A Geeky Viewpoint

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Robert Downey Jr, will reprise his role as Tony Stark / Iron Man in the Sony / Marvel production of Spiderman: Homecoming.

As an aside not I guess that kills the fan theory of Tony Stark dying at the end of Captain America: Civil War.

Robert Downey Jr, recently stoped by to visit with Alex, a seven year-old boy born with a degenerative right arm.  Albert Marano, a college student, constructed the low cost arm using 3-D printing and asked for support, in steps Tony Stark.

Beyond a spiffy new poster Robert Downey Jr. has stated that Marvel will have a big announcement in the next 8 days.   That would be March 5th or 6th.

You've been good so here's a new #IronMan poster from @Avengers. & on the DL, big announcement in 8 days… #getexcited pic.twitter.com/AdB1tTib7K
— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) February 25, 2015

It's a question that hasn't really been dissected since the trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron dropped unexpectedly late last week.

The simple answer is nothing in the trailer gives us any indication that we may need to change our current speculation on what comes next.

A couple of house cleaning tasks:

Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios has confirmed that Thor 3 (assumed to be Thor: Ragnarok) will be a part of Phase 3 films.   I cannot confirm this myself but it does create a series of issues.
Chris Hemsworth, Thor himself has suggest that Thor 3 will be November 2017 in a couple of recent interviews.
A nice quote from Kevin Feige in an interview with Buzzfeed

The Avengers films, ideally, in the grand plan are always big, giant linchpins. It’s like as it was in publishing, when each of the characters would go on their own adventures and then occasionally team up for a big, 12-issue mega-event. Then they would go back into their own comics, and be changed from whatever that event was. I envision the same thing occurring after this movie, because the [Avengers] roster is altered by the finale of this film.

Sony Pictures apparently is going to see where Sinister Six goes before making a deal with Marvel Studios.   I say apparently because I cannot confirm this other than multiple bloggers saying its the case because of Anonymous information.

James Gunn announced the main cast of Guardians of the Galaxy "all will die horrible in the first 10 minutes of the sequel" he then laughed and added "less humans more women"  and "two maybe more members of the crew".   Speculation on Adam Warlock and trio of female characters including Martyr, Angela and Mantis Moondragon.



Yesterday it was announced that Benedict Cumberbatch has signed on to play Doctor Strange.

Lets review our Movie Release Dates and updated speculation on where movies fit:

I have long speculated that the problem with Marvel's schedule is that its one movie short.   The more I looked at the schedule and realized all the dates announced were for Phase 2, meaning that if Avengers 3 is a two parter it would be released November 2nd 2018 and May 3rd 2019, suddenly I had my missing movie slot.

• 2015 - Avengers: Age of Ultron
• 2015 - Ant-Man - Introduction
• 2016 - Captain America: Fallen Son - Speculative Secret Avengers (Mockingbird)
• 2016 - Doctor Strange - Introduction - Infinity Gauntlet Story Arc.
• 2017 - Speculative - Black Panther - Introduction - Civil War Story Arc
• 2017 - Guardians of the Galaxy II - Infinity Gauntlet Story Arc - Nova
• 2017 - Strongly Rumored - Thor: Ragnarok
• 2018 - Speculative - Inhumans/Ms. Marvel
• 2018 - Speculative - Iron Man 4
• 2018 - Avengers 3 - Part 1 (Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy)
• 2019 - Avengers 3 - Part 2 (Ant-Man, Wasp, Quicksilver, Spiderman, Scarlett Witch, Falcon)

I am continuing with the assumption that Avengers 3 will be a multipart story and both parts will have different set of primary heroes.

SPOILER - Highlight to read.   The second of two post credit scenes features Thor and Loki preparing for War.  

After Avengers: Age of Ultron we have Ant-Man.   A movie many people have already suggested will be a flop even though it is expected to bring in $500 Million world-wide.   What's interesting to me is how little we know about the plot in this film.   And more so how does it connect to the MCU at large. 

Following Ant-Man comes Captain America: Fallen Son, the much bandied about crossover staring Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr.   The over arching story arch is expected to be Marvel's Civil War, but the plot of the movie has been suggested is based upon the Secret Avengers story arc.   Captain America assemblies a team of former Shield Agents to work behind the scenes against Hydra and other nefarious organizations.   Captain America, Mockingbird, Hawkeye, and Falcon team up.  Tony Stark feeling that heal he unleashed as Ultron he now has to play good cop tries to stop the Secret Avengers.   In the final scene Crossbones appears to kill Captain America on the steps of New York City Hall.

