SPECULATION: Will The MCU Suffer At The Hands Of Thanos' Black Order And The Kree-Skrull War?

Predicting Marvel villains and direction of their future universe is nearly impossible. Kevin Feige and the folks at Marvel Studios have had a decent lock-down concerning their future plans, for the most part. While we've had both Feige and Gunn shoot-down a bunch of rumors lately, mainly talk of a Ms Marvel (even though she's expected to show-up in Age of Ultron) film and the Planet Hulk storyline being explored. I think we're all overlooking other things that could be coming out of the cosmic-side of the MCU in the near future.

James Gunn revealed to ThePlaylist that Marvel has a very limited access to villainous alien races from the comics, pointing out they don't own the Badoon. I assume Fox has those rights from their original deal for Fantastic Four/Silver Surfer. Strangely enough, we saw almost zero aliens in that original franchise. Even though Fox has access to characters like The Silver Surfer, Super-Skrull, The Badoon, Blastaar, Galactus and possibly even Kang The Conquer (someone needs to ask Feige about that one).

"The whole thing is, there's Sakaraan in the movie. And the reason there's Sakaraan in the movie is because there aren't that many alien races in the Marvel Universe, and of those prominent alien races, such as the Kree and the Skrull," Gunn added, somewhat tantalizingly, "I have some very specific ideas for where those races go."

Gunn did however mention that he and Marvel have plans for the Kree and Skrulls. The bitter alien enemies, whose war has spanned across the universe and even clashed on Earth as well. Interesting enough, Thanos has connections to both The Kree and The Skrulls, the Skrulls being one his pawns similar to the Chitauri. Yet, considering their advanced technology and shape-shifting abilities, they would make a stronger threat to the Earth (ala Secret Invasion). I could also see them become the antagonists for the Black Panther movie as well. Whedon has said as much, while opting to use the Chitauri instead of the Skrulls for Loki's army. Marvel seemingly has big plans for the two alien races. Perhaps, those plans will be revealed this weekend.

Ronan The Accuser the main baddies in Guardians is indeed a high-ranking Kree, who just happens to work for Thanos. So the Kree have already been established in the MCU, and talk of Ms Marvel could mean their involvement on Earth soon. Ronan might also have ties to another villainous group under the thumb of Thanos. Considering their connections to Thanos and doing his dirty-work, I'm assuming both Ronan and Nebula are Thanos' generals in his group The Black Order. I'm actually curious to learn why the Kree (or just Ronan) is backing-up Thanos. Perhaps, Thanos is actually in-control of the Kree Empire at the moment. It will be even more interesting to find out how The Inhumans fit-into all of this as well. Since that film has been compared to Game of Thrones in space.

I wouldn't be too shocked if we end-up seeing the rest of Black Order (Proxima Midnight, Corvus Glaive, Supergiant, Black Dwarf, Ebony Maw) in the sequel (if not in other Marvel films), searching the rest of the universe for Infinity Stones/Gems. Clashing with the Guardians and other cosmic heroes along the way, leading-up to the eventual Avengers 3 confutation. There have been teases that the Guardians could crossover into an Avengers installment, which makes sense since Thanos would be everyone's problem by that point.

We've been hearing for a while now that Thanos (played by Josh Brolin) will be the big bad of the Marvel universe for years to come. Being a kind of puppet master, pulling the strings of other powerful Marvel villains. Having his Black Order on the hunt for the infinity stones sounds about right. It's also in his wheelhouse to spark a huge conflict on Earth like either an invasion or all out war by the Kree and Skrull. Leading to all sorts of possibilities such as Secret Invasion or even Civil War.

Game Of Thrones Inspired INHUMANS Film A Candidate For Marvel's Phase Three Lineup?

It's looking like Marvel is going for broke when it comes to their introduction of the Marvel cosmic universe. They are about to begin production on Guardians of The Galaxy which will be their version of Star Trek/Star Wars. Even more exciting is that it was recently revealed via BleedingCool that Marvel might have plans of taking inspiration from Game of Thrones for their adaptation of Inhumans. A sprawling cosmic fantasy epic centred around feuding royal houses which involves the Kree and the forever anticipated Skrulls. It's expected the film would have different houses pursuing the throne to the Kree Empire. Along with the possible looming threat of all out war with the Skrulls. EW lists the project as a solid contender for Phase Three.

This would be a perfect way to introduce fans to the Inhumans (Black Bolt, Medusa, Crystal and others) along with characters such as Ronan, Mar-Vell and Carol Danvers (Ms Marvel/Captain Marvel). The latter heroine has been rumored for ages and recent news suggests Marvel is already at work developing a script for her own film. Plus, Danvers could be similar to Peter Quill/Starlord being the link to Earth. It would be interesting to see her origins first explained in Inhumans before she goes off on her own adventures in the MCU.

Seth Grahame-Smith Hired To Polish FANTASTIC FOUR Script, Will The Kree And Skrulls Be Involved?

