THOR: THE DARK WORLD - New TV Spot, Posters For Heimdall And Malekith

How about an update from Asgard? We've got two new posters and a TV Spot from the brain-trust at Marvel and I'm liking them!

The posters reflect a touch of classic artistry and a stunning lack of... sparks. Going out on a limb aren't they? Frankly I like the clean lines of the work. More of the same please! The first poster depicts Heimdall (played by Idris Elba) in his standard guardian pose with death reigning down to Asgard. Malekith (played by Christopher Eccleston) is in mid-pose placing his mask on during an invasion it seems.

The TV Spot (revealed during AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.) is very engaging. Loving how Jane Foster played by Natalie Portman is playing a much more important role this time around. It humanizes the Asgard environment which will be key for continued suspension of disbelief.

Here's the official storyline for the movie:
Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD opens in 3D on November 8. More info when I get it!

Marvel Update: New Images For THOR: THE DARK WORLD And THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, ANT-MAN Changes Release Date

Ready for some Marvel news? You should be 'cause any Marvel news is of course 3D news! We've got new images for THOR: THE DARK WORLD and THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 - ok, it's a new poster for THOR 2 but the post's title would have been too long so...

But I digress. First up is that poster. LOKI. Looking gothic, regal, crazy and formidable all at once. Asgard has seen better days! The flying objects look fascinating with two very different and distinct shapes. OF COURSE there's sparks. That's a no-brainer these days, but I like the message getting across here:  Tom Hiddleston has definitely arrived as an actor and Loki is his main vehicle. Perhaps even rivaling Chris Hemsworth's Thor? Perhaps indeed. 

The image for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 leaves much to be desired for me. In fact it wouldn't mean all that much without the tagline that director Marc Webb added to the tweet that revealed it:

“This is what happens when you try to give Electro a ticket.” - @MarcW #AmazingSpiderMan2 #ThroughTheWebb

Suddenly it takes on new meaning and I like the humor. Electro was my second fav villain for Spidey after The Lizard. Yes, I wasn't all that enthusiastic about Green Goblin. So, that's an "ok" reveal Marc :-)

Finally, the braintrust at Marvel are doing something very interesting. Something either very smart or something very stupid. They're putting director Edgar Wright's ANT-MAN up against BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN! Marvel has moved ANT-MAN from a November 6, 2015 date to the July 31, 2015 date which is of course in harm's way with the aforementioned DC Comics juggernaut opening on July 17. Is this a sacrifice play to lessen the box office of the mighty tandem that will eventually anchor JUSTICE LEAGUE? Or do they want to take advantage of the superhero media coverage that will be amped up during that period and boost ANT-MAN's box office sky high? Both?

Regardless, it's an interesting move. It could backfire but I doubt it. Don't forget that Marvel also has THE AVENGERS 2: AGE OF ULTRON opening in the summer of 2015 as well. It's a summer to remember absolutely.

Watch: New Behind The Scenes Featurette for THOR: THE DARK WORLD

Check the new behind the scenes (BTS) featurette for THOR: THE DARK WORLD! The clips include some BTS shots but not the quantity or duration I would prefer. Undoubtedly there are more coming though and this is a good appetizer! Packed with segments from key cast interviews that will surely be included in the boxed disc releases for home entertainment next year, it shows off the impact that the scale of the movie is having on the stars. Or it's pure marketing fluff. :-) I'm leaning more towards the epic scale knowing how Marvel justly treats it's properties.

It's also interesting to see how Tom Hiddleston's character Loki has evolved into arguably the most popular in the franchise, and that's an impressive feat given the movie titles all have THOR in them! His appearance at Comic-con this year has helped seal that deal I think.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD opens on November 8.

Must Watch: New Trailer For THOR: THE DARK WORLD

I can't tell you how much I love seeing these comic book heroes come to life on the screen! Thor. I couldn't have imagined 10 years ago a scenario where suspension of disbelief could exist with this character, but here it is yet again! The trailer for THOR: THE DARK WORLD sets up expectations for the sequel just about perfectly.

Nice to see Idris Elba getting some more much deserved screen time in this movie. His star keeps on rising and Heimdall's character was practically begging for more exposure in Asgard.

Another cool add-on that YouTube has implemented (for awhile now) is the "POW" button which pixelizes videos to seem like moving comic books - check it out on this trailer. Kind of a fun thing.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Marvel’s THOR: THE DARK WORLD continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD opens on November 8.

Must Watch: First Trailer For THOR: THE DARK WORLD

Love the cosmic feel of this movie! Before time? WOW. Thor has always been about god-like powers so why not talk about such things?

