This Year in Marvel Films: Guardians, Thor, and Spider-Man
Here we take a look at what's to come from the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2017, from a highly anticipated sequel to a certain webslinger no one thought would ever leap into the same toolbox as the Avengers around him.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2
Quick Facts
Director: James Gunn
Screenplay: James Gunn
After the sheer brilliance of Guardians of the Galaxy, it was no surprise that Marvel ordered a sequel. James Gunn created one of the best superhero films of all time. It had great acting, comedy, and a phenomenal soundtrack. Even though recent reports say that this film will be a break off of the MCU timeline. I'm sure it will continue the overall story arc which includes Thanos as the main villain. The Guardians will probably be the main connection to the Avengers down on Earth.
The sequel of Guardians of the Galaxy follows Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Baby Groot. Along with the Guardians for the first time is Yondu, Nebula, and Mantis. We also get to meet Star-Lord's father Ego (who will be played by Kurt Russell). A fun fact is that 20th Century Fox had to trade the rights of Ego to be able to use the Negasonic Teenage Warhead in Deadpool.
Sylvester Stallone is also going to be in the film. He will play a member of the Nova Corps. It will be interesting if Stallone's character is a minor or major player in the MCU.
Director James Gunn has mentioned in the past that he would love to do a Thunderbolts film. It would be basically Marvel's version of Suicide Squad. I wouldn't be surprised to see this film pop up in Marvel's distinctly different phase four. Gunn also expressed interest in using characters like Annihilus and Kang the Conqueror. Both of which are owned by 20th Century Fox. It's likely that Marvel Studios could end up buying the rights to these characters or just keep making trades.
This film will tell us more about the future of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. The cast is set to appear in Avengers: Infinity War. After that the status of the Guardians will be unknown. Will Marvel Studios attempt a third film for the franchise? Parent company Disney loves the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. They are already incorporating Guardians stuff into the parks. At Disney's California Adventure they are redoing the Tower of Terror and replacing it with Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. In May of 2014, Disney CEO Bob Iger talked about the future of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. "We’re looking forward to introducing the world to more fantastic Marvel storytelling, with a great cast of new characters in Guardians of the Galaxy... We believe it has strong franchise potential."
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 heads to theaters May 5. I'm excited to listen to the stellar soundtrack. Also I'm expecting the post-credit scenes to all of the movies this year to be nuts.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Quick Facts
Director: Jon Watts
Screenplay: Jonathan M. Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Jon Watts, Christopher Ford,Chris McKenna, and Erik Sommers.
This is the third time the Spider-Man franchise has been introduced. It just goes to show that Spider-Man is Marvel's most popular character. I mean only a character like this would get another reboot. We have had the Tobey Maguire franchise, then the Andrew Garfield franchise (Never got around to watching those), and now the MCU franchise with Tom Holland. I think Tom Holland executed the character of Spider-Man perfectly. At least from what I saw in Captain America: Civil War. Even the title to this film is perfection. It's Spider-Man's true homecoming to Marvel.
The cast for Spider-Man: Homecoming is fantastic also. Zendaya (Michelle), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan), and Michael Keaton (Vulture). Donald Glover is also set to appear in the film.
Marvel and Sony Executives were so impressed with the success of the first trailer that a sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming has been slated for July 5, 2019. Marvel President Kevin Feige is planning the Spider-Man franchise to be similar to Harry Potter. Chronicling each year of Peter Parker's schooling and the threats his alter-ego Spider-Man faces.
So one thing of Marvel's Phase Four is confirmed. There will be more Spider-Man. Quite a possibility that Spidey may lead the New Avengers of Phase Four?
Thor: Ragnarok
Quick Facts
Director: Taika Waititi
Screenplay: Eric Pearson
This is the 17th installment in the elaborate Marvel Cinematic Universe. Once again it's another Marvel film that bolsters a strong cast. Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson, Jeff Goldblum, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The synopsis is that Thor must defeat Hulk in a gladiatorial duel in order to save Asgard from Hela and the coming Ragnarok. Elements from the 2006 comic storyline "Planet Hulk" have been adapted for Ragnarok.
The Thor franchise looks to rebound after Dark World. I strongly believe Thor: Ragnarok will be the most important film to the MCU this year. I don't know maybe Spider-Man: Homecoming surprises me with some Infinity War advances but it's doubtful. Thor: Ragnarok will probably have the most important post-credit scene too.
Ragnarok unites Thor, Hulk, and Doctor Strange which is a peculiar trio. It will be interesting to see how large of a role Doctor Strange has in Ragnarok. Also the rumors of a female Thor have come to a halt. Due to the fact that Chris Hemsworth has signed on for Avenger's Infinity War. Even if your not a fan of the Thor franchise. Thor: Ragnarok will be a important watch for the entire sake of the MCU.
I'm mostly excited for the incorporation of "Planet Hulk" elements in Ragnarok. I also really enjoyed Doctor Strange which came out this past November. I'm interested to see how his role impacts this film.
Thor: Ragnarok heads to theaters November 3.
Next year will be a even more interesting year for Marvel Studios. As fans get to witness the first part to the highly-anticipated Avengers: Infinity War. Ryan Coogler's Black Panther will teach us more about Wakanda and the gritty title character. Then we have Peyton Reed's follow up of Ant-Man with Ant-Man and the Wasp.
