Our Journey begins way back in 2008 with the release of 'Iron Man' directed by Jon Favreau, starring Robert Downey, Jr as Tony Stark/Iron Man. I'm not going to bore you all with a story synopsis, since I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you will most likely have already seen these films at some point. 'Iron Man' set the scene for future Marvel movies within what was to become the Marvel Extended Universe (or the Marvel Cinematic Universe), the film was given a more gritty, realistic appearance, taking it away from the comics, and into the modern world. A rather interesting fact is that the cast was free to create their own dialogue, because the focus was on the story and the action, which is probably what gives the films its flow and makes the characters appear more natural. Favreau signed on to direct three movies in this franchise, so within the first installment we see hints as to who might appear in the next. Obviously we witness The Iron Monger in this film, the main clue for the next installment comes with the hint of War Machine making an appearance.
However, the biggest hint of what is to come in the future, came after the credits, when a cameo from Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D (somehow Fury has turned from pale and ginger, to black and awesome). S.H.I.E.L.D had already made an appearance throughout the film, but this was the first insight into the future of the franchise, with Nick Fury wanting to talk to Tony Star about the 'Avengers Initiative'.
Moving on to 'The Incredible Hulk' released the same year as 'Iron Man', directed by Louis Leterrier, starring Edward Norton and Tim Roth. This film is in no way connected to the 2003 film by the name of 'Hulk'. This was a stand alone movie using the same character, but the film did benefit slightly as the origins of the Hulk is only briefly explained in this movie, say 'Hulk' ended up acting as an unofficial prequel. Again the film takes a realistic tone, relying as much as possible on realistic scientific theories to explain the Hulk and The Abomination. S.H.I.E.L.D are again referenced, but do not play a role, however, Tony Stark makes an appearance at the end, offering to assist General Ross in capturing the Hulk. This films was supposed to be the beginning of a trilogy, like 'Iron Man' and act as a forerunner toe the Avengers movie (the film includes an origins for one of the Hulks arch enemies, The Leader), however, after the first film, communications broke down with Edward Norton, and he did not sign on for another installment. Roth and Leterrier have signed on for another two installments, concepts were already completed for The Leader.
Mark Ruffalo begins his role as the Hulk in 'The Avengers' movie this year. Leterrier says a second installment will be happening, and that 'The Incredible Hulk' was definitely only chapter one, but the next installment won't be happening until after the Avengers (I think with it being so close that that point is obvious).
Now we are back to Favreau and his 'Iron Man' franchise, with the 2010 sequel 'Iron Man 2', which introduces a new villain by the name of whiplash (played by Mickey Rourke) and Iron Mans side kick, Rhodey/War Machine (Don Cheadle replacing Terrance Howard). The film also introduces Natalie Rushman/The Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson). This installment concentrates more on Tony Starks development rather than the Iron Man suit like in the first one (although it does give us comic book fans a treat with the brief case suit making an appearance). Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D play a more prominent role in 'Iron Man 2', making their intentions clear for Stark and his alter ego. If you looks closely, near the end when Fury and Stark are discussing Iron Mans involvement in the Avengers Initiative, if you look at the screens in the background, you can see a news real showing footage from what looks like, the battle between the Hulk and the army on the University campus). There's a little treat of information for you. 'The Avengers' hint in this film comes after the credits, when we are taken to Mexico, and we see Thor's hammer in a massive crater (a bit of an obvious hint for the next Marvel installment).
So now we're at 'Thor' in 2011, directed by Kenneth Branagh, starring Chris Hemsworth as the mighty Thor, the God of Thunder. Out of all of the installments, this one was obviously the most difficult to make modern and realistic. There was so way that they could take the magical element out of this movie, so they attempted to merge science and fantasy into the same movie. This films reveals to us the main villain in the Avengers movie, Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) and gives us a cameo from Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/ Hawkeye. The film sets up the foundations for Thor wanting to protect earth, however, like in 'The Incredible Hulk', 'Thor' leaves questions that won't be answered until April, how do they capture Hulk? How does Thor make it back to earth? The hint at the end of this movie is that Loki is still alive and we see a mysterious energy cube (which in the same year, we find out is a key factor in 'Captain America: The First Avenger'.
Finally we are still in 2011, but we are at the final installment of the preparation for 'The Avengers', which is 'Captain America: The First Avenger', directed by Joe Johnston and starring Chris Evans as Steve Rodgers/Captain America. This film gives us an insight into a time before S.H.I.E.L.D, but Stark Industries plays a crucial role, with Dominic Cooper playing the role of Howard Stark (father of Tony Stark/Iron Man). Of course, the most important part of this film is the confirmation about what the mysterious blue cube was at the end of 'Thor' (it is apparent that it will play an important role in 'The Avengers'). We are also treated to a character whom, throughout the comic book world, is well known for being the most evilest of villains, Johann Schmidt/The Red Skull (played by the amazing Hugo Weaving, whom we will all remember from The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Matrix Trilogy). Another little treat is getting to see Tommy Lee Jones play a bad ass Colonel, always a pleasure see him in movies (although the way Men in Black 3 looks, that could be about to change). At the end of the movie we aren't given a hint like with the other installments (after the credits we got a small glimpse of 'The Avengers' trailer), since it is the last film before 'The Avengers' there was no need.
