Russo Brothers Offering To Produce New SPIDER-MAN Films And Confirm INFINITY WAR Directing Duties

The Sony leaks keep on rolling, as we actually have some Marvel talk now the focus. A Brazilian website Overtice (via CBM) is claiming they've found emails detailing exchanges between The Russo Brothers and Sony's Amy Pascal. The emails have the directors confirm they will indeed direct Avengers: Infinity War. They are also offering to produce new Spider-Man films, and mentioning a tough conversation with current producers Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach being "worth having". This makes sense since it's was their film Civil War that Marvel was trying get Spider-Man included.

A reply was never given by Pascal, but this is the first piece of development ideas that have been released concerning new movies. We know that Marvel has invested a lot into the Russos, having them mastermind the vision of the future of Phase Three. Winter Soldier proved they can handle huge sprawling superhero filmmaking, which has led to their hiring for major Marvel events like Civil War and Infinity War. Having them involved as producers with this new Spider-Man universe could work, as Kevin Feige's participation won't like have enough time to help.

This might also help support the idea that Spider-Man could have a real role in Avengers: Infinity War. Keep in mind we might need a second source to have dug up these emails, since this site isn't really known to us. A cool option that both Marvel and Sony should consider at that summit in January.

SOURCE: OVERTICE

The Russo Brothers Indeed In The Running To Direct AVENGERS INFINITY WAR

BadassDigest posted a juicy rumor that the Russo Brothers (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War) were being looked-at to takeover the Avengers franchise from Joss Whedon. Deadline is hearing the same thing and both parts of Infinity War could shoot back to back.

Marvel is investing a huge amount on the directing siblings. The more we hear about the plans for Captain America: Civil War the bigger it sounds like the film will be. Something we didn't really get with Iron Man 3, but will likely be our last quasi Earthbound Avengers installment. I'm also curious what this means for the future relationship between Whedon and Marvel. Will he move on, or will he try to tackle other Marvel properties like Captain Marvel and Hulk?

SOURCE: DEADLINE

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Split Into Two Movies And Thanos Confirmed As Villain

Plans for Avengers 3 were also revealed, confirming reports that indeed the movie was being split into two parts. Titled Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 coming May 2018 and Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 May 2019, the installments will be shown in theatres a year apart. A short teaser clip was shown, as seen above with Thanos holding the infinity gauntlet. The ultimate cosmic weapon in the universe. This confirms that Josh Brolin's Thanos will indeed be the villain of the film. It looks the footage is test-shots from Guardians of The Galaxy, which isn't surprising since he'll show-up again in the sequel.

The movie is said to be set mostly in space, which could mean that the Guardians will be crossing-over to fight a common enemy. It's unknown if we'll see characters like Captain Marvel or The Inhumans in the first installment, since their solo films will come after Part 1. There is already rumblings via BadassDigest that Thor will be sitting this one out, make of that as you will.

They didn't name writers, but it's been reported that when the Russo Brothers wrap-up Captain America: Civil War they could direct these two Avengers films. I'm not sure what this means for Joss Whedon, as the director might look at one of these other Marvel properties to direct. I wouldn't rule-out a new Hulk movie in Phase Four, or even taking a crack Captain Marvel.


SOURCE: MARVEL

The Russo Brothers In-Talks With Marvel To Direct AVENGERS 3 And AVENGERS 4?

BadassDigest has one more bit of big Marvel news, they are reporting that The Russo Brothers are already in-talks to direct Avengers 3 and Avengers 4. This would mean that they'd be committed to making three more films for Marvel Studios. Which in my opinion is the best thing for Marvel, keep these two locked-down as your directing team. This would mean Joss Whedon wouldn't be directing future installments, leaving him free to direct other things.

How closely will Captain America 3 tie in with Avengers 3? I've been told that the Russo Brothers are in talks to direct Avengers 3 and possibly 4. Sources tell me that they're the favorites of Marvel right now and that they are the guys Kevin Feige want to pick up the mantle from Joss Whedon.

