Joss Whedon has signed to write and direct “The Avengers 2,” Disney Chairman Bob Iger said Tuesday.
In addition, Whedon will create a “Marvel-based” series for ABC, Iger said during a conference call with analysts.
Whedon wrote and slid behind the camera on “The Avengers,” which Iger called a “phenomenal success” during the call. The adaptation of the Marvel Comics series has grossed nearly $1.5 billion worldwide.
Whedon’s script and direction were praised by critics and fans for their light and often humorous touch.
Thanks largely to “The Avengers,” the income at Disney’s studio unit jumped to $313 million from $49 million a year earlier, during its most recent fiscal quarter. Overall, net income across all of Disney’s divisions jumped 24 percent to $1.8 billion for the period.
Since purchasing Marvel for $4 billion three years ago, Disney has leaned heavily on the comic book maker as one of the pillars of its business, believing that the films it makes with its library of heroes will drive not just box office, but also revenue from theme park rides and toys.
Its upcoming film slate is peppered with films featuring the various characters from “The Avengers.” Due out in 2013 are “Iron Man 3″ and “Thor: The Dark World.” The next year will bring “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” a new super-group film.
According to Deadline.com, Marvel Entertainment’s TV division and ABC Studios is considering ideas to “explore the mythology” of the Avengers movie universe on the small screen. The online Hollywood trade reports conversations between Marvel and ABC are in the “nascent stage” and a number of scenarios are being discussed about a drama series – perhaps a “high concept cop show” – set in the Avengers world.
According to Deadline, “the connection to the Avengers franchise would be light as the project is expected to be set in the universe and feature some of its themes and feel, but may not include any characters from Joss Whedon’s blockbuster.”
Establishing a primetime foothold is said to be a priority for Disney-owned Marvel. The company already has a Hulk TV series in some stage of development and a writer for the Avengers-verse project is reportedly being sought.
Comic-Con 2012 is now history and it’s easy for things to get lost in the shuffle because a lot of stuff happens at that show. Below is compiled the biggest announcements of the convention. The news stretches from comics, to movies, to TV, to video games; from Marvel, DC, Image and more.
DEADPOOL’S GOT (A) GAME
It started with posters for other Activision games, like the recent Amazing Spider-Man, scratched out with Deadpool graffiti. Wolverine found himself a victim of this advertising defacement as well. Then, at the Marvel Games panel, Deadpool himself crashed, demanding his new trailer be seen immediately.
With Deadpool’s signature multiple-voiced interior monologue, his truly insane way of processing situations, and of course the way he broke the fourth wall to speak directly to his fans, it’s clear that the folks at High Moon Studios aren’t just making a video game starring Deadpool, they’re making a Deadpool Game.
AVENGERS VS X-MEN WILL HAVE ‘CONSEQUENCES’
It happens at the end of pretty much every major Marvel story — Avengers vs. X-Men is no exception, and Marvel made that clear at Comic-Con.
Though we already know that the end of AvX brings the dawn of the “Marvel NOW!” era, Marvel announced two series at Comic-Con that tie even closer to the end of the 12-part event: the Kieron Gillen-written five-part AvX: Consequences, with an ominous cover (seen above) that sure seems to point to the death of a major character who may or may not be Cyclops; and A Plus X, a team-up series that’s essentially the reverse of “fight book” AvX: VS.
That’s not all Marvel’s comic side offered this Comic-Con, with announcements including the Jeff Parker-written Hulk becoming Red She-Hulk, and a new Ultimate Comics Iron Manminiseries from Nathan Edmondson and artist Matteo Buffagini.(Albert Ching.)
TIM DRAKE WAS NEVER ROBIN
Scott Lobdell first said at the Young Justice panel at SDCC 2012 that Tim Drake was never a “Robin” and had simply adopted the guise of “Red Robin” upon first becoming Batman’s sidekick, that objectivity was bound to be tested in a big way. Add in that he “was one of the few people to get really close to tracking down who Bruce is” and it seems we’re dealing with an almost entirely new character.
This is some major revisionist history whether you’re for or against it, and appears to hurt what made Tim Drake fundamentally different from the other Robins: he and he alone recognized that Batman needed a Robin, he alone figured out that Batman was Bruce Wayne and he gave up everything by being Robin: his parents, his best friends, and his girlfriend all died along the way.