THR reports that author turned screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Dark Shadows) will polish Jeremy Slater's Fantastic Four script. It sounds like Fox is really putting the project in high-gear as Matthew Vaughn (X-Men First Class, Kick-Ass) was recently hired to produce the reboot with Josh Trank (Chronicle) set to direct.

Oddly, enough they also mention that it's possible that aliens such as the Kree, Skrulls and even characters from the Negative Zone (Blastaar and Annihilus) could be apart of the new franchise. The first two might not even be allowed to be featured in the film because Fox might not own the rights to them. While it was revealed that Fox owns the Super Skrull it was never mentioned they also owned the Kree or could use the entire Skrull race. It will be interesting to see if Marvel has agreed to share the rights with Fox or if the studio has bought them. You might remember that Marvel and Fox also share characters such as Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver.

SPECULATION: Will The Skrulls, Black Panther And Spider-Woman Be In AVENGERS 2?

So it's somewhat been confirmed that Guardians of The Galaxy will be the lead in for Avengers 2. Cosmic villain Thanos was teased at the end of Avengers and the Guardians have links to the Mad Titan sort of a lock that he'll be the baddie for that film first. Eventually, having Thanos and Mistress Death the main villains for Avengers 2. Fans had been upset that the less popular Chitauri were chosen over the Skrulls as Loki's army (thanks to Thanos pulling the strings). It's likely that Thanos could end up using the more dangerous Skrulls to conquer Earth if he needs a stronger force. Also, two possible additions to the Avengers lineup have links to the Skrulls.

The Mad Titan is planning on creating his own empire by conquering the universe. To do this he's going to need his own army which likely will see the Chitauri being replaced with a stronger group. Considering how easily they were defeated by the Avengers. Thanos has used the Skrulls for his own means in the past fuelling the Kree and Skrull war on Earth. It wouldn't be hard to imagine him using the shape-shifting Skrulls to obtain the infinity gems in Guardians and then have them infiltrate the Avengers and SHIELD to prepare his invasion of Earth and Asgard (for the infinity gauntlet/cosmic cube). Joss has been talking covertly about a smaller sequel. Perhaps he could end up making it more like a thriller ala Ten Little Indians/The Thing which could be interesting. Having the Skrull force in smaller numbers than the overboard amount of Chitauri in the first film.

The Skrulls main threats is their advanced technology which enables them to reproduce superpowers and abilities. This could be a very dangerous combo if they're able to make a group of super soldiers, iron men and godlike goliaths. Throw in the fact they can make themselves look like anyone at anytime and you've got a much superior force compared to the Chitauri. Not to mention a good way to lead into the war with the Kree or introducing them (along with Captain Marvel/Ms. Marvel) to begin with if they're not already mentioned in Guardians. This could also be a great way to have at the very least cameos from Wolverine and Spider-Man in the sequel.

Having the Skrulls could also be a way to introduce audiences to Black Panther and Wakanda. Panther fans and Marvel fans alike were shocked Panther wasn't added to the Phase Two lineup. T'Challa was rumored for an introduction in Captain America: The Winter Soldier but nothing has been confirmed. However, if the Skrulls end up in Avengers 2 they could show up in Wakanda first to steal their advanced technology and vibranium for their own means. Recently the Skrulls tried to go up against Black Panther and the Wakanda army, having their asses handed to them. It could be a great way to have Black Panther join the Avengers team.

Another possible addition could be Hydra spy turned SHIELD Agent/Avenger Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman) joining the group only to be found as being Veranke the leader of the Skrulls in disguise. It would be an obvious one but her inclusion would make a great complex female character with powers which the franchise is currently lacking. While it's likely the female lead (Anna Kendrick) in Captain America: The Winter Soldier is Sharon Carter, another possibility is Jessica. That could be a great setup if Steve's fellow soldier (love interest?) turns out to be the enemy the entire time.

RUMOR: 'MS. MARVEL/CAPTAIN MARVEL' Film Has A Script?

CBM has picked up a new rumor from DCWomenKickingAss that has spilled out of KAPOW! in the UK. Marvel's Joe Quesada mentions during an off-panel conversation that a Ms. Marvel/Captain Marvel film is in the works. Stating they are currently waiting for an actress but a script is already in place. This source doesn't have a reason to embellish but it's hard to believe this with another statement from Joe. Carol Danvers (Ms. Marvel) is headlining a new Captain Marvel comic book series.

"A script for a Ms/Captain Marvel movie is ready to go. They just needed an actress. Marvel are having a meeting in a couple of weeks and will be ready to announce some films then … He said we’d be pleasantly surprised."

A more reliable source, AICN seems to get a different story from Joe Quesada himself on female driven superhero films.

"In a chat afterwards, Joe told me that he’d love to make a tentpole movie with a female lead, but that he really doesn’t think there is an actress right now who could carry it, or a character that would work either. I’m thinking I might agree with him on this one actually."

