Marvel Universe Unlimited's "Pick Of The Week" . . .

The pick of the week for the week of November 9th is none other than IRON MAN #1.  The story is written by scribe Kieron Gillen and penciled by artist Greg Land.  This title has a price point of $3.99, and will be on store shelves tomorrow.(also available for digital download)

Millionaire Playboy, technological genius, philanthropist, AVENGER . . . Tony Starks is one of the founding members of one of Earth's mightiest superhero teams, The AVENGERS, but the iron avenger has more on his plate than his duties with the team.  Tony has developed the technological wonder called Extremis, but in the wrong hands it has become a virus.  Now Starks must figure a way to deal with this deadly creation he is responsible for, but this might be more than his regular suit of armor can deal with.

Can Tony Starks come up with an answer to the Extremis Virus, will his golden avenger suit be enough . . . or will there be a NEW Armor to deal with this new challenge?  Join MARVEL Now, along with Kieron Gillen and Greg Land as they bring to you a fresh new series starring the ultimate weapon against evil, the armor of IRON MAN! Nuff Said!

Merc to appear in next salvo of MARVEL films . . .

Recent news broke that the Mercenary named CROSSBONES would be involved in the next stage of MARVEL films as a major player.  Rumors are actor Frank Grillo would play the Merc in the upcoming sequel "CAPTAIN AMERICA: The Winter Soldier.'

  Apparently, the rumors have some legs and more has been revealed.  It was later announced that CROSSBONES would be in as many as three films.  Two of these films have been identified as "Winter Soldier" and "AVENGERS 2," with the third not being confirmed as of yet.  Since he is basically a CAPTAIN AMERICA foe, it wouldn't make sense to have him appear in any of the other films slated to be released, which could mean a possible third Cap film.

Stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for more information on these and more topics concerning signings and news about AVENGERS 2, CAPTAIN AMERICA: Winter Soldier, and other MARVEL properties.

Comedian/Actor Jamie Foxx in talks to play Electro . . .

We all know Jamie Foxx is funny, but is he electric?  We may find out soon as the actor/comedian is in talks to play the villain ELECTRO in the upcoming SPIDER-MAN sequel to "The Amazing Spider-Man" which starred Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, directed by Marc Webb.

  The actor recently treated Twitter followers to a picture of him in his Halloween costume this year dressed as the Spidey foe along with a quote that read "dressed up as Electro . . . fits well."  Recently at a press junket for this Tuesday's release of "The Amazing Spider-Man" on Blu-ray and DVD, director Marc Webb wouldn't confirm or deny Foxx's comments but hinted that the stories were true.

The main members of the cast are set, returning as Peter Parker/SPIDER-MAN is Andrew Garfield while actress Emma Stone is set to reprise her role as Gwen Stacy.  Rumors of long time Spidey love interest Mary Jane making an appearance. One of the actresses in talks for the future girlfriend of Peter Parker is Shailene Woodley.

  "The Amazing SPIDER-MAN 2" is slated for a May 2, 2014 release date with production set to begin early next year. Director Marc Webb will return while produced by MARVEL Studios in conjunction with Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures, Stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for more information on this and upcoming news pertaining to MARVEL comics and "The Amazing SPIDER-MAN."

The WOLVERINE may not be a "Prequel" after all . . .

Next summer's Twentieth Century Fox/Marvel Enterprises film "The WOLVERINE" starring Hugh Jackman returning in the title role as everyone's favorite canuckle head with claws, was supposed to be a prequel to the first film "Origins," but recently director James Mangold has gone on record saying the film "Where this film sits in the universe  of films is after them all…"

A recent photo from the set has popped up showing Jackman's character WOLVERINE with his claws extended but minus the famous unbreakable adamantium covering.  This can only mean one thing . . . flashback sequences!  It's still set to loosely follow the Frank Miller written 80's mini series set in Japan.  There have also been rumors of actress Famke Janssen's appearance on set which means a Jean Grey cameo.  Mangold told Empire Magazine he didn't want to try and force his film to "fit" in an already established timeline. Problems making the film's story coincide and end where other X-films began to make them mesh would have hindered his vision.

