First Look At Falcon's Costume And Another Look The Winter Soldier From CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER Concept Art/Pre-Visuals

SPOILERS: Marvel Plans To Use HULK In Phase Three Films, Including A New Solo Film

LatinoReview has finally dropped their big Marvel scoop and it's a big spoiler. Marvel is moving forward with plans for the Hulk to play a giant role in Phase Three. We've assumed this previously as Marvel has teased Hulk being a bigger piece of their future plans. After stealing a majority of the scenes in Avengers. Talk had already begun about a new Hulk movie during the promotion of The Avengers last Summer.



The big reveal/spoiler is that at the end of Avengers 2 Hulk will be deemed too dangerous for Earth and will be cast into space. This will lead to a new solo adventure based on the Planet Hulk saga. Banner is placed on a space shuttle to be marooned on a peaceful planet were he and others can be safe. Only one problem, his ship crashes onto a violent alien planet where he is turned into gladiator. Fighting alien creatures to the death for the amusement of spectators he ends breaking loose and leads a rebellion against an oppressive leadership. Which ends up with Hulk becoming the new ruler of the planet, Spartacus/Gladiator anyone? While Avengers 2 leading into Planet Hulk rumor has been around for a while it's the first time an outlet has spent this much effort to confirm it. It should be noted they would be treading familiar ground as they released an animated movie focusing on The Planet Hulk comic.

The biggest addition is that he'll end up becoming the villain of Avengers 3, taking cues from World War Hulk. Hulk feeling betrayed by Earth decides on conquering it with his new loyal alien followers and army. An invasion that could only be stopped with the help of the Guardians of The Galaxy and maybe even the Inhumans (sounds plausible with a film in development). Gamora and Drax being able go toe-to-toe with Hulk without being smashed into pieces. This plot point would overshadows talk of Civil War or even the Skrulls being the main storyline for a third installment.

Like I said before this isn't Earth shattering news because Marvel has been tip-toeing over a new Hulk movie for a couple of months now. A while back someone from Marvel accidentally let slip they had plans for a movie along with the television series they developing for ABC. Marvel's Kevin Feige went one step forward by actually naming Planet Hulk and World War Hulk as possible avenues for the Hulk post-Avengers 2 while speaking with MTV.

I don’t think there’s a lot that we couldn’t do someday, as the cinematic universe continues to grow and expand and get as big as the comic book universe. ”Planet Hulk’ is a cool story, ‘World War Hulk’ is a cool story. I think there’s pitfalls of continuity-overload, and mythology getting so dense that it almost collapses in on itself [with those cosmic projects]. It happens every few decades or so in the comics. Apart from that, I’d say everything is on the table.


The Hulk show has suddenly gone into limbo since Whedon has jumped the line taking his S.H.I.E.L.D. series to pilot. Guillermo del Toro had been producing the project and was going to direct the Hulk pilot episode. It's possible it could still happen but with Hulk getting his own franchise it's doubtful they would rehash old material with a TV series. When this is officially announced by Marvel I expect that plans for the series will be canceled. Whedon has already mentioned a desire to write a new Hulk film and this seems right up is alley.

 I wouldn't count out del Toro also being asked to direct the feature. He's already interested in the character committing to the TV series, already making a successful film starring a Marvel character with Blade 2 along with being attached to direct Dr. Strange years ago. While he turned down Star Wars (also a Disney production), a Planet Hulk film could be a way for Guillermo to make his own type of Star Wars film within the cosmic-side of the MCU. The idea of del Toro directing a Joss Whedon scripted cosmic Hulk film is too amazing not to consider. Del Toro is about to release Pacific Rim this summer and will begin production on Crimson Peak next Winter.  He wouldn't need to release Planet Hulk until at least 2016 giving him tons of time to work with Whedon and production designers.

