It’s been a pretty good few years for Marvel studios after busting down box-office records with both Avengers Assemble and Iron Man 3. But after Marvel recently announced five new untitled movies, we can’t help wondering – where do they go from here?
We’ve already seen Marvel delve into their lesser-known pantheon of heroes with the remarkably successful Guardians of the Galaxy… and I think it’s safe to say there’s going to be a lot more where that came from. But which of Marvel’s comic book heroes will be the next to take centre stage? What new Marvel movies do we have to look forward to?
Although we don’t know for sure, we’ve certainly got some ideas…
Doctor Strange
I think it’s safe to say that Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme will be heading to our screens soon enough. There’s been plenty of buzz about the fact that Scott Derrickson has signed on to direct… and with Joaquin Phoenix rumoured to be closing in on a deal for the titular role, it looks as though the Avengers may finally get a taste of the supernatural.
Of course, whether or not Dr Stephen Strange ends up as part of The Avengers (as in the comic books) is another matter entirely. But with plenty of potential and some early hints to his appearance in Captain America: The Winter Soldier it seems that magic and mayhem will be heading to our screens soon enough.
Thor 3
After a rather shocking twist at the end of Thor: The Dark World there’s still plenty of story to tell in the realm of Asgard… and one very big question remains – what the hell is Loki up to? I’m talking, of course, about the very end of the movie, when it’s revealed to the audience that it’s not Odin sitting in the throne, but Loki.
Having pulled a fast one on his brother Thor, it looks as though the eternal trickster has managed to get himself into the ultimate position of Asgardian power. But to what end? Despite appearing as the main villain in Avengers Assemble it looks as though he won’t be re-appearing in the sequel, Avengers: Age of Ultron. After all, its villainous roster is already looking a bit crowded. But perhaps we’ll eventually find out the repercussions in another Thor instalment.
The Hulk
Although Bruce Banner has already had two solo outings (played by Eric Bana and Edward Norton respectively), perhaps it’s time to pass the big green baton to the incredible Mark Ruffalo. Appearing as Banner/Hulk in Avengers Assemble, his nuanced performance has given rise to a growing demand for another solo Hulk movie.
Unfortunately, it looks as though Marvel is a little reluctant to give the fans what they want.
Perhaps it’s due to the past failings of the big, green rage monster on the big screen… but while Bana and Norton’s depictions did little to rouse the fans, Ruffalo has already proved himself capable of handling the double-edged role. And let’s face it – the fans love him.
Of course, there have already been plenty of rumours about an eventual Planet Hulk movie. But I can’t help thinking Marvel would be better served keeping the Hulk grounded, at least for the time being. After all, Ruffalo deserves the opportunity to get the most out of the role before blasting him off into space.
Black Panther
Isn’t it about time Marvel put a non-white character front and centre in their own, stand-alone movie? We’ve heard rumours for some time that T’Challa (or Black Panther to his friends) is eventually heading to the big screen. Even Stan Lee himself is convinced that a Black Panther movie is in the pipeline. But will he take to our screens before 2019?
We’ve already seen the likes of War Machine and The Falcon in supporting roles… but with the nation of Wakanda already mentioned in the MCU, perhaps it’s time to unleash the Black Panther on the world.
Of course, there’s still the small matter of how Black Panther will fit into the MCU’s growing pantheon of heroes… after all, he could always become an Avenger if they go down the same route as the comic books. Either way, there’s bound to be a place for him somewhere.
Avengers 3
Even though Avengers: Age of Ultron is yet to make it to the big screen, a third Avengers sequel is pretty much taken for granted. Having created such a hugely successful comic book movie franchise (as well as laying the groundwork for an impending conflict with Thanos) it seems only obvious that Marvel’s grand plans will culminate with Avengers 3.
But will this appear by 2019? And where will the MCU go from there?
The filming of Age of Ultron has recently wrapped, and it’s entirely possible for another Avengers sequel to go into production with enough time to turn it around by 2019. I mean, that’s a good five years away. I suppose the real question is how the team roster will look by then…
Iron Man 4
It’s no secret that Robert Downey Jr. is the linchpin of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was the original Iron Man that revitalised the flagging efforts of Marvel Studios… and it was on this film that the entire MCU grew into what we know and love today.
But will Robert Downey Jr. be up for another Iron Man movie?
Having recently revealed that there is “no plan for a fourth Iron Man,” it seems that the inimitable Robert Downey Jr. may be planning to sit this one out. That is, unless he simply can’t yet reveal Marvel’s long-term plans.
Despite protests, I can’t help thinking that Marvel may have something up their sleeve when it comes to the Iron Man franchise. Whether or not this pans out in the near future remains to be seen. But I get the feeling we haven’t seen the last of the Iron Man armour.
What do you think is next for the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Which heroes do you want to see on the big screen? Let us know in the comments below…