Taking away Tim Drake’s time as no-adjective Robin, or reducing his initial, natural detective skills, quite simply makes the character a different one from the sidekick, and from the hero that readers grew with for the last nearly 25 years. This may all lead to great stories — everything has potential — but it will need to do it fast to avoid giving long-time DC fans one more thing to be upset about.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY & WINTER SOLDIER — ON FILM
The Guardians of the Galaxy movie was the worst kept secret from Marvel Studios this year, but it’s still safe to say it surprised even those who pretty much knew it was coming. After successfully building an Avengers franchise, the studio is showing some real guts by taking the Marvel Universe into the far reaches of space, and headlining a movie with a talking raccoon and a walking tree who can only say “I AM GROOT!”
Read more about the Guardians of the Galaxy and other Marvel Films HERE.
KRISTEN STEWARD SMILED (FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER)…
…and looked pretty hot (also for the first time ever).
It’s been evident for months now that Marvel had big plans for their publishing line following Avengers vs. X-Men. Now it’s clear what that is: An initiative dubbed “Marvel NOW!” that will include multiple series launches/relaunches and creative team shifts starting in October.
“This ain’t no reboot,” Marvel editor-in-chief Axel Alonso said in the Entertainment Weekly print article revealing Marvel NOW!, seemingly differentiating it from DC’s “New 52″ revamp last year. “It’s a new beginning!”
Starting in October, Marvel will launch or relaunch one or more series each week through February 2013. Three titles were announced by EW:
Uncanny Avengers: A blended Avengers/X-Men book written by Rick Remender and illustrated by John Cassaday, with a cast including Captain America, Thor, Rogue and Havok. Remender is quoted by EW as calling the series a “bridge book” “that can delve into both worlds,” though post-AvX tension will be apparent. Starts in October.
All-New X-Men: As long-rumored, Brian Michael Bendis is writing the X-Men, specifically the original five. Still teenagers, they time travel to the present-day Marvel Universe, and aren’t pleased with what they find. “It’s not a time-travel story like Back to the Future,” Bendis is quoted. “It’s a time-travel story like Pleasantville,” the writer says, with character drama more important than the sci-fi aspect. Art from Stuart Immonen; starts in November.
Avengers: Now a biweekly series written by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Jerome Opeña, the book will include “18 or more” Avengers team members, and, as the article states, “feature a combination of one-off stories and longer, galaxy-spanning multi-issue arcs.” Starts in December.
“Marvel NOW!” is also an extension of the digital “ReEvolution” initiative announced earlier this year, with AR recaps on the cover of each #1 issue under the banner, plus codes for free digital copies as Marvel has been providing with each of their $3.99 titles since June.
The EW piece also includes a full look at the Joe Quesada-illustrated image glimpsed on Monday, including new costumes for multiple characters including Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Cyclops, Spider-Man and the Hulk; Cable with an eyepatch; prominent placement of “cosmic” Marvel heroes Nova and Rocket Raccoon; the new Nick Fury introduced in Battle Scars; and what appears to be a floating helmet.
Keep reading The Michael Show in the coming days for much more on Marvel NOW!.
Walt Disney Co’s design team has increased its efforts to bring the Marvel superhero team “The Avengers” to the company’s theme parks after the film’s smashing success, the head of Disney’s parks unit said.
Speaking as Disney unveiled the final attractions of a $1 billion investment to boost its laggard Disney California Adventure park,Tom Staggs said he intends to bring “The Avengers” characters to the Anaheim resort and other parks outside the United States.
“We were hard at work on attractions using Marvel characters previously, and that work has only intensified given (the film’s) great success,” Staggs, chairman of Disney’s parks and resorts division, told Reuters in an interview at the park’s Golden Vine Winery.
“The Avengers” has sold more than $1.3 billion worth of tickets around the world. Executives andDisney’s designers, called “imagineers,” are still working out how to bring characters like The Hulk, Iron Man and Captain America to the parks. “The setting has to be right, the story has to be right. That takes a fair amount of time,” Staggs said.
Disney is contractually restricted from bringing Marvel characters to its parks in Orlando, where they are licensed to Comcast Corp’s Universal Studios.
Shane Black’s Iron Man 3 will feature the red, white and blue Iron Patriot armor. What is uncertain, however, is exactly who will be wearing it.
The armor made its first appearance in 2009′s “Dark Avengers” #1. Following the events of the “Secret Invasion” crossover, Norman Osborn was mistakenly heralded as an American hero and tasked with leading a group of government sanctioned-Avengers. Taking the technology from Stark Industries, Osborn designed his suit to represent the then-recently-deceased Captain America.
Because the character of Osborn is a Spider-Man villain and the rights rest at Sony Pictures, it’s pretty much a certainty that a different character will be donning the suit in the upcoming film.
