Wednesday, October 14

• Jon Favreau Won't Direct The Avengers

  Jon Favreau has left hints that he'd be directing the upcoming Avengers movie for some time now, saying his involvement was "yet to be determined." It looks like fanboys let their hopes get away from them, though, as Favreau has now told MTV that his status is 100% determined ... and the decision is "no."

  They'll have to [find a different director], because I'm not going to be available. It's something I'm being the executive producer on, so I'll definitely have input and a say.

  It's going to be hard, because I was so involved in creating the world of Iron Man and Iron Man is very much a tech-based hero, and then with Avengers you're going to be introducing some supernatural aspects because of Thor. How you mix the two of those works very well in the comic books, but it's going to take a lot of thoughtfulness to make that all work and not blow the reality that we've created.

  Favreau also confirmed that Edward Norton will not be appearing as The Hulk in Iron Man 2, though Favreau says there will still be connections between Iron Man 2 and the other Avengers movies.

  We want to reinforce a lot of the stuff we started to tip off ... The Avengers is a much larger concern for Marvel and Kevin Feige, who runs Marvel. They're going to be doing Thor and Captain America, and the way we might start to tease those things in this movie, some of it is stuff that we've discussed [and] some of the stuff you do last-minute as you figure out how that stuff is coming together. It's an evolving, amorphous thing. If we decide and commit too early, the secret always gets out. As soon as we shot the Nick Fury thing [in Iron Man] — we had a closed set and nobody was supposed to know about it — a week later somehow it was all over the internet.

  While fans have to be disappointed with the news that Favreau's not directing The Avengers, Favreau certainly isn't. He thinks Avengers is in good hands with Feige.

  That's why it's good that you have the guys from Marvel like Kevin Feige, who knows the books well and has been involved with the making of all the movies, and he'll be very involved with Thor and Cap. You need somebody who has the perspective of all the different franchises to bring them together. I have the myopic vision of just knowing and loving Iron Man.

  
  

  Posted 10/14/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Edward Norton | Jon Favreau | Kevin Feige | The Avengers | Thor | First Avenger: Captain America | Iron Man 2

Thursday, September 10

• Pixar Is Not Making an Ant-Man Movie ... Probably

  

  According to director Edgar Wright, the recent news that Pixar would have a hand in the Ant-Man feature is false. Entertainment Weekly reported last week that "Pixar already has their eye on Ant-Man," which started a firestorm of activity on the internet and prompted Wright, who has been developing Ant-Man for the past five years, to contact his boss.

  I just spoke to [Marvel President of Production] Kevin Feige for the first time since I wrapped and we are meeting this week to discuss the next phase. The news that Pixar is involved is not wholly accurate and a little premature to comment on. I love Pixar's work more than anyone and indeed would love to collaborate with them.

  Even so, we can't help but be curious about the wiggle-room offered by the phrase "not wholly accurate" could mean. The rumor seemed plausible, considering Pixar has prior experience with miniature heroes — A Bug's Life, Toy Story — but Wright said that his movie will be a live-action adaptation of the comic book character, not a CGI film.

  My spin on Ant-Man is very different than a straight superhero origin and very much live action. At some point in this century, I intend to stop talking about it and make the damn thing.

  Wright went on to say that his movie would not be a typical superhero movie like Spider-Man or Iron Man.

  I want to make a film inside the Marvel Universe that is something a little different; a genre film within the superhero genre, so to speak.

  
  

  Posted 09/10/2009 by BrentJS

  Related: Kevin Feige | Edgar Wright | Ant-Man | Ant-Man | Ant-Man

Monday, August 24

• Marvel's Kevin Feige Confirms Possible Black Widow Spin-Off

  

  Scarlett Johansson has said she's "hoping" for her own Black Widow spin-off from Iron Man 2, and Marvel's President of Production Kevin Feige agrees. Feige told ComicBookResources that Johansson is not only "signed on" to appear in The Avengers, but also her own Black Widow movie "should we be lucky enough to have an audience that wants to see" it.

