Tuesday, July 19, 2022

MarvelWatch's Predictions for Marvel Studios' SDCC Panels

 After sitting out the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, conventions are BACK. This year, Marvel Studios will have a big presence San Diego Comic Con (July 20th-24th) with two panels. The first of which will focus on animated projects, and the other on live-action.

Friday, July 22, 11:45am-1:15pm - Marvel Studios Animation

The 90-minute panel is listed as covering What If...? Season 2, X-Men '97, and Marvel Zombies. I'm  betting on dates or time frames for those three in particular. Our bet is that What If...? could be premiering within this year's the Holiday months to run into early 2023, and Marvel Zombies feeling like a good fit for for Halloween season of 2023.

It's also a reasonable assumption that this panel could have news for Spider-Man: Freshman Year, or give us a first look at the I Am Groot shorts that are dropping in August.

Saturday July 23, 5-6pm - Marvel Studios

Fans hoping for "a full Phase 5 reveal" will no doubt be disappointed since it's only an hour-long panel, but that doesn't mean Marvel can't bring some goods.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
The next (new) film in the MCU getting the biggest push seems very likely. We wouldn't be surprised by a cast appearance, a teaser trailer for the film, and likely a teary-eyed tribute to late T'Challa actor Chadwick Boseman, given this is their first major convention since his passing. All in, I'd bet on this being a full quarter or third of the panel.

She-Hulk
The next MCU show is coming a little under a month from the event. We'd expect a few members of the cast to appear or Zoom into the panel, with a new trailer or clip... if only for the in-attendance crowd.

Spider-Man and Daredevil
If Marvel's going to talk about Spidey at a con this Summer, it has to be here, since D23 is more Disney-specific. At minimum, we suspect something will be talked about in regards to the extended cut of Spider-Man: No Way Home, considering it's Marvel's next theatrical release. (Releasing September 2nd in the US.)

If they are so inclined, we could see them using that as an opening to tease future Spidey plans, or even segue into talking about Daredevil plans, given Charlie Cox's appearance in NWH as Matt Murdock.

Further Down the Road...
We're expecting first looks or announcements regarding the studios' Halloween and Guardians Holiday specials to round out their coverage of 2022, a quick rundown of the 2023 slate (including a Blade date announcement) and capping the panel with an announcement or two regarding the 2024 films.

And that's it.
These predictions could be totally off,  but we'll all find out during the convention this weekend.

If you agree or disagree with these choices, feel free to comment at the MarvelWatch Twitter Account.

Monday, October 18, 2021

Disney+ November 2021 Marvel & Star Wars Content

 Disney+ have revealed their November 2021 lineup today, and we've cherry-picked the release to let you when to expect that that sweet, sweet Marvel and Star Wars content.

Nov 5

- X-Men: First Class

Nov 12
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Marvel Studios' 2021 Disney+ Day Special
A special looking at the studios' past and future projects on the streaming service.

- Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett 
This documentary special explores the origins and impact of the fan favorite Star Wars bounty hunter.

Nov 24
- Hawkeye
The first two episodes of the series starring Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Marvel Film Adaptation Release Schedule

2023
Oct 6: Kraven the Hunter (Sony - Dir. JC Chandor)
Nov 10: The Marvels (Marvel - Dir. Nia DaCosta)

2024
Jan 12: El Muerto (Sony - Dir. Jonas Cuaron)
Feb 16: Madame Web (Sony - Dir. SJ Clarkson)
Mar 29: Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (Sony)
May 3: Captain America: Brave New World (Marvel - Dir. Julius Onah)
Jul 12: TBA Sony/Marvel
Jul 26: Thunderbolts (Marvel - Dir. Jake Schreier)
Sep 6: Blade (Marvel)
Nov 8: Untitled Deadpool (Marvel - Dir. Shawn Levy)

2025
Feb 14: Fantastic Four (Marvel - Dir. Matt Shakman)
May 2: Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (Marvel - Dir. Destin Daniel Cretton)
Jul 25: TBA Marvel Studios
Nov 7: TBA Marvel Studios

2026
Feb 13: TBA Marvel Studios
May 1: Avengers: Secret Wars (Marvel)
Jul 24: TBA Marvel Studios
Nov 6: TBA Marvel Studios

TBA
Untitled Shang-Chi Sequel (Marvel - Dir. Destin Daniel Cretton)
Untitled Female-Led Spider-Verse Spin-Off (Sony - Dir. Lauren Montgomery)
Untitled / Spider-Woman (Sony - Dir. Olivia Wilde)
Untitled Venom (Sony - Dir. Kelly Marcel)


Saturday, January 24, 2015

The Sony and Disney/Marvel Terms Have (Seemingly) Changed

I've largely avoided discussing the information revealed by November's Sony hack, out of a sense that doing so would endorse the actions of cyber terrorists. However, for the sake of this story, I do have to acknowledge one of the more tantalizing items to come out of said hack.

