is good too, but it has subtitles.

Vic Sage Jul 05 2007 11:04 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 05 2007 11:24 AM

update on announced comic book/superhero live feature adaptations: Captain America (2009) - script David Self Dark Knight, The (2008) - Chris Nolan / Christian Bale are back in Batman followup, FILMING NOW Deathlok (2008) - Self brought in to do rewrite Doom Patrol, The (2008) - no info Flash, The (2008) - dir Shawn Levy / script David Goyer, IN DEVELOPMENT Ghost Who Walks, The (2007) - the Phantom, script DeSouza Hands of Shang-Chi, The (2009) - dir W-P Yuen, script McKenna bros. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008) - dir/script Del Toro, with Ron Perlman, FILMING NOW Incredible Hulk, The (2008) - dir Louis Leterrier, script Zak Penn, with Edward Norton & Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, FILMING NOW Iron Fist (2008) - dir Steve Carr, script John Turman, with Ray Park Iron Man (2008) - dir Jon Favreau, with Robert Downey, Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, IN POST-PRODUCTION - Jon Favreau announced that principle photography has wrapped Lone Wolf and Cub (2008) - Aronofsky script Luke Cage (2009) - dir John Singleton, script Ben Ramsay, with Tyrese Gibson Nick Fury (2008) - Fred Ward (?) Punisher 2, The (2008) dir John Dahl, script Stuart Beattie, IN PRE-PRODUCTION Red Sonja (2008) - IN PRE-PRODUCTION Sgt. Rock (2008) - no info Shazam! (2008) - dir Peter Segal, script William Goldman/John August, with The Rock (?) Sin City 2 and 3 (2008) - Miller/Rodriguez, with Johnny Depp (?), IN PRE-PRODUCTION Spider-Man 4 (2009) -Raimi/Koepp/Maguire, etc. Sub-Mariner (2008) - dir/script Johnathan Mostow; with David Boreanaz (?) Superman: The Man of Steel (2009) - followup, dir Bryan Singer - the sequel to 'Superman Returns' may be pushed back as director Bryan Singer gravitates towards other projects. Thor (2009) - dir Matthew Vaughn, script Mark Protosevich, IN PRE-PRODUCTION Watchmen (2008) - dir Zack Snyder, with Gerard Butler (?), Keanu Reeves (?), Jude law (?), IN PRE-PRODUCTION Witchblade, The (2009) - script Ethan Erwin/Marty Musatov Wolverine (2008) - script David Benoiff, with Hugh Jackman, Brian Cox (?), IN DEVELOPMENT - Len Wiseman, director of "Underworld" and the upcoming sequel in the "Die Hard" franchise, "Live Free or Die Hard" is currently in a good spot at 20th Century Fox and he has potential to be named director of the Wolverine project. Wonder Woman (2009) - Joss Whedon off project Y: The Last Man (2008) - no info

Willets Point Jul 05 2007 11:11 AM

I sense a disconnect: The name "Pepper Potts" implies something spicy and curvaceous to me. The name "Gwyneth Paltrow" implies something bland and stringbean-like.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 05 2007 11:20 AM

Have you heard anything about a Magneto movie? I seem to remember reading a rumor about it a few months ago, but it didn't seem like an authentic rumor to me. Captain America is reportedly going to be a "partial" period piece. I guess that means that either the first part will be set in World War II and then he'll get frozen in the ice, or else maybe the World War II stuff will be told in flashback. Incredible Hulk does have an all new cast from the awful 2003 movie. I've heard it referred to as a "relaunch", so hopefully it will have an all-new origin as well and have nothing to do with the first film. I sense that critics will howl with laughter at the Thor movie. They really have to move ahead carefully with that one, I think. Spider-Man 4, 2009? Interesting. Sub-Mariner yes, Aquaman no. I wonder if that's because people think that Vincent Chase's Aquaman movie was really made? I remember a TV entertainment journalist reporting that the second Pirates of the Caribbean movie had broken Aquaman's box office record.

Vic Sage Jul 05 2007 11:27 AM

I've read that David Goyer is set to do the Magneto movie, after Fox is done with the Wolverine movie.

Nymr83 Jul 05 2007 08:22 PM

prediction: 'Thor' beats out the recent Hulk movie as the worst superhero movie ever. I don't have high hopes for Wolverine, sub-mariner, or wonderwoman either. Captain America could be good (a modern day Cap just awakened from the ice with appropriate flashbacks, perhaps hunting a nazi-era supervillain who is still alive?) or it could stink. out of that list my highest hopes are for Dark Knight and Iron Man.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 05 2007 08:56 PM

What's with the lack of faith in Thor? (Really) He was great in "Adventures in Babysitting"

Nymr83 Jul 05 2007 09:17 PM

I have a feeling its either going to be corny or just dull in an attempt to avoid corny.

Vic Sage Jul 06 2007 07:50 AM

if they go full out with the Norse Mythology and Asgard, it could be an epic movie... or they could go the campy-cheeseball route and it'll suck.

Edgy MD Jul 06 2007 08:06 AM

Maybe they should get a Scandinavian director. Just not Renny Harlin, who has been in a slump since... help me out, he was good once, right?

Vic Sage Jul 09 2007 10:57 AM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Jul 09 2007 11:12 AM

he was good once, right? WRONG! Born American (1986) - mike (!) norris low-budget action Prison (1988) - low-budget horror A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988) - weak film in a weak series Die Hard 2 (1990) - ok, but weakest of the DH movies to date The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (1990) - the Diceman leaveth Cliffhanger (1993) - not as good as its hit status would suggest Cutthroat Island (1995) - godawful disaster The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) - my guilty pleasure, this is only Harlin film i can watch more than once Deep Blue Sea (1999) - smart sharks, stupid movie Driven (2001) - Stallone and Burt Reynolds in a racing move. Maybe Harlin's worst? Mindhunters (2004) - He better hunt for minds, cuz he's lost his. Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) - Not the beginning, just the end. The Covenant (2006) - CRAFTless and CHARMless, 9021Omigod. somebody kill him before he films again.

Willets Point Jul 09 2007 11:03 AM

He seems to specialize in unnecessary sequels.

Vic Sage Jul 09 2007 11:13 AM

I would submit that ALL of his films are unnecessary.

Edgy MD Jul 09 2007 11:41 AM

Vic Sage wrote: he was good once, right? WRONG!. I kind of meant to imply that through irony. Even Mike Norris is an unnceccesary sequel.

Vic Sage Jul 10 2007 01:18 PM

SILVER SURFER SEQUEL Fox has already put a feature spinoff into development that will star the enigmatic Surfer, with J. Michael Straczynski currently crafting the screenplay... ... it apparently hopes to spin the new Surfer franchise in a darker direction to attract the slightly older demographic of its X-Men films.

Valadius Aug 09 2007 11:54 AM

Nick Fury will be appearing in Iron Man, being played by none other than Samuel L. Jackson (who the Ultimate version of Nick Fury was modeled after), and who will star in his own movie. By the way, Iron Man looks unbelievable - there's footage online from the film. Downey NAILS Stark.

Vic Sage Aug 09 2007 01:02 PM Edited 5 time(s), most recently on Nov 09 2007 02:19 PM

update on comic book/superhero live feature adaptations currently in production: Iron Man (May 2, 2008) - IN POST-PRODUCTION dir Jon Favreau, with Robert Downey, Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick fury. "Based on the Marvel Comics Character; Billionaire playboy industrialist Tony Stark makes weapons for the U.S. government. While out on a field test of one of his inventions, he is wounded, captured and forced to make weapons for the enemy. Instead, he fashions himself a crude power armor to save his life and facilitate his escape. When he returns home, he revises his armor and finds purpose as the Armored Avenger Iron Man!" Incredible Hulk, The (June 13, 2008) - FILMING NOW dir Louis Leterrier, script Zak Penn, with Edward Norton & Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) living in shadows, scours the planet for an antidote. Upon returning to civilization, he is pursued by The Abomination (Tim Roth) -- a beast whose powers match The Hulk's own. Banner must call upon the hero within to rescue New York City from total destruction. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (July 11, 2008) - FILMING NOW dir/script Del Toro, with Ron Perlman. Guillermo Del Toro and Mike Mignola have both been stated saying that they would love to complete the Hellboy trilogy off with a third film. However, if Hellboy 2 does not suceed in the theaters, they will make sure the Two-Disk Special Edition will indeed have a proper and suitable ending to relieve any questions of a third film. Dark Knight, The (July 18, 2008) - fILMING NOW "Batman (Christian Bale) raises the stakes in his war on crime in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight." With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker (Heath Ledger)." The rumored third Batman film is to be called "Shadow of the Bat" and is likely to be released in 2011. PUNISHER WAR ZONE(2008) - fILMING NOW dir Lexi Alexander, scr Holloway/Marcum (they wrote Iron Man), with Ray Stephenson replacing Tom Jane. "Continuing his crusade to punish violent criminals in America, former FBI agent Frank Castle arrives in New York to take on a underworld boss who plots to take control of the underworld." The Spirit (Jan 16, 2009)- FILMING NOW Writer/Director Frank Miller, with Gabriel Macht, Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson. "Rookie cop Denny Colt returns from the beyond as The Spirit, a hero whose mission is to fight against the bad forces in Central City." Watchmen (MARCH 6, 2009) - FILMING NOW dir Zack Snyder, scrpt Alex Tse/ David Hayter;with Matthew Goode/Ozymandias, Billy Crudup/Dr. Manhattan, Jackie Earle Haley/Rorschach. "Based on the landmark Alan Moore comic book series... In a gritty and alternate 1985 the glory days of costumed vigilantes have been brought to a close by a government crackdown, but after one of the masked veterans is brutally murdered an investigation into the killer is initiated. The reunited heroes set out to prevent their own destruction, but in doing so discover a deeper and far more diabolical plot." -------------------------------------------- currently in pre-production: Flash, The (2008) - IN PRE-PRODUCTION dir: David Dobkin / script David Goyer While touring the crime scene lab of his uncle, Barry Allen, teenager Wally West is doused in chemicals after a lightning bolt strikes them, which enables him to run faster than any other human being on earth. Becoming the Flash, Wally sets out to protect the people of his city from the villainous threats that arise Sin City 2 (2008) - IN PRE-PRODUCTION aka "A Dame To Kill For"; Miller/Rodriguez "The film's plot follows multiple storylines: "A Dame to Kill For" is a prequel to "The Big Fat Kill", and follows Dwight (Clive Owen) and his former love Ava Lord (Rachel Weisz), who betrayed him and ended their relationship for a wealthier man. After Ava frames Dwight for the murder of her husband, he seeks to clear his name, with help from Marv. Another storyline follows Nancy (Jessica Alba) as she grieves the death of Detective Hartigan, after the events of "That Yellow Bastard". " Sin City 3 (2009) - IN PRE-PRODUCTION Miller/Rodriguez. On a dark night in Sin City, an ex-Navy SEAL named Wallace (Johnny Depp?)saved a young woman, Esther, from killing herself. After a night on the town, she was kidnapped by mysterious people. May God have mercy on those who stand in Wallace's way... Thor (2009) - IN PRE-PRODUCTION dir Matthew Vaughn, script Mark Protosevich, with Kevin McKidd (?) "Partially disabled medical student Dr. Donald Blake discovers his heretofore unknown alter ego, the Norse warrior, Thor." X-MEN ORIGINS: Wolverine (May 1, 2009) - IN PRE-PRODUCTION dir Gavin Hood; script David Benoiff, with Hugh Jackman, Brian Cox, Ken Watanabe. This is a prequel to the X-Men series. "The mutant known as Wolverine breaks off into his off spin-off film from the successful X-MEN! franchise. Hugh Jackman (X1, X2, Van Helsing) returns as Logan/ Wolverine-A mutant with regenerative powers, three claws on each hand and a skeleton all laced with the rare metal known as adamantium. Logan struggles to find the secrets to his past. After learning little information through the help of Charles Xavier (X2's Patrick Stewart), Logan takes his search even further by learning the full truth of his origin, while also heading in a bold, new direction." ------------------------------ projects that have been announced or are in development: Iron Fist (2008) - ANNOUNCED dir Steve Carr, script John Turman, with Ray Park. "A martial artist fights evil with his consummate fighting skill backed with the ability to strike with a punch of superhuman force." Nick Fury (2008) - ANNOUNCED Writer Andrew Marlowe, with Fred Ward (?) Sgt. Rock (2008) - ANNOUNCED. no info Shazam! (2008) - ANNOUNCED dir Peter Segal, script William Goldman/John August, with The Rock (?) Sub-Mariner (2008) - ANNOUNCED dir/script Johnathan Mostow; with David Boreanaz (?) Superman: The Man of Steel (June, 2009) - ANNOUNCED followup, dir Bryan Singer, with same cast as "Superman Returns". Captain America (July, 2009) -ANNOUNCED script by David Self; a director will be announced soon; production is expected to begin by mid-2008 Ghost Rider 2 (2009) - ANNOUNCED. No info available. Ghost Who Walks, The (2009) - ANNOUNCED The Phantom, script by DeSouza Hands of Shang-Chi, The (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir W-P Yuen, script McKenna bros. Luke Cage (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir John Singleton, script Ben Ramsay, with Tyrese Gibson Silver Surfer (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir Alex Proyas; scrpt JM Straczynski; a spinoff from FF 2 Spider-Man 4 (2009) - ANNOUNCED Raimi/Koepp/Maguire, etc. Dr. Curt Conners decides to experiment with the blending of nano-bots with the DNA of animals. In hopes of regaining his lost arm, Conners first experiment is with that of a lizard. However, the experiment goes terribly wrong and Conners' DNA mixes with that of his subject. Unable to control the results of the experiment, Conners goes mad and it is up to Spiderman to stop him. Witchblade, The (2009) - ANNOUNCED script Ethan Erwin/Marty Musatov Wonder Woman (2009) - ANNOUNCED Joss Whedon off project ------------------------------------- Ant-Man - IN DEVELOPMENT writers Edward Wright & Joe Cornish, and director Edgar Wright The Avengers -IN DEVELOPMENT Writer Zak Penn JLA - There are rumors of a George Miller-directed live-action feature, with Smallville's Clark Kent (Tom Welling) as Superman.