Benedict Cumberlatch makes his debut in the Doctor Strange Origin story as a gifted neurosurgeon with a very bad attitude who after an accident destroys the use of his hands Doctor Steven Strange learns the way of the mystics and fighting to combat evil of a different nature.    There are some challenges to this date.   Just like we have little information on how Ant-Man connects to the MCU at large, Doctor Strange

We have a May 5, 2017 date to be filled.   There has been much speculation that Adam McKay, the director and writer will be given a Marvel project after stepping up and working with the Ant-Man script.   We have had images that of Andy Serkis looking very much like Ulysses Klaw, the arch enemy of the Black Panther.   Its hard not to draw the conclusion that May 5th date will be filled by Black Panther.  
Other possibilities - Hulk 3.

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is already slated for July 28, 2017.   James Gunn has promised less Humans and more Women is primary rolls.   I have speculated another Infinity Stone is involved here and still believe that to be the case.   Thanos is the ultimate bad guy here (as opposed to earth) and it makes sense.   In addition adding Characters to the Universe is a good thing.    However I have long speculated that Nova, aka Bucket Head, would make his debut in this film, but as he is too Human and too Male you gotta wonder on that one.

The next unfilled date is November 3, 2017 date.   Chris Hemsworth yesterday replied "won’t be Thor 3 — that will be the following year.” when asked about his upcoming films he will be working on.   Clearly indicates that the movie is near and the choices are May 5th and November 3rd in 2017 (as filming would take place in 2016.   Don't be shocked if Doctor Strange is seen gallivanting amongst the nine realms as he appears in the Ragnarok comic book story line.
Other Possibilities: Black Panther, Hulk 3

We than have May 4th, 2018.  The date many people have long suggested as release date for Avengers 3, but I have a hunch that this won't be the date.   Marvel has proven you release a good product and people will come whenever it is released suggest that Avengers 3 moves to November.   Instead I am still speculating that Kevin Feige dream to make an Inhumans/Ms Marvel film comes to life on this date.   If Avengers 3 is the end of the Infinity Gauntlet story line than they have to find the last stone, that's one more movie.   If the stone is not hidden on earth another space based movie has to happen.   Fits to nicely together.
Other possibilities; Iron Man 4

July 6th 2018 becomes the release day of Iron Man 4 the end of which sends are beloved Tony Stark/Iron Man on exile away from earth as the end of the Civil War Story Line.
Other possibilities: Inhumans/Ms. Marvel

Avenger 3 part 1, The Infinity Gauntlet sees Thanos collecting the stones challenged by Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel and Potentially Doctor Strange.  
Avengers 3, part 2, The Infinity War sees Thanos bringing the Gauntlet to Earth and what ever hero can be assembled.

What have I not covered so far is how Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. connects into this, nor how Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones and the Defenders links in.   They all do.

The interesting loss in this discussion is a Third Hulk Movie, Lou Ferrigno and Mark Ruffallo have already basic stated it is coming just a matter of timing.   If you had to schedule a movie for right after the end of Avengers 3, why not Planet Hulk.   It makes sense to me so this is why I am leaving Hulk 3 out of Phase 3.

UPDATE - As this is an evolving story I have updated the post to have as much current and relevant information as possible.

Okay I am going to start this with several caveats, okay one big caveat, when dealing with Marvel Rumors it's important to remember that by the time I click on the publish button the rumor mill has probably changed twice.

It's being reported the Robert Downey Jr and his agents at CAA are in final negotiations for him to join the cast in Captain America 3 and potentially additional movies beyond the third Avengers film his is contractually obligated to do.   And the agreed upon price is $40 million dollars plus points on money beyond the $715 million dollars that CA: The Winter Soldier made in the Theater.   So I am guessing its not a bit part.   Has been confirmed that if everyone signs on the dotted line Tony Stark will have a major role in CA3.

The rumors are strong that Captain America 3 will lay the ground work for Avengers 4(1) (2), which will be the climax to the Marvel Civil War.   Based upon the 2006/7 seven part crossover event written my Mark Millar that pitted Super Hero vs. Super Hero.

Captain America 3 would have Sebastian Stan character (Bucky) assume the mantle of Captain America with Steve Rogers going into hiding (3). Sebastion Stan is signed for three additional movies beyond CA3.  Chris Evans is only signed for one additional, his sixth, movie.

