Marvel Studios' “Black Widow” Gets A Teaser

Just around the corner now with a release date of May 2020, Marvel's upcoming Black Widow prequel has released a teaser trailer. The trailer was decent for what it was. It was basically a quick intro to the characters Natasha will meet back up with from her past. Enough to get me a little more intrigued than I was in the first place. Red Guardian seems to be one of the most interesting aspects for me. If they don’t make him a complete joke, he looks like he could be a lot of fun. For me this really hinges on the what & when. I can't pinpoint exactly when this actually takes place. Which will mean a lot, but really takes second place to the what. Because I'm not thinking the actual what of this film, but what it will have to do with the future of the MCU? Much like Captain Marvel, a good prequel has major effects on the now & beyond. I'm wondering what that will be with this? Something here should heavily influence the now & beyond. That's actually my biggest excitement from this film. Good character intro teaser though. Not much on substance, but it’s a teaser. I will say this though, they’re really going t ok have to come out the booth to make this a Marvel film, & not just another spy film. What are y'all's thoughts though? Put ‘em in the comments, like, & share.

Spider-Man Saved For Now As Sony/Marvel Decide To Get Along

Yesterday we learned two things. Sony isn't as dumb as I was starting to think they were, & both them & Marvel Studios/Disney like money. This revelation came with the announcement of Spider-Man remaining in the MCU for a third installment, & another MCU film. Variety's reporting Marvel will get roughly 25% of Sony's solo venture, while also putting about the same towards production this time around. This is a no-brainer, win/win. Sony was missing almost anything that goes with the Tom Holland Spider-Man's plot without Marvel, & though Marvel really had nothing to lose, we like Spider-Man in the MCU. Not to mention Sony would've made a lot of forced decisions because of this, & it might have damaged more than just Spider-Man for them in the long run. Meanwhile, Marvel don’t have to uncomfortably not mention Peter's existence. Hopefully there's a fail safe that writes Spidey out of the MCU by the end of these. Or we can prepare to go through this again. Until then, thoughts? Put ‘em in the comments, like, & share.

Sony/Marvel Studios Spider-Man Split And What I'd Do

With Disney news being scarce on the way to D23, I wasn't expecting anything this significant from Marvel Studios. And well, technically this isn't about them, it's about Sony. I heard this first last night on Collider, but at that point it seemed there was a lot of hope still they could come to something. Today when I woke up though, THR has pretty much confirmed Sony is taking their ball & going home when it comes to Spider-Man. After a long negotiations the webslinger will not be returning to the MCU. Stupid move for Sony in my book, but I can’t say I didn't see it coming. With the Venom & Spiderverse success, & a little time with the borrowed super success of the MCU films, Sony might think they have it figured out now. Who knows what this means for the character. We know a third with Holland should be a given with the billion dollar run of Far From Home, imaginehow that will look if you just strip away all things MCU? No Tony, no Happy, no reference to the Avengers, or even the blip from Thanos' snap. That's a ton of major plot points. They could Spiderverse him. Would anyone want to see that though? They could kill him off early in the next & go Miles Morales proper. I feel like Sony has a lot more to think about right now than Marvel. It's easier to write out a character than to write out all the characters around a character & keep going. It seems to all come down to money in the long run. Marvel wants to bump there 5% to 50%, & that's a hell of a jump. A Sony Spider-Man has never made a billion dollars & climbing though. They topped out at 890 mil with Spider-Man 3. No argument their worst, only getting there due to the success of part 2. Take that & double it you've got 1780. With Far From Home at 1109 & still creeping, we're shy 680 million as of right now to doubling the profits of Sony's best outing with the friendly neighborhood hero. While that's a huge number still, I'm just saying maybe that 50% is crazy, but so is 5%. Negotiations were needed, but like I’ve been saying, I saw this coming. Contract was up after Far From Home. Anything past actually would have been the surprise for me. I just barely started to think a third might happen after how much money this one did make. Not that my thoughts will matter to them, but I think Sony's failing to see that big picture of their losses as of right now. Even if they had to give up more than they wanted now, they should think long run. If Sony was smart they'd have negotiated “Spiderversing” Holland in the end of a MCU third or side entry like Doctor Strange. Even if it's a 1 or 2 film contract to do so. Everyone wins. No missing MCU character, & Sony gets Holland, with story still in tact, to drop in any part of the Spiderverse they please. Anyway, curious to see what happens, but even more so to hear y'all's thoughts. Put ‘em in the comments, like, & share.

