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Kevin Feige Excitedly Talks Future Projects and The Avengers

by Ethan Anderton
January 27, 2010
Source: SFX Magazine

Yes, it's true that the long awaited mega superhero flick The Avengers is set to be released in May of 2012. While two years may seem like an eternity to wait for what promises to be one of the most epic comic book adaptations of all time, it's a pitifully small increment in Hollywood time, and it's never too early to start looking toward the future. Cue Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige who sat down with SFX Magazine (via Superhero Hype) and talked about laying the foundation for The Avengers by way of both Iron Man movies, Thor, Captain America and, yes, The Incredible Hulk who, Feige confirmed, will be in Avengers.

This is the first official word from anyone in the Marvel camp that Hulk would indeed be appearing in The Avengers. Feige says the five film set-up leading into The Avengers is important but he doesn't want to lose sight of the individual characters:

"My only concern is that when we launch a franchise--whichever character's franchise that may be--it should stand on its own two feet... So by the time 'The Avengers' comes in 2012, it's not just a team superhero movie with a bunch of characters with powers. It's three people- four including the Hulk; five including Nick Fury- who you've seen before in other movies, coming together for the first time."

Of course all this planning has quickly become extremely fun, and although they're introducing characters (especially in Iron Man 2) who will take up valuable screentime, Feige says they're wise to not let it get too convoluted ad reinforces their respect of each franchises' individual boundaries:

"It's fun now, and we're introducing some new characters in ['Iron Man 2']. But it's not about just cramming in lots of new people; that's sort of the cardinal sin of the sequel - adding in too many characters. This is totally Tony Stark's story. And that's gonna weave into Thor's story, and Steve Rogers' story, and it's already ingrained with Nick Fury's story and and organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D."

Feige went even further to talk about bridging the gap between a seemingly ancient, low-tech hero like Thor, and the modern, tech-savvy hotshot that is Tony Stark's Iron Man:

"...we're doing the Jack Kirby/StanLee/Walt Simonson/J. Michael Straczynski 'Thor.' We're not doing the blow-the-dust-off-the-old-Norse-book-in-your-library 'Thor.' And in the 'Thor' of the Marvel Universe, there's a race called the Asgardians. And we're linked through this Tree of Life that we're unaware of. It's real science, but we don't know about it yet. The 'Thor' movie is about teaching people that."

I don't entirely grasp what all that Tree of Life business is about (anyone speak Na'vi around here?), but I like where his head is at. I also like that even though all this meticulous planning of tentpole comic book flicks is leading to one massive tentpole, not only in fanboys' pants, but in theaters, too. But like I said, it's never too early to start thinking about the future, and Feige is already looking beyond The Avengers. Not only does he mention the possibility of another Hulk, but expanding further into the Marvel Universe:

"I'd love to break into the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe even more- it's kind of there in 'Thor.' J.J. Abrams' 'Star Trek' got me jonesing to do that. It's what I grew up on - 'Star Trek' and 'Star Wars.' I want to do a big space epic. And we've got them in Marvel."

It sounds like DC Comics will beat them in the comic book space race with Martin Campbell's talk of Green Lantern definitely spending a significant amount of time in space, but I'm crazy about all of these plans that Feige mentioned. I just love the idea of weaving the intricacies of the established Marvel Universe right into their world's that we see realized on the big screen. Seeing a translation of superheroes to screen on this scale is something I never thought would be possible, and I'm just glad to be right in the thick of it, foaming at the mouth for more. For now we've got Iron Man 2, due out on May 7th. Are you guys just as excited?

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Related categories: Hype, Movie News, Opinions

DRM

Sadly, other companies still have a hold of Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer, which both could be taken into outer space (Surfer especially). But another fan-favorite is the hero "Nova", who just recently in the past couple years got a surge in popularity and respect in the "Annihilation" storyline. If a marvel movie were to attempt an adaptation of that, then that would be the most amazing jaw dropping science fiction epic on film ever. Beyond that, they could always do a "Planet Hulk" movie. ---
jojoe

i think feige is refering to the kree/skrull war
Keith

Hell yes I am!
http://www.internapse.com/marvel/ Marvel Gateway

Crazy excited for the Avengers and especially Iron Man 2 (since it comes out in 4 months!) after Feige's comments. The man definitely knows how to talk Marvel and has the passion to be a president of Marvel Studios. I can see why they promoted him with this convincing quotes. I can't wait to see this mythical world come together.
Dan

My only concern with the Avengers movie is if Antman and Wasp will be in the film. They are major members of the Avengers.
Colin

