X-Men: The Animated Series premiered in 1992 and quickly became a beloved adaptation of the popular Marvel Comics series. Known for its faithful portrayal of the iconic mutant superhero team, the show captivated audiences with its engaging storytelling, dynamic characters, and thrilling action sequences. Beginning March 20th, Marvel Animation will roll out an all-new revival of the series, X-Men ’97.
Following the two-part series opener (“Night of the Sentinels Part 1” and “Night of the Sentinels Part 2”) which introduced Charles Xavier’s team of mutant heroes, the series turned its attention to the series’ main antagonist, the mutant Master of Magnetism, Magneto. Let’s revisit “Enter Magneto.”
Setting the Scene: Rising Tensions
Against the backdrop of a world divided by fear and prejudice, the episode opens with a series of escalating conflicts between mutants and humans. As anti-mutant sentiment spreads, Magneto emerges as a powerful voice for mutant rights, advocating for the superiority of mutantkind and the need for mutants to assert their dominance over humanity.
Introducing Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants
Magneto, a mutant with the ability to manipulate magnetic fields, is introduced as a complex and enigmatic figure. With his charismatic leadership and unwavering belief in mutant supremacy, Magneto poses a formidable challenge to the X-Men and their mission of peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans. Fueled by a deep-seated resentment towards humanity and a desire to assert mutant superiority, Magneto emerges as a formidable adversary for the X-Men. His traumatic experiences during the Holocaust have shaped his worldview, leading him to believe that mutants must rise above humanity to ensure their survival. With his magnetic powers and cunning intellect, Magneto poses a threat unlike any they have faced before, challenging the very foundation of their beliefs and ideals. As Magneto’s presence looms large, the X-Men find themselves embroiled in a battle for the future of mutantkind, where the stakes are higher than ever before.
Magneto is accompanied by his loyal followers, the Brotherhood of Mutants, a group of mutants who share his vision of mutant superiority. Among them are the shape-shifting Mystique, the agile and acrobatic Toad, and the ferocious Sabretooth. Together, they form a formidable team dedicated to advancing Magneto’s agenda and challenging the authority of the X-Men. Their confrontation with Magneto forces them to confront the complexities of morality and ethics, as they grapple with the implications of his ideology and the impact it could have on the world.
Confrontation with the X-Men
As Magneto’s influence grows, the X-Men find themselves in a tense standoff with the Brotherhood of Mutants. Led by Cyclops, the X-Men confront Magneto and his followers, hoping to prevent their radical agenda from plunging the world into chaos. Despite Cyclops’ strategic maneuvers and the combined efforts of his fellow X-Men, Magneto proves to be a formidable adversary, using his mastery of magnetism to outmaneuver and overpower the team at every turn. The stakes escalate, forcing the X-Men to push themselves to their limits in a desperate bid to stop Magneto’s radical agenda from plunging the world into chaos. As the battle rages on, the X-Men are forced to confront not only the physical threat posed by Magneto and his followers but also the deeper ideological divide that threatens to tear the mutant community apart.
A Clash of Ideologies
The episode delves into the ideological clash between Magneto and Professor Xavier, two powerful mutants with opposing visions for the future of mutantkind. While Professor Xavier advocates for peaceful coexistence and cooperation between mutants and humans, Magneto believes that mutants must assert their dominance and take control of their own destiny. Their conflict represents the larger struggle within the mutant community, as mutants grapple with their place in a world that fears and hates them.
As the dust settles and the echoes of battle fade, the X-Men emerge victorious but forever changed by the trials they have endured. “Enter Magneto” serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by intolerance and extremism, urging viewers to confront their own prejudices and embrace diversity. Despite the challenges they face, the X-Men remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting both mutants and humans alike, united in their determination to forge a brighter future for all. As the episode draws to a close, the X-Men stand united, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead in their ongoing quest for peace and equality in a world fraught with danger and uncertainty.
