Tag: Ironheart

  • Sacha Baron Cohen Reportedly Cast in Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’

    Sacha Baron Cohen in Netflix's 'The Spy.'
    Sacha Baron Cohen in Netflix’s ‘The Spy.’ Photo by Axel Decis.

    Here’s a fun piece of casting – assuming it turns out to be true and not the latest round of speculation on the MCU’s future. Sacha Baron Cohen, the British comedian best known for the characters of Borat and Ali G, is reportedly taking on the role of devilish villain Mephisto in ‘Ironheart’.

    Should it turn out to be true, Cohen is a surprising get for Marvel, as he’s someone who often prefers to generate his own projects or the odd prestige movie such as ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ and hasn’t shown much interest in superhero work. Still, the lure of Marvel can be strong, and recently pulled Harrison Ford into its orbit.

    Rumors have swirled recently on social media about the idea and now Deadline has tapped its sources at Marvel to report that he has been seen on the show’s set (the company has, of course, refused to officially comment). The majority of the talk points to him playing the demonic role.

    ‘Ironheart’ stars Dominique Thorne as Marvel character Riri Williams, a genius inventor and creator of the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man. The character will first appear on screen in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ which is out in theaters on November 11th.

    If Mephisto does indeed make an appearance, the scope is there for future appearances in typical Marvel fashion, including potentially in ‘WandaVision’ spin-off ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’. The prospect of Cohen sharing the screen with Kathryn Hahn is certainly an appealing one.

    Though he’s been rumored to show up before – some thought Doctor Strange would be unmasked as Mephisto in disguise in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ while others believed he was truly the power behind all the chaos in ‘WandaVision’ before Agatha revealed herself. Yet that show’s head writer, Jac Schaeffer confirmed she’d never heard of the character before friend and fellow Marvel show writer Michael Waldron started joking with her about him.

    Marvel Comics' Mephisto.
    Marvel Comics’ Mephisto. Photo courtesy of Marvel.Fandom.com.

    Mephisto, for those (including Schaeffer) who aren’t aware of the character, made his proper Marvel Comics debut in ‘Silver Surfer #3’, and was created by Stan Lee, John Buscema and Jerry Robinson.

    He’s an extra-dimensional Demon who rules a fiery pocket dimension that he calls “Hell” or “Hades” although it is neither the Hell of the Christian religion nor the Hades ruled by Pluto, the Olympian god of the dead. Mephisto calls his extra-dimensional realm “hell” to exploit Earth human beings’ belief in a single being of absolute evil, who is often referred to as Satan.

    The character has bedevilled many a hero and villain in his time, and while he’s more normally found around supernatural characters, it’s sounding like ‘Ironheart’ will have an increasingly magical presence.

    We know, for example, that ‘In The HeightsAnthony Ramos is playing The Hood, a character who dabbles in sorcery and would be an antagonist for Thorne’s Riri Williams.

    ‘Ironheart’s confirmed cast so far also includes Manny Montana, Shakira Barrera, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Shea Couleé, and Zoe Terakes.

    With Chinaka Hodge as head writer and Samantha Bailey and Angela Barnes sharing the directing work, the six-episode series will debut on Disney+ next year.

    Marvel Studios' 'Ironheart.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Ironheart.’
  • D23 Expo 2022: Lucasfilm, Marvel, and 20th Century Studios Presentation

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    D23 Expo 2022 achieved peak genre fan love today with the Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios presentation in the jam-packed Anaheim Convention Center.

    You can watch Moviefone’s exclusive backstage interviews with talent by clicking on the video player above.

    Disney chairman Alan Bergman took the stage of the center’s Arena to welcome fans and introduce tons of upcoming offerings from the House of Mouse’s most successful studios.

    Lucasfilm got things started with a first look at what the ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ are up to. Lucasfilm president Kathy Kennedy presented a new look at ‘Andor.’ Debuting in just 11 days on Disney+, it begins five years prior to the events of ‘Rogue One.’

    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.

    Stars Genevieve O’Reilly (Mon Mothma) and Diego Luna (Cassian Andor) described it as the tale of “a revolutionary [learning] there’s a purpose. That there’s something to fight for.”

    The two were joined by co-star Adria Arjona, whose character Bix Caleen has feelings for Andor. “She cares deeply for him,” said the actress, “sometimes to her own detriment. It’s complicated.”

