Cautiously optimistic?

[trinityvixen]

First picture of the title character from Marvel's Thor, aka next year's possible May Movie.

I find it hilarious that they've made Thor look as much like Kenneth Branaugh (who is directing it, which never fails to amuse me) as possible. The armor could be better, but the attitude is decent. I've heard rumors about the plot that would explain this sad/mad/bad-ass attitude, and I approve thus far. I also approve of relative-unknown hottie Chris Hemsworth (he played George Kirk in the Star Trek reboot) because you know what the eventual Avengers movies need? More hotties. Between him, Chris Evans as the Cap, and Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, they could cast cave trolls in the other roles, and I'd still be happy. Still not sure which other characters they can put into the Avengers, though. They're sorta poo-poo-ing the Hulk (and Ed Norton is definitely out by all accounts), Spider-Man is property of Sony in perpetuity (they're rebooting the franchise already to hold onto the rights!), and since Fox is still making movies about Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, don't expect to see him any time soon. Those are, like, the central Avengers, and even the next most familiar that I can think of--Spider-Woman, Beast, She-Hulk--are all no-gos because, duh, they're derivatives of those same problematic Avengers.

But, still, it doesn't matter if the Avengers is three dudes. Those three dudes? Hot.



(I'd like to rebutt the one poster to that link who's like "Marvel's first caped hero onscreen!?!oneoneone!!" We all may wish to forget how X-Men fell into the toilet, but Storm had a cape. Yes, it was a cape, even if it was attached to her wrists, it was a cape.)

Comments

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

They actually don't mention Thor being crazy, but one has to wonder from that picture, right? I don't know if they're doing the Ultimate story line, since I don't know it, but hints have been along the more techno-mystical than mythological last I heard. I mean, Odin is in it, too, so it has to be somewhat mythological. But they're trying to skirt that as lightly as possible given that the Avengers won't be at all mythologically-related.

As moonlightalice put it to me, re: Branaugh: "I love that Kenneth Branagh as a director basically creates Kenneth Branagh Mary Sues. Thor looks just like him." I'm worried, too, in other words, though it's possible he could bring some real fun to it if he steps away from the pretentious directing schtick.

Ooh, Black Widow and, as mentioned above, Ms. Marvel would really help the Avengers not be a total sausage-fest. Much as I enjoys me some pretty, having a woman involved would be nice.

[gryphonrose.livejournal.com]

Ms. Marvel doesn't work if they're trying to maintain any sort of continuity. Black Widow does but it partially depends upon what she does in Iron Man. Scarlet Witch was an Avenger at one point. So was She-Hulk. Tigra, Moondragon, Yellowjacket, Mockingbird--lots of female Avengers to choose from. But Wasp was the only female founding member.

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

I don't understand why Ms. Marvel can't work. They've not introduced her, and clearly they can take and rearrange whoever they like. It's not like Rogue even ever took her powers in the movies thus far. As for Scarlet Witch, I just have to wonder if any mutants can be in the movies at all while Fox has the rights to the X-Men...

[gryphonrose.livejournal.com]

Ms. Marvel doesn't work because she gets her powers from Captain Marvel. A Kree soldier. They'd have to introduce the Kree and the Skrulls, set all that up, introduce Carol Danvers, and then have her get caught in that blast. Plus she's got a history with Logan, so if they're steering clear of Wolverine and the X-Men they'll want to avoid her.

I agree that Scarlet Witch is iffy. She-hulk might be their best bet, actually--that way they can reference the Hulk without using him directly, and have someone who's a bruiser but still a hot chick. Queen Latifah?

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

She-Hulk would have to be someone more muscle-y, like one of those American Gladiator folk. Could be interesting, especially as she's also an ass-kicking lawyer besides--something a team with Tony Stark in it could probably use.

[gryphonrose.livejournal.com]

In the Ultimate version, She-Hulk is actually Betty Ross, Banner's ex. Not a lawyer but a tough-as-nails businesswoman who becomes She-Hulk as the only way to protect Bruce. Not saying they'd go that route, but it'd be interesting.

[oblvndrgn.livejournal.com]

I don't know what the continuity of the movies is. Ms Marvel's been an on/off Avenger for decades, she was on the New Avengers, she lead one incarnation of the team and she's going to be on the new version with Wolverine, the Thing, Spider-Man and Jessica Jones (I have no idea who that is). I figure she's a good bet because, hey, random woman. Wasp is a better character, maybe, but from a film perspective having a character who shrinks down is hard to fit in the frame during action sequences. A woman who can punch things really hard and shoot lasers is easy.

I just figure if they're staying around or after Civil War timing for the movies it's the right timing. Luke Cage is good, especially if Nick Fury Jackson isn't in the movie because then he can be the token black guy.

[avram]

I can't imagine them not using Nick Fury, since he's already been introduced as associated with "the Avengers initiative".