When Avengers: Endgame hit theaters in 2019, it was a bittersweet moment for both the cast and their countless fans. The film was a triumph, but it was also a goodbye to many of the stars that made the Marvel Cinematic Universe a hit in the first place. Among those who made their final appearance was People Magazine’s current Sexiest Man Alive, Chris Evans. The actor had been playing Steve Rogers, better known as Captain America, since 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, and capped off his nearly decade-long journey with the character in an emotional finale that saw him reunite with Hayley Atwell‘s Peggy Carter and travel back in time. Now an elderly man, Evans‘ hero officially retired and gave his shield to Anthony Mackie‘s Sam Wilson, who has since taken on the mantle of Captain America in the MCU.
At the time, Evans seemed very ready to hang up the tights and move on with his career. However, a recent interview with People Magazine revealed he may be having some minor regrets only three years into retirement. Speaking about his time as a Marvel superhero, Evans finally admitted to missing the experience, saying:
They’re challenging, but the beauty is the movies are great. You get out what you put in. It’s been a wonderful, very symbiotic relationship, so I’ve been thrilled to do it. I think when the movies end you’re very happy to have a break. But very quickly, you miss it. I miss it now. But yeah, I’m very grateful and very happy to have been a part of them.
Chris Evans
It’s actually still likely that Evans returns to his role at some point in the future. His character has not yet died, and an elderly Steve Rogers could easily pop up to give some sound advice in another project. Furthermore, Marvel boss Kevin Feige recently revealed the MCU’s sixth phase is scheduled to end with an adaptation of Avengers: Secret Wars, a multiverse-hopping storyline with endless possibilities. It wouldn’t be the craziest turn of events to have an alternate-universe Rogers make a surprise appearance. Until then, and after, fans should remain supportive of Mackie in the Captain America title. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier indicated the actor has a bright future in the patriotic costume.
Though it hasn’t been officially announced, the buzz around Sony and Marvel Studios reaching a new deal to continue their collaborative efforts to co-produce Spider-Man films has been at an all-time high this week. The deal, should it be reached, would allow Marvel Studios to get to work on developing new Spidey films with Sony and for them to negotiate a deal with star Tom Holland that would allow him to appear in non-Spidey films. As we wait for word to come down that Holland is ready to get back to work, we take a look at how Tom’s New Deal might play out over the next several years.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2024)
Once the new deal is announced, expect things to advance pretty quickly on the first new solo Spidey outing. In late 2021, Kevin Feige admitted that he and Amy Pascal had already begun developing the story for the fourth MCU-based Spidey film. Even though the film hasn’t been officially given the green light yet, the fact that a story has been in the works for nearly a year means that some of the principal talent involved might be privy to some of that info. Feige announced at SDCC that Spider-Man and Daredevil were going to lead the way as street-level heroes and Tom Holland, Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio have all dropped some breadcrumbs along the way that make it sound like the fourth MCU Spidey film might feature Spidey and Daredevil teaming up to take on Mayor Fisk. Of course, it’s also time for Peter Parker to complicate his life by adding a new love interest and there’s no better time than now for that to be Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat.
Fantastic Four (2025)
Undoubtedly, part of Holland’s New Deal will include stipulations that allow for appearances in non-Spidey MCU films. Given that the New Deal will coincide with the Fantastic Four finally making their way into the MCU and that one of Peter Parker’s longest-lasting and most important friendships in Marvel Comics is with Johnny Storm, it’s nearly impossible to think he wouldn’t show up in their film.
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (2025) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2026)
Spider-Man is among Marvel’s most valued and beloved characters, so it’s all but a sure thing that they’ll want Holland’s New Deal to include appearances in both their upcoming Avengers’ films. Secret Wars is probably the most ambitious project Marvel Studios has ever attempted and it’s likely to take inspiration from Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 version, which means that another Spider-Man could potentially be introduced here, setting the stage for the remainder of Holland’s time as the Wall-Crawler. It also allows for Marvel Studios to make good on the symbiote suit tease in the post-credit scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home, allowing Holland to get at least one go around in the beloved black suit.
