3, 2, 1 … Marvel Movie Updates

IRON MAN 3 — Before IRON MAN 2 even hits theaters, talk has already begun about IRON MAN 3. Comic book artist Bob Layton, co-creator of War Machine, has recently given indications for where the third Iron Man story may possibly lead. Layton suggests that the “Demon in a Bottle” story, which has Tony Stark succumb to the crippling effects of alcoholism while Justin Hammer attempts to take over Stark International. In addition, Layton suggests War Machine’s introduction in IRON MAN 2 could lead to his own spin-off movie, or his replacing Iron Man as a member of THE AVENGERS movie. Then again, both of these War Machine possibilities were fairly predictable. A War Machine spin-off would be kinda cool, but could also prove a little old hat at that point given the similarity and connection to Iron Man. True comic book fans would likely embrace it, but general audiences may not see the need for the spin-off and find it redundant before giving it a chance.

GHOST RIDER 2 — My concern is with David S. Goyer possibly taking the helm. He’s a fairly awesome writer within the genre, but his directorial outings have been limited to BLADE: TRINITY, THE INVINCIBLE and THE UNBORN… none of which were very well-received by critics or fans. Read more about this Marvel Movie news from Kirk.

THOR — With production set to begin next week, director Kenneth Branagh is finalizing his casting choices for THOR. We already have Chris Hemsworth (STAR TREK) playing Thor, Natalie Portman (V FOR VENDETTA) playing Jane Foster, Anthony Hopkins (SILENCE OF THE LAMBS) playing Odin, Rene Russo (THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR) as Frigga, and Samuel L. Jackson maintaining his Nick Fury role, but there are some new announcements. Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd (PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN) has joined the cast and will likely play Professor Andrew Ford and Academy Award nominee Adriana Barraza (BABEL) has joined as an unspecified human character, likely that of Isabel Alvarez. Rounding out the cast are Kat Dennings (NICK & NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST) as Darcy, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Ray Stevenson (PUNISHER: WAR ZONE) as Volstagg, Stuart Townsend (THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN) as Fandral, Tadanobu Asano (MONGOL) as Hogun the Grim, Idris Elba (ROCKNROLLA) as Heimdall, and Colm Feore (CHANGELING) as an unspecified villain. With this director and cast, THOR is bound to be incredible and is currently set to hit theaters on May 6, 2011.

Source: IRON MAN 3, MTV News / GHOST RIDER 2, IGN / THOR, Marvel