Marvel Studios Doubles Down at D23 Expo
Early Saturday morning during D23 Expo’s “Worlds, Galaxies, and Universes” live action presentation, Marvel Studios President and mega-producer Kevin Feige arrived, confident and ready to whet the appetites of the thousands in attendance. After Marvel’s reception, everyone in Hall D23 left craving more thanks to the exclusive footage featured at Disney’s fan-favored convention.
First up was Doctor Strange, currently in pre-production with Scott Derrickson (Sinister, The Exorcism of Emily Rose) at the helm. Unfortunately, there was no footage as filming begins this November; Benedict Cumberbatch also wasn’t present due to previous obligations, yet recorded a heartfelt message for all Marvel fans. Feige then gave attendees a taste of the tone Doctor Strange hopes to manifest in a series of motion storyboards and FX test footage. Although it didn’t feature any set images of Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton (Snowpiercer) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Doctor Strange most certainly has its framework set to become the most unusual and distinctive film Marvel has produced since Guardians of the Galaxy. Be prepared to astral project into multiple dimensions October 26, 2016!
Before Feige could utter the first vowel in the title from his lips, the crowd let their excitement known for the first film of Phase III, Captain America: Civil War. Despite having a very busy schedule, Feige introduced Anthony Mackie (Falcon) to the throngs of Marvel fans. That wasn’t the biggest surprise of all, as seconds later the man himself, Chris Evans, made his way to the stage to further hype the already highly anticipated film.
After the three bestowed their gratitude for the years of support and excitement for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they revealed an extended trailer of Civil War which showed many choice snippets of what’s to come. Being that I don’t like spoiling anything if I can help it, I’ll make an exception this time to give you a short list of scenes that’ll round off the inevitable clash to end all clashes (until Thanos arrives on Earth):
- Crossbones was prominently featured and gives Cap a run for his money.
- Falcon is definitely more of a badass (with Redwing in tow).
- General Thunderbolt Ross is back and having nothing to do with heroes.
- The Vision traded in his guise for a three piece suit.
- Cap and Winter Soldier are together, investigating a mysterious entryway.
- No Hulk or Thor in sight; little was seen of Stark (for now)
- The Black Panther unsheathes his claws!
- No Spidey! Sorry, guys.
Here’s a little more about what to look forward to in Civil War, via press release:
Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.
The movie stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Emily VanCamp, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Frank Grillo, Tom Holland, with William Hurt and Daniel Brühl. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” is directed by Anthony & Joe Russo and produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee serve as executive producers and the screenplay is by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in the U.S. on May 6, 2016.
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