If you remember last week we had rumors of Sony Pictures executives making pilgrimage to pay homage to Marvel Studio executives, with todays information on RDJ and CA3 we may know more about what's happening with those discussions.

It appears that Marvel Pictures has offered to provide financing for the next Spiderman film(s) to Sony Entertainment IF the masked Web-Slinger can appear in the Avengers 4 film (and potential ensemble films beyond).   Marvel gets additional rights on approving Sony's stand alone film story lines and Sony gets to use some of Marvel other characters in their films.  
Sony Pictures is currently betting the farm on The Sinister Six in hopes it doesn't have to partner with Marvel, but several insiders are already suggesting that Sony Entertainment already sees the writing on the wall and getting Spiderman in to the official MCU is a big deal.

For those keeping track there is a rumor swirling right now with little supporting evidence that The Amazing Spiderman 4 would be a part of the MCU Civil War canon. 

UPDATE: If RDJ does indeed join the cast of CA3 it also gives credence to the rumors that Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans) and The Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) would be replaced by Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, and members of the Guardians of the Galaxy Characters in Avengers 3.  The question remains does that give validation to the rumor that Avengers 3 will be a two part movie?

UPDATE: Every character so far that is in the works for the Marvel Cinematic Universe is involved in the Civil War Story Arc.   In the comic book Civil War storyline the background is driven by secondary or even tertiary characters which causes a devastating destruction to a small city in Connecticut.   The result is the US Government implements a requirement that all Superheroes register.   Supporting the Government side is Tony Stark and Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) who are joined be Ms. Marvel and Black Widow.   Opposing the initiative is Captain America, Bruce Banner (The Hulk), Matt Murdock (Daredevil), Luke Cage, Sam Wilson (The Falcon) and the Black Panther.   Caught in the middle is your friendly Spiderman, Peter Parker.  
It will be interesting to see how, or rather who Marvel aligns the characters in the Civil War storyline.  Not having access to Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) is a minor problem moving Stephen Strange (Dr. Strange) into that roll is fairly easy, however you have laid the ground work for the relationship between Black Widow and Captain America (Steve Rogers) it may break the work they have done there.
RUMOR: The destruction caused by the Avengers Defeat of Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron is what lays the ground work the US Government Super-hero registration as opposed to c-listers destroying a large portion of NE Connecticut.

RUMOR: Black Widow will have a smaller role in CA3

UPDATE: It is interesting to note that Marvel Studios has THREE films scheduled for release in 2018 as opposed to the standard two films they have been releasing and plan on releasing in past and future years.

SPECULATION: Moved to Here

Random Thoughts:
Hulk Buster Armor anyone?
Why Mockingbird on Marvel Agents of SHIELD, of all the Superheroes why her?
Where will Nova be introduced?  
Totally makes sense to bring the Avengers (Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow) to Agents of SHIELD.
West Coast Avengers an 8 Part TV Series with Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) makes total sense if you can make it work with his schedule. 

While the Marvel Civil War can be made with just the addition of Spiderman(4) there are additional rumors that Marvel Entertainment really wants to Secret Wars and AvX which require the X-Men via 20th Century Fox cooperation, being the two studios have an old and ancient hate...


(1) Captain America 3 is scheduled for Release on May 6 2016, with as far as everyone believes is the conclusion of the Infinity Gauntlet story arc in Avengers 3 set for May 2018, so the ground work for Avengers 4 will take place before the release of Avengers 3.

(2) The Avengers: Civil War is a tentative working title that I am using not necessarily the announced film, Marvel Studios may simple call it Marvel's Civil War as it may include characters from all over the spectrum.

(3) This has long been rumored that Sebastian Stan will assume the role of Captain America, and the rumor is based upon contracts between Chris Evans (6 movies) and Sebastian Stan (6 movies).

(4) Spiderman technically isn't required to do the Civil War storyline, however he is a central character in the seven part comic story arc.   I personally would be hard pressed to see Marvel attempt this story line without Peter Parker.


http://variety.com/2014/film/news/robert-downey-jr-to-join-captain-america-3-exclusive-1201312229/

On the Ellen DeGeneres show Robert Downey Jr. confirmed that he is in negotiations to return as Tony Stark/Iron Man for a fourth movie in the Iron Man series, not including his three Avengers movies.

While he said "yes there will be" is as close to it gets as a 100% guarantee until both sides sign on the dotted line.

Additional rumors have suggested that Robert Downey Jr. would like to be actively involved in selection of members of the production crew, notably director, and provided serious input on the script.