Captain America – Toby Jones to play Arnim Zola

It was recently confirmed that Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, The Wolf Man) was to play the Red Skull opposite Chris Evans’ Captain America. Today news is out that Toby Jones (The Mist, Infamous) is to play the evil Nazi scientist, Arnim Zola. Joe Johnston’s film is shaping up to have a great cast of actors.

Arnim Zola was a biochemist during World War II who became one of the first human genetic engineers in history after finding papers and equipment used by the offshoot race of humanity, the Deviants. He found a ready home among the Nazi party, who saw his actions as the ability to ensure the existence of a master race.

One of his first accomplishments was the creation of a brain pattern imprinting device, which would allow someone’s mental essence to be projected into a cloned brain. Zola presented such a gift to Adolf Hitler, creating the Hate-Monger.

Born with a frail, dwarfish body, Zola used his scientific skills to genetically fashion a new stronger body for himself. Having done so, Zola used the mind-transferrance technique he devised to project his mind into the cloned brain of his new body, a brain that he situated in the chest cavity where it would be more protected. Since the brains of all of his genetic creations were grown from cells of his own, he can mentally project his intelligence into any of his creations.

As you can see from the figure by Bruce Ross above, he looks sort of like Krang from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon from the 80s. I don’t think he will have that look in the Captain America film (well at least not at first) and will probably be a normal human mad scientist until some kind of accident or maniacal scheme. To be honest I think it is great that they have Zola involved as it may well give the necessary reason for the Red Skull to survive into the present day. However, it does mean that we may well see Toby Jones crop up in other Marvel Studios films and I could see him in The Avengers having created some kind of crazy looking army of genetic freaks.

Howard Stark may be in Captain America

If you have seen Iron Man 2 (opening today in the States) you will know that Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr) father is in it. He shows up briefly on some old films that Tony watches.

As you may also know, the Captain America movie is going to be set mainly during World War 2. This means that Howard Stark (John Slattery) would have been in his prime back then. Plus being a mover and shaker in the technology world he would probably have been involved in some way with the Super Soldier project. Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) even mentions that Howard was involved in the formation of SHIELD.

MTV news spoke to director Jon Favreau about the possibility of Howard Stark showing up in the Captain America movie.

“Yeah, because he was around then,” confirmed Favreau.

“[‘Captain America’] is World War II,” he explained. “It wouldn’t be that same actor, probably, because he would be much younger.”

“[Howard Stark] was starting out during that time, and [he] was involved with the war effort, much like Howard Hughes,” said the filmmaker.

Thor – First look at Chris Hemsworth as the God of Thunder

Finally our first look at Thor. Yep, that is a photo of Chris Hemsworth in costume as the titular Norse God and how cool is that. I just can’t get over how faithful to the recent comic book version the costume is. Marvel Studios are really sticking close to the original character designs in all of their films.

I do like the whole look of the costume from the chest plates to the almost futuristic chainmail on the arm. All goes along with the God like technology and brings to mind Arthur C Clarke’s quote, “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Plus there is a definite hint of Jack Kirby to it.

Looks like Marvel officially released the first look at Thor after a photo of The Destroyer slipped out.

With Kenneth Branagh directing there is a very Shakespearean kind of vibe from all of this and I for one cannot wait for Marvel Studios next film after Iron Man 2.

What do you think of our first glimpse of Thor?

Source: Yahoo

Captain America to begin filming in June

Iron Man 2 is just about to hit cinema screens (check out the LFF review) and Thor is well underway.

Now Joe Johnston Captain America has a start date.

Production Weekly posted the news.

Marvel’s “Captain America,” have opened a production office at Shepperton Studios, principle photography is scheduled to begin June 28th.

That means we should start getting photos and news of the shoot from the end of June onwards.

Iron Man 2, 2010 – Movie Review

Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau, Clark Gregg, Samuel L Jackson

This review by Ben Mortimer

Two years ago, as the first Iron Man film was being showered in almost universal praise, there was one criticism levelled at it in review after review – that it lacked action set pieces. It’s safe to say this won’t be a sticking point for viewers of the sequel, as it is packed to the gills with fight sequences.

The problem with this new action-packed take on Iron Man, however, is that much of the action feels like it’s been crow bared in. At each crash of a super-suited fist the film trips over itself, as story and characters are temporarily sidelined to satisfy Another Pointless Super Scrap. This is particularly true early on in the film, with the introduction of Whiplash.

