Avengers director Joss Whedon spent much of his weekend in Austin at SXSW pounding the pavement for The Cabin in the Woods (that is, when he wasn’t busy dancing into the wee hours of the night) but he also managed to mostly deflect the laser geek gaze of the bloggerati when it came to divulging information about his upcoming Marvel superhero pick. That said, he did offer up one huge clarification on a matter Avengers fans have been trying to root out via various clues and tea leaves: Who are the villains under Loki’s command? “I will say only this: It is not the Kree or the Skrulls,” said Whedon during his SXSW panel. “Those two aliens are Marvel mainstays and have enormous backstories. They have a big life of their own that just could not be contained in a film where I already had seven movie stars.” “The Skrulls — they can shape change. That’s a whole thing. I’ve already got Loki. He’s got magic. Once you got magic along with your Iron Man and your Black Widow — it’s a real juggling act.” He’s got a great point; Loki’s magic plus the appearance of alien races like the Kree and Skrull might feel a tad too fantastical for this Avengers outing. But wait, that’s not all! What else won’t The Avengers be/feature/include (via Collider )? • A too-short runtime: “My first cut was three hours long, and it’s now down to 2 hours and 15 minutes, and I’m extremely proud of that. I had always intended to go over two, under two and a half. There was no way a movie with this many great actors and this much epic scope was gonna clock in under two and not feel a little anemic. Somebody wasn’t gonna get their moment if that happened.” • An overlong runtime: “But at the same time, I get very angry that romantic comedies run over two hours long, it’s like ‘Guys, that’s not OK.’ More isn’t more. I don’t want anything in the movie that shouldn’t be.” • Nods at Whedon properties outside of the Marvel universe, which would be weirdly conspicuous anyway: “I am not a fan of referencing your own work when it’s in a different universe than what you’re doing. That, to me, is a wink at the audience and winking isn’t actually cool when you’re not, like, 10.” • That Jeff Beck cover of that one Stevie Wonder/Syreeta song “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers,” which was too expensive to include in a Tony Stark scene. Stay tuned for more from SXSW .
On the eve of a new trailer debut, Marvel has released a new poster for May’s superhero superteam pic The Avengers . Here you’ll find all your favorite heroes gathered in various states of action and repose: There’s Black Widow ( Scarlett Johansson ) stalking her prey while Hawkeye ( Jeremy Renner ) contemplates a sandwich, with Captain America ( Chris Evans ) having a senior moment in the background as Iron Man ( Robert Downey Jr. ) hogs the spotlight. Typical . Get a full look at the cut & paste wonderment after the jump. Also wedged into the same blue-tinged, explosion-filled background by Marvel’s resident Photoshop intern: Mark Ruffalo ‘s Hulk flailing for a way out (of this poster), Chris Hemsworth ‘s Thor pouting through a bad hair day, and Sam Jackson as Nick Fury looking like he belongs in an altogether different movie. Say, a serial killer cop crime thriller about a one-eyed detective who does things his own way? Starring Ashley Judd, perhaps? Meanwhile, over in the U.K. the film’s title has undergone a revamping; it will henceforth be known across the pond as Avengers Assemble , ostensibly to avoid confusion with the 1960s British spy series, and probably the subsequent Uma Thurman-starring feature-length bomb that followed in 1998. Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures “Marvel’s The Avengers”–the super hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel super heroes Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012. The Avengers is in theaters on May 4.