The directing siblings proved on so many levels they understand and cherish this source material. The Winter Soldier, gave us solid villains with while reintroducing us to heroes we thought we knew. Widow became a hardened badass and given the screen time/scenes she deserves. Rogers finally becomes the loveable righteous hero from the comics, we want to root for. Not just a snarky boy-scout which was shown in Avengers.

If this turns out to be true, I can't imagine how awesome future Avengers installments could be. The duo is already wowing me with how they're tackling Captain America 3, by incorporating the Civil War stuff. Something fans imagined would actually never happen.

Joss Whedon stepping aside and giving over the Avengers to the Russo Brothers makes sense. We know that Whedon isn't a fan of directing all these conflicting heroes and powers. He seemingly could want to tell a more linear type of superhero story. We know that he's been mulling around ideas for new Hulk film with Mark Ruffalo, starting back in 2012.

There is also the possibility of Whedon moving-on from Avengers to help Marvel make tough projects like Black Panther or Captain Marvel. We know that both are in active develop at the studio and have outlines/early drafts kicking-around. Whedon working his magic on those two heroes could be something extremely special. It's not a bad thing to see Joss move-on from Avengers, as long as he's sticking around for other things within the MCU.



SOURCE: BADASSDIGEST

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER Has Earned $586M In 2.4 Weeks Of Wide Release

Marvel is quickly becoming the most successful movie studios currently making superhero epics. Another major success story is brewing with Captain America's sequel. In only a little over two weeks of wide release the film has made $586.6 million, in worldwide box office earnings (according to BoxOfficeMojo). It's budget is on par with Thor: The Dark World at $170 million, both films were made for $30 million less than Iron Man 2/3 and $50 million less than Avengers. Taking the number one spot three weeks in a row in the domestic market, is a solid statement from audiences that the film could have staying power for the rest of April.

Amazing Spider-Man 2 is expected to take back those domestic dollars with it's early May release, but Cap could keep earning big numbers in international markets. It's a long road to joining the billion dollar club at this point, but it could easily edge-out Thor: The Dark World ($644.7M) as the third largest grossing Marvel Studios film. It's already dwarfed Captain America: The First Avenger's worldwide take of $370.5 million. I have a feeling it will also pass DC's Man of Steel's earnings of $668 million, very soon. Proving that, Captain America 3 could actually be a major threat to the same day release of Batman Vs Superman.


SOURCE: BOXOFFICEMOJO

SPOILERS: Why Is Marvel Studios Teasing Namor In Their Movies?

This isn't much of a spoiler, but an aspect of Namor is teased in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. We've been slowly seeing similar  tidbits used as Easter Eggs in other Marvel films. Marvel doesn't own the film rights, so what's the deal?

Oracle is a real company and has been a tie-in product placement for films. However, they've really only been Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Avengers and Iron Man 3. Most notably a giant glass dome Oracle building at Star Expo. Oddly enough, it could be more than just way for Marvel to add revenue by advertising the tech-company. 

As his human alter-ego Namor Mckenzie runs a corporation named Oracle, which secretly helps envirvomental causes. We've seen a bunch of fictional Marvel corporations teases already, mainly Roxxon which has shown up a bunch of times in Iron Man films (along with Coulson's One-Shot). It's possible that humans along with energy companies like Roxxon are destroying the the oceans, where Namor and his people call home. This could spark a bit of tension between the Atlantians and the humans.

Pulling from the headlines BP oil spills/oil sands pipeline and Fukushima Nuclear Plant still leaking radiation into the ocean, could help influence Namor's motives and place him as a threat. Plus, using the fictional Roxxon might be way not name actual companies. We've already seen how the drone program and NSA scandals have made their way into the narrative of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Having an environmental angle to Namor wouldn't be out of place for the character.

Another shot in Iron Man 2 was indeed hinting to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, with SHIELD's meta-human map. Let's just hope that Hydra has been there first.

Surprisingly, theres another hint to Namor but not in a film featuring Iron Man. The name of the SHIELD boat The Lemurian Star in Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a direct hint to a group of Namor's villains.

