The final trailer for Iron Fist season two dropped, presenting our initial tension: Danny Rand is out all night defending his city (Daredevil-style) and this is causing problems in his relationship with Colleen Wing. It seems like his initial foes are The Golden Tiger Gang, who are classic villains from the original run of the comic (#8-#9--their leader is the equally obscure Chaka Khan). These are martial arts-using thugs that the showrunner can do virtually anything with. Davos is the primary antagonist, set-up beautifully in season one (whatever one wants to say about Scott Buck's initial run, Davos was handled well), who has at least initial help from Joy Meachem. We will get Typhoid Mary's origin in the show--perhaps she'll be collateral damage while Danny is fighting the gang, giving us a variation on her comicbook origin (as discussed previously), or she may arrive already damaged. We only get one shot of my favourite character from season one (Ward Meachem), whom I'm expecting to take a backseat this time around.
Alice Eve has confirmed Typhoid Mary's primary characteristics from the comics--multiple personalities and hating men--as well as indicating she's in most or all the episodes (she was present for all five months of filming). She also went full Jon Bernthal while filming by being very method and not talking to the cast during the shoot. What's not clear is what her involvement in the story is: does she serve as the B-plot or is she integrated with the A-plot?
I think we can scratch Gao from the season (her death was left ambiguous at the end of The Defenders, but given its reception I suspect she is either dead or absent--it's pretty clear Scott Buck intended to use her in the second season). As for Joy it will be interesting to see how they handle her--following the comics she tries to get Danny killed until she realizes the error of her ways and becomes an ally of sorts--what little we've seen matches this arc. Ward is a completely different (and better) character in the show, so I'm not sure what they'll do with him (in the comics he's a mustache-twirling villain who is eventually killed off).
Finn Jones talked about how they were given much more time to rehearse fights this season (link above), which is in sharp contrast to the first season where he was given no time at all. The entire stunt team has changed between seasons as well--the severe overhaul is an effective way to combat previous criticisms.
It seems likely that the show will only have ten-episodes (which will please critics who have been whining about the Netflix episode count since the first season of Daredevil). The link includes the claim that the length of the shoot was unusually short, but filming was only 9 days shorter than Jessica Jones/Luke Cage season two (December 6-May 10 versus April 3-September 14/June 10-November 19), both of which had 13-episodes, and virtually identical to Punisher season two, March 10-August 11 (whose episode count remains unknown). Fewer episodes (eight) didn't do The Defenders any favours, but if it is true it'll be interesting to see how it impacts the show (fewer episodes tends to mean less character development). The other difference is it means there was much more time spent shooting each episode (typically it's 9 days, but this would mean 15 per).
There's confirmation that two characters who might be expected in the show won't appear: Claire Temple and Luke Cage. The former isn't that surprising given Rosario Dawson's comments back in May (she also served little purpose in the first season), but the latter does surprise me a little, granting if the episode count is smaller this makes more sense--Iron Fist's appearance in Luke Cage season two was a character-building episode and there just isn't time for asides like that in a shorter series.
The showrunner is being pretty vague about the plot, simply calling it "an evolution" of previous Danny appearances (ie his first season, The Defenders, and his episode in Luke Cage). Everything points to the conflict between he and Davos, but leading to what (as in a hypothetical third season) is difficult to say.
I mentioned in my review of the first season of Iron Fist that many critics were calling for a version of the short-lived (27 issues from '07-'09) The Immortal Iron Fist from Matt Fraction, Ed Brubaker, and Duane Swierczynski--primarily for it's introduction of the other immortal weapons and the contest of champions between them. I mentioned at the time that the show's budget simply couldn't afford to do that justice and, indeed, Scott Buck decided for a more grounded story that included a corporate angle that I enjoyed--critics prefer ninja's getting punched in the face. In the first trailer for season two we see a fight between Davos and Danny where the insignia of the Eight Capital Cities of Heaven appear on the sparring mat--this references the tournament between the city champions (issues #8-#14). I see it as an easter egg, but it has Charlie Schneider in a tizzy (he's since calmed down). While a low budget version of the tourney is possible, given that one of the weapons (Bride of Nine Spiders) already appeared in a very different way in season one, I think the idea could run into trouble (and why do it at all if you can't do it well?). The problem with using the material is it involves a lot of explaining and a lot of new characters--the show is busy enough adding Misty Knight, Typhoid Mary, and The Golden Tiger Gang (rumour even had Moon Knight considered for an appearance--see below). The other issue is tied to K'un-Lun, which in all versions of the comic simply has no place to grow as a story--it's background and an occasional obligation, but lacks depth--Danny thrives on earth, not fighting mystic ninja's in another realm (there's no dramatic tension in the combat of champions--oh gosh, K'un-Lun might appear on earth less frequently--eegads!).
