A 2, A 3, No 4...

Artwork: HD Wallpapers. 

So negotiations for the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark are ongoing...

But with a twist.  It appears, as of now, that his agents are negotiating for him to play a role in "Avengers 2" and "Avengers 3" as part of an ensemble.  But no plans yet for an "Iron Man 4" are being discussed.  It could be that RDJ feels like all that can be said, has been said in solo adventures.  Does this mean there will be no fourth adventure of Shell Head?

Not necessarily, but it could be that Downey feels it's time for other characters to have their part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Plus, being a part of a movie means he doesn't have to carry the entire load of the film.  Should it happen, fans would still get to see Stark played by the actor through the end of Phase Three.  He might even negotiate a cameo in one of the other films so as to make him feel a part of the universe still.

But a fourth Iron Man may not appear till Phase Four if current talks are the direction the actor/studio is heading in.  And if that is the case you can expect someone else with the goatee and mustache by then.

Now that is a part in need of a hero...

Iron Man 300,000,000...

So today is the day Phase Two starts...

At least for America.  So begins Shell Head's third outing.  It's already a huge hit overseas with over $300 million so far, and an expected $450 million by the end of the weekend.  That's not included what it's expected to make here.  That's an estimated $177 million more for a total of over $600+ million by Sunday.  I think it's safe to say that this film may make its money back.

Will it make more than "The Avengers" though?

Doubtful, but it'll likely wind up being the second most profitable Marvel film.  It may nip at the heels of the team up film, but there would have to be an extra push to get it over the threshold that Joss Whedon's film set.  Now the question for you is: "Is it worth it?"

Now, I don't do reviews anymore.  I don't consider myself a reviewer, but simply a film fan, a movie lover and Disney obsessor.  My favorite Marvel film is "The Avengers" film, but "Captain America: The First Avenger" is a very close second.  Iron Man 3 is right behind Cap.  It's a very good film.  It's a smart, intelligent detective film, disguised as a popcorn film that succeeds on almost every level.  It's my favorite Iron Man film.  It has the best display of characters of all three films, and it sets a bar for the films to follow.  In other words, it starts off Phase Two with a big, loud bang.

Too bad the Creatives and Suits decided against that Stark Expo for Innoventions...

Third Time's The Charm...

He is Iron Man, again... 

So we finally have the first trailer for next year's last film for Marvel Studios...

And it looks great, awesome even.  "Iron Man 3" has been highly anticipated by me, mainly because of the director/writer attached to helm it.  Shane Black has been around Hollywood for three decades, but only recently got into directing.  Primarily a writer (creator of the "Lethal Weapon," etc.), Black made his directorial debut with Robert Downey Jr.'s comeback film, "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang," which I loved.

The announcement that he was directing the film, as well as co-writing the screenplay was what perked up for me.  I believe that this film could be the best of all three of Tony Stark's adventures in celluloid, but that's just me.

It appears that this, along with "Thor: The Dark World" are both offering more grandiose adventures that will expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Success has a way of making one bolder, and this trailer makes the film feel like a larger take on the superhero world.

Now, if they want Downey back for another film(s), then they should back the Brinks truck up to his house...

Marvel Month...

Avengers Attack, Avenger Assemble Again, Avengers Avenger...






It appears that Marvel Studios is staking out early summer as their territory...

Next years May 3rd is penciled in for "Iron Man 3" despite a filming delay because of Robert Downey Jr.'s injured ankle. Iron Man, indeed.

Now, Walt Disney Pictures and Marvel Studios have staked out another May day, almost two years to that date for the big follow up to the biggest movie of the year.

May 1, 2015.

The untitled "Avengers 2" film has now put a flag down claiming that day. All other studios beware. When it comes to May the superhero film company is making a statement.

Make mine Marvel...

Dark Metal...

The Iron Knight Returns...







The third and last (as of now) time Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark may be a shade different...

The other day someone leaked what sounds like the trailer for Marvel Studios "Iron Man 3" would be like. It seems to follow the tone of what some our saying about this third outing for the billionaire/philanthropist-vigilante/hero. It's going to be a darker, more harrowing tale of the comic character. Not so much, as following Stark down the neck of a beer as in "Demon in a Bottle," but as in watching a character take a stroll down a road where everything he has is stripped away from him.

Kevin Feige has sad as much when he was talking about taking Tony Stark back to that cave we saw him in the first film. But from what I hear, I don't think people realize how far into that dark hole he actually means. From what I'm hearing, this film will be closer to "The Dark Knight Rises" than "Avengers." While I don't believe it'll actually be that dark, I believe it'll cross over into territory near it. If you've ever read or seen the comic/motion comic "Extremis," then you'll realize that this Iron Man isn't going to be making as many flippant jokes.