Marvel Studios Manages Delivers Surprises In Lineup At SDCC

Marvel Studios dropped its upcoming lineup for not only film, but also Disney+ at SDCC's Hall H. With a couple little tidbits, actors, dates, & online big surprise to me in a certain half-vampire vampire slayer. Here's what they’re coming with:

First & foremost the one we probably have heard the most about, Marvel Studios' THE ETERNALS with Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumai Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh and Don Lee. Directed by Chlo Zhao, we now have a date of November 6, 2020. This might be the one I'm the most curious about. It has the potential to really set up the next phase of Marvel.

Next up, Shang-Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings. With Simu Liu as Shang-Li, Awkwafina in an undisclosed role, & Tony Leung as the real Mandarin. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton with a date of February 12th, 2021. I was excited for this just as a kung-fu film. Now with this real Mandarin news I can’t wait for this one.

Scarlett Johansson will reprise her role of Natasha Romanoff. Cate Shortland directs the film, which also features David Harbour as Alexei, aka The Red Guardian; Florence Pugh as Yelena; O-T Fagbenle as Mason; and Rachel Weisz as Melina. It has a date of May 1st, 2020, & my big question is if this is a prequel, what effect will it have on the current state of the MCU?

On November 5th 2021, we've got a new God of Thunder coming, or should I say Goddess. Natalie Portman joined director Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, and Tessa Thompson on stage, wielding Thor’s hammer as it was revealed that her character, Jane Foster, will become the Mighty Thor in the next installment in the Thor franchise. Straight out of the comics, I'm not sure what to think of this one. The run with Jane as Thor was great, & if they can capture that it could be real special. I’m expecting some fallout with this announcement.

Doctor Strange will be returning May 7th 2021, & even more. This time around he will be joined by Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. Elizabeth Olsen revealed that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will have a direct connection to the Disney+ series WandaVision, which we'll mention later. Benedict Cumberbatch stars once again as Doctor Stephen Strange and Scott Derrickson returns to direct. Doctor Strange was a big surprise for me. I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. Knowing everyone is coming back plus some, has me highly anticipating this one.

No date for this one, but it has me super pumped. The first Blade is one of my all time favorite films. This time around Mahershala Ali will star as the title character, who in Marvel comics is a half-human/half-vampire who protects mortals from the undead. Loved & have been watching Ali since Luke Cage. Where I said he basically played Wesley Snipes' Nino Brown from New Jack City. Now we get to see him fall into an actual Snipes role with Blade.

Next up was the Disney+ lineup. With Marvel confirming some titles for the upcoming streaming service. Fall 2020 sees The Falcon & the Winter Soldier. Where we’ll see Sam Wilson (The Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier) embark on a new chapter, post Endgame. Anthony Mackie (The Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) will be joined by Daniel Brühl returning as Civil War villain Baron Zemo. Spring 2021 will bring us Wandavision. Here we follow fan-favorites Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and Vision, played by Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany. However it was revealed in Hall H they'll be joined by an adult Monica Rambeau. Who, if you're keeping score is the daughter of Maria Rambeau from Captain Marvel, played by MCU newcomer Teyonah Parris. This was the lowest thing on my list, but now knowing it has some effect on the second installment of Doctor Strange, it's moved itself higher. Loki will join us Spring 2021. Tom Hiddleston will reprise the role, & hopefully we find put what happened when he stole back the space stone in the past as seen in Endgame. Talk about perfect set up. Jeremy Renner was on hand to reveal the Fall 2021 series’ title, & let us know, a popular Marvel comics character will be an integral part of the series. Can’t wait to see who will be joining Clint & daughter Kate? I’m a big fan of Renner in this role. Very curious where this one's going. Last but certainly not least we have a series I'm highly anticipating, What If?. Summer 2021 we get to visit alternate realities with Jeffrey Wright voicing The Watcher. Marvel Studios is assembling a stellar voice cast from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe to reprise their roles as voice talent. This was one of my favorite comic titles as a kid. All in all, these are some amazing announcements, plagued by the fact that we had already heard murmurs of just about all of them. The Blade thing's probably the only real surprise of this whole announcement. Other than giving us a lineup. According to Screen Rant, quickly at the end of the panel Feige also confirmed Black Panther 2, Guardians of the Galaxy 3, Captain Marvel 2, & The Fantastic Four. Stating that there wasn't enough time to talk mutants. No time lines makes me think those are outside the 2 yr marks of all this stuff we just got dates for though. I was thinking there was going to he a few more surprises, but I've got this feeling there's a reason they’re playing a shorter game. Only giving us 2 years out. I am really intrigued with what I'm hearing. I'm figuring there will be a overarching storyline to weave all these starting to develop. I can tell it's something they’re not trying to give an inkling on. What about y'all? What are y'all's thoughts? Put ‘em in the comments, like, & share.