Y’all already know how much we appreciate Idris Elba for his ruggedly handsome good looks, incredible swagger and British charm so when we had the chance to chat with him about his upcoming role in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance we jumped at it. Along with the film, we also spoke with Idris about his recent Golden Globes win and how he feels about the role race plays in Hollyweird. Check out our interview below: BOSSIP: You have an upcoming film, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance . Can you tell me about what role your character Moreau plays in the film? Idris Elba: The character is sort of a warrior for hire, he is a priest but he also rides motorcycles, he likes wine, and he’s a monk, but he gets sent on a mission to find the ghost rider in this film. When you meet him, that’s where he has been, he has been trying to find the ghostrider. It’s a fun character for me, a lot of action stuff, I got to dress up, eye color change and I look a little crazy in the film but, it was a lot of fun! BOSSIP: You recently did the Thor movie as well, so, you are getting these Marvel characters down. Do you have your eye on any other Marvel parts like maybe a black superhero? Idris Elba: Yea, Marvel is a huge. It’s interesting, because my characters Moreau and Heimdall are not really related but in my head and my personal space, I think that they are related. I have thought about playing another superhero, like maybe Luke Chase, would be an interesting one to go for. I don’t know, we will see, I think some comic films are good and some are not. I would rather make a superhero character that is really good from scratch than make one that no one is interested in seeing yet. Keep reading for more on Idris’ thoughts about race in Hollyweird… Continue reading →
An avalanche of new trailers dominates the geek-tastic discussion in this week’s episode of Talk Nerdy! By Josh Wigler Jeremy Renner in “Bourne Legacy” Photo: Universal Studios Second to glorious football, the big reason to tune into the Super Bowl every year is the commercials. For movie fans, this year was a giant one: We got great new looks at Taylor Kitsch’s doubleheader in “Battleship” and “John Carter,” but the main event was Joss Whedon’s superhero-studded “Avengers.” But not to be outdone, another Marvel hero swung into action after the big game. “The Amazing Spider-Man” released its full theatrical trailer on Tuesday, spinning web-worthy chatter all week long. But even Spidey has to face some serious competition in the form of a new super spy who isn’t named Jason Bourne. We got into these trailers and more in this week’s Talk Nerdy, featuring special guest and closet nerd Rob Markman from MTV News’ hip-hop team! “Bourne” To Die There was never just one. Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne is as iconic as they come in the superspy scene, no doubt, but he has new company in the form of Jeremy Renner’s Aaron Cross. Cross steps into the forefront with this week’s release of the first “Bourne Legacy” teaser… but does it live up to its name? Is this a teaser worthy of the storied “Bourne” franchise? See what the Nerdy crew thinks in this week’s episode. Spider-Can Bourne doesn’t get the spotlight all to himself, of course. There’s also the new “Spider-Man” trailer to weigh in on this week! Andrew Garfield cracks wise and swings high in the Marvel icon’s classic red-and-blues, and overall, fans are very pleased with this latest “Amazing” look. That said, even with an awesome new trailer at his disposal, did Spider-Man win the superhero of the week award? Or did another of Earth’s mightiest comic book movies steal some of Spidey’s thunder? The “Phantom” Looms There’s lots to choose from at the box office this weekend, including the re-release of “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” this time in 3-D. Is it worth going back to the world of a long time ago in a galaxy far away just for some new visual tricks, or are the weekend’s all-new releases more deserving of your hard-earned theatergoing cash? One nerd played it “Safe” on the issue, while another “Vow”-ed to see something special ahead of Valentine’s Day next week. Get their picks in the latest episode of Talk Nerdy. What did you think of this week’s Talk Nerdy? Tell us in the comments section and on Twitter ! For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos Talk Nerdy Related Photos The Amazing Spider-Man Key Scenes From The ‘Bourne Legacy’ Trailer
As previewed earlier today for select audiences around the globe, here’s Sony’s brand spankin’ new theatrical trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man . ( Find my full detailed Spider-Man preview Q&A recap, including descriptions of the sizzle reel that has not yet been released, here. ) Take a look and weigh in, Spidey fans — is this the version of the Marvel superhero we both need and deserve? Personally, I’m digging Garfield’s more confident Peter Parker AND his Spidey more than Tobey Maguire’s renditions, and I’m impressed with Emma Stone’s ability to inject even the barest of one-second scene snippets with personality and zip. We’ve yet to be given a really good extended look at The Lizard’s CG-heavy effects, but yeah, that looks like a lizard-man alright. Sling your reactions to Garfield’s Parker/Spider-Man, Stone’s Gwen Stacy, and any of the Spidey spectacle on display here in the comments below. The Marc Webb-directed reboot swings into theaters July 3.