    The film’s final trailer was tenser and grittier than most ‘Star Wars’ we’ve seen before, with nary a cute sidekick in sight. The first three episodes debut on September, 21st.

    Next up was a detour from ‘Star Wars’ with another Disney+ spinoff series – the return of ‘Willow.’ The 1987 film’s stars Warwick Davis and Joanne Whalley appeared – “At last we have some scenes together,” laughed Davis – alongside new co-star Christian Slater and presented a new trailer. It featured the returning Brownies, knights, sword fights, and a far greater number of female warriors than the original movie.

    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.

    There was lots more ‘Star Wars’ presented to fans when writer-producer-Force guru Dave Filoni appeared in his trademark cowboy hat and announced the first two episodes of the 16-episode second season of the animated ‘Bad Batch’ will drop on January 4th.

    Filoni also offered a peek at a six-episode series of animated shorts called ‘Tales of the Jedi,’ half of which will star fan-fave Jedi Ahsoka Andu, with the other three featuring Count Dooku. All episodes drop on October 26th, and the trailer promises appearances by Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, Yoda, Bail Organa, and Darth Maul.

    Filoni’s co-producer on ‘The Mandalorian,’ Jon Favreau, arrived from the midst of shooting the ‘Ahsoka’ live-action series starring Rosario Dawson. And ‘Spider-Man‘ director Jon Watts and actor Jude Law showed up to rep ‘Skeleton Crew.’ A live-action show about a group of kids who get lost in the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy, it’s a new story set, like Ahsoka, in the New Republic era.

    Then it was turn for the cast of the third season of ‘The Mandalorian’ to take the spotlight: including Katee Sackhoff, Amy Sedaris, Giancarlo Esposito, and everyone’s favorite Mando, Pedro Pascal. The season’s first teaser revealed a platoon of sky-diving, jetpack firing Mandos, Mando and Grogu in a chase through space, lots more of Swallow’s mysterious Armorer, Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze taking command, and a regal-looking Carl Weathers.

    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.

    Without a doubt, the highlight of the Lucasfilm presentation came next – as stars Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge joined director James Mangold in presenting the first-ever footage from the fifth ‘Indiana Jones’ film.

    Fans thrilled to the sight of a horsebound Ford racing though a subway, chases along the tops of trains, motorcycles chasing planes, the welcome John Rhys-Davies back as Sallah, and a very Toht-like Mads Mikkersen as the baddie.

    A visibly choked up Ford returned the audience’s gratitude. ”No, thank you, said the veteran actor, “for making these films such an incredible experience. I’m very proud to say that this one is fantastic. And [Phoebe Waller-Bridge] is one of the reasons. Indiana Jones films are about mystery and adventure but they’re also about heart. I’m really happy that we have a really human story to tell as well as a movie that will kick your ass.”

    “This is it!” he joked of his return to his most iconic role, “I will not fall down for you again! But thank you so much. Thank you James Mangold for picking up the pieces and making a spectacular film.”

    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
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    Not to be outdone by Indy, it was then Marvel Studios turn on stage, with chief Kevin Feige introducing a live musical presentation of “Rogers: The Musical,’ with composer Mark Shaman conducting as a full Broadway cast cavorted on stage.

    The most anticipated Marvel release followed – with a new look at November’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ The scene consisted of Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda defending Wakanda’s Vibranium reserve before an international committee, as the Dora Milaje thwart a mercenary attack on a Wakandan research center.

    “Chadwick [Boseman] was with us every step of the way,” saidBassett of her late co-star. “He showed us the way.”

    “I’m excited for my bro to look down on us and smile,” added Wright.

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
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    Coogler is also responsible for ‘Ironheart,’ the upcoming Disney+ series featuring Riri Willaims, Tony Stark’s genius-inventor successor in the MCU. A first look saw star Dominique Thorne confronting antagonist The Hood, played by ‘Hamilton’ star Anthony Ramos, a practitioner of the dark arts. Expect a unique battle of tech versus magic when the show drops next year.

    Also coming next year is ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.’ Stars Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly were joined by Jonathan Majors, a.k.a. Kang the Conqueror.

    A first look depicted Scott Lang flying high after the success of his autobiography, the return of his frenemy Jimmy Woo (Randall Park), and his daughter Cassie (now played by Kathryn Newton) opening up a whole world of trouble when she sends a signal to the Quantum realm, drawing the attention of the fearsome Kang, the cybernetic MODOK, new co-star Bill Murray, who plays an an old friend Michelle Pfeiffer’s Janet van Dyne.

