End Of Days Looming For Asgard In THOR: RAGNAROK Coming July 2017

The Marvel sequels were also announced by Marvel and they've slated a summer release for Thor: Ragnarok. It's title hinting to the end of days in Norse mythology, and there are already rumors (via BadassDigest) that Thor might not survive this epic battle. It's expected that Surtur the fire demon, will be our main villain and will threaten the existence of all nine realms. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston are the only two actors confirmed for the film at the moment. Kevin said a few words about the film. It's release date is set for July 28th, 2017.

"This is a very important movie for us in Phase 3," said Marvel's Kevin Feige. "We plan on taking Thor to another level. It picks up where we leave Thor in 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' and impacts everything that comes after." 

Surtur isn't the only new character rumored for the film, we've been hearing for ages that Amora The Enchantress will be involved. Granted, we've been hearing that bit since the first film. However, with Loki now taking the throne of Asgard and Odin likely in some cell in the dungeon. Having Amora take the place of Frigga, as the Queen of Asgard would sort of make sense. Given, the sorceress would have just as ambitious motives as Loki. Below is what Surtur looked like in the Thor movie tie-in video game (via concept artwork).

Hemsworth actually liked the suggestion of Charlize Theron in the role, when brought-up by a reporter. I also wouldn't mind seeing actresses such as Ruth Wilson (linked for Captain Marvel role) and Eva Green (Casino Royale, Sin City A Dame To Kill For, Kingdom of Heaven, 300 Rise of An Empire) considered for Amora as well. Ruth (Luther, Lone Ranger, The Prisoner) has actually worked alongside Tom before, so the chemistry would already be there. Either way, Marvel needs to find someone that keep-up with the devilish Hiddleston. Wilson plays a manipulative character named Alice on Idris Elba's series Luther making her a perfect candidate.



There has been talk that actors such as Idris Elba and Jaimie Alexander aren't fond of their Marvel contracts (has hindered roles in other superhero films), so I'm unsure if Marvel will want to have unhappy actors on set. Yet, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins were begrudgingly brought back for The Dark World. I have to assume that production would begin sometime in Spring/Summer 2016.

There's no word on a director, and it's unlikely Alan Taylor will be returning. Due to his commitments to the Terminator trilogy, and will be shooting back-to-back sequels. I would be extremely curious if they would ask Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) back. Patty was originally set to make The Dark World but exited over "creative differences". Considering the film is expected to be a lot darker it just might suit Jenkins better than the last installment. Who knows, they could even ask another Game of Thrones alumni to help them out. Director Michelle MacLaren (Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, X-Files, Game of Thrones) was on a shortlist for Warner Bros. Wonder Woman, but might be a better fit for Marvel. Marvel has picked television directors before, and have gotten excellent results.

A script is in place by writers Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost. It could be arguably the most important Marvel film. We could see either Thor give-up on helping Midgard to rule Asgard or die trying to save the realms. There's talk Thor won't be involved with Avengers: Infinity War.

SOURCE: MARVEL

Villains And Other Things I Want To See In CAPTAIN AMERICA 3!

Production is about to begin on untitled Captain America 3 in April, and a draft of the script is already in the hands of the directing-duo The Russo Brothers. The two have giving hints to what expect from the third installment, while keeping tight-lipped as part of the usual business of working for Marvel Studios. I have a few ideas of who the villains should be, and a bit of the direction of the film.


VILLAINS!

Let's get this out of the way first, the Russo Brothers have all but confirmed the return of Rumlow (Crossbones) and Bucky (Winter Soldier), so their inclusion won't be much of a surprise. We keep hearing an odd fan-demand to bring back The Red Skull, I'm actually shocked considering how many more rogues Rogers has in the waiting.

We already know that Baron Wolfgang Von Strucker will be making his screen debut in Avengers: Age of Ultron. What I can only assume will reveal a stronger HYDRA presence worldwide, and Captain America's futile hunt-down all the cells. I would love to see Strucker in the next film, but there are a few others that also deserve a shot at Rogers.

