This past weekend was one of entertainment’s grandest conventions. The San Diego Comic-Con has evolved into a premier event and while I’m still sad (and a bit annoyed) that comics, the thing the Con was first built around, has been pushed further and further back, there are always incredible nuggets of news and revelation that gets the geek in me all worked up. Now with so much information coming out of the convention there’s no way I can cover it all. Instead I thought I would share five bits of news that thrilled me out the most.
#5 – “Avengers: Age of Ultron”
Normally any information about the upcoming sequel to “The Avengers” would automatically find its way close to the top of this list. But at SDCC Joss Whedon managed to truly excite the inner geek in me only to dampen my enthusiasm a little later. It was revealed that the sequel will be titled “Avengers: Age of Ultron”. That alone thrills a long time Avengers comic fan like me. But then Whedon announced that Hank Pym would not be a part of the film and that they were rewriting Ultron’s entire origin. WHY? How can you have Ultron and not have Hank Pym? Pym has a deeply intricate connection to Ultron and removing that takes away enormous potential. Still I’m excited to see what we get. Just not as much as I could have been.
#4 – The “Guardians of the Galaxy” cast unveiled.
Photo credited to Marvel.com
Being a huge comic book fan since the late 1970’s it’s been a ton of fun for me watching these great characters take on a new life on the big screen. That said, “Guardians of the Galaxy” was one that filled me with concern. Those feelings were eased a little as the cast came together at SDCC. And what an “interesting” cast it is. Benicio del Toro, Chris Pratt, Djimon Hounsou, Zoe Saldano, Lee Pace, Dave Bautista, and Michael Rooker were all in San Diego to talk a little bit about their roles and the look and time of the film. I still have some significant concerns but this looks like it could officially bring Marvel’s cosmic universe to the big screen with style!
#3 – Anthony Mackie is Falcon!
This may have been out there already but Anthony Mackie confirmed that he will play Sam Wilson, a.k.a Falcon, in the upcoming “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. Now if you’re not familiar with the Winter Soldier story arc from the comics you’re in for a huge treat. It’s one of the bet Cap arcs ever in my opinion. And if you’re not familiar with Falcon you’ll be equally pleased (assuming he’s done well). Falcon is a best friend to Steve Rogers, keeping him grounded and providing him a needed release point. They have a fantastic relationship and Falcon Is a big reason Captain America is one of my favorite books. But don’t get me wrong, Falcon is also a kick butt character and I can’t wait to see Mackie take him on.
#2 – “X-Men: Days of Future Past” cast assembles.
I had heard bits of information here and there about the second X-Men movie from the recent reboot. The “X-Men: Days of Future Past” panel verified many things and unveiled others. Perhaps the coolest moment came when the entire cast was assembled and featured several old familiar faces. The film will serve as a sequel to two films and also a bridge between them. We got the full effect of that when Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Hugh Jackman, and Halle Berry stood on stage next to Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, and Jennifer Lawrence. Many other cast members were present and this looks like it could be something special. Lets just hope it’s more like “X-Men: First Class” and less like “X-Men: The Last Stand”.
#1 – A “Superman/Batman” movie? YES!!!
Nothing from San Diego Comic-Con caught my attention and blew me away more than the conformation of an upcoming Superman/ Batman movie. On the heals of the global success of “Man on Steel”, Warner Brothers has put Zach Snyder back in the driver’s seat for a sequel. But this time the Dark Knight himself will be joining in. Henry Cavill is back as Superman but no word on who will don Batman’s cape and cowl. But one thing is for certain, DC and Warner have a formula here loaded with mind-blowing potential. There is such a huge history between these two characters in the comics and the thought of them meeting up on the big screen geeks me out like nothing else!
So what excited you most out of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con? Obviously this was a pretty heavy superhero influenced list. Now I would love to hear from you.