The Rise of Magneto
“Enter Magneto” concludes with Magneto emerging as a formidable new threat to the X-Men and their mission of peace and coexistence. As Magneto continues to rally support for his cause and expand his influence, the stage is set for a showdown between the X-Men and their greatest adversary yet. The episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the conflict between mutants and humans will unfold in the episodes to come.
Marvel Studios has already introduced a pair of mutants into the MCU, had a couple of others appear in multiversal cameos and have Wolverine waiting on deck this summer but as fans await their full inclusion into the MCU, Disney is dipping into nostalgia to tide them over. Since it was first revealed on Disney + Day 2021, fans have been looking forward to X-Men ’97, a revival of the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series, and now Disney has revealed when they can catch the new series.
Via Empire Magazine, it’s been announced that X-Men ’97 will debut on Disney Plus on March 20th!
Beginning in 1992, 76 episodes of X-Men: The Animated Series ran over 5 seasons on Fox. Over the last 30+ years, the show has become one of the most beloved presentations of the X-Men and has etched itself into pop culture. The new series will pick up where the original left off with showrunner Beau DeMayo carrying the torch. A second season of the series is already in the works.
Via social media, Marvel Studios has revealed the long-awaited cast of Fantastic Four…and given it a new release date.
As has been rumored for months, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn will make up the MCU’s version of the First Family. Pascal (The Mandalorian, The Last of Us) and Kirby (The Fast and The Furious and Mission: Impossible franchises) will play Reed and Susan Richards, respectively, Moss-Bachrach (Andor, The Bear) will portray Ben Grimm/The Thing and Quinn (Stranger Things) will suit up as Johnny Storm.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Marvel’s First Family! Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn are The Fantastic Four.
Along with the cast announcement and a new logo comes a new release date. Recently slated for May 2nd, 2025, Fantastic Four will now debut on July 25, 2025. With that move, Thunderbolts has been moved into the May 2nd, 2025 slot.
When Disney launched its own streaming platform, the company’s big-name studios were expected to carry the bulk of the load. The sky, it seemed, was the limited for Lucasfilm, Pixar, Disney Animation and Marvel Studios as fans expected projects on the level of HBO’s Game of Thrones and Neflix’s Stranger Things to roll out on the regular. Marvel Studios took the lead, announcing a slew of streaming projects that would introduce new characters and tell the stories of existing characters between their appearances in the MCU’s films. However, after a global pandemic and several less-than-well-received projects (both streaming and theatrical), Bob Iger returned to Disney and pumped the brakes.
For Marvel Studios, Iger’s return came with a mandate to produce fewer projects, give the ones they were producing room to breath before the next one arrived and to make sure fans were getting the quality they’d come to associate with the name. During Disney’s most recent investor conference call, Iger explained his vision for Disney moving forward and singled out Marvel Studios while doing so.
“I’d say we’re leaning a little bit more into sequels and franchises,” Iger told investors. “I think given the environment and given what it takes to get people out of their homes to see a film, leaning on franchises that are familiar is actually a smart thing.” To that end, Disney revealed an animated sequel to Moana and gave updates on Toy Story 5, Frozen 3 and Zootopia 2. In the past few years, Disney has had several films that failed to find an audience in theaters. While some projects such as Strange World found new life on Disney Plus, others didn’t draw much of an audience there. Relying on familiar brands may help but it is only one part of Iger’s strategy.
“In our zeal to greatly increase volume partially tied to this wanting to chase more global subs for our streaming platform, some of our studios lost a little focus,” explained Iger. “So the first step that we’ve taken is that we’ve reduced volume, we reduced output, particularly in Marvel.” For fans who’ve been tracking things Marvel-related very closely, Iger’s comments come as no surprise. Multiple projects, including Daredevil: Born Again and Captain America: Brave New World, were subjected to intense scrutiny that led to creative overhauls on both projects. Additionally, multiple projects that were reported to be in development have been put on the back burner while news on new projects has never been harder to come by than it is now.