One villain I've been dying to jump into this franchise is Baron Zemo, both Heinrich and Helmunt. A piece of Winter Soldier concept teases the lineage, which used the mission codename Operation: Zemo. This was apart of one of the museum exhibits of Rogers' WWII exploits with The Howling Commandos. Something that could used in a flashback scene, setting-up Heinrich as the staunch supporter of HYDRA. While his son Helmunt is conflicted and less committed to the cause, leading him to possibly switch-sides. We know that James Gunn (Guardians of The Galaxy) has been pitching Marvel a Thunderbolts movie, and Zemo is a funding member of that team.

Baron Strucker's right-hand woman Ophelia Sarkissian (Madame Hydra) should obviously make an appearance, considering we really haven't seen any mainstream female villains in the Earthbound Marvel films. She's quite the piece-of-work, and could even have ties to Black Widow's dark and bloody past. A relentless female villain set within this franchise would be worthwhile, and I know the Russo Brothers could extensively beef-up her character to that on the level of Zemo, or Strucker.

Her Viper persona was up-for-grabs when Fox made The Wolverine, because of her inclusion in X-Men comics. Fox made her a mutant and basically never mentioned her as being a terrorist. However, her HYDRA roots, her image and actual name are at Marvel, so they can use her in the films if they have the desire to. Marvel included Strucker and Madame Hydra in their video game (Captain America: Super Soldier) tie-in for The First Avenger.

Doctor Faustus seems like a no-brainer, if Marvel decides to pursue Bucky's origin as brainwashed assassin for HYDRA.

RANDOM IDEAS!

An interesting ally from the past could possibly Joseph Chapman, better known as the modern era version of Union Jack. We know that the character exists in the cinematic universe, thanks to an Easter Egg in Iron Man 2. The British hero is racing alongside Tony Stark at the Grand Prix, and is listed among the drivers. One of the funding members of The Howling Commandos, would be Chapman's mentor James Falsworth. Who fought alongside Rogers during a majority of his WWII missions. Like Sharon, bringing-in someone like Union Jack could be an interesting nod to his past.

The locations have been a bit lacking for such a globetrotting character, but we understood that Winter Soldier was meant to be more of a personal American-set story of corruption. If HYDRA is back we need an even grander base of operations. One location from the comics could be extremely extravagant, that being the New Zealand mountain-face Gehenna. This stunning HYDRA base would allow for some arresting moments of sheer beauty, possibly lending itself to some very unique action sequences.

Steve Rogers needs to pass-on the mantle to either Bucky Barnes or Sam Wilson. Chris Evans' contract is almost over, and we suspect that like in the comics, we'll see another hero become Captain America.

CASTING SUGGESTIONS

Marvel Studios has their own way of casting the supporting characters, including their villains, but have listened to fans on a few occasions (placing Benedict Cumberbatch on their wish-list for Doctor Strange). However, I'm still standing-behind Mads Mikkelson (Pusher 2, Hannibal, The Hunt, King Arthur, Valhalla Rising,  Royal Affair) for Baron Helmut Zemo, Eva Green (300 Rise of An Empire, Kingdom of Heaven, Sin City 2, Casino Royale, Penny Dreadful) for Ophelia, Brendan Gleeson (The Guard, Gangs of New York, Braveheart, In Bruges, Calvary) for Doctor Faustus and Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey, The Guest) for Joseph Chapman (Union Jack).

First Trailer For SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR, Plus New Images And Screenshots

It's been nine years since the release of the first Sin City installment, and now we finally have trailer for it's sequel, which get's released this August. A Dame To Kill For looks the part, but will the four segments (including an original story created by Frank Miller for the film) live-up to the originals? As far we know, Quentin Tarantino isn't returning or hasn't been credited as one of the segment directors. Miller on the other hand is back, and considering his work on The Spirit, we should be a bit worried. Either way, Eva Green looks the part as Ava Lord and it's great to see Mickey Rourke back as Marv (a role that jump-started his career originally). I'm also interested in seeing what Joseph Gordon-Levitt brings to the table.

Should Marvel Consider Casting Eva Green As Amora The Enchantress In THOR 3?

