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Guilty Pleasures; Whatever Floats your Boats
Topic Started: Dec 21 2011, 12:03 AM (70,803 Views)
Doctor Magnus Warlock
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What the New AGE OF ULTRON Info Suggests About the Future of IRON MAN in the Marvel Cinematic Universe


by Michael Doran

Date: 16 July 2014 Time: 10:45 AM ET

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[a version of this story was originally published on February 7, 2014. Given the new information regarding the plot of Avengers: Age of Ultron revealed this week in Entertainment Weekly, we've revised the story to reflect the new information.]

Marvel Studios might soon have a Robert Downey, Jr. problem.

Let’s be clear and simple here – the 48 year old actor is the no-argument MVP and lynchpin of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which through Captain America: The Winter Soldier, has yet to show a crack in its armor (see what we did there?)

But, Downey Jr. is only signed for two more films – 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron and the eventual Avengers 3, at a likely very high rate of pay, at that.

So Marvel Studios is likely going to someday face a future Marvel movie-verse without the now-iconic Downey Jr.-as-Tony Stark, maybe sooner than they’d like. After all, the now-nearly 50 year-old actor is likely going to want to flex his creative muscles and marketing power at its peak, without having to commit to months-long, highly-physical Marvel shoots every year or so.

If only there was a way for Marvel and ‘RDJ’ to have their Iron cake, and eat it too.

How can the casting of Paul Bettany as The Vision , graduating from his role as Iron Man’s on-board AI co-pilot/man Friday J.A.R.V.I.S. help extend Downey Jr.’s role in the MCU?

We’ve got a crazy theory about the plot of Avengers: Age of Ultron that we think would help get the job done.

Here’s the conjecture of one Senior Editor that thinks about these things more than is probably advisable (Hey, I got Khan right a few years back!)

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Let’s begin by reminding ourselves of a couple of key things that we know about Age of Ultron, or at least Whedon wants us to think we know.

Two things stand out, straight from the mouth the writer/director/guru himself:

1.) A theme of the sequel is “Death, death and death.”

2.) In an early interview last year, asked what threat they’ll face in the sequel Whedon responded cryptically – “Themselves. We're all our own worst enemy."

3.) Newly added to our knowledge of the film is Stark is in fact the creator of Ultron, and another theme is "There’s no abdicating heroism.”

And thus we begin our speculative plot coverage of Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Playing off themes from Iron Man 3, and as reported by Entertainment Weekly, Tony Stark (again, the lynchpin of the MCU) creates Ultron, an artificially intelligent android (J.A.R.V.I.S. on steroids) tasked with taking the pressure off the Avengers as the Earth's last line of defense, but who gains sentience and decides the greatest threat to Earth is mankind.

This takes care of the “Avengers against themselves” scenario, as Stark is now the "father" (sorry, Hank) of the greatest threat the Earth ever faced (until Thanos shows up, of course). In tent-pole movie terms, the price you usually pay for this sort of tragic hubris is often the ultimate tragedy - your life. Tony falls trying to right his wrong.

Yes, you read that right, we’re saying Tony Stark dies at the hand of his own creation trying to make good. This not only satisfies Whedon’s “death” tease, but would also serve as the galvanizing force that serves as the inspiration for the sequel’s third act.

Key deaths and near-deaths have become key to Marvel's house style. Stark's own near-death in Iron Man, Iron Man 2 (he was dying most of the movie) and The Avengers. The death of Bucky, the near-death (the Odin sleep) of Odin, the death of Coulson, the near-death of Happy Hogan, the death Frigga, and the apparent death of Nick Fury have been plot devices in nearly every Marvel Cinematic Universe film so far.

With Age of Ultron expected to top them all, fans should expect not only a death, but a major one at that.

Then, when all hope is seemingly still lost and Ultron is still winning, even with frenemies-new teammates like Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch in the fold to bolster the team, Stark’s ultimate failsafe protocol emerges – The Vision.

Who’s The Vision you ask – well, his body is an upgraded version of the "Phineas T. Horton" Easter egg version of the Human Torch in the early World’s Fair scene in Captain America: The First Avenger (what, you thought that was just a throwaway?), powered by J.A.R.V.I.S.’s programming (and looking a lot like Paul Bettany, of course).

