The new Black Widow trailer fell flat for me (I'm iffy about the Russian accents); there's a lot of exposition with flat delivery (I'm still not sold on Florence Pugh, but trailers aren't the film). For those following the various rumours about the movie, it confirms that someone is training new Black Widows (the assumption is that Melina, aka Iron Maiden, is responsible). An official synopsis came out as well, but added nothing no new information.
Interestingly, Eric Pearson has the only screenplay credit for the film (he did uncredited work on Spider-Man: Homecoming and re-writes for Thor: Ragnarok), with original writer Jac Schaeffer and re-writer Ned Benson receiving only story credits. The implication is that Schaeffer's script was a dumpster fire and that makes me wonder what she'll bring to WandaVision as the showrunner (her work on the Captain Marvel script was completely excised). Pearson's name had not come up in relation to the film and we only knew about Benson because Collider reported on his emergency re-write in June (Pearson's re-write must have been an even greater emergency). Script problems are not uncommon for the MCU and it can be argued that outside of Markus & McFeely, there's a constant struggle to get things right.
Interestingly, Eric Pearson has the only screenplay credit for the film (he did uncredited work on Spider-Man: Homecoming and re-writes for Thor: Ragnarok), with original writer Jac Schaeffer and re-writer Ned Benson receiving only story credits. The implication is that Schaeffer's script was a dumpster fire and that makes me wonder what she'll bring to WandaVision as the showrunner (her work on the Captain Marvel script was completely excised). Pearson's name had not come up in relation to the film and we only knew about Benson because Collider reported on his emergency re-write in June (Pearson's re-write must have been an even greater emergency). Script problems are not uncommon for the MCU and it can be argued that outside of Markus & McFeely, there's a constant struggle to get things right.
Apparently there was a 4chan post from late November that I missed, it claims:
- Starts right after Civil War, meant to fit perfectly into rewatch chronology. There's a lot of fleshing out parts of the MCU you didn't know need fleshed out. Like Winter Soldier in that regard. Ties into Ant-Man and the Wasp in a surprising way
- Rachel Weisz is Iron Maiden and is the main villain. Her suit is super cool. Taskmaster is more of a badass side character
- Taskmaster is OT Fagbendle and he dies at the end when Yelena kills him. Hearing he's back in the post credits somehow or there's a second Taskmaster. Might have been working with Yelena to con Nat out of Foxcharge the whole time
- There are flashbacks to Nat's past lots of Red Room stuff with young her Yelena, Melina and Alexei
- They all have trauma from their past and it's what bonds them
- Drive of the plot is stopping Melina from reactivating the Black Widow program and ruining the lives of more young women, and Nat getting this device that is basically like the "blocking" system in Black Mirror and will make her Cap and Falcon impossible to track.
- movie is very dark, very John Wick, and very much an obvious (sometimes heavy handed) passing of the torch to Yelena
- Yelena will be a new status quo of a Black Widow who is the most ruthless MCU hero yet and it's questionable whether she will stay good or bad
- Natasha realizes through the events of this movie how important the family she gained in the Avengers is. And that's why she goes back to Cap and Sam at the end
- Super Satisfying end to Natasha's character
- Hawkeye, Jimmy Woo, and whatever Walton Goggins character was named [Sonny Burch] all have cameos
Not much of this is new (it's largely cribbed from a October and November 4chan posts, and very similar to a Reddit post from December); I hope the idea of a ton of flashbacks is incorrect (the movie itself is essentially a flashback). The only unique content Jimmy Woo and Sonny Burch cameos (a plausible idea).
A Redditor put out a post about the film that included one thing I hadn't heard before: Oliver Richter is playing Taskmaster (rather than Fagbenle). It's interesting speculation, but I think highly unlikely.
Marvel released a new official synopsis for The Eternals (the general reaction to the film thus far is a mix of confusion and indifference), adding one plot specific element: "[A]n unexpected tragedy forces [the Eternals] out of the shadows to reunite against mankind’s most ancient enemy, the Deviants." It's not clear what this tragedy is, but there's nothing meaty here for a casual fan to sink their teeth into. Unlike Black Widow, this film will rely heavily on good trailers to draw people in.
Scott Derrickson has departed Doctor Strange 2 due to creative differences (at minimum studio mandates about release dates). I suspect this has been coming for quite some time mainly because of Jade Bartlett's script work in October after C. Robert Cargill had already written a draft. The change could mean that scoops from early 2019 (and earlier) are more suspect, although much has been echoed since. It's clear from his social media activity in December that Derrickson made his choice fairly recent (a few weeks ago).