Alright, now is time to see where they all fit together chronologically. It starts off with 'Captain America: The First Avenger' at the beginning (obviously because it's set in the 1940s), then it is followed on by 'Iron Man' and 'Iron Man 2' (or Gold-Titanium Alloy Man, sorry, bad joke). Now it is up to debate, because 'Thor' and 'The Incredible Hulk' happen roughly around the same time, based on the Stark cameo, and S.H.I.E.L.D leaving for Mexico halfway through 'Iron Man 2', I'd say that the events in 'Thor' start occurring a few weeks before those from 'The Incredible Hulk' (remember by the end of 'Iron Man 2' we can see footage of the Hulk vs the army campus battle), but a lot of the time it appears as if they the events are happening side by side, which may explain S.H.I.E.L.D's absence from 'The Incredible Hulk'.
Alright, now is time to see where they all fit together chronologically. It starts off with 'Captain America: The First Avenger' at the beginning (obviously because it's set in the 1940s), then it is followed on by 'Iron Man' and 'Iron Man 2' (or Gold-Titanium Alloy Man, sorry, bad joke). Now it is up to debate, because 'Thor' and 'The Incredible Hulk' happen roughly around the same time, based on the Stark cameo, and S.H.I.E.L.D leaving for Mexico halfway through 'Iron Man 2', I'd say that the events in 'Thor' start occurring a few weeks before those from 'The Incredible Hulk' (remember by the end of 'Iron Man 2' we can see footage of the Hulk vs the army campus battle), but a lot of the time it appears as if they the events are happening side by side, which may explain S.H.I.E.L.D's absence from 'The Incredible Hulk'.
So what do we know now? Well that we have a billionaire genius whom S.H.I.E.L.D are not sure whether or not they want to use, two agents with no super human skills, a 1940s super soldier who has been asleep for nearly 70 years by this point, the God of Thunder trapped in his won world and finally, an unstoppable beast that needs to be captured. On top of all that, Loki is alive, he's interest is an artifact of great power, he somehow has an army and he is more powerful than ever. Bring all that together and you've got one hell of a challenge.
There's no point in trying pick apart what will happen in 'The Avengers', because that will ruin it for everyone, so what can we expect from the future? Well, Jon Favreau didn't agree with way the 'Iron Man' universe was playing out (with plans for 'Iron Man 3' to be a direct sequel to 'The Avengers') so he has refused to return for a third installment. Obviously this is a massive blow, but however, it does have its flip side, and that is that since Favreau only planned to do three films, this new director may decide that he is will to do more, which is good isn't it? More of Iron Man blowing stuff up? 'Iron Man 3' is currently in the pre-production stage, hoping to start filing soon after 'The Avengers', aiming for a 2013 release date, with Shane Black scheduled to direct. It was recently confirmed that the villain with be the Mandarin, but instead of his rings of power being magical, they will be trying to give the character a modern day make-over and swap the magic, for technology. How this will turn out (or change the basis of the character), we do not know yet.
There have also been a few rumors floating around that the powers that be were discussing a S.H.I.E.L.D movie and a Black Widow movie. All just rumors, they probably won't get picked up since they aren't necessarily important to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Also, an extra who plays a judge in 'The Avengers' came out and stated that there was a trailer with the name 'Spiderman' printed across its door, suggesting that he will make a cameo appearance. I have to say, in my opinion, that we can probably scrap that piece of information, because for starters, Spiderman doesn't fit into this universe, and Sony own the rights to the Spiderman franchise, and they would never let another company use that character without a very substantial payment. On the other hand, they may want to use it as advertisement for 'The Amazing Spiderman', that will be released a few months later. Or he could just be mentioned, or seen on the news. All I'm saying is that it is highly unlikely that this information is true. It would be like Batman turning with the Justice League to say hello.
Here's something that'll make you all die a little inside, Joss Whedon has came out and announced that 'The Avengers 2', will be a smaller movie than the one we will all see next month. He says that the first movie is all about the action, whereas he wants the second one to be more about character development, taking each character to a darker place. Which I think is rubbish, because isn't that what the whole point of having the individual movies was all about? Also with more individual movies planned/announced, why would he need to put more character development in the cross over movie? Hopefully he will see sense, and realise that all we want is action his movies, leave the character development to the individual movies.
