Marvel/Avengers Update

Avengers Assemble!

By TK | Posted Under Trade News | Comments (46)

Zak Penn, in a panel at the Los Angeles Film Festival, is going to bring great hope and joy to comic geeks everywhere. Penn, you may already know, served as a writer on some pretty botched comic book movies, mostly due to studio interference. He was brought in to try to clean up the horrid Elektra script, wrote the very good X-Men II script, and had his script for X3 defiled by the drunken ass-monkeys at Fox.

Now, he’s writing The Avengers for Marvel Studios. The creation of Marvel Studios is probably one of the best things that could have happened, because, well, they actually seem to give a shit. They’re actively trying to link together the stories for Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America, so they can make a balls-out Avengers film. Check out Penn’s comment from the panel:

“They’re doing Captain American and Thor first, and then Avengers is coming out. They want to see that they’re all connected, not like the Fantastic Four can’t come into the X-Men world, like I was told. I’m taking a meeting next week with the Thor and Captain America people, and we are all going to get together, and I will see what is going to happen. I’ll see where they are leaving the characters; it’s pretty complicated…There’s a board that is tracking what is happening…Marvel is autonomous now. It is night and day: Everyone has read every comic. They know how to make a cool movie.”

Oh. Oh yes. Oh… yessss.

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That shit right there? Better than Viagra.

Posted by: admin at June 25, 2009 10:54 AM

Really ?lol.........Just heard that he is ho-oking up with a nice gi-rl on the inter-esting cl-ub called: ____BigTalls . c o m____, really ? Sounds it is a famoaus on-line service.

Posted by: dananlksd at June 25, 2009 10:55 AM

Wait, Zak Penn is not on the side of evil? I saw his writing credits and thought the worst. This is... good news... maybe?

*tiny flame of hope is kindled*

Posted by: twig at June 25, 2009 10:59 AM

Could be cool.

I'm waiting to see who's going to be Thor and who's on tap for C.A.

Also, is The Hulk going to be in this incarnation of The Avengers? Or Submariner?

So many questions.

My head hurts

Posted by: UncleJR at June 25, 2009 11:02 AM

We already know Thor, UncleJr. It's Chris Hemsworth.

Posted by: Snath at June 25, 2009 11:07 AM

An Avengers movie would be balls-out fucking crazy.

It's something that has never been attempted before, and it could really go either way. I mean, what are we talking here, 300, 400, 500 million goddamn dollars to make this behemoth? I get the feeling Marvel Studios was created soley for the purpose of one day being in charge of making this Avengers movie.

It could be the best thing EVER. Or it could be so embarassing, so insane and complicated, so goddamn awful that it stops the comic-movie train in its tracks.

Either way, we're all in for quite a spectacle.

Posted by: annoyingmouse at June 25, 2009 11:10 AM

Squee. Open speculation about possible Avengers.

I figure they can't realistically have more than seven (and six is a better number) and three slots are already filled. They could go with the semi-original team an include Ant-Man and Wasp ("Ms. Hendricks? There's a call on line one.), but they're lame. Wasp still might make the cut because the roster of female Avengers is less than awe-inspiring, but I'd personally rather see She-Hulk and Jocasta. A She-Hulk movie is a real long shot, however, while I could see an Ant-Man and Wasp movie and Scarlet Witch ties in with X-Men. Black Widow would be great ("Ms. Hendricks? There's a call on line two.") but I don't see that happening.

For other men, I hope Black Panther gets the call. There's been a movie in the works for 20 years, so it's easy to see how a role in Avengers leads straight to another film. Giant-Man/Goliath would be fun from a visual perspective, but that character is nearly as hardcore geek as Jocasta.

So here's what I think they will do, not necessarily what I'd like them to do (because I'm sure you're all waiting with baited breath to know what I think):

Iron Man
Captain America
Thor
Wasp
Scarlet Witch
Black Panther

Posted by: Tracer Bullet at June 25, 2009 11:14 AM

Famoaus on-line servers are the best places to ho-ok up with nice gi-rls, so that makes sense.