4chan weighed in on his departure (grains of salt required):
I don't really know where else to post this because I don't want to lose my job.
Derrickson has been a problem since he started breaking the story for Strange 2. He refused to meet deadlines and was constantly coming up with excuses. He frequently blamed Disney even though they were being very accommodating to him.
The only reason he was ever signed on to direct was because Kevin Feige went to bat for him. Feige stood by him the whole way, trying to meld his vision of the movie with where the MCU is going.
Derrickson wanted to kill Rachel McAdams [Christine Palmer] in a horror movie cold open. He also planned to kill Wong, destroy the cloak of levitation, and pack the movie full of jump scares. He was basically going to treat the entire supporting cast he himself introduced like the Warriors Three in Ragnarok.
Needless to say, there's a lot that didn't work with that vision. Wong isn't going anywhere and the higher ups were adamant about that.
Aside from his bad attitude and refusal to hit deadlines, the straw that broke the camel's back was Scarlett Witch. Feige has huge plans for the character and WandaVision is setting them all up. Feige sees her as the main villain of the picture and thinks her arc is the most important. Derrickson really wanted Nightmare to be the driving force and to lean into the horror he was was wreaking on Strange's life.
One heated argument ended with Derrickson yelling "Why don't you just call the movie Scarlett Witch then!" And hanging up on Feige.
After cooler heads prevailed Derrickson came back, hat in hand, to apologize and request to be let off the project. The request was obviously granted and here we are. I have no idea who is going to replace him. People seem to be in a panic around here, but I'm also hearing that Feige/Disney already has someone in mind that they've been eyeing a long time. The name I've heard around the office is Darren Lyn [Lynn] Bousman [director of several abysmal Saw-films] but take that with huge amounts of salt.
Discussing Film has a casting scoop for Doctor Strange 2:
[O]ne is a 30s-40s female open ethnicity villain and one is a 30s-40s African-American villain. Given that we know the sequel will already introduce Nightmare as a main threat, it’s likely that the African-American villain will be the MCU’s interpretation of Nightmare, a character that Scott Derrickson wanted to include in the first film but has said to be including the character in this sequel. As for the female villain, it is possible that she could be Lilith or even a new version of Morgan Le Fay.
A synopsis from Back Stage reads as follows:
After the events of Avengers: Endgame, Dr. Stephen Strange continues his research on the Time Stone. But an old friend-turned-enemy puts an end to his plans and causes Strange to unleash unspeakable evil.This is exceedingly odd, since there is no Time Stone in this reality. I'm not sure how accurate Back Stage is, so I'd take it grain of salt.
A now-deleted Reddit post shared a screenshot from Production List that said Doctor Strange 2 will begin May 4th. Given PL's sketchy track record, I don't give it much weight.
4chan has weighed in on Ant-Man 3:
- Set for February 18th, 2022 [Murphy believes it will be a July release, but his speculation isn't universally shared]
- Takes place around 6 months after Endgame, where Scott and Hope decide to get married. However, their marriage is postponed after the new villain Whirlwind comes around. [A classic villain for the IP who is a mutant]
- Scott and Hope suit up with Cassie, Hank, and Janet to stop Whirlwind. Luis tags along too in his own suit. They also get the help from Kate Bishop [I have no idea why Luis needs a suit, but maybe?]
- Scott comes across Eric O'Grady, a prisoner looking for redemption similar to Scott in the first film. Scott takes Eric in the journey. [O'Grady has also been Ant-Man in the comics--the poster's idea seems to be that, given Paul Rudd's age (soon to be 51), to introduce him to pass the torch]
- Bill Foster becomes Goliath again and Ghost is confirmed to be dead. Goliath and Whirlwind team up. The two believe the beach that Scott and Hope were going to for their honeymoon has a source for eternal life. [It would be very strange to kill Ghost off and that's a bizarre plot--a beach with eternal life?]
