Marvel News

The first Black Widow trailer dropped and on the whole it was a solid, but not spectacular first look at the film (it's clear from watching it that the 4chan poster from October saw this trailer, as all the specific scenes mentioned are from it). I'd call it better than the early Captain Marvel and Ant-Man trailers, but nowhere near as strong as the Doctor Strange or Black Panther initial trailers. The dialogue was fine, but didn't stand out, and the action was pretty routine (featuring awkward cuts in the kitchen fight). I liked the white costume and wished we'd seen more David Harbour. I'm not sold on Florence Pugh yet (based on the trailer), but it's far too early to make assessments. As a villain Taskmaster wasn't threatening. I feel like the trailer was far too focused on setting up a character fans already know (repeated footage from Age of Ultron was a mistake). With that said, the next trailer is bound to be better and I'm still looking forward to the film.

In a now removed post by a new Redditor comes news from 'his source' about this film (the grammar and other issues are courtesy of the poster):

• Natasha Romanoff goes back to Budapest after betraying the Sokovia Accords to retrieve Foxcharger, a device created by the Red Room that would allow her to erase all digital records of her prints, DNA,face in any government databases. [Copied from a 4chan post from November, although there is't 'Foxcharge', not 'Foxcharger']
• The Red Room Program created by Natasha’s [adopted] father, General Ivan Petrovich, who trained both Yelena and Natasha to become Black Widows. [Copied from a 4chan post in October, although the idea of Ray Winstone as that character is via a 4chan post in September--although that post also claimed Viggo Mortensen was playing Taskmaster (!)]
• The Red Room is now led by Melina Vostokoff, another operative who is abducting young woman to turn them into a new generation of Black Widows. [Via the October post]
• Melina eventually suits up as a Iron Maiden [Via the November post]
• Natasha meets her “sister” Yelena Belova, and like i said was trained in the Red Room and was assigned to kill her. [November post]
• Natasha realizes that someone has lured them into a trap just as the Taskmaster attacks them. [This motivation is unique to the post--possibly implied by them or by how the trailer was cut, but it's not stated as such.]
• Now we see [as per the trailer] Natasha and Yelena fleeing on a motorcycle while Taskmaster chases them. [Also via the October post]
• He [Taskmaster] has a tank/mobile command center that drives itself. Kinda like Idris Elba's badass motorcycle in Hobbs and Shaw, it's gonna be insane. [November post]
• They escape and hide with Natasha’s old lover, Rick Mason , a fixer for international spies who also previously worked for SHIELD. [October post.]
• He reveals that Taskmaster is eliminating people connected to the Red Room, and He also reveals that Melina is evil and is working with him [Taskmaster]. [The goal of Taskmaster is unique to this, although it's not a difficult logical leap.]
• Taskmaster kidnaps Mason and forces Natasha to rescue her “brother”, supersoldier Alexei Shostakov [Red Guardian], from a gulag in Russia. Yelena joins and they both succeed [Again, the motivation provided is new.]
• Afterwards BW [Natasha] finds out that Mason is Taskmaster,Then is betrayed by Yelena who was working with the Taskmaster and Melina. [The idea of Mason as Taskmaster goes back to speculation from Murphy in July; both prior posts had the twist, but this post is the first to suggest that Yelena was also working for Melina--although the former working for someone seems logical and the latter makes the most sense given their histories]
• Natasha and Alexei learn that Melina has revived the Red Room and employed Mason to capture young women so Melina can turn them into Black Widows [Reiterates a point above, except that it's Red Guardian and Nat who team up to stop it, rather than Nat and Yelena]
• Melina plans to use Alexei’s blood to reproduce his supersoldier serum and enhance her soldiers, and brainwash Natasha into training them. [This is new]
• Yelena made a deal to help Melina and Mason capture Natasha and Alexei in exchange for her own safety, but she did not know that Melina planned to create more Black Widows. Having bonded with Natasha and unwilling to let others suffer what they have suffered, Yelena joins Natasha and Alexei [It's difficult to parse when this transition occurs the way the poster has written out the plot]
• Then there is a huge fight,Natasha fights Iron Maiden (her suit is awesome) in a laboratory, Red Guardian fights the Taskmaster. [The latter was shown in the trailer, but both ideas are in the November post]
• While Yelena frees the black widows and sets the facility to explode , The black widows turn on Iron Maiden and lock her in her own Red Room torture chamber to die. [November post.]
• Mason kills the Red Guardian and nearly kills Natasha before Yelena managed to shoot him in the hole he had in his helmet, seemingly killing him. [November post]
• Natasha and Yelena then escort the prisoners to safety before the facility explodes. [Original]
• The prisoners to start new lives and Natasha retrieves Foxcharger, but gives it to Yelena. [November post]
• After the events of the movie Nat rediscovers how important her family she gained through the recruitment of SHIELD, so at the end of the movie she contacts Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson and goes back to meet them. [Both posts mention this]
• The post credits scenes show that Mason is alive and working with General Ross on a secret project. [This idea appeared first in the 4chan post described below]
• Small detail on the Taskmaster: He always seems to know where they will be. He is able to perfectly mirror/mimic the opponents fighting patterns. [November post]
• We will get to see a standard suit, a white stealth suit for snowy environment and a combat suit. [October post]
• Flashbacks include Natasha's childhood, training, escape and recruitment by SHIELD. [Seen or implied by the trailer]

