Marvel Studios is one of the biggest entertainment studios in cinema history and its absence was sorely felt by fans during Comic-Con 2015. I mean, attending a Comic-Con without Marvel participating in it seems like an Avengers team sans Captain America and Iron Man.
However, the studio was back in spectacular fashion at the latest event of Comic-Con International 2016, held at the famed San Diego Convention Center, with a plethora of movie updates, insane trailers and fascinating panel sessions.
Here is a lowdown on everything revealed by Marvel at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2016:
Two new actors for Guardians of the Galaxy 2
Two major announcements were made regarding Guardians of the Galaxy 2, which is scheduled for an initial release on April 2017. Kurt Russell (Escape from New York, Big Trouble in Little China) will be part of the cast and will play Ego, a living planet and Star Lord Chris Pratt’s father. Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby) will also join the movie as her character Ayesha, leader of the Sovereign people.
Another update regarding the next Guardian‘s movie is that it will be set only a few months after the first one, with Star Lord being a kinda celebrity across the entire universe due to his exploits.
Hulk’s Gladiator Outfit in Thor: Ragnarok
We all knew that Hulk was missing in action for Captain America: Civil War and he would be seen in the next Thor movie. Teaming up with Thor, now that is an indestructible badass combo! Moreover, we also now know that Hulk’s arc in the new Thor movie would be on similar lines as the ‘Planet Hulk’ comics after Hulk’s incredible Gladiator outfit was revealed.
Spider-Man: Homecoming’s New Villain
Tom Holland became an instant favorite in his role as Spidey in Civil War and we could hardly wait to see him donning the red suit again. At Comic Con, Holland released new footage with director Jon Watts that revealed Vulture as the new villain of Spider-Man: Homecoming.
According to Watts, Homecoming (scheduled for a July 2017 release) will be a high-school movie about a 15-year-old kid. That is FANTASTIC news. I have always maintained that more movies should be made that show Spidey’s normal life in school and college, and the ensuing hilarity and befuddled situations that ensue as a result of Peter Parker trying to be wary around his superpowers. That is such a kickass fun premise yeah.
The footage described by the audience reminded them of John Hughes teen flicks and Paul Feig/Judd Apatow’s Freaks and Geeks. Frickin’ awesome!
Brie Larson is Captain Marvel!
It was hotly speculated who would play the titular character of Captain Marvel in the first female-led movie of the Marvel cinematic universe. We know now!
‘Nuff said!
Update on Black Panther
The character of Black Panther is quite intriguing and we were eager to know when the movie would enter production. Director Ryan Coogler announced that the shooting would start in January. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o will play the role of Nakia, a member of an order of warrior women. Joining them will be Danai Gurira as Okoye and Coogler collaborator Michael B. Jordan as villain Erik Killmonger (lolwut, whatay name man). The movie is scheduled for a February 2018 release.
The trailer of Doctor Strange is mind-bending awesomeness
In a movie universe that is awash with advanced technology and a blitzkrieg of comic book action scenes, the Doctor Strange trailer is a whiff of fresh air. The second trailer presents some really unique Inception type scenes and gives us a detailed look into the mysticism that surrounds the movie like the gossamer cobwebs of a spider.
New TV Trailers Are Out
You remember Luke Cage, that unbreakable black dude who was also Jessica Jones’s love interest? Well, he has a TV show of his own now and it will be out very soon- September 20, 2016 on Netflix. Watch the trailer below:
Another interesting teaser was of Iron Fist, which explores the origin of Danny Rand as a young plane crash survivor taken in by monks who train him to be the martial arts crimefighter we know so well. By the way, Danny Rand is being played Ser Loras of House Tyrell.
GHOST RIDER is coming to the next season of Agents of Shield!
Insanity.
Also, have you ever wondered what all those Marvel-Netflix collaborations would eventually result in? I mean you have Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. What’s really the point of having so many stand alone shows for different characters? The answer- The Defenders series where we will see all our heroes assemble together like the Avengers to collectively kick the ass of all annoying villains.
Here is the teaser of the same. The show is expected to premier on Netflix likely in 2017.