- Hank Pym dies making a sacrifice. [Given Michael Douglas' age (76 later this year), this is plausible]
- Title of the film is Ant Man and The Wasp with the Love Bug
- Script written by Paul Rudd has Yacht Rock soundtrack which is built in the story similar to the Guardians films
- Casting hasn’t began but Alexander Skarsgard is Peyton Reed’s dream choice for the role of Whirlwind. Reed also wants Daryl Sabara as Eric O'Grady. TI’s Dave has been written out of the script. No idea on Kurt. [Presumably TI would be gone due to various controversies]
- Emma Fuhrmann will reprise her role as Cassie. Cassie and Kate could hook up at the end of the film. [There's no comicbook history of the two having a relationship, as both are straight. Incidentally, any time I see the word "reprise" I can't help but think of Armin, who uses the word incessantly]
- Hailee Steinfeld has fallen out of negotiations to play Bishop due to her Apple contract. Bishop of course will still debut in Hawkeye, with the show setting up the events of this film
- Marvel has a shortlist of actresses who could play Bishop now which includes Liana Ramirez, Maya Hawke, Kaitlyn Dever, and Brianna Hildebrand
Murphy believes actress Julie Zhan could be part of Falcon and the Winter Soldier based on her filming in Atlanta at the same time--given that she has a January 9th Instagram post that says 'Day 1' and the show has been in production for over two months, I'm dubious.
If more proof was needed, we have additional photos that show Madripoor being used in the show (as discussed previously). It remains unclear what role it will have (I wonder if they'll use it to help tie-in to Shang-Chi who, while having no comic relationship with him, could very easily be given one) .
Murphy reported that Hawkeye's scheduled shooting (July) has been delayed indefinitely. He said this has been in the works for some time and the shift forward of Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk, and Moon Knight on the schedule are associated with that change. Conrad took this information and claimed the delay is both to let the negativity over Jeremy Renner's divorce simmer down and (he speculates) to sort out the non-compete clause in Hailee Steinfeld's contract. Conrad says in the meantime Marvel is looking for someone else to play the role. Less than a day later Disney denied that production was delayed (to The Verge and other reporters). If this denial is accurate, it will be the first time since I've kept track of Murphy that something he reported as fact was false.
Daniel says Moon Knight will begin production in August (which, if accurate, would be around the time Ms. Marvel wraps filming).
The trailer for Morbius confirmed that Sony can reference the MCU directly in their films (or, at least, the Spider-Man elements). They've always had the option to use characters from that IP in their own films (in this case, the Vulture), as the contracts signed are with Sony. I have no idea how coherent this will be--given that Sony films are likely to be a mixed bag when it comes to quality, I'm not sure how they'll impact Marvel (if at all), or how broadly they'll integrate its elements. Perhaps the multiverse element that's coming to the MCU will wind up explaining it all, or Feige might approach them the same way he did with Netflix/etc--ignore everything Sony does (I consider this unlikely since he wants to play nice).
We have a new Redditor posting supposed scoops (one and two), with the usual claims of having a friend who works at Marvel (who doesn't, right?). Here's the substance:
- Mark Ruffalo will reprise his role as Bruce Banner for a cameo in She-Hulk. However, it’s important to note that his scenes will be flashbacks. Even though Jennifer Walters needs a blood transfusion from Bruce in the comics, in the show, the government has his blood from the events of The Incredible Hulk. Aside from She-Hulk Ruffalo will co-star in a 2022 movie. [Banner appearing in the show is a common assumption; as for a 2022 film, the only one announced is Black Panther, but Guardians 3, Ant-Man 3, and one other will appear]
- First of all, ABC’s Inhumans is NOT part of the MCU. Ms. Marvel will introduce three Inhumans to the MCU: Black Bolt, Maximus, and Karnak. I’m not sure if other Inhumans will appear, but if they do it won’t be more than a cameo appearance. [The idea of rebooting Inhumans goes back to LotLB in September with Black Bolt; GWW echoed that in October (I have an incorrect link in that article, but the correct one is listed above), adding Maximus; 4chan echoed both in November and added Lockjaw, who isn't included here]
- One of the original six Avengers will appear in Loki. Also, Kid Loki and Lady Loki will appear as alternate versions of the beloved character. This show will tie heavily into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness [it will air before DS2]. His appearance in the movie won’t be that big though, because the focus will be on the Scarlet Witch. [The idea of Kid Loki goes back to Murphy last January, although it's received no serious support since; Murphy is also the only one who has indulged in Lady Loki speculation]