The Lemurians are similar group of underwater dwellers (different from the blue skinned Atlantians, having scales and greenish skin) that are part of another neighboring kingdom. There are mostly at odds with Atlantis and Namor. It's not shocking that a ship aligned with Hydra, would have links to other Marvel villains.

So why is Marvel teasing him? As it stands now Universal Pictures holds the film rights to Namor The Sub-Mariner. They have been trying to develop a feature for years and even had an early script from David Self (The Haunting, Road To Perdition, Bourne Identity, The Wolfman). Self also tried putting together scripts for Captain America, Deathlok, God of War, and the Robocop remake. Then the studio looked to Jonathan Mostow (The Game, U-571, Terminator 3: Rise of The Machines, Surrogates) to write and direct the project, which never came together. I assume because of critically backlash for T3 and Surrogates. 

Former British Olympic diver turned action-star Jason Statham (Transporter, Expendables, Fast And Furious 7, Snatch, Lock Stock) mentioned a meeting for The Sub-Mariner, in 2008. I'd still love to see Jason in the role, since he's surprising good depending on the material and direction. Fans of Guardians of The Galaxy were a bit shocked when Bradley Cooper (not Statham) took the Rocket Raccoon role. It's currently unknown the status of Namor at Universal. While it seems odd, with such a rise in interest for Marvel films Universal hasn't even hinted to making it.

“I took a meeting for Sub-Mariner. I don’t know if I’d look right running around in a tight speedo with wings on my ankles but there’s so many cool fucking characters.”

The weird thing is, that Marvel hasn't teased other properties they don't own such as X-Men, Spider-Man or Fantastic Four. It's possible that Universal could be developing a co-production similar to The Incredible Hulk, or that Marvel has seemingly found a way to get the rights back (but aren't willing to announced it). However, keeping the film at Universal could allow the studio to make a joint-venture without having to pay the entire production budget. Disney on the other hand, I'm sure would be willing to buy the rights back. As of August 2013, Kevin Feige confirmed the rights are indeed still at Universal. Even though earlier Joe Quesada said otherwise.

It's possible that Namor could have ties to The Inhumans (another in-development film at Marvel) or become the antagonist (starting out as villain to the Avengers before joining them) in almost any future Marvel film. Hopefully, Marvel is able to wrangle the rights back and place him properly. Namor also fought alongside Captain America and Bucky in the super-team the Invaders during WWII. Prince Namor also joined forces with The Hulk and Doctor Strange to form The Defenders, which with different lineup (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage) will have a mini-series on Netflix.

BIG SPOILERS: How Does WINTER SOLDIER Effect AGE OF ULTRON And CAPTAIN AMERICA 3?

SPOILERS!!! I've been noticing that a lot of people aren't expecting Captain America: The Winter Soldier to be as impacting to the MCU as whole, which it is. I'm going to rundown a couple of theories on how this film might effect both Age of Ultron and Captain America 3. There entire write-up is filled to the brim with spoilers, top to bottom. So unless you've seen Winter Soldier, other released Marvel films or just don't care, please wait to read this. It's also possible there a major spoiler for Age of Ultron as well.

AGE OF ULTRON

The biggest shake-up revealed is Hydra being active since the end of WWII, spending the last 70 years infiltrating SHIELD and feeding the World Organization false information for their own gain. By the end of the film, SHIELD is sacrificed to keep Hydra spies out of play, leading to it's disband. Maria Hill ends taking a job at Stark Industries (possibly teasing her fling with Tony). I'm not entirely sure if this also means that Agents of SHIELD will have much a shelf-life after this. If SHIELD is gone in the MCU, how will they explain the show's title? I'm assuming that a group like HAMMER (Justin Hammer substituting for Norman Osborn?) might take on the role that SHIELD had.

