It’s been a rip-roaring summer for Marvel Comics on screen. Not only did the X-Men franchise mutate from something limp and worthless into something pretty effing spectacular, their own produced films, THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA, lived up to expectations, proving both (mostly) critical and commercial successes. Marvel Studios will of course be looking to make their spandex-clad mark next summer too, though they’ll have their work cut out if they are to compete with web-slinging reboot THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (a Marvel Comics’ character contractually tied to another film studio, unfortunately) and Chris Nolan’s final installment of his epic Batman series, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. But Marvel Studios have an ace up their sleeve, or rather seven aces in the form of Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Hawkeye (Jeremy Remner), Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson), and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) – better known as THE AVENGERS.
Since Jon Favreau’s IRON MAN back in 2008, cinemagoers can’t have failed to notice that the Marvel Studios produced movies had been building towards one almighty smackdown, be it through the blink-and-you’ll-miss-them cameos and nods, or ‘secret’ teasers tacked onto to end credits. all of this has served to expand the story-world and has quite successfully recreated the universe in which the comic versions of these characters exist. And whilst some comic adaptations have striven to depict a dark, serious, and realistic vision (stand up Mr Wayne), Marvel has opted to keep its films colourful and accessible. And considering the success of the former installments, THE AVENGERS will hopefully continue to electrify viewers, especially with ensemble and fantasy maestro Joss Whedon perched in the director’s chair.
Details on plot are thin right now, though the involvement of Thor’s brother and villainous trickster Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is certain. And word on the street is that some alien invasion may be on the cards, perhaps in the form of Marvel Comics’ notorious extra-terrestrial menaces the Skrull. As evidenced from these photos, courtesy of Splash News, New York City (Cleveland, Ohio in reality) is undoubtedly under attack from someone. Or should that be something…?
THE AVENGERS will arrive in cinemas 4th May 2012.