Nymr83 Aug 09 2007 11:32 PM

and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick fury Just like Kingpin in Daredevil they decided to make a white comic book character black just to have the token black guy in the movie. it pisses me off as a fan of the comics, either put a real black superhero in the film, create your own character if you really must have a black man, or just don't have a black actor at all if none of the parts are for one. i think its hysterical that pc hollywood needs a black guy in every movie whether he fits or not, and yet you never see the "token hispanic guy" written into the film even though they make up a larger % of the american population.

Edgy MD Aug 10 2007 05:30 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 21 2007 08:35 AM

The more I learn about how big the universe is, the more amazing it is that General Zog just happened to escape the phantom zone right near the planet where the son of Jor-El was exiled as the only other surviving Kryptonian.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 10 2007 05:47 AM

I don't think it's worth getting pissed off about. I would have preferred a white Kingpin, and a white Alicia, and a white Nick Fury, because I like to see these movies as true to the comics as possible. But the movies take so many liberties with their story telling that the race of a few characters ranks way down on the list. Anyway, if it makes you feel any better, I hear that Matt Damon is going to play Luke Cage.

Nymr83 Aug 10 2007 06:51 AM

why would that make me feel better? follow the comics or dont make the movie :/

Edgy MD Aug 10 2007 06:57 AM

By definition, a new medium is a departure. Some adaptations are more true than others, but the very nature of adaptations is betrayal.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 10 2007 07:10 AM

If they follow the comics too closely the movies will only appeal to the comic book fans, and they won't make as much money. If they don't make the movie, then they won't make any money. The reason they make these movies isn't to make comic fans' dreams come true, it's to make money. I understand why Galactus couldn't be a giant man in a purple metal skirt and became a cloud instead. And I also understand why Iron Man's origins won't be set in Viet Nam during the war. Some departures are acceptable. The key thing is to be true to the characters and the spirit of the original. They changed the origin of the Fantastic Four, and I can accept that. They changed the personality of Doctor Doom, and that sucked. But you can't be a strict fundamentalist with these things. (Or, in my opinion, with anything, really.)

Edgy MD Aug 10 2007 07:26 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 26 2007 07:35 AM

Nymr83 wrote: i think its hysterical that pc hollywood needs a black guy in every movie whether he fits or not, I think this is untrue and I don't think you're actually finding it to be hysterical. Nymr83 wrote: and yet you never see the "token hispanic guy" written into the film even though they make up a larger % of the american population. I guess it depends on what you think of as tokenism. I think what you're sensing is less pc and more economics. Blacks may currently be a smaller percentage of the populaiton than hispanics, but a larger percentatge of the movie-going population, Their turnout rate is even higher within the subset of action films, which is really what we're talking about. And they're certailnly a much larger percentage of the audience of English-language films. There was a rule in the mid-century comics world, that if you can give a superhero a juvenile sidekick, your sales would go up 20%, because kids like to see stand-ins for themselves in the stories. The truth is probably that adults do also.

Vic Sage Aug 10 2007 08:23 AM

As a big comics fan (and a fan of DD in particular), i had no problem with Kingpin being played by Michael Clarke Duncan. There was nothing inherent in the character that required him to be white, or any particular race. What was required was that he be physically imposing, to a ridiculous degree, yet elegant and articulate. And those qualities are ones that Clarke certainly has in sp... has plenty of. Duncan's casting is no more a betrayal of the character then Garner being Elektra... after all, she's not really Greek. With Jackson playing Nick Fury, you have a major star playing a secondary character. Now, to the extent Nick Fury is the former Sgt. fury of world war II, its disingenuous to cast a black man, since there weren't too many black sargeants during wwII, and portraying him as one is basically a "whitewash" (so to speak) of American military racism during that period. However, to the extent they'll being playing Fury as a more contemporary character, there, again, is nothing inherently aesthetically inconsistent with casting a terrific black actor in the role. Now, if your casting Denzel Washington as Thor, a Norse God... well, that's another story.

Willets Point Aug 10 2007 08:27 AM

Vic Sage wrote: And that quality is one Clarke certainly has in sp... has plenty of. I LOL'ed at that.

Valadius Aug 10 2007 02:25 PM

Remember, they want to make the story set present-day. The existence of Ultimate Nick Fury allowed for him to appear in this film. The Ultimate version of Fury is a Gulf War vet. The fact that he was specifically designed to look like Jackson and that Jackson will portray him on-screen is unbelievably cool, in my opinion. Here's a picture of Ultimate Nick Fury:

Benjamin Grimm Aug 10 2007 02:53 PM

I don't know much of anything about the Ultimates, but I think it's strange and annoying that Marvel has two versions of all of their characters. Twice as much potential merchandise to sell, I guess.

Willets Point Aug 10 2007 03:38 PM

Don't comic book series retcon all the time by their very nature?

Valadius Aug 11 2007 01:49 PM

Thor is going to start production this winter.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 14 2007 11:24 AM

X-Men 3 was on HBO the other day and I TiVoed it. Just this afternoon I burned it to DVD for my son and, to verify that the whole movie made it onto the disk, I skipped ahead to the very end. After the credits finish rolling, there's one additional scene. It's very brief, but it's a man in a hospital bed and Moira McTaggert is in the room. She's reading a chart or something, and the man in the bed croaks, "Moira?" And she turns to him and says, "Charles?" And THAT'S the end of the movie. All this time I thought that they had killed off Professor X.

Vic Sage Sep 20 2007 02:50 PM

George Miller to lead 'Justice League' WB moves ahead with bigscreen adaptation By DIANE GARRETT / Variety Warner Bros. is moving aggressively ahead with the bigscreen adaptation of DC Comics’ “Justice League of America,” with George Miller on board to direct. Project, which is the initial phases of casting, is a pre-strike priority for the studio, which needs a superhero tentpole in 2009. Still, making all the pieces fit has been complicated by overlapping superhero projects in the pipeline, since “Justice League” features a pantheon of superheroes, including Superman and Batman. Batman and Superman are active properties for the studio, though the next installment in the Superman franchise has taken a backseat to “Justice League” in part because Warners is so keen on the “Justice League” script by Kieran and Michele Mulroney. “Justice League” will likely feature the characters of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash and Aquaman. Warners is in the preliminary phases of casting for “Justice League.” Several sources close to the project said that Christian Bale, star of the revived Batman film franchise, and Brandon Routh, star of Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns,” would probably not appear in the movie. However, helmer Chris Nolan, current steward of the “Batman” franchise for the studio, would prefer that Warners delay “Justice League” until after he finishes “Batman” projects in development; Bale has also let his uneasiness about “Justice League” be known. To work around these issues, the studio explored making “Justice League” as an animated film or with motion capture, but all indications are that the film will be special-effects driven live action. The project is so complicated -- and casting dependent -- that even those deeply involved in the project are holding their breath until production begins. “They’re working very hard to get it to happen,” said one party close to the project. “But there are so many characters it’s complicated.” It was for this very reason that many believed Warners would move ahead first with a follow-up to Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns.” Singer, however, is busy with Tom Cruise starrer “Valkyrie.” Miller has a warm relationship with Warners. He last helmed “Happy Feet,” which generated $379 million worldwide box office for the studio.

Edgy MD Sep 20 2007 02:59 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 21 2007 08:38 AM

Not such a good idea. The notion behind superhero team-ups in the comics wasn't to create a new great-selling title, but to use the better-selling characters --- Batman and Superman --- to draw readership toward the lesser-sellers. Teams conceived as teams --- the X-Men and the Fantastic Four --- always made more compelling reading than dream teams like the Avengers and the Justice League, where getting all those guys in one room under any but the most dire universe-threatening circumstances would be a monumental waste of resources.

Nymr83 Sep 20 2007 03:00 PM

The project is so complicated -- and casting dependent -- that even those deeply involved in the project are holding their breath until production begins. “They’re working very hard to get it to happen,” said one party close to the project. “But there are so many characters it’s complicated.” what makes this any more complicated or difficult than the X-men movies or Fantastic Four?

Vic Sage Sep 21 2007 08:30 AM

what makes this any more complicated or difficult than the X-men movies or Fantastic Four? the fact that 2 of the JLA, superman and batman, are currently featured in their own series of films. they probably need to coordinate productions and storylines (and possibly casts) so they don't conflict with each other.

Edgy MD Sep 21 2007 08:43 AM

Of course. And Wonder Woman is still in the pipeline, presumably. Do you want to introduce her as part of the team, or in her own feature? Would it detract from her own feature or add to it? Can they stick a contemporary WW in the Justice League and World War II WW in her own serial and not confuse audiences too much. Does Batman as conceived in Batman Begins exist in a universe without superpowers and Superman? This is key shit.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 21 2007 09:27 AM

Marvel is also planning to start tying their movies together. Avengers is in the works, but expected to follow Iron Man and Thor and, I think, Captain America. I think it's an okay idea. Part of the fun of the Marvel Universe is how it all overlaps. Movie audiences need to be eased into that, however. Launching them into a full-blown Marvel Universe would require too much suspension of disbelief. (Imagine working all those different origins into one film.) DC has the advantage that their heroes are more familiar. They may be able to get away with introducing Flash and Green Lantern and Aquaman without going into their origins. (Much of the audience already knows who they are.) But seeing a bunch of guys in outlandish costumes sitting around a conference room table waiting for evil to strike will look nutty no matter what. Such a movie would probably be better as a high-end computer animated feature. (Easier to suspend the disbelief.) And I agree with what Edgy said above about superteams like X-Men, FF, and Doom Patrol compared with conglomerate teams like Justice League, Avengers, and Defenders. And one more thing: I want an Invaders movie!

soupcan Sep 21 2007 10:23 AM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: And one more thing: I want an Invaders movie! I'd prefer a WWII era flick that focuses pretty much on the Captain.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 21 2007 10:37 AM

That would be fine, too. (Would you include Bucky Barnes?)

Johnny Dickshot Sep 21 2007 10:59 AM

What would make a zillion peanuts would be SuperFriends: The Movie.

Vic Sage Sep 21 2007 02:29 PM

"Superfriends" blows monkey chunks.

Johnny Dickshot Sep 26 2007 07:28 AM

Yeah but $$$$$.

Vic Sage Dec 21 2007 03:38 PM

revised 12/21/07 update on comic book/superhero live feature adaptations currently in production: Iron Man (May 2, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION dir Jon Favreau, with Robert Downey, Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick fury. "Based on the Marvel Comics Character; Billionaire playboy industrialist Tony Stark makes weapons for the U.S. government. While out on a field test of one of his inventions, he is wounded, captured and forced to make weapons for the enemy. Instead, he fashions himself a crude power armor to save his life and facilitate his escape. When he returns home, he revises his armor and finds purpose as the Armored Avenger Iron Man!" The Incredible Hulk (June 13, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION dir Louis Leterrier, script Zak Penn, with Edward Norton & Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) living in shadows, scours the planet for an antidote. Upon returning to civilization, he is pursued by The Abomination (Tim Roth) -- a beast whose powers match The Hulk's own. Banner must call upon the hero within to rescue New York City from total destruction. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (July 11, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION dir/script Del Toro, with Ron Perlman. Guillermo Del Toro and Mike Mignola have both been stated saying that they would love to complete the Hellboy trilogy off with a third film. However, if Hellboy 2 does not suceed in the theaters, they will make sure the Two-Disk Special Edition will indeed have a proper and suitable ending to relieve any questions of a third film. The Dark Knight (July 18, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION "Batman (Christian Bale) raises the stakes in his war on crime in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight." With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker (Heath Ledger)." The rumored third Batman film is to be called "Shadow of the Bat" and is likely to be released in 2011. Punisher War Zone (Sept 12, 2008) - fILMING NOW dir Lexi Alexander, scr Holloway/Marcum, with Ray Stephenson replacing Tom Jane. "Continuing his crusade to punish violent criminals in America, former FBI agent Frank Castle arrives in New York to take on a underworld boss who plots to take control of the underworld." The Spirit (Jan 16, 2009)- FILMING NOW Writer/Director Frank Miller, with Gabriel Macht, Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson. "Rookie cop Denny Colt returns from the beyond as The Spirit, a hero whose mission is to fight against the bad forces in Central City." Watchmen (MARCH 6, 2009) - FILMING NOW dir Zack Snyder, scrpt Alex Tse/ David Hayter;with Matthew Goode/Ozymandias, Billy Crudup/Dr. Manhattan, Jackie Earle Haley/Rorschach, Carla Gugino/Silk Spectre "Based on the landmark Alan Moore comic book series... In a gritty and alternate 1985 the glory days of costumed vigilantes have been brought to a close by a government crackdown, but after one of the masked veterans is brutally murdered an investigation into the killer is initiated. The reunited heroes set out to prevent their own destruction, but in doing so discover a deeper and far more diabolical plot." -------------------------------------------- currently in pre-production: The Flash (2008) - PRE-PRODUCTION dir: David Dobkin / script David Goyer While touring the crime scene lab of his uncle, Barry Allen, teenager Wally West is doused in chemicals after a lightning bolt strikes them, which enables him to run faster than any other human being on earth. Becoming the Flash, Wally sets out to protect the people of his city from the villainous threats that arise JLA (2010) - PRE-PRODUCTION dir: George Miller / script: Kieran & Michele Mulroney Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Flash and other superheroes unite to to fight against evil forces. Sin City 2 (2008) - PRE-PRODUCTION aka "A Dame To Kill For"; Miller/Rodriguez "The film's plot follows multiple storylines: "A Dame to Kill For" is a prequel to "The Big Fat Kill", and follows Dwight (Clive Owen) and his former love Ava Lord (Rachel Weisz), who betrayed him and ended their relationship for a wealthier man. After Ava frames Dwight for the murder of her husband, he seeks to clear his name, with help from Marv. Another storyline follows Nancy (Jessica Alba) as she grieves the death of Detective Hartigan, after the events of "That Yellow Bastard". " Sin City 3 (2009) - PRE-PRODUCTION Miller/Rodriguez. On a dark night in Sin City, an ex-Navy SEAL named Wallace (Johnny Depp?)saved a young woman, Esther, from killing herself. After a night on the town, she was kidnapped by mysterious people. May God have mercy on those who stand in Wallace's way... Thor (2009) - PRE-PRODUCTION dir Matthew Vaughn, script Mark Protosevich, with Kevin McKidd (?) "Partially disabled medical student Dr. Donald Blake discovers his heretofore unknown alter ego, the Norse warrior, Thor." X-MEN ORIGINS: Wolverine (May 1, 2009) - PRE-PRODUCTION dir Gavin Hood; script David Benoiff, with Hugh Jackman, Brian Cox, Ken Watanabe. This is a prequel to the X-Men series. "The mutant known as Wolverine breaks off into his off spin-off film from the successful X-MEN! franchise. Hugh Jackman (X1, X2, Van Helsing) returns as Logan/ Wolverine-A mutant with regenerative powers, three claws on each hand and a skeleton all laced with the rare metal known as adamantium. Logan struggles to find the secrets to his past. After learning little information through the help of Charles Xavier (X2's Patrick Stewart), Logan takes his search even further by learning the full truth of his origin, while also heading in a bold, new direction." ------------------------------ projects that have been announced or are in development: Captain America (July, 2009) -ANNOUNCED script by David Self; director Nick Cassavetes; production is expected to begin by mid-2008 Based on the Marvel Comics character from the second World War, a mild-mannered young soldier named Steve Rogers volunteers for a special Super Soldier program for the US Army. Donning the colors of Old Glory, Captain America leapt into the hearts and souls of every American bringing hope and justice to a war-weary nation. Deathlok (2008) - ANNOUNCED Script by Raven Metzner, rewrite by David Self. A man unwittingly finds himself the subject of an experiment which slowly turns him into a cyborg, with computer and robotic parts replacing nearly his entire body... Ghost Rider 2 (2009) - ANNOUNCED. No info available. Ghost Who Walks, The (2009) - ANNOUNCED The Phantom, script by DeSouza Green Hornet (2009) - ANNOUNCED. No info available. Hands of Shang-Chi, The (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir W-P Yuen, script McKenna bros. Based on the Marvel Comics hero, a young Kung-Fu master learns his father is the world's worst criminal Iron Fist (2008) - ANNOUNCED dir Steve Carr, script John Turman, with Ray Park. "A martial artist fights evil with his consummate fighting skill backed with the ability to strike with a punch of superhuman force." Luke Cage (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir John Singleton, script Ben Ramsay, with Tyrese Gibson The comic book adaptation is about a former gang member who is framed for a crime he didn't commit. In prison, he volunteers for a medical experiment that goes awry, giving him superstrength and bulletproof skin. Using his newfound powers, Luke Cage escapes and becomes a hero for hire. Shazam! (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir Peter Segal, script William Goldman/John August, with The Rock as "Black Adam" Young Billy Batson finds himself gifted with the power of the wizard Shazam to fight against the forces of evil. With the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and speed of Mercury, he is the holder of the power of S.H.A.Z.A.M; he is Captain Marvel. Silver Surfer (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir Alex Proyas; scrpt JM Straczynski; a spinoff from FF 2 Spider-Man 4 (2009) - ANNOUNCED script: James Vanderbilt Superman: The Man of Steel (June, 2009) - ANNOUNCED followup, dir Bryan Singer, with same cast as "Superman Returns". Wonder Woman (2009) - ANNOUNCED Joss Whedon off project ------------------------------------- not much info: Ant-Man - IN DEVELOPMENT writers Edward Wright & Joe Cornish, and director Edgar Wright The Avengers -IN DEVELOPMENT Writer Zak Penn Nick Fury (2008) - ANNOUNCED Sgt. Rock (2008) - ANNOUNCED. no info Sub-Mariner (2010) - ANNOUNCED. no info. Teen Titans (2009) - IN DEVELOPMENT Witchblade, The (2009) - ANNOUNCED