Spider-Man: One More Day (2026)
Assuming Sony wants to keep churning out new Spidey films every 2 years as they did during the first deal, Holland’s next MCU-based Spidey film will hit in 2026. Assuming the rumors of Sacha Baron Cohen signing on as Mephisto for multiple projects are true, it’s likely that at least one of those appearances would be for a major film and it’s also likely he didn’t sign on to something that would keep him busy for a decade or more. In the comics, Spider-Man made a deal with Mephisto that had long-lasting ramifications for the character. It’s not out of the question that Peter’s MCU story could see him try to find a way to have “one more day” with MJ. Mephisto is just the guy to grant that kind of wish to Peter, but at what cost?
Spider-Man: End of Days (2028)
Unfortunately, Holland can’t and won’t go on forever as Spidey; fortunately, the comics provide a fantastic road map for what to do next and both Sony and Marvel Studios would be foolish not to take advantage of it. Miles Morales is one of the most important Marvel Comics’ characters not just of the modern age but of all time. Giving Peter and Miles time to get to know one another after meeting in Secret Wars would deepen and enrich both characters, make Peter’s death feel like an even great loss and set up Miles as THE Spider-Man for the next decade.
6 projects in 4 years for Holland seems crazy, but obviously, this is all just speculation and no dates are set in stone, not even, as we’ve seen, those for movies as big as Fantastic Four and Avengers: Secret Wars. However, whether the dates are even remotely correct or not, Holland’s New Deal will certainly keep him incredibly busy over a very short amount of time.
Early word on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever would seem to indicate that director Ryan Coogler followed up 2018’s Black Panther, which stands as Marvel Studios greatest critical success, with another well-received blockbuster. To follow up the beloved first film with another hit after losing star Chadwick Boseman to cancer would be no small feat. According to Coogler, who had to start from scratch after the death of his friend, the process has been difficult.
In an interview with Variety, Coogler spoke about the process of making Wakanda Forever and what the future holds.
This movie got everything I have. I’m at that place where I think I’ve got this press tour in me and then I’ve got to sit down and reflect. Probably cry a lot, because I’ve been holding that back. And then from there, figure out whatever’s next.
Ryan Coogler
A third Black Panther film might seem like sure thing, especially given the nature of the plot of Wakanda Forever, but at the moment, Coogler isn’t sure if he’s ready to take it on, “I have no idea what I’m doing next as a writer and director.” Though finishing the trilogy without Coogler doesn’t seem possible, Marvel Studios One-Above-All Kevin Feige admits that it has to remain a possibility. “I go back to what I said when we decided to make ‘Wakanda Forever’ after losing Chad,” said the head honcho of Marvel Studios. “This mythology and this ensemble and these characters deserve to continue and will continue after all of us are gone, I hope, and will continue forever in movies the way it has in comics for 50-plus years.“
However, with so much time and effort invested into building the World of Wakanda for the MCU, it’s impossible to imagine that Coogler doesn’t something in mind for a third film. Feige confirmed that he and Coogler have has some “ideas pitched back and forth” and that conversations have taken place about the director returning to helm a third film. As Feige says, though he’s open to continuing without Coogler, it “wouldn’t be the preference.“
With so much of Marvel Studios slate over the next 3+ years already determined, the good news is that there’s no rush for Coogler to make the call.
As Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is about to make its worldwide release, the hype and positive word of mouth about the film has fans wondering if Ryan Coogler might find himself moving into the director’s chair of what is sure to be one of Marvel Studios biggest projects. Coogler has found himself on just about everyone’s list as a potential director for Avengers: Secret Wars, which is set to end the Multiverse Saga when it hits theaters in 2026. However great of a fit Coogler might be for the project, it sounds like it might just end up in the hands of someone else.
In an interview with Variety, Coogler called the speculation of him landing the director’s gig “crazy.” Kevin Feige backed Coogler’s declaration:
Well, I would want Ryan to do anything at any time because he’s a singular talent and a great person to spend years with. But no, in all honesty, there’ve been no conversations. We’ve not spoken to him about Secret Wars.