Is Runaways coming soon? Marvel did announce it. The first volume of that series would make a damn fine film. I hope they at least slate Runaways before another goddamn X-Men spinoff.

Posted by: Simon A at June 25, 2009 11:14 AM

I've already voiced my incredibly inconsequential opinion on who should be Captain America right here:
http://rustymiami.blogspot.com/2009/06/ginger-captain-america.html
And I'm sticking by that.

If they can pull this off, it'll be fantastic but I wonder if we won't all be too burned by comic book movies by that time. I mean, there's people on this site who are still bitter about X-Men 3 and that came out three years ago now.

Posted by: Genny (actually Rusty now) at June 25, 2009 11:24 AM

The first volume of that series would make a damn fine film.

There is not one thing Vaughn hasn't done that wouldn't make a damn fine film.

Man can write.

Posted by: twig at June 25, 2009 11:24 AM

Tracer, how you gonna have Wanda without Pietro? And I would have to wonder if they are owned by Fox, seeing as how they are technically part of the X-Men universe first. I don't know how that works.

And Wasp without Giant-Man/Ant-Man is kind of weird too. I think you have to have both to keep the fans happy.

I think that more than likely the film will have Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Giant-Man, and Wasp, with either the Hulk as a villain or ally, perhaps both. I think they will adhere closely to the Ultimates storyline, unless they really change things with each character's story. That's my take, anyway.

Posted by: Snath at June 25, 2009 11:25 AM

You know what would be really awesome? If they did the Kree-Skrull war. Maybe not the first film, but a subsequent one. hell, they could use it to gather all the straggling non-Marvel Studios movies under the banner.

Posted by: Vermillion at June 25, 2009 11:28 AM

Oh. Oh yes. Oh… yessss.

I hear Triumph's voice, but that's not a bad thing.

Posted by: Jay at June 25, 2009 11:29 AM

See, this is called a tease. Whoo, look at this Avengers movie, with a well-thought out plot, interesting character interaction, exciting action and Christina Hendricks in a starring role. Do you like this, do ya?

Yeah, well, we'll be putting it in the box called "fuck you" and replacing it with a big loud incomprehensible mess with "reimagined" costumed, enemies and cast, Katherine Heigel as Dazzler and a killer soundtrack with Nickleback and Aerosmith. How's that feel huh? It's a sandpaper salt encrusted dildo with alcohol lube present from Hollywood.

And the sequel will be worse.

Posted by: Mrcreosote at June 25, 2009 11:38 AM

That is the singular hottest thing I've heard all week.

Posted by: Captain Steve at June 25, 2009 11:39 AM

Snath, I'd say you can't really have Wanda without the Vision either, but they mashed the characters of Kitty Pride and Rogue together so clearly they're not worried about changing things. But if not Scarlet Witch, then who?

She-Hulk? I like it, but she's never been able to sustain her own book and I'm afraid she'll come off as little more than a weaker Hulk who makes jokes.

Tigra? Sexy and a cool character, but non-geeks have never heard of her.

Captain Marvel/Photon? Moondragon? Sersi? See above.

Black Widow? Maybe, but if you have Black Panther and Black Widow in the same movie, Glenn Beck will start screaming that Obama is taking over Hollywood.

Mantis? Crystal? Firebird? Um, who?

Ms. Marvel? Maybe. It's an excuse to include a blond with big boobs who fights in a unitard.

Posted by: Tracer Bullet at June 25, 2009 11:58 AM

I'm sure if Scarlett Johansson does well as Black Widow they'd offer her a part in the Avengers. That is, unless Marvel pulls a "Harvey Dent" and kills her off in the Iron Man sequel.

Posted by: Snath at June 25, 2009 12:01 PM

It's the ultimate universe in the films, so it's going to be the Ultimates -- Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Cap, and Giant Man/Wasp, reporting to Nick Fury. The second string there is Hawkeye (archer), Quicksilver (like the Flash), Scarlet Witch (Hot red-head chaos-projecting babe), and Black Widow (who is being ruined by ScarJo in IM2).

I think it's a brilliant idea as long as they stay lean on super-characters. If he can have fun with it and actually act a little, visually John Cena would make a great Captain America.

