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Comic Con wrap-up: The MCU

All the nerd websites have covered every detail of the 2016 San Diego Comic Con, providing in-depth analysis and their elaborate theories. I don't want to simply repeat what others have already said, so I'll just brain out loud about my favorite parts. The entry will be based on news and information coming from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.


Several days before the convention even started, this trolley (above) wrapped in promotional images for the fourth season of Marvel's Agents of SHIELD had everybody assuming that Ghost Rider would be featured on the show. After a couple days of red herrings, and wild goose chases that had the internet doubting those assumptions, it was revealed that Ghost Rider would indeed be a part of the fourth season, kinda. Like many Marvel heroes and villains, multiple people have assumed the role of a character. The Ghost Rider set to be on Agents of SHIELD on ABC is a young, Latino mechanic named Roberto Reyes, who first appeared in 2014 and not the original Johnny Blaze from 1972, who was so breathtakingly portrayed by Nicholas Cage. Just like Johnny Blaze, Roberto Reyes' powers as a Ghost Rider come from a demonic source. It should be interesting to see how the show deals with that since Marvel has attempted to explain most phenomenon scientifically.

Marvel reacquired the screen rights to Ghost Rider in 2013, along with Blade and The Punisher. It didn't take long for The Punisher to be added to the cast of Daredevil on Netflix. Leading many to believe Ghost Rider was a sure thing, as his tortured soul and brutal brand of vigilantism would fit perfectly with the more mature themes seen on Netflix. With the younger Roberto Reyes on Agents of SHIELD, there is still a chance the original Spirit of Vengeance, Johnny Blaze to appear alongside Daredevil, Luke Cage and the other "street-level heroes" on Netflix. This could even bridge the shows together, which often feel unconnected to the Avenger-based films of the MCU.


Moving on to the streaming giant, Netflix. Marvel did show the official trailer for Luke Cage, all episodes available September 30. Even though super-powered private investigator Jessica Jones does not appear in the Luke Cage trailer, or on the cast list, it is still very likely she will appear in the series with her close relationship to Luke Cage. We were also treated to a glimpse of Iron Fist. Thanks to the lateness of this post more news is available from the Television Critics Association press tour, and Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. Confirming that after Luke Cage will be the mystical martial arts master Iron Fist, starring Finn Jones (Game of Thrones) and then the team-up adventure Defenders. When Marvel first partnered with Netflix Defenders, just like the first Avengers movie, was the culmination of the four origin stories, (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist) but with delays to Iron Fist and the second season of Daredevil added to the mix the Defenders series was pushed back. It is now official all three series will be available to stream in 2017. Netflix has requested more Marvel projects per year, going from two to three per year, with no signs of slowing down. This will push the confirmed third season of Daredevil and the second season of Jessica Jones to 2018, along with a possible Punisher series.



Marvel had reportedly deliberated on how to handle the mystical source of Iron Fist's chi-focusing powers, to the point that the series seemed to be in jeopardy. As I said above Marvel tends to explain super powered individuals scientifically, even labeling the mighty Thor as an alien instead of the God from Norse mythology. With Doctor Strange, only a few months away (November 4) Marvel has obviously not only pulled the trigger on introducing actual magical abilities but they've also figured out how to represent them on screen. Judging from the second mind-bending trailer of Doctor Strange the visual representation of magic and alternate planes of reality is nothing short of amazing.



News from the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues. Even though the film had just started production at the beginning of the month, details from Thor Ragnarok were revealed. Including a display of Planet Hulk gladiator armor that seemingly confirms that the galactic Thor/Hulk adventure will be partly inspired by the Jade Giant's off-world epic. Planet Hulk is by far the best story arc in his long history and using parts of the story should be incredible (no pun intended) especially for those holding out for a Mark Ruffalo lead solo film. In the comics, the Incredible Hulk was forced into gladiator-style combat with other aliens, monsters, and creatures including The Silver Surfer. However, since Fox owned the rights to The Silver Surfer they substituted him with Beta Ray Bill in the animated Planet Hulk movie from 2010. I hope this is what happens in Thor Ragnarok. Droves of Marvel fans are clamoring for Beta Ray Bill and Thor Ragnarok seems like the perfect and perhaps last time to introduce the horse-faced alien that can go toe to toe with the God of Thunder, into the MCU.


A logo for Thor Ragnarok was also revealed at the 2016 SDCC. Even though it reeks of 80s awesomeness and I absolutely love it, I don't believe it fits with the apocalyptic themes of Ragnarok. You may also notice the new Marvel Studios logo, which was also revealed during the event. The Marvel intro has been updated from static images of comics to dynamic live action stills, as well as moving images from the Marvel Cinematic Universe which now spans 13 films, dating back to 2008. Check out the new intro below.

Oscar winner Brie Larson (Room) was finally confirmed as Captain Marvel, after months of speculation. Larson will be the first female to lead their own solo movie in the MCU, scheduled for November of 2018. She may not be the last lead female, as Joss Whedon has expressed interest in directing a solo Black Widow movie starring Scarlett Johannson.

The MCU continues to become more diverse with the addition of Black Panther. The full cast was revealed at the SDCC and includes an impressive assortment of talent. Chadwick Boseman returns as the titular hero and King of Wakanda and is joined by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave), Michael B. Jordan (Creed), Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead) and more. The versatile Andy Serkis will also be returning as villainous smuggler Ulysses Klaw. Side note and possible SPOILER, Black Panther begins production in January around the same time The Walking Dead begins shooting their seventh season. My guess is that Danai Gurira aka Michone will be the one who was killed by barbed wire baseball bat wielding Negan during the internet rage worthy season finale.

Some of the most crowd pleasing announcements and surprises came from director James Gunn and the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy volume 2. I will brain out loud about them in a different post, hopefully this weekend.




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