Taika Waititi Back For “Thor 4”!!!

A THR exclusive has Taika Waititi returning to write & direct the fourth installment of Marvel Studios Thor. Which while it will be a follow up to his Thor: Ragnarok, will also be dealing with the events of Avengers, both Infinity War & Endgame. Hemsworth is expected to return. This will put Warner's Akira on hold indefinitely. Even though I was curious to an extent for that one, this is way better news for me. I absolutely loved Thor: Ragnarok. Probably one of my most rewatched Marvel films. I can't wait to see what he brings next. Not only that, but also how this all is gonna start to lineup the more titles we know for sure are in the works. Anyway, awesome news for me. What do y’all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

"Avengers: Endgame" "Mission" Spot Adds Some New Details

So while this new spot for Avengers: Endgame doesn't really show us much new footage, it does tell us some new info on the mission. Captain America's pep talk to his fellow Avengers let's us know they're splitting up into teams. This means the battle is going to be waged on multiple fronts most likely. Which for me only adds to the epicness of a "for everything" battle scene. This spot also ends on a hilarious exchange with Rocket & Ant-Man. Great quick spot, but can this just go ahead & happen already. The 25th seems so far away. What do y'all think of this whole multi-front battle angle? Put it in the comments, like, and share.

Angelina Jolie In Talks To Star In "Eternals"

A Hollywood Reporter exclusive just put Angelina Jolie as "in talks" to star in Marvel's upcoming Eternals film to be directed by Chloe Zhao. No confirmation from Marvel, & in talks never means anything in concrete, but personally, I think she's a great addition to the MCU. I'm a big fan of Jolie's acting abilities. Hell, even when it comes to my hatred for Maleficent, it has nothing to do with her performance at all. Based on Kirby's epic title about the near immortal perfect Eternals vs the monster like Deviants, both created by the Celestials. THR sources report "one aspect to the story involves the love story between Ikaris, a man fueled by cosmic energy, and Sersi, who relishes moving amongst humans." In addition to no word from Marvel, there's also no word who Jolie will be playing if these talks go through. Nonetheless, I'm sure she'll be a great addition no matter the role. 

New Suits And Captain Marvel In New "Avengers: Endgame" Official Trailer

Where the last trailer for Avengers: Endgame felt like it was all about how this bridges from Infinity War, this new one is more about bridging everything we've seen from the start of the MCU as a whole.  Dug seein' the new suits. Apparently, geared for space travel or Quantum Realm time travel. Lord knows there's been plenty of theories. These are on point to the concept art a long while back that people where questioning the truth of. Loved the epicness of going all the way back to the beginnings & stringing them into the now. There's now no doubt in my mind Hawkeye/Ronin loses everything in the snap. My favorite part of this trailer however, is the interaction between Thor & Captain Marvel. Absolutely loved it. Anyway, loved this trailer, & as usual with MCU trailers, I'm glad they're not showing us much. Mainly they just build on the scenes they've already shown. I've also got to mention though, not sure what to believe after all the deception found in the Captain Marvel trailer vs the actual film. Curious though, what are y'all's thoughts? Put 'em in the comments, like, & share.

Intergalactic War Featurette Sets The Stage For "Captain Marvel"

The title says it all. This featurette really does set the stage for Captain Marvel. It felt like that opening scene for Romeo & Juliet, "In fair Verona where we lay our scene..." Anyone who just don't know what to expect at all, can pretty much get the whole of it right here. So if you're only into these Marvel movies, & don't really know anything else about comics, this featurette is for you. 

The Future Of X-Men And R Rated Superheroes From Fox

So, there have been a lot of things on everyone's mind since the purchase of Fox by Disney when it comes to the Marvel universe. First & foremost, I thought this would be a given. According to Bob Iger Fox's ultra popular R rated superhero films will keep going forward. Namely Deadpool . However, I'm sure they will go on under a separate banner than the Disney owned Marvel. Some think the name Fox will stay, I'm leaning more towards a rebirth of the Marvel Knights division, but we'll have to see. The big news is Deadpool's R rating is safe. The second big Fox/Marvel news answers an even bigger question for me. In an interview with Collider, Lauren Shuler Donner addressed the state of the X-Men since the purchase. Obviously we're still getting the possible train wreck that will be Dark Phoenix & New Mutants is done however which way we receive it. After that everything is up in the air though as she states all further X-Men projects are on hold. She's hoping we hear something post Avengers: Endgame , & even more so she Hope's we're going in a different direction than we already went. No one will know until the inevitable big announcement, but I'm thinking this is a good thing. At least we know they're prepared to take this seriously, & give it some real thought. I want a series of X-Men in the MCU, but more so than that, I want it to be consecutively good. As of now we have a hodge podge of great, mediocre, & bad X-Men films. None of which having any real form of continuity. As the X-Men have always been my favorite Marvel property, I would love to see then get the level of MCU consistency we've grown to expect. What do y'all think though? Are you more excited for the continuation of Deadpool & possibly other R rated heroes? Or the fact that it seems a lot of thought is going into reimagining some quality X-Family titles? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Big Game TV Spot For "Captain Marvel"