What does this mean for the future of Marvel Studios? While the studio certainly won’t stop including new characters in projects, it’s likely that as the Fantastic Four and X-Men start to move into the spotlight, successful franchises such as Thor, Doctor Strange and Captain America might remain prominent. Branding of projects may also change moving forward. Captain Marvel was wildly successful at the box office in 2019; however, Marvel Studios chose to brand the sequel as The Marvels rather than Captain Marvel: cool subtitle or Captain Marvel 2, neither of which would have impacted the story but may have drawn a few more casual fans to theaters.
In 2015, Netflix’s Daredevil emerged as a beacon of gritty storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the superhero genre. Marvel Studios’ Daredevil: Born Again will take viewers back to the hallowed streets of Hell’s Kitchen when it hits Disney Plus in 2025 but the recent decision to retcon Marvel Television’s Daredevil into the MCU means new viewers would have over 34 hours worth of catching up to do. While that’s certainly one option, it’s likely not necessary to know every detail of the Netflix series in order to enjoy the new series. With that in mind, we’ve decided to put together some short recaps of each season that should catch you up on the best bits.
Season 1
Season 1 of Daredevil not only introduced viewers to the complex character of Matt Murdock but also set the stage for a narrative filled with raw emotion, moral dilemmas, and heart-pounding action. In this comprehensive recap, we’ll delve into the key moments, characters, and overarching themes that made Season 1 a landmark in the realm of superhero television.
Daredevil Season 1 is celebrated for its visceral and realistic fight sequences. Choreographed with meticulous detail, the series showcases Daredevil’s unique fighting style, emphasizing the physical toll his vigilantism takes on both body and soul. These action scenes set a new standard for superhero television, earning praise for their authenticity.
The Origins of Daredevil: Matt Murdock’s Journey into Darkness
Charlie Cox‘s portrayal of Matt Murdock stands out as a tour de force in Season 1. The series skillfully explores the impact of a childhood accident that robbed Murdock of his sight but gifted him with heightened senses. Murdock’s journey from a blind lawyer to the masked vigilante known as Daredevil is portrayed with nuance, showcasing the internal struggles and conflicts that shape his sense of justice.
Matt Murdock is introduced as a blind lawyer who, after a childhood accident, gains enhanced senses that allow him to perceive the world in extraordinary ways. By day, he practices law alongside his best friend Foggy Nelson at Nelson and Murdock. By night, he becomes Daredevil, patrolling Hell’s Kitchen to combat crime and corruption. Matt’s dual life as a lawyer and a vigilante presents him with moral dilemmas. He grapples with the limitations of the legal system in combating the deep-rooted corruption in Hell’s Kitchen, leading him to take matters into his own hands as Daredevil. Matt’s heightened senses, a result of the accident that blinded him, play a crucial role in his crime-fighting abilities. His training in martial arts further enhances his combat skills, making Daredevil a formidable force against criminals.
Despite his physical prowess, Matt faces moments of vulnerability and personal struggles. His commitment to justice comes at a personal cost, and the season delves into the emotional toll his vigilantism takes on his relationships and well-being. Season 1 establishes the character as a complex and morally driven hero, grappling with the challenges of justice in a city consumed by corruption
Wilson Fisk: A Villain with Depth and Complexity
Vincent D’Onofrio‘s Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin, became a fan favorite as a memorable villain who ultimately made his way into the MCU in Hawkeye. A powerful and enigmatic crime lord seeking to reshape Hell’s Kitchen, Fisk’s ruthless methods and complex motivations make him a compelling adversary. As he rises in influence, Daredevil emerges as the lone force standing against his vision for the city. Season 1 meticulously crafts Fisk’s ascent to power, revealing the man behind the crime lord. Fisk’s complex emotions, driven by a tragic past and a desire to reshape Hell’s Kitchen, make him a formidable and empathetic antagonist.
Flashbacks provide a glimpse into Fisk’s troubled past, unraveling the traumas that shaped him into the formidable antagonist he has become. These nuanced insights into Fisk’s character add depth to the narrative. Throughout the season, Matt Murdock discovers the extent of Kingpin’s criminal empire and the corruption he has spread throughout Hell’s Kitchen. As Daredevil interferes with Fisk’s operations, the tension between the two escalates.
