CAST EM': Thor 2

Similar to Iron Man 3, casting will start to ramp up soon for Thor 2 with the production starting this summer. A majority of the original cast will be returning such as Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Natalie Portman (Jane), Jaimie Alexander (Sif), Idris Elba (Hemidell), Ray Stevenson (Volstagg), Tadanobu Asano (Hogan) and Josh Dallas (Fendral). Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones) will be directing with a script from Don Payne (Thor, Simpsons) and Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, Falling Skies, Warcraft).

It was revealed by Marvel's Kevin Feige that we'll be seeing the cast of Asgardians doubling in the sequel. With director Alan Taylor mostly known for directing television episodes Marvel might be looking at TV actors to fill new roles. The studio is notoriously tight with paying their actors and Thor 2 could be a stomping ground for rising actors alongside well known ones. I've done this CAST EM' multiple times but it's been updated to compliment director Alan Taylor.

BENJAMIN WALKER AS BALDER THE BRAVE: Balder is one Asgard's greatest warriors and had been wanted for the first film. Artists for the movie had did early costume concepts but the character didn't make the cut. When Thor earns the title of Prince of Midgard and becomes Earth's protector, Balder takes his place in Asgard.

Benjamin Walker was originally in talks to play Hank McCoy (Beast) in X-Men First Class but wouldn't land the role. He did end up getting the lead in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter instead. Walker is a rather bulky actor and seems like he would fit in nicely with the rest of the cast at six foot three inches. Ben has an extensive background in theater, comedy and now action films, a perfect combo. Recently he was cast in Paradise Lost but the Warner Bros. production is currently being delayed.

EMILIA CLARKE AS BRUNHILDE THE VALKYRIE: Valkyrie is one of the best known supporting Asgardians and was involved with the Marvel superhero team Defenders. She's also one of the only female warriors in the realm. It would be nice to see Sif  have competition and someone she can identify with. Brunhilde is also known to have adventures on Earth so she could be great for cameos in other films including Avengers 2.

Emilia Clarke has previously worked with Alan Taylor on two seasons of Game of Thrones. She's a newcomer and hasn't had much experience with films. Marvel would be able to hire her for their minimal fee and Emilia already has an international following because of the series. I'm sure Clarke would jump on the chance to make a film of this scale.

MELANIE LAURENT AS AMORA THE ENCHANTRESS: Amora is a fan favorite and one of the best villains in Thor's rogues gallery. She uses her skills in magic and manipulation to bend others to her will. I could see the character teaming up with Loki to gain power in Asgard. Also, she could be conflicted and jealous of Thor's intentions with the human Jane Foster.

French actress Melanie Laurent is someone I believe could do this role justice. Not just a pretty face this actress can be both dramatic, sweet and vengeful. Her performances in Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds and this year's The Beginngers have made a large impact on critics. Melanie is an excellent young talent and should be in more event films.

JOE MANGANIELLO AS SKRUGE THE EXECUTIONER: Amora's side-kick and equally as powerful as any other Asgardian, Skruge is another along anticipated character. The Executioner follows Amora like a loyal dog and could be an excellent combatant for Thor. I felt the Destroyer was a terrible villain since it was a faceless object. A villain needs to have dimensions to care about their actions. I would hope that if Skurge is used he isn't just another mindless bruiser.

A lot of fans have been mention stuntmen or wrestlers for this role but I feel Marvel goes the extra mile with casting well known characters. True Blood's Joe Manganiello is my choice and could be a way for him to live out his dreams to play a superhuman. Joe had been a candidate to play Superman in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel but ultimately lost the role. The problem for the casting team is that they'll have to hire someone bigger than Chris Hemsworth which is sort of challenge. Not to mention someone who has an acting background. Joe is around two inches taller than Chris and has slightly more bulk to him. He's also no stranger to the genre playing Flash Thompson in the original Spider-Man film.

CATE BLANCHETT AS HELA: When thinking of who could be as menacing as Colm Feore's Laufey, Tom Hiddleston's Loki or even Anthony Hopkin's Odin, Hela is equally as powerful and threatening. While in the comics it's revealed Hela is Loki's daughter I'm sure it could be changed for the films. In charge of the underworld there have been events where she alines herself with Loki and takes the fight to the gates of Asgard.

