Daniel Bruhl joins Captain America: Civil War

German actor Daniel Bruhl has officially joined the cast of Captain America: Civil War. Bruhl will be playing an undisclosed villain and is also rumored to be the main villain in Doctor Strange as well.

Marvel made the official announcement before anyone else managed to leak it, but they neglected to mention exactly which role he will be playing. If the Doctor Strange bit is true it will reunite him with Benedict Cumberbatch as the two shared the screen in The Fifth Estate.
So far it seems that Civil War is going to be a key point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it is apparently going to unite a ton of characters together and set the course for the rest of the films. I say that because along with the announcement of Marvel's film schedule they announced that Chadwick Boseman was set to play Black Panther and that he would make his first appearance in Civil War. I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see a Guardians of the Galaxy cameo or an introduction to Captain Marvel, either.

Either way, it should be interesting to see what character Bruhl has been brought on to play. You might recognize him as the Nazi poster child in Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds back in 2009. He also previously shared the screen with Marvel alum Chris Hemsworth in Rush.

Joaquin Phoenix will not play Doctor Strange

This casting had pretty much been confirmed, but we now have news that Joaquin Phoenix has left Doctor Strange after negotiations with Marvel fell through.

The Oscar-nominee failed to come to an agreement with the studio after three months of negotiations. Now Marvel Studios is searching for a new lead actor with director Scott Derrickson. New rumors are circulating around Ethan Hawke, but that's just speculated because he worked with Derrickson on Sinister in 2012. Previously rumored actors included Jared Leto and Johnny Depp.
I am personally disappointed because I really like Phoenix and thought he would bring a lot to the MCU, but I guess that was too much to ask. 

Joaquin Phoenix rumored for Doctor Strange

Another bit of Marvel news that hit today is regarding the upcoming adaptation of Doctor Strange. Actors such as Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Jared Leto have been rumored for the part, but the latest bit of news is claiming that Joaquin Phoenix is in negotiations for the role.

You might recognize Phoenix from films such as Her, The Master, Walk the Line, and Gladiator. He was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line back in 2006 and also received nominations for The Master and Gladiator.
I personally think this would be a fantastic choice. Phoenix is a real force on screen and I would be more than happy to have him join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I think he could bring a lot to the character.

Marvel announces release dates through 2019

Although they are all untitled releases, Marvel has shared some added release dates for planned films through 2019.

We will have Marvel releases on:

July 28, 2017
November 3, 2017
July 6, 2018
November 2, 2018
May 3, 2019


It is assumed that some of these dates will be sequels to films set for Phase Three (aka, Ant-Man and Doctor Strange), but we could also see a solo Black Widow spin-off and a film for Black Panther. Doctor Strange is still without an official release date, but most are assuming it's going to fill one of the 2016 release dates.

Upcoming releases we currently have dates for include:

Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1st)
The Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 1, 2015)
Ant-Man (July 17, 2015)
Captain America 3 (May 6, 2016)

There are also still two unfilled 2016 slots for July 8, 2016 and May 5, 2017. Many are guessing that the May 2017 date will belong to a third, and possibly final, Avengers film. I would also guess if Guardians of the Galaxy takes off that we will see a sequel to that and possibly some solo spin-offs.

More actors rumored for Doctor Strange

So far we have Jared Leto, Johnny Depp, and Viggo Mortensen on the rumored shortlist for the role of Doctor Strange. Now there are two new additions that have surfaced.

Apparently Marvel has added Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch to the shortlist of potential actors for this role. Both of these guys are no stranger to the sci-fi world. Hardy played Bane in The Dark Knight Rises and Eames in Inception. Cumberbatch was Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness and is also the voice of Smaug in The Hobbit.
Now, because of these two guys' fairly recent popularity they definitely have busy schedules and a very high paycheck. Due to their schedules it is likely that neither of these guys could clear their schedules for enough movies as this role would require.

I don't think we will have to wait too much longer to learn who will be leading Doctor Strange seeing that a director has already been confirmed, but the rumors just keep coming. Out of the names released so far I think Jared Leto is on the top of the list for me.