"I don't entirely grasp what all that Tree of Life business is about" In Marvel's Norse pantheon, Asgard is one of the 9 Realms and sits near the top (or even AT the top, because they're the gods) of the Tree. Earth (Midgard) is also one of the 9 Realms, and sits lower on the Tree.
http://www.nicksears.com Nick Sears

How cool is that job! These next 3 years are going to be magnificent for marvel
Robbie

You bet I'm excited for this!
Ossie Davis

Just when I started to really dislike comic book movies-- man, this really got me excited. I don't like how people over use the word "epic" nowerdays, but this Avengers movie will, in fact, be a motion picture epic. I want to know who'll direct.. What an excellent time we'll all have in 2012.
http://www.nicksears.com Nick Sears

Man, its gonna suck if the end of the world happens before we see that movie. hahaha
Victor

Wow! Sounds amazing!
Ron

So let me get this straight....The Avengers will have Iron Man, Thor and Captain America....possibly Hulk.... and Nick Fury! That's it? Come on! They will obviously have to have a few more characters than that! What about Hawkeye? Although I am not digging Scarlett Johansson's jherri curls in Iron Man 2 (as of the moment), you have to bring the Black Widow into the mix?! Whatever, hopefully it will be awesome and they get right the first time!
S

I'm betting that fighting the Hulk will be the reason the Avengers get together. The last scene in Incredible Hulk is the perfect set up.
DON P

man the avengers movie is going to be crazy cant wait I want to see Silver Surfer, Galactus and Thanos on screen!!!! DC we need a JUSTICE LEAGUE movie
DON P

I hope we won't need an RFID CHIP to purchase a ticket to go see it thou.
DCompose

There's so much shit you could do with the Hulk. They seem to like the military angle so it's perfect fit.
http://celluloidandcigaretteburns.blogspot.com/ Christopher M

Feige is referring to Strjammers...they would fit the mold of Star Trek/Star Wars without having to rely on the previous avengers group of heroes...
http://celluloidandcigaretteburns.blogspot.com/ Christopher M

Starjammers*
ryderup

Space epic...? = Secret Wars?
DCompose

Doesn't Marvel have the Krull? Isn't that what they're called? Didn't Pheonix from X-Men go into space for a bit? X-Men is full of that shit.
S

Upon further reflection I would love to see Marvel explore the Cosmic side of the Marvel Universe just so they can introduce the Skrull and hopefully eventually lead into a Secret Invasion movie. I would love to see a Civil War movie followed by Secret Invasion. The one up side to re-booting Spider-man is that they can leave Norman Osbourne alive and then maybe follow Invasion with Dark Reign and the Dark Avengers, especially since, if you've seen Daredevil Director's Cut, you know that Bullseye is still alive.
Pete

Very glad to hear that Hulk will be involved.
Colin

#17: "Feige is referring to Strjammers…they would fit the mold of Star Trek/Star Wars without having to rely on the previous avengers group of heroes…" Except that he got on the topic by saying, "It's kind of there in Thor." The Starjammers have nothing to do with Thor, and they're not exactly a hot property. It's a big stretch to hear "cosmic" and immediately jump to the Starjammers conclusion. An earlier comment was much more realistic to suggest that the Kree-Skrull War could be on the horizon. And if things are "kind of there in Thor," we could be talking about Beta Ray Bill, the Celestials or the Black Galaxy.
Hale18

@21 Bullseye was alive in the regular cut also
Clover

As long as Mr Norton is along for the Hulk ride in the Avengers.
jake

Norton as the Hulk is the way to go.
tobi,leader of the akatsuki

i'd love marvel to do more DEADPOOL stuff,sort out THE X- MEN franchise(the same way they are doing trhe avengers.)j.j abrams directing THE SILVER SURFER would be a dream come true,introduce CABLE into the film world some how maybe through DEADPOOL & last of all a THUNDERBOLTS film.
KittyKhem

Secret Wars
Drisc87

a secret invation movie would be sick hopefully they eventually do a civil war adaptation
Splinter

I am completely excited for what is to come with these movies. Keep norton as hulk i think he is the best pick by far. And you all know that wasp and ant man will be brought into the picture they they just may not have heavy role's. you cant clutter it with to many characters otherwise we shall end up with another wolverine origins ( enough interesting characters not enough movie) As for space there is plenty you can bring into the picture hell i would love to see The Annihilation and see nova kick some ass. I am soooooo excited for the next 3 years of marvel films.
http://www.djsidmusic.com DJ SID

BRING IT ON!!!