This is speculation on my part but I had mentioned Alison Brie should be cast as the new Betty Ross when the first talk of a new Hulk film was being rumored. This was months before her linked involvement with Marvel for Captain America 2. A majority of the lovely ladies linked for the lead in Cap sequel were brunettes and if Sharon was really the lead character, why look at so many non-blonds?

It's possible that she and other actresses were being looked at for a different female role other than Sharon Carter. Betty Ross could be this other part (or Jennifer Walters) in Winter Soldier as she did work for S.H.I.E.L.D. in the Ultimates. It could also see her transformed into the Red She Hulk (or She Hulk) while trying to find a cure for Banner maybe in Avengers 2. Making her a more viable candidate to join the Avengers roster than say Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers) as she has already been introduced in the MCU via The Incredible Hulk. It would be simpler to include a female heroine like She Hulk or Red She Hulk because they wouldn't need to include Skrulls or Kree like with Danvers.

I wouldn't be shocked if a sub-plot of Banner's DNA becoming a viable piece of weapons technology could be introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier then played out in Avengers 2. Perhaps with a little help from The Leader (introduced in Incredible Hulk) the Masters of Evil/Hydra could amass their own group of power super-hulks with a sample of Banner's blood. You might remember that Banner wanted all his blood samples destroyed because he feared it would become a weapon "they couldn't get back". This could be played out within Phase Two, as in Avengers that phrase was attributed to the next evolution of weapons. Incredible Hulk is canon as Marvel has said it's indeed apart of the MCU along with using clips from it during Iron Man 2 and Avengers.

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.

Anthony Mackie In Talks To Play Falcon In 'CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER'

HeatVision reports that Marvel is currently in early talks with acclaimed actor Anthony Mackie (Million Dollar Baby, Hurt Locker) for the role of Sam Wilson aka The Falcon in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Falcon is the contemporary sidekick of Cap and will likely end up being introduced as a SHIELD agent similar to Hawkeye and Black Widow.

In other Cap 2 news Variety reports Sebastian Stan has been confirmed as returning to play the title role of Winter Soldier. The Cap villain is Bucky Barnes (brainwashed/with a robotic arm) turned into a deadly assassin who is put into cyro-sleep between missions.

Jessica Chastain Still Wants To Join A Marvel Film

Oscar nominated actress Jessica Chastain talked to TotalFilm about having to turn down a role in Iron Man 3. You might remember Jessica was offered a supporting role but would have to turn it down due the production of Karthyrn Bigelow's (Hurt Locker) Zero Dark Thrity (Seal Team Six film). The role would eventually go to Rebecca Hall. Jessica is being very political about it and seemingly gives the impression would could see her involved in future Marvel films. Theres plenty of roles she could be perfect for such as Enchantress, Scarlet Witch, Sharon Carter, Carol Danvers (Ms. Marvel) and Medusa (Inhumans). She seems a little too high-profile for just small supporting role. I could see Chastain taking a role that would eventually become a franchise. Similar to how Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner were introduced in the Marvel films.

"It's always a good problem to have because it means you have options. It's not really a problem, but it was just impossible, schedule-wise. So I was sad. I met Shane Black earlier and I think he's going to make an amazing film. And of course I went to see Avengers Assemble earlier and I loved it. I hope to be in a Marvel film."

SOURCE: TotalFilm

DREAM CAST: CAPTAIN AMERICA 2

We've already been given hints that Captain America 2 will likely include Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Maria Hill as supporting characters. However, I feel like we could see a couple more staple characters from the Cap comics join the ranks of SHIELD possibly creating a new unit The Invaders. Not to mention some iconic villains that were supposed to be included in First Avenger. Those villains may or may not end up as wranglers of Winter Soldier.