Edgy MD Dec 21 2007 05:32 PM

Jackie Earle Fucking Haley.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 21 2007 05:49 PM

Edgy DC wrote: Jackie Earle Fucking Haley. Any relation to the Tin Man? I bet a bunch of these pre-production movies end up getting delayed because of the writer's strike. I'm pretty sure that Thor, for example, is ready for the screenwriter, but he can't get started until the strike is settled.

soupcan Dec 23 2007 09:19 AM

I like Kevin McKidd as Thor.

Vic Sage Mar 24 2008 02:04 PM

revised 3/24/08 update on comic book/superhero live feature adaptations currently in post-production: Iron Man (May 2, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION dir Jon Favreau, with Robert Downey, Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick fury. "Based on the Marvel Comics Character; Billionaire playboy industrialist Tony Stark makes weapons for the U.S. government. While out on a field test of one of his inventions, he is wounded, captured and forced to make weapons for the enemy. Instead, he fashions himself a crude power armor to save his life and facilitate his escape. When he returns home, he revises his armor and finds purpose as the Armored Avenger Iron Man!" The Incredible Hulk (June 13, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION dir Louis Leterrier, script Zak Penn, with Edward Norton & Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) living in shadows, scours the planet for an antidote. Upon returning to civilization, he is pursued by The Abomination (Tim Roth) -- a beast whose powers match The Hulk's own. Banner must call upon the hero within to rescue New York City from total destruction. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (July 11, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION dir/script Del Toro, with Ron Perlman. Guillermo Del Toro and Mike Mignola have both been stated saying that they would love to complete the Hellboy trilogy off with a third film. However, if Hellboy 2 does not suceed in the theaters, they will make sure the Two-Disk Special Edition will indeed have a proper and suitable ending to relieve any questions of a third film. The Dark Knight (July 18, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION. Also being releases in IMAX version. "Batman (Christian Bale) raises the stakes in his war on crime in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight." With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker (Heath Ledger)." The rumored third Batman film is to be called "Shadow of the Bat" and is likely to be released in 2011. Punisher War Zone (Sept 12, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION dir Lexi Alexander, scr Holloway/Marcum, with Ray Stephenson replacing Tom Jane. "Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle sets his sights on overeager mob boss Billy Russoti. After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias: Jigsaw. With the "Punisher Task Force" hot on his trail and the FBI unable to take Jigsaw in, Frank must stand up to the formidable army that Jigsaw has recruited before more of his evil deeds go unpunished." Will Eisner's "The Spirit" (Jan 16, 2009)- POST-PRODUCTION Writer/Director Frank Miller, with Gabriel Macht, Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson. "Rookie cop Denny Colt returns from the beyond as The Spirit, a hero whose mission is to fight against the bad forces in Central City." The Watchmen (MARCH 6, 2009) - POST-PRODUCTION dir Zack Snyder, scrpt Alex Tse/ David Hayter; with Matthew Goode / Ozymandias, Billy Crudup / Dr. Manhattan, Jackie Earle Haley / Rorschach, Carla Gugino / Silk Spectre "Based on the landmark Alan Moore comic book series... In a gritty and alternate 1985 the glory days of costumed vigilantes have been brought to a close by a government crackdown, but after one of the masked veterans is brutally murdered an investigation into the killer is initiated. The reunited heroes set out to prevent their own destruction, but in doing so discover a deeper and far more diabolical plot." -------------------------------------------- currently in pre-production: The Flash (2008) - PRE-PRODUCTION dir: David Dobkin / script David Goyer, Chris Brancato, Craig Wright While touring the crime scene lab of his uncle, Barry Allen, teenager Wally West is doused in chemicals after a lightning bolt strikes them, which enables him to run faster than any other human being on earth. Becoming the Flash, Wally sets out to protect the people of his city from the villainous threats that arise Sin City 2 (2008) - PRE-PRODUCTION aka "A Dame To Kill For"; Miller/Rodriguez "The film's plot follows multiple storylines: "A Dame to Kill For" is a prequel to "The Big Fat Kill", and follows Dwight (Clive Owen) and his former love Ava Lord (Rachel Weisz), who betrayed him and ended their relationship for a wealthier man. After Ava frames Dwight for the murder of her husband, he seeks to clear his name, with help from Marv. Another storyline follows Nancy (Jessica Alba) as she grieves the death of Detective Hartigan, after the events of "That Yellow Bastard". " Sin City 3 (2009) - PRE-PRODUCTION Miller/Rodriguez. On a dark night in Sin City, an ex-Navy SEAL named Wallace (Johnny Depp?)saved a young woman, Esther, from killing herself. After a night on the town, she was kidnapped by mysterious people. May God have mercy on those who stand in Wallace's way... Justice League Mortal (2009) - PRE-PRODUCTION dir: George Miller / script: Kieran & Michele Mulroney Green Arrow, Green Lantern, and others of the JLA must deal with the explusion of Batman and the death of Superman at the hands of the monsterous Doomsday. Thor (2009) - PRE-PRODUCTION dir Matthew Vaughn, script Mark Protosevich, with Kevin McKidd (?) "Partially disabled medical student Dr. Donald Blake discovers his heretofore unknown alter ego, the Norse warrior, Thor." X-MEN ORIGINS: Wolverine (May 1, 2009) - PRE-PRODUCTION dir Gavin Hood; script David Benoiff, with Hugh Jackman, Brian Cox, Ken Watanabe. This is a prequel to the X-Men series. "The mutant known as Wolverine breaks off into his off spin-off film from the successful X-MEN! franchise. Hugh Jackman (X1, X2, Van Helsing) returns as Logan/ Wolverine-A mutant with regenerative powers, three claws on each hand and a skeleton all laced with the rare metal known as adamantium. Logan struggles to find the secrets to his past. After learning little information through the help of Charles Xavier (X2's Patrick Stewart), Logan takes his search even further by learning the full truth of his origin, while also heading in a bold, new direction." Billy Batson & the Legend of Shazam (2009) - PRE-PRODUCTION dir Peter Segal, script William Goldman, John August, Bryan Goluboff with The Rock as "Black Adam" Young Billy Batson finds himself gifted with the power of the wizard Shazam to fight against the forces of evil. With the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and speed of Mercury, he is the holder of the power of S.H.A.Z.A.M; he is Captain Marvel. ------------------------------ projects that have been announced or are in development: The Avengers (2009) -ANNOUNCED Writer Zak Penn When Captain America is awakened from an icey prison, and some of the greatest evils earth has seen are born, the Avengers go into action. Captain America, Iron-Man, Hulk, Wasp, Ant-Man and Thor. Will they be able to stop the likes of Loki and the Masters of Evil? Captain America (July, 2009) -ANNOUNCED script by David Self; director Nick Cassavetes; production is expected to begin by mid-2008 Based on the Marvel Comics character from the second World War, a mild-mannered young soldier named Steve Rogers volunteers for a special Super Soldier program for the US Army. Donning the colors of Old Glory, Captain America leapt into the hearts and souls of every American bringing hope and justice to a war-weary nation. Deathlok (2008) - ANNOUNCED Script by Raven Metzner, rewrite by David Self. A man unwittingly finds himself the subject of an experiment which slowly turns him into a cyborg, with computer and robotic parts replacing nearly his entire body... Ghost Who Walks, The (2009) - ANNOUNCED The Phantom, script by DeSouza Hands of Shang-Chi, The (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir W-P Yuen, script McKenna bros. Based on the Marvel Comics hero, a young Kung-Fu master learns his father is the world's worst criminal Iron Fist (2008) - ANNOUNCED dir Steve Carr, script John Turman, with Ray Park. "A martial artist fights evil with his consummate fighting skill backed with the ability to strike with a punch of superhuman force." Luke Cage (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir John Singleton, script Ben Ramsay, with Tyrese Gibson The comic book adaptation is about a former gang member who is framed for a crime he didn't commit. In prison, he volunteers for a medical experiment that goes awry, giving him superstrength and bulletproof skin. Using his newfound powers, Luke Cage escapes and becomes a hero for hire. Silver Surfer (2009) - ANNOUNCED dir Alex Proyas; scrpt JM Straczynski; a spinoff from FF 2 "After saveing planet earth, (Norrin Radd) The Silver Surfer must now race back to planet Zenn-La & stop Galactus from destroying his home world out of revenge for betraying him." Spider-Man 4 (2009) - ANNOUNCED script: James Vanderbilt Superman: The Man of Steel (June, 2009) - ANNOUNCED followup, dir Bryan Singer, with same cast as "Superman Returns". ------------------------------------- not much info: Ant-Man - IN DEVELOPMENT writers Edward Wright & Joe Cornish, and director Edgar Wright Ghost Rider 2 (2009) - ANNOUNCED. No info available. Green Hornet (2009) - ANNOUNCED. No info available. Metal Men (2010) - ANNOUNCED. no info Nick Fury (2008) - ANNOUNCED Sgt. Rock (2008) - ANNOUNCED. no info Sub-Mariner (2010) - ANNOUNCED. no info. Wonder Woman (2009) - ANNOUNCED Teen Titans (2009) - ANNOUNCED. no info. Witchblade, The (2009) - ANNOUNCED

Rockin' Doc Mar 24 2008 02:27 PM

Captain America (July, 2009) -ANNOUNCED script by David Self; director Nick Cassavetes; production is expected to begin by mid-2008 Based on the Marvel Comics character from the second World War, a mild-mannered young soldier named Steve Rogers volunteers for a special Super Soldier program for the US Army. Donning the colors of Old Glory, Captain America leapt into the hearts and souls of every American bringing hope and justice to a war-weary nation. They forgot the J in Captain America's name. I guess we will all have to show a little more respect to SJR now that his secret identity has been outed.

TransMonk Apr 15 2008 04:19 PM

Vic Sage wrote: The Incredible Hulk (June 13, 2008) - POST-PRODUCTION dir Louis Leterrier, script Zak Penn, with Edward Norton & Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) living in shadows, scours the planet for an antidote. Upon returning to civilization, he is pursued by The Abomination (Tim Roth) -- a beast whose powers match The Hulk's own. Banner must call upon the hero within to rescue New York City from total destruction. Didn't they do the Hulk thing like 5 years ago? It does not look like this is a sequel, so did they just take a mulligan on that $137,000,000 piece of crap? I don't follow comic movies all that much, but shouldn't there be rule about this, or at least a waiting period before trying again?

Benjamin Grimm Apr 15 2008 04:52 PM

You're right, they're pretty much pretending the first Hulk movie didn't happen. I don't see any reason for a "rule" preventing such a thing. The 2003 Hulk movie was horrendous. I want a good Hulk movie, and at least we're getting a second chance at one. I'm more excited about Iron Man, though. Then Hulk, then Dark Knight.

Nymr83 Apr 15 2008 04:54 PM

that hulk movie was, imo, the worst comic book movie ever. i hope they don't screw up the mulligan as well.

sharpie Apr 16 2008 03:34 PM

Buzz on the new Hulk is pretty bad. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/movie ... ref=slogin

AG/DC Apr 16 2008 05:15 PM

The monster was mute in Mr. Lee’s film, but this one speaks, a nod to the campy 1978-82 television series that starred Bill Bixby and the bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno (resplendent in green body paint). Ferrigno's Hulk never spoke. I agree that a fake looking Hulk is an underwhelming movie. With all the pumped up guys out there, I don't know why they don't take the TV show's notion of shooting a bodybuilder and using trick photography to make him look bigger, except doing it much much better. Hulk shouldn't grow to nine feet. Seven to eight feet is fine. It's hard to imagine him going beyond a seven-and-a-half-footer and still keeping his pants.