    “Have I killed you before?” asks Kang upon first meeting Ant-Man.

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
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    Fans won’t have so long to wait for Marvel’s first Halloween “Special Presentation” – ‘Werewolf by Night.’ Stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Laura Donnelly hit the stage alongside director Michael Giacchino, best known as the composer of many beloved Pixar film scores.

    Shot in retro-style black and white, debut footage was reminiscent of classic Universal Monster movies – and revealed a quick shot of Marvel Comics’ Man-Thing in his MCU debut.

    ‘Secret Invasion’ next wowed fans, with star Don Cheadle offering a first look at the upcoming Disney+ series. Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, Olivia Coleman, and ‘Captain Marvel’ Skrull Ben Medohlson appeared in footage that took the espionage side of the MCU to a new level.

    The biggest applause for Marvel TV came when Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, and Sophia Di Martino presented a look at ‘Loki’ season 2. The stars were joined by ‘Everything, Everywhere, All at Once’ actor Ke Huy Quan in the new role of a TVA archivist.

    “Sorry, I’m so confused right now,” said Quan, who debuted in 1984’s ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.’ “Is this NOT the ‘Indiana Jones’ panel?”

    The footage featured the return of actors Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Wunmi Mosaku, along with the intriguing return of Kang as a sculpture Loki uncovers.

    Marvel had more in store for Disney+ subscribers with ‘Echo,’ spinning off the deaf villain of ‘Hawkeye’ into her own series. Stars Alaqua Cox, Graham Greene, and Vincent D’Onofrio debuted footage that saw the return of D’Onofrio’s Kingpin (with a bandaged eye after the events of ‘Hawkeye’).

    “To bring Fisk and Maya back together again was a thrill,” said the actor. “We had some crazy scenes.”

    Though nothing was revealed of another Kingpin-starring project – ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ – star Charlie Cox presented a look at his blind hero’s appearance in TV’s ‘She-Hulk.’ The scene showed Daredevil flirting with Jennifer Walters during a stakeout, as he described his ability to hear heartbeats.

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.

    More Marvel movies arrived with ‘Captain America: New World Order’ stars Anthony Mackie, Shira Haas (as Israeli superhero Sabra), Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly, and Tim Blake Nelson – back in the MCU after 14 years as The Leader.

    “It’s amazing,” said Mackie of bringing his Cap to the big screen. “I’m nervous. It’s exciting. It’s everything I expected it to be.”

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.

    Fans also cheered on the arrival of 2024’s misfit team movie ‘Thunderbolts,’ Marvel’s answer to DC’s ‘The Suicide Squad.’ Stars Wyatt Russell (John Walker/US Agent), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava/Ghost), David Harbour (Red Guardian) and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine), and Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier) appeared with art of their characters, and Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow II) offered a video greeting.

    “These are my kinds of people,” said Stan. “They look like a troubled bunch.”

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
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    Even bigger applause went to ‘The Marvels,’ when Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Teyonah Parris gave a first look at the MCU’s first-ever all female superhero team.

    “I had such an amazing time with these beautiful women – inside and out. It was so nice to have a team. I have a team!”

    Footage from the July release opened with Monica Rambeau in a space on a mission for Fury, before being suddenly body swapped with Ms. Marvel.

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
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    Last but not least… The panel concluded with a treat from 20th Century Studios, with director James Cameron dialing in from New Zealand, where he’s finishing the first of several ‘Avatar’ sequels, ‘The Way of Water,’

    “Right now it’s pretty hectic around here. We’re finishing up a five-year production cycle. This has been a bit of an odyssey. Shooting and capturing for movie 2, movie 3, and the first part of movie 4. We’re finishing up movie 2.”

    Several scenes of 3D were presented of the films’ new Na’vi warriors, with underwater footage drawing gasps from the audience.

    “The whole movie deals with the protection of family and protection of familial love,” said Sam Worthington.

    Courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
    Courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
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  • Comic-Con 2022: Marvel Studios Panel Announcements and Trailers

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    In the years since the Marvel Cinematic Universe began to dominate the box office and impact all corners of pop consciousness, Marvel Studios Comic-Con panels have begun to resemble rock concerts or religious sermons. Or a bit of both.