The second season wrapped filming August 11th; this was a much shorter shoot than the first season (22 weeks vs 27; it's the same length as Iron Fist season two), so it's possible the show may have fewer episodes. We know almost nothing about the season, other than it appears as though Jigsaw will be the antagonist.
As with every other season of Jessica Jones almost no news has come out about the third season, but we have learned that showrunner Melissa Rosenberg is leaving once it wraps to work at Warner Brothers. I won't know how to feel about the change until I see the newest iteration, but on the basis of the second season it's a positive move for the series.
One of the flaws in Jessica Jones season two was it's isolation from the rest of the Netflix-verse. I have no idea if the show will try to address this issue. If they make it more integrated, who could be included? In terms of the filming (as in, what other shows filmed while JJ3 is filming), only The Punisher shared the production time, although both Iron Fist (May 10th) and Daredevil (late May) wrapped near its beginning (we should also expect another Marvel series to begin shooting sooner than later). One of the relationships that worked well in The Defenders was the one between Jessica and Matt and in terms of heroes those two are the most similar of the four--I don't expect that crossover to happen, but I'd be happy if it did. I don't think we'll see Frank Castle in Jessica Jones--while it would make for an interesting story, I just don't think Rosenberg would go there (conversely, Steve Lightfoot, the Punisher showrunner, I think if he could he probably would). I hope we get to see Jessica explore the investigative angle more--that part of her character has largely been ignored (much like Batman's detective skills in his various movie incarnations).
Netflix says it's always considering spinoff characters for the Marvel shows and there's ample evidence for this: both Elektra and the Punisher were introduced with the hope of landing their own shows (one worked, one didn't). Trish Walker could helm a Hellcat series, but Jessica Jones showrunner Melissa Rosenberg has inexplicably slowed that process (she set it up in season one, then ignored that set-up in season two while creating an entirely different set-up for the exact same thing--very George Lucas of her). Beyond that we have Misty Knight and Colleen Wing for Daughters of the Dragon, but while both have been positively received it hasn't created a demand for that show as yet--the former's inconsistent characterization and the latter's lack of character mean a lot more work needs to be done for that to happen (in fairness, they haven't been able to support their own comic successfully either). I'd love to see a Kingpin show, but I have no idea if Netflix would want to go that route.
In reference to the Moon Knight comment above: I don't think IF showrunner Raven Metzner actually could use the character, despite the many rumours (here and here and here) about a possible Netflix show/appearance for him (every year from 2013 through 2017). Kevin Feige talked about a potential movie for him in the distant future so Jeremy Conrad asked Metzner about it who said;
[We talked about him] in general, as he is a Marvel character who suffers from DID [Dissociative Identity Disorder].That's not a discussion to actually use him in Iron Fist. Metzner seems to mean he was brought up in the context of Typhoid Mary because they both have multiple personalities.
Netflix is being cagey (no pun intended) about renewing Luke Cage, although Deadline (via the link) says the show's writer's room is already working on a third season. It's a little surprising there's hesitation given the alacrity with which Jessica Jones was renewed (something dictated in part by how quickly they were filming the next season). Netflix has been slow in announcing renewals before, particularly with Iron Fist (due to the reception--Finn Jones teased it long before it became official), but generally there are leaks offering confirmation and the comment about the writer's room seems like a virtual clincher. I wonder, as many have, if we're going to get a Heroes for Hire series (or mini-series ala The Defenders) as both Luke Cage and Iron Fist tend to work best as a tandem--neither has had much success in carrying their own comic series and I think that's because they aren't particularly deep characters--they need each other (and their supporting cast) to compliment them.
After a number of hints it has now been confirmed that Nick Fury and Maria Hill will be appearing in the Spider-Man sequel. The former fits the bill of an A-list Avenger and also fits the speculation about the plot that includes Jessica Drew as an MI6 operative (someone Fury would undoubtedly know).
Also on the speculation front, several people (including Conrad) are speculating that Hydro-Man will appear in the film. The 'proof,' such as it is, has to do with clip Tom Holland showed of his stunt-double being hit with water--this is remarkably weak and no one was providing a link to the rumours attached to it. Looking into it I discovered it's based on an instagram post that stated the following (there's a 2017 Reddit post that simply argues he'd be a good add, so it's unrelated):
At a recent press conference, Disney reportedly showcased concept art from Spider-Man: Far From Home of Spidey swinging through Venice, fighting Hydro-Man. On top of this, Nick Fury has been confirmed to be in the film, tracking down Peter on his school trip and offering him assistance.Because the Nick Fury casting has been officially confirmed it lends credence to the rumour. Could it be true? It's certainly possible, but with Mysterio as the main antagonist how much time is there for other villains? On the surface it suggests his appearance would be as ephemeral as the two Shockers in the first film.
