It's all MARVEL-lous

As anyone reading this site may already know, Marvel (now owned by Disney) are planning something bigger that any other production company has ever planned before. Many characters from the Marvel Universe are coming together from previous films to unite in 'The Avengers', written and directed by Joss Whedon (Buffy). This is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will resemble a lot from the comics but with some notable omissions.

So lets take it one step at a time, break it down, take a look at some the links and see where we are, shall we ?

WARNING - MAY INCLUDE SPOILERS

The film will feature the following in pivotal roles:

Iron Man - Robert Downney Jnr. plays Tony Stark/Iron Man. Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) makes an appearance after the end credits and lays down the foundations of what's to come.

The Incredible Hulk - the second Hulk film sees Ed Norton playing Bruce Banner/The Hulk. At the end of the film Tony Stark (Robert Downney Jnr.) approaches General Ross in a bar regarding S.H.I.E.L.D / Avengers initiative and a possible partnership together. Also worth pointing out that in an alternate opening found on the DVD/Blu Ray Captain America can be seen frozen in ice.

Iron Man 2 - Captain America's prototype shield makes a prominent appearance and is crucial in helping Tony Stark. Nick Fury is featured heavily discussing S.H.I.E.L.D with Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) ends up working for Stark Industries so her character is flawlessly introduced. At the end of the film Nick Fury is seen with Tony Stark in a safe-house. There are multiple monitors featuring, amongst other things, a news report from the college campus featured in the Incredible Hulk (which suggests Iron Man 2 takes place slightly before The Incredible Hulk) and another monitor shows a crater which links very nicely into Thor.

After the credits there is a great scene in which Agent Coulson find's Thor's hammer in a huge crater.

Thor - Chris Hemsworth plays Thor and the basic premise is that Thor is banished to earth with his mighty Hammer. This is found by SHIELD (agent Coulson) and Thor tries to retrieve it. At the time of writing this Thor has yet to be released in the UK but as soon as I have the pleasure of seeing it I will post a full review including easter eggs and clues.

Captain America - Still yet to be released, this is set n 1942 during the second world war Steve Rogers(Chris Evans) is classed as physically unfit to enlist so volunteers for a secret military operation called Project Rebirth. He is transformed into Super Hero Captain America and takes on Hitler's head of advanced weaponry Red Skull (Hugo Weaving). Tony Stark's father Howard is a major character in this film. Joss Whedon has also confirmed that Captain America will arrive in the 21st Century in this episode and not in the Avengers.

So thats what we have so far and it's all looking great isn't it ? All of the actors from the previous films will be getting repeat fees (Samuel L Jackson has signed a 9 picture deal to play Nick Fury) with the exception of Ed Norton playing the Hulk. Rumour has it that Marvel didn't feel he was a team player (which is just a polite way of saying he's a nightmare to work with I suppose) so his role will now be played by Mark Ruffalo. A great choice I think. Mark is a very natural performer in my opinion and will add a lot to the role.I also understand that he will be doing his own motion capture and facial capture so this could be the best looking Hulk yet. The Avengers is set for release in 2012 and I cannot wait !