Nelson and Murdock: The Heart of Hell’s Kitchen
Elden Henson‘s Foggy Nelson and Deborah Ann Woll‘s Karen Page contribute significantly to the series’ heart. Their camaraderie adds depth to the narrative, grounding the series in the reality of Hell’s Kitchen. After having reportedly been left out of Daredevil: Born Again, Henson and Woll were added to the cast following the creative overhaul of the project. The season explores the dynamics of the Nelson and Murdock law firm, highlighting the close friendship between Matt, Foggy, and Karen. The trio faces moral dilemmas and legal challenges as they navigate the complexities of Hell’s Kitchen’s criminal underbelly. Murdock, driven by a sense of justice and a commitment to protecting Hell’s Kitchen, takes on the mantle of Daredevil to challenge Kingpin’s reign. His personal connection to the city, combined with a deep-seated desire to thwart Fisk’s plans, propels him into a direct confrontation with the powerful crime lord.
As Matt Murdock’s best friend and law partner, Foggy contributes to the series not only as a source of humor but also as a moral anchor and a key player in the legal drama that unfolds in Hell’s Kitchen. The dynamic between Foggy and Matt forms a core element of the series, showcasing their deep friendship and camaraderie. Nelson and Murdock take on cases that often involve the underprivileged and marginalized members of Hell’s Kitchen. Foggy, driven by a strong sense of justice and idealism, works alongside Matt to make a positive impact through their legal practice. Foggy learns about Matt’s abilities, including his heightened senses. Initially surprised and taken aback, Foggy eventually becomes a confidante, supporting Matt in his nighttime activities as Daredevil.
Foggy faces moral dilemmas and legal challenges as Nelson and Murdock become embroiled in cases that expose the corruption in Hell’s Kitchen. His unwavering commitment to justice often puts him at odds with the powerful and corrupt forces they confront. As the season progresses, Foggy’s friendship with Matt is tested, particularly as he discovers more about Matt’s nocturnal activities as Daredevil. The revelation of Matt’s double life introduces tensions and challenges their professional and personal relationship. Ultimately, Foggy takes a stand against the corruption in Hell’s Kitchen, aligning himself with the pursuit of justice even when faced with personal and professional risks. His resilience and determination make him a crucial player in the battle against the criminal elements in the city.
Karen Page plays a pivotal and multifaceted role in Season 1. Her character undergoes significant development, navigating the complex and dangerous landscape of Hell’s Kitchen while forming close connections with Matt and Foggy. Karen begins the season in legal trouble, having been accused of a crime she vehemently denies. Matt and Foggy take on her case, setting the stage for her involvement in the series. As Karen works closely with Nelson and Murdock, she forms strong bonds with both Matt and Foggy. Her character provides a relatable and empathetic perspective as she becomes an integral part of their legal practice and personal lives.
Karen’s journey takes a dark turn as she becomes embroiled in uncovering corruption within Hell’s Kitchen. Her investigations lead her to dangerous revelations about the criminal elements plaguing the city, setting the stage for larger conflicts. Season 1 explores romantic tensions between Karen and Foggy Nelson. Their evolving relationship adds a personal dimension to the series and creates moments of both warmth and conflict within the close-knit group at Nelson and Murdock. Karen’s friendship with Matt Murdock deepens as the season progresses. She becomes a confidante for Matt, and their connection goes beyond the professional realm, delving into personal and emotional territory.
Revealed to have a troubled past, Karen and her personal trauma becomes a driving force in her pursuit of justice. As her backstory unfolds, it becomes clear that she is determined to confront corruption and make a difference in Hell’s Kitchen. Karen’s initial legal troubles are linked to the Union Allied conspiracy, a storyline that unravels throughout the season. Her role in exposing and confronting this conspiracy showcases her resilience and determination. Karen becomes a target for those who wish to keep the city’s secrets hidden. Her involvement in uncovering corruption makes her susceptible to threats and danger, adding a layer of suspense to her character’s arc. Karen’s presence has a significant impact on the dynamics of Nelson and Murdock. Her character adds emotional depth and complexity to the law firm, shaping the relationships and decisions made by Matt and Foggy. Karen’s role in Season 1 contributes to the series’ exploration of justice, corruption, and personal sacrifice.