RALPH FIENNES AS BARON WOLFGANG VAN STRUCKER

DANIEL BRUHL AS BARON ZEMO

RUTH WILSON AS MADAME HYDRA

MICHAEL EALY AS SAM WILSON/FALCON

ALICE EVE AS SHARON CARTER/AGENT 13

SULLIVAN STAPLETON AS JOEY CHAPMAN/UNION JACK

A.I.M. Spotted On 'IRON MAN 3' Set

ComicBookMovie has found an image of the building for Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I.M.) on the set of Iron Man 3. It seemingly could be the workplace of main villain Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) who creates the Extremis virus setting in motion the conflict of the picture. Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) could also be involved with the terrorist group as well as it could be an upscale replacement for The Ten Rings. The group is known as Marvel villains and have fought Avengers, Iron Man and SHIELD in the past. A.I.M. has their own personal army (like Hydra) who wear ridiculous bright yellow uniforms.

The corporation is a front for a Hydra-aligned terrorist group that is led in the comics by Modok. It was originally created during WWII as Hydra's weapons sub-group by Baron Wolfgang von Strucker. They have plans for world domination through technological means. It seems like A.I.M. could be the group that Killian and Mandarin are apart of when they develop the Extremis virus unleashing a group of superpowered villains on the globe. I don't expect to see either Modok or Strucker involved as the two have been mentioned as possible villains for Captain America 2. Another idea is that this could be Marvel planting seeds to setup the group as the new Hydra (or Hydra in hiding) in the Cap sequel.

This isn't the first time we've seen shoutouts to evil Marvel companies in the Iron Man films. In the first film during the Iron Monger fight the Roxxon Corperation building was shown in the background. Roxxon which is an energy company has ties to both A.I.M. and Hydra. Of course Hammer Industries was also highlighted in Iron Man 2 they had government contracts to recreate Stark's tech for the military. Hammer's motivation in that film was jealousy to be as successful as Stark. I wouldn't be shocked to see A.I.M. getting government funding only to use the suits and virus for their own means.

FAN MADE: Teaser Poster For 'CAPTAIN AMERICA 2'

SPECULATION: Is Ashley Johnson Playing A Marvel Heroine?

There seems to our first Avengers casting conspiracy. You might remember the blond waitress that appears in the trailers. She's played by Ashley Johnson (The Killing, The Help) who was first seen on Growing Pains which also developed Leonardo DiCaprio's career. Could this character be something more than she seems? Rumblings online have begun that she is more than just a cameo.

The waitress who witnesses the heroics of Steve Rogers firsthand seems to be enthralled by him. While nothing leads me to believe her role is nothing more than Joss giving a one of his actresses screentime (she has roles in both Whedon's Dollhouse and Much Ado About Nothing). There is a bit of "what if" here since she could be hinted as a possible future love interest. Possibly being revealed as Sharon Carter the niece of Peggy and the eventual SHIELD agent or the second thought is that she could be Carol Danvers (who later becomes Ms. Marvel). Sadly when it comes to these rumors they never seem to become true but the speculation is fun.

Black Widow, Hawkeye And Maria Hill Showing Up In 'CAPTAIN AMERICA 2'?

It's starting to look like we're going to have to wait patiently for our Black Widow and Hawkeye solo spin-off films. As Marvel's Kevin Feige is cryptically giving some insight to where we'll be seeing the SHIELD agents again. First during a spoiler filled interview with CBM he hinted that Widow, Clint and Maria will be featured in Cap 2. There is further talk of this with Movieline during an interview confirming Black Widow spin-off is still awhile away. He also pretty much confirms she'll show up in Captain America 2.

"We have already planned her next appearances and where to take that character because we believe in it and we believe in her in a big, big way....We do like when some of the characters appear in other people’s movies...And that’s probably where you’ll see Black Widow next."

Captain America 2 set for April 14th 2014 and will start production next January. Neither Iron Man 3 or Thor 2 will include other heroes outside of their own film universe leaving them on their own. It also gives the SHIELD actors a large enough break between Avengers which seemed more psychically demanding for them. It's been confirmed that Captain America 2 will have a strong SHIELD presence leading us to believe their best agents will be along for the ride. Feige has also pointed out that the Cap sequel is the only one of the sequels to deal with the events after Avengers. Giving the impression that Nick Fury's clashes with the World Council could jeopardize  the loyalties within SHIELD.