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But waitaminute you say – The Vision isn’t just an android. The essence of the Vision is he’s a “synthezoid”/artificial intelligence imprinted with the brain patterns ... or soul ... of a tragically fallen hero, in the comic books that being Simon Williams – a.k.a. Wonder Man.

And you'd be right. This is a vital, necessary component to who and what the Vision is. Whedon has revealed Ultron isn't a classically 'evil' character hell-bent on world domination - he's programmed to protect the Earth and extinguishing humans becomes the warped product of his programming. The day can't be saved by just another artificial intelligence with combat capabilities. The Vision will need that human soul to differentiate himself from Ultron.

Annnnndddd … it all comes together. Yes, Tony Stark becomes the soul of the Vision. Stark’s human brain patterns, combined with J.A.R.V.I.S.’s A.I., in a more human-like android’s body.

Too far-fetched? Maybe. But it does kill a few birds with one stone. For one it ups the ante on a film that’s going to be near impossible to top, and as Whedon well knows, the second act in a genre film series often have moments you least expect – think (SPOILER WARNINGS) “Luke, I am your father”, or Spock dying in Wrath of Khan. Whedon understands the history he’s up against.

Also recall Marvel has not announced or even hinted at a fourth Iron Man, and while Downey Jr. (and again, his escalating age and price tag) has signed on for Age of Ultron and Avengers 3, no promises were made regarding the size of his role in the third leg of the trilogy.

But hold on, didn’t we just say Tony Stark dies?

Yup. So what the hell kind of role is 'dead guy #1' in Avengers 3?

Wait for it...

Imagine the inevitable Age of Ultron post-credits scene: Tony Stark’s funeral ... all the principle Marvel movie players gather ... the Vision looks on hovering from a distance. Then J.A.R.V.I.S./Bettany’s voice says something like, “It really is a lovely ceremony, sir,” and Tony Stark/Downey’s voice and face come on screen in the familiar inside-the-helmet-close-up delivering some wise-assy Stark-Downey quip.

…and moviegoers go crazy.

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Yes, Tony’s brainwaves are now the Vision’s “human” co-pilot ala Simon's, with J.A.R.V.I.S. being in the captain’s chair – the movie Iron Man dynamic in reverse but also spiritually true to the comic book Vision.

Is that crazy? We warned it might be. But it would give Marvel a means to keep Downey Jr.’s trademark wit, charm, and more importantly, kinetic energy in Avengers 3 (and perhaps even in the future films) minus a full-on, months-long principle photography commitment from the actor, while Bettany takes over the motion-capture heavy-lifting.

It would give Age of Ultron a high-stakes, unexpected "death (maybe Rhodey - who curiously appears in Age of Ultron - takes over as Iron Man proper?), while at the same time giving birth to a new character paying homage (without being a slave) to Marvel history, and provides a very practical solution to a very practical RDJ dilemma.

Well, we said it was crazy… you didn’t believe us?

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Still from Avengers: Age of Ultron
CREDIT: Marvel Studios


http://www.newsarama.com/18819-crazy-theory-theater-the-avengers-sequel-ultron-and-the-vision.html
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Doctor Magnus Warlock
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Meet Marvel's AVENGERS NOW! - Female Thor, Falcon-Cap, New Iron Man Suit, More


by Lucas Siegel, Site Editor

Date: 17 July 2014 Time: 12:37 AM ET


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Meet Marvel's Avengers NOW!

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All-New Captain America #1, from Remender and Immonen November, 2014
CREDIT: Marvel Comics
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Yes, the next phase of Marvel NOW!, Marvel Comics' initiative that's run twice offering new first issues and refreshed looks at characters, new creative teams, and some drastic changes, is focused solely on the Avengers line of their superhero universe. In an announcement late Wednesday night at EW.com, Marvel announced the new initiative, which will feature fresh first issues for their "big three," plus new issues, storyarcs, and pushes for other Avengers characters. The characters in the teaser poster will all be getting "prominent" roles in the Marvel Universe as 2014 closes out and 2015 begins.

