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5 Things Fans Want Out Of Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D.
Production has finally begun for “Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D.” and fans are starting to get excited for the Joss Whedon adventure (and maybe this one won’t get cancelled after one/two seasons!) So far only the pilot has been ordered but given the amount of hype the series is already getting and the big names that have signed on, it seems doubtful the show will get less than a full season order.
It was revealed last week that “Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D.” will take place after the film, Marvel’s The Avengers. The timeline and connections of this show has led to several questions and expectations that will surely be answered in the pilot episode and subsequent seasons.
So, here are five things that fans will want answered in the highly anticipated series.
::::Possible Spoilers Ahead::::
#5: The Origins Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe currently has six interconnecting film as well as three shorts with the agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D. playing a role in all of them. The big question, however, is about how the organization of was formed as it has never been fully explored. It is not a long shot to assume we will learn more about the inner workings and the origins of the agency in a series called “Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D.”
One suggestion is that Marvel Studios could decide to follow the comics and have the agency be created by Fury but rather than acting on it, he files the idea away where it’s then discovered and put into action by the unnamed council of twelve people (renamed the World Security Council in The Avengers). What makes this idea work is that it adheres with the current dynamic that Fury and the Council presented in the film.
With Whedon on the project, however, expecting something more isn’t out of the ordinary. Whedeon’s projects often have a secret organization that seemed to control everything yet you only learn about their history little by little throughout the series, never giving too much away at a time. We see this with the Initiative in “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” Wolfram & Heart in “Angel,” Blue Sun in “Firefly,” and Rossum in “Dollhouse.” It would fit right into his style if we never fully know the back story of “S.H.I.E.L.D.” until the very end.
#4: Cameos
Seriously. One of the things that makes the Marvel Cinematic Universe awesome is how interconnected every film is to the others. Marvel Studios has done a phenomenal job at keeping everything together and with the release of a television series also set in the universe, they have a wealth of time and material to keep things fresh in between films. However, this also means fans will be expecting some cameos.
Currently, Clark Gregg is the only returning actor who has confirmed to appear on the show. Samuel L. Jackson hasn’t been contracted to appear, Cobie Smulders is still contractually obligated to “How I Met Your Mother,” and there’s been no talk about Scarlett Johansson participating in the show.
Since the show is based on the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, its operatives are probably the best bet at cameos that fans will see. The actual superheroes are less likely though not completely out of the question. Taking a look at each hero it seems that Thor will be the least likely to make a cameo with the fact that he lives in outer space not withstanding. Now that Tony Stark and Bruce Banner are BFF’s since the end of The Avengers, and Tony’s reputation for making things for S.H.I.E.L.D., it stands to reason the pair of them could make an appearance. Additionally, it appears that Marvel is stalling the development of the “Hulk” television series which could hint at his appearance in this project.
Some fans are also hopeful that S.H.I.E.L.D. will allow glimpses into the superhuman prisons on Earth namely The Vault, The Raft, and The Cube.
#3: Consistency
This has been mentioned a lot already and is not really a worry so much as an expectation. Things can get dicey with a media empire such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, then to throw a television show into the mix, that can be downright scary when it comes to continuity. One line of dialogue can cause a canonical error that will alienate fans as well as push the show further from the movies rather than closer.
The one thing that will keep this project on the right track is, that’s right, Joss Whedon. Fans should have no fear of the consistency of this show with him in charge. He already has great knowledge of the universe after working on the film not to mention how well loved his past television projects have been.
Fans have also pointed out that the continuity will in fact be easier to maintain with the television show addition surmising that it is a lot easier to lose the details when there is a new movie every three years rather than a new episode every week.
#2: Foreshadowing For New Films
Given how connected all the movies are, it is not surprising when one of them references another or gives hints to what fans can expect in the future. For example, at the end of Iron Man 2, there is a map on a computer screen with various blips indicating different characters from the Marvel Universe. It is short and sweet but for fans who notice it, it reminds them that Whedon has got this and there is nothing to worry about.