    And, following two years of virtual or reduced San Diego conventions, the company was not going to waste the opportunity to go big, announcing whole phases as well as what we can expect.

    Following an initial sizzle reel, cartoon clock Ms. Minutes from ‘Loki’ introduced Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige, who was master of ceremonies as usual.

    Marvel Studio's 'The Multiverse Saga.'
    Marvel Studio’s ‘The Multiverse Saga.’

    Following some talk about the Phase 4 announcements that Feige made way back in 2019, he announces that the next Marvel show – ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ – and movie (‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’) will mark the end of that particular Phase.

    Team ‘She-Hulk’, including star Tatiana Maslany, were on hand to answer brief questions and then debut the new trailer for the show, which debuts on Disney+ on August 17th this year. You can watch the trailer above and keep an eye out for a Daredevil cameo.

    Mark Ruffalo as Smart Hulk / Bruce Banner and Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer "Jen" Walters/She-Hulk in Marvel Studios' 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,' exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    (L-R): Mark Ruffalo as Smart Hulk / Bruce Banner and Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer “Jen” Walters/She-Hulk in Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    Mark Ruffalo as Smart Hulk / Bruce Banner and Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer "Jen" Walters/She-Hulk in Marvel Studios' 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L-R): Mark Ruffalo as Smart Hulk / Bruce Banner and Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer “Jen” Walters/She-Hulk in Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    Tim Roth as Abomination/Emil Blonsky in Marvel Studios' 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,' exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    Tim Roth as Abomination/Emil Blonsky in Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.

    But if that and the ‘Panther’ sequel (more on that later) close out Phase 4, what constitutes Phase 5? Glad you asked. Fortunately, Feige, with an accompanying timeline graphic, was ready to inform us.

    It all kicks off with ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’, in theaters February 17th next year. We’re promised another fun romp with Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang and Evangeline Lily, though this time they’ll have to deal with trouble from powerful multiverse entity Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors, who played a version of the character in ‘Loki’).

    Director Peyton Reed and stars Rudd, Lilly, Majors and Kathryn Newton (Scott’s daughter Cassie) were on stage for a Q&A and to introduce a sizzle reel from the film, which was only shown to those in the audience. One big takeaway? Giant-headed character MODOK will show up in the movie.

    Whether he’ll be voiced by Patton Oswalt (who played him in the recent Hulu stop-motion series) remains to be seen.

    “Scott is pretty pleased with himself in his role with saving the universe,” Rudd told the crowd. “Scott’s been busy at work–ish. With a little book (his memoir). And I don’t know what else I’m supposed to say!”

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    Next up was ‘Secret Invasion’, which stars Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn and Cobie Smulders. The series showcases a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls who have been infiltrating Earth for years, and according to Smulders (who arrived on stage in Hall H) will be a darker, grittier show that will keep you guessing as to who is a Skrull. That’ll arrive on Disney+ next spring.

    Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion.’

    Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ will hit theaters on May 5th, 2023, and wraps up James Gunn’s trilogy. The director and a select group of cast including Chris Pratt, Sean Gunn, Karen Gillan and Pom Klementieff were on stage to talk the emotional end to the film. They were joined by Maria Bakalova, who we learned plays Cosmo The Space Dog.

    And that wasn’t all – Chukwudi Iwuji (who worked with Gunn on ‘Peacemaker’) strode through the crowd in costume to announce he’s playing a villain known as the High Evolutionary. “Call me sire!” he demanded after making it to the stage.

    Will Poulter was also on stage, though he made no demands and he was dressed in a T-shirt and slacks. He’s playing Adam Warlock in the movie. “I’m truly, truly grateful,” he admitted. “It’s pretty surreal to have ever stepped on the ‘Guardians’ set.”

    Marvel Studios' 'Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’

    A ‘Guardians’ sizzle reel – again, not released to the public outside the convention center – showed some details, including the fact that Zoe Saldana’s Gamora still has no memory of her friends and his running with the Ravagers.

    We can also expect to see a younger Rocket Racoon (voiced as usual by Bradley Cooper) with the movie exploring his tragic origin. Groot (Vin Diesel) is grown up again in the new movie.

