Marvel Bits!

While there was a ton of big news this week with the addition of two cast members to A.K.A JESSICA JONES, the reveal of who Dottie truly is on AGENT CARTER, and the launch of Marvel Collector Corps, there were also a ton of small bits of news that made their way online.

Let's start off with JESSICA JONES, first. Yesterday, when I originally meant to publish this post, there was a new Jessica Jones audition tape I'd located online. It featured Mary Faber, who has voiced Crystal and Medusa on Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. She has also appeared on Parks and Recreation and Nurse Jackie. The video was more than likely pulled because someone else more than likely stumbled upon the video as well. (Updated: Ah! Found the video again!) Here's what I saw in the audition video (you'll have to highlight to read the text as I don't want to spoil anyone): Harmony was mentioned, Paula (a secretary) is the role that Faber appeared to be auditioning for, they referred to Jessica as Julie and Julia (as other audition videos that had found their way online before also had), and there were mentions of Ms/Mrs. Jansen and a Gail/Gayle Harper. It's worth noting that they are using code names, so the names listed above are not necessarily the names of the characters that'll appear on the show.

Moving onto AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D: We know that the eleventh episode of season two is called "Aftershocks", and that it'll more than likely deal with Skye/Daisy learning who she is now and what she's capable of - much like the recent promo has suggested. We now also know that the twelfth episode of season two is titled "Who You Really Are". (Source.) I've gotta admit, I'm incredibly excited with where the second half of season two seems to be going. I actually liked season one, and I loved the first half of season two, so even though I'll be sad to see AGENT CARTER end, I'm eagerly awaiting the return of AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. And since S.H.I.E.L.D. should be concluding its second season around the time AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON is released, I can't wait to see how they tie the two together.

It has been confirmed that neither AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON nor ANT-MAN will be getting Superbowl Commercials. (Sources: 1 & 2.)

There's a rumor that Yellowjacket isn't the only villain in ANT-MAN. You can read more about that over here. I haven't posted this article mainly because Devin of BadAssDigist (who I trust more than the source that has started this rumor) has stated that Yellowjack is the ONLY villain in ANT-MAN.

@TheMCUExchange @DrewAtHitFix @CBBrainSplatter @Da7e @AntMan Yellowjacket is the villain.
— Devin Faraci (@devincf) January 30, 2015

@CBBrainSplatter @TheMCUExchange @DrewAtHitFix @Da7e @AntMan there is no other villain.
— Devin Faraci (@devincf) January 30, 2015

There is an awesome AVENGERS Lego Helicarrier set coming out soon, and even though it is quite expensive, it's something most fans will want to add to their collection.

You can read more about that by going over here.

While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter to promote "Throwaways", Jeremy Renner talked about how he hasn't really seen what Ultron and Vision look like.
"It will be a surprise to everybody in the movie — Ultron as well as Vision, because those characters were so much generated stuff." (Source.)

Thanks to the folks over at Comic Book Movie, we now have a textless HQ version of the AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Empire Magazine cover!

And finally, some potentially GREAT news for fans of AGENT CARTER: Michele Fazekas & Tara Butters have signed a two-year pod deal with ABC Studios. This does NOT guarantee a second season of AGENT CARTER, and it is highly unlikely we'll hear anything before May regarding its renewal, but it's a hopeful sign that ABC is proud of the show. (Source.)

Joss Whedon Speaks Out About Misogyny In Superhero Movies.

As a female comic book fan, I've gotta admit, as happy as I am that we're finally getting more female led comic book properties on both the big & small screen (CAPTAIN MARVEL, AGENT CARTER, and A.K.A. JESSICA JONES), I'm a bit disappointed that it has taken this long. And I'm glad to see that Joss Whedon, the man that helped to bring THE AVENGERS to life on the big screen (and, more importantly, created BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER) agrees with this.

In an interview with Digital Spy, which was conducted while he was filming AGE OF ULTRON and before Marvel announced CAPTAIN MARVEL, Whedon had the following to say:

“It’s a phenomenon in the [film] industry that we call ‘stupid people’,” Whedon said. “There is genuine, recalcitrant, intractable sexism, and old-fashioned quiet misogyny that goes on. You hear ‘Oh, [female superheroes] don’t work because of these two bad ones that were made eight years ago’, there’s always an excuse.”

He then followed up on those comments in a new interview with Buzzfeed:

Were you aware of the Captain Marvel movie when you did that interview last summer?
JW: Yes, and not expecting it to get any traction, honestly. That’s something that [Marvel Studios chief] Kevin [Feige] has been working on for a while. And I obviously was a cheerleader, but he had to get all the ducks in a row and get all the minds in agreement. I think being a part of Disney maybe makes it easier, because they’re open to it. And Marvel now is in a position to shake up its own paradigm, because it’s got such a success record.
Honestly, you know, Guardians [of the Galaxy] might have helped it, just because that was outside what was considered to be their box and did so well that— Well, let’s put it this way: If a raccoon can carry a movie, then they believe maybe even a woman can.