Marvel has consistently foreshadowed throughout the films they’ve made. Iron Man had the initial “Avenger initiative” conversation. The Incredible Hulk had the frozen Captain America briefly appearing in an alternate opening, and Tony inexplicably had Captain America’s shield in Iron Man 2. These are details that aren’t just decided on a whim, rather done purposefully to hint at what is to come.
With Whedon at the helm, it seems safe to say that the show will contain hints and clues to upcoming movies and events.
In the timeline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the series will air after Iron Man 3 and around the same time that Thor: The Dark World is released but before Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This gives some opportunities to lay some groundwork before these films hit the theater without outright spoiling the films. Marvel Studios has made their films stand alone and connected at the same time so fans and audiences don’t have to see every movie to appreciate the story, but if you’ve seen them all then there are pieces inside to connect the dots and it stands to reason that S.H.I.E.L.D. wont be any different.
#1: Agent Coulson’s Return Explained
It was revealed that the character of Agent Coulson would be in “Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D.” despite the fact that he seemingly died at the end of The Avengers. Fans will want a good explanation of why this character is back and more importantly: How?
It has been speculated that what was actually seen in the film was the death of a Life Model Decoy (as mentioned by Tony Stark earlier in the movie). What makes this plausible is that we know Fury lies and therefore could have lied in order to bring everyone together for the big bad fight against Chitauri.
Others have said the exact opposite. That it is possible that the Coulson on the series will be the Life Model Decoy while the original Coulson did indeed die in the film. What makes this idea plausible is that having a “robot” character struggle with being his humanity as an AI while remaining unkillable is right up the alley of a Joss Whedon project (“Dollhouse,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Angel,” anyone?) and would continually add depth to character.
Whichever way they take it, fans WILL be looking for an explanation.
Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Will Take Place After The Avenger’s
The upcoming television series, “Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D.” has been gaining in anticipation since it was announced that Marvel favorite Clark Gregg would be returning as Agent Phil Coulson. However, questions were abound about when and where the series would take place in regards to the timeline of the films.
IGN recently spoke with ABC President Paul Lee, who definitively stated that the series takes place after the events of The Avengers.
There is no question that it is part of the Marvel Universe. In fact, the story takes place after the battle for New York,” said Lee.
It was also assured that the series would take place on it’s own terms and be it’s own story rather than an extension of the films.
This is S.H.I.E.L.D. They’re following their own particular stories. There are characters in it, Coulson, who clearly come from Avengers. So it’s part of the world, but we’re going to be very, very careful that we don’t tread on the toes of the features and build a whole new world. And that’s what Joss Whedon does better than anybody else. He’s built a world for us.”
One of the bigegest qiestions that has been raised is how the fate of Agent Coulson in the film will be addressed in the series. Coulson, who died in The Avengers, has been confirmed for the series. This question, it seems, will not be addressed until the series premieres or gets closer to its premiere date.
The pilot for “Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D.” will begin filming later this month and is expected to air this fall if picked up for series. In the show, Clark Gregg is joined by Brett Dalton as Agent Grant Ward, Iain De Caestecker as Agent Leo Fitz, Elizabeth Henstridge as Agent Gemma Simmons, Ming-Na Wen as Agent Melinda May, and Chloe Bennet as Skye. Joss Whedon will direct the pilot and co-write it with his brother Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen.
Casting Update For Sin City: A Dame To Kill For
This week has been flush with casting news regarding the upcoming Sin City sequel, Sin City: A Dame To Kill For. The film was developed by Frank Miller based upon his graphic novel, with a screenplay by Miller. It is being produced by Robert Rodriguez and his Quick Draw Productions, Aldamisa, AR Films, Miramax and Solipsist. International sales are through Aldamisa International.