The WOLVERINE is set for a July 26, 2013 release date and stars Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Brian Tee, and Hiroyuki Sanada.  It's written by Christopher McQuarrie and Mark Bomback, and wil be directed by James Mangold.  Stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for more breaking developments on this and other stories concerning Twentieth Century Fox's "The WOLVERINE" and other news from Marvel Comics.

The FIRST LOOK at the IRON MAN 3 Trailer and some Casting Shots . . .

The brand new trailer for IRON MAN 3 was leaked a little while ago to be shown at the New York Comic-con  and we here at MarvelUniverseUnlimited.com got our sweaty little repulsors on it to show you for your viewing pleasure.  Some interesting clips shown in the trailer, new armors, introducing a bevy of new characters, and also some familiar faces returning.  Also this week, news media publication Entertainment Weekly released a photo of accomplished actor Ben Kingsley in costume as Tony Starks old nemesis "The MANDARIN!"   Also making an appearance in the trailer is well known character actor Guy Pierce.

Here is a look at Kinglsey in costume as "The MANDARIN"(courtesy of Entertainment Weekly) and a look at the trailer for the upcoming April Release of IRON MAN 3 from MARVEL Studios.  Stay tuyned to MarvelUniverseUnlimited.com for more on this and other late developing stories regarding IRON MAN 3, and other MARVEL projects in the near future.

DAREDEVIL Rights Unofficially go back to MARVEL . . .

There has been no official statement yet, but it seems that the rights to MARVEL'S DAREDEVIL character will be returning to them soon.  As of now, 20th Century Fox owns the film rights to DAREDEVIL as well as FANTASTIC FOUR, and a few other MARVEL properties, some through association with the aforementioned titles.  A rumor was being spread that a deal was being worked on to swap creative rights of a few characters under the FF banner for an extension of time on DAREDEVIL, namely SILVER SURFER and GALACTUS who might have played a part in plans to do a specific storyline in the thread of films leading up to AVENGERS 2.

This would seem to be false with news of the characters impending film rights returning to MARVEL soon.  In any event, FOX reportedly was in talks with director Joe Carnahan to do a Frank Miller styled re-boot of the hero.  Carnahan reached out to his Twitter followers yesterday with the following tweet . . ."…idea for a certain retro, red-suited, Serpico-styled superhero went up in smoke today kids."  Carnahan also asked twitter followers if they wanted to see the "sizzle" trailer he pitched to FOX and released two versions, an NC-17 and PG-13 rated clip.  Here is the NC-17 version of . . .

The trailer was made up of a montage of old films with some clips from the Ben Affleck version of DAREDEVIL, it seems to be to mature for a Disney/MARVEL film, but one can only hope that they do something close if and when they decide to green light the project again.  All I can say is this looks like it would've been AWESOME! Stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for more on this and other MARVEL related stories.

Marvel Universe Unlimited's "Pick Of The Week" . . .

The pick of the week for the week of August 6th is none other than GAMBIT #1.  This title is written by James Asmus with artwork by Clay Mann.  The issue has a price point of $2.99 and will be on store shelves this Wed.(Also available for digital download)

MARVEL'S number 1 pilferer has finally got his own title, GAMBIT is set to run through the MARVEL Universe in his own charismatic, flirtatious, action packed way.  The mutant with the ability to kinetically charge any non organic item takes a sabbatical from his X-duties to handle a little Cajun business of his own.

Writer James Asmus describes the series as "Indiana Jones meets Mission Impossible" . . . Get to your local comic stores on Wed. and pick up GAMBIT #1 from James Asmus and Clay Mann, and from MARVEL Comics. Nuff Said!

by Lethal Bhudda

Trade talk for the rights to DAREDEVIL Franchise . . .