Now in production in North Carolina, Iron Man 3 stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce, James Badge Dale, Ashley Hamilton and Jon Favreau. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 3, 2013.
In what essentially amounts to a formality, Disney CEO Bob Iger has confirmed that an Avengers sequel is in development, Deadline reports.
Though no further details are yet available, Iger is quoted as saying that Avengers ”is a great illustration of why we like Marvel so much,” and that demand for merchandise has been, unsurprisingly, strong.
The Avengers had a record-breaking $207.4 million domestic opening this past weekend, and currently has made more than $700 million in worldwide totals.
******SPOILER ALERT*******
Yes, Thanos is now a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — revealed as the shadowy figure behind the Chitauri army controlled by Loki — and that’s something that either means nothing to you or is one of the coolest things that could reasonably happen given the known laws of the (actual) universe. While Thanos is an antagonist with decades of history in Marvel Comics, he’s not as recognizable as say, Loki or the Red Skull, leaving a large portion of the audience wondering what exactly was going down.
The Hunger Games is looking a little anemic this weekend: The Avengers swooped in and grabbed a record-bursting opening weekend of $200.3 million, reports the Hollywood Reporter, easily thumping the $169.2 million that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 took in last year in the previous record holder.
The Marvel-Disney partnership is headed quickly for the $1 billion mark, already with $641.8 million globally, and it grabbed the biggest Saturday gross ever, with $69.1 million. “It’s been a fantastic weekend on every single front,” says a Disney exec.
The Avengers is scheduled for release on May 4, 2012 in the United States in 2D and 3D. Another trailer was released today with some amazing shots of our first official look at the whole team together.
First look at the Big 3 together: Captain America, Iron Man and Thor
This Avengers movie is really happening. There’s no maybes or ifs to consider, no developmental hell or botched contracts to sort out amongst studio executives. After more than three years in the making, next summer’s film approaches with the speed and subtlety of a breakaway train.
It’s been awhile since The Michael Show has posted an Avengers update because no new information has become available. However, some new pictures surfaced.
Some time has passed since we last heard news about “AKA Jessica Jones,” the Marvel TV series based on Brian Michael Bendis’ “Alias” comic books. In fact, last we heard, ”Twilight” author Melissa Rosenberg had been hired to adapt the project… a hire that’s apparently still in effect!
“It’s still sitting at ABC and we’re hoping to get on the schedule for next fall,” she revealed of the TV show’s current status in an interview with I Am Rogue. “I love this character. That is an incredibly damaged, dark, complex female character that kicks ass. That’s my favorite thing about it.”
What’s more, Rosenberg confirmed that Luke Cage — better known as the superhero Power Man, who just so happens to be Jones’ lover in the comic books — is very much a part of her vision for “Jessica Jones.”
“Luke Cage is in there. Absolutely, I love that character,” she said, adding that Jessica and Luke’s eventual child is a “way down the road” addition tot he cast. “When you give your superheroes babies it gets very complicated. I went through that on [the Showtime series] ‘Dexter,’ although it gives you some new interesting storytelling.”
In Rosenberg’s vision of “Jessica Jones,” the titular hero has thankfully retained her past as a former superhero before turning private detective, with one new wrinkle.
“Jessica Jones is actually a former superhero with PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” she said. “My psychologist father-in-law said, ‘I don’t know why all superheroes aren’t PTSD.’ It’s a trip. So she is wrestling with having this damaged past and still trying to contribute something to the world.”
There are 4 main things I expected in the Avengers movie trailer. Sadly, none of those expectations were seen. It really doesn’t matter, though. The trailer looks amazing, this movie will be amazing and I can’t wait. I’ve literally waited 20 years for an Avengers movie and now it is finally here. My life will finally be complete May 2012.
Marvel Studios have announced that the trailer for The Avengers will be released Tuesday, October 11, and, of course, The Michael Show will be featuring it right on this site. You have no idea how excited I am for this.
For this trailer to deliver there are a few things I expect to see:
Our first look at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. I will be pissed if it’s not there.
A full team shot. I don’t mean individual second shots of Cap and Thor. I want the whole team, fully assemebled, if only just for a second.
With number 2 in mind, I want to hear Captain America yell out Earth’s Mightiest Heroes famous battle cry, “AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!”
Confirmation of if Loki, the Skrulls, Thanos or whoever is the central villain.
Wow. So excited for next summer’s The Avengers! Set pictures have been popping up all over the place and each of them is one of my fanboy wet dream’s come true.