TransMonk Apr 16 2008 07:06 PM

AG/DC wrote: It's hard to imagine him going beyond a seven-and-a-half-footer and still keeping his pants. Of all the things about The Incredible Hulk (and comic movies in general) that are hard to imagine...

sharpie Apr 17 2008 07:08 AM

In the comics it always looked like when Bruce Banner turned into the Hulk his pants always got tore up into Hulk-shorts which always made we wonder about Banner's wardrobe costs -- he can't wear cheap pants to work in that lab.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 17 2008 07:14 AM

I always wondered about his wardrobe tastes. I never see anyone wearing purple pants, yet that's the only thing Banner ever wore. He must get them in bulk discount or something.

soupcan Apr 17 2008 07:40 AM

I'd never seen anyone wearing red pants until that picture of Edgy.

AG/DC Apr 17 2008 01:26 PM

Shut up. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.

The Second Spitter Apr 19 2008 07:23 AM

AG/DC wrote: I agree that a fake looking Hulk is an underwhelming movie. With all the pumped up guys out there, I don't know why they don't take the TV show's notion of shooting a bodybuilder and using trick photography to make him look bigger, except doing it much much better. They should have followed the lead of the Thing from the F4 movies, and made a Hulk suit. They were going to do the Thing as CGI, but apparently the actor, Michael Chiklis, insisted for the suit. The CGI in the first Hulk film was horrid.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 19 2008 09:10 AM

Really? I hadn't heard that. I think I would have preferred the Thing as a CGI. I was surprised when they went with a costume.

Elster88 Apr 24 2008 10:35 PM

I have no idea if this is even a comic book movie, let alone a Marvel comic book movie. But I just saw a preview for Hancock (Will Smith). Two disclaimers: One, I get overly excited for cool previews, even though they aren't correlated with movie quality. Two, I have have a huge man-crush on Will Smith. I am fired up for this movie after that preview (July 2).

Nymr83 Apr 24 2008 11:05 PM

i dont think its comic-book related, i am legend really stunk, though i blame the script, smith did the best he could. most of his movies have been above average if not good. i'll probably see that one. Iron Man coming may 2nd. Unlike The X-Men, Spiderman, and Daredevil I was not much of an Iron Man reader as a kid so I doubt the inconsistencies with the comic will annoy me in quite the same way they did with those movies.

The Second Spitter Apr 25 2008 12:59 AM

Nymr83 wrote: I was not much of an Iron Man reader as a kid so I doubt the inconsistencies with the comic will annoy me in quite the same way they did with those movies. What are the supposed inconsistencies?

Benjamin Grimm Apr 25 2008 05:55 AM

Well, they've changed his 1960's Viet Nam origin. I think instead it's in Afghanistan, although I'm not sure of that.

SteveJRogers Apr 26 2008 08:27 AM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Well, they've changed his 1960's Viet Nam origin. I think instead it's in Afghanistan, although I'm not sure of that. Thats more of an update though, as opposed to making Peter Parker's webbing organic instead of a technological creation.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 26 2008 12:01 PM

True. I don't get worked up over such things. The important thing is to be true to the characters and the spirit of the stories.

The Second Spitter Apr 27 2008 12:57 AM

I didn't have a problem with the organic webshooter. As Raimi pointed out, it was more credible than to have a HS kid develop a mechanical shooter. I was mildly irked by the portrayal of Dr Doom in the first F4 movie; I think that went beyond the "spirit" of the comic book.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 27 2008 05:47 AM

They got Doom completely wrong. And they botched Reed as well. That movie would have been much better if it was made by people who knew and understood the characters. It clearly wasn't. (They did a great job with the Thing, though.)

The Second Spitter Apr 27 2008 05:57 AM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: They got Doom completely wrong. And they botched Reed as well. That movie would have been much better if it was made by people who knew and understood the characters. It clearly wasn't. (They did a great job with the Thing, though.) What did they do wrong with Reed? The Thing was saved by the fact Chikilis was such a huge fan (pun intended). Chikilis said "it was like a dream coming true" (or words to similar effect) when he was cast to the part. And I told you the story about the suit. I thought Johnny kicked A.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 27 2008 10:43 AM

Reed was bumbling and confused, almost a nutty professor. He should be smart and confident, a guy who always knows the answer right away, and acts quickly. I wrote more about this in our discussion of the original movie, but I can't find it.

SteveJRogers Apr 27 2008 07:24 PM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: You're right, they're pretty much pretending the first Hulk movie didn't happen. I've heard that this is also somewhat of a "sequel" to the Bill Bixby/Lou Ferringo TV show in the same vein that Superman Returns follows Richard Donner's Superman II. Though the TV show had little to do with the Marvel 616 universe and the movie is going to have references and appearances galore of Hulk's comic cast. Not to mention the pesky problem that Banner in the show was "David" not "Bruce"

Benjamin Grimm Apr 27 2008 08:00 PM

SteveJRogers wrote: Not to mention the pesky problem that Banner in the show was "David" not "Bruce" That's easy enough to ignore. Marvel 616? I'm not familiar with that. What does that mean?

The Second Spitter Apr 28 2008 04:18 AM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Marvel 616? I'm not familiar with that. What does that mean? It's a reference to the primary continuity in the Marvel universe, which is said to take place on "Earth 616". It excludes stuff like the "Ultimate" and "What if" titles.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 28 2008 07:12 AM

Why do they call it "616"?

The Second Spitter Apr 28 2008 07:22 AM

I don't think it has any special meaning -- the guy who came up with it picked the number at random probably because it sounded cool or something.

AG/DC Apr 28 2008 10:40 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Oct 08 2008 07:53 PM

The idea was that, if there were infinite (or large numbers) of parallel universes, as comic book publishers suggest in expalining their mulitple continuities and inconsistencies), why do they speak about Earth 5 and such, as if there are only nine or so. So he wanted a large (or larger) number, and sixes are sexy.

metsmarathon Apr 28 2008 10:58 AM

an infinite number of universes, and they only go three digits deep? sheesh...

Benjamin Grimm Apr 28 2008 11:11 AM

I'll have to wiki Marvel 616 to get the scoop. I'm not paying as close attention to the Marvel Universe(s) as I once did, and this term has, up until now, completely eluded me.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 28 2008 11:46 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_616 It seems (from this article, at least) that the 616 term is pretty obscure, at least within the stories themselves. Now I'm less surprised that I never heard of it.

SteveJRogers Apr 28 2008 03:44 PM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_616 It seems (from this article, at least) that the 616 term is pretty obscure, at least within the stories themselves. Now I'm less surprised that I never heard of it. Heh, I've just seen it referenced in various Marvel comic forums as part of the "lingo" describing the Marvel Universe's "current" continum. I didn't realize just HOW obscure the reference was though! Ehh guess it's just the way fans refer to stories that happen in the main timeline or something.

The Second Spitter Apr 29 2008 12:52 AM

metsmarathon wrote: an infinite number of universes, and they only go three digits deep? sheesh... The Ultimate titles take place on Earth-1610 - not that this is much better.

Valadius May 06 2008 11:51 AM

The Avengers has been announced for summer 2011. A Captain America movie will be released a few months before it.

batmagadanleadoff May 08 2008 01:00 PM

Here's something you Marvelheads might enjoy. Or not. ______________________________ Iron Man 2: The Painfully Inevitable Sequel, Coming Soon So by now everyone on the face of the planet, even those who are blind or can’t afford to eat, have seen Iron Man. With an opening weekend box office tally of $100 million, the list of records that Iron Man has broken is either stupendous or utterly, utterly dull depending on if you’re a massive spod or not. And if you are, then the news that Iron Man 2 is coming out in April 2010 will probably make your balls catch on fire. What? You’d already guessed that based on the fact that the plot of Iron Man deliberately set up a sequel and that the entire Iron Man cast has signed on for a sequel and that Iron Man’s a comic book movie and only really hopeless comic book movies about Ben Affleck being all blind and shit don’t get turned into sequels? Oh, suit yourselves. So let’s look at the figures - Iron Man has had the most successful movie opening of the year and the second biggest non-sequel movie opening of all time. Worldwide, Iron Man has made almost $200 million in five days. Compare that to the $4 million that was the worldwide lifetime takings of Robert Downey Jr’s last film Charlie Bartlett and you can see just how huge it is. And that means one thing - Iron Man 2 is a complete inevitability. People would go and see Iron Man 2 if it got terrible reviews. People would go and see Iron Man 2 if it was about a farty pig. People would go and see Iron Man 2 if it starred Jim Carrey. People would go and see Iron Man 2 if it looked like this. Which is why someone at Marvel has managed to find the time in their newly-loaded schedule of shoving fistfuls of caviar up their bottom, punching homeless men in exchange for $50 and ordering the poshest Thai bride in the catalogue to confirm Iron Man 2, even giving it a date. The Associated Press reports: This weekend was just the beginning of Hollywood’s Iron age. Marvel Studios announced Monday it will release “Iron Man 2″ on April 30, 2010, following the success of the first in the comic-book franchise, which pulled in $104.2 million domestically since opening last Thursday and $201 million worldwide. Four other films based on Marvel superheroes also were announced: “Thor,” due out June 4, 2010; “The First Avenger: Captain America,” May 6, 2011; “The Avengers,” July 2011; and “Ant-Man.” April 30? What are you thinking, Marvel? Don’t you know that’s Akon’s birthday? As if people are really going to go and see the sequel to one of the most popular movies ever on the night that they traditionally stand around crying in their darkened bedsits humming Smack That and wishing they were married to Akon regardless of their gender. Why didn’t you think it through, Marvel? Anyway, look at all of those other movies that Marvel has planned. Exciting, huh - especially The Avengers. Who’d be able to resist the charms of a film that not only stars Iron Man, but the bound-to-be-disappointing Incredible Hulk, an off-puttingly patriotic Smurf and a long-haired tit with a hammer? Yay! But for now let’s just focus on the gigantic success that is Iron Man and look forward to Iron Man 2. Because it’s only after one vastly successful sequel that the fans will get what they want - a confusing, overlong third movie that features various needless scenes of Robert Downey Jr cooking omelettes, dancing the twist and getting infected by an alien that gives him weird emo haircuts.

Benjamin Grimm May 08 2008 01:13 PM

I don't get it. Oh, I get the attitude, but I don't know what a "massive spod" is, nor do I know who Akon is. (But I gather that his/her birthday is on April 30.)

batmagadanleadoff May 08 2008 03:33 PM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I don't get it. Oh, I get the attitude, but I don't know what a "massive spod" is, nor do I know who Akon is. (But I gather that his/her birthday is on April 30.) I actually googled "spod" before I posted the article. Didn't come up with nothin'. British humor. Whatever.

Valadius May 09 2008 09:45 AM

I have to admit, I have not seen Iron Man yet. I've been too busy with finals to go.

The Second Spitter May 09 2008 10:07 AM

Valadius wrote: I have to admit, I have not seen Iron Man yet. I've been too busy with finals to go. How did you get to see the scene after the credits?

Valadius May 09 2008 01:50 PM

I read about the scene on the front page of Yahoo.

Nymr83 May 09 2008 04:08 PM

i havent seen it yet either and am avoiding our iron man thread even though i really want non-spoiler reviews

Benjamin Grimm May 09 2008 04:36 PM

The Iron Man thread is, at the moment anyway, still spoiler free. In case you're still reluctant to go there, I gave it the best rating. I loved the movie. Best Marvel movie yet.

Vince Coleman Firecracker Aug 01 2008 02:57 PM

I know this is supposed to be a Marvel thread, but I don't see one for DC and there's been mention of other comics. I look at this the same way I looked at yesterday's trade deadline- I suspect that nothing good will happen, but I'm still a little excited on the off chance of something great occurring. I'm not really impressed by Snyder's work and I doubt he'll be able to do anything great with a project Gilliam, Aronofsky and Greengrass abandoned, but it's still a pretty cool looking trailer.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 01 2008 03:01 PM

I'm not sure; are you referring to Watchmen?

Vince Coleman Firecracker Aug 01 2008 03:10 PM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I'm not sure; are you referring to Watchmen? Yessir. I should have said that.

AG/DC Aug 01 2008 03:12 PM

it strikes me that the tagline "Who'll watch the Watchmen?" is one a snarky critic would love to throw right back in the movie's face. It also strikes me that the movie has three things going for it: Jackie. Earl. Haley.

themetfairy Aug 01 2008 03:31 PM

My daughter loves Watchmen and she's anxiously anticipating the film.

AG/DC Oct 08 2008 07:58 PM

It appears that Kenneth Branagh has replaced Matthew Vaughn on Thor.

Vic Sage Mar 16 2009 12:21 PM

[u:18pxphc1]Marvel Studios Feature Film Pipeline[/u:18pxphc1] WOLVERINE - May 1, 2009 G.I. JOE - August 7, 2009 IRON MAN 2 - May 7, 2010 SPIDER-MAN 4 - May 6, 2011 THOR - June 17, 2011 CAPTAIN AMERICA - July 22, 2011 THE AVENGERS - May 4, 2012 http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/m ... -avengers/

Benjamin Grimm Mar 16 2009 12:48 PM

GI Joe is a Marvel property?

Nymr83 Mar 16 2009 01:01 PM

CAPTAIN AMERICA - July 22, 2011 They couldn't put it out on the 4th?

Benjamin Grimm Mar 16 2009 01:11 PM

Seems like an obvious choice, doesn't it? My guess is that they're looking to avoid competing with some other potential blockbuster that may have already been announced to open that same week/weekend.

Edgy MD Mar 16 2009 01:44 PM

Will Smith owns the fourth. If you're going to put out a popcorn movie that weekend, you have to ask him.