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    The remainder of Phase 5 was limited to the announcement graphic. ‘Echo’, the spin-off series from ‘Hawkeye’ about Alaqua Cox’s deaf gangster Maya Lopez, is due on Disney+ in summer 2023. ‘Loki’ Season 2 will follow that, also on Disney+, while ‘The Marvels’ – the ‘Captain Marvel’ sequel that also features Iman Vellani from ‘Ms. Marvel’ will be in theaters on July 28, 2023.

    Marvel Studios' 'Echo.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo.’
    Marvel Studios' 'Loki' Season 2.
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Loki’ Season 2.
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    Fall 2023 brings ‘Ironheart’ – starring Dominique Thorne as young genius armor-builder Riri Williams – to Disney+. ‘Blade’, with Mahershala Ali as the daywalking vampire, hits theaters on November 3rd, 2023.

    Marvel Studios' 'Ironheart.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Ironheart.’
    Marvel Studios' 'Blade.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Blade.’
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    ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’, which returns Kathryn Hahn’s character from ‘WandaVision’ heads to Disney+ in Winter 2023/2024.

    Marvel Studios' 'Agatha: Coven of Chaos.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos.’

    Perhaps even more exciting is official confirmation of a new ‘Daredevil’ series once starring Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio. ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ lands on Disney+ in the spring of 2024.

    Marvel Studios' 'Daredevil: Born Again.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Daredevil: Born Again.’

    Captain America: New World Order’, which will see the big-screen debut of Sam Wilson’s (Anthony Mackie) version of Cap following his suiting up in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’, is due in theaters on May 3rd, 2024. After that will be the anti-hero team ‘Thunderbolts’ making it to theaters on July 28th, 2024.

    Marvel Studios' 'Captain America: New World Order.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Captain America: New World Order.’
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    Marvel Studios' 'Thunderbolts.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Thunderbolts.’
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    And what of Phase 6? So far, only three movies have been confirmed for that, with plenty of date slots still to be filled with other films and shows.

    The long awaited ‘Fantastic Four’ MCU edition is due out on November 8th, 2024. And then the biggest of the title-only announcements: Phase 6 wraps up in 2025 with ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ on May 2nd, 2025, and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ on November 7th, 2025.

    Marvel Studio's 'Fantastic Four.'
    Marvel Studio’s ‘Fantastic Four.’
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    Marvel Studios' 'Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.’
    Marvel Studios' 'Avengers: Secret Wars.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Avengers: Secret Wars.’

    Last, but very, very far from least, Feige wound things back to this year. ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ will be with us on November 11th.

    After some traditional African music paying homage to the 2018 original’s score, we got co-writer/director Ryan Coogler plus Mabel Cadena, Michaela Cole, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, Tenoch Huerta, Florence Kasumba, Alex Livinalli, Lupita Nyong’o, Dominique Thorne and Letitia Wright.

    In the movie, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Wright), M’Baku (Duke), Okoye (Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

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    They’ll need it – as the Wakandans will face conflict with an undersea nation, which will introduce Namor the Sub-Mariner, played by Huerta.

    After Coogler paid emotional tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, he and the cast debuted the new trailer. You can see it for yourself below.

    It’s an emotional, effective promo for the trailer, showcasing and enraged Angela Bassett and some very different locales. Oh, and someone new in the Black Panther suit (though we don’t know who yet).

    And for those who like their Marvel movies in sagas as well as phases, you’ll be happy to know that Phases 4 through 6 constitute ‘The Multiverse Saga’ (as 1-3 were ‘The Infinity Saga’).

    All in all, another huge successful event for Marvel, who certainly know how to put on a show!

    Tenoch Huerta as Namor in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Tenoch Huerta as Namor in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    Letitia Wright as Shuri in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Letitia Wright as Shuri in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    Lupita Nyong'O as Nakia in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Lupita Nyong’O as Nakia in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    Danai Gurira as Okoye in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Danai Gurira as Okoye in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    Dorothy Steel as Merchant Tribe Elder, Florence Kasumba as Ayo, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Danai Gurira as Okoye in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    (L-R): Dorothy Steel as Merchant Tribe Elder, Florence Kasumba as Ayo, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Danai Gurira as Okoye in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.
    The Dora Milaje in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    The Dora Milaje in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.

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    'She-Hulk: Attorney At Law,' exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Marvel.
    ‘She-Hulk: Attorney At Law,’ exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Marvel.
  • Alden Ehrenreich Joins the Cast of Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’

    Alden Ehrenreich in 2018's 'Solo: A Star Wars Story.'
    Alden Ehrenreich in 2018’s ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story.’

