Tag Archives: Marvel

Behind the scenes: Movie magic places the Avengers in “New York City”

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Did you know…

Although roughly a third of “The Avengers” is set in New York City precious little was actually filmed there. ILM crew members photographed 7-miles of city streets from a variety of heights and at different times of day totaling 250,000 images. The crew then digitally recreated roughly 20 square blocks of mid-town Manhattan using a variety of techniques. Live action shoots were held primarily on sound stages in New Mexico and in the streets of Cleveland.

Too many words for ya? Go “behind the [movie] magic” and discover how exactly the Industrial Light & Magic visual FX team assembled the Avengers in NYC without even being there. Incredible stuff.

Marvel’s “Phase One” Blu-ray collection gets Spring release date, added bonus material

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Marvel’s “Phase One” Blu-ray collection was supposed to come out in September but it was delayed due to lawsuit involving the suitcase packaging. After months of silence, the company is finally engaging with its fanbase with new details surrounding the long-anticipated collections that includes all Marvel Phase One movies–namely  Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor (in 2D/3D), Captain America: The First Avenger (2D/3D), and The Avengers (2D/3D)–plus loads of other content including “special access to S.H.I.E.L.D.’s most confidential archives, including a top-secret Bonus Disc filled with never-before-seen deleted scenes, extended scenes, featurettes and more, including “And Then Shawarma After” featurette.” The collection also includes “exclusive memorabilia (prop reproductions and artifacts) from the motion pictures,” not excluding the redesigned suitcase and the glowing Tesseract.

Marvel apologizes for the delay in the best way they can: by stuffing the Blu-ray set with new bonus material and a look at “Phase Two” material. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently spoke with EW and spilled the beans. “We went back to the editor’s assembly of each film and discovered some rare moments that dropped out of the films early on and had not been released on prior discs,” he said. The new material will allow fans “to catch the connective tissue that paved the way toward the Avengers assembling.” He added, “We spent an embarrassing amount of time compiling the ‘Shield Files’ included in the box set to be sure that each character’s file was full of great, movie-accurate props and Easter eggs, which help tie all of the Phase One films together.” And as for the sneak peek at Phase Two? Owners can expect “footage, concept art, and a few new surprises,” he teased. “Also, look for a nod to Iron Man 3 in the Tony Stark S.H.I.E.L.D. file in the box set.”

The 10-disc, limited edition collector’s set (now called Marvel’s Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection) is now up for preorder at Amazon for $197.10 and it’s aiming for release on April 2. Additional pics below and an alternate ending to Thor after the break!

Continue reading Marvel’s “Phase One” Blu-ray collection gets Spring release date, added bonus material →

Clark Gregg to reprise Agent Phil Coulson in Marvel’s ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ pilot

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Now isn’t this a nice surprise. Marvel is resurrecting Agent Phil Coulson for their upcoming TV series S.H.I.E.L.D. Yesterday at New York Comic Con, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Avengers director Joss Whedon announced that actor Clark Gregg will appear in the S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot as the agent we’ve come to love and mourn. Nothing more was spilled, unfortunately, but this should certainly hold you up for the time being. Jump after the break for a brief interview with Gregg.

S.H.I.E.L.D. will be written by Whedon, his brother Jed, and Jed’s wife Maurissa Tancharoen. They also serve as executive producers with Jeffrey Bell and Marvel TV’s Jeph Loeb. The plan is for Joss to direct the pilot for ABC.

[Via Marvel] Continue reading Clark Gregg to reprise Agent Phil Coulson in Marvel’s ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ pilot →

Graphic designer shoots Marvel-themed short ‘S.H.I.E.L.E.D.’, spread the word!

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A buddy of mine Adam Levermore is a talented graphic designer whose previous work includes officially-licensed Battlestar Galactica propaganda posters, travel posters for the Firefly film Serenity, the Super 8 iPhone app, and posters for The Guild, Team Unicorn, and The Nerd Machine. Since Marvel announced they are making a live-action series for ABC called S.H.I.E.L.D., Levermore has made it his mission to get noticed by the powers that be to get hired as the show’s graphic designer.

So what did he do? He very quickly whipped up a short film called S.H.I.E.L.E.D. to serve as a live action resume of sorts. He stars as a potential recruit to become a member of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s production design team. His previous work, aforementioned above, is highlighted and he also designed most everything you see in the clip from the ID badges to the dossiers and even that crude drawing of the Avengers. It all came together thanks to donations from fans of Levermore’s work, an entertaining script written by Amy Berg (Eureka, Person of Interest, Leverage), lead actress Taryn O’Neill, and composer Bear McCreary. In addition, friends of mine Jared Hoy and Andrew Seely offered their directing and producing expertise (respectively) to the project. To learn more about S.H.I.E.L.E.D., check out Levermore’s detailed blog.