  Marvel likely won't have to worry about finding an audience to appreciate Johansson in a skin-tight, black leather outfit (there might be one, Marvel, fingers crossed!), but whether Johansson can make it through another movie unscathed. While Johansson enjoyed playing a "badass" character, she told IrelandOnline that the physicality of the role came at a price:

  I had such a great stunt team who were unbelievably supportive. I have to say though, I'll probably never be able to turn my neck to the left again.

  Luckily for her, in a comic book movie not being able to turn one's head isn't necessarily detrimental. It worked great for Christian Bale in The Dark Knight.

  
  

  Posted 08/24/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Kevin Feige | Scarlett Johansson | Iron Man 2 | The Avengers

Thursday, August 20

• Scarlett Johansson Wants Her Own Black Widow Movie

  Scarlett Johansson apparently enjoyed her time playing Black Widow in Iron Man 2, even if her skin-tight, black leather costume initially made her nervous. Johansson told Ireland Online that she's ready to play the the Russian spy again:

  I hope I get to come back and do it again. The character certainly comes back. We see that she does in the comics and certainly she is a big part of The Avengers. I don't know if that is where it's going to go but she is definitely a big part of The Avengers.

  Marvel's President of Production Kevin Feige has already said that Black Widow was "for sure" going to appear in The Avengers, but perhaps a solo Black Widow as well:

  She has many different incarnations and different storylines so I'm hoping she will be able to continue in that way. I'm hoping that if the fans like the character and support the character, we'll see her again.

  
  
  Next Showing: Iron Man 2 opens May 7, 2010

  Posted 08/20/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Kevin Feige | Scarlett Johansson | The Avengers | Iron Man 2

Tuesday, August 11

• Louis Leterrier Talks About His Avengers "Dream"

  The LA Times caught up with Louis Leterrier on the set of his upcoming Clash of the Titans, where The Incredible Hulk director talked about The Avengers and the upcoming Marvel movies. The French director revealed that he wants to make another Marvel movie, but Leterrier seemed uncommitted to making The Incredible Hulk 2.

  Well, so far, no. I am contracted to do one more film with Marvel so when I'm done here with [Titans] I will go back to say to them, "Guys you need me? Is there something I can do?"

  Leterrier explained that making The Incredible Hulk took its toll on him.

  Hulk was such a challenge. It was to reboot something and follow [the Ang Lee-directed 2003 Hulk] movie that was absolutely adored by part of the fan population and then absolutely hated by another part. It was complicated for me. I wasn't sure what to do with that history. I did my Hulk but it was not easy. If I do another Hulk film it will always be compared to the Ang Lee thing, and my first one … if I come back I'd love to do another superhero, something different that I can really put my touch on.

  So if Leterrier isn't willing to direct the next Incredible Hulk, what movie would he want to direct?

  I would love to do the Avengers film. I'd love to work with Marvel again. I loved working with them. I like [Marvel President of Production] Kevin Feige, he's a good guy and a fan. I love him. I feel really good at Marvel because they are people my age who are obsessed with movies and comic books. We talk about the same things. And they are not the nerd army — they like when you change something [away from Marvel canon] if there's a good reason, they're open to new things. Kevin is smart about movies and he takes risks. I would work with him tomorrow. But it has to be the right project.

  But directing The Avengers isn't all Leterrier wants. He outlined a much larger dream for The Avengers that surely had Feige and his fellow Marvel executives talking.

  I'll tell you my real dream: To work with [First Avenger: Captain America director] Joe Johnston and [Thor director] Kenneth Branagh and Jon Favreau and make like a triptych. We do four movies. We release them one a month for the summer. Or even every two weeks or three weeks. And the whole summer would be Avengers summer. So we do it the way they make television shows. One story arc but told in installments by different directors. So all of the directors that touch part of the Avengers world would do a part; we could make the movies shorter, maybe less than an hour and a half, and we use the same sets and save Marvel money. I would love to sit around a table with all of them a kick around the story. That's my dream.

