Emily Blunt Finally Talks About CAPTAIN MARVEL And How Likely Is Joss Whedon Directing?

While promoting her new Disney musical Into The Woods, Emily Blunt spoke to ScreenCrush who brought-up the Captain Marvel role. Seemingly unfamiliar with both the character and her fan-favorite status. This isn't a new phenomena, actors such as Paul Rudd and Benedict Cumberbatch have played dumb in-front of reporters. When questioned about the possibility of playing Marvel heroes. This is the first time Emily has ever been asked about the character directly, so she can very easily pretend to have no knowledge of her.

It might be a bit harder to come-off ignorant of the character the next time she is asked about her. I'm sure it'll end up start becoming "it's all, rumor man". That said, she could be generally unaware of the character. Yet, that feels off to me since her husband tested for Captain America and she was cast as Black Widow. You'd think she would have more of an awareness to what the studio is up to, even more so since the Phase Three news was in every trade and news outlet.




This is the entire interview with ScreenCrush, enjoy!

Are you aware of the Internet buzz surrounding you playing Captain Marvel?

Somebody told me about it this morning! I knew because my brother told me.

People want you to play Captain Marvel.

Which is kind of amazing.

You were in ‘Looper’ and ‘Edge of Tomorrow,’ you have that cred now.

I know. What’s she like, though? I don’t know anything about her. What’s it like, this character?

She’s great.

Cool. Is she fun? Or is she just like, straight…

No, she’s witty and strong. That’s why people keep bringing your name up. They don’t want a boring actor. A lot of personality.

Oh, cool.

I think people really liked what they saw in ‘Edge of Tomorrow.’

But it’s not the same type of character?

No. It’s weird I’m explaining this to you...

I know. Someone told me this morning, my brother, actually. They call it fan casting?

Yes.

Which is lovely. It’s my favorite kind of casting! I wish it was always like that.

Sometimes fan casting works.

Which would be cool.

Maybe they can make ‘Captain Marvel’ a musical now that you’ve done ‘Into the Woods.’

[Laughs] ‘Captain Musical Marvel.’ Let’s just call Marvel about that right now. We’ll call Kevin Feige about that. “Kevin Feige, we have one hell of an idea.” Yeah.

“Only if it’s a musical will you get your dream casting.”

Exactly.

But in seriousness, it does appeal to you?

I think, it’s always for me, it’s always about—and now, more so—what am I putting out there? What would be interesting for me and what would be interesting for people to see. So, if it’s an awesome part, it doesn’t matter if it’s a Marvel movie or a tiny movie, I’d be up for it.

You’d be a hero for every 10-year-old girl out there right now.

Really? Then that’s huge.

There’s no Marvel female superhero who has her own movie yet.

That’s huge. How awesome. I love this. No one has actually called me about it, so, we’ll hold our breath. [Laughs] I don’t know if I’ll get the call ever if I pitch it should be a musical.

Blunt talked to New York Magazine in March 2012 and her reluctancy to be involved with supporting Marvel roles like Peggy Carter. Sort of echoing what Jessica Chastain has said about passing on Iron Man 3. Perhaps, giving the impression what kind of comic book role she would be interested in playing.

"Usually the female parts in a superhero film feel thankless: She's the pill girlfriend while the guys are whizzing around saving the world," offered Blunt. "I didn't do the other ones because the part wasn't very good or the timing wasn't right, but I'm open to any kind of genre if the part is great and fun and different and a challenge in some way." 

"I would love to do a comic-book movie or a science-fiction film that would scare the bejesus out of me," she continued. "Maybe I need to be James Bond! I just did 'Looper,' because it's so original and breathtakingly cool. The time-travel aspect is just a backdrop to visit this heightened world, where you're atoning for something and attempting to be more than you've been."

Here's my case that Marvel wants Blunt for the role of Danvers.