Similarly to its predecessor, the sequel weaves together two of Miller’s classic stories with new tales in which the town’s most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more repulsive inhabitants. Several high-profile stars have been added to the project including Josh Brolin, Chris Meloni, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Brolin is set to play the character of Dwight, which is the same character that was previously played by Clive Owen in the 2005 original. But don’t worry, the changing in actors will be explained in the new film. In the adaptation, Dwight is hunted down by the only woman he ever loved, Ava Lord, and then watches his life go straight to hell. Chronologically, this story takes place prior to “The Big Fat Kill” and explains how Dwight came to have a dramatically different face.
“Dwight is a constant character throughout the Sin City world and ‘A Dame To Kill For’ is a defining episode in his life. We’re looking forward to Josh’s take on Dwight,” said Rodriguez and Miller.
Meloni of “Law & Order: SVU” fame as well as a recent stint on “True Blood,” has also joined the cast with very few details revealed. The announcement was made earlier this week and it was noted that he is one of the leads in the film and will be portraying a police office.
One of the most anticipated casting additions was that of Gordon-Levitt signing on to play one of the lead characters. His role is that of “Johnny,” a cocky gambler who disguises a darker mission to destroy his most foul enemy at his best game.
“Johnny is a new character in the Sin City world and we are excited for what Joseph will bring to the role,” said Rodriguez and Miller.
Gordon-Levitt also commented on the role and project saying,
“I love how the first movie uses VFX, not to make fake things look real, but to create a heightened world unburdened by the look and feel of reality. Plus, nobody makes a badass like Mr. Rodriguez.”
Sin City: A Dame To Kill For will also see the return on several actors and characters including Academy Award nominee Mickey Rourke as “Marv,” Jessica Alba as “Nancy,” Rosario Dawson as “Gail” and Jaime King as “Goldie/Wendy.”
Production is currently underway at Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios in Austin, Texas.
The film will be released by Dimension Films in the US and Canada on October 4, 2013.
First Official Images Of Firefly in CW’s Arrow Revealed
The CW’s hit new series, “Arrow,” based upon the comic book The Green Arrow, is adding a new character called Firefly. The new character will appear in the an episode called “Burned” which will be the first episode of the show that airs when it returns from its mid-season break on January 16.
“Arrow” stars Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen, Colin Donnell as Tommy, Willa Holland as Thea Queen, with Susanna Thompson as Moira Queen and Paul Blackthorne as Detective Quentin Lance.
From Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg and David Nutter, the hard-hitting action series reinvents the DC hero. After being marooned for five years on a remote island, billionaire Oliver Queen returns home with a mysterious agenda and very lethal new set of skills that he uses in a war on crime.
The show airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT. You can see the photos of Firefly below.
CW Releases Details About New Wonder Woman Series
After the success of their most recent comic book adaptation, “Arrow,” The CW is eyeing a new project. Warner Bros. TV is working to create a pilot for a potential new series based on the Wonder Woman comic book series. The studio has already hired a director to search for the titular heroine in the adaptation.
The project will also include the Wonder Woman origin story written by Allan Heinberg that chronicles the female superhero’s life as a young Amazonian, before she becomes a warrior princess with super powers.
The studio has released an official breakdown of the character for the project which states,
“She comes from a remote, secluded country and until now has spent most of her life as a soldier and a leader on the battlefield. Because of relentless brutality of her life at home, Iris looks at our world with absolute awe and astonishment. She’s delighted and just as often horrified by the aspects of everyday life that we take for granted: skyscrapers, traffic, ice cream. It’s all new and fascinating and sometimes slightly troubling to her. Iris is completely unschooled in our world, our culture, our customs. And she’s completely inexperienced at interpersonal relationships. She has no social filter, does not suffer fools, and tends to do and say exactly what’s on her mind at all times. She’s bluntly, refreshingly honest. She can tell when you’re lying to her. And she doesn’t have time or patience for politics or tact because she’s too busy trying to experience everything our world has to offer. There are too many sights to see and things to learn and people to care for. Hers is a true, noble, and generous heart. And she will fight and die for the people she loves. Iris is a fierce warrior with the innocent heart of a romantic and she will fight to the death to make the world safe for innocents and true romantics everywhere.”