When I think of an actress that could carry this booming character it comes down to Cate Blanchett. She is a versatile actress and like Hopkins equally renowned for her performances. She's someone I believe can keep up with the diverse cast and the scene stealing Hiddleston. The only issue could be her involvement in the extensive Hobbit shoot.

Patty Jenkins Won't Direct Thor 2

Deadline reports that Monster director Patty Jenkins won't be directing Thor 2. The studio and Patty had a disagreement over creative issues which lead to her exit. However, they state Jenkins could end up directing another one of Marvel's laundry list projects. Marvel will have to move quickly as production is expected to start in September of next year with a release date a little over a year after that date. Giving a director enough time to put together pre-production, set creation and new casting additions. Thor 2 is expected to be a rather large sequel with it's Asgardian population rumored to be doubling in size. Not to mention the fact there has been talk the movie is likely to be set in other realms which is very costly for the studio.

Brian Kirk (Luther, Game of Thrones) had also been in talks with the studio but also left over creative and budget issues. This isn't new for Marvel as the original Thor film went through a similar process to find it's director. Names like Matthew Vaughn and Sam Raimi were once attached to direct before Kenneth Branagh was ultimately hired. Jenkins could better suit a majority of the other projects in development and I'm sure will be back at Marvel in the future.
If Rupert Sanders wasn't busy with Snow White and The Huntsman I would have felt he was the director for the job. The film has a similar scale and tone which also stars Chris Hemsworth.

David Hayter Talks About His Axed Black Widow Film

Back in the 2000's Lionsgate and Marvel Entertainment were developing a live-action Black Widow movie with David Hayter set to write and direct. David talked to FemPop revealing what happened to the film and some of the plot points. A slew of poorly made and unsuccessful female led action films basically sabotaged it's progress. It would get the axe and the rights reverted back to Marvel. Later on the character was eventually added to Iron Man 2 with Scarlett Johansson in the role.

Currently Marvel Studios is open to making a solo film with Johansson and have talked about developing a new treatment with writers. Anything is possible after the likely success of the Avengers. Johansson has signed an extensive picture deal with Marvel which means that they really only have to announce it.


"What I tried to do was use the backdrop of the splintered Soviet Empire – a lawless insane asylum with four hundred some odd nuclear missile silos. It was all about loose nukes, and I felt it was very timely and very cool. Unfortunately, as I was coming up on the final draft, a number of female vigilante movies came out. We had Tomb Raider and Kill Bill, which were the ones that worked, but then we had BloodRayne and Ultraviolet and Aeon Flux. Aeon Flux didn’t open well, and three days after it opened, the studio said, “We don’t think it’s time to do this movie.” I accepted their logic in terms of the saturation of the marketplace, but it was pretty painful. I had not only invested a lot of time in that movie, but I had also named my daughter, who was born in that time period Natasha – after the lead character in Black Widow. I named my daughter after a movie that I wasn’t working on anymore."

Shane Black Talks Villains & Casting For Iron Man 3

Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Lethal Weapon) the director and co-writer of Iron Man 3 was speaking at the Long Beach Comic-Con (via ComicBookResources). He gave up brief details on the third installment which included one villain that won't be included along with who will be returning.

Mandarin is a villain Black doesn't want to see included as he's "a racist caricature". Which might be a shock to Jon Faverau who originally wanted to use him. Jon Favreau, Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle are expected to reprise their supporting roles. He also stated the film won't be focused on The Avengers or Easter eggs.

Could Zemo & Strucker Be The Villains In Captain America 2?

It's been long rumored that Captain America villain and leader of the Masters of Evil, Baron Zemo would be featured in Captain America: The First Avenger. Screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely confirmed to IFC that in early versions of the script Zemo and Baron Strucker indeed were involved. However, it seemed like a waste to use both so early in the franchise. It's likely that the two villains could show up in Captain America 2 or future Marvel films.

There were a few classic villains that were planned for the first film, only to be removed in subsequent drafts. The pair previously revealed that evil despot Baron Zemo was in an early draft, but he wasn't the only sinister side character in those versions of the script.

"Baron Strucker was in there for a while, but he wasn't doing enough to justify wasting him in the film," said McFeely. "We certainly tried things, and ended up settling on the more useful Red Skull and Arnim Zola. But they're all still on the table," he teased. 

"There wasn't a sequence with Master Man that ended up on the cutting room floor or anything," laughed Markus. "But there was an endless array of scenes we could've drawn from, and may draw from in the future. I'm not being cryptic when I say that, either - I'm just being a comic book geek. For example, some day, whether it be in an 'Iron Man' movie or a 'Captain America' movie or any other Marvel movie, I want to see M.O.D.O.K. float down the hall." 