Kevin Feige
If Coogler isn’t on the job, Marvel Studios still has other in-house candidates to consider, not to mention the likelihood that a fairly large number of directors who have not worked with them might throw their hats into the ring.
Marvel Studios Executive Producer Nate Moore has set the record straight on the number of potential Wakanda-based spinoff projects in development. In an interview with Variety, Moore, who is also a member of Marvel Studios Parliament, described the World of Wakanda as “expansive” and full of “great characters” adding that “beyond what happens with this film, there are more opportunities to go back to Wakanda.”
The D+ streaming series Ironheart will be the first project to spin out of the Black Panther franchise but as Moore put it, “there are no shortage of ideas” about other projects. According to Moore, some of the series in mind would involve existing characters, such as the Okoye-centric project that’s been in development for some time, while others would focus on characters “that would be completely new.” With the introduction of Namor and Talokan in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the potential could exist for Coogler’s Proximity Media to develop projects based around those characters as well.
The idea of multiple projects set within and adjacent to the World of Wakanda comes at a time when Disney Plus offers multiple options to expand on the characters and stories that make up the shared tapestry of the MCU. Nearly three years ago, WandaVision began an new age of streaming series for Marvel Studios and while 6-10 episode series seemed to be a key piece of the D+ puzzle, Werewolf By Night, the studio’s first Special Presentation,opened another gateway for new projects. Given the rich comic book history and number of characters associated with Wakanda, it wouldn’t be surprising to see all avenues explored in the future.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in theaters on November 11th.
Earlier this year, it was announced that HBO Max was developing a prequel to IT. The series, which is titled Welcome to Derry, had set Wonder Woman writer and It: Chapter Two producer Jason Fuchs as the head writer of the series. Now, Variety has announced that Fuchs, along with Brad Caleb Kane, will serve as co-showrunners on the series.
Fuchs reportedly wrote the screenplay for the first episode of the series, based on a story he wrote along with Andy and Barbara Muschietti. Andy Muschietti, of course, directed both IT films starring Bill Skarsgård as the dancing clown, Pennywise. While not set in stone, the hope is that Muschietti will direct the pilot episode of the series. Fuchs, Kane and the Muschiettis will produce the series, with the Muschiettis producing through their Double Dream banner.
Fuchs is perhaps best known for his work on Wonder Woman, Pan and Ice Age: Continental Drift. While Kane has written for episodes of shows such as Warrior, Black Sails and Fringe.
As it stands, details regarding the series are being kept under wraps, but it’s said that Welcome to Derry will be a prequel to 2017’s It: Chapter One. No release date, or casting, has been announced.
Zootopia, the movie, proved to be a massive success for Disney when it was released back in 2016. The animated film, which centered on a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox, earned an impressive $1.024 billion at the worldwide box office during its theatrical run. Yet, despite its massive success, Disney has not officially given the greenlight to a Zootopia sequel. Instead, the studio opted to develop a series for Disney+ centered on some of the film’s most notable characters. The series delves deeper into events from the film, giving movie fans more time to enjoy these key moments, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s great.
Like another Disney+ series, I Am Groot, there’s truly no real reason for Zootopia+ to exist. While the directors have previously teased wanting to explore the world further, the episodes are just too short to really be of note. There’s nothing of substance to the series, which is understandable – with six episodes, the longest of which is 8 minutes, it’s hard to really tell much story wise. That isn’t to say fans of the film – and families – won’t devour this series.
The six episodes often feel like deleted scenes that the directors wanted to revisit in one for or another. Some are hilariously enjoyable – namely “The Real Rodents of Little Rodentia” and “Dinner Rush” – while others lack charm. The animation is fantastic, and the voice acting is stellar, per usual. The problem, though, is that despite their short length, most of these shorts feel incredibly long. These could have easily been added to a Blu-Ray or DVD release.