Posted by: hater from siloam springs at June 25, 2009 12:17 PM

John Cena?! You just make me choke on air.

Posted by: Snath at June 25, 2009 12:24 PM

Nerds.

Posted by: admin at June 25, 2009 12:34 PM

@Simon A: If they have to make Runaways, it should probably be directed by Joss.

I'm hesitant about this working, most group superhero movies aren't that great unless you single out a particular character and make him the main focus.

I suppose if Avengers starts with them finding Steve Rogers and continues to revolve around him, that might work...

Posted by: Vi at June 25, 2009 12:38 PM

The one thing better than superheroes?

LOTS of superheroes.

Godtopus, if the Avengers movie includes RDJ and the Thor kid AND Nathan Fillion (my dream Captain America)...holy shit. It'll be like beefcake convention and the world will run out of clean underwear.

Posted by: figgy at June 25, 2009 12:44 PM

Yeah, well, we'll be putting it in the box called "fuck you"

I do not like the cone of shame.

Posted by: twig at June 25, 2009 12:55 PM

He's a lousy actor, I admit it, Snath.

But who else looks like Steve Rogers and is actually buff?

If we were really going for broke, I'd say Bruce Willis because he looks EXACTLY like Alex Ross' X-universe Cap.

Posted by: hater from siloam springs at June 25, 2009 12:55 PM

I think Tahmoh Penikett would be an awesome Captain America.

Posted by: Snath at June 25, 2009 2:05 PM

After seeing the heinous amounts of anus he kicks in Dollhouse, I agree Snath.
Let's make this happen.
Or to say it in a way the nerds will understand. "You have my sword".

Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at June 25, 2009 2:19 PM

Katherine Heigel as Dazzler and a killer soundtrack with Nickleback and Aerosmith.

SHHHHHH!!! Jesus, Mrcreosote , are you TRYING to give them ideas????

Posted by: Melissa at June 25, 2009 2:33 PM

Funny thing is, according to ads on Facebook, Nickleback is on the soundtrack to Transformers II. Ha!

Posted by: Snath at June 25, 2009 2:36 PM

I think an Avengers movie would work best with just the core characters they've revealed already. We know how much of a clusterfuck a superhero movie can become with too many characters being shoved in, so why not just have a great Avengers film with Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and the Hulk, with Nick Fury involved, of course. I mean, if they keep the original actors like they want, you've already got Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey, Jr., Edward Norton, and Chris Hemsworth, headlining a massive superhero flick. That would be incredible, and easily one of the most prestigious casts in a movie like this ever. With just those core characters, it would allow the actors room to breathe and shine too, and with that line-up, that's gotta be something everyone wants.

Posted by: kyle at June 25, 2009 2:39 PM

http://twitpic.com/8e8pf

For Snath and his hateful doubts.

Posted by: hater from siloam springs at June 25, 2009 3:08 PM

Hahaha, thanks hater. I'll admit he looks the part, body-wise. His face just doesn't scream "Captain America" to me, though.

Posted by: Snath at June 25, 2009 3:32 PM

Jay nailed it months ago: Neal McDonough would be the perfect Cap for a retro Nazi-fighter look.

I think they'll keep it lean in terms of characters, no more than six primaries, which is still a lot for one movie. And they'll do a crossover with the Hulk to keep that franchise alive. But I think one of the primaries, at least, will have to be a woman (not complaining, just sayin') for marketing purposes. If they have six characters they could do the core group (Cap, Thor, Ironman and Hulk), by which I mean the well-known characters that will resonate with audiences -- Hulk joined up way into his storyline if I recall -- and promote Wasp and Scarlet Witch, as Tracer predicted.

Those are pretty good female characters, and probably the most recognizable names to casual fans.

And Nick Fury of course.

Dream cast:

Ironman: um, duh
Captain America: Neal McDonough
Thor: Kevin McKidd (I know, it's not happening)
Hulk: Edward Norton (eh, if Bill Bixby isn't available, I'm fine with Norton.)
Wasp: Lena Headey (they're talking about Eva Longoria, retch)
Scarlet Witch: Christina Hendricks

Posted by: socalledonlycousins at June 25, 2009 3:34 PM

Neal McDonough has the look, but he is definitely too old to play Cap. Steve Rogers was 25 when he was frozen in ice, and by the time this movie is out, Neal will be 45.

