What to Expect in 2012 and Beyond From Marvel

Scheduled and Possible Future Films*

04 May 2012 - The Avengers

The Avengers is the only superhero film actually scheduled for 2012 thus far. Even though the the script does not yet exist, we do know a bit about what to expect. We will most likely get another dose of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and Captain America each of whom will have had their own solo films by then. As for others, Black Widow and Nick Fury from Iron Man 2, will probably also be assembling. I would expect Ant-Man (who has his own rumored film in development) may also tag along.

Those characters alone will probably max out the budget (Marvel's financing deal caps their films at $165 Million a piece), though we may also get Black Panther or Hawkeye to round out the team and offer additional spin-off potential. The amount of screen time given to individuals will probably depend on how well each solo film performs.I am not sure who is a big enough threat to require a whole team of heroes to unite, Ultron maybe?

Other Marvel Movies Dates T.B.D.

Ant-Man has his own page at IMDB, and has a script written by Edgar Wright. The film would feature Ant-Men Henry Pym and Scott Lang. Recent buzz has the film in a holding pattern, likely waiting to see how the other Marvel films do. Expect him to get his own feature if he is a smash hit in The Avengers. I don't know, it could be fun, but I keep thinking of Honey I Shrunk the kids.

Venom's film is currently in development which could bring the character back some dignity after his treatment in Spider-Man 3. I suppose they would go the "anti-hero" route, perhaps even featuring Carnage. Its not yet known if this would be a spin-off from Spider-Man 3 or a separate continuity, or whether or not it will even be Eddie Brock Venom or some other host. I would like to see Venom get another chance and I bet this movie could do well.

Marvel studio has the rights to make a She-Hulk film. Its possible she could assemble with the Avengers, but unless they just paint a woman green that could run up an already tight budget. There have been recent rumors that Megan Fox would play the role, and fan-made pics to lobby for her casting. I never really got the whole She-Hulk thing. I mean, a green woman would be kinda gross in real life, especially if she "Hulked Out." It doesn't seem like a movie that could bring in big crowds. I mean, Hulk made around $135 million, could She-Hulk even match that? A She-Hulk may very well be more hopeful thinking for some than actual fact.

Deadpool was supposed to be one of the big draws of the X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie, but as you may be able to tell from the picture above, Deadpool, is appearing more in name than in costume. Rumors have already begun about a possible spin-off film that focuses on the "Merc with a Mouth." The buzz for that film will probably depend on how satisfied fans are with Deadpool's 5 minutes in Wolverine.

Other X-Men with sizable fan bases like Deadpool are '90s favorites Cable and Bishop. Though I haven't heard any rumors about their solo or team outings, I think they could be hits. One drawback is that they wouldn't really fit into the established sci-fi light X-Men film universe. On the other hand, their additions could serve to freshen up the franchise as opposed to just going back to the well ala Wolverine 4.

Luke Cage is another hero that has long been rumored to have a film in the works but development stalled out in 2005. Others have been hinted at over the past years including Deathlok back in 2004, Mort the Dead Teenager (starring Jessica Simpson of all people) back in 2005, and Namor in 2006. Of course, to get initial financing Marvel Studios originally announced Nick Fury (who may yet headline a Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D.), Black Panther, Cloak & Dagger, Dr. Strange, Hawkeye, Shang-Chi, and Power Pack along with the above mentioned The Avengers, Ant-Man, and Captain America. So, there are plenty of other properties lined up to keep the golden age of superhero films going for years to come.

Any other Marveleers worthy of a feature film?

Up Next: 2012 and Beyond From DC

*Prequels, Sequels, and Reboots Not Included