The twins are being controlled by Hydra and Baron Wolfgang von Strucker. His method isn't actually new, as he's using Loki's mind-control spear to keep the pair under his thumb. It's possible that Strucker has been slowly turning many people against the Avengers (Hulk anyone?) and SHIELD, while in possession of this cosmic weapon. Basically as long as he's able to touch someone with the spear he might be able to turn them into a sleeper Hydra agent. It's very likely that the twins will eventually break free of this spell, and team-up with the Avengers.

Fury mentions heading to Europe to begin taking-out the rest of Hydra, which could lead him to Strucker and asking the Avengers for some back-up. The Italian fort being used for the film, might actually be the Hydra stronghold (Strucker's liar in the end credits scene?) which is expected to be the opening sequence of the film. This fort could actually belong to Zemo, as we've seen in the comics Hydra has takeover or seized the family's property, as Zemo was a rival of Red Skull.

We find out that Dr. Zola has willingly turned himself into A.I. back in the 70's, and this could be the real seeds for the development of Ultron. As we know that Zola is now capable of developing evil complex programs, creating Ultron while deviating JARVIS might be the work of Hydra and Zola, not Tony Stark or even Thanos. Ultron will eventually attempt a takeover the world, while taking on his mission becomes self-aware. Zola having this program backed-up somewhere else, is a strong possibility as there are a bunch of locations that data could be stored.

Hydra is also very interested in killing Stark and had him as a prime-target for assassination. I assume that they want Stark's tech but will use Zola's programming, leading to the killer robots making a giant mess of things. Instead of using helicarriers to kill masses of people, Hydra could try to highjack JARVIS who can replicate Iron Man suits at a very quick rate. Tony (outside of the suit) would also be one of the few people that could stop an army of robots, if the situation ever came up.

Programming Ultron to carry out the Terminator-style assassinations of millions of people, who will become threats to Hydra. Somehow effecting JARVIS with Zola's program (future threat algorithm could be what set's off Pandora's Box. It's possible the people targeted for destruction (along with Meta-Humans) in Winter Soldier could be similar to Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, whatever they turn out to be. As Hydra is known for ethnic cleansing, trying to wipe-out mutants, Meta-Humans or inhumans, might be their new master plan.

I wouldn't be shocked to find out that Iron Man villains  have been also members of Hydra. Specifically Stane and Killian, who have histories with Stark but also possible Hydra connections. We know that Stane was a longtime friend of Howard Stark, but it's revealed that Hydra had him killed. It's possible that Stane knew or even helped with this assassination, to gain more power within Stark Industries. Killian is a founding member of Advanced Idea Mechanics, which is a splinter group of Hydra and is also started by Strucker. This might be even more reason Hydra wants Tony out of the picture, as they seem has one of the biggest threats to their plans (along with Bruce Banner and Stephen Strange).

I'm sure Hydra was also the group that helped Loki with his takedown of SHIELD in Avengers. Making the whole MCU world even more sinister, thinking that Hydra pretty much has had a hand in a majority of the Earthbound villains. As Hydra is now in the open, it could lead to formation of a villainous super-group (Masters of Evil?), that could consist of Zemo/Strucker/Hydra, the Ten Rings/real Mandarin and whoever is now running A.I.M. (possibly Modok, who has been teased by the screenwriters). Ultron might not be the only threat towards the Avengers in the film.

Of course, the wind might change with what happens in Guardians of The Galaxy, but we've been told that Winter Soldier has the greatest connection to Age of Ultron. Guardians could possibly be it's own thing, opening the door to the cosmic universe while still in the same world as the Avengers. I'm going to be that Marvel is saving that crossover and cosmic threat for Avengers 3. Allowing Age of Ultron to have more personal and Earthbound threats for the heroes.

CAPTAIN AMERICA 3

Strucker and Hydra have been excellent present day villains for Cap, so it's expected that they'll return in some form. We have no idea if Strucker has a bigger role or not in Age of Ultron, but if he survives it having a part in Captain America 3 sounds about right. The world pushing forward with a new world defence origination (to combat possible homegrown and cosmic threats) in the wake of SHIELD being taken down, might lead to HAMMER or SWORD, with Hydra pulling the strings. Red Skull returning is something obviously fans are hounding the studio to see, but Cap luckily has one of the better MCU rogues gallery. Playing around with staple villains like Strucker or even introducing Baron Zemo, seem like better options.