We've been hearing Emily Blunt's name rumored for Carol Danvers since TheDailyMail (known for breaking Bond news) first linked her and actress Ruth Wilson for the role in Avengers 2. That happened to be back in October 2012, around the same time the studio was putting together ideas for the sequel. Before it's ultimate announcement next July at SDCC13 as Avengers: Age of Ultron. This is also around the same time that talk of a Black Widow spin-off slowly winded-down.

Funny, since we've been hearing from trusted sites and sources that there was a Ms Marvel cameo in the final Age of Ultron script. Which could still play-out at the end of Age of Ultron, unless Marvel axes the nod completely, seemingly the practice when these things leak. Basically, it was predicted back in 2012 that Danvers could be showing-up in Avengers 2, and it might actually happen. Shocking!

To those naysayers, this might be the reason why we never heard other names in the mix since that original rumor. It's extremely possible that Marvel took in consideration that Blunt was forced out of the Black Widow role by 20th Century Fox. Emily also tested for the role of Peggy Carter but passed on the character. We assume because the role wasn't meaty enough for her at the time, and it's quite possible in late 2012 Marvel put her on a candidate list for Carol Danvers. The studio is known to put actors on wish-lists without their knowledge.

A trade report in 2013 confirmed that a draft for Captain Marvel existed. It's possible that Marvel's screenwriting program developed an outline in-house and it's perhaps how they've been able to keep the development hush-hush. Kevin Feige stated that a Captain Marvel film had been in development at the studio almost as long as Doctor Strange, which could be true. Since the in-house script program wouldn't have revealed writers and what scripts they were working on. There are a pile of these scripts with unnamed titles and writers in their offices.

Some claim it was way too early for Marvel to consider casting for the role, which is kind of stupid if you ask me. Marvel is known for introducing characters in other installments, other than their solo adventures. Black Panther being a prime example, as he'll be first seen in costume in Captain America: Civil War and will get his own film in 2017. Marvel had been looking at actors for Panther for years before they announced Chadwick Boseman. I have a suspicion that Danvers might also have a role to play in Civil War as well.

Why would Marvel cast an actor before a director is even attached? It's likely a simple answer, they have a director already lined-up (Feige said we'll hear a director before casting) or they always knew they wanted Emily for the role (hence name on the top of their list). Due to her previous casting as Black Widow in Iron Man 2. I'm sure this was done without the awareness of Blunt, but they could have promised her another role in the future.

So who could they have in mind to direct? A bit of speculation on my part, but I have a sneaking feeling that Joss Whedon might be person behind this film. Clearly, early development took place behind closed-doors and Kevin Feige seemingly hints a director might be already chosen. We already know that The Russo Brothers are apparently wanted to direct the two Infinity War installments. Where does this leave Whedon if he's not making Avengers anymore?

That's a question a lot of people haven't been asking, automatically thinking he's done with Marvel (even though he has talked about writing a new Hulk film). Joss did show-up to that Phase Three announcement at the El Capitan, odd since none of his films are apart of that slate. I think it would be sort of odd that he would show-up just for his sneak peek. I'm sure he wanted to hear the fan reaction just as much as Feige did. What if he was directing one of those announced films?


Joss is known for writing strong female characters and already has a working relationship with Kevin Feige/Marvel. It wouldn't be hard to imagine Marvel insisting Whedon develop the film. He did plan on writing-directing Wonder Woman for Warner Bros. It would eventually get killed, and he would move on to Avengers instead. That potential for a female-driven superhero story could be refocused with a film like Captain Marvel. We've heard some interesting things from Whedon about the character. However, a recent interview with HeyUGuys gave some insight he or Marvel may have cracked the character. This eventually became true as the solo film is expected to come out July 2018. Whedon is known for keeping his mouth shut about scripts, and is the kind of writer to keep a secret Marvel script from scoopers.