As the script continues to be written, the cast for project is still being hired. There is no word on when the pilot may be done or which actresses they are looking toward to fill the lead role.
Dark Horse Comic “The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde” Heads To Big Screen
There are tons and tons of adaptations of the famous tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde but none perhaps as fun as the Dark Horse comic book series, “The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde,” by Cole Haddon and M.S. Corley. It was only a matter of time before a movie studio realized this and would want to option it. Now, the time has come.
The Wrap has reported that screenwriter Albert Torres (Henry Poole Is Here) has signed on to re-write the script for the feature adaptation.
The project has been picked up by Skydance Productions, Dark Horse Entertainment and the Mark Gordon Company.
“The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde” was published early in 2012 and wove together elements of Jack the Ripper and the mysterious tale we all know as Jekyll and Hyde. The comic book plot is as follows:
Five years after Mr. Edward Hyde’s bloody reign of terror, the streets of London run red once again when a series of prostitutes are murdered with surgical precision. Convinced that the killer is using the same serum that birthed Hyde, Inspector Thomas Adye of Scotland Yard seeks assistance from its creator, the imprisoned Dr. Henry Jekyll. But even as Jekyll convinces Adye that he can best aid in the hunt if freed from prison, evidence mounts that he is not completely cured of Hyde. With the two monsters set to collide, can Adye-or his soul-survive intact?
The comic was based on the original novella “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” written by the famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson that was first published in 1886. It follows a London lawyer named Gabriel John Utterson who investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr Henry Jekyll, and the evil Edward Hyde.
There is no word on a projected release date or who the studio is looking to star in the adaptation.
Jamie Foxx Could Potentially Play Electro in Amazing Spider-Man Sequel
Jamie Foxx recently confirmed to Access Hollywood that his casting in the upcoming sequel was “in the works.” He also commented that his daughter would be overjoyed if he landed the badass role of voltage-wielding villain.
The character of Electro would be the main villain of the sequel. An enemy who gained the ability to control electricity after being struck by lightning while working on a power line. Electro has been depicted more than several times throughout the Spider-Man cartoons and video games. IGN also ranked the character in 2009 as IGN‘s 87th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.
Jamie told Access at the GQ Men of the Year 2012 party in Los Angeles this week, when asked about his potential involvement in the Marc Webb-directed project,
“I have a little daughter, 4 years old, and what’s crazy is like, this past year she had a birthday where Spider-Man was the theme. Fingers crossed [that] it all works out.”
Earlier this month, Jamie took to Twitter to hint at the possible casting news.
“Dressed up as Electro for Halloween last night,” he Tweeted on November 1. “Costume fits well.”
The script is set to be written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man was announced by the studio quickly after the first film’s release. It was later announced that Shailene Woodley was offered the role of Mary Jane Watson.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 sequel will swing into theaters on May 2, 2014.
Sarah Wayne Callies Talks Walking Dead “Killer Within”
:::Obvious Spoilers Involving Season 3:::
Last weeks episode of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” may or may not have been a suprise to you with the death of two main characters in one episode. T-Dog, played by IronE Singleton, was killed by walkers while the much hated Lori Grimes, played by Sarah Wayne Callies, had a redemptive moment for the life of her and Rick’s child.
The day after the shocking episode aired, Callies spoke with critics and the Huffington Post about the implication of Lori’s death and why it was imperative for the show to move forward. It is important to note that Lori’s death is one of the few within the show that are caused by the person’s choice to die.
“I think the Lori death is very unique among the ones we’ve had on ‘The Walking Dead’ because it’s one that she’s chosen. It’s an interesting tone because it’s not surrounded by quite the same level of crisis and panic, althogh she’s clearly in a situation where things are going to go badly.”