YOU can have a helping hand in getting Adam Levermore attached to Marvel’s upcoming drama by sharing the short with your friends via Twitter, Facebook, whatever you’ve got. But first give it watch yourself; it’s the most entertaining “resume” you’ll likely come across. Plus it’s Marvel related so come on!

James Gunn confirms his involvement in Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

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Marvel’s second phase of film offerings includes mostly sequels to already established franchises like Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. Two of them–namely Ant-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy–have the potential to become franchises of their own. On Tuesday director James Gunn (Slither, Super) confirmed speculation by announcing via Facebook he will in fact helm the adaptation of Guardians of the Galaxy:

For a month or so there’s been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Until now I haven’t said anything, because I’m trying to be less expulsive about this project than I am about the rest of my life. But last night I got the go-ahead from Kevin Feige to let you all know that, yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing Guardians of the Galaxy. As a lifelong lover of Marvel comics, space epics, AND raccoons, this is the movie I’ve been waiting to make since I was nine years old. Kevin, Joss, and all the folks at Marvel have been amazing collaborators so far, and we’re committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique. I am incredibly excited. I am also incredibly grateful to the fans and the press for all their words of encouragement and support regarding my involvement with this project since the news first leaked. Thanks – you have, honestly, touched and overwhelmed me. And that’s it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, I’ll talk to you again in August 2014 when Guardians is released!

Concept art for the flick includes a superhero team made up of Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, and Gamora. Yes, a gun-wielding raccoon is involved. And with Gunn directing, things are about to get wild, wacky, and extremely radical. Hear what Avengers helmer Joss Whedon has to say about Gunn’s involvement in a video interview posted after the break. Continue reading James Gunn confirms his involvement in Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ →

‘The Avengers’ GAG REEL! [Update: it’s pulled]

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Well this is certainly the best thing you’ll see all day. It’s The Avengers GAG REEL! These guys looked mighty and impressive on the big screen, but when they’re goofing around on set in their super hero costumes they just look downright silly. This is the kind of thing that only lasts so long on the Internet, so watch it while you can. Once it’s gone, you’ll be forced to shell out some money for the upcoming Blu-ray release.

AVENGERS ASSEM… oh f**k what is the line?

Update: I warned you! The movie studios have been on the prowl for all leaked versions of the Avengers gag reel from the Blu-ray release, and the two versions I previously embedded above were quickly pulled from the Internet. Now you’re left with that magnificent still from the bonus material as you count the days leading to September 25.

It’s official: Joss Whedon will return to write & direct ‘The Avengers 2’, develop a Marvel-based TV series

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What a day! Arrested Development keeps its head down and powers through and Disney and Marvel announce that The Avengers helmer and geek god Joss Whedon will return to write and direct the anticipated sequel tentatively titled The Avengers 2. The superhero summer blockbuster hasn’t even hit Blu-ray yet, and we still have to get through Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Solider, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Ant-Man, but just knowing that the mastermind behind arguably the greatest superhero movie of all time is going to do it again. And if that wasn’t enough, Whedon also plans to develop a live action drama series set in the Marvel universe for ABC (it may or may not star members of the elite Avengers team).

After Disney CEO Bob Iger spilled the beans during the company’s earnings call, Marvel released the following statement nicely summing it all up: “Joss Whedon has signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Studios for film and television through the end of June 2015. As part of that deal, Whedon will write and direct Marvel’s The Avengers 2 as well as help develop a new live action series for Marvel Television at ABC. He will also contribute creatively to the next phase of Marvel’s cinematic universe.”

That last bit is interesting, isn’t it? Will Whedon be free to dip his toe in Phase Two waters? Whatever comes of that, rest assured knowing that the man behind Firefly isn’t going anywhere anytime soon Marvel fans. And for you Whedon fans, perhaps his recent shift in luck will amount to a TV series lasting more than a few seasons (Buffy and Angel notwithstanding).

Update: Save the date; The Avengers 2 (that’s a tentative title) releases May 1, 2015. Now cry because that’s so far from now. And then later recover because you know that new installments from the other Marvel franchises are on the way.

