Marvel reveals

First up, Ben Affleck has categorically denied that he wants to exit the DCEU. I'm not buying it, these rumors have persisted since he withdrew from directing The Batman in late January and had never disputed them...until now. The new director, Matt Reeves, replacing the script, Affleck no doubt worked hard on, had to be a massive blow to his pride. Not to mention, if they actually ever do make the Flash movie it is confirmed to be based on the Flashpoint Paradox arc. During the epic, multiple title crossover event, the Flash travels to an alternate reality where young Bruce was the victim of the infamous mugging instead of parents Thomas and Martha. Dr. Thomas Wayne becomes Batman, but a much more brutal, and sadistic, gun wielding vigilante. An acceptable and established method to replace Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Seeing as how Flashpoint changed the entire DC continuity, ushering in the New 52 line-up of comics, it seems far too early in the cinematic DCEU to use such a powerful reset button. Unless you needed to replace a principal actor that is vital to the entire connected franchise. I believe Affleck's denial may have been studio mandated disinformation.

On to the 2017 SDCC Marvel Studios announcements. Surprisingly a good bit of new, exciting information was revealed considering the D23 Expo was last week. 

Captain Marvel starring Brie Larson will take place, at least partially, during the 1990's and will also feature Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury; apparently, before he was wounded, as he will have both eyes. A shocking announcement was the involvement of the Skrulls. A race of shapeshifting aliens that were thought to be exclusively contracted to Fox, since they are so deeply connected to The Fantastic Four. However, just like Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, Marvel and 20th Century Fox co-own the alien race of Skrulls except for specifically named Skrulls. Marvel and Fox also co-own another alien race with origins linked to the Fantastic Four, known as The Watchers. Again, except for specifically named Watchers. This is how The Watchers were included in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The Skrulls open up dozens of new opportunities for the MCU, including the fan-favorite Secret Invasion story line. With the movie set in the 90s with a younger, injury-free Nick Fury, could a younger, perhaps non-balding Agent Phil Coulson return to the MCU?

Captain Marvel will be the second post-Avengers Infinity War MCU entry; will they use this opportunity to introduce the Skrulls as a new threat to powerful for any one hero to tackle, requiring the Avengers to assemble once more.


Oscar nominee and the best on-screen Cat Woman, Michelle Phifer has been confirmed as Janet Van Dyne, in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Janet was referred to as the long lost wife of Hank Pym, and the mother of Hope in the 2015 Ant-Man film. Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Micheal Douglas and the rest of the cast return in the 2018 squeal. Laurence Fishburne joins the MCU as Dr. Bill Foster aka Goliath, who as you may have guessed can also significantly increase his height and strength. British actress Hannah John-Kamen as the villainous Ghost, with a tech suit granting her invisibility and intangibility. A personal favorite of mine, Walter Goggins has been cast as Sonny Burch, a shrewd business man with connections to Obidiah Stane/Iron Monger. Ant-Man and the Wasp will be the first MCU film after the epic Avengers Infinity War, thus little has been revealed.

Three complimentary posters for the Avengers Infinity War showdown were shown off, featuring Thaons and his Black Order, The Avengers, and The Guardians of the Galaxy. Interestingly, Captain America is shown with a beard and dark suit perhaps suggesting his Nomad alter, alter-ego. Spider-Man is wearing the Iron Spider armor last seen toward the end of Spider-Man Homecoming, and  Black Widow is sporting blonde hair.

Perhaps the biggest reveal at the MCU panel of the 2017 SDCC was the release of a second Thor Ragnarok trailer. It humorously delves deeper into the Thor and Hulk friendship/rivalry, gives us a better glimpse of the unfamiliar world of Sakaar, and provides more insight into Hella's sinister plans to destroy Asgard. Also the Incredible Hulk can talk now. Still missing from the action is Beta Ray Bill.

Bonus. Netflix released the second Trailer for Stranger Things season 2, chock full of nostalgic references and synced to one of the greatest songs ever written. I couldn't be more excited while at the same time terrified.