In regards to being one of the most unlikeable characters (at least until the end of her character) described how that was the point from the very beginning.
“I loved Lori. I love Lori. She’s one of those characters that I think will live in my heart for a long, long, long, long time. I learned so much from her. [In] one of my first conversations with Frank [Darabont], we agreed that we wouldn’t do the TV version of this. Lori was not going to be some big busted, beautiful woman with flowing perfect hair who was standing by her man. We talked about doing the ugliest, dirtiest, most dangerous and sometimes unlikable version of this that we could. It was so exhilarating to be able to dig deep into the darkness of motherhood and the darkness of marriage … To work on a production that had the courage — even though some fans kicked up a fuss about it — to have the courage to say, ‘We’re going to tell this story a way it’s never been told before’ is remarkable. It’s the best work I’ve ever done on camera, and that’s because the material was so strong. It’s an experience unlike anything I’ve ever had, and I’ve learned so much from it. I love Lori so much. Her passion, her fire, her lack of vanity … [laughs] I love that woman and I am going to miss her.”
Her death, while shocking, was completely neccesary for the storyline to progress, especially for Rick and Carl.
“Frank and I talked a lot about the necessity of Lori dying, and we fought about it. Glen [Mazzara] and I talked about that scene a lot — what pieces had to be in place for Lori, for Carl and for Rick. In a way it was an intimate process, because Glen had lost his mother shortly before they started writing the season … The death of Shane. The death of Lori. Those, to me, were very difficult things to get around. I had spoken to Frank about that at a certain point and he goes, ‘I don’t need to kill you.’ And I said, ‘Due respect, sir, yes you do.’ [Laughs.] He said, ‘I’ve never had a leading lady argue her way off a show.’ And I said, ‘In the books, Rick goes nuts because his wife died. And I think the way he goes nuts is pretty cool, and I think you’re gonna do that at some point, so know that I’m a big girl when you make that call.’ I can’t wait to see those episodes afterwards and see what happens.”
Callies also spoke about how the scene was important for the cast members outside of the show.
“It was pin-drop quiet throughout that whole scene … there was a level of concentration and respect and focus from all 80 people who were there that was remarkable. It was also significant that the entire cast showed up. I finished the scene and I came out, and there was almost every single member of our cast that had just come to sit and watch and be there. It was difficult, I’ll be honest. Chandler and I didn’t really talk at all the week that we were shooting that because we couldn’t really look at each other without losing it. I love that kid.”
In case you were wondering who is the baby’s daddy, Callies explains there is only one way to tell.
“The only definitive way to tell in a world where there’s no paternity test would be if the baby has blue eyes, then the baby is Rick’s … both Rick and Carl have blue eyes, and it’s a recessive trait. Shane had brown eyes, and Lori had brown eyes. If it’s a brown-eyed baby, there’s no way to know.”
Arrow Reveals First Look at Huntress
It was announced back in August that actress Jessica Gouw was set to portray Helena Bertinelli also know as The Huntress in the CW’s new series “Arrow.” Now we have a first look at the anticipated character.
The character will make her debut on the November 28 episode, titled “Vendetta.”
According to Executive Producer Andrew Kreisberg,
“She is the dark mirror version of Oliver and it was a nice contrast to him because he’s pretty extreme. He goes a lot further than not only his comic book version but lots of comic book characters — most have a code of draws the line against killing… Oliver has taken the darkness inside with him and is doing something positive with it. She’s taken the darkness inside her and is seeking revenge and doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process.”
So far The Huntress will appear in two episodes but there is a chance for that to be expanded. Kreisberg added,
“It’s two episodes for now but we definitely hope we see more of her. We certainly set her up as an interesting foil for Oliver and we’re excited to see where else we can take her.”
“Arrow” stars Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen, Colin Donnell as Tommy, Willa Holland as Thea Queen, with Susanna Thompson as Moira Queen and Paul Blackthorne as Detective Quentin Lance. The show airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.