We already know about Thor #1, starring a new female Thor in October, and All-New Captain America #1 is confirmed as beginning in November, starring Sam "The Falcon" Wilson as the newest person to lift Captain America's shield. Add to that Superior Iron Man #1 in November, featuring Tony Stark in San Francisco (incidentally, where Daredevil just moved earlier this year) with a new version of his suit, and "very ambitious plans for the city that some of its residents embrace, but not all," teased Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Axel Alonso.

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Alonso says the new take on Tony Stark, written by Tom Taylor and drawn by Yildiray Cinar (two creators known primarily for their DC Comics work up until now) will be "hard to root for," but will not have his mind taken over by a villain like the "Superior Spider-Man" had.

The newly-confirmd All-New Captain America #1 is still written by current Cap writer Rick Remender, and will be drawn by Stuart Immonen. Thor's new female version will be someone close to Thor, though Alonso still isn't telling. "There are several women in Thor's life, and one of them is going to be the new Thor. you aren't going to find out who it is for some time. This is a slowly unfolding mystery," the E-i-C teased.

Of course, fans can all but rule out one often-speculated contender, Thor and Loki's newly revealed half-sister Angela, as she appears in the Avengers NOW! teaser poster. Along with Angela, (new) Thor, Sam Wilson Captain America, and Iron Man in his new duds, we see The Winter Soldier and Deathlok, both of whom have newly-announced ongoing series, plus upcoming Marvel Studios "Phase 3" stars Ant-Man and Dr. Strange, Avengers: Age of Ultron star Scarlet Witch, and finally Medusa and Inferno of the Inhumans rounding out the list.

We'll have much more on Avengers NOW! and any additional new series at Comic-Con International: San Diego next week.



http://www.newsarama.com/21597-meet-marvel-s-avengers-now-female-thor-falcon-cap-new-iron-man-suit-more.html
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Doctor Magnus Warlock
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On the DC side, John Stewart has problems. In the aftermath of the war between the Green Lantern Corp, and a race of shape-shifters, John makes a startling discovery about his lover, Yrra aka Fatality.

Poor John.

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Doctor Magnus Warlock
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Damn, I may need to update the story of John Stewart & Yrra in my Love & Romance thread.

I have an ideal of when the real Yrra was replaced. I believe John & Yrra were together legitimately before the switch. I am not too sure of their love whenever he finds her.

This adds a whole new meaning to the phrase "sleeping with the enemy".

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Edited by Doctor Magnus Warlock, Jul 17 2014, 12:24 PM.
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Doctor Magnus Warlock
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I'd wear this shirt.

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negroplease

Did you already post about the new black Capt America?

Sorry if Im late to the party.




http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/17/marvel-comics-captain-america-black-falcon





Captain America Falcon Marvel
Falcon as Captain America in the forthcoming Marvel comic book series. Photograph: Marvel
Marvel Comics recently announced that it would be making its character Thor a woman, following years of being a hammer-wielding picture of masculinity. And it's now continuing its commitment to greater diversity in its universe, announcing that the mantle of Captain America will be taken on by a black character, Falcon.

Captain America was originally Steve Rodgers, a relatively feeble man who is given superpowers by an experimental growth serum, and fights the Nazis in World War II. The character is currently at the heart of Marvel's big-screen outings alongside Iron Man, Thor and the Incredible Hulk, with two movies and a spinoff TV show.

In Marvel's comics series, Rodgers faces a terrible foe in Iron Nail, who drains him of his superpowers, rendering him an old and frail man. He will therefore pass his stars-and-stripes shield to Sam Wilson, an ally who goes by the superhero name of the Falcon – he has a winged suit that allows him to fly, and also has a telepathic link with birds. The character appeared in this year's Captain America movie sequel, The Winter Soldier, played by Anthony Mackie.

Falcon was created in 1969, and was one of the first African-American superheroes. But even in 2014, high-profile black superheroes are still relatively rare. The Avengers' Nick Fury being a notable exception, while African-American actor Michael B Jordan will play Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four in a forthcoming movie reboot – which is traditionally a white character.