SteveJRogers Mar 16 2009 08:27 PM

GI Joe is a Marvel property? In the beginning it was. Well this is going to be based on the GI Joe: A Real American Hero line of toys that included a cartoon and comic book series. The product was part of the '80s trinity with Transformers and He-Man; The toy line ran from 1982-1994. The cartoon ran from roughly 1983 through 1986 and Marvel Comics produced the comic books from 1982-1994, spanning 155 issues. Interestingly the comic book adventures did not end there! Dark Horse picked it up in 1996 for a brief run, the property then went to Benchpress in 1999 but the company folded before publishing anything, then Devil's Due, with the imprint of Image Comics, picked it up in 2001, ironically putting their first issue out on 9/12/2001. Heh, if ever there was a day where real GI Joes were needed huh? Well Devil's Due had a good run that ended last year, and now IDW has picked up the mantle with a fresh start this past October. For more on the Joes' comic book history, check out this podcast by a comic book historian, Michael Bailey called "Views From The Longbox." About a month ago he had a two part podcast on the history of GI Joe comics: Part One Part Two All that said though, like The Watchmen and DC, since it doesn't fit into the proper Marvel Universe, I kind of find it hard to actually call it a Marvel Movie.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 16 2009 08:44 PM

I'm pretty sure my dad some of the pencil and/or ink work for that GI Joe series.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 20 2009 03:04 PM

SteveJRogers wrote: Benjamin Grimm wrote: GI Joe is a Marvel property? All that said though, like The Watchmen and DC, since it doesn't fit into the proper Marvel Universe, I kind of find it hard to actually call it a Marvel Movie. Yep. But Marvel Studios owns the film rights, so... yep, it is.

The Second Spitter May 27 2009 06:36 AM

Chris Hemsworth is going to play Thor - same actor who portrayed George Kirk in Star Trek -- I guess that's better than some of the names that were being tossed around, but he looked small for Thor. Also, looks like Captain America is going to be a period piece, set exclusively in WW2, which is okay, but I'm not sure how that's going to fit in with the Avengers movie.

Benjamin Grimm May 27 2009 07:12 AM

The Avengers could discover him in that floating block of ice. The Captain America movie should be a World War II movie. I very much approve.

Nymr83 May 27 2009 07:46 AM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: The Avengers could discover him in that floating block of ice. The Captain America movie should be a World War II movie. I very much approve. agreed on both counts. let them find him in the Avengers movie after doing a WWII piece with him. Chris Hemsworth is going to play Thor - same actor who portrayed George Kirk in Star Trek well, at least he won't die in the opening 5 minutes.

The Second Spitter May 28 2009 03:44 AM

Looks like you guys were on the money -- from the Incredible Hulk's IMDb trivia page; Although cut from the theatrical run, Captain America can be seen in the alternate beginning on the DVD and Blu-Ray. When the last piece of ice breaks up toward the screen, hit the pause button. There, frozen in the ice, lays Cap with his shield. This may or may not be it; The full alternate opening can be viewed here;

SteveJRogers May 29 2009 04:17 PM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: The Avengers could discover him in that floating block of ice. The Captain America movie should be a World War II movie. I very much approve. I was about to say. Either he is found at the post credit tag, or at the start of the Avengers film

Nymr83 Jun 02 2009 06:38 AM

Avengers wasn't one of the books i read regularly growing up, under what circumstances did they find captain america in the ice? was it just "oh look its captain america! i was wondering where he's been the last 40 years!" or was there some big search? could said search (modified for hollywood) be the subject of the avengers movie?

Benjamin Grimm Jun 02 2009 06:47 AM

It was way back in Avengers number 4, and at that point World War II was less than 20 years in the past. Captain America was frozen in a block of ice that was, unknowingly, dislodged by the Sub-Mariner. If I remember correctly, he threw the ice to the surface in one of his rages against the surface man. The block of ice happened to drift past the Avengers as they were on a boat somewhere.

Nymr83 Jun 02 2009 02:01 PM

what an amazing coincidence that in the vast ocean the Avengers happened to be on a boat nearby! so in other words it will be easy to do, or even just allude to, at the beginning of an Avengers movie.

Edgy MD Jun 02 2009 02:18 PM

And so incredibly credible. In a world of five billion folks, but only 200 or so superdudes, one of the them gets frozen in ice, sunk in the ocean inadvertantly freed by another one, and spotted by a team of them. Of course, it's no more far-fetched than Superman's inadvertant freeing of General Zod. Far less fetched, in fact.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 02 2009 02:24 PM

The way to make it less far-fetched (or more near-fetched) is to have the ice surface as a result of some military testing or something. When the body is discovered in the ice, the Avengers are called in to investigate.

The Second Spitter Jun 02 2009 11:32 PM

Or better even make the search and recovery of Captain America a major plot point in the Avengers flick. I don't think too many fans will complain if this particular aspect isn't faithful to the original -- like they didn't complain about changes to Iron Man's origin.

SteveJRogers Jun 07 2009 04:03 PM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: It was way back in Avengers number 4, and at that point World War II was less than 20 years in the past. Captain America was frozen in a block of ice that was, unknowingly, dislodged by the Sub-Mariner. If I remember correctly, he threw the ice to the surface in one of his rages against the surface man. The block of ice happened to drift past the Avengers as they were on a boat somewhere. Should also be noted that this, and Bucky's death at the same time, was a major retcon on Stan Lee's part in order to bring the old character into the new Silver Age of Marvel. The Golden Age Cap & Bucky never really had an "ending" as the book was canceled without any kind of farewell, then Cap returned as I guess a narrator of sorts of a horror book for a few issues, and was quickly moved to the comic character dustbin. Until Avengers # 4.

Vic Sage Jul 14 2009 02:28 PM

Natalie Portman joins Marvel's 'Thor' Chris Hemsworth stars as Norse god of thunder By Borys Kit July 13, 2009 Natalie Portman has been cast as the female lead in "Thor," Marvel Studios' adaptation of its comic book featuring the Norse god of thunder. Kenneth Branagh is directing. Portman will play Jane Foster, who in early comic book lore was a nurse who became Thor's first love. The studio said the character will be updated for the feature adaptation, with Foster being a doctor-scientist type. Chris Hemsworth is already cast as Thor. Tom Hiddleston is Loki, the god of mischief who serves as the movie's villain. "Thor" is Marvel's stab at an epic fantasy adventure, spanning from present-day Earth to the realm of Asgard. The story centers on Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. As punishment, Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans but once here, he learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth. "(Jane) is the human lead, so to speak, who helps ground the film in reality," said Marvel's Kevin Feige, who is producing. "We spend a lot of time amongst the other realms of the Nine Worlds of the Thor mythology and our human anchor to that." He added: "We wanted to avoid that syndrome of just because the hair is up and they're wearing glasses it means they're smart. ... We wanted somebody that can have the chemistry that the best of our Marvel couples have had, whether it's Tobey (Maguire) and Kirsten (Dunst) or Tony (Stark) and Pepper (Potts)." Principal photography for the film is set for early 2010. The film will be released in the U.S. on May 20, 2011, distributed by Paramount Pictures. Portman, repped by CAA and Brillstein Entertainment, is about to start shooting in Northern Ireland the Universal comedy "Your Highness," directed by David Gordon Green, and shoots David Aronofsky's supernatural thriller "Black Swan" in New York this fall. Her comic book and fantasy movie resume includes the recent "Star Wars" trilogy and "V for Vendetta."

Nymr83 Jul 15 2009 12:14 AM

IMDB lists Jessica Biel (she was in 7th Heaven and nothing else I've heard of) as being in the upcoming Thor movie as well.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 15 2009 04:22 AM

Mayhap she'll portray the fair Lady Sif?

Nymr83 Jul 15 2009 05:35 AM

thats who she is listed as, but having never been a "Thor" fan growing up i don't know who that is other than being the name of a Norse deity.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 15 2009 07:19 AM

Sif was Thor's Asgardian girlfriend, and, for a while, Jane Foster's rival. Jane eventually faded away, and Sif has more staying power. As a warrior, she was more suited to Thor than Jane, who was rather lacking in spunk. (I bet she'll be portrayed in the movie as a stronger character.)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 15 2009 10:38 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 16 2009 09:18 AM

To review: THIS guy's going to be Donald Blake? (Much less an Asgardian?) Loki, on the other hand, has a Royal Shakespeare Company background, and... well... this one works. And if you need a Beta Ray Bill...

The Second Spitter Jul 15 2009 11:08 PM

Vic Sage wrote: Natalie Portman has been cast as the female lead in "Thor," Marvel Studios' adaptation of its comic book featuring the Norse god of thunder. Kenneth Branagh is directing. Hopefully, he'll teach her how to act.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 20 2009 03:48 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 22 2009 11:02 AM

IRON MAN 2 looks... um... good. Both of them. http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/07 ... man-2.html Dios. Mio. EDIT: Did I mention that this was the first picture of Scarlett Johansson in a Black Widow suit? I probably should have mentioned that.

Vic Sage Jul 22 2009 09:40 AM

Triple Dee wrote: Natalie Portman has been cast as the female lead in "Thor," Marvel Studios' adaptation of its comic book featuring the Norse god of thunder. Kenneth Branagh is directing. Hopefully, he'll teach her how to act. An earlier discussion of Natalie Portman's acting talents here: http://cranepoolforum.qwknetllc.com/php ... sc&start=0

Valadius Aug 05 2009 07:04 AM

You know, I was just thinking - if they ever choose to put the Vulture in a Spider-Man movie, Ben Kingsley would be a perfect fit.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 05 2009 07:12 AM

He would be a good choice. If I were developing Spidey 4, I'd have Spidey team up with Johnny Storm to fight the Wizard and Paste Pot Pete. (I think I've posted that before, perhaps even in this very thread.) It would be a great homage to those old Strange Tales stories of the 60's.

SteveJRogers Aug 31 2009 10:07 AM

Houston, we may have a problem... Disney buys Marvel Comics for 4 Billion Disney owns the characters now, but I don't think they own the film rights. I see big legal battle coming. This is pretty much all because of the DVD legal mess of the 1990s cartoons (X-Men, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Fantastic Four and Hulk).

Benjamin Grimm Aug 31 2009 11:19 AM

Wouldn't Disney have ownership of any rights that Marvel had ownership of? If Marvel can make Thor or Iron Man 2, and now Disney owns Marvel, then I don't see why Disney wouldn't have the rights to make the movies. I suspect that this will make it easier for the Marvel characters to come to the movies or TV. I'm not saying that Disney will do a better job, but if they produce more, then there will be more quality stuff (as well as more poor stuff). If I was still reading the comics, I'd probably be concerned about their future, but I don't, so I'm not.

Edgy MD Aug 31 2009 11:22 AM

Marvel hadn't really been making Marvel films. Fox and Paramount had, with the properties licensed from Marvel.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 31 2009 11:25 AM

Weren't Iron Man and Incredible Hulk made by Marvel Studios. Either way, if Paramount or Fox have licenses with Marvel, then they now have licenses with Disney. Marvel still exists, it's just become yet another subsidiary of Disney.

Mets Guy in Michigan Aug 31 2009 11:31 AM

Wonder what happens to the Spiderman ride -- and others -- at Universal Studios, a direct competitor to the Mouse.

Edgy MD Aug 31 2009 11:37 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 31 2009 11:56 AM

I think Marvel Studios was sort of a paper studio. If Fox and Paramount have licenses to make films with Marvel characters, and Marvel's side of those licenses are now held by a rival studio, it doesn't take too much imagination to think of how the universe they've been building can get caught in a tug-of-war. Here's one scenario: Should I develop an awesome Thor movie when my license expires after one film and a rival studio gets to make a half dozen sequels and residual profits? It's perhaps better, business-wise, to hold the license as many years as the contract allows me, forcing Disney to buy back the license under a hard bargain.

metirish Aug 31 2009 11:46 AM

From the Times of London is currently developing four films for release over the next two years, Iron Man 2, Thor, The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers,

Benjamin Grimm Sep 01 2009 06:26 AM

Paramount: 'Thor,' 'Iron Man 2' still coming despite Marvel sale by Alynda Wheat Paramount Pictures issued a statement today in the wake of Marvel Studios’ sale to Disney, reported earlier. The $4 billion deal won’t affect Paramount’s distribution arrangement for five upcoming films, the studio announced, including the highly anticipated Iron Man 2 and Thor. “Paramount Pictures has enjoyed a productive and fruitful relationship with Marvel Studios from the start of our distribution agreement in 2005,” the statement began. “So much so, we announced a five-picture slate distribution deal last year which includes worldwide distribution rights for upcoming films: Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America, Avengers, and Iron Man 3. This distribution deal will be unaffected by today’s transaction. We look forward to continuing to work with Marvel and, with today’s announcement, to working with Disney to replicate the incredible success of Iron Man on all our future collaborative projects.”

Benjamin Grimm Sep 01 2009 02:43 PM

Latest news is that Fox is planning to "reboot" the Fantastic Four series. Apparently they hold the rights to the characters "in perpetuity" as long as they keep making films. So their options are: 1. Lose the characters 2. Make a third movie in the current series, which has had mediocre (at best) quality and less than mediocre reception. 3. Reboot, as was done with the Hulk. New cast, new interpretation, new... whatever. I think this is good news. I'm still hoping to see my favorite characters get the treatment they deserve. I was afraid that the two recent movies doomed my hopes for at least a generation. Now... maybe not.

SteveJRogers Sep 01 2009 04:50 PM Re:

Latest news is that Fox is planning to "reboot" the Fantastic Four series. Apparently they hold the rights to the characters "in perpetuity" as long as they keep making films. So their options are: 1. Lose the characters 2. Make a third movie in the current series, which has had mediocre (at best) quality and less than mediocre reception. 3. Reboot, as was done with the Hulk. New cast, new interpretation, new... whatever. I think this is good news. I'm still hoping to see my favorite characters get the treatment they deserve. I was afraid that the two recent movies doomed my hopes for at least a generation. Now... maybe not. Same deal as they have with the X-Men franchise, hence why Wolverine's movie was called "X-Men Origins" I wouldn't quite call this "good news" though. While the FF, Doctor Doom and others aren't essential to to the Avenger stories, I wonder what characters are "officially" Fantastic Four properties? For example, what if Marvel Studios had a hankering to use the Skrulls, or Inhumans in a film? Both of those races got their starts in the Fantastic Four universe. Or even Namor! Is Namor considered part of the FF "family" of characters? This also has the potential of seeing some Roger Corman style rush jobs as well because they HAVE to get a movie made under whatever deadline that the contract says.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 02 2009 09:39 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I think it's good news, if another FF film gets made, rather than have the characters on the shelf for another 20 or 30 years. It may not be a good movie, but I'll take my chances. And I don't think they'll "rush" to make a bad movie just to hold on to the characters. It's not good business sense. Why spend the money to make a bad movie, when the bad movie will only devalue the property that you're trying to hang on to?