When I started breaking this down I thought all of it would be cribbed from what's already been rumoured (which is the reason why mods removed the post), but it does have a few original elements: Natasha realizing that she and Yelena have been lured into a trap when they meet (while implied, no one else has specifically said it); the Taskmaster's goal (eliminate Red Room participants); the capture of Mason requiring breaking out Red Guardian; Yelena working for Melina (again, potentially implied, but it's never been said); the implication that initially Red Guardian and Nat are working together to stop Taskmaster; the reasoning for Melina wanting Red Guardian (his blood); Nat and Yelena rescuing prisoners before a bomb explodes.

While this might be inspired speculation, it generally makes sense--so credit for story logic. I'll still be unhappy if David Harbour's Red Guardian is killed (whether I like his portrayal or not, I like the actor and dislike Marvel's tendency to randomly kill off characters). I won't be happy if Taskmaster is 'killed' only to be revealed alive--it's a cheap trick. It's also a bit hard to believe that Melina will be allowed to die in a torture room--that seems pretty grim for the MCU (and why bother?).

We have a 4chan claim about the post-credit scenes for Black Widow:

• Mid credits you see Yelena Belova arrive at a warehouse on a motorcycle. She goes inside and tells someone off screen that she got a device from Natasha. That's revealed to be Taskmaster, but in a different, more traditional costume. He turns around and asks if they've done enough, and General Ross tells them that they are just getting started.
• The post credit scene is Hawkeye on his farm with his son. He watches him play and looks at a picture of Nat, saying to himself that he misses her.

Besides being underwhelming, the second scene is an odd one since Hawkeye's children make more sense to be seen rather than just one of his sons (particularly as the focus among his children has been his daughter). As for the first, this only makes sense if Ross is going to be featured in upcoming films--the only ones that seem likely are on Disney+: Falcon & the Winter Soldier, Hawkeye., and She-Hulk.

On the theme of the movie, Comics Explained (in his video looking at Red Guardian), after saying he thinks the character will be killed off (both because of his limited comic history as well as the way he's being portrayed--old, out of shape), thinks he's a way to introduce Colossus (directly or indirectly). It's an interesting theory, but given when the script was written (before the Fox sale was complete), that idea could only be added to the script shortly before filming began, meaning it can't be the reason Red Guardian was picked for the film.

Conrad is echoing the old rumours that Jack Russell (aka Werewolf by Night) will appear in Moon Knight (he doesn't say why he thinks this is true now, but I think it's because Daniel believes it). The character was originally pitched as appearing by LotLB in July on Hulu, then in August GWW said he'll appear on Disney+ and probably in Moon Knight; a 4chan post in October echoed this idea and not long after Daniel reiterated the idea in LotLB's chat. Because the idea hasn't been debunked since Daniel put it out, I think Conrad feels safe enough to put it out there (without attribution, naturally).