Bucky finds himself without a handler or his mind being erased, as he discovers his true self (via his exhibit at the war museum), it's possible he might try to reconnect with Rogers. Leading to Bucky becoming a member of the Avengers. Although, membership is getting larger by the film. Since Sebastian Stan has a nine-picture deal with Marvel, we shouldn't rule out an appearance in Age of Ultron too. We've all been speculating that Bucky will take-on the Captain America mantle at some point in the future, as he does in the comics.

Brock Rumlow is badly burned at the end of Winter Soldier but still alive which means he could be picked-up by Hydra and put back to work. Maybe giving him another type of super soldier formula, one that Zola originally used on Bucky. I would expect Batroc might be returning as well, since we don't actually get to find out what happens to him, after being captured by SHIELD/Hydra.

The Captain America 3 theories and speculation are expected to be less detailed, as the directors and writers are just breaking the story at the moment. Trying to predict where the third film will be going is a bit harder than Age of Ultron, since we have more details on the Avengers sequel. However, it seems like Marvel is going to be using the Captain America franchise as the new launching-pad for bigger stories that effect the entire MCU. We might see the third film having a bigger impact on the rest of Phase Three projects, similar to this giant plot shake-up in Phase Two.

Holly Hunter, Callan Mulvey And Tao Okamoto Join BATMAN VS SUPERMAN

While their characters are unknown, Deadline reports that Holly Hunter, Callan Mulvey (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, 300: Rise of An Empire) and Tao Okamoto (The Wolverine) have joined the cast of Batman Vs Superman. The trio will join Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons. The film is still set to go head-to-head against Captain America 3 on May 6th, 2016.


SOURCE: DEADLINE

Marvel Announces CAPTAIN AMERICA 3 Coming May 2016

Marvel has finally announced what is coming after Ant-Man, Captain America 3 will be their second Phase Three film. The second sequel will be set for release on May 6th, 2016. The spot had been claimed by Marvel almost a year ago, but that didn't stop Warner Bros. from moving Batman Vs Superman on the same date. Considering, the massive buzz surrounding The Winter Soldier (some "claim" the best Marvel film to date) it wasn't shocking the studio would choose to move forward with a third installment.

The Russo Brothers recently confirmed to Collider they've signed-on to direct Captain America 3, and are currently working on the film's outline. Also confirming, they were speaking with franchise writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, about the script. It's the only Phase Three project (besides Ant-Man), that has both writers and director/directors on board.

When it comes to who will be returning or added to the line-up that remains to be seen. Sebastian Stan recently revealed he has a nine-picture deal with Marvel, something that only was reserved for actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johansson (I expect could be back depending on her new baby). It's possible this could mean that Bucky (villain or friend) might be showing up in Captain America 3, Avengers sequels, his own solo Winter Soldier prequels or could very well end up replacing Rogers as Captain America.

Thomas Kretschmann (playing villain Baron Wolfgang von Strucker in Avengers: Age of Ultron) also spoke about his future in the MCU. Stating he believes his character will have a place in future films. Strucker is primarily a SHIELD and Captain America villain, so having him being the main villain of Captain America 3 wouldn't be a shocker. The Baron originates the terrorist splinter group A.I.M. (first mentioned in Iron Man 3), which has ties to HYDRA. He very well could be the successor to Red Skull, and finally resurrect HYDRA in the modern age.

We could have a better idea of what to expect in the third film, after The Winter Soldier and Age of Ultron are released. I wouldn't rule out Crossbones (played by Frank Grillo), Baron Zemo (hinted to in Winter Soldier production artwork) or even Madame Hydra (Strucker's second in-command), also being apart of/introduced in the sequel.

