SDCC is winding down at last. Thousands of people descended upon San Diego with a passion for all things comics, films and games. The studios brought their guns and did not leave us disappointed.
Sam Raimi Producing The Last Of Us Film Adaptation
Last week, I declared that Marvel was set to win this thing. Let's see what they brought to the table and later, we can decide for ourselves who stands alone at the end of this year's San Diego Comic Con.
Marvel was all about Guardians of the Galaxy. The latest adventure is already getting rave reviews, with some calling it the "most charming Marvel movie to date" and considering the pedigree, that's actually pretty impressive. Director James Gunn and Chris Pratt recorded a message and delivered it to the waiting crowds confirming that yes, Guardians 2 will be coming on July 28, 2017. Gunn revealed earlier that he already has several ideas for the cosmic actioner. With thanks to to Film Divideer.
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor Epic New Trailer
"There are a lot of things that are part of the overall schematic that already exist, not to mention a lot of stuff about all of the cultures. There's a lot of stuff about Xandarian and Kree culture that I've written down or I have in my head, as well as Krylorians and Ravagers." None of which means a thing to me! I guess we'll all just have to wait until this Friday, when Guardians drops.
In casting news, the big rumor of the con was that 4-time Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix is at the head of the line to assume the role of Doctor Stephen Strange. An official confirmation should be coming soon, as the movie is scheduled for release in July, 2016. The company made no mention of it during their panel, saving the confirmations for a later date.
Marvel's eternally troubled Ant Man film had more ups and downs. Several actors, Patrick Wilson, Kevin Weisman and Matt Gerard left the production a few days into the Con. According to Deadline, Wilson departed due to scheduling conflicts with The Conjuring sequel, and Weisman and Gerard were simply omitted from the latest draft of the script. Marvel prez Kevin Feige, at the Marvel panel, was on hand to confirm that two other actors were just confirmed for roles: Evangeline Lilly and Corey Stoll. Feige confirmed that the latter will become the villain Yellowjacket in the film.
The company also teased some footage of the film, which featured star Paul Rudd riding an ant! Official filming begins in August in Atlanta. The film is still on track to be released next year. Peyton Reed is now directing. The company avoided talk of director Edgar Wright's departure.
In Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D news, Lucy Lawless's character's identity has been confirmed. The venerable tv star will be playing Isabelle Hartley, a veteran agent and Nick Blood will assume the role of Lance Hunter, who is a gun for hire that will help the agents out of quite a number of jams, I'm sure. Actor Reed Diamond will attempt to fill the shoes of Bill Paxton's scenery-eating villain by playing the wicked Daniel Whitehall, better known as Kraken. Patton Oswalt performed a slightly too long dialogue, with himself, and revealed that Mockingbird aka Barbara Morse, who is the wife of archer Hawkeye, may be making an appearance. Arrow much?
The second season of Agents of S.H.I.E.LD premieres on ABC on September 23.
Guardians may have been the theme of the Con, but everyone was really waiting for news of the upcoming Avengers: Age Of Ultron. A new six piece poster was released in parts and it forms a tableau of epic proportions, featuring the Avengers desperately fighting back against the massed hordes of villain Ultron. The film is set to drop next May. Marvel debuted a teaser that did not disappoint, featuring a look back at the past Marvel films and some glimpses of the drama to come.
Josh Brolin has been officially confirmed as the Marvel Universe's biggest heavy, Thanos. He appears in Guardians and will be assuming the role in all future Phase 2 and Phase 3 films. Brolin appeared at the Marvel panel and said that yes, he will be in Avengers 2.
We of course would be remiss if we did not mention the several new and updated video games coming from the House of M. Disney Infinity teased the introduction of the Guardians of the Galaxy. A new rpg style one on one fighter called Marvel Contest of Champions was debuted for tablets and smartphones. And for those who want a little more nuance to their games, there's always Marvel Puzzle Quest, which is getting a new quest adventure based on the Dark Reign storyline.
Marvel brought the goods. What do you think? Does the lone Batman v Superman teaser outdo all of this? We'll find out soon!