Keith & the Movies 
Pingback: San Diego Comic Con Stuff | The Twist
Tons of exciting stuff here, oh my goodness! The biggest thing to me is who will fill the role of Batman for this Dark Knight/Man of Steel sequel. I’m extremely curious/anxious to see who does it because I think a lot of the quality of that particular film will hinge on who is now Batman. Personally, I’d love to see Bale come back but I know he’s not going to, so this will be interesting. I have no doubt in my mind Snyder is the right guy to direct this, but maybe they could have waited until Superman 2 was out first? Idk. . . . .
I think you’re right. Who will play Batman is the big question. And who knows, if Christopher Nolan has any influence and they throw a load of cash at him, maybe Bale will change his mind. I kinda doubt it but that would be awesome!
Loads of stuff going on this year! The Batman/Superman film is very interesting indeed, I’ll be keeping a very keen eye on that. It’s one of those ideas that could be amazing, but could also be absolutely terrible.
I’m also really looking forward to X-Men. First Class got quite a lot of unfair criticism I thought, I really liked it.
I liked it too although for me it had some dead weight. Still some of the criticisms were unfair for sure.
Nice piece Keith! Boy it made me wish I had gotten those SDCC badge now 😦 Well, as much as I was geeking out about The Batman/Superman movie, I’m still very skeptical how that’d work. I mean, like Chris said, it could be absolutely terrible and an ill-advised idea. We shall see I guess. I’m super stoked about First Class 2!!!
I think the Batman/Superman should be a slam dunk. There is sooo much history and source material between these two and with Goyer writing I do feel pretty good about it. Just mainly interested in the casting. Joseph Gordon-Levitt perhaps?
That’s an idea that I’m sure has crossed a lot of people’s minds but the idea of seeing someone else other than Bruce Wayne put on the mask makes me cringe. The only exception I can allow would be Terry McGuinnies. Definitely not some guy whose first name is Robin. There is just too many things wrong with that idea.
All good stuff! Should be an interesting couple of years for we nerds 😀
Yes indeed!!!!
Still pissed I couldn’t go this year 😦
Anyways, yeah, wtf is up with rewriting Ultron’s origin? That’s BS…
Batman/Superman should be cool though…
Totally annoyed at the whole rewriting thing. Pointless and unnecessary.
i feel like I’m the only one in the world who’s not all gung-ho about this Supes/Bats thing. Sounds cool, but I’m not jumping onboard yet!
Noooo!!! Say it ain’t so!!! 🙂
I’m thrilled about it mainly because I still have a lot of faith in Goyer as a writer. I also have no doubts that Christopher Nolan will somehow be involved. For me at all comes down to who will play Batman.
Many people are seeing it as only a cash in. I disagree though. There is a Superman/Batman comic that’s been going for a long time and the two characters have an amazing comic book history. So it makes sense.
Jaina, I’m with you! Glad to see I’m not the only one. I’ll definitely be following this story as it develops but putting Batman in a science fiction movie just doesn’t feel right to me. It works in the comics and cartoons but somehow I feel like a movie is a much harder challenge. We shall see if Snyder can pull it off. Scroll down and check out my link for more of my thoughts.
I am actually really mixed about the Superman vs. Batman movie. Yes, I will def watch it and follow up on all the news leading up to it but I really think it will change the way we will see Batman from here on out. Stop by and check out my latest blog post on it. I think I make some valid points.
http://morallyoblogatory.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/how-the-superman-vs-batman-movie-changes-batman-as-we-know/
Interesting thoughts. I have to admit I didn’t think of it in that light. On the flip side Batman and Superman’s relationship in the comics has been a friendly but complicated and sometimes difficult one. I think that can also be brought to the big screen without undoing what we’ve already been given. Now granted, they could also royally screw things up. But I’m still optimistic.
That X men cast is absolutely massive. I was watching their panel and they seem to have amazing chemistry, hopefully that will translate to fun film.
I really hope so. There is a wealth of talent there. Hopefully a well written story will accompany them.
Anthony Mackie as Falcon should be pretty interesting. That should be a pretty good release.
I love Cap and this is a really good turn. The introduction of Falcon and the Winter Soldier storyline sounds fabulous!