We're going to see him brought back to what makes him who he is. And considering he's just seen an attempted alien invasion of Earth, things have changed. How could your world not be altered after experiencing something like that? And with Shane Black in charge and no writer's strike this time, I expect a script worthy of the actors in this film. I've made no attempt to hide my belief that this film could be the best of all three Iron Man films, and I'm certainly more interested in seeing it that the second outing of Marvel's God of Thunder. Black taking over the directing of the franchise is a primary reason why I feel that way (Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang is awesome, and the reason Downey got the role of Tony Stark in the first place).

So now we wait to see a trailer showing us the third installment of the film that started Marvel's foray into the control of their own filmic destiny. The chances that we'll see RD Jr. in an Avenger's sequel is a little higher now that the company has shown a willingness to re-up Joss Whedon for that film. Will they sign him for just "Avengers 2," or another round of Iron Man films? That's a question I don't think even Tony Stark knows the answer to.

But I do believe it's going to be a dark journey toward the light for this character, and this Disney division's future films...

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Revealed (Almost)...

And a one, and a two...



Sorry for the delay, but it was a long day...

I thought since every website had pretty much covered the footage, discussions and teases that were revealed in the Marvel Panel yesterday, I'd try something different. With the films that Marvel President, Kevin Feige introduced we now have a very clear direction of what leads up to "The Avengers 2" with one tiny blank spot. Let's look at the path that is spread before us.

2013:

May 3

We will get the last of an "Iron Man" trilogy starring Robert Downey Jr. possibly. It's going to take some serious negotiations on Feige and Marvel's part to get him to return. I hope that they do, but they've already mentioned that the part will be like James Bond. No actor is bigger than the character, but Downey inhabits Tony Stark like no one, and it'll be hard to replace him.


November 8

The continuation of the God of Thunder, but this time we're promised a lot, if not most of the adventure will take place off of earth and in the other realms of the universe. We can look forward to more dealings with Thor's brother, Loki and another mysterious villain that has yet to be revealed, and now recast. This will be Marvel taking another chance with people having to not only believe in a race of Asgardians, but a world along the lines of "Lord of the Rings" in terms of scope. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

2014

April 4



The return of the original Marvel Boy Scout comes back to tell the story of "Winter Soldier." With the reveal of the title we can expect to see Bucky back in part two. And it also explains how we'll have some of the flashbacks. If you remember the first film, they glossed over the fighting with a montage of scenes. It looks like now we're going to see some of the battles that made up the relationship between Steve Rogers and his best friend. It will also be interesting how they fit Bucky in the modern world as well.

August 1




Marvel takes its biggest gamble yes as it goes for the stars. This is a title not as well known to audiences as others, but it promises to be a much larger scale than where we've gone before. Also with the addition of this film, it appears that Thanos will likely be seen in this film before/instead of "The Avengers 2"

Now that is what is solidly confirmed. Everything else is speculation, but based on what we've seen in the past, and what has been announced/teased in the past few days.

2015

Unless something happens that we don't know about, this will be the year that "The Avengers 2" comes out. And it's the type of film that will be a summer release. So in all likelihood it's going to be their summer release that year. Now, the main question is when will it release its other film that year? Spring, as in something like April, or fall as in something like November? That is what we don't know.



As for what that other film is? In truth, it'll probably be "Ant-Man" with all the information that has been put out there. Of course, Marvel could decide to release three films in 2014, which means this one could have a fall/winter release during the year. That way it would come out before Avengers, leaving room for one more property the following year. That property could be the one reportedly being put on the front burner, which is "Black Panther" according to Latino Review.



So if Ant-Man doesn't make it, we may get a trip to Africa. And then there is the possibility that Marvel may release three films in one year. They've talked about that as an option, but they don't want to over saturate the market with superheroes and destroy their own branding. I don't think that this will happen. Which ever one of these doesn't make it in to 2015, will likely be the first one we see in 2016. And you know what that is?

Marvel Cinematic Universe, Phase Three...

Black Opportunities...

Now this is the kind of rumor that makes a fanboy feel like he's died and gone to Comic-Con...

The Hollywood Reporter is saying that among the short list of directors to take the place of Jon Favreau is Shane Black. Not only to direct the film, but possibly write it as well. The writer-director is said to be meeting with Marvel and is on the short list of people that are being considered for the job. PLEASE, please, please let this happen, Black is one of a few people that would be perfect for this deal. His ability to write smart, funny scripts filled with action would make him an ideal choice to helm the third adventure of Shellhead. It would also reunite Black with Robert Downey Jr., with whom he worked on the wonderfully fun, "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang." That film was one of the early works that got Downey back on track after his rehab and let the actor shine in his performance. If Marvel Suits like Kevin Feige are smart, they will lock this deal asap because it's simply too good to be actually be true.