First was the Superbowl TV spot for Avengers: Endgame . Now we get another for Captain Marvel . Matching the same intensity of the Endgame  trailer, jamming a whole lot into 30 seconds, & at the same time not showing much more than we've already seen. In fact, besides Coulson & Fury going airborne, I could only catch scenes we've already seen. Maybe stretched out one way or another, but nothing really new. The quick scene jump is really working for these though. It delivers in 30 seconds a more appealing trailer than we've got in all the longer ones in my opinion. Both these trailers seem to have an intensity to them that let's you know something big is going down. If you can't tell I really dug this look. Even if it was missing Goose the cat. What'd y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

"Avengers: Endgame" Big Game TV Spot

Here's our next look at Avengers: Endgame that came out for Superbowl Sunday. It's definitely a blink & you'll miss it look, but I'm cool with that. I don't really want to see a lot of this one. At least, until I'm sitting in the theater. In this quick look though, we do get a couple big things. We get a look at a rather empty world left behind by Thanos. Half empty to be exact. We also see a quick glimpse of Tony Stark & Nebula helping each other to piece together their space shuttle. They also give us a shot of the remaining Avengers following Captain America. I'll have to watch this a few more times to see if I blinked & missed anything else. All in all, I like that they kept it small here. Awesome trailer to be crammed into 30 seconds. Check it out. If you catch anything big I missed let me know. Put it in the comments, like, & share.

New Film Clip From "Captain Marvel"

Marvel Studios released a new film clip from Captain Marvel,  & in all honesty, it just seems like a strange clip to release. It's dead in the middle of a multiple chase scene. Young Nick Fury & Phil Coulson are chasing Captain Marvel as she's chasing what is most likely an undercover Skrull. It's probably very early in the film, due to her wearing her StarForce colors & not the blue, red, & gold costume, but it's just an odd snippet. It starts from nothing & pretty much ends from nothing. I do think it's awesome how much this looks like a throwback to the more modern-era Marvel films. It totally has a 90s vibe to the look of everything. Hell, it almost even looks like it was filmed in the 90s. Anyway, beings there's no context the clip really, it's neither good nor bad in my book. Just a strange clip to release once again. What do y'all think? As movie advertisement, would this steer you one way or the other? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

"Doctor Strange" Writer Sheds Some Light On Possible Sequel Direction

One of my favorite Marvel Cinematic movies has to be Doctor Strange . So you can imagine my excitement at the return of the team that made the original. According to comicbook.com, returning screenwriter C. Robert Cargill is set to submit a script for approval to Marvel Studios to await approval. If approved he'll reteam with director Scott Derrickson shooting for a May 7th, 2021 release. They also mention during a Q&A with That Hashtag Show  he threw out some details of what his sequel will be exploring. His current plan is for Nightmare to be the villain, eventually leading back to Baron Mordo. The latter of which he went on to add, ""For those of you who have ever read the comics, you know that Baron Mordo has a very particular arc, and that's something we discussed with Chiwetel while working on the first movie." Then adding, "And part of the reason Chiwetel wanted to play Mordo was because he has a definitive ending as a character and it's such a fascinating ending. And I do know that whether we're attached or not, that Marvel plans on working towards that ending and fully realizing Mordo as more than just a cardboard cutout villain, but actually taking him to kind of Loki levels of awesomeness. That's the goal with him." This is by far the biggest part of all this for me. I loved the build of Baron Mordo's character in the first film, & to know that Cargill or not, Marvel has plans to fully realize his character totally makes my day. Chiwetel was amazing in that role. To think they're going to let him take it to "Loki" levels has totally ramped up my excitement for the sequel & beyond. What are y'all's thoughts on these developments? Are you excited for the possibility of the original writer/director team returning, or the future of Baron Mordo? Do you think he could reach Loki levels? Put it in the comments, like, & share.