Marvel Exec Kevin Feige talks Thanos, Phase 2 and Phase 3 details
Thanos Infinity Gauntlet photo Marvel Comics
Marvel’s “Avengers” blockbuster this summer only fueled interest in their follow-up projects, which begin next summer. “Phase Two” is the nickname for the next wave of Marvel films, which will culminate with 2015’s “Avengers” sequel. Kevin Feige, Marvel CEO, now explains how the villain Thanos was thrust into the forefront and clues about Phase Two and a Phase Three.
Speaking with MTV on Thursday, Feige confessed that Marvel was aware most of the “Avengers” moviegoers would be puzzled by the Thanos tease, but they loved the idea of sending audiences out of the theater talking about what they just saw.
“There’s a great track record now about lobbing something in at the last moment to get the audience buzzing. Particularly when it came to Thanos, [we knew] that most people in that audience had no idea who that purple guy was — but they could clearly tell he was important, and knew if they asked the two or three people sitting next to them, somebody would know who he was.”
Thanos Avengers photo/banner returning to theaters for the Labor Day Weekend
Thanos was not added for a simple tease or conversation starter. Feige confirms the popular Marvel villain will be key in the upcoming series.
“Clearly, there’s a purpose to us putting him in the end of that movie. We do have plans for him. I wouldn’t say we ever feel the need to rush anything one way or the other. We succeeded in Phase One because we stuck to our guns and stuck to the plan. That plan took place over many, many years and it ultimately paid off. I see Phase Two unfolding in the same way of us taking our time, us doing what’s right for each individual movie, while folding in elements that will not only build up to the culmination of Phase Two, but even Phase Three.”
With “Iron Man 3” concluding production and “Thor: The Dark World” filming, no details appear to point to a Thanos appearance or role.
The Marvel brainiac was pressed about the casting of actor/stuntman Damion Poitier as Thanos in “Avengers,” and Feige confirmed that the role will be recast as needed.
“I think we feel pretty free to recast. That was cast for literally that one shot. Depending on what the role requires from future movies, we’ll go from there.”
Feige echoed the sentiment of many comic book fans who are enjoying Thanos being thrust to center stage of discussions from “Avengers” fans.
“Suddenly, you have a million people who had never heard of an Infinity Gauntlet or a Mad Titan learning those terms,” said Feige. “I love that. I love when the experience goes beyond the movie theater and encourages people to look deeper into our universe.”
Fans are certain to have an action packed three summers ahead with some great comic book films along the way, so stay tuned.
Here’s what the Phase Two lineup looks like as of right now:
- Iron Man 3 – May 3rd, 2013
- Thor: The Dark World – November 8th, 2013
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier – April 4th, 2014
- Guardians of the Galaxy – August 1st, 2014
- The Avengers 2– May 1st, 2015
“I am Thanos” Marvel Comics photo
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2012/09/20/thanos-marvel-kevin-feige/