Falcon In 'CAPTAIN AMERICA 2' And Other Possible Details?

TheHuffingtonPost also talked to Kevin Feige about the possibility of Cap getting a new side-kick (The Falcon) in Captain America 2. Since Rogers has always had one in the comics from Bucky during WWII to his present day side-kick The Falcon. Well Kevin Feige didn't confirm or deny this but commended that the interviewer on the relevance of his Cap 2 question. Giving the impression he was on right track but Kevin couldn't comment. Previously there was talk that Derek Luke could be playing a new Marvel character in future films. Luke had played Howling Commando Gabe Jones in The First Avenger and mentioned to MTV the possibility of returning to the Marvel universe.

"It's amazing what happens when you walk through one door, it opens so many of them. So what I'll say is so many doors are open right now for me on that level and I'm just excited." 


"In the world of Marvel, you can be anybody at any time so what you see is not always what is. That's all I have to say. I'm saying the door is wide open,"

Another First Avenger co-star Neal McDonough (Dum Dum Dugan) said he was also returning for the Nick Fury film which he said would be set in the 70's. Marvel is rumored to be looking for ways to bring back the cast from First Avenger. This gives me the impression he could play Sam Wilson better known as The Falcon making him the grandson of Gabe Jones. Derek was extremely charismatic in his brief scenes and seems like a great replacement for Bucky (Sebastian Stan). This wouldn't be surprising to see actors playing multiple roles in Marvel Studios films as Idris Elba (Thor) is also pursuing roles as Blade, Luke Cage and Black Panther which are all setup at Marvel now.

Chris Evans recently stated that the sequel will be a political thriller along with going back to work for SHIELD. He also revealed "new" characters which leads me to believe that Falcon could at least be a possibility as he's best known as Cap's partner and could be re-tooled as a SHIELD agent. Similar to how Black Widow and Hawkeye have been re-worked for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When Collider asked about the rumored flashbacks in Cap 2 Feige gave a brief comment on the sequel. While this continues Cap's Avengers storyline this is indeed a Cap centric adventure. So if we see new characters and villains I expect they'll be directly from the Cap comics.

"We’re still figuring that out. We love that cast, we love his dynamic with that cast and we want to see that again…the cast from the first movie; we want to see that again because I think it informs his character in a big way. But the primary storyline takes place post-Avengers, Steve figuring out his place in the world. Tony goes back to Malibu, Thor goes back to Asgard, but there are a number of people who stay in S.H.I.E.L.D. Steve, for the time being, is going to be one of them."

Joss Whedon confirmed to NYTimes that he wrote a scene involving an aged Peggy and Steve reuniting in Avengers but it was eventually cut out of the film. I assume this means they want to save this for Captain America 2. It's an emotional moment I feel best saved for the sequel and perhaps lead to the introduction of Sharon Carter.

"One of the best scenes that I wrote was the beautiful and poignant scene between Steve and Peggy [Carter] that takes place in the present. And I was the one who was like, Guys, we need to lose this. It was killing the rhythm of the thing. And we did have a lot of Cap, because he really was the ‘in’ for me. I really do feel a sense of loss about what’s happening in our culture, loss of the idea of community, loss of health care and welfare and all sorts of things. I was spending a lot of time having him say it, and then I cut that."

F. Gary Gary Won't Be Directing 'CAPTAIN AMERICA 2'

It looks like Marvel's shortlist of ten directors for Captain America 2 is now slightly shorter.  Deadline reports that F. Gary Gary is in talks with New Line to direct Straight Outta Compton the NWA biopic which would conflict with the Cap sequel. The rest of the known directors include George Nolfi (Adjustment Bureau) and the Russo brothers best known for the NBC series Community. I'm curious to hear who the other directors in the running are because these ones don't really inspire hope for a quality sequel.