Marvel Studios is starting to get better with their sequels. Looking ahead, Winter Soldier looks to be the best of the bunch. The same couldn't be said of Thor: The Dark World, something I blame on a very dull and ill-explained villain (Malekith). A majority of the best comic book villains have at least an once of personality to them, giving them depth. Loki and The Winter Soldier are the types of villains that Marvel should be trying to replicate. A strong backstory with our heroes, and personal struggles/arcs along their way.

One character that has been looming around the Thor franchise since day-one is Amora The Enchantress. Easily, the second most recognizable Thor villain (next to Loki) and one of the more complex ones as well. Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth have been pushing for the characters to be included, so it's likely they'll get their wish. Amora has played friend and foe, to both Thor and Loki. Her intentions are always questionable along with her feelings, having affections for both brothers. While mostly interested in her own personal gain and power status. She is someone that Marvel needs to put into play in Phase Three, and could be a valuable character in MCU.

We have had one "main" female villain in the entire run of these movies (Nebula in Guardians), it's a very odd and uneven track record. Considering that we've seen Marvel "talk-up" a Black Widow film, and a Ms Marvel one being developed behind-the-scenes. We're living in the era of Game of Thrones, when every female villain is more devilish and evil than their male counterparts. It comes down to good writing and treating your female characters like actual people, within the world you are creating.

Moving past the need to include Amora, who should eventually play her?

That answer might be more on-the-nose than you think. We've heard names like Charlize Theron and Alice Eve mentioned for the role, which are excellent suggestions. They might be too busy with their respected franchises, Eve with Star Trek 3 and Theron with future Mad Mad sequels/spin-offs. One actress has been making it her mission to tackle comic book films. That lady would be French actress Eva Green, who at the moment hasn't signed-up for a million projects. It's at least possible for her to be open to the idea of signing one of Marvel's lengthly contracts.

North American audiences were first introduced to this talented lady, in Martin Campbell's Bond reboot Casino Royale (while taking a rather large role in the mostly panned Kingdom of Heaven). Oddly enough, Eva played a character that seeming had a few characteristics of Amora in the film. Winning over Bond's confidence and trust, only to stab him in the back. It sort of reminded me of her back-and-forth with Thor and Loki.

She'll also be taking on another similar part in Robert Rodriguez's Sin City: A Dame To Kill For. While that performance's quality is currently unknown to us, another upcoming one is. Green plays the main villain in 300: Rise of An Empire. There was a recently press screening, which seemed to have everyone buzzing about one performance. That would be Eva as the battle hardened and blood thirsty Artemisia. A dark streak that does run within Amora at times, similar to Loki.

Another similarity to Tom Hiddleston is that the two actors are currently the same age. Having them paired up wouldn't be much of a stretch, something that could be an issue if Amora candidates are too young for the role. Plus, Green has played witches (Enchantress just happens to also dapple in magic) before in Dark Shadows and the series Camelot, it's also alluded to in trailers that Artemisia could be a witch as well. It's hard to imagine the pair not perfectly working-off each other.

 It doesn't hurt this lady can do comedy, drama, love stories and action roles, as good if not better than her peers (male or female). I believe that Green should at least be considered for the role of The Enchantress, and she clearly at this point is the strongest name suggested. Having an excellent history of playing villains, being the right age, having an open schedule for the foreseeable future and will likely gain the traction Marvel zeroes-in on post-Rise of An Empire.

How Baron Strucker Might Fit Into The MCU And What This Could Mean For CAPTAIN AMERICA 3

LatinoReview revealed yesterday that Baron von Strucker will play a key role in Avengers: Age of Ultron, and even named some candidates for the role. It had been also reported the part would be more of way to open the film, and introduce Scarlet Witch/Quicksilver to audiences. Strucker could have a larger role in future films, including Captain America 3. He's one of Cap's more notorious villains and with more solo sequels post-Winter Soldier, we have to assume Strucker could be apart of future movies. Strucker's origins for the film haven't been confirmed, but has slowed aging allowing to fight Cap in both WWII and present day settings. Below is a bit of the character's history via MarvelWikia.

Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, a former Nazi officer, was one of the leaders of Hydra and an enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers, and the interests of the United States of America and of the free world in general. He was physically augmented to be nearly ageless and was seemingly killed in the past to return to plague the world with schemes of world domination and genocide time and time again.