If Joss Whedon is making Captain Marvel why are they waiting until 2018 to release it? I think we know the answer to this as well, he's going to be fucking exhausted once he's completed with the press rounds for Age of Ultron. It also might have to do with the overall release plans of Marvel and not just Joss possibly wanting to make more indie films. Whedon went straight into shooting A Much Ado About Nothing right after the Avengers release, that could happen again taking up a good chunk of his time. Having him tackle a smaller production would also give him enough time to put together the best script possible. I'm not excluding the idea that we'll see her possibly in both Age of Ultron and Civil War too.



SOURCE: SCREENCRUSH

Natalie Dormer And Mackenzie Davis Would Make Excellent CAPTAIN MARVEL Candidates

A majority of the Marvel movie fan community cheered when the studio announced plans to release a Captain Marvel movie in 2018. She's one of the most recognizable female superheroes and has slowly grown a huge fan-base named The Carol Corps., whose presence is active in most genre conventions overwhelming with their impressive cosplay turnout. Kevin Feige promised an announcement concerning a writer and director, before news of who will play her but that hasn't stopped us from creating casting wish-lists.

For months we've been talking about candidates such as Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, Looper, Five-Year Engagement), Jessica Chastain (A Violent Year, The Martian, Zero Dark Thirty, Crimson Peak, Mama, Interstellar) , Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Jack Reacher, World's End, Die Another Day), and Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica, Riddick). Who would all make excellent additions for the running. However, I'm not entirely sure how these ladies would actually feel about the commitment needed to be apart of the Marvel universe.

The Captain Marvel contract would likely include a five-to-nine picture deal. Wouldn't be shocked to see her heavily involved with Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War Part I, Inhumans and Avengers: Infinity War Part II. Not to mention future roles in Phase Four films. This is the sort of thing has scared off some talented actors in the past. Joaquin Phoenix has passed on both Bruce Banner and Stephen Strange roles because of this aspect. Actors such as Chris Pratt, Paul Rudd and Chadwick Boseman were in positions where they could make a giant string of Marvel movies. I'm unsure if some of these ladies would be willing to give-up future projects due to these Marvel movies. This might not be a huge issue for the likes of Katee Sackhoff, for others this could dip into their prospect of working with highly acclaimed actors, writers and directors.

I've been shocked how many Captain Marvel casting lists have been including Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence. While talented, will likely have her X-Men contract re-upped very soon at 20th Century Fox. Jennifer might be slowly winding-down her Hunger Games franchise, but the X-Men franchise is growing and moving forward. The studio will need the key actors like her for their future plans to work.

 Hugh Jackman has talked at length about retiring as Wolverine. A move that will likely take place after James Mangold's The Wolverine 2. I expect to see Fox double-down on contracts for Lawrence, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy. Giving them incentives to stick-around for another trilogy. As X-Men Apocalypse will complete the trilogy started by Matthew Vaughn's First Class. Including Lawrence in Carol Danvers casting lists isn't just lazy it's ignorant to the power and money Fox is willing to throw around.

Yes, Hunger Games is ending but it will also see her the face of a multi-billion dollar franchise. I don't think Fox will let that go, considering they've gone out of their way to mess with the X-Men timeline. Turning her character Mystique from villain to heroine, something obviously done to keep Lawrence's Raven in a heroic light. Let's not forget that the studio has teased giving Mystique her own solo film. I don't think that's something they've put out there for shits-and-giggles. That character is most likely to get her own spin-off. Considering Sony, Marvel and Warner Bros. are moving forward with female-driven superhero films, Fox will likely follow suit as well. Fox isn't afraid to pay actors what they need to stick around, they used to give Sigourney Weaver huge amounts to make more Alien movies.

The studio also seemingly gives the cast a bit of breathing-room between installments, something RDJ,  Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans have been dreaming about for a while now.