'CAPTAIN AMERICA 2' Release Date Announced

So it's official as Marvel Studios and Disney announce that Captain America 2 is set for a release on April 4th 2014. Even though that's about two years away the studio is already on the hunt for a director as Joe Johnston won't be returning. Not to mention a script is already underway from writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus. The studio also reveals the first brief synopsis which confirms that S.H.I.E.L.D. will indeed play a big part in the sequel along with it's director Nick Fury (Sam Jackson). Now that Marvel has all there sequels lined up we can finally start seeing some new heroes get their own films. Since the final May 2014 release slot has yet to be filled by an announced project.

The Walt Disney Studios has announced a release date for Marvel Studios’ sequel to the blockbuster Captain America: The First Avenger on April 4, 2014. The second installment will pick-up where the highly anticipated Marvel’s The Avengers (May 4, 2012) leaves off, as Steve Rogers continues his affiliation with Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D and struggles to embrace his role in the modern world.

S.H.i.E.L.D. To Play Large Role In Captain America 2

While speaking with SuperHeroHype Marvel's Kevin Feige confirmed that SHIELD will have a presence in Captain America 2. It's only the second tidbit of information about the sequel besides the inclusion of the flashbacks to WWII adventures. Kevin didn't elaborate what that SHIELD lineup would look like but I'm sure Fury will be involved. It's unknown if Hawkeye and Widow will be on Cap's new team or if Marvel will decide to add new heroes like Sharon Carter, Falcon and Union Jack. Currently the film is without a director and release date, so check back here for updates on that development.

"Frankly, I think S.H.I.E.L.D. would be most relevant in a Cap sequel, because Thor has nine worlds to traverse and many, many supporting players and Iron Man has his supporting cast and many villains and plotlines to go through and Steve in the modern world sorta doesn't have an anchor and the anchor we're establishing in this one is S.H.I.E.L.D.. It's early days on "Cap 2," nobody's counting those chickens yet, but maybe there's some connection there."

CAST EM': Captain America 2

This week we got the official news that Marvel Studios is indeed moving forward with a Captain America sequel. Moving from script development to searching for directors which gives the impression that the studio is aiming to start production as soon as Thor 2 ends it's shoot. Here are a couple actors I'd like to see considered for roles.

It's unknown at this point if supporting characters like Nick Fury, Black Widow or Hawkeye will be major players in the Captain America 2. Since we've been hearing that fellow Avengers wouldn't be showing up in future solo sequels. As Steve is now deeply involved with SHIELD it would make sense to agents return along with new ones. It's also unknown where these WWII flashbacks will come in. They very well could explore another WWII era villain that leads to discovery of the Infinity Formula slowing down the aging of the Howling Commandos. Allowing the Howlers to also be in still around in present time now apart of SHIELD.

GILLIAN JACOBS AS SHARON CARTER: It was reported that Community directors the Russo brothers had been linked as possible candidates to helm the sequel. This lead me to believe that if hired they'd look to some of their Community cast members to fill roles. One actress that comes to mind is Gillian Jacobs for the role of Sharon Carter. Gillian has a striking resemblance to Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter) in certain angles which would help feed into the idea that Peggy and Sharon are related. Jacobs was recently linked to the Evil Dead remake but ultimately passed on it. Some of her non-Community roles include Choke (directed by Clark Gregg), The Box, Seeking A Friend For The End of The World and Burt Wonderstone.

LAZ ALONSO AS FALCON: Laz seems like an actor that would be friends with Chris Evans which important for the role. I get the feeling that he'd make a great Falcon and if the studio ends up making a Falcon spin-off he might be able to handle his own franchise. Alonso co-starred with First Avenger actor Derek Luke (Gabe Jones) in the WWII film Miracle At St. Anna along with supporting roles in films like Avatar and Fast And Furious. He recently got a large amount of exposure from the series Breakout Kings.