You see, it was leaked that discussions were taking place between representatives of Sony and Marvel to evaluate the possibility of them collaborating on future Spider-Man-related film endeavors. Since then, fans have been waiting with bated breath to see whether this could mean an appearance by Spider-Man in future Avengers films, or at least Marvel taking a larger creative role in future Spider-Man films.

While we still don't know if either of those will be the case, some (legally-obtained) evidence of a change in terms between Sony Pictures and the Walt Disney Company can be found in this year's latest annual financial report.

The language, which appears in the section describing the company's Studio Entertainment segment, reads as follows:
Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Marvel, Marvel had licensed the rights to third-party studios to produce and distribute feature films based on certain Marvel properties including Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four and X-Men. Under the licensing arrangements, the third-party studios incur the costs to produce and distribute the films and the Company retains the merchandise licensing rights. Under the licensing arrangement for Spider-Man, the Company pays the third-party studio a licensing fee based on each film’s box office receipts, subject to specified limits. Under the licensing arrangements for The Fantastic Four and X-Men, the third-party studio pays the Company a licensing fee, and the third-party studio receives a share of the Company’s merchandise revenue on these properties. The Company distributes all Marvel-produced films with the exception of The Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by a third-party studio.

Compare this to the language used in the 2013 annual report:
Also prior to the Company’s acquisition of Marvel, Marvel had licensed the rights to third-party studios to produce and distribute feature films based on certain Marvel properties including Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four and X-Men. Under these licensing arrangements, the third-party studio incurs the cost to produce and distribute the films and pays the Company a licensing fee. Generally under these arrangements, Marvel retains the merchandise licensing rights and pays the third-party studio a royalty. During fiscal 2011, the Company purchased Sony Pictures’ participation in Spider-Man merchandising, while at the same time, Sony Pictures purchased the Company's participation in Spider-Man films. This transaction will allow the Company to control and fully benefit from all Spider-Man merchandising activity, while Sony Pictures will continue to produce and distribute Spider-Man films.

Notice the key difference? Where Sony had originally been described as paying Disney/Marvel a licensing fee for the use Spider-Man property, they now RECEIVE a licensing fee from Disney. So while Sony still appears to have the film rights to the character, a major shift has happened in the business relationship between companies that may be a sign of changes on the creative side as well.

What kind of deal has brought forth such a change? What does it mean for the future of the film franchise? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Official The Wolverine Plot Description

The official Facebook page for The Wolverine has revealed the first official plot description for the film:

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, THE WOLVERINE finds Logan, the eternal warrior and outsider, in Japan. There, samurai steel will clash with adamantium claw as Logan confronts a mysterious figure from his past in an epic battle that will leave him forever changed.

The page also lists Svetlana Khodchenkova as part of the cast, confirming the earlier casting rumor.

The 20th Century Fox film directed by James Mangold will open on July 26th, 2013.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Iron Man 3 to Shoot In China


Here's the press release, via Deadline, which features the first (short) description of the film: 