We know that Marvel is known for demanding huge commitments of their actors, something that could hurt Jennifer's indie roots and awards-level productions. The young actress is still attaching herself to Oscar level work, even after winning for Silver Linings Playbook. Notice how her co-star Bradley Cooper was only willing to commit to voice acting for Rocket Raccoon? Yeah, Jennifer Lawrence signing-on for Captain Marvel is a huge stretch. Sticking with Fox's X-Men franchise, will keep her profile in the spotlight while allowing her the time to make the more artsy dramas we're used to her making. We've seen how Marvel can scare-off talented actors with these contracts. Joaquin Phoenix turned down both Bruce Banner and Stephen Strange roles over these demands from the studio. It's hard to believe Jennifer Lawrence is viable candidate with all this possibly putting up walls.

However, two actresses we haven't really been talking about could make a huge impact on the Marvel cinematic universe, while also being able to commit to their crazy lengthy contracts. Those names are Natalie Dormer and newcomer Mackenzie Davis. Two ladies who I haven't really seen mentioned previously to Marvel's announcement that Carol Danvers is getting her own film in July 2018.

Natalie Dormer (Rush, Counselor, Fades, Silk, Tudors, The Girl Who Invented Kissing) might have had a cameo in Captain America: The First Avenger, but that really shouldn't completely destroy her chances for a role. Previously, we've heard Idris Elba campaigning for roles like Luke Cage, Black Panther and Blade. Let's not forget that Elba also had a role in Ghost Rider: Spirt of Vengeance and Chris Evans was in Fantastic Four before he was Captain America.

Since Dormer's role as the flirty soldier, could easily be the grandmother of Carol Danvers. Marvel has never shied away from family legacy, Stark and Carter are excellent examples of this.

She's all over genre work and is making a name for herself as the best walk-on character actress. Her profile has been recently increased thanks in-part to her role in Game of Thrones and Hunger Games franchises. Natalie is and extremely hard worker and goes quickly from project to project. It's the type of work ethic that might be a perfect fit for Marvel's notorious contracts.

Canadian actress Mackenzie Davis (That Awakward Moment, What If) is quickly gathering steam as a newcomer, taking roles in the AMC series Halt And Catch Fire and Ridley Scott's The Martian. She's placing herself in an array of different genres. Something that echoes what we saw with Chris Hemsworth before he landed Thor.

It also doesn't hurt that she has worked or will work with Marvel alumni Sebastian Stan (Captain America 1-2), Lee Pace (Guardians of The Galaxy), Scoot McNairy (All Hail The King), Michael Pena (Ant-Man), Patton Oswalt (Agents of SHIELD), Shea Whigham (Agent Cater), Michael B. Jordan (Fantastic Four) and Miles Teller (Fantastic Four). The actress is a prime candidate for one of Marvel's lengthly contracts, which would likely see her committed to five-nine films.


Do you think Marvel is going to be able to wrangle a high-profile actress or will they go with someone under the radar?

Jennifer Lawrence And Natalie Dormer Looking Like Badasses In MOCKINGJAY Set Photos

DailyMail and other photo sites have scooped some new set images from Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.  Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones) is decked out with some heavy firepower, while oddly we see others like Katniss still using bows. The photos also include images of Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin and Mahershala Ali. To say this movie looks amazing is an understatement. I totally dig what I'm seeing, I avoid the final book because I wanted the last two films to surprise me. I'm glad I did because it looks like the movies might turnout better than the final book.

Empire Reveals Even More Captain America Images

 In the latest issue of Empire (via ComicBookMovie) the magazine has a slew of new Captain America stills. They show off the incredible tone of the film. It's our first look at Tommy Lee Jones as Col. Chester Phillips, Natalie Dormer (Tudors) as Private Lorraine and Richard Armitage (Hobbit) as Heinz Kruger.

Also we finally see an image of Hayley Atwell ready to go into action with her Thompson. I'm overwhelmed by awesomeness of the recent images that have coming out. I really think this could be the bigger of the two Marvel films coming out this year.