Zootopia+ is far from a necessary watch, and there’s a good chance it’s arriving too late, but for a quick watch? It’s enjoyable. Children will certainly love every moment of this series, especially the musical number in “Duke the Musical,” and there’s something for adults planted throughout each short. Like the film, the humor straddles the line perfectly between adult and family friendly. Had the shorts been given a bit more time to breathe, Zootopia+ could’ve been a home run, in its current state, though, it feels underdeveloped.
Overall: Disney expands upon the excellent Zootopia with a series that, while not necessary, is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is more of an ensemble film than the first was, especially with the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. As the film centers on paying tribute to the man’s legacy in many ways, the film takes a different approach and will see the impact on the various characters that we’ve met in the first Black Panther film, while also introducing the world to Talokan, the MCU’s interpretation of Atlantis.
Still, a lot of the promotional material only teased what we can expect from the story and how the various characters work through their own grief. In the official press conference for Wakanda Forever, director Ryan Coogler highlighted that Winston Duke‘s iconic M’Baku will likely have twice as much screentime as he did in the first film.
You know, and I will say that, you know, Winston’s not here, but M’Baku was in this movie more than he was in the first Black Panther. I think probably, like, a two-to-one ratio. You know, he probably has twice as many scenes as he had in the first one. And so he’s there, you know.
Ryan Coogler
M’Baku was a standout in the first film and even made a return in the Avengers film with Duke reprising the role. While he wasn’t close to T’Challa, he did have an important arc with him in the first film, which did open up the possibility to further explore his arc in this film. We saw in the crossover films that they’ve developed a close bond, especially showcasing how far they’ve grown since the power struggle for the throne in the first Black Panther film. So, it’ll be interesting to explore that dynamic that we may have not gotten a chance to see on the silver screen.
Marvel Studios WandaVision spinoff, Agatha: Coven of Chaos, is preparing for the early 2023 start of principal photography and the cast is seemingly growing by the day. One of the major additions to the Kathryn Hahn-led streamer was Heartstopper actor Joe Locke, who was cast as an unnamed gay, lead character for the 9-episode series. Locke’s casting came shortly after a report indicated that Agatha: Coven of Chaos looked to be set to introduce Billy Kaplan to the MCU, but a prevailing alternate theory as the actor playing Agatha’s son, Nicholas Scratch. Now, a new rumor seems to add fuel to the Wiccan fire.
According to one YouTube channel, Locke’s role in the upcoming series is indeed that of Billy Kaplan/Wiccan. Of course, given everything that is known about the character(and the fact that Locke is a near-perfect match for the character’s physical appearance in the comics), Wiccan is the most obvious choice. Though Hahn’s character is the lead in Agatha: Coven of Chaos, the title would lead one to believe that the series will be dealing with the fallout of Wanda Maximoff’s time as the Scarlet Witch and her use of Chaos Magic. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may also have given some hints as to the pending arrival of Wiccan as a representation of him was seen etched into the walls of Mount Wundagore.
In the comics, Billy Kaplan is the son of a Jewish couple living in New York who is ultimately revealed to be the “reborn soul” of Billy Maximoff. Kaplan, who becomes a founding member of the Young Avengers. Destined to become the all-powerful Demiurge, Billy often found himself the target of schemes by other magic-wielders, including Loki, who sought his power for themselves. Given Agatha has lived by siphoning the power from others for so long, it would stand to reason that if she were somehow able to break free from Wanda’s spell, perhaps with the assistance of a group of other witches, she might take a keen interest in someone like Billy Kaplan.
Marvel Studios has had no official comment on Locke’s role. Hahn and Locke have recently been joined in the series by Aubrey Plaza, Ali Ahn and Maria Dizzia, whose role as a witch in the series has been misreported. Principal photography is expected to kick off in January and wrap in May and the series is currently on the schedule for a late-2023/early-2024 release on Disney Plus.