Jared Leto rumored to play Doctor Strange

Add another actor to the rumor pit!

Recent Oscar winner Jared Leto is apparently being considered for the role of Doctor Strange in the upcoming movie to be directed by Scott Derrickson. If you are unfamiliar, this character has his hands mangled in an accident and begins learning mystical art to heal his injuries. He eventually becomes a Sorcerer Supreme to protect our world from magical threats. That is why rumors initially circulated that he would have a cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy and/or The Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Back to the point, Jared Leto would be a very interesting choice for this role. Stephen Strange is often compared to Tony Stark when it comes to arrogance and I don't really think Leto has that kind of self absorption in him. However, he is by no means a bad actor. He won an Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club that was well deserved and he delivered rather good performances in Panic Room, Requiem for a Dream, and Mr. Nobody as well as a nice support in American Psycho.
He has also been known to really submerge himself in his roles (similar to the so-called Heath Ledger effect). He starved himself down 28lbs for the role of Harry Goldfarb in Requiem for a Dream, he gained 62lbs for the role of Mark David Chapman in Chapter 27, and he dropped 30lbs and shaved his eyebrows for the role of Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club. 

However, with Leto kind of disappearing from Hollywood since his Oscar win and now focusing on 30 Seconds to Mars there is a possibility that he won't accept this if it is offered. It is no secret that committing to Marvel takes up a lot of time and most likely involves multiple movies and a long contract. So far in his career Leto hasn't appeared in one sequel or continuation of a film he already starred in. Truth be told his filmography only contains 22 films over the span of 19 years.
But even with all that, I don't think I would be upset if Leto was cast. I like him and I don't think I have ever been disappointed with anything I have seen him in. Just prepare to probably have 30 Seconds to Mars playing during the credits.

Scott Derrickson to direct Doctor Strange

Marvel pretty much just confirmed a Doctor Strange movie as director Scott Derrickson is in negotiations to direct the film.

Derrickson's filmography includes The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Sinister, and the new release Deliver Us From Evil. Seeing this filmography it is a bit of a surprising choice. Not to mention the studio seems to be iffy on wildcards (example being Edgar Wright's departure from Ant-Man).
There is no one currently set for the lead role but rumors have previously swirled around Viggo Mortensen and Johnny Depp. No details about a potential release date have been revealed, either.

Ant-Man shifts release dates again

In the wake of the release date shift of Batman vs. Superman, Marvel has decided to jump on the opportunity. After shifting Ant-Man once already, Marvel has made the decision to shift the film once again to July 17, 2015. Yes that is the old Batman vs. Superman release date.

Ant-Man was originally slated for release in November 2015 and was shifted to July 31, 2015. With this new shift it will put it even closer to The Avengers: Age of Ultron and will pretty much seal the deal for Marvel taking over the summertime. One downside about this is the fact that the new release date of May 6, 2015 for the Man of Steel sequel puts it in the same weekend as the untitled Marvel project rumored to be Doctor Strange. I wouldn't be surprised if the untitled project is delayed or shifted up a week or two just to avoid the direct competition.

[Rumor] Marvel seeking Johnny Depp for major role

Rumor alert!

This is minor but potentially big. According to the mighty internets, Marvel has someone in mind for Doctor Strange and that person might just be Johnny Depp. Previous rumors circling around this project included Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Viggo Mortensen potentially being cast in the lead role.

Sources are claiming that Depp accepted a meeting with Marvel to discuss the character and the role. Depp has been vocal in the past about his desire to jump on board with Marvel at some point if the opportunity presented itself. It is also notable to mention Depp's longstanding relationship with Disney. He is basically their poster child for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and has also starred in Disney films such as The Lone Ranger and Alice in Wonderland. He is also scheduled to reprise the role of the Mad Hatter in a second Alice in Wonderland installment as well as donning Captain Jack Sparrow at least once more.
Disney and Marvel are both probably thinking that Depp will draw viewers to a new, unknown character. It is also notable to mention the fact that he is a good 20-years older than the title character. Depp will be 51 this year and Doctor Strange is described to be about 30-years old. However, it has been said that if he signs the contract the script will be altered to fit him in pretty much any way possible.