Keep in mind that the director stepping into Kenneth Branagh's shoes (who did the original THOR), is TV's Alan Taylor (GAME OF THRONES, MAD MEN, THE SOPRANOS, DEADWOOD) - a very experienced and versatile helmer. Really looking forward to see what he is bringing to the franchise.

Great seeing the old characters return to the franchise and the thought of Thor and Loki teaming up, if even for fleeting moments, truly is quite exciting!

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Marvel's THOR: THE DARK WORLD continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's THOR and Marvel's THE AVENGERS, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Director: Alan Taylor
Writer: Robert Rodat
Studio: Marvel Studios
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Stellan Skarsgard, Christopher Eccleston, Idris Elba, Chris O'Dowd

THOR: THE DARK WORLD opens on November 8, 2013

VISUAL SPOILERS!! Marvel Update: Production Start Date For Cap 2 And Spyshots Of Crazy Mayhem From The Set Of THOR 2!!

Awesome updates for all of us Marvel fans! Keep in mind that the imagery below for THOR 2 contains action scenes from the actual production being filmed - Don't look at the photos if you want a pristine viewing experience. You have been warned.

Chris Evans has told Collider that CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER starts production in March 2013 which seems to give plenty to time to get it in the can.

I can't wait to see what surprises Joss Whedon will have as he continues his magic touch on all things Marvel. I'm hoping to hear more from Anthony and Joe Russo about where they will be taking the character and how Bucky Barnes is expanded upon.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER is slated for a April 4, 2014 release.

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And we have some very exciting behind-the-scenes spyshots from THOR: THE DARK WORLD has hit the interwebs. Not more of the same location shots, but some gritty action! Love it.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD is slated for a November 8, 2013 release.

Have a look!

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Sources: Collider | DailyMail | JustJared

New Spy Shots From THOR: THE DARK WORLD!

Click to enlarge

We have some pretty cool new spy shots from the outdoor set of THOR: THE DARK WORLD which is shooting in Bourne Wood, England. This fictional village has four pillars surrounding a group of yurts (huge portable tents).

THOR: THE DARK WORLD will be shooting on location here until sometime in September.

Here's how Marvel's Kevin Feige described the movie's storyline:
"We’re going to take Thor literally to other worlds -It will primarily be the journey of that character, of he and Jane Foster and how the new dynamic with his father is working out, as well as what are the broader stakes for The Nine Worlds."

THOR: THE DARK WORLD stars Chris Hemsworth, Christopher Eccleston, Idris Elba, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Mads Mikkelsen, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgard, Tom Hiddleston and Zachary Levi.

The movie is slated for release on November 8, 2013.

Source: SuperHeroHype

MARVEL UPDATE: Malekith Has Been Cast In THOR: THE DARK WORLD And More Details About GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

After Mads Mikkelsen had to step away from the role of Malekith The Accursed (very sad about that - very big fan of his work), Marvel went after non other than Doctor Who - Christopher Eccleston for the role.

According to Deadline, Eccleston has signed on so it's a done deal. Malekith often aligns with Loki so it'll be interesting to see two super villains in tandem against Thor.

Malekith is one evil character. Here are his abilities as per Wikipedia:
Malekith has all the normal attributes of a member of the race of dark elves, although his abilities are as a result of above-average development. He possesses superhuman intellect, strength, speed, stamina, durability, agility, and reflexes. As a dark elf, Malekith also has the ability to manipulate the forces of magic for a variety of effects, including teleportation, energy projection, physical malleability, flight (by transforming into mist), illusion casting, and the ability to change the shape and appearance of other beings or objects. Malekith has a vulnerability to iron, which disrupts or cancels his magical spells.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD is slated for November 8, 2013.

Source: Deadline



*** AND ***

Apparently Chris McCoy has been tapped to rewrite Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. The thrice appointed Black List director will empirically inject his own brand of comedy into what has already been written for the feature by Nicole Perlman (CHALLENGER) and maintain what we have come to expect and love from a Marvel tentpole.

Remember that we are in the post AVENGERS era now and entering Marvel's phase two which will ultimately lead up to THE AVENGERS 2. The big question for me is whether Marvel will bite the bullet and introduce Thanos (the guy at the end of THE AVENGERS credit scene) in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY or wait and have him devastate in THE AVENGERS 2.

You're witnessing art in motion here guys! The creatives at Marvel have been waiting forever to get these titles on the big screen and they are literally exploding with enthusiasm. Can't wait to see the results if THE AVENGERS are any indication of things to come!