On a positive note, the planned adult-themed animated Tigra & Dazzler show is on hold, as the Showrunner (Erica Rivinoja) and her writing stuff were fired 75% through their production cycle (with all their material jettisoned). I'd much rather have live-action versions of both characters (however unlikely that may be), so my hope is that it's dumped entirely for that purpose. THR says originally the show "[featured] exec producer Chelsea Handler in one of its leading voice roles [Tigra] — is a story about two woke superheroes and best friends, Tigra and Dazzler, as they fight for recognition among powered people." Handler (who was in Jeffrey Epstein's black book--I haven't heard an explanation for that yet), is presumably still attached and THR says the decision wasn't made due to Feige's takeover of Marvel Entertainment's properties (something I find preposterous). My feeling is we'll soon hear that all the other three animated shows have been put on hold or cancelled. It's a strange premise for the show regardless, as female characters haven't had a need to fight for recognition in the MCU since Ike Perlmutter was removed from their process.

Murphy is posting up rumours he's hearing from just one source--things from the 'maybe' pile.

First

"Victor Von Doom will began expanding his empire, conquering parts of Africa and, ultimately, come into conflict with the nation of Wakanda and the Black Panther."

That's what Murphy was told--if it seems odd that a fictitious Central European country would invade central Africa (as it does to me), apparently this was part of the plot of 2010's Doomwar, so the theory is the story would be partially based on that. Do I believe it? No. It's possible, sure, but it's such a weird plot (LotLB, below, also reject it).

On the heels of the above a Redditor said the following:

• Doctor Doom will be main villain, he wants vibranium for some big purpose. He have a strong motive in the film like Thanos.
• Also, it was Doctor Doom who wanted Hank Pym's lab in AMATW [Ant-Man and the Wasp], Sonny Burch was working for him.
• Studio is discussing how they should introduce Strom [Storm] in the film, she will have big role.
• A new tribe called Desturi are in story, they act as secondary bad guys. T'Kan is Desturi leader who wants the throne and he didn't like T'Challa's return. He help Doom to get into Wakanda.
• Erik Killmonger have a brief appearance but its not flashback it is astral plane.
• Shuri, T'Challa and strom [Storm] work together to regain Wakanda from Victor's control.
• M'Baku, Dora Milaje, [General] Ross are all set to return, Nothing is confirmed about Nakia.

The Desturi are a Wakandan faction introduced in 2009 who were isolationist and wanted the nation to go back to the old ways. This plot seems inspired by Murphy and sounds more like Doom using a surrogate to steal Vibranium, rather than an invasion--which makes more sense. Speculation that Storm will appear here is very common (I've done it myself repeatedly), but the entire plot seems similar to the original Black Panther (a fight for the throne and outsiders chasing Vibranium) and the Desturi are the only unique inclusion. I don't buy it as insider information.

Second

"The Eternals will focus on the 'War of Evolution' story."

Charles believes this refers to Jack Kirby's original iteration of the comic (the name itself isn't tied to a particular Marvel storyline), which is about the war between the Eternals and the Deviants. If this is the case then Marvel has locked down casting the latter, because we've heard nothing about the Deviants amongst an already bloated cast (including in Murphy's own casting scoop from October, 2018). I find the idea pretty unlikely.

Third and Fourth

"Nightmare has been cast and will be revealed as the villain of WandaVision"

Murphy says this is only part of what he's been told (again, only from one source, which I believe could be Daniel), but this is what he's publishing. This is a popular rumour--either that Nightmare is ultimately responsible for what happens in the show or the show leads to his reveal in Doctor Strange 2. It's plausible because we know how much Scott Derrickson likes the character and that the show and film are connected.