Zemo along with creating The Masters of Evil (a group of villains that fight The Avengers) is also responsible for putting together the original Thunderbolts group. The Thunderbolts were similar to the Dark Avengers as they are villains posing as heroes to gain the world's trust and plan to eventually take it over. Other incarnations of the group included villains released from super prisons to reduce their sentences working for SHIELD on different missions. I wouldn't be shocked to see Zemo become a baddie in Avengers 2.

Strucker on the other hand is heavily involved with both Hydra and A.I.M. which could mean that he might be a modern villain that could resurrect Hydra or bring A.I.M. into the forefront. Considering Modok a known member of A.I.M. has been mentioned a few times by the screenwriters. He seems a good bet for Captain America 2 or the Nick Fury film. Hopefully we'll see Madame Hydra ends up alongside Strucker.

Dum Dum Dugan In Captain America 2 & Nick Fury Film?

Recently Neal McDonough was speaking with IAmRogue (via CBM) about his future with Marvel Studios. He mentioned the possibility of showing up in Captain America 2. Being featured in either flashbacks or present day scenes. Neal goes even further and mentions possibilities to include him in the Nick Fury film which has been mentioned since the first Iron Man. Saying the film could be set in the 60's or 70's.


"Yeah the talk now is that they are going to flashback to WWII and without going to much into, because I’m not supposed to say too much at all, but whatever they do I guarantee you this … it’s going to be an awesome movie. The villain is going to be crazy, and it will be really terrific. The origin of Cap being in WWII is definitely paramount to the guys over at Marvel."


"In the origin with Dum Dum, he got a small portion of the super serum himself and he was actually the head of S.H.E.I.L.D. until four or five years ago. So he aged really slowly. He aged quicker than Nick and quicker than Steve Rogers did but he aged quite slowly. He was chronologically frozen him self for ten years. So there are all kinds of stuff that I’ve read in the comic books but who knows how they’re going to do it. I know they are going to go back to WWII in Cap 2. You know in flashbacks but past that I’m not sure. Also what would make me happier than a pig in poop would be to be part of and see Sam Jackson as a ‘60s or ‘70s version of Nick Fury. That would just be awesome. Hopefully we’ll get that one done soon. I know Sam is very excited about it."

In a separate interview with ABC News (via CBM) Neal stated that again he would be alongside Samuel L. Jackson in a Fury movie.

"Oh yeah, Cap 2 is in the works. The script is written and hopefully we will go into production fairly soon. I'm really looking forward to the Nick Fury films. Sam Jackson and myself will be partners in that one. And I know Sam is really excited about doing it. So fingers crossed we start that one up pretty soon."


His character does get exposed to a different super soldier formula known as the infinity formula. That ends up slowing down his aging along with Nick Fury and the Howling Commandos in the comics. If the studio wants more period pieces perhaps focusing on the Cold War in the Fury film or having flashbacks of the Howlers fighting a numerous amount of war campaigns the infinity formula is a good way to do it. It's unknown if Marvel is going to use this avenue but it would be a science fiction way to include the Howling Commandos in present day films.

Captain America Screenwriters Talk Sequel & Howling Commandos Spin-Off

 While talking with IFC (via ComicBookMovie) screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely talked about Captain America 2 confirming they've completed an outline for the the sequel. Along with seemingly colaberating with Joss Whedon to figure out where Cap's character should be in Captain America 2. Since a few things that likely were planned for the second film are now being included into The Avengers.

McFeely: "We needed to read Joss' 'Avengers' before we could go on and do 'Captain America 2.' We needed to see if he did anything different, character-wise - and he hadn't, he's an excellent writer - but we also needed to see what he had done in terms of Steve poking around the modern day and dealing with it." 

Markus: "So much of Captain America's adventures occur in the present day, so there are a lot of things I'd like to touch on. That said, we did leave the center section of 'Captain America' baggy enough to let him have adventures you didn't see [in the first film]. So, we kind of have enough room to play with [for the sequel]." 

McFeely: "Still, if he had another adventure entirely set in World War II, the stakes are kind of lessened, because you know he survives and you know what happens to Bucky and you know the Howling Commandos survive long enough to have a toast in a bar." 