My prediction that Doctor Strange 2 will be the November, 2020, release continues to gain steam as director Scott Derrickson cryptically said "see you in September," suggesting filming might start then (which would be on-target for the aforementioned release). This was followed by a report that a Marvel film will begin production in the UK--J. K. Schmidt thinks this is Doctor Strange because of a reported salary bump for Benedict Cumberbatch the next time he wears the cape, while Conrad thinks it's the Black Widow film because they've been hiring staff for it with a director and script ready.
It appears as though despite various efforts James Gunn will not return to Marvel, as the very reactionary Alan Horn doesn't want to backpedal his decision. The word is Gunn's script will still be used, although it will undoubtedly be tweaked. The real question is: who will direct the film? That decision will have to come swiftly if the MCU wants to meet its production deadline. The popular choice seems to be Taika Waititi, but I doubt he or any other current MCU director would accept it so as to stand in solidarity with Gunn. Joss Whedon, whose reputation has taken a number of blows the last few years, has the right sort of sensibility to do it (along with a positive feeling about working for Marvel), but that's just speculation.
I enjoyed Ant-Man and the Wasp, even if it wasn't quite as good as the first film, and while it's theatrical run isn't over (it was released very late overseas) it's box office (465 million as of this writing) is well behind the 519 of the original. It's Chinese opening is expected to take it beyond that line, but how much further is an open question. Here's how other MCU franchises that are not strictly team-ups have done:
- Iron Man: 585k->623k->1.21k
- Thor: 449k->644k->854k
- Captain America: 370k->714k->1.15k
- Guardians of the Galaxy: 773k->863k
- Ant-Man: 519k->530k+
Confirmation of Dark Phoenix reshoots have come out, with subsequent clarification that they will be just for a few weeks to fix the film's third act. Conrad (and others) continue to remind folks that the films aren't cancelled--that the MCU can't do anything about them until the sale is officially complete (months away). The Wall Street Journal reports Disney will release completed projects, but not where (theater/TV)--I can't imagine Kevin Feige (if he has a say) will allow variant Marvel material in theaters, so I expect them on the Disney streaming service.
Sony continues to make random stabs at it's own film universe, hiring a writer for Kraven the Hunter. The film would join the previously announced Morbius as properties currently being worked on (the latter seemingly confirmed to have Martine Bancroft as its female lead). It's an interesting choice by Sony given that Kraven's step-brother (Chameleon) is apparently being featured in the Spider-Man sequel. Let's keep in mind that Silver & Black was further along in this process before getting delayed, so the fact that a writer has been hired doesn't mean much as yet. I still think Sony will wait until they see Venom's box office performance before going through with any other films. Variety added further updates: the Silver & Black film is now going to be two separate films, one for each character (losing the writer/director signed for the original film), while making plans for Jackpot, Nightwatch, and Silk movies. There aren't scripts for any of these projects, which gives you an idea of how ephemeral they are. Sony also doesn't have a true mastermind behind their various titles, as Palak Patel is in charge of Venom and Morbius, Amy Pascal behind the Spider-Man films and Silk, and former Marvel exec Avi Arad (with Matt Tolmach) helming the other projects. The most interesting tidbit is this:
It’s unlikely that “Venom” will be the first R-rated Sony Marvel movie. ...The feeling is that will give the studio greater leeway for future installments that will feature Spider-Man, something “Venom” does not do. Any Spider-Man movie will carry a PG-13 rating because the wall-crawler is more family friendly, and if “Venom” is too dark and gory, it might preclude other film match-ups, not just with Peter Parker’s alter-ego, but also with other members of the extended Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).It's not surprising that Sony wants Spider-Man involved in these projects since their characters are largely dependent on him, but this does imply they want to keep their relationship with the MCU going forward. I don't think this is surprising, but it will be interesting to see if Feige will allow independent films to occur with his framework (I seriously doubt it).
Suicide Squad 2, which seemed to be heading towards filming this fall back in March, has been pushed back a second time (first to make room for Birds of Prey), with Will Smith doing other movies well into 2019. I have no idea why there was any rush to make a sequel to the unmitigated mess that was the first Suicide Squad and it wouldn't surprise me at all if DC quietly killed it.
This article is written by Peter Levi (@eyeonthesens)
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