Well, here’s some huge news that will have massive ramifications for Phase Three and beyond of the Marvel Cinematic Universe…
Variety is reporting that Robert Downey Jr. is close to signing a $40 million plus deal to reprise the role of Tony Stark for 2016’s Captain America 3, which is set to adapt the Civil War comic book storyline and ” is seen as a way to drive the plots of sequels and new franchises for the next seven years, given the dramatic possibilities it offers for future films. The fallout from the government and Stark’s actions would factor into a new Avengers 4 film and beyond that will assemble new characters being introduced like Ant-Man and Doctor Strange, among others, in their own movies”.
Variety reports that the plot of Captain America 3 will “pit Stark against Captain America’s alter-ego Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, as they feud over the Superhero Registration Act, which forces anyone with superhuman abilities to reveal their identities to the U.S. government and agree to act as a police force for the authorities. Stark supports the program, but Rogers does not, saying it threatens civil liberties, causing sides to be taken and Rogers, among others, to go on the run to avoid arrest. The moral question and battle with his Avengers teammate essentially makes Stark a villain of sorts in Captain America 3, providing Downey with a meaty role he could play out into future Marvel films, including a fourth Avengers.”
Meanwhile, BadAssDigest has added to the report by claiming that Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America 3 directors Joe and Anthony Russo are in talks to direct Avengers 3 and possibly Avengers 4, with the duo said to be the favourites of Marvel to take over the reins from Joss Whedon.
So, does this mean that Avengers 3 will culiminate with the final battle of Civil War? And where does it leave the whole Thanos and the Inifinity Gauntlet storyline? So many questions raised!
Are you excited about seeing Civil War playing out in the MCU? Let us know your thoughts…
Downey and Evans will next be seen in May in Avengers: Age of Ultron, which also features Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (The Incredible Hulk), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Don Cheadle (War Machine), Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Paul Bettany (JARVIS / The Vision), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Quicksilver), Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch), James Spader (Ultron), Thomas Kretschmann (Baron Strucker), and Josh Brolin (Thanos).
Originally published October 14, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