Benjamin Grimm Jan 07 2010 08:05 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

'Thor' moves up release date while 'Spider-Man 4' stalls By Melissa Moseley, AP Hot on the heels of the news this week that production of Spider-Man 4 is delayed, Paramount and Marvel Entertainment have pushed up the release of Thor by two weeks to May 6, 2011, reports Variety. Thor, starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman, was going to open on May 20. Disney has now grabbed that date for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Spider-Man 4 was supposed to start filming in February, reports Nikki Finke, then it pushed to March. Then late March/early April. And now there's no date at all. Finke says director Sam Raimi "hated" the script.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 11 2010 06:20 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Spider-sense tingling a little quizzically... hope you liked the ones you got. EXCLUSIVE: 'SPIDER-MAN 4' SCRAPPED; SAM RAIMI & TOBEY MAGUIRE & CAST OUT; FRANCHISE REBOOT FOR 2012 Mike Fleming and Nikki Finke have just confirmed that Sony Pictures decided today to reboot the Spider-Man franchise after franchise director Sam Raimi pulled out of Spider-Man 4 because he felt he couldn't make its summer release date and keep the film's creative integrity. This means that Raimi and the cast including star Tobey Maguire are out. There will be no Spider-Man 4. Instead, Mike Fleming is told, the studio will focus on a Summer 2012 reboot from a script by Jamie Vanderbilt with a new director and a new cast. All this took place today at meeting on the lot today. An official Sony Pictures news release about it is expected out now (see below). Immediately, the news brought celebration and consternation equally to webslinger fanboys who say the reboot plot puts Peter Parker back in high school. There's also much unconfirmed speculation that this new franchise will be in 3D. And the fans also recall that, in 1991, James Cameron wrote a treatment for Spider-Man and now they're wondering if he might helm the reboot. (Sony ended up acquiring his treatment in a legal settlement.) http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/urgen ... t-planned/

SteveJRogers Jan 11 2010 06:48 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Is there any way that Disney can break the contract?

Edgy MD Jan 11 2010 07:17 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Boo.

Valadius Jan 11 2010 08:41 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Sony Pictures has killed Spider-Man. End of story.

Valadius Feb 25 2010 03:39 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Short list for Captain America: Chace Crawford (CW’s Gossip Girl), John Krasinski (NBC’s The Office), Scott Porter (NBC’s Friday Night Lights), Mike Vogel (Cloverfield), Michael Cassidy (CW’s Privileged), Patrick Flueger (Brothers).

Nymr83 Feb 25 2010 07:46 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

i don't know any of those names, I guess they want to go young? i'd rather an older Captain America, like Kevin Sorbo!

Benjamin Grimm Feb 28 2010 03:13 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

The only one of those names (and faces) that I know is John Krasinski. I don't get a "Captain America" vibe from him at all.

Valadius Feb 28 2010 03:19 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I know. None of them make sense to me, actually.

Valadius Mar 11 2010 06:04 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Well, the role of Captain America is down to four contenders: Mike Vogel Garrett Hedlund Chris Evans Wilson Bethel

Benjamin Grimm Mar 11 2010 09:39 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Wait... how can the Human Torch play Captain America???

Valadius Mar 11 2010 09:48 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

20th Century Fox decided to reboot the Fantastic Four series last August. Akiva Goldsman is producing the reboot.

Edgy MD Mar 11 2010 09:59 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Ed Price has nothing on Valadius.

SteveJRogers Mar 11 2010 03:48 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Wait... how can the Human Torch play Captain America??? I hope you're being sarcastic there. Ryan Reynolds is playing both Deadpool (Has Fox set a timetable for it yet, or are they waiting for Reynolds to wrap his GL commitments?) and Green Lantern Hal Jordan. Heard a podcaster say he doesn't like this because it means there could never be a Deadpool/GL crossover! To say nothing about why Deadpool and Green Lantern would ever be interacting in a movie, but I wonder if that guy even realizes that the technology that can have the same actor on the same shot playing multiple characters is a few decades old at this point!

Valadius Mar 11 2010 07:15 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Steve, Deadpool is a Marvel property. Green Lantern is DC. They can't cross over. The Human Torch and Captain America are both Marvel properties.

SteveJRogers Mar 12 2010 06:22 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

No shit Val. Its just idiotic to think that someone can't be two different comic book characters JUST because of "crossover" potential. Also, if Disney and Warner were able to pull off Bugs and Mickey in Roger Rabbit, who is to say we can't have Avengers/JLA at some point in the future in a live action movie.

Valadius Mar 19 2010 08:29 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Hugo Weaving has been cast as Red Skull in Captain America.

Valadius Mar 22 2010 08:14 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

And it's official, your new Captain America is Chris Evans. Yes, the same one that played the Human Torch in the recently-rebooted Fantastic Four series.

Edgy MD Mar 22 2010 09:44 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Finally, we have closure and can get on with our lives. They blew it, though. What they should do is shelve the Captain and introduce a Scandinavian actor to play Thor. My vote would be for Norwegian Trond Espen Seim: And there's got to be an Asgardian role for Jahn Dennis Storhøi: It's so obvious, that it's almost stupid. Of course, watch David Howard come up with some after-the-fact rationalization.

Benjamin Grimm Mar 23 2010 06:50 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

For Thor, I might have gone with Alexander Skarsgård, of True Blood and Generation Kill. And, I just discovered that I'm not the first one who thought of that:

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 23 2010 10:05 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

And there's got to be an Asgardian role for Jahn Dennis Storhøi: It's so obvious, that it's almost stupid. Of course, watch David Howard come up with some after-the-fact rationalization. Volstagg? I like the Skarsgard casting for Thor, as well.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 28 2010 10:12 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Mutant Enemy takes control of the Avengers! I'm told Marvel Studios is in final negotiations for Buffy the Vampire Slayer series architect Joss Whedon to direct Marvel Studios' The Avengers.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 11 2010 10:03 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update Edited 2 time(s), most recently on May 12 2010 02:40 PM

First pictures of Chris Hemsworth as Thor. OE: Whoops. Fixed.

Vic Sage May 12 2010 10:28 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

there is a "Thor" tag at the end of IRON MAN 2.

Ceetar May 12 2010 10:57 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Vic Sage wrote: there is a "Thor" tag at the end of IRON MAN 2. Too late we walked out figuring someone would have alerted us to it by sat night so Assumed no extra. It online anywhere or am I torrenting the whole movie?

Benjamin Grimm May 12 2010 12:23 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I've learned that you always stay through the credits for a Marvel Studios movie.

Edgy MD May 12 2010 12:58 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Are one of you Iron Man watchers going to put up a thread?

Valadius May 12 2010 07:16 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

It was pretty cool. Based on the fact that I knew there were after-credits scenes after Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, I knew there had to be one after Iron Man 2. Was not disappointed.

Vic Sage May 12 2010 09:34 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Edgy DC wrote: Are one of you Iron Man watchers going to put up a thread? i was not excited or disappointed enough by it to start a thread. I'm also lazy.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 04 2010 01:06 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

We got an Iron Man, we got a Thor, we got a War Machine, we got a Hulk, we got a Captain Amurrica that looks a lot like the Human Torch, we got a Black Widow (ooookay). Now we got a Hawkeye, it seems. I'm okay with the choice. But no Doc Pym/Ant-Man/Giant-Man? No Wasp? What gives?

SteveJRogers Jun 05 2010 11:31 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: We got an Iron Man, we got a Thor, we got a War Machine, we got a Hulk, we got a Captain Amurrica that looks a lot like the Human Torch, we got a Black Widow (ooookay). Now we got a Hawkeye, it seems. I'm okay with the choice. But no Doc Pym/Ant-Man/Giant-Man? No Wasp? What gives? From what I've heard Nathan Fillion is reportedly tabbed to be Hank when Ant-Man comes out in 2012, shortly (ummm, no pun intended) before Avengers comes out. No clue whom is to be Janet. And no clue if the marital abuse is to be a focus of the film!

The Second Spitter Jul 08 2010 06:46 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Here's one of the two costumes Chris Evans will be wearing to play Captain America. The first, lesser used (in the film) version, will be the traditional comic version with wings on the mask/hood, stripes on the abdomen, and so forth. That will only be used when the Army makes Cap show up at a USO show to promote him, and he apparently hates the outfit in the script. The second costume is a more practical battlesuit that Cap wears into combat that eliminates the wings and substitutes a traditional M1 helmet (painted blue or covered with blue fabric with the "A" on it instead of the traditional fabric hood). The red stripes on the abdomen are instead utility harnesses that connect to a utility belt. The pants are not skin tight but a more practical slightly baggy utility pants (also blue). You can see concept art of this costume below. This fits the description of the final costume provided at JoBlo, so it appears to be genuine. It seems like a good compromise of practicality (and trying to reduce the cheesiness factor) and maintaining the traditional look.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 08 2010 10:57 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

The Second Spitter wrote: It seems like a good compromise of practicality (and trying to reduce the cheesiness factor) and maintaining the traditional look. A straddle that'll be especially tough to maintain when designing the friggin' Red Skull, no? (Nice design on the Cap suit, though. Could've gone with a USAgent-y variant, too.)

TransMonk Jul 15 2010 09:38 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Ed Norton is out as The Hulk in The Avengers. Reportedly, Mark Ruffalo is getting a look to replace him.

The Second Spitter Jul 15 2010 07:05 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

The rumor I heard, from a fairly reliable source, was that Norton objected to the fact the Hulk was going to be the 'heel' in the Avengers movie.

Valadius Jul 18 2010 06:49 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

The rumor I heard was the opposite, that he was actively pushing for the Hulk to be the villain.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 18 2010 09:23 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

There were rumors of difficulties on the last "Hulk" movie, IIRC, stemming (supposedly) from his wanting/claiming to have been promised more input into "creating" the character/shaping the character arc and plot. Ruffalo seems like an interesting guy for the role, though I doubt he'll get much to do with it-- they kind of flattened the character a bit in the last one (if those rumors are true, I see whence Norton was coming).

Edgy MD Jul 19 2010 06:44 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

This thread has had over 16,000 hits. I wonder if it's drawing non-Mets traffic for us.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 19 2010 08:21 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Wow... I hadn't noticed that.

The Second Spitter Jul 21 2010 08:03 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Valadius wrote: The rumor I heard was the opposite, that he was actively pushing for the Hulk to be the villain. You may be correct -- my "source" was my sister who's a dolt when it comes to such things (Hi Sibling, if you're reading!). I think the Avengers movie would be much more interestingnif the Hulk was a baddie, because let's face it he's such a deus ex machina character to begin with. When you combine him with the other 3 or 4 then well, it's hard to see how they will lose. As for the amount of hits on this thread, how about we get some sponsorship for the thread e.g. "Marvel Comics movie update presented by McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon".

Benjamin Grimm Jul 21 2010 08:11 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

The Hulk has had so many different incarnations in the comics. The Hulk who was in the original Avengers was more of a social misfit/Mr. Hyde kind of guy, not the mindless rampaging "Hulk smash" guy who came along later, and who the movie Hulk is more closely based on. It's really hard to imagine the movie version of the Hulk sitting around a big shiny conference room table with Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, and Hawkeye.

The Second Spitter Jul 21 2010 08:27 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I always preferred the incarnations of the Hulk where he was more morally ambiguous.

Edgy MD Jul 21 2010 08:37 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

The Avengers was always kind of insane to me.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 21 2010 09:58 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Benjamin Grimm wrote: The Hulk has had so many different incarnations in the comics. The Hulk who was in the original Avengers was more of a social misfit/Mr. Hyde kind of guy, not the mindless rampaging "Hulk smash" guy who came along later, and who the movie Hulk is more closely based on. It's really hard to imagine the movie version of the Hulk sitting around a big shiny conference room table with Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, and Hawkeye. There are at least a couple of versions that did just that. And the X-Men always seemed simultaneously a little more insane and a little more grounded to me... which was part of the appeal.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 23 2010 10:13 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Edgy MD Jul 23 2010 10:28 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

When I say insane, that's what I'm talking about. What are those benches made out of that they support those guys?

The Second Spitter Jul 23 2010 11:14 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Fictitiouselementium

Valadius Jul 25 2010 04:08 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I'm concerned that the reason they chose Mark Ruffalo was because of his resemblance to Lou Ferrigno. That would be a bad thing.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 10 2010 12:13 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

This is a shot of Chris Evans' stunt double filming a scene as Captain America in England recently. I'm trying not to read too much into this, but it's surprising how utterly lame it looks.

dgwphotography Sep 11 2010 03:51 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I'm trying not to read too much into this, but it's surprising how utterly lame it looks. I have the same reaction seeing that. To be honest, I thought the idea of an Iron Man movie was lame, then I saw the trailer with Robert Downey, Jr., and thought, "wow".

Valadius Sep 23 2010 05:20 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

It's set during WWII, and they didn't want to go spandex. But I do think Chris Evans was not a good or particularly inspired choice.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 23 2010 08:47 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Well, I wasn't looking for spandex. But I also wasn't expecting shlubby.

TransMonk Oct 15 2010 12:51 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

The Incredible Hulk is getting another re-boot on the small screen. http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/15 ... /?hpt=Sbin ABC working on 'Incredible Hulk' TV series Looks like Wonder Woman may have some competition when she makes her way back to the small screen. Following recent reports that the Amazing Amazon is returning to TV comes the news that ABC is working on a series about "The Incredible Hulk." According to Deadline.com, the show starring the big green monster is one of several superhero-oriented shows that Marvel Television has pitched to ABC. No actors are yet attached to the live-action project about physicist Bruce Banner, who transforms into the Hulk when angry. As comic book fans know, this isn't the first time the character has gotten the screen treatment. Besides CBS's popular 1978-82 "Incredible Hulk" TV series featuring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno, there have also been two "Hulk" films – a 2003 version starring Eric Bana and a 2008 reboot with Edward Norton in the title role. Mark Ruffalo will also go green for Marvel's upcoming "The Avengers" superhero-ensemble flick.

Benjamin Grimm Oct 15 2010 01:12 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Hopefully this one won't take any inspiration at all from the original TV series, which left me profoundly disappointed.

Edgy MD Oct 15 2010 01:18 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I agree it shouldn't be borrowed from too much, because you can't just bottle that sort of awesome and re-package it. The Incredible Hulk TV show was seven degrees of awesome.