Here's what to expect for characters in the movie:
The character lineup will include Drax the Destroyer, a human resurrected as a green warrior with the sole purpose of killing Thanos (the villain in the Avengers final-scene tease); Groot, a giant tree-man; Star-Lord, a gun-toting half-human/half-alien intergalactic vigilante; Rocket Raccoon, a genetically engineered animal with a knack for guns and explosives; and Gamora, the last survivor of her species who was saved by Thanos to be his assassin but now battles him.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is slated for an August 1, 2014 release.

Source: THR

THOR 2 Will NOT Feature Thanos But Another Major Villain Plus Loki!

THOR 2!!! Yes. And another major villain! Mads Mikkelson perhaps? I think that's the safe bet as he is confirmed to be joining the production as a villain - and you don't get much better than him really. I am a big fan of his work - you could see his raw talent going as far back as PUSHER. He can say so much with just a look - he doesn't even have to verbalize.

So some questions! What villain will Mikkelson be playing? Will he be teaming up with Loki (Tom Hiddleston) who is definitely in the sequel? Some have been speculating that Mads will be playing The Executioner. Hmmm.

One thing is for sure: Thanos will NOT be worshipping death in this movie. Producer Kevin Feige spoke about the super villain and THOR 2 to Empire: "No, future, future. But there will be a major new villain. A major, major new antagonist..."

I have to agree with Marvel's line of thinking here. Keep the uber villain until THE AVENGERS 2 and keep bringing out the rich library of antagonists from Marvel's vault. And I certainly want these villains to be authentically from Marvel and not newly created villains. Why on earth would you do that? 

So what else did the super producer have to say about THOR 2? Says Feige: "We're going to see the other side of Asgard. It's not all polished and golden in this film. And the events of Avengers will have affected Thor for sure. His relationship with Loki will continue to evolve, and the biggest part is Natalie and Thor returning with Jane Foster."  

Mads Mikkelson in VALHALLA RISING

THOR 2 is looking exceptionally bright with the addition of Mads. Man I love how Marvel casts their movies! Joining Mads will be Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander and Ray Stevenson. 

Marvel will begin shooting the production this summer in London and it is being directed by Alan Taylor (GAME OF THRONES). You can set aside theater time in your calendar for the movie starting on November 15, 2013.

Sources: CBM | Collider | Variety

Must Watch: Thor Vs. Iron Man In The Next Clip From THE AVENGERS!

If you're sold on THE AVENGERS already this clip probably isn't for you. Seriously, the spoilers are adding up and I seem to be echoing this everyday. Still, if you live under a rock and you need to be brought up to speed on some cool aggression then by all means!

I can't wait to see this all in glorious 3D! After seeing the IMAX trailer in 3D for THE AVENGERS there is so much to look forward to.

Here's the movie's storyline:
Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures “Marvel’s The Avengers”–the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012. In “Marvel’s The Avengers,” superheroes team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.




THE AVENGERS opens May 4 - just over a couple weeks away!

Via Bleeding Cool

SPOILER WARNING: Watch Captain America And Thor Battle Together PLUS Thor Flip A Car Over With Mjolnir!!!!

Ok - this is somewhat spoilerish so if you want a pristine viewing experience of next year's THE AVENGERS then don't watch the clip below. It is certainly special effects spoilerish!

CBM found these fan spy clips of the street set location for THE AVENGERS - check out all the material they have on their report.

Here's Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Captain America (Chris Evans) deep in fisticuffs:




And here's Thor flipping a car with his hammer, Mjolnir:



As if we needed further anticipation for this movie! WOW. If that doesn't get you riled up to see this 2012 mega-movie, what will? Can't wait...

THOR 2 Has Eyes On Director Brian Kirk!

Well the first thing that honestly struck me was Brian Kirk's last name and the character that Chris Hemsworth played in JJ Abrams' STAR TREK (George Kirk - Jim's father). Yes, I am a trekkie. But I digress.

Back to THOR 2! Looks like Brian Kirk is being courted to helm the sequel to the $450m hit of this year. You will know Kirk from his fine work directing HBO's GAME OF THRONES (one of only a handful of shows I take time to watch). The ensemble cast and exceptional character work displayed therein undoubtedly steered Kirk's career toward Aasgard.

Don Payne is returning to script the THOR sequel. This is all good news! Would have been perfect to have Kenneth Branagh return to direct the second iteration but I think this will all work out.

Marvel has slated THOR 2 for a July 26, 2013 release. Everything that Marvel touches these days is pure gold. Keep the magic alive guys!

Source: Variety

Marvel Hammers Home A July 2013 Release For THOR 2

Marvel And Disney are slating the return of Chris Hemsworth in THOR 2 however this time around Kenneth Branagh will not direct - I would suspect some sort of producers role though (via Variety). Further, Natalie Portman probably signed a multi-picture deal but with stars of higher caliber anything can happen. I hope she is back.