  
  

  Posted 08/11/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Joe Johnston | Jon Favreau | Kevin Feige | Ang Lee | Louis Leterrier | Kenneth Branagh | The Avengers | The Incredible Hulk | The Incredible Hulk 2 | The Hulk

Saturday, August 1

• Will Edward Norton Be in The Avengers?

  Marvel's President of Production Kevin Feige has previously stated that he'd like to see The Hulk in The Avengers and mentioned at the San Diego Comic-Con that "it's safe to assume that there will be some members of the Hulk universe" in the movie as well. So if Hulk is to appear in the The Avengers, does that mean Edward Norton will reprise the role? Norton is keeping things mysterious:

  I won't comment on that, just because they [Marvel] keep a pretty tight reign on what they are letting out. I'll let them say.

  The Hulk is also scheduled to appear briefly in Iron Man 2, much like Robert Downey Jr. showed up in The Incredible Hulk. Norton is signed to do another Hulk, though whether that means he will also be in The Avengers is something only Marvel can say for sure.

  
  

  Posted 08/01/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Edward Norton | Kevin Feige | The Avengers | Iron Man 2 | The Incredible Hulk 2

Wednesday, July 29

• New Updates on First Avenger: Captain America

  The Avengers isn't the only movie Marvel's President of Production Kevin Feige was talking about at the San Diego Comic-Con, he also spoke about the upcoming First Avenger: Captain America, the last Avengers movie to arrive in theaters, trailing both Iron Man 2 and Thor, before The Avengers debut in 2012. With screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely only "about halfway through" the script and no casting decisions to be made until director Joe Johnston joins the production in October, Feige was still able to shed some light on the movie, describing it as an "origin story" with international flavor:

  Setting it in World War II — the Marvel version of World War II — I think is gonna open it up in another big way ... What's funny is it will actually end up being, I think, our most diverse and our most international film, in terms of the content of the movies itself. It takes place overseas much more than any of our other films do. In terms of the cast, there's a group that Steve [Rogers] works with that will have an opportunity for many more international actors than any of our other films.

  Feige also opened up about what villains might appear in the movie:

  We are gonna explore those aspects of World War II that made Cap special: the Super Soldier program, Red Skull, Hydra, all of those things that exist in the Marvel version of it. As you know if you read the comic books, the origin of Captain America is really the origin of the Marvel universe ... it's about that time in history when the idea of the superhero began to emerge.

  
  

  Posted 07/29/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Kevin Feige | First Avenger: Captain America | The Avengers

Monday, July 27

• Jon Favreau Talks Directing The Avengers While Marvel's Kevin Feige Details the Cast

  

  

  The San Diego Comic-Con was a boon for upcoming Marvel movie information, not only for next year's Iron Man 2 but for The Avengers as well. Jon Favreau has been mentioned as a possible director for the superhero mash-up, but Favreau explained that nothing has been determined yet:

  My involvement has yet to be determined on that project. Remember, you have to take into account what Thor is and you don't know that until the film's locked. You're not going to know about Thor for two years, what that really means. And Captain America, they haven't even started prepping yet. So there's a lot of discovery that has to take place before you can understand what Avengers really is.

  Also in the Avengers mix would be Iron Man, and while Favreau sounds on the fence about the Avengers, he would have a hard time not directing an Iron Man-related movie:

  It's strange when you have to switch those hats, because I'm not used to that, and just going from directing and creating this world to just being Happy Hogan in The Avengers would be — I'm not going to lie — it would be strange. I'll be involved as an executive producer, but it's a lot different being a consultant on something [compared to] being the guy calling the shots.

  As for future Iron Man movies, Favreau feels that "if there was a third episode it should be The Avengers," though he also confirmed that Iron Man 3 is already in Marvel's plans:

  Here's how I know. When they make the option deals, they include Iron Man 3. So I know they're planning on three. Whether that would be before or after Avengers, they've announced that Avengers is next but they pushed back The Avengers once which I thought was encouraging.