20th Century Fox is under pressure to put out a re boot of the DAREDEVIL franchise, or lose the rights to the character back to MARVEL Studios/Disney pretty soon.  Variety.com has reported that Fox even has a director that their in talks with to direct a more edgy "Frank Miller" style story featuring "the man without fear" from Hell's Kitchen.  Joe Carnahan is the man chosen to re-invent the DAREDEVIL film franchise.  The only problem is, time is running out for the studio to start production on the project, if not done by October 10th, the character will return to the MARVEL stable.

There may be a way to work out the problem, MARVEL Execs have been in contact with Fox chairman Tom Rothman and discussed ways to extend the license for Fox to have more time to get its project off the ground.  Nothing is official as of yet, from the choice of Carnahan as director, to the proposed deal with MARVEL, but it's being reported that things are heading down that path. 

The deal on the table between Fox and MARVEL/Disney would allow Fox more time in exchange for the rights to use some of the characters in the FANTASTIC FOUR Universe, namely GALACTUS the World Eater and the SILVER SURFER.  Both characters were packaged in the deal that gave Fox the FF franchise.

  GALACTUS may play a major role in future continuity from MARVEL studios and their planned "Gaurdians Of The Galaxy" film franchise and a possible tie in with future stories, as his galactic footprint is felt all over the MARVEL Universe when it comes to major world/galaxy encompassing stories.  Also, his herald, SILVER SURFER would prove useful in stories pertaining to his creator GALACTUS, or other inter galactic tales.  The deal is tentative at the moment, but allegedly has been proposed to FOX.  Neither side has officially released a statement on the deal, but stick around and stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for more on this developing story.

by Lethal Bhudda

MARVEL NOW! Cover for IRON MAN #1 . . .

MARVEL Comics in conjunction with their MARVEL NOW! re-launch heading to comic book stores everywhere this fall has released a sneak peek at the cover of their upcoming title, IRON MAN #1.  The team of Kieron Gillen and Greg Land will be handling the creative duties on the Iron Avenger's adventures.

a brief description from MARVEL on the new IRON MAN title goes as follows . . . "Technical visionary. Unparalleled engineer. Avenger. Iron Man has done it all, from combating the greatest threats facing the Marvel Universe to dealing with his own inner demons. Now, when his greatest invention becomes his greatest mistake, Iron Man must act fact…and build faster! The lethal techno virus Extremis is out in the wild and for grabs to the highest bidder! It’s up to Tony Stark to contain it and that means creating a new suit of armor!"

Gillen and  Land have promised to deliver some surprises for the fans of IRON MAN, as Tony Stark will have new foes, make new scientific discoveries, and have plenty of new armors. In an interview with MARVEL.Com, Guillen said "There will be a lot f changes in the armor throughout the series; in the first five issues, there will be a different armor every issue."
Stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for more breaking news on the upcoming launch of MARVEL NOW! and be on the lookout for IRON MAN #1 this November!  Nuff Said!

By Lethal Bhudda

Information compiled from Marvel Comics, Marvel.com, and Variety.com

THOR Sequel Gets A New Cast Member . . .

It's being reported by certain media sources(Deadline, Comingsoon.net) that actor Christopher Eccleston has been hired to star in the THOR sequel due out in theaters November 8, 2013.  Eccleston is said to be hired for the role of MALEKITH The Accursed, the part actor Mads Mickelson was forced to back out of due to prior engagements.

  Most notably recognized for portraying "The Doctor" in the BBC television hit show Dr. Who, Eccleston is a veteran with capable acting chops, especially playing villains(Gone In 60 Seconds, G.I.Joe: The Rise Of Cobra) to name a few.  MALEKITH the Accursed is the ruler of the dark elves from one of the Nine Realms of Asgard called Svartalfhiem.  The Dark Elves and the Asgardians have had run ins in the past to say the least, we'll have to wait and see where director Alan Taylor takes the story.