Taking place about twenty minutes in, we know too much about the character for him to feel mysterious, but not enough to particularly care about why he’s fighting Stark. This is unfortunate, because, with the exception of a couple of fairly slapstick moments, this is one of the better executed action sequences in the film (more on that later).

In the midst of all of this unnecessary action, are some very strong elements. The characters are generally well rounded, even if the story itself lacks any real thrust, and as with the first film, the performances are almost universally excellent. The main exception to this is Mickey Rourke as Whiplash. With a loosely-sketched back story, and a very linear arc, he simply isn’t interesting enough to be the film’s key villain, and Rourke struggles to imbue the character with any real personality.

In addition to the well rounded characters, there were several references back to small but memorable elements of the first film that pay-off some of the support players, although these references are small potatoes compared with the wealth of references to films to come, from Black Widow’s blue SHIELD catsuit to Agent Coulson being sent to deal with Thor. There is also a reference to Tony Stark’s future alcoholism, although it seems unlikely that an audience could really sit through a third ‘wayward Tony Stark makes good’-story.

In spite of these positive elements, the film has some serious down sides. The plot is functional but empty, and Tony’s quest to find a hidden message from his father is logic defying. If the subject of the message were so important why is it hidden, and more to the point, why was it not mentioned in the first film?

The biggest issue the film has, however, is that watching two men fight with masks on is ultimately unsatisfying. No matter how much damage we see the suit take, and how little energy/control the occupant has, it’s nearly impossible to connect with them when we can’t see their face. Iron Man solved this by having Stark and Stane remove their helmets for the final battle. The sequel ignores this technique, but fails to come up with an alternative, resulting in several dull fights, including what should have been the climactic battle.

Ultimately, and despite its flaws, Iron Man 2 is still a fun and enjoyable film, filled with a great deal to like. It might not be a patch on its predecessor, but it is considerably better than many of the other films within its genre.

Thor – Trailer…well a fan made one

I love me a good fan made trailer and this is kind of cool while we wait for something more official from Kenneth Branagh’s Thor.

An arrogant Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is cast to Earth from Asgard as a weakling to learn, where he falls in love and encounters a familiar enemy and some new allies.

Footage from: Ca$h [2010], Outlander [2008], Brothers [2009], Hulk [2003], Alexander [2004], Troy [2004], Van Helsing [2004], Defendor [2010], Angels And Demons [2009], A Perfect Getaway [2009], Superman Returns [2006], Hellboy [2004], Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D [1998], and the trailer for The Clash Of The Titans, Swat, Spartan, Marvel Ultimate Alliance VG, Soundbites from the animated ‘Hulk Vs Thor’

Music from Immediate Music ‘Heaven’s Warriors’ and ‘Distant Thunder’

NOTE: Using all available info about the upcoming Thor movie [2011], I started collecting scenes and similar shots from other movies with the listed cast. Yes, Chris Hemsworth lost his wig on the rainbow bridge upon entering Earth. Tom Hiddleston (Loki) has not starred in any readily available movies so he was merely implied here. Natalie Portman plays a caring wife ‘Brothers’ so that was easy; Stellan Skarsgaard (Angels & Demons) as the expert on Norse Mythology; Clark Gregg (Iron Man, Spartan) as the SHIELD Agent; Sir Anthony Hopkins(Alexander) as Odin; and Kat Dennings (Defendor) as a new character.

I’m expecting alot from this movie and this is how I envision Kenneth Branagh will direct it.

Source: Collider

What will Joss Whedon do with the Avengers?

I love this comic strip from HijiNKS ENSUE. Funny with a lot of truth in it.

I am still excited that Joss Whedon will be at the helm of The Avengers movie and also having a crack at polishing the script – more here.

I do wonder what Whedonesque things we will see in the film. What actors that pope up in many of this films will show up in The Avengers and what characters will they play?

A lot of possibility here and hopefully Whedon will get a chance to really shine.

Talk it up in the comments about what you want to see Whedon do in The Avengers film.

Now if I could only figure out a Firefly / Avengers crossover.

Captain America to fight alongside The Howling Commandos

The First Avenger: Captain America film is gathering pace. Chris Evans is Cap, Bucky has been cast and Elrond may be the Red Skull.

Now, according to CHUD, the Howling Commandos may be in it.