MTV News speculates on which Marvel Comics baddie will be joining forces with Loki when ‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ assembles this summer. By Josh Wigler Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth in “The Avengers” Photo: Paramount “Marvel’s The Avengers” promises to pit Earth’s Mightiest Heroes — Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, in case you’ve somehow forgotten — against the trickster god Loki, as well as another nemesis that remains unidentified. Popular theories have long pegged the Skrulls, Marvel’s shape-shifting alien menace, as the likeliest group to join forces with the disenfranchised Asgardian prince. Many fans are also expecting to see another possible foe, “Captain America” villain Red Skull, based on his inclusion in an upcoming “Avengers” action figure line . But leave it to Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, to bust both rumors. Speaking with Empire magazine last week, he revealed that the still-unknown secondary baddies are “not Skrulls.” Additionally, while it would be nice to see Hugo Weaving’s villainous visage at some point down the line, “he’s not in this one.” So, no Skrulls. No Red Skull. It’s Loki, and it’s … someone or something else. But who or what? Feige promised that while Marvel wants to hide the identity of “the alien race” that’s confronting our favorite superheroes, their identity is “not impactful,” even though they exist in the comic books. One imagines, then, that the Kree are out along with the Skrulls. Perhaps it’s as simple as a return of the Jotunheim, last seen in 2011’s “Thor.” Maybe it’s just arbitrary and the identity of these aliens truly does not matter. That doesn’t mean the mystery isn’t important. And that doesn’t mean the aliens are the mystery villain, either. The Latino Review once put forth a report — one that’s unverified by all accounts — stating that Thanos, the hulking purple-skinned alien that’s frequently dusted up with the Avengers and other Marvel heroes, is the secret villain we’ve all been wondering about. It’s a rumor to be sure, but it’s one I’m inclined to believe for a couple of reasons … and it all goes back to Comic-Con. In July 2010, the Marvel booth at Comic-Con featured a display case filled with items from the studio’s upcoming comic book movies. Among them: Thor’s hammer Mjolnir, Captain America’s mighty shield and the bejeweled Infinity Gauntlet. The Gauntlet is one of the more prominent items in the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe, one that’s virtually synonymous with Thanos. Indeed, its inclusion in the Marvel display case felt like an unspoken promise that Thanos would someday have a part to play in the company’s cinematic future. Cut to “Thor” almost a year later, and the Gauntlet appeared as a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Easter egg that came and went when Jotunheim thieves infiltrated Asgard to reclaim their long-lost prize, the Casket of Ancient Winters. Could it be that the Gauntlet only existed as a wink and nod to the fans back home? Entirely possible. But what if Loki, who clearly knows the history and value of the Casket, has information on the other items contained in Asgard — including what the Gauntlet is, and who would do anything to have it? For someone mightily pissed off at his brother and the Earth-dwellers he’s become so fond of, that’s very powerful information indeed. Consider also that Feige, the same man who kiboshed the Skrulls and Skull, has long said that the cosmic side of Marvel is a big priority for him. In fact, just a few months ago, he revealed that movies based on the “Inhumans” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” were on the docket at Marvel Studios. Fantastic reads both of them, no question, but obscure beyond belief to the non-comic book reader. If Feige is looking ahead at “phase two” of the Marvel plan, as he’s called it in the past, are “Inhumans” and “Guardians” really the best places to start? Perhaps they are … if someone huge, someone massive, someone like Thanos, makes his first appearance in “Avengers,” and lives on to stalk the stars (and the screen) another day. It’s not the meatiest theory out there. It’s based on a rumor, on a taste of what Marvel has given us both on and off the screen, and on a desire to see someone important occupy this oh-so-secretive role. For Feige to come out and say the movie’s second villainous force is not the Skrulls and not Red Skull, and that Loki’s alien army is “not impactful” in identity … either he’s not telling the full story on who or what this unseen enemy represents, or the big reveal is going to be a massive letdown. Given how Marvel has operated in recent years, and given the importance of “Avengers” to their brand and plans, I just don’t see it being the latter option. Here’s what I do see. Loki aside, “The Avengers” will have another deeply meaningful foe to fight come May 4, 2012. And my considerably sized gut tells me it’s going to be Thanos. Who do you think the secret “Avengers” villain will be? Tell us in the comments section. Check out everything we’ve got on “Marvel’s The Avengers.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos Key Scenes From The ‘Avengers’ Trailer ‘Avengers’ Take Manhattan: Five NYC Locations From The Trailer
Patty Jenkins, the acclaimed Monster filmmaker who less than two months ago was announced as Marvel’s surprise choice to direct Thor 2 , is reported to have left the project. The cause of the split is said to be the age-old classic “creative differences,” but they can figure that out later. In the meantime, a certain Asgardian strongman needs a helmer — and fast . Who should it be?