Marvel has the rights to the Skrull race but didn't use them in Avengers because of the overload of different powers. Joss Whedon stated that it might be unlikely to see the Skrulls in a future Avengers film either as Marvel believes they're big enough for their own film. The only project that would make sense to see Skrulls involved in their own film would be a Captain Marvel/Ms. Marvel film with the Kree/Skrull war or a possible Secret Invasion storyline.

There has also been talk of Avengers 2 having a larger female presence. The Wasp is a given as Janet is a founding member of the team and will be seen in Edgar Wright's Ant-Man. However, to see a heroine with actual superpowers should be included to balance out Hulk and Thor. Ms. Marvel and Scarlet Witch are fan-favorite candidates for the sequel.

Marvel Studios has been commissioning a rather large amount of scripts in the last couple of years. They even went as far as putting together a script development department which paired budding and seasoned writers to develop film properties for their other characters. C-list heroes like Iron Fist, Vision, Nighthawk, Dazzler and Killraven have been attributed to this script program. It's possible that more popular heroes like Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel could have been scripts along the way.

Joss Whedon Explains Why Skrulls Won't Be In Avengers

We've been hearing from both Marvel's Kevin Feige and writer/director Joss Whedon Loki's army wouldn't be made up of Skrulls or Kree. The Skrulls had been rumored since the beginning but never really confirmed. Joss has finally put the nail in the Skrull/Avengers rumor's coffin. As Whedon states to EW he had so much to juggle with the different aspects of the heroes and Loki he couldn't throw in shape-shifting aliens into the mix. He also gives the impression that the Skrull and Kree are too large in mythology and scope to be used as filler in an Avengers film.

"I will say only this: It is not the Kree or the Skrulls. Those two aliens are Marvel mainstays and have enormous backstories. They have a big life of their own that just could not be contained in a film where I already had seven movie stars."


"The Skrulls — they can shape change. That’s a whole thing. I’ve already got Loki. He’s got magic. Once you got magic along with your Iron Man and your Black Widow — it’s a real juggling act."

Considering Whedon has already stated the Avengers sequel would be smaller in scale ruling out the Skrull/Kree war on Earth. This leads me to believe that Marvel might end up saving the alien races for Guardians of The Galaxy or The Inhumans. These two projects are set in Marvel's cosmic universe which would allow the Skrulls and Kree to be introduced. The cosmic side of Marvel is so large that it could end up a new Marvel cinematic universe of it's own. Equally as large as say Star Wars or Star Trek, giving audiences a full on science fiction adventure experience that wouldn't be hindered by using Earth as a plot-device. Both films are also largely team based which could be Marvel/Disney's answer to the X-Men.

Marvel's Kevin Feige Axes Skrull Rumors

While speaking to Empire (via ComicBookMovie) Marvel's Kevin Feige again puts to rest the rumors of the Skrulls being the alien race that makes up Loki's secret army in The Avengers. He gives the impression that they could either be from the nine realms or something else entirely. When the Leviathan was revealed it had been rumored we very well could be seeing Atlantians make up Loki's army. I believe Marvel would be smart to save for the Skrulls for something like Guardians of the Galaxy or even an Avengers sequel.

  "Who said they were aliens?" he teases. Beings from the Nine Realms, then, ventures Empire? "Closer...It's not Skrulls, I've been clear about that. Beyond that, we want to hide it. The identity of the alien race is not imapctful. It exists in the comic books, but we're not setting up the Kree-Skrull war or anything like that." 


 "Was Skull vaporised at the end of the movie, or thrust into another realm?" asks Feige. "That remains to be seen. It would be fun to see Skull in future, but he's not in this one." Whedon though is a little more circumspect when Empire confronts him. "I do have a comment on that," he says, before pulling a move worthy of Loki himself. "It's...oh, you're breaking up!"

RUMOR: Fin Fang Foom In Avengers?

One of the most interesting things about the Avengers trailer is that we don't ever see what is causing all the destruction in New York City. During the Avengers' Cleavland shoot there was a mystery scene code named Leviathan. Could it refer to the space ship of Loki's army or an actual giant monster the reeks havoc on the city? We've been hearing lots of rumors that the Skrulls are in fact Loki's army in question but it has yet to be confirmed by the studio, director or the cast. There is also the possibility that the Atlantians (Namor the Sub-Mariner) could be involved as the Leviathan is a sea monster. A Leviathan monster doesn't sound out of the question considering the cosmic and magic themes used in previous films. Fin Fang Foom has been brought up by ComicBookMovie as the possible identity of the monstrous creature.

Foom is best known as the giant dragon-like villain of Iron Man. Hulk and Thor have also gone up against him in the comics. He was briefly spotted in Iron Man 2 on a billboard as an Easter egg. It's unlikely that we would see the character in Iron Man 3 since there's been talk that future films will be more grounded. Avengers on the other hand is a perfect place to bring in creatures like Foom into the picture. Since he could be called out of the other realms, outer space or with magic pulled out of the billboard into reality by Loki. While I think Avengers is a great film to use Foom Marvel Studios' isn't known for overloading their movies with villains. I also don't think Whedon is looking to have his own "Release The Kraken!" moment.