Baron von Strucker came from a line of Prussian noblemen who were all military leaders, and was recruited by the Nazi Party in the 1930s. Von Strucker rose through the ranks and became wing commander of the Death's-Head Squadron. Von Strucker fought Nick Fury, Captain America, the Invaders and several other wartime heroes, losing every time. Adolf Hitler was angered by von Strucker's many losses and ordered the baron's death. Finding an ally in the Red Skull, von Strucker was sent to eastern Asia to build a power base; this eventually led to the creation of the international terrorist organization Hydra.

There might have been hints to Baron Strucker's inclusion to the MCU back in Iron Man 3. Aldrich Killian mentions being apart of Advanced Idea Mechanics, a terrorist organization that is a splinter group of HYDRA and founded by Strucker. It's possible that the Baron was going to be the buyer of the Killian's extremis-tech, or was in fact the one paying for the whole experiment. There has been speculation that A.I.M. could come into play in Edgar Wright's Ant-Man.

Toby Jones will return as Dr. Zola in The Winter Soldier, although it hasn't been confirmed if he'll be in his robotic form which was hinted to in First Avenger. Perhaps, the character has links to Strucker in the film and could end up the puppet-master of both Zola and Bucky. There were teases to Zola brainwashing Bucky in the first movie, which might lead to him becoming Winter Soldier. We already learned that he'll be the boss of villainous twins Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Johnson), being behind Winter Soldier too wouldn't be a stretch. It might even be a great cliffhanger, as the film is expected to be the lead-in for Age of Ultron.

Frank Grillo plays S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Brock Rumlow in Winter Soldier, but will eventually become the villain Crossbones. He'll work with and be at-odds with Rogers in the film, leading him to take out the super soldier. It's unknown if this turn to Crossbones happens in the upcoming sequel, or is explored further down the line. Grillo has hinted about this transformation, but nothing is set in stone at the moment. I wouldn't be shocked to see him return apart of Strucker's team in Age of Ultron or future Cap installments.

WHAT I'D LIKE TO SEE IN CAPTAIN AMERICA 3

The likelihood of including Strucker is probably to resurrect HYDRA as a foil for S.H.I.E.L.D and Captain America. HYDRA has been one of the biggest launching grounds for villains and world domination plots. If we're going to have more Cap films, brining them back as a serious world threat ( something currently lacking in the MCU) would be a great way to continue Rogers' journey into present day. We don't really have a human threat compelling enough at the moment, it's been mostly cosmic and artificial origins (Thanos, Loki and Ultron). The Baron could be a way to give S.H.I.E.L.D an actual reason to exist, and give Rogers something worth battling between Avengers installments.

Let's face it, the villains of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D aren't worth Cap's time. Having HYDRA combine forces with A.I.M. and Roxxon could be a way to give the MCU real human adversaries.  Not to mention including advanced military technology like drones, robotic-enhancements and other weapons could put S.H.I.E.L.D on their asses. Think of how overwhelmed they would be if the enemy was using tech similar to Elysium or Avatar.

Strucker's right-hand is Ophelia Sarkissian, better known as Madame Hydra. She's also known as Viper, and that angle of the character was used in The Wolverine, turning her into a mutant scientist. Fox didn't refer to her as Ophelia but only Ms. Green along with a blond look over, leading me to believe that the Madame Hydra-side of the character is still game for Marvel to use, as she was clearly more connected to Captain America than Wolverine in the comics.

Marvel Studios has been upping their game concerning supporting female characters with Widow, Pepper, Sif and Jane getting more action and screen time. They haven't given us a main female villain in these films yet. There were some minor female villains in Iron Man 3, which is a step in the right direction but it would be nice to the ladies also given the heavier roles. A character like Whitney Frost would have been perfect for Iron Man 3, and for all we knew Maya Hensen (played by Rebecca Hall) could have easily became that villain but turned out to be just another minor character. Frost could show up in Age of Ultron but is unlikely set for Iron Man 4 (RDJ has signed on for Avengers 2-3, but not another Iron Man sequel), other sequels might be set for Phase Three. Nothing at this point is ruling out Thor 3 (Hela, Amora The Enchantress) or Captain America 3 (Madame Hydra, Sin), two projects that very well might see female villains.