Now... one important thing to remember is that we won't see a Doctor Strange movie until at least 2016. It is part of Phase Three which is kicking off with Ant-Man on July 31, 2015. The earliest we will see anything about Doctor Strange is probably a post-credits cameo after The Avengers: Age of Ultron or after Ant-Man. I wouldn't think they would hint at him earlier than that.


What do you think about all this? Would you like to see Depp enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe or do you think he should walk away?

Thor and Captain America confirmed for Comic-Con

[UPDATE] Thor and Captain America will be in Hall H on Saturday, July 20th at 6pm. Here is the schedule for Saturday.

Marvel's choices for the big Hall H panels for this year's San Diego Comic-Con have been announced. Marvel will bring Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier to Hall H, and along with both panels there will be a deeper look into the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Some are guessing that with Marvel announcing release dates for untitled films set for 2016 and 2017 that this special presentation will be a full Phase Three lineup that will accompany Ant-Man. Edgar Wright teased test footage for Ant-Man at last year's Comic-Con and will be present for a panel for The World's End, but there is no word yet on if he will participate in what Marvel has planned.
We also have had Kevin Feige confirm that a Doctor Strange film is next up after Ant-Man, so there could be some sort of announcement regarding that one. This could also be confirmation that The Avengers 3 will cap off Phase Three like The Avengers capped off Phase One and The Avengers 2 is rounding out Phase Two.

We shall see! No panelists have been announced for the panels but it's pretty safe to assume the cast members will show up. If I remember correctly the panel for Thor in 2011 had Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Kat Dennings present. I would expect this time around to be similar. Same goes for Captain America.

How will the Hulk fit into Marvel Phase Two and Three?

While it appeared that the only way we may continue seeing Bruce Banner (aka, the Hulk) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was through small parts and/or cameos it seems that we were wrong. Or could still be wrong.

Rumor has it that Marvel is working on a separate storyline for the Hulk that will send him far away and will take place in another stand-alone Hulk movie. Kevin Feige pretty much confirmed that another Hulk movie won't take place until after The Avengers 2 which would automatically put it in Phase Three. The only real confirmation for Phase Three so far is Edgar Wright's Ant-Man which was originally supposed to wrap up Phase Two.
However, with the introduction of Doctor Strange there are a couple Hulk arcs that are possible for not only a stand-alone Hulk movie but as a potential lead into both The Avengers 3 and the stand-alone Doctor Strange movie. Those arcs being, of course, "Planet Hulk" and "World War Hulk." Some good points highlighted via Latino Review give a possible outline for the future of Dr. Banner.

Let's start with Planet Hulk:
1. Don't expect to see the Hulk until The Avengers 2, but he might show up in a Phase Two post-credit scene to set up a potential stand-alone Hulk movie.

2. After being deemed incredibly dangerous, Hulk is banished from Earth and shipped off into space by Marvel's version of the Illuminati which includes Tony Stark (aka, Iron Man) and Doctor Strange.

3. After Hulk is shipped off is where the Planet Hulk arc comes into play. He is sent into space where he is held captive on the planet Sakaar and forced to participate in gladiator games. Hulk eventually becomes a hero and leads a rebellion against the Red King.

Now here comes the potential entrance of World War Hulk:
1. After the rebellion the Hulk has a pretty decent amount of loyal followers which is basically an army and at this point, the Hulk is pissed off more than usual. The thought is that Hulk will return to Earth with his army to begin the "World War Hulk" arc.

2. In "World War Hulk", he basically returns and he and his army fight just about every hero and heroic team on Earth. Eventually the teams and heroes are pitted against each other in gladiator style combat which is similar to what he was forced into on Sakaar.


Now this is fully possible due to the fact that Mark Ruffalo signed a 6-movie deal with Marvel which began with The Avengers. He still technically has five more appearances to make. I have no doubt he will be in both The Avengers 2 and The Avengers 3, but that leaves 3 more movies he has to appear in and I highly doubt they will just be after-credit cameos.