Almost as if it were a tale straight out of a comic book...

Wizard Of Ours...

We're off to see the pirate...





So Robert Downey Jr. has dropped out of "Oz, The Great and Powerful" for unknown reasons...

And the rumor is the Mouse is now considering hiring one of its own Cast Members for the part. That's right, the Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog is uhm, reporting that Disney Suits want Johnny Depp to take over the part of the charlatan snake oil salesman that becomes a wizard. Having read the script, I can tell you that Downey was perfect. Although I can see Depp shape shifting to fill the role. Still, RDjr. was an inspired choice who seems to have his pick of projects today. But the Drugged Journalist/Candy Maker/Pirate/Indian/Stop-Motion actor isn't exactly waiting for things to do.

No word as to how the busy actor will fit it into his already cramped schedule. He's due to start filming the "Dark Shadows"adaptation shortly and then goes to "The Lone Ranger" after that. Something would seem to have to give if this were to happen. One of these films would likely have to be bumped. Disney seems to want to put this on the front burner, but Lone Ranger has been sitting for a couple years. Which one will Disney push aside/delay? Too bad they couldn't clone him and then he could star in all Disney's films.

Imagine what "The Black Hole" and a new "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" with Depp in the Cesar Romero role! Now that's casting.

Hey, I'm joking but he's pulling a lot of overtime in Disney's land...

Raimi: The Great And Powerful...

According to various sources, including Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood, Walt Disney Studios made an offer Friday to Sam to direct the Robert Downey Jr. vehicle, "Oz, The Great and Powerful," and word is that he accepted it today. No, not Sam Mendes, who was originally being courted for the project, but Sam Raimi, who was planning on directing "World of Warcraft" until Sony got a look at the budget for this proposed film. Still, I guess it doesn't stop Sam from playing the video game daily (he's obsessed with it).

There is still some confusion as to if Downey is a lock, but as of now it appears that the man behind Evil Dead and Spider-Man is the man behind the curtain...

IMAX MAN 2...

I am Iron Man...


The Imax posters for "Iron Man 2" are out...



Next month Marvel and Downey Jr. are gonna take it to the next level...

Hat Tip to Super Hero Hype for the Iron Man poster and Screen Rant for the Whiplash poster.

Pay No Attention To That Man Behind The Curtain...

The life of Robert Downey Jr. is one of praise, promise and tragedy...

This was one of the reasons that he was so right to play the role of Tony Stark. He was inspired casting that made a film about Sherlock Holmes a huge money juggernaut. And if he accepts the role of the man who was a charlatan from Kansas that winds up becoming the ruler of the Emerald City of Oz... the Wizard? That's brilliant. Really.

For those that don't know, Downey Jr. is being courted to play the lead in the Mitchell Kapner scripted/Joe Roth produced "Oz, The Great and Powerful," which will likely be made by Disney. Perhaps it could be announced at Rich Ross' big public event tomorrow?

Word is that Sam Mendes and Adam Shankman are up for the role of director. Each one would offer a much different tone in terms of interpretation of the material. Mendes seems to be the one that would have a feeling akin to "Something Wicked This Way Comes." Shankman with his "Hairspray" credentials would provide a much lighter tone. Me? I would tend to go the Mendes route and word is that he is the producers first choice for the job. Interesting times down the Yellow Brick Road, huh?

This would make the Mouse's first travels down that road since "Return to Oz," I believe. Strangely, Disney has owned the rights to all of L. Frank Braum's series of books, except for "The Wizard of Oz." And now they could/would create a story that is a prequel to that book? Now, I don't know if they still have those rights or if they've expired, but they did own them through the Eighties. I don't know if Eisner made another mistake by getting rid of them like he did "The Lone Ranger." Properties such as this should be held on to. Of course, let's hope that Sony doesn't follow my advice with "Spider-Man" or Iger will never get to make a film under one of Disney's labels.

We're off to see the Wizard...

Not Your Daddy's Sherlock Holmes...

Behold...

Feast your eyes on "The Napoleon of Crime!"

Brad Pitt as the criminal genius that thwarts Sherlock Holmes with his dastardly plans?

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Please, stop it! Tell me you're joking. Really? He is? No sh... ooops! I mean, Pitt has picked some really good projects and he knows enough to work on mostly smart scripts, but the mastermind of evil that is the bane of the Basil of Baker Street? This is clearly not the literary Holmes of Arthur Conan Doyle. Of that, I'm sure.

It's elementary...

First Pic From The Second...

Iron Man 2 to be correct...

USAToday has an article out that shows us the first pic from Marvel Studio's big 2010 summer blockbuster.

I like the progression of Suits in the background. Suits? Get it? Seriously, I'm looking forward to this as Downey Jr. is one of the best actors out there.

Waiting to see...