Markus: "You know Cap wins and you know that whoever he was fighting didn't destroy the world, because you've already seen things that happen after it. So the stakes are, well... But then again, did that bother anyone with the second 'Indiana Jones' movie?" 

I'm a big fan of the first film so I'm excited to see that they're going forward with the sequel with Joe Johnston still expected at the helm. My only concern is that Joss Whedon had added things to the last film's script to incorporate the Avengers and I assume to add humor as well. Whedon is well known for his whitty oneliners which seemed all over The First Avenger. So hopefully Joss is still going to be apart of the screenwriting side along with Markus and McFeely. There also seems a rich story to be told with Winter Soldier whether it's in a sequel or the Howling Commando spin-off.



The pair also mentioned the potential Howling Commandos spin-off that has been rumored for a while now. Which they're open to making and could end up being very similar to Kelly's Heroes and Inglourious Basterds. The latter isn't surprising as Quentin Tarantino took inspiration for The Basterds from The Howling Commandos comics.


McFeely: "They're certainly cool, and in a different movie, we would've certainly had a little more 'Kelly Heroes' or 'Magnificent Seven". thing going on. (Talking about if they had more screen time) 

Markus: "It would've been like 'Inglourious Commandos." 

McFeely: "Personally, I'm a big fan of that type of movie - the ne'er-do-wells banding together to fight a common cause. So I'm open to it, but... well... I'll just say I'm open to it."

I have to admit that I almost enjoyed the scenes with the Howlers more than the solo Cap scenes. So I'd be on board with a Howling Commandos spin-off. Yet, I'm concerned with the amount of spin-off talk considering the laundry list of other original projects at Marvel that have yet to get off the ground. Their has already been talk of spin-offs for Nick Fury, Black Widow, War Machine, Hawkeye and The Warriors Three. I assume it's just way for Marvel to pump up audiences/fans to root for the supporting characters.

Could Joe Cornish Direct Ant-Man?

We've been hearing lots of updates concerning the script of Marvel Studios' Ant-Man which is being written by Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish. The pair previously worked together on Steven Spielberg's The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of The Unicorn that's being produced by Peter Jackson. Last thing we heard is that the duo handed in a second draft which the studio seemed thrilled about. Now word from HitFix is that they're aren't finished the script leading us to believe that a third draft is currently being worked on. Joe also stated Edgar hasn't been announced as the official director and that he would leave all the announcements about the film to him [Wright]. Marvel Studios has neither announced a release date or even a director for the film.


I'm getting the feeling that Joe might be in a better position to direct Ant-Man than Edgar. Cornish is slowly gathering steam as a director with his cult film Attack The Block and unlike Wright doesn't have his plate full of projects. Marvel is notoriously cheap and would likely lock a director into a two picture deal. Something I feel could be too much for Wright who does as much producing as he does directing. Likely wanting the breathing room to make his passion projects such as Baby Driver, Them and World's End along with producing other things. Cornish was recently linked as a candidate to direct A Good Day To Die Hard the fifth film in the Die Hard franchise before John Moore was hired.

Doctor Strange Part Of Marvel's Phase 2?

Recently during the New York Comic-Con Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige confirmed that Iron Man 3 would be the first step in moving forward with Marvel's phase two leading to Avengers 2. Feige gave a brief statement to IGN which might give fans hope that Doctor Strange could be involved in the new phase as well. There have been rumors of Benedict Cumberbatch (War Horse, Sherlock Holmes) and Javier Bardem (Bond 23, No Country For Old Men) being linked for the film.

" I love Doc Strange, I think I can finally say sooner than later....I would love to see him part of phase two."

Marvel's Kevin Feige Gives Brief Update At New York Comic-Con

During The Avengers pannel at New York Comic-Con Marvel Studios' president Kevin Feige gave a brief update on future films. CinemaBlend who was there live-blogging and Feige stated that Iron Man 3 would be the first step toward Avengers 2. Hopefully this will be done a little more quieter than in the second film which got it's story ruined by too many hints for upcoming films.

"We're in pre-production on a movie called Iron Man 3 right now. We've got a great director called Shane Black who's taking the reins. Iron Man 3 will be the first in what we're calling phase 2 that will hopefully results in an Avengers 2."

Inhumans & Guardians Of The Galaxy Next For Marvel Studios?

Marvel Studios has been mentioning a lot of projects for the future some include Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Ant-Man, Iron Fist, Namor, Luke Cage, Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Vision. Expansion into the cosmic universe has been mentioned more than once by Marvel in the past.

