You can tell we've entered a new Marvel phase because the rumors are flying around faster than ever, and they encompass both the movie and TV worlds. Marvel has been searching high and low for an African-American director to lead Black Panther, approaching F. Gary Gray and Ava DuVernay for the job. Neither accepted it, and now Heroic Hollywood reports that Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed) is in the mix.
Coogler has been on fire since hooking up with Michael B. Jordan on Fruitvale Staion, and is already seen as one of today's top young filmmakers. This would give him a chance to work with another hot young star in Chadwick Boseman, who will play the titular Wakandan king. Joe Robert Cole is writing the screenplay and as of right now there aren't a lot of details, but in theory in seems like a strong move for Coogler. Assuming Creed is a hit, too, he'll have two successful films under his belt; one a dramatic piece and the other a franchise picture. There is plenty of time for him to decide as Black Panther doesn't open until February 16th 2018.
While it may be titled Thor: Ragnarok, suggesting the Asgardians are pretty much doomed, there's a chance the film may be kind of a comedy. First came the hiring of director Taika Waititi, best known for movies that make people laugh, and then there was the recent news that the Hulk could be part of the story, which would guarantee an 'odd couple' clashing of super-powered wills. The latest update from Birth.Movies.Death say the screenplay by Chris Kyle is one of Marvel's darkest, which is why Waititi was brought in to brighten things up for what will be a "cosmic road trip" involving the two Avengers.On this road trip they will encounter the Valkyrior, Asgardian warrior maidens who ride winged horses to escort fallen heroes to Valhalla. This will be a way to introduce two female characters into the MCU: the heroic Valkyrie and her mortal enemy, Enchantress. Valkyrie aka Brunhilde, is a former member of the Avengers and a one-time lover of Thor, so there could be some romantic sparks, as well. Marvel is really looking to add a bit more diversity and by including two prominent female roles they're accomplishing just that.
Shifting gears to Marvel's Netflix side of things, Umberto Gonzalez dropped a rumor on the Collider Podcast that a Moon Knight series could be in the works. Moon Knight is a gritty, street-level character who would fit in perfectly with Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones. With rumors swirling that Iron Fist may not happen at all, this could be seen as a replacement.