The same could be said for Lena Headey as Wasp. She's a damn good-looking woman, but she's just too old for the part. In the Ultimate universe, which is more-or-less where they're getting the look and feel for the films, she's 26. By the time the movie comes out, Lena will be 38.

Posted by: Snath at June 25, 2009 3:51 PM

She-Hulk? I like it, but she's never been able to sustain her own book and I'm afraid she'll come off as little more than a weaker Hulk who makes jokes.

Uh, her current series is quite popular. Plus, if they have the Hulk, they can play both the family angle and the "she can control it, I can't" angle as well.

Posted by: Vermillion at June 25, 2009 4:09 PM

Please oh please oh please oh please oh please oh please!

Posted by: John W at June 25, 2009 5:05 PM

But in reality I'm not holding my breath.
They already screwed up
The X-Men
Spiderman
Blade
FF
Daredevil
The Punisher
and the Hulk.

It's only a matter of time before Ironman gets screwed up

Posted by: John W at June 25, 2009 5:10 PM

he is definitely too old to play Cap ... Neal will be 45

she's just too old for the part. Lena will be 38.

[Grumbles. Works lips furiously over empty gums. Squints at monitor powered by squirrels on flywheels.]

Little fucker. I'm reporting you to the AARP.

Posted by: socalledonlycousins at June 25, 2009 5:51 PM

John W. -

The Ed Norton Hulk movie wasn't bad, I thought. The end fight was pretty ridiculous, but on the whole, I thought it was solid, and Norton was pretty excellently cast.

Posted by: kyle at June 25, 2009 5:55 PM

Um, Vermillion? She-Hulk's current title was cancelled a couple of months ago. They gave it over to a new She-Hulk who is the alternate-future daughter of the Hulk and Thundra, Warrior Queen from the planet Femizon. *sigh* Oh, comics. Never change.

Posted by: The Wandering Parakeet at June 25, 2009 6:12 PM

This shit is going to cost way too much to make.

Posted by: Mick J at June 25, 2009 6:33 PM

I'm excited for the Avengers but I'm looking forward to Captain America more, it was my favorite comic and the only one I actively collected...

What I want to see though is the Superman vs Batman film that they teased me with in I Am Legend (the poster for the film was on one of the buildings in Time Square). To see Bale kick the shit out of whatever douche they got to play Superman would be awesome. Plus I have no doubt the film would be a lot darker now then it would have been originally.

Posted by: DeistBrawler at June 25, 2009 6:37 PM

6 words: The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny. Make it happen Hollywood.

Posted by: RandyPanTheGoatboy at June 25, 2009 7:19 PM

This could be great, but relies on a lot of pieces falling into place (actors' availability and whatnot). Kudos to Marvel for trying something a bit ballsy, though.

And I'd be more than happy for them to keep it to 3 or 4 Avengers. It'd almost definitely make for a better movie.

Posted by: Daniel Hall at June 25, 2009 8:34 PM

Why oh! why is it that no one is freakin out bout Scar-fuckin-Jo as Black Widow here?

Why oh! why cudn't they find a Russian actress?

Why oh! why is everyone psyched bout IM2?

Remove them boobies n I shall resume by IM awe.

This is such a collosal fuck up by Favreau n RDJ.
GOD! I'M DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Too pissed to type....]

Posted by: haplo at June 26, 2009 4:48 AM

Zak Penn wasn't the only one to contribute to the X2 script. I wonder if he's the uber-genius who came up with "You know all those dangerous mutants you hear about in the news? Well I'm the worst one!" Zing!

Posted by: Grafty at June 26, 2009 12:53 PM

So... I know we've been throwing around a lot of casting suggestions, and I don't know if this one's been mentioned in the myriad of articles that have been posted on the subject here, but...

What about Mark-Paul Gosselaar for the Cap?

Posted by: stephi who? at June 26, 2009 9:26 PM

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Avengers Assemble!

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