[Via Deadline 1, 2]

Marvel’s “Phase One” Blu-ray collection coming this September, Tesseract included

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Have you been waiting patiently for Marvel to come out with an ultimate collector’s edition of all their superhero movies produced thus far? This should exceed your expectations. This September Marvel will release “Marvel Cinematic Universe – Phase One: Avengers Assembled”, an extensive Blu-ray bundle that includes the following movies: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor (2D/3D), Captain America: The First Avenger (2D/3D), and The Avengers (2D/3D). The 10-disc collection also includes a bonus disc labeled “The Phase One Archives” that’s filled with “never before seen, classified information.” Each Blu-ray disc comes packaged in a sleeve featuring exclusive artwork by Matthew Ferguson that “distills each film to its most iconic element.” A pile of “top-secret dossiers” make up the bundle, too. All of this is packaged inside a S.H.I.E.L.D. containment case that also houses a glowing Tesseract. It doesn’t get any cooler than this, people.

The “Phase One” collection comes out September 25 and is now available for preorder at Amazon for a reasonable $139.96. Be sure to get a closer look at the exclusive artwork in the gallery below. After the break there’s a clip. If this is all too much for you, also know that The Avengers is coming to Blu-ray and DVD standalone on the same day (9/25); these can also be preordered at Amazon today.

[Via Marvel] Continue reading Marvel’s “Phase One” Blu-ray collection coming this September, Tesseract included →

Comic Con 2012: Marvel dates new ‘Thor’ and ‘Captain America’ movies, announces ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Ant-Man’

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The Marvel panel at Comic Con made some major announcements concerning its upcoming movie projects. The next slate of movies set in the Marvel Comics universe is being referred to as “Phase Two.” Without further ado…

Iron Man 3, directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), is out May 3, 2013.

Thor: The Dark World, directed by Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones), is out November 8, 2013.

Captain America: The Winter Solider is out April 4, 2014.

Guardians of the Galaxy is out August 1, 2014.

Ant-Man, directed by Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) does not have a release date yet.

There’s the “Phase Two” lineup. At the panel, footage from Black’s Iron Man 3 rallied fans with the introduction of Tony Stark’s new nanobot technology that allows him to remotely suit up and a first look at the movie’s villain Mandarin played by Ben Kingsley. For Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel detailed the five superheros who make up this new (potential franchise-worthy) team and they are Drax The Destroyer, Groot, Star-Lord, Rocket Racoon, and Gamora; see them all depicted above. What will likely connect this team to the one we already know (read: The Avengers) is that it is Drax’s ultimate mission to defeat Thanos, the yellowish grinning alien seen in the post-credits scene during The Avengers. For Ant-Man, Wright showed off test footage of the superhero who can grow extremely tiny and immensely large at will. Wright exclaimed, “Ant-Man will kick you ass one inch at a time.”

Check out the logos for all of the “Phase Two” Marvel movies in the gallery below. Download hi-res versions at Marvel.

First look: Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Iron Man 3’

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Here is the first still from the set of Iron Man 3. The Marvel movie broke ground on June 4 in Wilmington, North Carolina and the production schedule plans to bring the cast and crew to far out places like Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, Miami, Florida, and China. Robert Downey Jr. returns as the armored superhero (see his back to us above). Also confirmed to appear in the movie are Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle as James “Rhodey” Rhodes, and Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan. Favreau, while still remaining an executive producer, is not directing the third installment; Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) has taken over the reins.

Gaze at Tony Stark gazing over his collection of sweet suits, and start anticipating the return of Iron Man. The genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist is back May 3, 2013.

[Via Marvel]

Trailer 2: ‘The Avengers’ (NERDGASM!)

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This brand new theatrical trailer for Marvel’s The Avengers will make you experience the most intense nerdgasm you’ve ever had since this Tron trailer. It cranks up a level of anticipation beyond the threshold of normality for what will likely be the most epic superhero movie produced to date. Directed by geek god Joss Whedon, the Avengers–Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and leader Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)–assemble to face off against Thor’s adoptive, evil and twisted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Turn up the resolution to HD, go full screen, and enjoy every single second of this action-packed, truly extraordinary peek at what’s in store for movie-goers this spring.

The Avengers hits theatres May 4 in 3D. (In the UK, the name of the movie has been changed to Avengers Assemble and it releases there on April 26.) Check out the new poster after the break. Continue reading Trailer 2: ‘The Avengers’ (NERDGASM!) →

Trailer: The Avengers (plus character stills)

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Prepare yourself for a giant slice of awesome. The Avengers brings together our favorite Marvel heroes in one kick-ass film. In the very first trailer created by a team led by director Joss Whedon, we witness the Avengers–namely Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and leader Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)–joining forces to fend off the villainous Loki (Tom Hiddleston). If you recall, Loki is the adoptive brother-turned-archenemy of Thor introduced in the summer blockbuster released in May. Upon watching this trailer over and over again you will likely experience more than one nerdgasm (not unlike the ones you felt here and here). And then a giant wave of anticipation will hit you: The Avengers assemble May 4, 2012.

Oh but there’s more. Check out the gallery below for some epic character stills.