The Kingpin’s Romance
Vanessa Marianna (Ayelet Zurer) is introduced as the owner of an art gallery in Hell’s Kitchen. Her character is initially presented as a sophisticated and cultured woman, seemingly detached from the criminal underworld. Vanessa’s life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Wilson Fisk. The two develop a romantic connection that becomes a central element of Fisk’s character development. Vanessa’s presence humanizes Fisk, revealing a more vulnerable and emotional side to the powerful crime lord. As Vanessa becomes romantically involved with Fisk, she becomes entangled in his world of crime and corruption. Her character’s journey reflects the impact of Fisk’s choices on those close to him.
Over the course of the season, Vanessa gradually uncovers the darker aspects of Fisk’s life and the extent of his criminal activities. This revelation adds complexity to her character, as she must navigate the moral implications of her association with Fisk. Vanessa is portrayed as a resilient and strong-willed character. Despite the dangers and challenges she faces, she remains steadfast in her relationship with Fisk and doesn’t shy away from confronting the realities of his actions. Vanessa becomes a significant emotional anchor for Fisk, offering him solace and understanding in a world fraught with violence and betrayal. Her character serves as a key influence on Fisk’s motivations and decisions throughout the season.
Vanessa becomes a target for those who wish to exploit Fisk’s vulnerabilities. Her safety is jeopardized, adding a layer of suspense to the narrative as Fisk endeavors to protect her from the dangers surrounding him. As Vanessa learns more about Fisk’s criminal empire, she must come to terms with the reality of the man she loves. Her acceptance of Fisk’s true nature sets the stage for the moral complexities explored in the series. Vanessa’s role has a profound impact on Fisk’s character arc. Her influence shapes Fisk’s motivations and decisions, revealing a more nuanced and human side to the antagonist. The season explores the duality of Fisk’s character through his relationship with Vanessa.
Enter Claire Temple
Claire Temple, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, plays a crucial and impactful role in Season 1. As a dedicated nurse, Claire becomes entangled in the world of Matt Murdock and his vigilantism, providing both medical aid and emotional support to the conflicted hero.
Claire is introduced early in the season when she finds Matt Murdock injured and unconscious in a dumpster. A nurse, she takes him in and tends to his wounds, unknowingly becoming involved with the masked vigilante. Claire discovers Matt’s double life as Daredevil. Despite the danger involved, she chooses to assist him by providing medical help and helping him recuperate from injuries sustained during his nighttime exploits.
Claire becomes a confidante for Matt, offering emotional support and a listening ear as he grapples with the moral complexities of his vigilantism. Her presence provides a humanizing element to Daredevil’s character, showcasing the toll his actions take on both his body and psyche. Claire becomes increasingly involved in the conflicts and corruption plaguing Hell’s Kitchen. Her dedication to helping those in need draws her deeper into the world of masked heroes and crime fighting. The bond between Claire and Matt deepens over the course of the season. Their connection goes beyond the typical nurse-patient relationship, evolving into a romantic subplot that adds a personal dimension to Matt Murdock’s life.
Claire’s involvement with Matt puts her in direct conflict with Wilson Fisk’s criminal empire. She becomes a target for Fisk’s henchmen, leading to intense and suspenseful scenes as she navigates the dangers of being associated with Daredevil. Claire serves as a moral compass for Matt, urging him to consider the consequences of his actions and find alternative solutions to the problems facing Hell’s Kitchen. Her role highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters in their pursuit of justice. Claire Temple’s presence has a lasting impact on Daredevil’s journey. Her character contributes to the development of Matt Murdock’s humanity, emphasizing the importance of compassion and connection in the midst of a dark and tumultuous world.