I just spoke to Marvel Studios own Odin, Kevin Feige. Running after Kevin in a hallway in the Four Seasons Hotel I got him to confirm that the Howling Commandos will show up in the Captain America movie.

The first group of Howling Commandos was an elite special unit formed in World War II. The original team consisted of Nick Fury, Corporal Thaddeus Aloysius Cadwallander “Dum Dum” Dugan, Private Gabriel Jones, Private Robert “Rebel” Ralston, Private Dino Manelli, Private Isadore “Izzy” Cohen and Private Jonathan “Junior” Juniper who was killed in action after the first few issues. He was replaced by Private Percival “Pinky” Pinkerton, a British soldier – Wiki

They’ll be fighting alongside him in The First Avenger: Captain America, but they may not be specifically called ‘The Howling Commandos.’

“The characters will be there as part of the larger Marvel Universe,” Feige said. One character he would confirm was Gabe Jones. Why have the Howling Commandos in the film and not refer to them by name? Surely you should have that little fan boy nod.

They wouldn’t even have to be in it much maybe just a ten minute deal. I want to know if they will have Nick Fury in it. As we know Samuel L Jackson is the Fury of the Marvel Movieverse (and the Ultimate Marvel Universe), however he was originally the grizzled old white dude with the cigars and attitude. His longevity in the comics was down to the Infinity Formula, hence the reason he didn’t have to go into the future by the suspended animation route as Cap did.

I am not sure whether they will want to have Fury mixed up in it from all those years ago in the film so Jackson may well just be in modern times. Now what would be cool is if they had someone playing the Nick Fury from the original comics so we get to see both versions. They wouldn’t have to mention him by name, just get someone who obviously looks like him.

I am made up that Marvel are using their many years of stories to flesh out the movieverse. What other aspects of the World War II era Marvel stories would you like to see? Who could they get to play the Commandos?

Marvel Studios to make low budget films featuring lesser known characters

Marvel Studios have been doing a great job with the big name characters such as Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America. However, they have so many characters to choose from, but many are lesser known so they would never get the big budget treatment.

That means those of us who love the smaller characters – Moon Knight, Dr Strange, Dazzler, Ka-Zar, Power Pack, Deathlok, Luke Cage, Sleepwalker, Night Thrasher, Speedball and so many more may never get to see them on the big screen.

Well hold onto you hats true believers. Turns out Marvel Studios may be doing just that. According to CHUD they are meeting with writers and directors to work on small scale movies based on some of those very characters. The movies would cost in the range of 20 to 40 million dollars (very small when we’re talking studio films) and would allow them to take risks with less obvious characters and with interesting talent.

Filmmakers are being offered their pick of characters and it sounds as if Marvel will go with any cool story put to them.

I think this is excellent news and Kick-Ass shows that with a low budget and minimum advertising you can make headway against some of the bigger budgeted film.

Plus lower budget means filmmakers will make sure every penny is spent well and could lead to some awesome kind of films. Imagine the street level Marvel characters such as Luke Cage made in a French Connection style, Iron Fist as an R rated kung-fu movie, or a truly gory body part swapping Terror Inc!

Of course no word yet on what characters will be used just yet but I think this is a breath of fresh air for the comic book movies and exciting for comic fans such as me.

What characters would you like to see get onto the big screen? Who could play them and who could direct?

Captain America – Hayley Atwell playing Cap’s Missus

Hayley Atwell

I think it is good that they went with Atwell as opposed to a known face.

Marvel Studios announced today that Hayley Atwell has been cast to star as Peggy Carter in the studio’s highly anticipated movie CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER opposite Chris Evans. In the early comics, Peggy Carter fell in love with Captain America while they fought together in the war effort. The character will be updated for the feature adaptation. Joe Johnston will direct the film penned by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.

Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige will produce CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel and Louis D’Esposito will executive produce. The film will be released in the US on July 22, 2011 and distributed by Paramount Pictures.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.

Atwell will next be seen in PILLARS OF THE EARTH, the 8-part miniseries premiering July 23 on Starz and the TV series THE PRISONER. Her film credits include THE DUCHESS, BRIDESHEAD REVISITED and CASSANDRA’S DREAM.

In addition to CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including the highly anticipated sequel, IRON MAN 2, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow on May 7, 2010, THOR on May 6, 2011, and Marvel Studios’ THE AVENGERS on May 4, 2012.