EW's recent issue includes confirmation of sorts that Inhumans and Guardians Of The Galaxy are also in development. Previously the two projects had been rumored but Marvel's Kevin Feige confirms them to the magazine. TwitchFilm provided the first news about Guardians and BadassDigest picked up the news on Inhumans.

INHUMANS: Created in 1965 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Inhumans are a race of evolutionary advanced beings who are the result of experiments performed on humans by an alien species called the Kree. The intention was to create super soldiers that the Kree could use to fight the Skrulls, but the test subjects were eventually abandoned to their own galactic kingdom. An Inhumans film could very well setup the events prior to Avengers 2 which could lead to the Kree-Skrull war coming to Earth. If that's not the case in the new film. Feige told EW that Inhumans could be an X-Men-style/Avengers ensemble. This very well could be Marvel Studios' chance to make their version of the X-Men.


GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: Created in 1969, the comic was originally set in the 31st century. The relaunch in 2008 is seemly a better group including better costume/character designs, powers, along with stronger lineup adding Adam Warlock and Quasar.

Star-Lord decides to form a team of interstellar heroes that will be proactive in protecting the galaxy, rather than reacting to crises as they happen. To this end, he recruits Adam Warlock, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Phyla-Vell (the new Quasar), Rocket Raccoon, and Groot, with Mantis as support staff. On the recommendation of ally Nova, the group establishes a base of operations at the space station Knowhere, which possesses a teleportation system with near-universal range. An intelligent, super-powered dog called Cosmo acts as Knowhere’s chief of security and works closely with the new team. After an initial clash with the revitalised Universal Church of Truth, the team’s investigation of a mass of “Limbo ice” reveals a semi-amnesiac man who identifies himself as Vance Astro – Major Victory of the original Guardians of the Galaxy. Astro’s declaration inspires the as-yet-unnamed team to adopt the “Guardians of the Galaxy” name for their own.

CASTING THE MARVEL UNIVERSE PART I: The Invaders

The Invaders is an important team in the Marvel Universe it's had a few lineup changes over the years. I've come up with some actors who I'd like to see playing these interesting characters in future Captain America films or off on their own adventures in a solo film. Namor McKenzie (The Submariner) - Jason Moma (Conan, SG: Atlantis, Game Of Thrones), Joey Chapman (Union Jack) - Ewan McGeggor (Haywire, Attack of The Clones), Keene Marlow (Destroyer) - Matthew Goode (The Lookout, Watchmen), Mark Todd (Blazing Skull) - Michael Pitt (Boardwalk Empire) and Jackie Falsworth (Spitfire) - Gemma Arterton (Hansel & Gretel, Alice Creed).

Cast Em': Marvel Studios' Thor 2

With the announcement of Marvel Studios moving forward with a sequel to Thor, setting a release date for July 26th 2013. Along with a script in development from and Brian Kirk in talks to direct. There was the inclusion that the sequel could be entirely set in the cosmic realms. Giving audiences a better look into Asgard and the surrounding realms/creatures. I've come up with my own opinions on which characters should be featured and who should play them.


THOR 2 SUGGESTED CASTING ADDITIONS


Adam Baldwin (Full Metal Jacket) As Scourge The Executioner

Alice Eve As Amora The Enchantress

Joe Manganiello (True Blood) As Balder The Brave

Abbie Cornish As Brunnhilde The Valkeryie

Gemma Arterton As Lorelei

Benedict Cumberbatch As Malekith The Accursed

Brian Cox As Ulik The Rock Troll

Eva Green (Casino Royale) As Alflyse

Marvel Studios Regains Blade Rights From New Line Cinema

Marvel's Joe Quesada (via ComicBookMovie) has confirmed that Marvel Studios has officially gained the rights to make future Blade films. A reboot has been long in-development with Idris Elba (Thor) very interested in the role.

It would make sense that Blade along with a new Punisher film could be a way for the studio to break into the R-rated action market with fall releases.

Kevin Feige Sets Don Payne To Start Writing Thor 2

Marvel's Kevin Fegie dishes out some new information on Thor 2 to Movieline. He confirms that it's in development with Don Payne working on a story, who wrote the first film. It's expected that Branagh is likely to return directing another film. Kevin also mentions the mythology and extensive source material, I'm hoping this means that the next film will be more Asgard/Realm focused. As the sequel could be a straight up fantasy adventure film considering all the creatures, Asgardians and villains not explored.