Murphy is also teasing Namor on social media (which Conrad immediately followed up on without referencing him). Other than Dwayne Johnson casting rumours, here's the sequence of rumours since the possible hint in Endgame (the earthquake):

• March - Scott Derrickson Tweets out an image that includes Namor (which he quickly deletes); WGTC quickly posts an article saying the character will appear in Doctor Strange 2 or Black Panther 2
• April - Murphy (same link) reports on a rumour that a solo film had been worked out and that locations were being scouted for filming; he subsequently learned the location scouting was for Shang-Chi, nixing his idea
• August - GWW scoops that Marvel is casting for a character named 'David' which they guessed was for Namor (Conrad agreed)
• September - 4chan post says he'll be the main antagonist for Black Panther 2
• November - another 4chan post says he'll be introduced in Black Panther 2 (but not what his role is)

The character is coming--the distribution rights Universal still holds only block a solo film. Nothing we've heard (yet) makes it clear in what context he'll appear, with Black Panther simply having the greater probability given the rumours.

Daniel claims Bushman (Bush Man?) will be the primary antagonist for Moon Knight. It's hard to see this as a scoop (if correct), since he's the villain most firmly associated with the IP. We still have no clear idea what the story will be (Jeremy Slater was hired as the head writer November 8th), or precisely when it will occur in the MCU sequence (other than after Ms. Marvel, which is after Hawkeye and before She-Hulk). There's been this very strange idea that the only Disney+ shows in 2021 will be Loki and Hawkeye, but that makes no sense at all, so I'd expect Moon Knight to air in late 2021. That being said, Bushman is as core to the IP as you can get, so while he likely won't have that name (ie), I expect him to appear.

Karen Gillan revealed that James Gunn has completed his Guardians 3 script. This is interesting, because Gunn had a completed script before he was fired in July of last year--clearly revisions have occurred since his return in March. He would have to adjust a little because the film was supposed to be a 2020 release, but it will be interesting to find what other changes (if any) have occurred.

4chan on Guardians 3:

• Set for release in July 2023
• Takes Place after Love and Thunder. How Thor’s role in this film is to be determined by the events of Love and Thunder, though Gunn has a draft without him. [The original draft likely did not include him]
• Rocket and The Guardians Face the High Evolutionary, who is the creator of Rocket and Lylla.
• Drax adopts a surrogate daughter, Cammi. Mantis gets jealous at first but Cammi and Mantis form a bond.
• 2014 Gamora changes her personality, similar to Vol.2/Infinity War Gamora after one of the members makes a sacrifice. I’m hearing it’s Nebula.
• Quill’s Zune music includes hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Chris Pratt suggested Fat Quill but James Gunn turned down the idea.
• Ayesha creates Warlock to destroy the Guardians but he rebels against the Sovereigns. He helps the Guardians in the third act.
• Gunn has talked to Pete Davidson and John Cena about making cameos after becoming close on the set of The Suicide Squad.
• James Gunn, though Casting has not begun, has Lucas Till for Adam Warlock, Millie Bobby Brown for Cammi, Liam Neeson for The High Evolutionary, and An Oscar Nominated actress for the voice of Lylla in mind for when Casting begins.
• Actresses being considered for the voice of Lylla include Lady Gaga, Helena Bonham Carter, Sandra Bullock, Charlize Theron, and Demi Moore.

The roster of big celebrity names casts a lot of doubt on this. Some of the components echoes Wardell's (and subsequent 4chan) rumours, with the only change being Cammi (aka Camille Benally) being added--she is connected to Drax in the comics. I have no idea what the point of having Gamora forget Quill and then immediately reverting as a character (what's the point of the Endgame reboot if nothing changes?). I think this is all speculation.

More LotLB rumours:

• No Doctor Doom in Black Panther 2 (the Murphy rumour above)
• Claim Ryan Coogler asked if Namor was available before writing his script
• Repeated their August Obnoxio the Clown spec (intended for the Kevin Smith-run Howard the Duck animated show on Hulu)
• Spec on Bats the Ghost Dog

Most of the speculation about Namor has him in Black Panther 2 (largely due to the Endgame easter egg), and Doom in a Black Panther film is a very odd choice for an iconic Fantastic Four villain. As for the latter two, they remain extremely odd, but Howard the Duck and animation is certainly a home for them.

This article is written by Peter Levi (@eyeonthesens)