Shanghai/ Beijing and Los Angeles, CA (4.00pm Beijing 16 April, 2012) –
The Walt Disney Company China, Marvel Studios and DMG Entertainment today announced the intention to co-produce IRON MAN 3 in China. Under the arrangement, DMG Entertainment will make an investment in the production of IRON MAN 3, manage the Chinese co-production process, and jointly produce the film in China. The Chinese portion of IRON MAN 3’s production will run through DMG Entertainment in coordination with Marvel Studios’ production and creative teams. DMG will also distribute IRON MAN 3 in China in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company China. 
IRON MAN 3 will be the third movie in the billion-dollar plus franchise from Marvel and stars a returning cast including Robert Downey Jr. (as billionaire inventor Tony Stark) Gwyneth Paltrow (as Pepper Potts) and Don Cheadle (as James “Rhodey” Rhodes). IRON MAN 3 is produced by Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Louis D’Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz. The film is being directed by Shane Black who is working on the script with Drew Pearce. The film releases in the United States on May 3, 2013, and is being distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in all territories worldwide other than in China (which is being distributed by DMG Entertainment) and Germany/Austria (which is being distributed by the Tele München Group). 
“The popularity of the Marvel franchise globally creates a huge opportunity to deliver fans yet another action packed film,” said Stanley Cheung, Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company, Greater China. “The co-production of IRON MAN 3 in China is testimony to the importance of this audience to Disney and the local industry capability to deliver a blockbuster title,” he added. 
“We look forward to working alongside DMG to bring IRON MAN to the Chinese marketplace in a significant way. We are confident that Marvel’s stories will continue to be enjoyed by Chinese audiences, and adding a local flavor, and working with our new local partner, will enhance the appeal and relevance of our characters in China’s fast-growing film marketplace” said Rob Steffens, General Manager of Operations and Finance for Marvel Studios. 
“Our collaboration with Disney and Marvel marks a milestone in the global entertainment landscape, as this signifies the first multi-billion dollar franchise to be produced between Hollywood and China,” said Dan Mintz, CEO of DMG Entertainment. “The IRON MAN franchise has been a major success worldwide, and we look forward to pushing the series to new heights with IRON MAN 3. The movie will further build upon its compelling storyline, and feature the hottest A-list stars, and spectacular action, which will resonate well both globally and in China, the second largest box office market in the world.” 
The first installment of IRON MAN lifted off with high-speed, high-flying action when jet-setting industrialist Tony Stark survives an unexpected attack and escapes by building a high-tech robotic suit of armor. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man. Straight from the pages of the legendary comic book, Iron Man is a hero who is built—not born—to be unlike any other and made US$581 million at the global box office when released in 2008. Based on Marvel’s iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN 2 continued the story of the 2008 summer box office blockbuster IRON MAN, and made US$624 million at the global box office when released in 2010. 
Now, IRON MAN 3 continues the story with a new chapter that will deliver more heart-pounding action than ever before. Marvel Studios’ IRON MAN 3 will find Tony Stark with his back against the wall, facing his most fearsome foes yet. 
Shooting is expected to commence in May in the United States and begin location filming in China in late summer 2012.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Box Office Watch: 2/19/12

While many are claiming the latest Ghost Rider film's opening weekend makes the film a failure, might it actually be a big win for star Nicolas Cage?

The estimates are in for the weekend and it appears that Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance has debuted in third place, with $22 million. In addtion, predictions are currently running at a $26-27 mil total for the four-day weekend, and I would personally predict a seven-day total of $30-32 mil.

It is without a doubt a soft opening for any Marvel-branded film, yet seems to fall well above the true bombs like 2008's Punisher: Warzone which debuted at just 4.2 mil and 2005's Elektra, which debuted at just $12.8 mil.

As the only Marvel film to debut in the 20 million range, its closest comparable films are the first two Blade films, whose opening weekends earned them $17 mil and $32 million respectively and went on to earn $70 mil and $82 mil in domestic totals.

And yet...

While this may be the Marvel brand's worst opening in several years, this is also star Nicolas Cage's biggest opener as a headlining star since 2009's Knowing, and the 10th biggest opening of his nearly 60-film career. This is especially worth noting because only 3.5 million dollars currently seperates this from being his 5th biggest opening instead of the 10th.

If that sticks out to you, it should -- five of his biggest hits opened smack dab in the middle of the 20 to 30 million dollar range. It is perhaps ironic then, that commentators have been claiming Cage's lack of star credibility as the reason for the film's weak opening when it is in fact an average debut weekend for the actor, and an uptick from his films in recent years.

So congratulations Mr. Cage, your career might be back on the rise... if the abysmal critical reception doesn't weigh you down.

Final Assessment:

It seems unlikely, but IF it can hold on to screens and audiences as well as the Blade duo and Knowing did, the film could potentially end it's run in the $70-80 mil range. If not, it should at least be able to top 50 mil.

--

If possible, I'll do follow-up on Friday regarding the weekend actuals, the 7-day total, and the film's international earnings.