- The upcoming Fantastic Four movie will tie into an upcoming Avengers sequel via Kang the Conqueror. [While Kang is popular in the rumour mill, he's been largely absent from any notable rumours--in November 4chan had him introduced in Ant-Man 3, but that's it]
- Ant-Man 3 will set-up the Disney+ Young Avengers show. Cassie Lang will lead the team with other members appearing in other Disney+ shows. Some of the members are: Ms. Marvel; Speed and Wiccan [via WandaVision]; Kate Bishop [via Hawkeye]; Kid Loki [via Loki]. [Rumours about the team pre-date Infinity War, but in terms of the recent stuff they begin with a 4channer saying it was being discussed last January; in May 4chan said there were 'plans'; in September Daniel said it was coming to Disney+, Sutton (same link and around that time) said it was a film; Murphy in October said he'd heard a rumour they would appear in Ant-Man 3, which a November 4chan post echoed, but a month after his original comment Murphy said he could still only call it a rumour--my belief is that his rumour was Daniel's]
- Agents of SWORD will be a Disney+ show. Chloe Bennet and a couple other Agents of SHIELD actors will have small, yet pivotal, roles in the show. [These rumours ultimately come from LotLB (the only support it has received otherwise is from 4chan in November)]
- Moon Knight and Blade will be connected, possibly for a future team-up [Common speculation]
- Thor: Love and Thunder will use Jane Foster’s breast cancer storyline with minor changes [Common speculation]
- The Captain Marvel inspired What-If...? episode will follow what life would be like if Maria Rambeau had flown Mar-Vell and received powers. The powers would then pass onto her daughter [I've heard this before, but as I don't care about What If I didn't track it]
- Bob Iger and Alan Horne want nothing to do with Sony’s Spider-Verse (aside from Tom Holland) but Kevin Feige is open to the idea [I have no idea what this is supposed to mean]
- Unfortunately, Marvel Studios has no plans for most of the previously cancelled Marvel shows (Runaways, Cloak & Dagger, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, Luke Cage). Daredevil and Punisher are the only ones with possible revivals. [A return for Daredevil is a common rumour--either the show or character--while the only people to bring up Punisher are Sutton/LotLB]
- No word yet on mutants.
- Magneto and Magda are Wanda’s parents (will be revealed in WandaVision). [Common speculation, although you'd think the former would be a mutant]
- Wanda messes up reality BIG TIME in WandaVision enough for SWORD to need to try to kill her. Speaking of SWORD, Monica Rambeau is an agent for them, and Darcy Lewis is a scientist. SWORD is supposed to be a space-based organization, and aren’t allowed on Earth. However, in order to find Wanda, they’re going to need to go the the United States. When they get there, Jimmy Woo tries to stop them as he works for the FBI but ends up being a double agent for SWORD. This takes place shortly after Avengers: Endgame. [Back in November 4chan described Darcy as an FBI recruit; then in December the FBI part was echoed by another 4channer; in the comprehensive recent Reddit post her role isn't defined--the scientist idea is plausible]
- The Young Avengers show and What If...? seem to be the only MCU Disney+ shows that could have multiple seasons, so far.
- The Enchantress will appear in Loki and then Thor: Love and Thunder. [See above]
- Betty Ross will appear in ‘She-Hulk’. [October rumour from Daniel]
- Moon Knight will tackle the debate of wether [whether] or not what Marc Spector does is in his head. [Most of the speculation about the character, going back long before he was slated to appear, has assumed this, with Sutton being the only one saying otherwise]
More from LotLB:
- Sutton: initially thought Christian Bale would be Beta Ray Bill, but may be up for Silver Surfer; regardless, he believes both will be in Thor 4
- Reserve list for Shang-Chi (for the current film and the future):
- White Tiger (Hector Ayala-version); LotLB put him here back in July previously
- Fah Lo Suee (his sister); rumoued in October (Reddit, with Awkwafina in the role)
- Black Jack Tarr (minor character--no powers, a fighter who becomes the director of MI6); also rumoured in October (4chan)
- Clive Reston (MI6 agent); rumoured in October (4chan)
- Moving Shadow (his half-brother); rumoured in October (Conrad)
- Leiko Wu (MI6 agent; love-interest of Reston); rumoured in October (4chan)
- Ghost Maker (Russian martial artist); rumoured in October (Conrad)
- Pete Wisdom (mutant); rumoured in November (Sutton, who put him on the Excalibur spec list)
- Sir Denis Nayland Smith (MI6 agent)
- Sword Master (martial artist); the Lin Lie-version, who was created in 2018
- Korain (samurai); appeared exactly once in 1974
- Skullbuster (cyborg who is a member of the Reavers); primarily an X-Men villain
- Warfist (martial artist); works for the Mandarin
- Silver Samurai (samurai); the original Keniuchio Harada-version
- The Shadow Council (a group of post-Civil War villains associated with Mandarin)
This article is written by Peter Levi (@eyeonthesens)
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