  With Favreau busy, Marvel's President of Production Kevin Feige was telling Collider the Avengers line-up:

  It's going to be Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Nick Fury. I think it's safe to assume that there will be some members of the Hulk universe in the film as well. In terms of the additional, I think Black Widow for sure. SHIELD's organization form sure. And, again, what's exciting to me about the Avengers movie are seeing those four characters together and interact with each other. Anywhere from the first issue of the Avengers to [Marvel's comic series] Civil War, the dynamic between Steve Rogers [Captain America] and Tony Stark [Iron Man] is awesome and fascinating. It brings out sides of the others that won't be brought out in their own franchises. Throwing Thor into the mix is a whole other thing and I think that will be cool. So to pile in another ten or fifteen...or frankly even four...I think will be too many.

  The Avengers opens May 4, 2012, with Iron Man 2 (May 7, 2010), Thor (May 20, 2011) and First Avenger: Captain America (July 22, 2011) preceding it.

  
  

  Posted 07/27/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Jon Favreau | Kevin Feige | Iron Man | Iron Man | Iron Man 2 | Iron Man 3 | The Avengers | Thor | The Avengers | First Avenger: Captain America

Monday, June 22

• Marvel Impresed with Chris Hemsworth as Thor

  When Marvel cast Chris Hemsworth as Thor, a collective "Who?" echoed around the Internet. When it was explained that Hemsworth played Kirk's father in Star Trek, the question changed to: "Him?" Marvel Entertainment President Kevin Feige is not among the cries of panic. Feige thinks the Australian actor has something pretty special:

  As new actors make their way into feature films, it is a rare thing to find someone who is not only immensely watchable and engaging, but can also represent a timeless and key character from the Marvel universe in such a compelling way. We have been watching Chris hone his craft over the last several months and due to his persistence and talent he rose above everyone else embodying the actor we were looking for.

  Star Trek screenwriter Alex Kurtzman was so impressed, he thinks Hemsworth could carry his own Star Trek:

  So many people seemed to marvel at the fact that they cried in the first 10 minutes of Trek, and that's directly a result of the amazing work Chris did. As long as he plays the part, there could be an entire Star Trek movie devoted to the heroic adventures of George Kirk.

  Hemsworth will soon be seen everywhere. Up next is the thriller A Perfect Getaway, opening August 14, followed by Joss Whedon's horror flick The Cabin in the Woods opening February 5. Before Thor, Hemsworth will also shoot the remake of Red Dawn, opening September 2010.

  
  

  Posted 06/22/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Kevin Feige | Alex Kurtzman | Chris Hemsworth | Star Trek | Red Dawn | A Perfect Getaway | Thor

Saturday, June 13

• Alexander Skarsgard Explains How Close He Was to Being Thor

  For a time, Alexander Skarsgård seemed like the front runner for the lead role in Thor, before Chris Hemsworth finally landed the part.

  However, before Hemsworth was cast, Skarsgård was indeed close to playing the thunder god. Real close. "Yeah, I met with [Marvel Studios Executive] Kevin [Feige] a few times and the director [Kenneth Branagh]," Skarsgård explained to MTV. He even tried on the costume to shoot his audition. "Yeah, that was pretty fun,” said Skarsgård.

  However, while Skarsgård ultimately lost the part, he would still be interested in appearing a Marvel movie, should Feige decide to bring him in. Perhaps even Captain America in The First Avenger: Captain America?

  It depends on the circumstances — who the director is, and what the character is. But of course [I'd be interested in looking into it]. I think it's every little boy's dream; it would be a person's dream to play an action hero.

  Unless, of course, he loses the part again.

  
  

  Posted 06/13/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Kevin Feige | Alexander Skarsgard | Kenneth Branagh | Thor | First Avenger: Captain America

Tuesday, June 9

• Marvel's Kevin Feige Updates The Avengers, Thor, Ant-Man and More

  Marvel President of Production Kevin Feige has been very busy lately speaking about the upcoming slate of movies Marvel has in production, from The Avengers to Thor and even Ant-Man, giving plenty of updates about each one.