Hemsworth is indeed returning and that is definitely good news. I loved how THOR ended setting up plenty of future action in that universe.

Don Payne is already writing the sequel.

IRON MAN 3 will fly into theaters May 3, 2013 so we will have plenty of Marvel goodness to look forward to what with THE AVENGERS hitting next year.

Marvel is enjoying solid returns for THOR this year with $437m in worldwide box office. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER should continue that trend if not exceed it!

Watch: THOR Clip Showing Hawkeye

Here's a new clip from THOR showing us the first glimpse of Hawkeye! This is part of the much longer clip we saw at CinemaCon last week.

I can tell you this clip takes place when Thor is trying to break into the temporary shelter that SHIELD erected surrounding Thor's hammer that fell to earth.

I won't say more than that at the moment.

Here's the storyline:
Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the epic adventure, “Thor,” which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.



Watch for THOR to hit theaters May 6! Should be a big show!!

Quick Post: New THOR Banner AND Poster!

Enjoy! Love the red color schemes!! (and can't stand when other movie sites watermark their exclusive photos!)


Click to enlarge the images...

Must Watch: THOR Is Looking Better And Better All The Time! New Trailer!!

Ahh! All this time I have been thinking that CAPTAIN AMERICA will be the biggest of the two Marvel releases in the coming months, but now that I have seen the latest trailer for THOR, I don't know!

Snapshot:
The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writer: Mark Protosevich
Studio: Paramount Pictures
S3D: Conversion
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
Release: May 6, 2011



Have a look. Much more character development and the special effects look amazing. What do you think??

MUST WATCH: The THOR Trailer!!

We just saw a new image of THOR and now comes the first official trailer! And it looks darn good. Out of all the avengers, Thor was the one I was most worried about as Marvel has to introduce mythology into the modern 'Tony Stark' world.

To me, it seems like they may have succeeded. I still can't point my finger and say 'YES!', but I can say I am not disappointed. Yet.

So check out the trailer:

What do you think? After seeing this trailer and the possibilities of CAPTAIN AMERICA, THE HULK and IRON MAN joining forces in THE AVENGERS - are you amped up about what lies in store in the coming years?

Must See: New THOR Poster!

Guys - check out this new THOR poster from Marvel! Chris Hemsworth's costume looks amazing. Well done. Thor's hammer, Mjölnir, looks quite intimidating too!

Click image to enlarge...

Here's the official storyline:
Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the epic adventure, “Thor,” which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, Colm Feore
Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Co-Producers: Craig Kyle, Victoria Alonso
Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel, Patty Whitcher
Produced by: Kevin Feige
Release: May 6th, 2011

I like that Colm Feore is in this! In my book, he ranks right up there with Bruce Greenwood for Canadian character actors.

**SAME DAY UPDATE: Hey, just saw this interview of Colm over at Collider - check it out!

More THOR info when I get it...

Marvel's THE AVENGERS: May 4, 2012!! Mark Ruffalo Is THE HULK!

YES! This is the news we have been waiting for (other than official confirmation that THE AVENGERS will be shot in native 3D)! Today at Comic-Con, director Joss Whedon walked on stage at the tail end of the CAPTAIN AMERICA and THOR panel with the entire top line cast for THE AVENGERS armed with a release date - May 4, 2012!!

Who are THE AVENGERS? Robert Downey Jr. as IRON MAN, Mark Ruffalo as THE HULK, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Chris Evans as CAPTAIN AMERICA, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Chris Hemsworth as THOR, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Clark Gregg as Coulson.

I don't have to say that this movie has the potential to be the all time greatest comic adaption. Better than SPIDER-MAN (my personal fav). Better than BATMAN (Ok, maybe not TDK!). Better than SUPERMAN. What a cast!

I have a few requests for Marvel and I would like to hear yours too! First, native 3D. Second, I want to see the Hulkbuster Iron Man armor. Third, make the darn thing LEGENDARY. How about you?

Photo courtesy of FirstShowing

New THOR Photo: Hemsworth With Mjolner!

THOR photos are coming fast and furious now! Here we see Chris Hemsworth as Donald Blake (THOR's second self) trying to pick up the famous hammer Mjolner. He can't move the weapon at this stage according to /Film and their handy dandy comic consultant Harry Hopkinson.

I am beginning to see why Marvel went with Hemsworth for the role. Hope he pulls it off.

Official storyline:
Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the epic adventure, “Thor,” which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

THOR hammers theaters nationwide on May 6, 2011.