    Cameras are now rolling on one of the much-anticipated Marvel Disney+ series, ‘Ironheart’, but that isn’t stopping the casting news emerging.

    According to Deadline, Alden Ehrenreich is now aboard the show.

    With Chinaka Hodge as head writer, ‘Ironheart’ will follow the adventures of genius teen inventor Riri Williams, who creates the most advanced armor suit since Iron Man.

    She made her comics debut in 2015 from creators Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato and has quickly become popular. Though her storyline in the comics involves Tony Stark, that will naturally have to change for the MCU version.

    Disney announced that a series based on the character among many revelations at last May’s investor day. ‘Dear White People’s Samantha Bailey and ‘Atlanta’s Angela Barnes are directing the episodes.

    Dominique Thorne, seen in Barry Jenkins’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and last year’s ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ is playing Williams. And if current rumors hold, we’ll first meet her character in Ryan Coogler’s superhero sequel ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, due to arrive in theaters on November 11 this year.

    Riri Williams as Ironheart. Marvel Comics.
    Riri Williams as Ironheart. Marvel Comics.

    The cast for the new series also includes Anthony Ramos, whose casting was reported earlier this year, Manny Montana, Lyric Ross and Harper Anthony.

    ‘Ironheart’ has yet to lock down a release date for Disney+, though with filming underway, it should be on screens in 2023. ‘Ms. Marvel’ has just wrapped up its first season, and we can expect the likes of ‘She-Hulk’ (launching August 17th), ‘What If…?’ Season 2, ‘Secret Invasion’, a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,’ ‘Echo’ and ‘Armor Wars’ to also debut in the next year or so.

    Ehrenreich’s character is, in the usual Marvel fashion, a mystery for now. But while he’s only in the small screen branch of the MCU, as we’ve seen from other series, that is no bar to eventually showing up in theaters. And Ehrenreich is a big enough name that if Marvel has further plans for him, we’ll see him again.

    Even being a newcomer is no bar to that if the character is destined to go on – ‘Ms. Marvel’s Iman Vellani was an unknown before her show, but her character was already earmarked to share the screen with Brie Larson in ‘The Marvels’ landing in theaters on July 28th next year.

    Ehrenreich might be best known in genre circles for playing a younger Han Solo in ‘Star Wars’ prequel tale ‘Solo’. But he’s also appeared in films such as ‘Hail, Caesar!’, ‘Blue Jasmine’, ‘Beautiful Creatures’ and ‘Somewhere’.

    On TV, he’s worked on the likes of ‘Brave New World’ and ‘Supernatural’.

    He’ll next be seen in Elizabeth Banks’ based-on-truth crime comedy ‘Cocaine Bear’, out on February 24th next year and Christopher Nolan’s atomic science drama ‘Oppenheimer’, which will be released on July 21st, 2023.

    Disney+'s 'Ironheart.'
    Disney+’s ‘Ironheart.’

     

  • Kevin Feige Teases When We’ll See More of Marvel’s Phase 5

    Kevin Feige from Marvel Studios and Brie Larson from 'Captain Marvel'
    (L to R) Kevin Feige from Marvel Studios and Brie Larson from ‘Captain Marvel’ at San Diego Comic-Con International 2016 in San Diego, California. ©Marvel Studios 2016.

    Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige is not a man who gives up secrets. Nor is he particularly inclined to offer much more than veiled hints about the next steps in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But he did at least say something…

    “As we’re nearing the end of Phase 4, I think people will start to see where this next saga is going,” confides Feige in the latest issue of Total Film. “I think there have been many clues already, that are at least apparent to me, of where this whole saga is going. But we’ll be a little more direct about that in the coming months, to set a plan, so audiences who want to see the bigger picture can see a tiny, tiny, tiny bit more of the roadmap.”

    Right now, the remaining titles to come from Phase 4 are movies including ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (more on that below), ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ and ‘The Marvels’. TV output will include ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’, the untitled Halloween special, a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’, ‘Secret Invasion’, ‘Ironheart’ and ‘Armor Wars’.

    Big themes for this phase so far have definitely been the multiverse, with the introduction of Kang (Jonathan Majors), who will crop up in a few more stories, and more cosmic characters.

