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SDCC: Marvel Panel

Hydra and the Cosmic Cube?

By Robert T. Trate     July 26, 2010


Concept design of Chris Evans in Captain America
© Bob Trate

Comic Con definitely ended with bang this year as Marvel Comics took center stage in Hall H with big reveals of both Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger. Marvel Producer Kevin Feige brought the two Avengers as well as their villains, directors and co-stars. Saturday morning might have belonged to the Green Lantern but Marvel toped him with two of their best characters.
 
Captain America:
Director Joe Johnston, Captain America himself Chris Evans and Comic Con favorite Hugo “The Red Skull” Weaving were met with an incredible applause. The downside of Marvel’s panel was that only Weaving has been shooting. Evans has been working five days and done nothing but screen tests. Thankfully Weaving had one scene completed, which was enough to get us through the panel until the film’s release (25 June 2010).
 
In pre-Red Skull attire Weaving with his troops are in search of “the jewel of Odin’s treasure chest” (Thor connection!). After a crypt is broken into we see what appears to be a Cosmic Cube on a warrior’s skeleton. The scene plays out further and the mystery of what he is looking for only teased us further. What we did notice was that the Nazi troops as well as Weaving had patches and insignias that resembled the Hydra logo. It was very subtle but was visible more than once.
 
The teaser trailer was a collection of real World War 2 footage projected over Cap’s shield. There was a shadowy silhouette of Captain America revealed at the end. What got the crowd really going was the quick cut of Cap throwing the shield.
 
Mania’s Take:
What allows us to believe that Joe Johnston knows what he is doing despite The Wolfman debacle is two things. The he Director’s Cut The Wolfman is a far superior film than it’s theatrical release (see Mania’s Column). The more important factor is Johnston citing Ed Brubaker’s Captain America as his favorite.
 
Thor:
The Thor segment of the panel was a 180-degree turn from Captain America: The First Avenger. Practically the entire cast turned out to promote the film. Director Kenneth Branagh not only had his hero Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Loki (Tom Hiddleston) the God of Mischief but his leading ladies and one very familiar S.H.I.E.L.D. agent that wasn’t Samuel Jackson. Despite the living embodiment of Thor on stage and Comic Con babe Natalie Portman, Kenneth Branagh ruled the stage. Branagh answered questions with such a knowledge and grasp of the character that if there had been doubt of him as the director it was now gone.
 
The footage screened was the trailer, twice actually, and it again reiterated that Branagh was the right director for the project. He easily bridges the gap between Asgard and Earth. The film feels epic in scope yet each of the action sequences were gritty and raw. To see the Asgardiansbrought to life didn’t look hokey or strange. Let’s face it, it could have. Instead it was regal and majestic. It was Jack Kirby’s comic book brought to life.
 
Mania’s Take:
It’s going to be a long wait for this one (5 May 2010). Thankfully there will be plenty of time to catch up on Thor and his part of the Marvel Universe.
 
Robert Trate writes two weekly columns for Mania the DVD Shopping Bag and the Toy Maniac. Look for his coverage of The Walking Dead, The Expendables and the JJ Abrams/ Joss Whedon panels.
 

COMICS REVIEWS

COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

Showing items 1 - 10 of 22
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Wiseguy 7/26/2010 2:53:12 AM

I know I'm a big Marvel cheerleader but I haven't have any doubts about these films, the cast or directors. Mania should've transcribed parts of the panel like some other sites.

I love that Indiana Jones feel Capt. America seems to have.

Aand I don't know if this is true or not but CBM is repoorting that Johnston said the Invaders are in the movie and that Namor (Submariner) will be in it but without the ankle wings. If this is true it sounds like huge news that most missed. I though Namor's license was under Universal. Hope this is true

And I read that Branagh managed to work Donald Blake into the story but not in the comic book way. Really curious to see what he has in store there.

Despite some of the changes these guys are making I remain fully optimistic about their takes. It just sounds like the right compromise

Hasn't this been the best comiccon ever as far as news and clips for upcoming films. Thanks to Marvel and Green Lantern

Btw, where's the GL panel?
 

ponyboy76 7/26/2010 3:16:45 AM

This is all great news. When are we going to see the Thor trailer?

And how come no one's mentioned the fact that we now have the full Avengers cast with Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Mark Ruffalo playing Bruce Banner
 

 

Hail Hydra!! If one shall fall, 2 will take its place!

Wiseguy 7/26/2010 3:26:38 AM

I think that Marvel showing the Infinity Gauntlet may mean Thanos for the Avengers? Just the thought ngives me chills

 

Bryzarro 7/26/2010 3:31:16 AM

 And Rob stop getting me all hyped up.  You have the wrong dates on the releases.  2011!!  

Grrr.  I have to get to Comic Con one year.  It seems so sweet to see all these things!  Can't wait.  Marvel is really jumping in big time with their team build up!! 

jedibanner 7/26/2010 6:03:34 AM

Ponyboy, I know, it's weird not may people are talking about the new cast for the Avengers movie.

Not sure Mark Fuffalo is the best choice but, will see with time. Didn't take Marvel too long to switch the actor for Bruce banner though.

It will be THE movie that all geek fans have been waiting for in years. DC can only hope to dream about a project like this. That's why Marvel will ALWAYS be #1, they are willing to make sacrifice with their franchise.

wessmith1966 7/26/2010 6:37:57 AM

From what I read, the scene shown for Captain America tied the movie into Thor's mythology. I really like who Marvel's tying the movies together. Nick Fury, Thor, Cap, Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye...a great Avengers line-up! Ruffalo will be fine as Banner. I still don't think it'll be a big role in the film.

I really like what I've read and heard about Thor. The movie deals with Thor's banishment from Asgard and also his journey to become worthy of wielding Mjolnir. Kenneth Brannagh, after watching an interview with him, seems to really grasp the mythlogy and stories behind Thor. He was an inspired choice for director because of his bringing Shakespeare's works to the big screen. When you get down to it there's a lot of Shakespearian themes in Marvel's Thor.

jumblue 7/26/2010 6:58:50 AM

 I think Mania forgot a third reason Joe Johnston's the right guy for the job.  Anybody else remember the Rocketeer?

mtaffer 7/26/2010 7:17:44 AM

Yeah, the Rocketeer is a classic.

Love that movie!

Wiseguy 7/26/2010 7:23:17 AM

Is mania taking the day off?

No report on Punisher rights reverting to Marvel, no GL panel, nothing on Bzzd appearing on GL, no reporting on the cast and the movies  Feige said he has an eye on for post Avengers Marvel Studios
 

redvector 7/26/2010 7:48:36 AM

CBR has the best comiccon coverage hands down.

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