Ben Urich’s Investigation
Journalist Ben Urich (Vondie Curtis-Hall) plays a crucial role as he investigates Fisk’s criminal empire. Urich is established as a seasoned and principled journalist working for the New York Bulletin. His commitment to journalistic integrity becomes a driving force in his pursuit of truth, even in the face of danger. Urich becomes entangled in the web of corruption that plagues Hell’s Kitchen, uncovering the hidden machinations of powerful criminal forces. As Urich delves deeper into his investigation, he discovers the existence of Daredevil, the masked vigilante operating in Hell’s Kitchen. Daredevil’s activities become intertwined with Urich’s journalistic pursuits, leading to a complex relationship between the two.
His efforts to expose corruption force him to make difficult choices, weighing the potential impact on both the city and his own life. Urich’s investigation leads him to connections with Wilson Fisk’s love interest, Vanessa. The complexities of Fisk’s personal life add layers to Urich’s understanding of the man behind the criminal empire. Urich forms an alliance with Karen Page, who is also digging into the dark secrets of Hell’s Kitchen. Their collaboration adds depth to the investigative aspects of the series, showcasing the synergy between journalism and legal pursuits. Urich’s pursuit of justice comes with tragic consequences, highlighting the harsh realities of exposing corruption in a city where powerful figures are willing to go to extreme lengths to protect their interests. Despite the challenges and personal costs, Urich leaves a lasting impact on the narrative. His journalistic legacy and the information he uncovers become pivotal elements that influence the course of events in Hell’s Kitchen.
Showdown with Kingpin
The season builds towards a climactic showdown between Daredevil and Kingpin, culminating in a battle that transcends physical combat. Murdock seeks justice for Hell’s Kitchen, aiming to dismantle Fisk’s criminal empire and bring him to justice.
The climactic showdown between Daredevil and Wilson Fisk at the end of Season 1 is a pivotal moment that encapsulates the intense and complex dynamic between the two characters. This confrontation spread across the final episodes of the season, serves as a culmination of the season-long narrative, bringing the conflict between the two to a head.
The fight between Daredevil and Kingpin is both physically brutal and emotionally charged. Daredevil, known for his acrobatic and martial arts skills, faces the formidable strength of Kingpin. The clash of their contrasting styles is visually striking, and the fight scenes are choreographed with intensity and realism.
Daredevil’s brutal victory over Kingpin has far-reaching consequences, undermining his carefully constructed public image and signaling a major blow to his criminal enterprise. While Daredevil succeeds in disrupting Kingpin’s plans and dismantling parts of his empire, the victory is more moral than absolute. The consequences of their conflict echo throughout the city, setting the stage for future developments and illustrating the ongoing struggle between the two characters.
The aftermath of the showdown sees Fisk arrested and Daredevil, battered and bruised, emerging as a symbol of hope for Hell’s Kitchen. However, the victory is bittersweet, as both characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the impact on the city they call home.
The Daredevil vs. Kingpin confrontation in Season 1 is a defining moment in the series, showcasing not only the physical prowess of the titular hero but also the emotional complexity of the characters involved. It sets the tone for the evolving narrative and establishes Daredevil as a force to be reckoned with in the gritty landscape of Hell’s Kitchen.
Setting the Stage for the Future
Season 1 concludes with the city changed, and Daredevil emerging as a symbol of hope. It sets the stage for future storylines, hinting at the emergence of new threats and the continuing evolution of Hell’s Kitchen.
Netflix’s Daredevil Season 1 remains a standout achievement in the superhero genre, weaving a tapestry of complex characters, gripping narratives, and groundbreaking action. From Matt Murdock’s evolution into Daredevil to the rise of Kingpin and the authentic portrayal of Hell’s Kitchen, the season masterfully blends realism with comic book storytelling.
Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts film has added Geraldine Viswanathan to its cast. The actor will replace Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), who was forced to depart the project due to scheduling conflicts. She joins fellow new addition, Lewis Pullman, who has replaced Steven Yeun who was also forced to depart the project earlier in the month for scheduling conflicts.