ANDREA OSVART AS CONTESSA: This stunning Hungarian actress is slowly gathering some status with small roles in films like Spy Game, Casanova and Duplicity. Recently she landed a lead in the Transporter television series along with the Chilean earthquake horror flick Aftershock alongside Eli Roth. Andrea is able to speak/act in perfect Italian, Hungarian and English. Considering Contessa is an Italian SHIELD agent this seems like a solid casting choice.

SAM CLAFIN AS UNION JACK: Clafin is generally known for supporting roles in rather large event films. He previously took roles in films like Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides along with this summer's Snow White And The Huntsman. Sam has a connection to First Avenger's Hayley Atwell as the two starred in the mini-series The Pilliars of The Earth. I think he'd make a decent Joey Chapman who apparently moonlights as a race car driver when he's not fighting terrorists.

RALPH FIENNES AS BARON STRUCKER: Ralph Fiennes has been long been a fan favorite for the role villain Baron Strucker. I feel like he could be equally as menacing as Hugo Weaving was as the Red Skull. Ralph is open to genre films starring in The Harry Potter Films, Wrath of The Titans, Skyfall, Red Dragon and Strange Days. He's also known for strong dramatic performances in films like The Reader, Schindler's List, The English Patient, End of The Affair, The Constant Gardener, Hurt Locker and Coriolanus. His pedigree as an actor makes him the best choice for role.

DANIEL BRUHL AS BARON ZEMO: The German actor has been very successful in his own country but hasn't made that large of a splash in Hollywood. He started to get more of an English following in the last couple of years thanks to his role as Zoller in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourous Basterds. He's able to play both sides of the coin similar to Tom Hiddleston (Loki). The comparison seems fair as Zemo was also a conflicted Avengers villain which could help setup the Avengers sequel.

BERENICE BEJO AS MADME HYDRA: Berenice showed off her skills as a psychical comedian in The Artist which means those skills could translate into action scenes. We haven't heard much about the Argentinian/French actress getting offers for event films like this since her Oscar nomination. However, Marvel is usually the type of studio to wait until the Oscars to pursue actresses/actors for supporting roles. Berenice is able to speak three different languages including Spanish, French and English which could be a great asset for an agent of HYDRA.

Rundown Of Possible Villains And Allies For Captain America 2

Marvel Studios is currently on a search to find a director to helm Captain America 2. As ten names are in the running but only four of those have been revealed. Kevin Feige, Chris Evans and the writers have stated that the sequel could be set in the present and may also include WWII flashbacks. There have been hints to what villains we can expect for the second installment but it's sort up in the air when it comes supporting heroes. Director Joe Johnston mentioned that Marvel could be saving Winter Soldier for his own spin-off, so he could be excluded until that happens. I've come up with some ideas of what the new additions should be along with previous hints to who the villains could be. I'm hoping that Marvel is smart enough to hold off bringing back Red Skull and Zola until later on in the franchise.


CAP'S NEW TEAM MEMBERS

SHARON CARTER: The niece (grand niece more likely) of Peggy Carter, Sharon was inspired by the WWII adventures of her Aunt Peggy alongside Captain America. This lead her decide to follow a similar path into the military eventually becoming an elite SHIELD Agent. While nothing has been confirmed there is speculation that Amanda Righetti was playing this character at the end of The First Avenger. I'm sure this will be cleared up in Avengers if not there is still hope that Sharon Carter will indeed end up Cap's new love interest. Perhaps also helping fill in the blanks of what happened to Peggy.

FALCON: Sam Wilson better known as The Falcon was a protege of sorts of Cap and the two had series of team-up comics. If Cap assembles a present time team I would expect Marvel to include one of Steve's best friends. I'm not sure if his costume from the comics would translate well but it could be interesting to see him re-imagined as a fighter pilot/SHIElD Agent. I could see the sequel becoming a buddy superhero film if Falcon does show up.