“Listen… we’ve got 600+ issues, we’ve got a thousand years of mythology — we have other stories we’d like to tell,” Feige said. “The audience will tell us whether they’d like to see those other stories, but we have to be prepared for that, if we should get the call.”


“Don Payne is working on story ideas for a Part Two, We’ve got various options with Ken [Branagh] to discuss coming back, but right now the focus is on the first one. Don is, slowly but surely, thinking about where to take the character next should we be so lucky.”

Kevin Feige Talks Post-Avengers Plans, Confirms Thor & Cap Sequels

It won't be until Comic-Con that we'll actually get the actually next line up of films but Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige is talking post-Avengers plans with IGN. It sounds like Kevin and Marvel have enough films in the works to keep fans happy for the next ten years.


CAPTAIN AMERICA 2: The film will be set in modern times but very well could have WWII flashback scenes. As writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus have talked about including a few more WWII scenes in the sequel. Hydra is likely to be back with possible villains Baron von Strucker, Madame Hydra and Zemo. With Sebastian Stans' contract to be in bunch of Marvel films I expect we will see a transformation from Bucky to Winter Soldier. Zemo being a mantle villain it would be nice to see a mantle hero like Union Jack also involved with the sequel.


THOR 2: Not much known here as it was just confirmed the sequel is happening. Hopefully it will be more realm focused as there a bunch of villains and mythology to explore off-Midgard (Earth). Fellow Asgardians Balder and Valkyrie have yet to be introduced along with Dark Elves, Rock Trolls and other villainous creatures. The world of Thor is rich and might be the first step for Marvel to expand our concepts of the superhero genre.

BLACK WIDOW: David Hayter (X-Men, X2) wrote a Black Widow script and was aiming to direct when it was setup at Lionsgate but was eventually scrapped. It's unknown where the project is at the moment but there is more talk of this spin-off than the others. Johansson is game as mentioned at last year's Comic-Con.

HAWKEYE: There have been plans for a Hawkeye film for years and now that Jeremy Renner is in place for the role they can finally move forward with it. I'm not sure if there was ever a script developed but I wouldn't be shocked. Personally I'd rather see a Widow/Hawkeye team-up film as they'd work better as team than in solo projects.

S.H.I.E.L.D: This one has been teased since we first got a glimpse of Nick Fury in Iron Man. It seemed that with a script by Andrew W. Marlowe (Air Force One) kicking around for years it would go soon. While it's expected Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg and Cobie Smulders will be in this it's unknown if other currently cast Marvel heroes will also appear.


IRON FIST: Unlike Strange and Panther which have been in development for almost the same amount of time they actually have someone in mind for the lead. Ray Park had been attached and is still interested in the role. He's currently getting ready to return as Snake Eyes in G.I. Joe 2. Marvel recently set Rich Wilkes (xXx) to work on the film's script and is likely to be based on The Immortal run of the character being more of a martial arts film.

DOCTOR STRANGE: The only real news on this front is that Marvel has hired Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer to start writing the script. The two are responsible for the Conan reboot and likely involved with it's sequel. While Patrick Dempsey (Scream 3, Transformers 3) has been campaigning to play mystical hero.


BLACK PANTHER: Wesley Snipes had been in talks with Marvel for the role but with his troubles it's unlikely that will happen. Actors like Michael Jai White (Spawn, Dark Knight), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (G.I. Joe, The Thing) and Idris Elba (Thor, Ghost Rider 2) have been in the mix for T'Challa. Mark Bailey is currently writing the script. 


ANT-MAN: This one wasn't called out by Kevin but it's assumed with a script and director in place it will be down the production line sooner than later. There was also zero talk of Luke Cage, War Machine or Sub-Mariner.

UKNOWN-COSMIC FILM: There hasn't been a full on confirmation of which one of the cosmic epics Marvel could be working on. I would love to think this is a Silver Surfer movie but it's more than likely Killraven or World War Hulk.

CAST EM'!: Edgar Wright's Ant-Man

With the second draft of Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright's script for Ant-Man complete I figured I go over some updated casting ideas for the Marvel Studios film. I've come up with a list of my favorites for the roles of Hank and Janet.

