Captain America
© Marvel Comics
Mania's Top Maniacal Rumors: Hulk Hints, Holy Superman and Return of Spidey's Old Foe
By: Jarrod SarafinDate: Friday, April 25, 2008
It’s time for another edition of Mania’s Most Maniacal Rumors, where we blow the lid off the week’s juiciest gossip and hush-hush industry whispers. If you have a rumor you want to contribute, we’re all ears. Just send it to jarrod@mania.com.
Hulk’s Super Soldier Formula Hints at Avengers and Captain America Films?
Rumor: In Mania’s coverage of the NYCC Hulk Panel, columnist Robert Trate confirmed the SSF appearing in the Hulk film and asked Marvel headman and producer Kevin Feige about the possibilities.
Mania Verdict: TRUE—Kevin was cryptic by saying it’s definitely an “Easter Egg” but there can be no doubt that with Captain America and Avengers coming soon to theaters, they’re laying the groundwork with a wider story arc.
Superman an Angry God?
Brandon Routh looking down upon Earth in SUPERMAN RETURNS(2006).
© Warner Bros
Rumor: A wild rumor popped up from Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull telling Hamilton students that the next Superman film will focus on him being an “angry god.”
Mania Verdict: FALSE—We find it more likely that he was kidding around at a conference in Wellin Hall. Previous reports confirm that the sequel, Superman: Man of Steel, will include more action.
No Incredible Fighting Between Leterrier and Edward Norton?
Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) examines a vial in THE INCREDIBLE HULK(2008).
© Universal Pictures
Rumor: After weeks of rumors surrounding the post-production editing process of the Incredible Hulk, director Louis Leterrier denies the reports of a split between him and producer-star Edward Norton on the “final cut” of the film.
Mania Verdict: FALSE—He may be denying the internal strife in the quote below but there have been confirmations of the issue and there was no Norton presence at the NYCC in promotion of the film. Here’s what the director had to say.
"It's so unsettling, because it's not true," Leterrier said. "Listen, when you have problems [on a film], you learn what to do. Everyone comes to an agreement where everyone agrees to say it was one thing or it was another thing. But [this controversy] is not a real thing, so I am saying one thing and [producer] Kevin [Feige] will say another thing, because it's a non-issue."
Willem Dafoe Returns in Spider-Man 4?
Willem Dafoe stars as Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin in Sam Raimi's SPIDER-MAN
© Sony Pictures
Rumor: Rumors have popped up whether actor Willem Dafoe will return as the deceased Green Goblin after the actor indicated “maybe” in an interview.
Mania Verdict: FALSE—There is no reason for him to return. He gave the magazine a maybe, depending on if Raimi returns. But we know Raimi has his hands full with a new Jack Ryan trilogy and a new Wizard’s Rule television series. Tobey Maquire also has a lot of projects lined up, and with Harry no longer in the picture, it seems likely a fourth Spider-Man will feature an all new cast.
No More Justice League?
A snapshot of the Justice League.
© DC Comics
Rumor: Rumors have been running for months whether this film will ever happen—from WGA issues to location snafus—and the latest from Joel Silver says the project has been tabled.
Mania Verdict: MAYBE—Silver has no reason to lie here and the pre-production issues of Justice League Mortal have been a mess to begin with. Lack of news surrounding the project recently seems to hint that Silver is correct here. We’re sure a Justice League film is coming eventually…but not anytime soon.
Speed Racer 2 on the Horizon?
Snapshot of a scene in SPEED RACER(2008).
© Warner Bros.
Rumor: Before the original even comes out (May 9), producer Joel Silver was once again at the heart of the rumor mill, hinting that they have sequel plans.