CONTESSA: The SHIELD agent was one of the few actual female characters without powers in the Marvel universe that's been able to stick around for decades. Contessa Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine would eventually exit SHIELD to become the new Madame Hydra replacing Viper. It would be interesting to see one of these agents turn out to be a sleeper for HYDRA or to for her to just switch sides over jealously or money. One of my biggest problems with the Marvel films is that they rarely have more than one female heroine in their films. Avengers is going to up that with Maria Hill and Black Widow in the same movie but it's unknown how much "action" Hill will actually see. This is another character that Amanda Righetti could have playing at the end of First Avenger.

UNION JACK: Joey Chapman is the current iteration of the British legacy hero Union Jack. Joey got his own Easter Egg in Iron Man 2 as one of the drivers listed in the race, so Marvel has established he exists in the film universe. The masked hero wears a bulletproof costume, is a knife/sword expert along with exceptional training in martial arts and other weapons (guns ect). James Montgomery Falsworth of the Howling Commandos played by JJ Field was also a shout-out to Union Jack in the First Avenger. Falsworth and his family took up the Union Jack persona before passing it down to Chapman. Union Jack is also a member of The Invaders and if we don't see the return of Howling Commandos in present time (ala Infinity Formula) the Invaders could be a great replacement team name.


VILLAINS

BARON ZEMO: Zemo had been rumored since the casting of First Avenger and it was revealed by the screenwriters that he indeed was in early drafts of the script. Zemo is easily Cap's second most popular villain and needs to be front and center if he is used. If he ends up in the sequel he's costume will need some remodeling and I doubt an actor will be hidden by a mask for the whole film.

BARON STRUCKER: Strucker has a rather large presence as the contemporary head of HYDRA being it's leader continuing the villainous terrorist group started by the Red Skull. We could see HYDRA becoming a world threat again with the classic green uniforms finally being used. I have to believe that both Strucker and Madame Hydra are strong candidates because they've been used in the Super Soldier video game and the current Avengers cartoon from Disney. Baron Strucker was also in the early drafts of the First Avenger script but was ultimately removed.

MADAME HYDRA: Madame Hydra is Strucker's second in command and the leader of the HYDRA sub-group The Serpent Seven. The role has been filled by many different women including Viper and former SHIELD agent Contessa Valentina Allegro De Fontaine. It could be an interesting to see SHIELD infiltrated by HYDRA having them trying to take the group down by covert methods.

A.I.M.: Writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus have mentioned their affection for Modok who is the leader of the arms dealing terrorist group A.I.M. They even stated they wanted to include Modok in a sequel having Peter Dinklage (Games of Thrones) in the role. A.I.M. could just as easily fit in Iron Man 3 depending on the direction Marvel is going for with that. If Modok does end up in the film they'd have to make him a lot more realistic to be taken seriously as a villan.

10 Directors In The Running For Captain America 2

Well it looks like Joe Johnston's next Marvel film might actually be a Winter Soldier film as the director isn't returning for the Captain America sequel. Vulture reports that Marvel Studios is now looking at new ten directors to helm Captain America 2. Some of the candidates include F. Gary Gary, George Nolfi, Anthony and Joseph Russo which is an interesting group of directors. The latter two are best known for the NBC comedy series Community. Nolfi was a screenwriter handling films like Oceans Twelve and Bourne Ultimatum before making his directing debut with the Adjustment Bureau. F. Gary Gary has been able to handle rather large films with projects like the Italian Job, Negotiator and Law Abiding Citizen. The names of the other six directors haven't been released but I assume this could be drawn out search.

It's expected that the sequel will be released in the summer of 2014 as previously stated by Chris Evans. Currently the script is being worked on by First Avenger writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus. I think if someone like Nolfi is hired to direct he could boost the action set pieces with his own rewrites. The Russo brothers could also inject some humor into film which had some decent wisecracking moments in the first film. Marvel is an odd bunch as they could very well end up hiring a director only to replace them later on. For my money I think F. Gary Gary is solid choice as he's an excellent action director when given a good cast and script.