Yet another thing that makes this possible, which is my personal theory, is the fact that World War Hulk includes Fantastic Four and X-Men. Seeing that we will be getting a new Fantastic Four in 2014 and we already have the ball rolling on X-Men with the release of X-Men: First Class and X-Men Days of Future Past for next year... it is completely possible that The Avengers 3 could center around the Hulk with this "World War Hulk" scenario. It would be a great way to bring every Marvel hero into play at the same time without overloading. I think that would be awesome, by the way.

Ant-Man confirmed for Marvel Phase 3; Doctor Strange included

Kevin Feige, Marvel's President of Production, has confirmed some early details regarding Marvel Phase Three which will begin after The Avengers 2 in 2015. The first major detail being confirmation of Edgar Wright's Ant-Man project. Feige stated in an interview with MTV that Ant-Man will launch Phase Three on November 6th, 2015.
Also mentioned was the long awaited inclusion of Doctor Strange. There was no real confirmation of exactly where Doctor Strange is going to pop up first, but Feige hinted toward Guardians of the Galaxy so it's possible he may have his first cameo there. He also could show up in The Avengers 2. At this point anything is possible.


And before getting too excited about this news don't forget we still have Phase Two which kicks off this May with Iron Man 3. Following Iron Man we have Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Avengers 2.

UPDATE: Viggo Mortensen to join Marvel?

I wrote a couple days ago that there was a rumor circulating that Viggo Mortensen might be added to the cast of Thor: The Dark World as Doctor Strange. We now have confirmation that it's not true. Marvel said they would love to work with Mortensen at some point but he is not signed or attached to any Marvel project at this time.

Bummer.

RUMOR: Viggo Mortensen to join Marvel?

A new rumor has surfaced regarding Thor: The Dark World. Rumor has it, according to this Twitter account, that Viggo Mortensen (Lord of the Rings) is in talks for an unspecified role in Marvel Phase 2. The rumored role? Doctor Strange.
Marvel has been working on a single movie for Doctor Strange for the past couple of years and Collider suggests that he could appear in Phase 2 and have his own movie for Phase 3, a phase which they feel is inevitable.

If you know nothing about Doctor Strange here is a basic biography for him:

"Born Dr. Stephen Strange, a world-renowned but selfish neurosurgeon who only cared about wealth from his career. A car accident damaged his hands, shattering the bones. The damage and subsequent healing however, effectively ended his ability to conduct the surgery as he had before since his hands now tremble uncontrollably. Too proud to take on a teaching job, Strange desperately began the search for a cure to restore his hands, consulting various doctors, homeopathic treatments, and traveling around the world to remote regions for exotic cures, all to no avail.
Having completely exhausted all funds and reduced to homelessness, Strange is left to performing back alley medical procedures for cash. Depressed and still searching for a cure, Strange locates a hermit called the Ancient One who refuses to help because of Strange's selfishness, but senses his good side which he attempts to bring to the surface. He fails but Strange's goodness does show itself when he discovers the Ancient One's disciple, Baron Mordo, attempting to kill the old man. After Strange selflessly thwarts Mordo (who becomes Strange's most enduring antagonist) he is taught the mystic arts.
As the Ancient One's new disciple, Strange encounters the entity, Nightmare, and a number of odd mystical foes before battling his eventual arch-foe: Dormammu, a warlord from an alternate dimension called the Dark Dimension."

Given the information we have on Doctor Strange I wouldn't be surprised to see him surface at some point in Phase 2. However, I think shoving him into Thor: The Dark World would be overkill. The film already has two villains (3 if you count Loki) and I think that would be a little bit too much. If they are going to throw Doctor Strange into Phase 2 I would prefer him in Guardians of the Galaxy.

Also bear in mind that this is just a rumor. There will be and has been no shortage of Marvel casting rumors so don't take anything too seriously. The only reason this has broken out of its shell is because the Twitter account that hinted the news was right about Falcon being added to Captain America: The Winter Soldier and that Sebastian Stan will return as Bucky/The Winter Soldier.