Viswanathan’s star has been on the rise since starring in Universal’s Blockers. She’s starred in projects such as TBS’ Miracle Workers, The Beanie Bubble, and Cat Person. She is set to star in Ethan Coen’s Drive Away Dolls and the Amazon comedy You’re Cordially Invited.
Production on the movie is expected to begin in March/April. The cast includes Wyatt Russell as US Agent, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster. Jake Schreier will direct the film. It is currently slated to hit theaters in July 2025.
Marvel Studios have certainly taken their time developing the Mahershala Ali-led Blade reboot. First announced at SDCC ’19, the project came as a shockingly wonderful surprise…and then the world went to hell. Nearly four and a half years, one global pandemic and two major Hollywood work stoppages later, production on the film still hasn’t gotten underway and, in fact, has been delayed multiple times. However, all signs point to principal photography finally getting underway sometime late in 2024 and now a new rumor about the film is sure to provide some much-needed hope about the state of the project.
According to insider Daniel RPK, after having multiple writers work on the script (current writer Michael Green is the sixth scribe to work on the screenplay) it sounds as though they’ve found their story and it sounds fairly badass!
In November 2023, director Yann Demange told Deadline that Marvel Studios had given him the green light to make Blade an R-rated film. “They gave me the R, which is so important,” said Demange, adding that “we are going to have fun because Mahershala is such a deep actor.” “I’m excited to show a kind of ruthlessness, a roughness he has, that allows him to walk the earth in a particular way. I love him for that. He’s got a dignity and integrity, but there is a ferocity there that he usually keeps under the surface. I want to unleash that and put it on the screen.” he explained. The new rumor from Daniel RPK lines up with Demange’s R-rated comment and gives some insight into exactly what Ali’s Daywalker will be up against.
The rumor states that Blade will be a period piece and will have ties to one of the MCU’s most confusing post-credit scenes. Apparently the film’s plot will revolve around an attempt by the villain Lilith–played by horror queen Mia Goth–to gather up the blood of Blade’s daughter in an effort to create an army of Daywalkers. To make things more interesting, Goth’s baddie will reportedly weild the mysterious Ebony Blade, first seen in the MCU in The Eternals. In the mid-credit scene, Kit Harrington‘s Dane Whitman was revealed to be in possession of the sword, which was shown to have some fascinating properties. Just as Whitman was about to pick it up, he was stopped by Ali’s Blade, who was not seen, only heard.
Following the release of The Eternals, Marvel Studios executive producer Nate Moore explained how the studio came to connect Blade to the sword. “Cause the Ebony Blade, the characteristics of the Ebony Blade are not dissimilar to some degree to vampirism and we think that’s an interesting kind of thing to play with,” explained Moore. Now it sounds as though Blade will establish a MUCH clearer connection to the stinger scene though it’s not believed that Harrington will play a role in the film.
Blade is currently slated for a November 7, 2025 release.
Once production got back underway in New York, it didn’t take long for photos from the set of Daredevil: Born Again to make their way online. A fresh batch of set photos from X user Finn seemed to confirm that the deranged serial killer Muse–long rumored to be part of the series–will appear. A closer look at those same set photos may reveal even more information about the D+ series.
On a wall near Muse’s graffiti mural of Kingpin, posters for real life NYC venues Baby’s All Right and Bowery Ballroom can be seen. While posters like these are located all over the Big Apple, these are indeed part of the set for Daredevil: Born Again.
The Bowery Ballroom poster indicates that someone named Spencer Giles will be at the venue on Friday, March 12th which could be let in determining when this portion of the series is set. While there are certainly continuity problems within any shared universe as large as the MCU, Marvel Studios does its best to keep things tight which means if we accept that they’re working off a real world calendar where March 12th is a Friday, this portion of the series is either set in 2021 or 2027.
Either choice is interesting but each for its own reason. Should the series be set in 2021, it would be during the Blip and set roughly at the same time as Clint Barton’s exploits as Ronin as seen in detail in Hawkeye. At that point in time, Wilson Fisk was shown to be out of prison and in charge of the Tracksuit Mafia. Should the series be set in 2027, it would be set beyond the events of Secret Invasion which are, to date, the farthest out into the MCU’s “present day.”