    In related Marvel news, we got a new look at the next movie to arrive in the hugely successful MCU.

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ is headed to theaters on July 7th and sees the return of Chris Hemsworth’s Asgardian warrior.

    In this latest outing, he’s still hanging around with the Guardians of the Galaxy but starts to crave a more peaceful existence. The chances of that are slim to none, though, not least because Christian Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher is out to destroy all beings like our hero.

    And then there’s the not-so-inconsequential matter of his former flame, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who has somehow acquired the powers of the Thunder God himself, including the ability to wield restored hammer Mjolnir.

    With Taika Waititi once more co-writing and directing, it promises to be another blend of comedy and character drama, plus a full helping of thunder-powered action. In this latest look at the movie, we see Thor confronting Gorr and attempting to rally the people of Earth’s New Asgard – a task not helped by insectoid Miek’s screechy whiteboard use.

    And to be filed under the more of a wish list item, Chris Evans has been addressing whether he’d return to the MCU. It sounds like he’s happy keeping Cap wrapped but wouldn’t mind returning as someone else from his Marvel – albeit not MCU – cinematic past.

    “Look, I would love it,” Evans told MTV news about playing Johnny Storm/Human Torch again. “I would love it. That would actually be an easier sell to me than coming back as Cap. You know what I mean? Cap is so precious to me. And you know, I almost don’t wanna disrupt what a beautiful experience that was. But Johnny Storm, I feel like he didn’t really get his day. That was before Marvel really found its footing. So, I loved that role and, you know, who knows?”

    Given that Marvel is developing a new take on the Fantastic Four, we’d guess he won’t be back. But, as Evans says, who knows? It’s a big movie multiverse out there.

    Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards, Jessica Alba as Susan Storm, and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm in 2005's 'Fantastic Four.'
    (L to R) Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards, Jessica Alba as Susan Storm, and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm in 2005’s ‘Fantastic Four.’
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  • Anthony Ramos Joins ‘Ironheart’

    (L to R) Lady Gaga and Anthony Ramos in 'A Star is Born'
    (L to R) Lady Gaga and Anthony Ramos in ‘A Star is Born’

    The last few years have been monumental in the career of Anthony Ramos. He’s enjoyed success on stage and screen and now, to add to it all, he’s joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    To be completely accurate, he’s joining the Disney+ TV section of the MCU, landing a role in ‘Ironheart’.

    With Chinaka Hodge as head writer, ‘Ironheart’ will follow the adventures of genius teen inventor Riri Williams, who creates the most advanced armor suit since Iron Man. She made her comics debut in 2015 from creators Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato and has quickly become popular. Though her storyline in the comics involves Tony Stark, that will naturally have to change for the MCU version.

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    Disney announced that a series based on the character among many revelations at last May’s investor day.

    Dominique Thorne, seen in Barry Jenkins’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and last year’s ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ is playing Williams. And if current rumors hold, we’ll first meet her character in Ryan Coogler’s superhero sequel ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, due to arrive in theaters on November 11th this year.

    ‘Ironheart’ doesn’t yet have a set release date; given that it hasn’t started filming yet and with the schedule for the ‘Panther’ sequel, it’s unlikely we’ll see the show screens before next year.

    And, in true Marvel fashion, Ramos’ character is a mystery for now. But while he’s only in the small screen branch of the MCU, as we’ve seen from other series, that is no bar to eventually showing up in theaters. And you’ve got to think that hiring a rising star like Ramos means Marvel has plans. Deadline’s report even mentions comparisons of the role to that of ‘Loki’s Jonathan Majors, who is bringing his villainous Kang to ‘Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ to start with.

    Ramos has been on something of a roll in the last few years – he was part of the original cast for Broadway sensation ‘Hamilton’ (which itself saw screens in 2020 via Disney+) and, while he’d been working in movies for some time before, had his big break in 2018’s ‘A Star is Born’.

    Since then, he’s also shown up in ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ and took the lead in last year’s ‘In the Heights’, also based on a musical by ‘Hamilton’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. He’s certainly got the charm and the chops to be able to hang with other MCU characters.

    The young actor’s future is busy – in addition to this latest job, he’s worked on the latest live-action ‘Transformers’ movie, ‘Rise of the Beasts’ (due on June 9 next year) and voices Mr. Piranha in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys’, in theaters on April 22.

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