Previously we've seen actors like Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk and Adrien Brody rumored for the role of Hank. Along with online campaigns for Neil Patrick Harris and Simon Pegg. Pegg suggesting he'd rather play the film's villain rather than Ant-Man himself. I like some of the names being mentioned but I have my own ideas as well.



DR HANK PYM - ANTMAN

Joel Edgerton: Joel is similar to Tom Hardy and Jeremy Renner as he's slowly building up a decent resume of badass roles. He seems like the gruff type of Hank that you could seriously and be threatened by. Depending on how their take on Pym if they want to get a future action star for the part Joel could be their man. (The Thing, Animal Kingdom, King Aurthur, Smokin' Aces, Star Wars: Episode II & III)


 



Jamie Bell: Jamie is an excellent young actor. I've been fascinated with his career as he's been able to go from child actor to slowly developing into an action star. Being the only solid thing about Jumpers and also being able to hold his own in Defiance alongside Daniel Craig. Bell was also involved with the Spider-Man talks so it's likely he's open to a comic book role. If I had to choose a favorite it would be Bell. Not to mention he's already had plenty of motion capture experience with Tintin which could be an asset. It's expected Ant-Man will be mostly motion capture. (King Kong, Tintin, The Eagle, Defiance, Flags of Our Fathers, Hallam Foe)





JANET VAN DYNE - WASP

Mila Kunis: Mila is best known for her television work but has become known for her adaptability taking on many different types of films. She's able to play almost any sort of role dramatic, action, comedic or otherwise. She had been linked for the Lois Lane role with many other actresses but seemed at the time the best choice. As Janet is characterized as a petite woman Kunis' stature fits that aspect along with her bubbling personality which Janet is known for. (Oz, Book of Eli, Sarah Marshall, Black Swan)







Mary Elizabeth Winstead: Winstead on the other hand has more action film roots as a majority of her films have tended to go in that direction. She also has been rumored/linked to being involved with talks for Superman, Spider-Man and The Avengers. It seems she wants to do a comic book film and is on the radar of Marvel Studios as MEW was a possible candidate for Maria Hill. (Death Proof, Die Hard 4, Scott Pilgrim, The Thing, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter)







WHO WOULD YOU CAST IN THE LEAD ROLES? LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS!

Joe Cornish Confirms Second Draft Of Ant-Man Script Complete

During Kapow!  Ant-Man co-writer Joe Cornish (The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of The Unicorn, Attack The Block) confirmed that he and Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim, Hot Fuzz) have handed in a complete second draft of the script. Which they both are very happy with.

It has been expected that Ant-Man very well could be the second film released by Marvel Studios in 2012. Following The Avengers which is about to start production with a May 4th 2012 release date. Ant-Man could start production at the tail end of the summer or early fall with a late summer release date in 2012. Somewhat similar to how the Thor and Captain America productions took place. Edgar Wright is currently attached to direct but I wouldn't be surprised to see Joe Cornish take the director's chair if Attack The Block does well with audiences and if Edgar decides to make Baby Driver instead.

Patrick Dempsey Wants To Play Doctor Strange

With big announcements concerning Iron Man 3 and Avengers there hasn't been talk about the films in development. We know that Kevin Feige has officially confirmed that Iron Fist, Black Panther and Doctor Strange were all in the works. Fist and Strange are in the process of having scripts written. HeroComplex caught up with Patrick Dempsey who is lobbying to play Strange in either a film or television series.

Michelle Monaghan Would Join Iron Man 3 If Offered Role

Collider's Frosty was able to sit down with Michelle Monaghan during press for Source Code. He brought up her wonderful performance in Shane Black's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang opposite Robert Downey Jr. and asked if she'd be up for joining Iron Man 3. While Michelle says she talked with Shane about the film which focused more his own excitement. She left the door open saying if she was offered a role she'd take it but won't pursue.

Considering her friendship with both Shane and Robert it's likely her name could be thrown into the mix if there is enough interest from fans and Kevin Feige. Yet, Michelle might have had a bad experience with superhero films as she was in talks to play Silver Fox in X-Men Origins: Wolverine but ultimately didn't get the part. If I had to guess which role she'd be suited for would be either Whitney Frost (Madame Masque) or Jessica Drews (Spider-Woman). There had been speculation that Emily Blunt was up for a role in third film. As Emily has previously stated she never wanted to sign on for a multiple picture deal. Seeing Blunt playing a villain wouldn't be shocking. I'd personally love to see both of them in the third film and Gwyneth Paltrow take a backseat as the love interest.