The character hasn't been brought up recently but she was in early drafts of The First Avenger, along with Strucker and Baron Zemo.  I assume Sarkissian could show up in Age of Ultron, if not then Captain America 3, as you rarely see Strucker without her. The Avengers cartoon had Strucker as a primary villain on several occasions, which also included Madame as his second in command.

I'd love to see Eva Green (300: Rise of An Empire, Casino Royale, Sin City: A Dame To Kill For) or Ruth Wilson (Saving Mr. Banks, Lone Ranger, Luther) end up with the villainous role, as the two actresses are very capable of playing convincing villains. It doesn't hurt Green worked with possible Strucker candidate Marton Csokas in Kingdom of Heaven. Wilson had been my choice for Scarlet Witch but with Olsen now in the role, having Ruth still involved with the MCU is a must. Her role as Alice in Luther alongside Thor's Idris Elba, proves she's also able to play a strong villain, being apart of two Disney projects and linked as a candidate for Ms. Marvel could help her land in the MCU too.

It had been rumored that Baron Zemo would have an appearance in Winter Soldier, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Gods of Egypt, Game of Thrones, Oblivion, Headhunters) was linked as a possible candidate for the role. It's a possibility that Marvel was looking to cast Strucker and not Zemo at the time, as Nikolaj does fit the character description for Strucker (that was mentioned by LatinoReview). Zemo is still a great Marvel character since he has linage (like Union Jack) and has played both villain along with ally in recent incarnations. He could very well become the Loki character for the Captain America franchise if handled properly.

I've had a few actors on a wish-list to play Zemo, but after seeing Daniel Brühl take on powerful roles in films such as Inglourious Basterds and Rush (co-starring with Thor's Chris Hemsworth), I can totally support him for the role. Not to mention he's able to speak German, French and Italian, a talent that could be explored in a globetrotting adventure franchise like Captain America. Daniel could see his performance in Rush earn him an Oscar nomination, a key part of getting on Marvel's radar.

If Marvel is looking for more of a bruiser to play Zemo, my choice would be South African actor Sharlto Copley. The actor has taken on a steady stream of action roles in District 9 and The A-Team (alongside Rocket Raccoon's Bradley Cooper), not to mention playing a villains in Elysium and Oldboy. Copley is currently shooting Chappie which co-stars X-Men actor Hugh Jackman. Kruger has to be one of the best villains of 2013, seeing Sharlto take on more roles like him would be awesome.

Marvel has been hiring some rough and tumble actors for supporting roles in Winter Soldier, mainly Frank Grillo (The Grey, Warrior, Homefront, End of Watch) and Callan Mulvey (300: Rise of An Empire, Hunter) as S.H.I.E.L.D agents. It would be nice to see Union Jack finally come into play, as the character was hinted to back in Iron Man 2. I would assume that Joey Chapman would be the incarnation of the hero, since that was the UK racer mentioned in the Iron Man sequel. Giving Cap his own team like The Invaders could be a way to introduce another iconic heroes like Union Jack.

I've been dying to see Sullivan Stapleton (Animal Kingdom, 300: Rise of An Empire, Strike Back) take on a Marvel role, and Union Jack could be a perfect one for him. The Aussie badass was linked for roles in Guardians of The Galaxy and Star Wars: Episode VII, both Marvel and Disney see potential in the actor.

A New Poster For 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE

First Theatrical Poster For 300: RISE OF EMPIRE

First Look At Eva Green As Vilain Of 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE

FIRST LOOK: Sullivan Stapleton In 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE

Teaser Poster For 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE

FIRST LOOK: Josh Brolin As Dwight In SIN CITY A DAME TO KILL FOR

Eva Green Will Play Ava Lord In SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL

HeatVision reports that Eva Green (300: Rise of An Empire, Casino Royale, Kingdom of Heaven) has landed the femme fatal role of Ava Lord in Sin City: A Dame To Kille For. Lord is the character the title refers to and will see Green share scenes with Josh Brolin's Dwight. In the early days of the sequel names like Rachel Weisz and Angelina Jolie were linked for Ava.

New Dark Shadows Posters Get More Creative But Still Colorful