  While he could not confirm another Incredible Hulk movie, Feige did confirm that Hulk will appear in The Avengers:

  Now at least we can talk about Hulk being onscreen and Hulk being in a movie. It will have been four years since he was in a movie by that point. By 2012, I'd like to see him in it. We're just starting the story. I was on the phone with [Avengers screenwriter] Zak Penn this morning. He's coming in next week and he's going to work on the outline this summer. It's so intertwined with what we're doing before it. I almost wanted to get done with production on Iron Man 2, and the scripts to Thor and The First Avenger: Captain America well underway, before we even started The Avengers.

  With many of the movies being intertwined, this means that several characters will make appearances in different movies, in particular Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Feige explained that he hopes to provide fans with a comic book experience, where characters from other books show up unexpectedly.

  Feige gave an update on Thor confirming that Donald Blake, Thor's human alter ego, will not appear in Thor, which will take place on both Earth and Asgard. Meanwhile, The First Avenger: Captain America will "primarily" be a period piece taking place during World War II, with an appearance by Cap's sidekick Bucky "a safe bet."

  As for casting Captain America, Feige clearly hasn't made a decision:

  There are only a handful of stars that mean anything here, much less overseas. I do think that will be a factor in it. As long as we have the freedom to cast the best actor for the part. Whether it's an actor who's been a great actor, but hasn't starred in marquee action movies before like Robert Downey, or somebody that came out of Australia that we've never heard.

  As for the Ant-Man adaptation that Shaun of the Dead's Edgar Wright is working on, Feige said:

  I want to make Ant-Man one of these days. I think that'll be surprising and funny. I love Edgar Wright. What he likes about it is that when he says he's doing Ant-Man, people go, 'Ant-Man? What the hell is that?' I think that's funny.

  Ant-Man isn't the only movie Feige hopes to make post-Avengers, he's also excited about Doctor Strange:

  I think Doctor Strange would kick ass. I think we've done very well at this street-level superhero aspect of the Marvel Universe. I think with Thor, you'll see us cracking into the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe in a very good way that's never been done before in our movies. I'd love to get into that supernatural element.

  Marvel and Feige clearly have a lot on the horizon. However, ultimately, it's The Avengers that Feige is most excited about:

  I think The Avengers is going to have it's own vibe. It'll have a different tone than the other Marvel movies. It is about saving the world, because there's no other reason for characters that powerful to band together. I think the scope and the scale will feel like a much bigger thing.

  Iron Man 2 opens May 7, 2010, while Thor and The First Avenger: Captain America are due May 20 and July 22 of 2011, respectively. The Avengers should open May 4, 2012.

  
  

  Posted 06/09/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Kevin Feige | Scarlett Johansson | Zak Penn | Samuel L. Jackson | Robert Downey Jr. | Tom Hiddleston | Edgar Wright | Chris Hemsworth | The Incredible Hulk 2 | Thor | Ant-Man | The Avengers | Iron Man 2 | First Avenger: Captain America | The Incredible Hulk | Shaun of the Dead

Sunday, May 17

• Role of Thor Finally Cast

  After months of screen testing several actors for the lead role in the upcoming adaptation of Thor, Kenneth Branagh's recent comment that the casting decision was "extremely close" turned out to be true.

  Deadline Hollywood Daily reports that newcomer Chris Hemsworth has landed the role. The Australian actor appeared in Star Trek as Captain Kirk's father and will be in the upcoming remake of Red Dawn. Hemsworth had not been mentioned as one of the actors testing for the part because he had only read for the part. Hemsworth's agent convinced Marvel CEO Kevin Feige to test him, which then convinced Branagh.

  While Hemsworth definitely looks the role, the actor has another asset that could make a good comic book hero: he's Australian. Just ask Hugh Jackman (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) or Eric Bana (Hulk).