I have already talked about the hopes for a second Hulk movie, but there has been no news on that front for a few years now, most likely we'll hear more depending on how well the new Hulk is received in April. Apparently 'Thor 2' will have a different writer, they plan to put a more darker tone onto the move so that it will be taken more seriously. 'Captain America 2' has been confirmed for a 2014 release date, why they are waiting so long is beyond me. I would have thought they would want to begin straight away and ride on the inevitable success of 'The Avengers' and try and get the sequel out after 'Iron Man 3', around the same time as 'Thor 2'. This could suggest that they may aim for an Avengers sequel by 2015.
This next part is purely my own opinion, I believe that at the end of 'The Avengers', the Red Skull will make an cameo appearance to set up for the next movie. I believe this because at the end of 'Captain America' the Red Skull vanishes into what looks like another realm (that looks a lot like Asgard). A character as important as the Red Skull cannot be dead already. Even in the comic books, Captain America and the Red Skull met again to fight in the modern world (after both being trapped in the void). So there are still plenty of story lines for writers to play with.
That's a wrap folks. There is a good chance that I have missed something out of this that I will remember in a few hours a kick myself about, but I hope this clearly maps out the journey the makers of 'The Avengers' have taken in order to get to the point they are at now, which is with everybody waiting nervously and excitedly for April 26th 2012 (if you live in the UK). That's all from me for now, I'll see you all on the 26th.
There's no point in trying pick apart what will happen in 'The Avengers', because that will ruin it for everyone, so what can we expect from the future? Well, Jon Favreau didn't agree with way the 'Iron Man' universe was playing out (with plans for 'Iron Man 3' to be a direct sequel to 'The Avengers') so he has refused to return for a third installment. Obviously this is a massive blow, but however, it does have its flip side, and that is that since Favreau only planned to do three films, this new director may decide that he is will to do more, which is good isn't it? More of Iron Man blowing stuff up? 'Iron Man 3' is currently in the pre-production stage, hoping to start filing soon after 'The Avengers', aiming for a 2013 release date, with Shane Black scheduled to direct. It was recently confirmed that the villain with be the Mandarin, but instead of his rings of power being magical, they will be trying to give the character a modern day make-over and swap the magic, for technology. How this will turn out (or change the basis of the character), we do not know yet.
There have also been a few rumors floating around that the powers that be were discussing a S.H.I.E.L.D movie and a Black Widow movie. All just rumors, they probably won't get picked up since they aren't necessarily important to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Also, an extra who plays a judge in 'The Avengers' came out and stated that there was a trailer with the name 'Spiderman' printed across its door, suggesting that he will make a cameo appearance. I have to say, in my opinion, that we can probably scrap that piece of information, because for starters, Spiderman doesn't fit into this universe, and Sony own the rights to the Spiderman franchise, and they would never let another company use that character without a very substantial payment. On the other hand, they may want to use it as advertisement for 'The Amazing Spiderman', that will be released a few months later. Or he could just be mentioned, or seen on the news. All I'm saying is that it is highly unlikely that this information is true. It would be like Batman turning with the Justice League to say hello.
Here's something that'll make you all die a little inside, Joss Whedon has came out and announced that 'The Avengers 2', will be a smaller movie than the one we will all see next month. He says that the first movie is all about the action, whereas he wants the second one to be more about character development, taking each character to a darker place. Which I think is rubbish, because isn't that what the whole point of having the individual movies was all about? Also with more individual movies planned/announced, why would he need to put more character development in the cross over movie? Hopefully he will see sense, and realise that all we want is action his movies, leave the character development to the individual movies.
I have already talked about the hopes for a second Hulk movie, but there has been no news on that front for a few years now, most likely we'll hear more depending on how well the new Hulk is received in April. Apparently 'Thor 2' will have a different writer, they plan to put a more darker tone onto the move so that it will be taken more seriously. 'Captain America 2' has been confirmed for a 2014 release date, why they are waiting so long is beyond me. I would have thought they would want to begin straight away and ride on the inevitable success of 'The Avengers' and try and get the sequel out after 'Iron Man 3', around the same time as 'Thor 2'. This could suggest that they may aim for an Avengers sequel by 2015.
This next part is purely my own opinion, I believe that at the end of 'The Avengers', the Red Skull will make an cameo appearance to set up for the next movie. I believe this because at the end of 'Captain America' the Red Skull vanishes into what looks like another realm (that looks a lot like Asgard). A character as important as the Red Skull cannot be dead already. Even in the comic books, Captain America and the Red Skull met again to fight in the modern world (after both being trapped in the void). So there are still plenty of story lines for writers to play with.
That's a wrap folks. There is a good chance that I have missed something out of this that I will remember in a few hours a kick myself about, but I hope this clearly maps out the journey the makers of 'The Avengers' have taken in order to get to the point they are at now, which is with everybody waiting nervously and excitedly for April 26th 2012 (if you live in the UK). That's all from me for now, I'll see you all on the 26th.
No comments:
Post a Comment