Welcome to Marvel Express

Bringing together news and announcements on the Marvel Cinematic Universe

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According to numerous news outlets, actor and singer Zendaya has been cast as a character called ‘Michelle’ in Marvel Studios’ untitled Spider-Man reboot film. 

Because the film is so far away, it is possible that the name is a placeholder. There is a character in the comics called Michelle Gonzales, however, who has been Spider-Man’s love interest and room mate. A fiery defence lawyer, she first made her appearance in 2009 when she represented her brother, Officer Vincent Gonzales after he was arrested for his involvement in the Spider-tracer killer conspiracy.

Tom Holland will make his first appearance as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War, released on 6th May, and his solo film will be released on 7th July 2017.

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Cover and five images from Entertainment Weekly’s feature on Doctor Strange.

The film will be Marvel Studio’s first foray into the mystical aspect of the comics universe, and of the tone, Kevin Feige says that it will follow “a lot of the psychedelic '60s as we know it".

The article gives a little more information on Rachel McAdams’ character. 

Feige told EW that “[she] plays a fellow surgeon that has a history with Strange and is his sort of lynchpin to his old life, once he steps into he role of a sorcerer. She is someone he connects with at the beginning, and reconnects with, and helps anchor his humanity.”

“Rachel McAdams is sort of [Doctor Strange’s] contemporary in the modern-day New York world, before and after he goes on this crazy journey,” elaborates executive producer Stephen Broussard. “So, she sees him before, she sees him after. She’s kind of this audience point of view.”

Benedict Cumberbatch was asked whether she might pose as a love interest, but characteristically for Marvel’s actors, he was tight-lipped. “I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say what the interest is. But I hit on her more than the Ancient One, put it like that.”

Entertainment Weekly is out this week. Doctor Strange will be released on 4th November 2016, and will directed by Scott Derrickson.

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Concept art for Doctor Strange, taken from the Phase 2 DVD boxed set.

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Entertainment Weekly’s cover for their Captain America: Civil War feature, coming out this week. 

The issue features the first official images of Marvel Studio’s newest superhero, Black Panther, the first black superhero in Marvel Comics. He will be played by Chadwick Boseman.

In Civil War, Black Panther is drawn into the conflict between Captain America and Iron Man that arises from the Sokovia Accords, which were enacted by world leaders after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron as a way to mandate control over those with “enhanced abilities”.

EW explained Black Panther’s perspective on the conflict between Captain America and Iron Man: “[He] is a key figure in the conflict between Chris Evans’ Cap and Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man, and his allegiance is in flux — although he’s got serious issues with Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, a.k.a. the Winter Soldier, which steers him alongside the man in the iron mask”.

Kevin Feige, the producer of all Marvel Studios films, wanted to introduce Black Panther before his solo film because as king of Wakanda, Panther would provide a much-needed third perspective on the conflict.

Executive producer Nate Moore calls the character “the undecided voter”: “He’s someone who hasn’t necessarily made up his mind about either side and whose agenda isn’t exactly what Cap’s agenda or what Tony’s agenda is.  And I think that brings him into conflict weirdly with both characters at different times in the film. He is the prince of an African nation that has so far stayed very much sort of in the shadows. And eventually the film will draw him and his father out of the shadows.”

Captain America: Civil War will be released on 6th May 2016. It will be directed by the Russo brothers, and it will star Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr.

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The two trailers for Agent Carter Season 2 have been released.

The synopsis is as follows:

Marvel’s Agent Carter returns for a second season of adventure and intrigue, starring Hayley Atwell in the titular role of the unstoppable agent for the SSR (Strategic Scientific Reserve). Dedicated to the fight against new Atomic Age threats in the wake of World War II, Peggy must now journey from New York City to Los Angeles for her most dangerous assignment yet. But even as she discovers new friends, a new home – and perhaps even a new love – she’s about to find out that the bright lights of the post-war Hollywood mask a more sinister threat to everyone she is sworn to protect.

The second season of Agent Carter will air on 5th January 2016.

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A new synopsis for the upcoming Captain America: Civil War has been released:

Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

For comparison purposes, the original synopsis is as follows:

Captain America: Civil War picks up where Avengers: Age of Ultron left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.

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Poster for Captain America: Civil War posted by the official Captain America Facebook page. 

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Poster for Captain America: Civil War posted by Iron Man’s official Facebook page.

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The official first trailer for Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War has arrived - coming to UK cinemas April 29th 2016

Posted by Marvel on Tuesday, 24 November 2015

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The first reviews for Jessica Jones are out, and they’re looking good. 

Giving the show five out of five, Collider describes it as an “excellent, twisty noir thriller”. 

According to Screencrush, the show is “Marvel’s biggest revelation to date; a brilliant blend of horror-noir, and a tragic case study in empowerment”.

Deadline says that the show is “wonderfully dark and villainous”.

The Independent praises the villain: “David Tenant's Kilgrave could be the best on-screen comic book villain since Heath Ledger's Joker”.

News says that the show “rises above the rest”.

All thirteen episodes of Jessica Jones will air on Netflix on 20th November.

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The first official picture of Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter during the second season of Agent Carter has been released by Marvel.

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Season 2 of Agent Carter will air on 2nd January with a two-hour episode.

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Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwitel Ejiofor filming Doctor Strange in Nepal.

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First images of Benedict Cumberbatch on the set of Doctor Strange.

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Little known actress Pom Klementieff has been cast in a mystery role in the upcoming Guardians of Galaxy Vol. 2. The part specifically called for an Asian American actress, but little is known other than that.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be released on 5th May 2017, and will be directed by James Gunn.

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When talking to Huffington Post at GQ’s The Gentlemen’s Fund Awards in New York, Mark Ruffalo confirmed that he will be making an appearance in Thor: Ragnarok.

He also hinted that Doctor Banner and the Hulk may split into separate individuals, as they have done in the comics.

Thor: Ragnarok will be released on 3rd November 2017.

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Ant-Man has had the third largest opening of a Marvel film in China, coming behind Iron Man 3 and Avengers: Age of Ultron.