Marvel to Unleash Black Widow

With Iron Man 2 set for release on DVD and BluRay over in the United States (October 25 UK), Marvel Head Kevin Feige has been talking up the possibility of a stand-alone Black Widow feature film starring Scarlett Johansson, but without fully endorsing it as discussions are ongoing.

Feige on the promotional warpath to drum up sales, announced: "We've already started discussions with Scarlett about the idea of a solo movie and have begun putting together concepts", before clarifying, "The Avengers comes first."

At this years Comic-Con, Johansson was confirmed as part of the ridiculously large ensemble cast for the Avengers project. It will all broil down to the success of The Avengers and importantly whether a solo Black Widow project can form a tight script, remember the last heroine to don a all-in-one for comic book adaptation, call Halle Berry's agent and see if she is over Cat-Woman yet, we aren't.

Edward Norton 'Avengers' snub was 'Business'

Thanks to the public cat fight between Marvel and Edward Norton's agent it is common knowledge that Edward Norton will not reprise his role as the Incredible Hulk, this honor now belongs to Mark Ruffalo. Yet, Norton speaking with MTV news has shed more light on the matter revealing that it was merely a business level disagreement and that his relationship with Marvel should not be affected.

"I didn't want to be negative. I had a great time doing [the movie]. I was really happy to be part of it all," Norton told MTV when he was questioned about top Marvel head Kevin Feige's remarks that Norton was not returning because "he need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members." It was at this point that Norton's agentg lept out of the depths to snap back that the studio was, "unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory" with it remarks towards his client.

Norton explains "The thing that was very disingenuous about some of the stuff… it was a very professional and very respectful business decision. We really couldn't work it out on a business level. I know that's a disappointment to some people, but it's nobody's fault. I don't have any disrespect for anyone's decision in the business framework… do what you need to do on both sides. I have no idea why anyone tried to characterize it as anything else."

Obviously this appears to be is a damage limitation exercise by Norton, an olive branch extended to Marvel. After all, any allegation that an actor believes in his own hype and standing on a film set will be considered a risk when it comes to casting the next blockbuster; something Norton will be keen to avoid.

The Punisher Back In Marvel Hands

While Marvel have been releasing larger statements at San Diego's Comic Con this week; there has certainly been an interesting purchase development sneaking under the radar today. Marvel's Kevin Feige has revealed that the rights to The Punisher is back under their control.

While throwing back answers from his seat on the panel for the upcoming Thor adaptation, he stated

"Frank Castle is under the roof of Marvel Studio's now and we hope to bring him to the fray shortly".

The Punisher, so far, has not delivered in the same way that other major comic adaptations have. After three attempts the box office has not to date been set a light by the one man vigilante.

For those who do not know: The Punisher follows the fictional character Frank Castle, spurred on by the murder of his family by the mob, waging a brutal one man war on the criminal underworld. Oh, did we mention that Castle is a war vet, master of martial arts, stealth, guerilla warfare and more than willing to inflict death by any means possible? No. We have now.

The Next Marvel Heroes Are Runaways

While the more well known Marvel heroes such as Iron Man 2, Captain America and Thor are currently developing into their own franchises, it would suggest Marvel have their hands full, or perhaps not, with Runaways in prime position to be their next, after Peter Sollett (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) has signed on to direct.

For the uninitiated, Runaways is the creation of Brian K Vaughn known for also being the man behind Y: The Last Man. It is an original tale set within the Marvel Universe that revolves around the teenage siblings of super-villains discovering that their parents have dark secret alter-evil-personalities.

Thus a battle ensues between the group of six – who all have inherited abilities – and their evildoer parents.

At this stage the film is in early development, with no cast set in place and the script in its initial draft phase penned by Vaughn himself.

MATT RICHARDSON

Captain America has Red Skull all woven up!

No, It is not the hotly anticipated announcement surrounding Captain America’s vacant castings. But, it looks like that they have found the right man to play Red Skull, in Hugo Weaving.

According to the Heat Vision Blog, Weaving will play Captain America’s archenemy, saboteur, and right hand-man to Hitler’s regime.

If the script for Joe Johnston’s Captain America remains true to Marvel comics, we may see the adversaries in two time periods. Beginning with the duo battling in 1941 against the backdrop of World War II, and later revived from suspended animation in modern times.

The deal between Marvel Studios and Weaving is yet to be finalised, but will play out in the next day or so. The negotiating process is minefield of assurances, with most new projects demanding multi-movie commitments, now franchises can be so lucrative.

If the deal does happen, it will see Weaving and Johnston reunite following their collaboration on recent horror remake ‘Wolfman’.
MATT RICHARDSON