He also briefly talked about any possible involvement on the upcoming CAPTAIN MARVEL movie:

That is very well put. I mean, you are figuratively crowning and I’m asking you if you want to have another baby, but given the reports that the Russo brothers will potentially be the directors of the next Avengers movies, would you see yourself doing Captain Marvel? That is certainly in your wheelhouse.

JW: Um, I would never rule anything out, because I like working here. By the same token, the biggest thing for me is that I need to do something that I create myself. It’s been way too long since I created a universe. The last thing I did before The Avengers was [directing an episode of] Glee, and in between I did Much Ado About Nothing. So I haven’t created my own universe for over five years. That feels wrong. You know, my own universe might be a book of haiku. I’m not necessarily saying I’ve got a grand scheme.
I will say that when I was thinking about, Well, if I wasn’t going to do Avengers 2, what would I want to do? — of course the first thing I thought of was “turn-of-the-century female Batman.” Not Batman actually. But, you know, something cool. One person. Can’t stress that enough. Movie about one person — not a team, not 10, just one. But [I would] do a nice sort of hard action movie that combined all my favorite things. Something that would be the love child of Sam Fuller and Edward Gorey. You know, I’ve had many thoughts since then. Oh, I could do this! Oh, I could do that! But it is my instinct to want to tell those stories.
Captain Marvel I don’t know as well. There have been a few [versions] of her. I have the first issue of Ms. Marvel, back when she was that, and had the Farrah hair. My only issue with her is that she always felt sort of on top. She was very driven. A winner. I always like to dig into the soil of things to find my heroes, if I can. 

I've gotta admit, while I'm bummed to see Whedon won't be back for two part INFINITY WAR, I'm excited to see what he has planned next. I've all of his work in the past (especially BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and DOLLHOUSE). With that said, I'm really hoping he gets involved with CAPTAIN MARVEL to some extent. I would love to see what he can do with Carol and her story. 

Source: Buzzfeed.

Chris Hemsworth Teases THOR: RAGNAROK!

During an interview with DigitalSpy for his most recent movie, BLACKHAT, Chris Hemsworth said that RAGNAORK will be a '"big" continuation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe."



He also went on to say that  Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost have yet to turn in a script. This is to be expected. With the third THOR movie not set to hit theaters until July 2017, we shouldn't expect much news. The most we'll hear this year is the announcement of a director, and even that wouldn't be until the end of the year (most likely).

Still, it's exciting to hear something about the movie. I know the first two THOR movies weren't as great as the other MCU films, but I honestly enjoyed them, so I can't wait for RAGNAROK to hit the big screen!

Source: DigitalSpy.

New Clip for Episode 1x05 of AGENT CARTER.

Marvel and ABC have released a new clip for Tuesday's episode of AGENT CARTER. The clip brings back Dum Dum Dugan while introducing a few more Howling Commandos from the comics that have yet to be introduced in the MCU.

I'm a bit bummed that we're nearing the end of the first season, but I'm loving where the show is going, and I can't wait to see them tackle the red room next week!

Hot Toys Officially Unveil THANOS Collectible Figure From GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY.

They've been teasing it for a while, but Hot Toys have OFFICIALLY unveiled the Thanos figure from GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, and it is all sorts of awesome.

“The only matter I do not take seriously, boy, is you.” 

Thanos is one of the most infamous Marvel villains in comic book history. His first appearance in The Avengers has already got fans widely discussing the Mad Titan’s role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and in Guardians of the Galaxy; audiences are finally able to meet him fully when he gives his threatening speech to Ronan the Accuser. 

Now Hot Toys is very excited to officially present the eagerly-anticipated 1/6th scale Thanos Collectible Figure from Guardians of the Galaxy! 

The movie-accurate Thanos collectible figure is specially crafted based on the appearance of Thanos in the movie, featuring a newly developed helmeted head sculpt, meticulously sculpted armored body, and Thanos’ throne with LED light-up function. 

Supervillain fans, remember to make room for this powerful Mad Titan in your collection!

 Here is a bit more information:

Source: Hot Toys.

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Stills From Empire Magazine in HQ.

The new stills and behind the scenes photos that were released in the latest edition of Empire Magazine are now available in HQ, including one that offers a better look at Scarlet Witch.

Source: Comic Book Movie via @Antovolk

First TV Spot for AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON!

We're heading into February, which means we're getting closer and closer to the release of AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON. This Sunday will leave us exactly three months out from the release of the movie, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that Marvel and Disney are upping the marketing for the movie.

The first TV spot made its way online today, and while it doesn't show any new footage - it actually looks like a combination of both trailers - it's still exciting to watch.

Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to the Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk.  Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, and Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision. Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige, Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963. Get set for an action-packed thrill ride when The Avengers return in Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015.