  
  

  Posted 05/17/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Kevin Feige | Kenneth Branagh | Chris Hemsworth | Thor | Star Trek

Thursday, May 14

• Kenneth Branagh Updates Thor Casting Process

  With production of Thor starting early next year, no decision has been made regarding the several actors rumored for the role. While Marvel CEO Kevin Feige has said the decision will be announced in a couple of months, director Kenneth Branagh explained to MTV that the wait will be likely over before that:

  We're down to the final stages of it. The reason one has to be properly diplomatic, is simply that some talented peopled have been patient, kind, creative and really committed to working with us in this process. That said, I think we are extremely close and I hope to announce a decision sooner rather than later.

  Branagh also had a few words to calm the fans who have their own ideas about who would be the ideal Thor:

  There's a massive fan base out there of devotees, enthusiasts and real experts who have all the answers to that. All I can say is that I bare all of that in mind with my Thor education. I read a couple of comics across the years every day, I read the Norse legends and sagas, and [the lead role] needs to have something from all that's great in the comics and the legends, and needs to live in our film universe. It's a whole series of things that I could list, but I'm not going to, because I'd have to kill you.

  Fair enough, Kenneth. Just decide already!

  
  
  Next Showing: Thor opens May 20, 2011

  Posted 05/14/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Kevin Feige | Kenneth Branagh | Thor

Wednesday, May 6

• Marvel President Updates Progress on The Avengers and Thor

  Kevin Feige, President of Production at Marvel Studios, told Empire some updates regarding the adaptation of Thor and Avengers. First, he talked about Thor:

  We will probably be having cast announcements in the next month or so on Thor. We're looking to cast Loki and Odin soon, and the main female role. And we'll also hopefully have lockdown shortly, gearing towards the beginning of production, which will be early next year. So I think there will be a lot of announcements between now and then.

  Director Kenneth Branagh has already confirmed that shooting was to begin in January of next year. As for casting rumors, Josh Hartnett has been mentioned as the front-runner for Loki, and Natalie Portman the female lead, likely Thor's wife Sif. Looks like fans will know for sure sometime next month.

  Feige also updated Branagh's pre-production:

  Branagh's here, we're prepping, and he's put together some spectacular animatics already for our first action scene. We're digging into the second and third now, and we are just embarking on a rewrite of the draft.

  As for The Avengers:

  Zak Penn [X2: X-Men United and The Incredible Hulk writer] is already on board The Avengers [as screenwriter] and he's spending a lot of his time looking into what we're doing with Iron Man [2], Thor and Captain America, seeing how we're tying it all together. And he's beginning to outline the script now -- he'll be doing that over the summer.

  Feige offered no update as to whether Jon Favreau will direct The Avengers. Thor opens June 17, 2011, while The Avengers opens May 4, 2012.

  
  

  Posted 05/06/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Jon Favreau | Josh Hartnett | Kevin Feige | Natalie Portman | Zak Penn | Kenneth Branagh | Thor | The Avengers | First Avenger: Captain America | X2: X-Men United | Iron Man 2 | The Incredible Hulk

Friday, July 25

• Feige Indicates Favreau Back for Iron Man 2

  

  ReelzChannel is live on the Comic-Con scene today for the Marvel Your Universe panel with president of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, president of publishing, Joe Quesada and Craig Kyle, VP of creative development for Marvel Animation.

  A fan asked about the recent rumors of contract disputes between Iron Man director Jon Favreau and Marvel Studios over Iron Man 2 and whether they have worked that out so that he can return to direct the second film. Feige smiled and asked the crowd if they wanted to see Favreau direct Iron Man 2. The response was an eruption of "yes" cheers. Feige grinned ear-to-ear, saying that an announcement would be coming very shortly. Although official confirmation wasn't made, it appeared clear that Favreau would soon be announced as director of Iron Man 2.

  In other Marvel news, the Avengers Movie will officially have all five key characters and "you probably will see them all pop up together," says Feige coyly.

  More on Marvel's happenings at Comic-Con as we hear it.

  
  

  Posted 07/25/2008 by reelz

  Related: Jon Favreau | Kevin Feige | Iron Man 2 | Iron Man | The Avengers