Gal Gadot Confirmed For WONDER WOMAN In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN And Callan Mulvey Wanted For Villain

Variety has confirmed that Fast And Furious actress Gal Gadot has landed the female lead in Batman Vs Superman. Her character in the film will indeed be Wonder Woman. Director and co-writer Zack Snyder even commented on her addition to the cast. Gadot was up against actresses Jaimie Alexander, Elodie Yung and Olga Kurylenko. The film is aiming for a July 17th, 2015 release date. It will be interesting to see if this leads to Gal getting her own solo film eventually.

“Wonder Woman is arguably one of the most powerful female characters of all time and a fan favorite in the DC Universe. Not only is Gal an amazing actress, but she also has that magical quality that makes her perfect for the role. We look forward to audiences discovering Gal in the first feature film incarnation of this beloved character.”

Warner Bros. is also looking at Aussie actor Callan Mulvey for the villain role. They don't name the villain but Lex Luthor has been mentioned a few times. Callan's credits include 300: Rise of An Empire, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Zero Dark Thirty and The Hunter.

SOURCE: Variety 

Cap Delivers A Serious Beat-Down In First Official Stills From CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

New Poster For CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, First Trailer Coming Thursday

Gentle Giant's Black Widow Statue From CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER Gives Us The First Look At The New Costume

Jessica Brown Findlay Joins James McAvoy And Daniel Radcliffe In FRANKENSTEIN

Variety reports that actress Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey, A Winter's Tale) has landed the female lead in Fox's Frankenstein film scripted by Max Landis (Chroncile, World War Z). James McAvoy (Trance, X-Men Days of Future Past) will star as the good Dr. Frankenstein while Daniel Radcliffe will play Egor. Jessica had also been in the mix for Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and previously for a role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Teaser Poster For CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER And New Concept Art

RUMOR: Armie Hammer And Edgar Wright Spotted On CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER Set, Will Hammer Have A Role In ANT-MAN Or The MCU?

ScreenRant was able to speak with actor Armie Hammer (Social Network, J. Edgar) during his press junket for Disney's The Lone Ranger. They brought up that Armie and Ant-Man director Edgar Wright had been spotted on the set of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Which has fuelled speculation that Hammer could be involved with the MCU and it's likely he could have a lead role in Ant-Man. Hammer does confirm that he was indeed on set but Edgar Wright took to Twitter to deny he was ever there.

Hammer had been originally cast as Batman in George Miller's purposed Justice League film which got the axe. Having Armie take on a superhero role isn't much of a stretch. Cobie Smulders who played Maria Hill in Avengers had been eyed for Wonder Woman in Joss Whedon's purposed film which never ended up getting off the ground. Not to mention his Lone Ranger co-stars have also been linked previously to Marvel projects. Johnny Depp had been wanted for the role of Doctor Strange a few years back and Ruth Wilson is apparently on the studio's radar for Ms. Marvel or another part. Also, Simon Pegg had stated he wouldn't play Ant-Man because the role was going to an American actor.

It's possible Joss Whedon and Edgar Wright have already talked about including characters from Ant-Man in Avengers 2, to setup Ant-Man as the first stage of Phase Three. Having either Hank Pym or Scott Lang have a small cameo in Captain America 2 wouldn't be hard to imagine. Since we've seen similar setups with other Marvel films. It's also possible that Hammer could be up for another part in the MCU which is considerably endless with Doctor Strange, Inhumans and other films on the horizon.

New CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER Set Photos Reveal Cap's Updated Costume And Brock Rumlow/Crossbones

New Additions To The Cast Of CAPTAIN AMERICA THE WINTER SOLDIER

Twitch reports a couple of final additions to the cast of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The following actors will play S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents under the command of Robert Redford's Alexander Pierce. They include the return of World Council member played by Jenny Agutter (Logan's Run, An American Werewolf In London), Chin Han (The Dark Knight), Alan Dale (Lost) and Bernard White (Matrix Revolutions).

CAPTAIN AMERICA 2 SET PHOTOS: Cap, Widow, Nick Fury, Maria Hill And First Look At Villain Winter Soldier