"This is the fireworks factory we're arriving at, and now everything's going to blow up and be very pretty and exciting to look at," said Rick Remender, the author of the forthcoming book series. "I've been having a lot of fun writing Sam. It's a completely different attitude. The fact that he's not a soldier shifts things up a bit. Sam's not going to be Steve. Steve can be very rigid. That can be kind of joyless at times, whereas Sam is absolutely not that.

"He's a modern day man in touch with the problems of the 21st century. For most of his professional life, Sam has worked as a social worker, so he's seen the worst of urban society up close, and how crime, poverty, lack of social structure and opportunity can affect the community. So he's got perhaps a greater focus on the plight of the common man, and perhaps a greater empathy for the underprivileged than maybe even Steve himself."

In the new series of stories, Falcon will be mentored by the former Captain America in taking on the terrorist organisation Hydra. The series will carry the name All-New Captain America, and will debut in the autumn.w.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/17/marvel-comics-captain-america-black-falcon
Edited by negroplease, Jul 17 2014, 03:10 PM.
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U Thant
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EveryonelovesSUA
Jul 17 2014, 03:09 PM
... the new Capt America?


You got the wrong guilty pleasure portal, baby-girl, as this is the most ;) magnificent "shield in America" no doubt;









Edited by U Thant, Jul 17 2014, 06:55 PM.
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Doctor Magnus Warlock
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EveryonelovesSUA
Jul 17 2014, 03:09 PM
Did you already post about the new black Capt America?

Sorry if Im late to the party.




http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/17/marvel-comics-captain-america-black-falcon





Captain America Falcon Marvel
Falcon as Captain America in the forthcoming Marvel comic book series. Photograph: Marvel
Marvel Comics recently announced that it would be making its character Thor a woman, following years of being a hammer-wielding picture of masculinity. And it's now continuing its commitment to greater diversity in its universe, announcing that the mantle of Captain America will be taken on by a black character, Falcon.

Captain America was originally Steve Rodgers, a relatively feeble man who is given superpowers by an experimental growth serum, and fights the Nazis in World War II. The character is currently at the heart of Marvel's big-screen outings alongside Iron Man, Thor and the Incredible Hulk, with two movies and a spinoff TV show.

In Marvel's comics series, Rodgers faces a terrible foe in Iron Nail, who drains him of his superpowers, rendering him an old and frail man. He will therefore pass his stars-and-stripes shield to Sam Wilson, an ally who goes by the superhero name of the Falcon – he has a winged suit that allows him to fly, and also has a telepathic link with birds. The character appeared in this year's Captain America movie sequel, The Winter Soldier, played by Anthony Mackie.

Falcon was created in 1969, and was one of the first African-American superheroes. But even in 2014, high-profile black superheroes are still relatively rare. The Avengers' Nick Fury being a notable exception, while African-American actor Michael B Jordan will play Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four in a forthcoming movie reboot – which is traditionally a white character.

"This is the fireworks factory we're arriving at, and now everything's going to blow up and be very pretty and exciting to look at," said Rick Remender, the author of the forthcoming book series. "I've been having a lot of fun writing Sam. It's a completely different attitude. The fact that he's not a soldier shifts things up a bit. Sam's not going to be Steve. Steve can be very rigid. That can be kind of joyless at times, whereas Sam is absolutely not that.

"He's a modern day man in touch with the problems of the 21st century. For most of his professional life, Sam has worked as a social worker, so he's seen the worst of urban society up close, and how crime, poverty, lack of social structure and opportunity can affect the community. So he's got perhaps a greater focus on the plight of the common man, and perhaps a greater empathy for the underprivileged than maybe even Steve himself."

In the new series of stories, Falcon will be mentored by the former Captain America in taking on the terrorist organisation Hydra. The series will carry the name All-New Captain America, and will debut in the autumn.w.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/17/marvel-comics-captain-america-black-falcon
You are never too late, SUA.
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U Thant
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Pleasures of guilt, make lovely quilt




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Doctor Magnus Warlock
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Nothing guilty about those who have taken an oath to serve & protect ensuring this mother gets the pleasure of tucking her young child in bed after an incident like this.

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