In this summer’s Captain America , Chris Evans embodies a sickly man who, after being injected with miracle drug, becomes a crime-fighting hero. In this September’s based-on-a-true-story indie Puncture , Chris Evans plays a sickly (in the drug-addicted sense) lawyer who chooses to fight health care crime in the court room. Watch Evans transition away from his Marvel superhero role in the first trailer for Puncture after the jump.
In this summer’s Captain America , Chris Evans embodies a sickly man who, after being injected with miracle drug, becomes a crime-fighting hero. In this September’s based-on-a-true-story indie Puncture , Chris Evans plays a sickly (in the drug-addicted sense) lawyer who chooses to fight health care crime in the court room. Watch Evans transition away from his Marvel superhero role in the first trailer for Puncture after the jump.
Did you know the new Spider-Man is black??? Say goodbye to Peter Parker and hello to Miles Morales… the half-Black half-Latino young man who replaces Parker following his death. Miles Morales has replaced Peter Parker as the face behind the famous webbed mask, Marvel Comics has revealed. In the latest edition of the Ultimate Fallout series he pulls back the disguise and shows his face for the first time. Fans will have to wait until the official Spider Man relaunch next month to find out how he came to be the superhero. But another surprise could be in the pipeline after his creators said that in the future they would not rule out making him gay. Peter Parker first appeared as the superhero in 1962 – having been bitten by a radioactive spider he found he developed the strength and agility of an arachnid. He was killed off by the Green Goblin in June in a controversial move by Marvel which left fans aghast. Morales was inspired to do good after learning of the death and in Ultimate Fallout issue four he dons the mask and gets into his first fight. Marvel has revealed that he does have a connection to Parker in terms of how he got his powers but he will have different abilities beyond ‘Spider Sense’ and the ability to shoot webs out of his hands. Parker’s Aunt May and Gwen Stacy will also be in the plot to help him on his way to being a superhero. ‘The theme is the same: With great power comes great responsibility,’ Spider Man writer Brian Michael Bendis told USA Today. He’s going to learn that. Then he has to figure out what that means. ‘He’s younger than Peter Parker, he’s coming from a completely different background, a completely different world view. ‘It’s Peter Parker’s death that inspires this kid to step up.’ Marvel’s editor in chief Axel Alonso denied that having a black Spider Man was a publicity stunt. What you have is a Spider-Man for the 21st century who’s reflective of our culture and diversity. ‘As someone who grew up on a steady diet of ‘Luke Cage, Hero For Hire’ and ‘Shang Chi, Master of Kung Fu,’ I am personally invested. ‘This was a conscious decision. Here at Marvel, we pride ourselves on reflecting the real world in all its diversity. ‘We think that readers will fall in love with Miles Morales the same way they fell in love with Peter Parker.’ Italian artist Sara Pichelli, who designed Spider-Man’s new look, added: ‘Maybe sooner or later a black or gay – or both – hero will be considered something absolutely normal.’ Not everything in the world of Spider Man has changed, however. The Ultimate imprint is separate from Marvel’s other comics – where Parker is alive and well. Ultimate exists in a parallel universe where entirely different realities can take place, Marvel said. We are glad Marvel is adding more diversity to their comics, but how are they gonna say Miles “might” be gay? We thought Lady Gaga said gays were “Born That Way”??? Source