The ending of Captain America: The First Avenger gives us a nice sneak peak at footage from Joss Whedon’s upcoming The Avengers. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have never looked so amazing. Check out the stills below:
The shot above is my favorite. This is the first real taste we get at the Avengers team together, minus a teammate of two but still it gets me excited.
Say hello to the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) who we met in Iron Man 2. As far as female Avengers go, I would’ve preferred seeing Scarlet Witch, Wasp or even Mockingbird. However, Scarlett Johansson makes the Widow cool so I have a feeling I’ll live.
Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. It’s nice to get a better look at Clint Barton. Hawkeye has always been one of my favorite Avengers. Just like Black Widow, it appears Hawkeye will also be a member of S.H.I.E.L.D. Hopefully we’ll get to meet another S.H.I.E.L.D. agent by the name of Bobi Morse. If you’re and Avengers fan like me, you’ll know exactly who that is.
We’re getting a good look here at Thor, the God of Thunder himself, boasting a slightly new appearance from what we’re previously seen in his movie.
Steve Rogers, who just very recently woke up from a 70 year nap and into the surreal world of modern day America. Cap’s looking pretty sleek in his new costume, but might otherwise be feeling out of place with the rest of his teammates — though probably not as out of place as…
… Bruce Banner. Here’s our first look at Mark Ruffalo in the role as the Hulk. Mark looks appropriately conflicted and worried about his place on the team, but I’m hopefully speaking for most of fandom when I say he’s got nothing to worry about — by all accounts, “The Avengers” is looking pretty, pretty, pretty good! I cannot wait for this movie.
In order to see this Avengers trailer, you have to sit through the final scene of Captain America. So if you haven’t seen “Cap” yet, you’ll need to cross some spoiler-filled waters to get to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Unless you just want to jump to the 34 second mark; that’s an option, too! Enjoy.
In addition to the new movie poster for next summer’s The Avengers, Marvel Studios has released several character posters that were designed for this year’s Comic-Con. I have two words: FUCKEN AWESOME!!!!
Below you can checkout a brand new fan poster for the upcoming Avengers movie which just hit the web via Imagehost. The poster features a whole slew of the main characters that we can expect to see in The Avengers as well as some that we are not so sure on. This looks amazing.
I love comics. While I do not read them as religiously as I use too, I still do check in with them from time to time. One of my favorite comic runs was the Busiek/Perez Avengers from the early 2000′s (picture above). This was the Avengers at their best!!! Turns out the editor, Tom Brevoort, has a Formsping. I made a statement and he answered. Enjoy:
Oh, happy day!! With the addition of 20 years worth of Power Rangers episodes now on Netflix, Michael’s life is now complete. Let the Power Ranger marathon begin. Topics discussed on today’s show: Netflix, World War Z update, Avengers movie poster, Cindy Loo Hoo all grown-up, a tittytastic Avril Lavigne, Rebecca Black gets even with Ark Music Factory, Kesha before and after, theatre no texting PSA, child porn found in a high school yearbook, McDonald’s black customers service charge and Anthony Weiner pulls out….it doesn’t get more exciting than this.
The Avengers is probably the most talked about superhero movie in recent years and with Joss Whedon behind the lens, there’s little to no chance that this movie is going to disappoint. (Don’t quote me on that.)
Not much is known about the story, but as of today, we have a first look at The Avengers all together, all in costume! Check out the poster for flick (above), which was presented to attendees of the at the Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas this week.
Three character posters have been released for the upcoming Captain America: The First Avenger. Featured in the set are posters for Chris Evans as Captain America, Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter, and Hugo Weaving as Red Skull. Now for your viewing pleasure….
Both Captain America and Red Skull look amazing. I do have to admit I am looking forward more to Captain America than I was Thor. What are your thoughts? Do you like Cap’s look?
The Avengers is currently shooting in New Mexico and it has been understood ever since Thor hit theaters earlier this month, that Tom Hiddleston’s Loki will be the main villain. A new rumor is swirling that The Avengers will feature a second villain, Thanos.
Earlier this month, Marvel unveiled some photos from Odin’s vault in Thor, and one of the items on display is the Infinity Gauntlet, which Thanos wears.
It isn’t known how large a part Thanos will have in The Avengers (if any), or who will be playing him. Nothing has been confirmed by Marvel Studios regarding Thanos at this time.
The Avengers comes to theaters May 4th, 2012 but until then, read up on Thanos HERE. At one point he killed half of the heroes in the Marvel Universe with just a thought.