Release slates have never been more fluid than they are now. As productions get up and running again around the world, projects that were supposed to drop in 2024 have already been moved to 2025 and the butterfly effect is in full…effect. Only a crazy person might try to hypothesize when projects might actually see the light of day…so let’s look at one possible Marvel Studios’ release slate for 2026
January: Wonder Man
After a little creative retooling, Wonder Man resumed production in mid-January which means it will likely complete principal photography no later than Summer. With that in mind, it could easily be ready to roll out in 2025 but with Marvel Studios looking to space out their D+series and with very few new streaming projects far enough in development to get in front of cameras anytime soon, we’ve decided to put the Simon Williams solo series here.
Initially revealed to be a streaming series, Armor Wars is now a feature film and the first one on any of our hypothetical calendars to not have a release date set aside by Marvel Studios. That makes this spot as purely hypothetical as it gets. With the news that Marvel Studios’ search for a director is underway, it seems likely that cameras could roll on this one in either late 2024 or early 2025 since the script seems to have been in place for some time. IF that’s the case (that’s the nature of these hypothetical calendars, after all), this one would have no problem making this May 1st date…which was most recently set aside for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
July 24th: Spider-Man 4
Nobody knows it better than me: Sony sets the date for the Spidey movies that they make in collaboration with Marvel Studios. So why are we placing Spidey 4 on one of Marvel Studios’ tentative release dates? Because it seems increasingly likely that Spidey 4 (once believed to be a 2025 film) will be released in 2026 and it also seems increasingly unlikely that Marvel Studios will be able to roll Avengers 5 out in 2026.
September: Vision Quest
Even with Marvel Studios pumping the brakes on their streaming projects while they figure out how to make TV, it does seem Vision Quest is still going to happen. Who is making it and what exactly it will end up looking like are still questions we all have. Originally, it was going to be heavily influenced by Tom King’s excellent 12 issue Vision book but it’s been some time since anyone has had an update. Because this project COULD serve as a sequel to WandaVision and a prequel to the rumored Scarlet Witch solo project, it seems like something the studio would want to make happen and make happen right.
November 6th: Shang-Chi 2
Another project that has yet to be officially given a spot in Marvel Studios Multiverse Saga, Destin Daniel Cretton’sShang-Chi sequel seems like a priority for the studio. Cretton dropped out of Avengers 5 to spend more time preparing this which, hypothetically, could be because the studio wants to roll it out first. Interestingly enough, that’s consistent with info we heard a couple of years ago which makes us inclined to buy it.
As Marvel Studios’ only 2024 film, the currently untitled Deadpool movie will certainly garner a significant amount of attention. With the July 26th release date just over 6 months away, production on the film has seemingly wrapped and fans are anticipating the first look at the film will come during Super Bowl LVIII. While there have been plenty of spoilery set photos, there are likely still plenty of surprises still in store for the audience, though star Ryan Reynolds may have just given another one away.
In a recent Instagram story, Reynolds shared a black and white photo of a pair of chairs from the film’s set. The chairs, with the names Logan and Wade Wilson on them, are set in front of a corn field that looks like every other corn field…but they may just give away a key plot point from the film.
Given that his character died in 2018’s Logan, Hugh Jackman’s return to the role immediately generated speculation that Deadpool 3 would end up retconning the events of the film in someway and it’s possible this new photo has revealed when and where. In Logan, Logan, Laura and Charles find themselves guests at the home of Will Munson, a corn farmer in Oklahoma City. It was at the Munson farm where the Logan clone, X-24, found the trio and fatally wounded Charles and killed the entire Munson family.
Given all the plot rumors that state Wade will pluck Logan from the Logan timeline for their adventure in the Deadpool threequel, it seems VERY likely that this might be the point in time from which he plucks him. It’ll be interesting to see when Wade chooses to become an interloper as on one hand, he could pop up, kill X-24 and save Charles Xavier and the Munson family while on the other hand, he could take Logan after the damage has been done, leaving Laura to fend for herself.
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