Benjamin Grimm Oct 15 2010 01:47 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I think we disagree here. I hated that damn show.

Edgy MD Oct 15 2010 01:57 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Well, it's only natural that the Thing and the Hulk probably have some hangups about each other and each other's shows.

dgwphotography Oct 15 2010 02:08 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I have to go with edgy here - I thought the Hulk show was full of awesome. What didn't you like about it, BG?

Benjamin Grimm Oct 15 2010 02:15 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

It wasn't at all what I was wanting/expecting from a Hulk show. The Hulk was just a goofy looking growling beast; he didn't have the personality of the character in the comics. He didn't really have any personality at all. Sure, it was cool when Bill Bixby (don't even get me started on David Banner) transformed and made some bully pay, but I would've liked something a lot more comic-booky. To put it in Superman terms, I was hoping for something more like Smallville and ended up with The Adventures of Superman instead.

Edgy MD Oct 15 2010 02:26 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Totally not analogous to The Adventures of Superman. So totally not!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 15 2010 02:29 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I don't know jack about the comix, but certainly David (Bruce) Banner suffered all kinds of emotional and psychological anguish and depression in the Hulk TV show. He was dislocated and on the run, and worried about what might happen all the time. A prime candidate for a heart attack, I'd say.

Benjamin Grimm Oct 15 2010 02:41 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Edgy DC wrote: Totally not analogous to The Adventures of Superman. So totally not! It is to me. Comic book character operating in the much more boring real world. It's kind of like if Dorothy stayed in Kansas for the whole film.

Edgy MD Oct 15 2010 02:55 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Sheesh, even by your standard of not wanting realism to conflict with fantasy, it doesn't work. The Adventures of Superman had Mole Men, a Kryptonite-powered robot, Professor Pepperwinkle turning the world upside down, and stuff. I mean, it was cheap and awful but they worked in what fantasy they could on their budget. Besides, comic books were full of gritty realism in the seventies. Ghost Rider was running into Jesus hippies and fighting drunk drivers, while Batman shipped Robin off to college and went solo crawling around in the shadows again. I like that realism stuff in a hero show. It makes it more believeable that this freak character exists in my world --- or a world very much like mine... except for his freaky self. Really, the show The Incredible Hulk was most like was The Fugitive.

Benjamin Grimm Oct 15 2010 03:18 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Most episodes of Adventures of Superman were about common crooks who would shoot their guns at Superman's chest until they ran out of bullets, and then they'd throw the pistol at him. The episodes with Mole Men and the like were the exception, not the rule. And yes, Incredible Hulk was like The Fugitive. And maybe if the show was called The Hot-Tempered Wanderer I wouldn't have been so disappointed in it. But I wanted the Hulk to be the Hulk! I wanted him leaping great distances. I wanted him saying "Hulk will smash puny humans!" I wanted the army going after him with big powered super machines. I wanted the Leader, and the Abomination, and all I got was a mopey Bill Bixby and a sleazy journalist. I know that CBS wasn't looking to cater to the comic book fanatic; they were focusing on the general public. And given that the series lasted a bunch of seasons, I guess they succeeded. But they lost me pretty early on. I think I probably bailed before the end of the second season.

Vic Sage Oct 15 2010 03:23 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

dgwphotography wrote: I have to go with edgy here - I thought the Hulk show was full of awesome. What didn't you like about it, BG? other than the fact that it sucked BHMC? Mr. Grimm, stick to your guns. The barbarians are at the gates.

Vic Sage Oct 15 2010 03:27 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

i would love to see them do the "Mr. Fixit"-era Hulk, written by Peter David in the 80s. He's stuck in his HULK form as a grey, tough-talking Vegas strongarm gangster type... not as strong as his green version, but smart and mean. At least it would give the story a new spin than the standard "Jekyl-Hyde" parable, making it more of a noir.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 16 2010 03:41 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Vic Sage wrote: i would love to see them do the "Mr. Fixit"-era Hulk, written by Peter David in the 80s. He's stuck in his HULK form as a grey, tough-talking Vegas strongarm gangster type... not as strong as his green version, but smart and mean. At least it would give the story a new spin than the standard "Jekyl-Hyde" parable, making it more of a noir. Also, brickhouse Marlo. Grrrow. The "Banner Hulk"-- after he was "unified" by Doc Samson-- stuff from the nineties would also be a kick... basically, he's Banner, but with a dash of the grey Hulk's mean sense of humor and almost all of classic green's strength. Weird, hilariously deadpan stuff... also from Peter David. Mostly, I remember the TV series as being that thing that made me jump behind the couch and cover my eyes. Really, we're talking "Kung Fu" with goofy FX, right?

Edgy MD Oct 16 2010 02:06 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Plus it was awesome.

The Second Spitter Nov 03 2010 12:23 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I bring to you another CPF exclusive: Sister Spitter wrote: Was on the set of Cap America for two days earlier this month in Manchester. Samuel L & Tommy L were there. Said "hi & bye". Chris Evans very professional. Real nice guy, very quiet between takes. The area around Manchester in the Northern Quarter replicated a 1940s metropolis (not much CG needed there). The movie is gritty and realistic (much more than the other films). There was a strict policy on mobile phones on set. Anybody who wasn't in the first unit, basically had to check it in which made making calls between takes a pain in the posterior.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 03 2010 04:40 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Did she spot any time travelers on the set?

The Second Spitter Dec 26 2010 03:11 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

So........what did everybody think of the Thor trailer?

Valadius Jan 09 2011 08:56 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Won't be as good as Green Lantern. Captain America should make up for it though.

SteveJRogers Jan 10 2011 10:17 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Valadius wrote: Won't be as good as Green Lantern. Captain America should make up for it though. I have strong reservations about Green Lantern. 1) The suit looks bad. Yes it is ring-energy based, but on Ryan Reynolds, it looks bad. 2) From everything I've seen in that trailer, everything is pointing towards this "Green Lantern" being Hal Jordan in name, setting and origin only. Personality wise, Reynolds seems very Kyle Rayner like. Not a bad thing, but if this is the Hal Jordan story, do Hal Jordan. Don't completely redo the character to make him fit the actor's talents.

SteveJRogers Feb 14 2011 08:00 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

TONS of Spider-Man news since the last time this thread was updated. -The reboot looks like is officially going to be called Amazing Spider-Man Can we have that cut from the 1969 MLB WS film with everyone saying "Amazin'" including Casey repeating it over and over spliced into the film somehow? -Oh and the suit looks like either one of those Spider-Man-esque things winter Olympic athletes have been trotting out or a rather poor cos-play attempt

Benjamin Grimm Feb 15 2011 07:01 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

More a gut feeling than anything else, but I'm not getting a good vibe about this Spidey movie. Maybe it's the anime hair that Peter Parker has. Seems like it's not gonna be my generation's Spider-Man.

Edgy MD Feb 15 2011 07:16 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

It looks like down at the Javitz Center Auto Show, nobody wanted to pose with Spidey.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 30 2012 02:06 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Unless my daughter's Friday evening softball game is rained out, it looks like I'll have to wait until Saturday to see The Avengers. (I've been waiting for four years; I suppose I can wait an additional 24 hours.) In preparation, we're having a Marvel Movie Week. Watched Iron Man last night, and in the next several days we'll watch Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America. If these movies had come out when I was 10 years old, I would have been completely beside myself.

Edgy MD Apr 30 2012 02:43 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Wait, no Hulk?

Benjamin Grimm Apr 30 2012 02:45 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Huh? Oh... you mean the 2003 movie. No, seeing that movie once was more than enough for me.

Vic Sage Apr 30 2012 04:24 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

i have to wait an extra week, because my family is taking me for my birthday (5/13)... but i might sneak out of work on Friday afternoon for a "long lunch", and just not tell them. but that would be wrong. i'm conflicted.

Edgy MD Apr 30 2012 07:39 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Huh? Oh... you mean the 2003 movie. No, seeing that movie once was more than enough for me. He did the giant leaps and broken English for you.

The Second Spitter May 01 2012 04:15 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Unless my daughter's Friday evening softball game is rained out, it looks like I'll have to wait until Saturday to see The Avengers. (I've been waiting for four years; I suppose I can wait an additional 24 hours.). Saw it on Saturday night. I'll throw up a spoiler -free review soon.

Benjamin Grimm May 01 2012 06:23 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Edgy DC wrote: He did the giant leaps and broken English for you. He didn't actually talk in that movie. And that's not the point; it takes more than giant leaps to prevent a movie from sucking.

Edgy MD May 01 2012 06:46 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Of course it does. The movie was fascinatingly bad. Just interesting enough that you got an idea of how boldly they aspired and how badly they failed. Part of you wants to tip your hat to them, and the other just wishes they had aimed lower and hit the target. Somehow, though, they made the better subsequent The Incredible Hulk movie a loose sequel, rather than an outright do-over, which I thought was pretty bold. And it therefore it retains Hulk as part of the Avengers canon, when good business sense might be to pretend it never happened (as you clearly would like to do). I kind of like this. There's this cool challenge that latter-day comic book writers take up for themselves: attempting to redeem weak runs from their character's past, that in subsequent decades have grown seemingly inconsistent with what we've later learned about the characters. With retro-fit connections, explanations, and expositions, they bring all the incarnations of the character back into the canon. I think some of that spirit was present in keeping perhaps the lousiest of the Marvel films (I disliked Thor a lot, but at least it was reasonably short) in the family.

metirish May 01 2012 06:46 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

This isn't suitable for a four year old is it?

Benjamin Grimm May 01 2012 06:53 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I won't go so far as to say I disliked Thor, but I definitely think it was the weakest of the run of Marvel Studios movies that began with Iron Man. My lack of dislike may be because I had anticipated it being a lot worse. Watched Incredible Hulk last night. Art Carney makes for a good Bruce Banner. When I had seen the movie previously, I had missed the quick reference to Rick Jones in the opening montage. (There were quick glimpses of the governments files on Banner and the Hulk and Rick was listed as one of Banner's known associates.) I would have preferred that they completely ignore the 2003 film and start from scratch, but I'm okay that they didn't. The way they handled it worked out well. I was less impressed with the climactic battle scene. I know it's almost obligatory in these kinds of movies, but the slugfest between the Hulk and the Abomination was a lot of noise and smashing but not terribly interesting. Next up tonight... Iron Man 2.

Ceetar May 01 2012 08:15 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I haven't seen the Incredible Hulk or Captain America yet. I tentatively intend to do that this week, but going out to see a screening of Anna Karenina tonight so it'll have to wait. Although I don't imagine that it's a prerequisite to see them before the Avengers.

Vic Sage May 01 2012 11:05 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

HULK is totally missable. CAPTAIN AMERICA is not only an excellent movie in its own right, it's prerequisite viewing for the AVENGERS.

Benjamin Grimm May 01 2012 11:26 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Does Nick Fury show up after the credits in Anna Karenina?

Vic Sage May 01 2012 01:52 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

you wanna see a movie about a Russian chick? Try Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow.

Ceetar May 01 2012 02:25 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Does Nick Fury show up after the credits in Anna Karenina? I sure hope so. Hey..it's free and what not.. I made the mistake of asking my wife if she wanted to go before I looked up what it was. oops. They also don't let you bring your phone in, which means no words with friends to kill the time until they roll the movie. Vic Sage wrote: HULK is totally missable. CAPTAIN AMERICA is not only an excellent movie in its own right, it's prerequisite viewing for the AVENGERS. shoot. Then I guess I better grab that one to watch. Keeps slipping through my 'things to do' list.

Ceetar May 02 2012 07:04 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Vic Sage wrote: you wanna see a movie about a Russian chick? Try Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow. Is there actually a Black Widow movie? cause that'd be awesome. also, whatever happened to Ant Man? (Anna Karenina was realllly bad)

Benjamin Grimm May 02 2012 07:31 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

No, there's no Black Widow movie, at least not yet anyway. I think that Ant Man and the Wasp were included in early treatments for the Avengers movie, but for whatever reason they didn't make the final cut. There was also talk a few years ago of an Ant Man movie, but that doesn't seem to have gone anywhere. It's interesting to see some of the posts that Vic made earlier in this thread, and several years ago, about comics movies on the horizon. So many of them didn't come to pass. What version of Anna Karenina did you see? The Garbo version, or a more recent one?

Ceetar May 02 2012 08:08 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Benjamin Grimm wrote: No, there's no Black Widow movie, at least not yet anyway. I think that Ant Man and the Wasp were included in early treatments for the Avengers movie, but for whatever reason they didn't make the final cut. There was also talk a few years ago of an Ant Man movie, but that doesn't seem to have gone anywhere. It's interesting to see some of the posts that Vic made earlier in this thread, and several years ago, about comics movies on the horizon. So many of them didn't come to pass. What version of Anna Karenina did you see? The Garbo version, or a more recent one? And i looked at a list somewhere and it's mostly sequels coming up for Marvel movies (or reboots) don't see a lot of new ones, which is a shame. A more recent one (it was a prerelease screening) [url]http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1781769/ I mean, Keira Knightly and Alicia Vikander were nice to look at, but the plot was jumpy and unclear and often simply left unsaid. Perhaps the expectation is that I know the story? I didn't.