Returning to reprise their roles in the THOR: The Dark World sequel are Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Stellen Skarsgard, and new comer Zachary Levi.  Stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for more casting and news on the film and from MARVEL Comics.  THOR: The Dark World will be in theaters next holiday season November 8, 2013.

by Lethal Bhudda

Marvel announces creative team on HULK…

MARVEL Comics has put out yet another teaser word to describe one of their upcoming MARVEL NOW! releases this fall, and you can probably bet that by the color of the word, and the definition…that they could only be describing one person…thing…Giant...HULK!

The creative duo of Mark Waid handling the writing, and Leinil Francis Yu on pencils should produce an Incredible(no pun intended) pairing with great stories and fantastic artwork.  Waid is on the heels of his Eisner award winning run on DAREDEVIL, where he totally reinvented The Man Without Fear, and Yu is a great artist with runs on such MARVEL heavyweights like X-MEN and WOLVERINE.  Waid recently tweeted out a message to fans saying "Thanks to all for the congrats on HULK, which Leinil Yu and I will take over in November! If you like DAREDEVIL, you'll like this! Promise!"  Hopefully the team takes the Jade Giant back to his more heroic days with massive fights than he has recently been involved with.

Stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for more information on MARVEL NOW! and it's lineups that are being announced in the coming days, and let's get ready for an INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK! Nuff Said!

by Lethal Bhudda

Marvel announces creative team on THOR…

MARVEL Comics has just announced it's second creative team in the form of another teaser like the first one word ad they just released for INVINCIBLE IRON-MAN.  This time the theme is "WORTHY," and makes reference to the phrase etched on the face of the Thunder God's mystic hammer, MJOLNIR.  It reads "Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be WORTHY, shall possess the power of THOR". . .

  The creative team that will be responsible for THOR will be Jason Aaron(A v. X, Incredible HULK) will be writing the title, while Esad Ribic(UNCANNY X-FORCE, The Ultimates) will handle the pencils.  The Asgardian's tales will pick up where the current series leaves off, but will be renumbered at #1.

Arron is one of MARVEL'S work horse writer's churning out fabulous storylines for multiple titles and can currently be read finishing up the current crossover with the AVENGERS and the X-MEN.  There is a preview of what THOR will look like being drawn by Ribic, the 2011 limited series Astonishing THOR was pencilled by him.  Stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for further news and developments on this and the rest of the MARVEL NOW! launch coming this fall. Nuff Said!

by Lethal Bhudda

The WOLVERINE Gets 2 New Cast Members . . .

It's been recently reported that Marvel Enterprises and Twentieth Century Fox's upcoming film "The WOLVERINE" due out July 2013 has added two new members to it's cast.  The film which will be directed by James Mangold( Walk The Line, 3:10 To Yuma, Identity), and written by Christopher McQuarrie and Mark Bomback stars fan favorite Hugh Jackman reprising his role as WOLVERINE, is said to pull heavily from the 1982 Chris Claremont, Frank Miller mini series.

  In that series, Logan travels to Japan and gets involved with the Yakuza, the Japanese mob, and the assassin organization known as The Hand.  There is also appearances by The VIPER and an armored ronin, Kenuichio Harada also known as The Silver Samurai.

It was rumored that Jessica Beil would play the Viper, but this is still believed to be a rumor and no confirmation has been announced as of yet.  The Hollywood Reporter released a story recently that actors Brian Tee and Will Yun Lee were the newest additions to the film.

Lee was cast as Silver Samurai, a Japanese mutant with the ability to charge anything from his armor, to more notably his Katana sword with an energy force called a tachyon field, he is the illegitimate son of Yakuza boss Shingen Yashida and longtime partner of the VIPER.

  Actor Brian Tee has also been cast, as Noburo Mori.  Mori has been described as a crooked minister of justice who is slated to marry Mariko Yashida, the daughter of Shingen Yashida and step-sister to Silver Samurai.  This storyline is an EPIC character defining story and nothing new to fans of WOLVERINE.  With heavy influences from Claremont's powerful writing, The WOLVERINE is shaping up to be an incredible film.  Stay tuned to Marveluniverseunlimited.com for more news on the upcoming blockbuster due next year as filming has already begun.

by Lethal Bhudda