Thursday afternoon brought a torrent of casting news for Marvel TV and film projects. The long in development Deadpool adaptation was finally a go and it looks like Ryan Reynolds will be back as the Merc with a Mouth. The umpteenth actor rumored and approached to be Doctor Strange finally signed on as Benedict Cumberbatch takes the role and cape. The Netflix series have found their 'Jessica Jones' and 'Luke Cage' in Krysten Ritter and Mike Colter. That's a lot of news for one day but here are more details.
It seems that old test footage of Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool wasn't a complete waste of time after all as now he's been signed to join director Tim Miller to bring the Marvel character to life. Production begins in March of next year based on a script from Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Miller had been developing the film for years waiting to get the green light from the studio. The time has come.
Deadpool tells the tale of a wisecracking mercenary who undergoes an experimental treatment to gain healing powers like those of Wolverine but while effective also is scarred severely. His indestructibility allows him to face violent criminals with nary a fear and a smart mouth to boot.
Fox is taking a broader approach with their Marvel film properties as X-Men: Apocalypse is slated for 2016 and need to diversify if they plan on keeping those rights.
The latest actor to be tied to the supernatural Marvel sorcerer film, Doctor Strange, has been signed and Benedict Cumberbatch, the critically lauded 'Sherlock' and recent 'Khan' of Star Trek, is locked in for the November 14, 2016 release.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions after a horrific car accident. He is the earth's defender against evil supernatural forces.
“Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity,” said Producer Kevin Feige. “In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”
After the long search for a leading man with names like Johnny Depp, Jared Leto, Ethan Hawke and others it looks like Marvel may have found the best man for the job.
Beating out Teresa Palmer after having "chemistry reads" with projected 'Luke Cage' choice Mike Colter, Krysten Ritter has been officially announced as the titular character in Netflix's Marvel's A.K.A. Jessica Jones mini-series.
The 13-episode run is one of four mini-series that will start with Daredevil, then Jessica Jones where Luke Cage will be introduced, his show will follow then end with an Iron Fist mini. All this leads to a team-up film, The Defenders.
Jones suffered post-traumatic stress from her short stint as a superhero to lead her to work as a private detective in retirement. She helps the citizens of New York's Hell's Kitchen both heroes and non-heroes alike.
Ritter has mostly played comedic roles like in ABC's short-lived 'Don't Trust the B**** in Apt. 23' but showed some range as a tragic figure on 'Breaking Bad.' As the debate goes on online as it always does when it comes to casting the execs at Marvel are quite pleased with their decision.
"Krysten brings both the hard edge and the vulnerability the role demands," said Executive Producer/Showrunner Melissa Rosenberg. "We can't wait for fans to see her in action, coming to Netflix in 2015."
"Krysten Ritter has the type of range, spanning the comic to the tragic, that makes for the stuff of the best Marvel heroes," said Jeph Loeb, Executive Producer/Marvel's Head of Television. "As Jessica Jones, Krysten will bring one of the most beloved new characters of the past decade to life in a way we know will delight her longtime fans and introduce her to many more."
As for the role of hero and eventual love interest, Luke Cage, all chatter points to The Good Wife's Mike Colter. While not official he certainly has impressed the showrunners and not much has been heard of the other candidates which included Lance Gross. Colter looks the part and has been sensational on Wife.
We expect his announcement to follow once we presume a deal is made. It's unknown about the Iron Fist casting as that is further out. Jones will probably debut in late 2015.
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