Vic Sage May 02 2012 10:33 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update Edited 4 time(s), most recently on May 03 2012 02:00 PM

god, that looks awful. anyway, back to the AVENGERS. a theater near me is doing a Marvel Movie-thon the day before it opens: the 5 marvel movies that lead up to it, all in one day, for $35 (including the 3-D versions of the last few). So the "canon" consists of IRON MAN (May/2008) - Robert Downey totally owns this excellent adaptation; Jeff Bridges is a second rate villain, but Favreau's direction is slick and surprisingly strong in characterization, and all the updates to to Tony Stark and his origin are faithful in tone and spirit. Paltrow and Terrence Howard are strong in support. *** 1/2 THE INCREDIBLE HULK (June/2008) - Zak Penn scripted this sequel (sort of) to the earlier failed adaptation, this time with the excellent Edward Norton as Bruce (not David) Banner. Not a great movie, but an ok version of the "hulk smash" iteration of the creature, and superior to other incarnations of the character to that point. [note: this is the only one of the films without the Nick Fury coda, featuring Tony Stark instead (on edit: thanks Ben), and Banner is played by a different actor in the AVENGERS movie {mark ruffalo}, so some may not necessarily consider it part of the series] ** 1/2 IRON MAN 2 (May / 2010) - Downey's reprisal is not up to the original. Though Mickey Roarke is an excellent villain, Cheadle makes a much less impressive Rhodey/War Machine than Howard. Scarlett Johanssen, though awful in civvies, makes a great Black Widow. Overall, though, the story is lame and Favreau is more interested in making stuff blow up and so the film doesn't work nearly as well. ** THOR (May / 2011) - Kenneth Branagh brings some Shakespearean style to the Marvel version of the Norse myth. Chris Hemsworth is totally believable as the arrogant warrior humbled by his father; Hopkins as Odin is practically type-casting. But Natalie Portman continues to unimpress and, as a result, most of the stuff on Earth is unconvincing, but Asgard works great. Loki's big mechanical monster at the end is a BIG letdown, and the Warriors 3 are wasted, but overall the film works well enough. [Note: the film introduces Jeremy Renner as HAWKEYE] ** 1/2 CAPTAIN AMERICA (July / 2011) - director Joe Johnston ably mixes an authentic vintage feel with a square-jawed heroism that is knowing and appreciative, without condescension, irony or parody, an approach he previously demonstrated with the under-appreciated ROCKETEER movie. Chris Evans hits all the right notes, and even the abrupt ending, leading in to the upcoming AVENGERS movie didn't diminish the movie *** 1/2

Benjamin Grimm May 02 2012 11:03 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I agree that Captain America and the first Iron Man movie are the best of the bunch. In my house, we're having a Marvel Movie week and so far we've watched the first three. (Thor is tonight's feature.) Remember, although Nick Fury didn't appear in Incredible Hulk, Robert Downey Jr. had an after-the-credits cameo as Tony Stark, so I'd say that movie is certainly part of this series. Oh, and yes, Rocketeer was terrific.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 02 2012 05:32 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Favreau was annoyed about the amount of Avengers backstory they made him shoehorn into the second Iron Man vehicle; according to some post-wrap gossip, he was thisclose to pulling an Alan Smithee on the thing. (While other reports suggest that the Marvel people's heavyhanded suggestions were designed to push him out for cost reasons.) Instead, he just decided to step away from the franchise after finishing the second.

The Second Spitter May 03 2012 09:18 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Benjamin Grimm wrote: No, there's no Black Widow movie, at least not yet anyway. There was also talk a few years ago of an Ant Man movie, but that doesn't seem to have gone anywhere. It's back on the table with a view for him to appear in The Avengers 2. So except it around 2014. The Punisher is also getting a reboot.

Ceetar May 03 2012 09:23 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Can they make a Civil War movie? That'd be freaking awesome.

Benjamin Grimm May 03 2012 09:30 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

You mean, like Glory?

The Second Spitter May 03 2012 09:31 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

He means this.

Vic Sage May 03 2012 02:00 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

god no.

Ceetar May 03 2012 02:08 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

it was a great story. It'd play very well on the big screen too.

Vic Sage May 03 2012 09:36 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

no it wasn't and no it wouldn't.

Ceetar May 04 2012 06:43 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Vic Sage wrote: no it wasn't and no it wouldn't. okay... come on, an epic battle between Captain America and Iron Man seems like just what people want to see. It's like Super Smash Brothers or maybe more appropriately, Marvel vs. Capcom

Vic Sage May 04 2012 08:04 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

yes, it would make a great a video game, i suppose. Just not a movie with enough characterization for me to give a shit. The only way an AVENGERS movie could even work is that they've made 5 movies already, over a 4 year period, just to establish these few characters sufficiently, so the characterizations can be shorthanded in the screen time they'll each have to share in a single story. Now just stick the rest of the marvel universe into one movie, all fighting each other, with none of the additional characters having been established, and you have... yes, a video game. And i use the term pejoratively.

Ceetar May 04 2012 08:19 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

well, it already did make a video game.[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel:_Ultimate_Alliance_2 And it was a lot of fun. But I guess that's a growing trend, video games have the graphics and cut scenes to rival movies anyway. Plus they last way longer than 2 hours, AND you get to play along. Doesn't mean it couldn't be done well though. Make it two movies. develop the characters, cut some out. Play side stories on national TV to enrich the characters for those interested.

Frayed Knot May 04 2012 11:12 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Nick Fury heard his name mentioned here and wanted to drop by and say hello, although if you ask me he looks a little out of it.

SteveJRogers May 04 2012 01:55 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I agree with Vic. And no has nothing to do with what happened to my namesake as a fallout of it =;) Too many characters to introduce, and a major part if it is still very much under the control of another studio, I don't think you can do that with any other Marvel character except Peter Parker.

Ceetar May 04 2012 02:17 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I was talking more about the quality of the story than the actual feasibility. Not that I think i accept "That probably won't work" as excuses not to do things. Besides, isn't Cap alive again? on the Avengers, probably seeing that Sunday morning. Saw Captain America the other night. Not that I think there was any real 'need' to see that or risk being lost. I knew he fought Nazis and was part of the Super Soldier program. I don't really like how they progressed to modern times, but whatever.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 04 2012 10:50 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Saw Avengers tonight. Won't expound at this point, but... well... it's about everything you could reasonably expect from a first studio Avengers movie, or-- fuck it-- a comic-book movie, period: characterization, escapism, action, and real humor. Papa like. Actually, that undersells it-- Papa giddy.

Benjamin Grimm May 05 2012 04:26 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I saw it last night too. Terrific movie, thoroughly enjoyable. And Hulk and Thor never looked better. (Black Widow looked pretty good too, but that's another story.)

Vic Sage May 05 2012 10:29 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

i've accepted Joss Whedon as my personal savior.

SteveJRogers May 05 2012 12:17 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Vic Sage wrote: i've accepted Joss Whedon as my personal savior. Well, except for the fact that he HAD to pull one of HIS weary assed tropes of storytelling where it really didn't belong.

Vic Sage May 05 2012 09:21 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

go climb a tree. a big one. with loose root structure and rotting limbs, and a hornet's nest, and a pissed off mountain lion.

Edgy MD May 06 2012 10:26 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

One of you Morlocks want to start a thread about this movie?

metirish May 07 2012 10:09 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Samuel Jackson not happy that A.O. Scott wrote a negative review.....I mean really! http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/may ... NTCMP=SRCH as often the comments section is the best part.

Frayed Knot May 07 2012 11:08 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I read Scott's NYTimes review and it wasn't THAT bad. In fact, it wasn't all that bad at all IIRC.

Vic Sage May 07 2012 03:26 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

"never argue with a man who buys ink by the barrel". Even when a reviewer is wrong, or wrong-headed, nobody ever looks good arguing with them, especially if they are personally involved in the thing being critiqued. Even if folks don't like the critic, or even generally agree that the critic is wrong in this case, you just end up looking petty, self-interested, vain, etc. It's a no-win scenario.

Valadius Jul 15 2012 06:19 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

At Comic-Con, Marvel gave an update on their slate of upcoming films: Iron Man 3 - May 3, 2013. Featuring Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin. Thor: The Dark World - November 8, 2013. Captain America: The Winter Soldier - April 4, 2014. Guardians of the Galaxy - August 1, 2014. Ant-Man - release date yet to be determined.

Edgy MD Jul 15 2012 09:04 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

No Hawkeye? No Black Widow. No Ghost Rider 3? Ben Kingsley playing a creep. Shocking.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 16 2012 03:51 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

The biggest surprise is Guardians of the Galaxy. My son and I have been hoping for Black Panther.

Nymr83 Jul 16 2012 05:59 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Ant Man and Guardians both surprise me as being way outside what all but the most ardent comicbook fans have even heard of, I'd think they'd do better anouncing another Spiderman. Heck, I think X-Men Origins: Shadowcat* would be only slightly more obscure than Guardians. *played by Mila Kunis, please.

SteveJRogers Jul 16 2012 06:17 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Edgy DC wrote: No Hawkeye? No Black Widow. No Ghost Rider 3? Hawkeye/Black Widow are probably in early development, along with a Ruffalo Hulk. Considering it was a San Diego Comic Con panel probably not the place to say "yeah we are in the planning stages" when you have scores of fans that just want to know what is coming out for sure. Not sure if that was serious, but Ghost Rider is not under license to Marvel Studios. I'm intrigued by the April 4th release of Captain America in 2014. Traditionally Marvel has been putting out a movie the first weekend of May to coincide with National Free Comic Book Day, a festive Saturday for participating local comic book shops. Unless that is moved up to the first weekend of April in 2014, this is an interesting date to release.

SteveJRogers Jul 16 2012 06:22 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Ahhhhh...Marvel Studios is conceding Free Comic Book Day 2014 to Sony's sequel to Amazing Spider-Man [url]http://boxofficemojo.com/schedule/?view=bydate&release=theatrical&yr=2014&p=.htm

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 16 2012 08:34 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Seconded on Black Panther. Although a Pyms movie could kick some serious-- if not terribly, um, family-friendly-- rear if they mine that relationship for all it's worth.

Vic Sage Jul 16 2012 09:32 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

from what i've read and heard, Marvel is not talking about the classic Gene Colan GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY from the 60s (with Charlie-27, Vance Astro, Yondu and Starhawk), but their reboot of a few years ago (which is really just a version of Warlock and the Infinity Watch) going up against Thanos, as set up in the AVENGERS movie. Warlock is one of my favorite characters, and to see him in action with Drax, Gamora and Quasar (and hopefully Pip the troll), fighting Thanos, would be cosmically awesome. Although Jim Starlin will surely feel cosmically screwed, as he sees all of his ideas up on the screen without a penny paid to him. It would also be a good place to reintroduce the Silver Surfer, who had much crossover with Thanos and Warlock. Also a Pym movie is necessary, if you're going to keep doing Avengers movies. Henry PYm and Janet Van DYne are integral to the history of the team, and his many permutations (ant-man, giant-man, goliath, yellow jacket) give you lots of story-telling options. Plus his personal story (the scientist disinterested in superheroing, the rocky romance with an upper crust socialite) has much conflict. Black Panther would be great, and can be a stand-alone story without much Avengers tie-in required (but able to include it if necessary).

SteveJRogers Jul 16 2012 09:48 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Vic Sage wrote: It would also be a good place to reintroduce the Silver Surfer, who had much crossover with Thanos and Warlock. Isn't good old Norrin tied up over at FOX with the Fantastic Four characters though?

Vic Sage Jul 16 2012 09:52 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Other than Adam Warlock, the marvel movies i'd most like to see include: - DEATHLOK, but then they made ROBOCOP (and made it pretty good), making a DEATHLOK movie superfluous; - i still hope for a LUKE CAGE / IRON FIST team-up movie. Now that those characters' younger selves are in the new spiderman cartoon, perhaps they'll be reconsidered; - i also want a BLACK WIDOW / DAREDEVIL XO movie, with someone other than Ben Affleck; - an epic KILLRAVEN, WARRIOR OF THE WORLDS -- why not spend a fortune on a relatively obscure backwater of the Marvel universe? - a more grownup adaptation of the FANTASTIC FOUR, this time vs THE INHUMANS in all their noble glory! - a MR. FIXIT- version of THE HULK, with him as the smaller, nastier, greyer Vegas tough guy; - DR. STRANGE vs NIGHTMARE... nuff said; and - the death of CAPTAIN MARVEL. sniff, sniff. tearjerker for the ladies.

Vic Sage Jul 16 2012 09:53 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

SteveJRogers wrote: Vic Sage wrote: It would also be a good place to reintroduce the Silver Surfer, who had much crossover with Thanos and Warlock. Isn't good old Norrin tied up over at FOX with the Fantastic Four characters though? i guess so.

SteveJRogers Jul 16 2012 09:53 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

BTW, just to add to my point about officially coming out with the slate. Dollars to donuts would be that all these movies were greenlit, in advance of The Avengers. Black Widow/Hawkeye, and the Ruffalo Hulk that I mentioned were really put on the table after the Avengers reaction a few months ago. Hard to officially put something on the table and suddenly give it a "concrete" deadline after two months of notice. Yes, Ant Man doesn't have a date yet, but that has been floating around as a rumored part of the Marvel Studios family since day one back when Iron Man was coming out.

SteveJRogers Jul 16 2012 09:55 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Vic Sage wrote: - a MR. FIXIT- version of THE HULK, with him as the smaller, nastier, greyer Vegas tough guy; And they'd better get Peter Allen David to write that bad boy! Or much smashing would occur...

Valadius Jul 16 2012 12:03 PM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Here's the concept art for Guardians of the Galaxy that Marvel released at Comic-Con:

Benjamin Grimm Jul 17 2012 06:42 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Vic Sage wrote: from what i've read and heard, Marvel is not talking about the classic Gene Colan GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY from the 60s (with Charlie-27, Vance Astro, Yondu and Starhawk), but their reboot of a few years ago I wasn't aware that there had been a recent reboot. The tree guy looks interesting, I guess, but they should lose the raccoon. (Is he an actual Marvel character, or is this the influence of Disney? He looks like the little guy who was friends with Pocahontas. Maybe they can get the hummingbird to join the Guardians as well.) I heard that there was an announcement an Comic Con that the Fox is going with a Fantastic Four reboot by the guy who recently did Chronicle. Sounds like good news to me. An earlier rumor had them going with the Heroes guy, which didn't make me very happy.

SteveJRogers Jul 17 2012 07:41 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

I guess, but they should lose the raccoon. (Is he an actual Marvel character, or is this the influence of Disney? He looks like the little guy who was friends with Pocahontas. Maybe they can get the hummingbird to join the Guardians as well.) Rocket Raccoon: [url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Raccoon

Benjamin Grimm Jul 17 2012 08:02 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Okay... he seems vaguely familiar. At least he's not this guy:

Vic Sage Jul 17 2012 11:22 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Here's the concept art for Guardians of the Galaxy that Marvel released at Comic-Con: This artwork depicts Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot... but no WARLOCK? If there's no Warlock to fight Thanos, then there is absolutely no point to a GUARDIANS/THANOS movie. Boo! I say thee BOO!!

Edgy MD Jul 17 2012 11:37 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

What are you folks watching? Can we get some threads on some films that have actually been released/seen? Seriously, anything. Late night showing of Murder on the Orient Express? Put up a poll. Help inform my viewing!

Ceetar Jul 17 2012 11:58 AM Re: Marvel Comics movies update

Edgy DC wrote: What are you folks watching? Can we get some threads on some films that have actually been released/seen? Seriously, anything. Late night showing of Murder on the Orient Express? Put up a poll. Help inform my viewing! been all Dr. Who for me lately besides the Mets. Although Batman this weekend..