Sacrifice for the greater good has always been a central theme of Star Wars. From Obi-Wan becoming one with the Force in his duel with Vader in a New Hope, to Luke doing the same in The Last Jedi and Ben Solo giving his life for Rey in The Rise of Skywalker, sacrifice has been consistently present in the franchise. Episode 10 of Andor, “One Way Out”, continues that thematic resonance while illuminating just how circumstantial the nature of sacrifice can be. Andor isn’t about a fantastic moment where a Jedi becomes one with the Force for the good of the Rebellion; it is in large part, about much less spectacular characters losing bits of themselves by the day. And no episode of Andor hammers that point home more than “One Way Out.”
Thought the prison break serves as the beautiful center of the episode, it’s the back alley conversation between Luthen Rael and his Imperial spy, Lonni, that stands out not only in the episode and the series, but also the franchise as arguably one of the most inspired and impassioned explanations of the true cost of the Rebellion. At this point, it’s hard not to think of Rael, a character new to fans just a couple of months ago, as one of the most integral figures in the Rebellion. Per his own words, however, his choices have damned him and he knows that he is fighting “to make sunrise” he knows he will never see. So when the galaxy celebrates its heroes at the end of A New Hope, nobody will to be grateful to Rael, nor to poor Lonni, nor to Anto Kreegyr, who Rael is so willing to sacrifice to keep things on track. While it’s ultimately heroes such as Luke, Leia, Han and Chewy who become the face of the Rebellion, Rael now must stand as its backbone. Stellan Skarsgård‘s work as Rael is among the most complex and brilliant in recent memory in a franchise that has all too often dipped into the well of bringing back familiar faces. In Rael, Tony Gilroy has created a new character that’s given more the the future of the galaxy than anyone will ever know.
As Rael readily accepts that there’s no way off the path he’s chosen, Mon Mothma finds herself at a crossroads from where it seems there is no gentle path for her to take. Desperate for funding, the Senator finds herself in league with the gangster Davo who proves more than willing to provide her with the money she needs, but in exchange for a detestable cost: the apparent betrothal of her daughter to Davo’s son. Though Mon is quick to dismiss it, Davo doesn’t believe she’s quite as disgusted as she puts on. The series has gone to some lengths to show that Mon’s work has already come at the cost of familial relationships but Episode 10 leaves the audience to wonder just how far she’ll go to finance the Rebellion. Andor’s creatives have done fascinating work with Mon. Originally a minor character who seemed to stand out as a beacon of everything bright and shiny about the Rebellion, the series has fleshed her out and painted her in a much different light.
Given the way the episode laid bare grim repercussions for Rael and Mothma, Cassian’s time in prison hardly seems like much of a sacrifice at all. In fact, it’s Andy Serkis‘ Kino Loy who had the most interesting journey in the prison arc. Initially a “company man”, it’s Loy who makes the episode’s most grandiose example of sacrifice, risking his life to lead the prison break with the knowledge that the “one way out” meant he would never be free. Unable to swim, Loy stands back while the other, including Cassian and Melshi, who turns up alongside his escape buddy in Rogue One, swim to freedom. The final shot of the episode, which shows Cassian and Melshi running across barren plains, is rich with symbolism. Cassian has no prospects ahead of him as he runs from his past. He has no safe haven to which he can return. The entire galaxy is after him. What comes next over the final two episodes will almost certainly remedy that and cement his place in the Rebellion, but given the job the series has done setting up the fractured nature of the fledgling alliance, it’ll be most interesting to see in which group he finds his way.
Cookie Consent
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
This website uses cookies
Websites store cookies to enhance functionality and personalise your experience. You can manage your preferences, but blocking some cookies may impact site performance and services.
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
Name
Description
Duration
Cookie Preferences
This cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.
30 days
These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.
Name
Description
Duration
comment_author_email
Used to track the user across multiple sessions.
Session
comment_author_url
Used to track the user across multiple sessions.
Session
comment_author
Used to track the user across multiple sessions.
Session
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
90 days
__utma
ID used to identify users and sessions
2 years after last activity
__utmt
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests
10 minutes
__utmb
Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
30 minutes after last activity
__utmc
Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.
End of session (browser)
__utmz
Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gid
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_gat
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
1 minute
Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user.
Pinterest Tag is a web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic.
