Now to what “bastard” am I referring?

Marvel’s Big Hero 6, which comes our way on November 7, 2014. The film follows a scientist and his robot who, along with myriad other colorful crimefighters, will take down the bad guys in a fictional city known as San Fransokyo.

Unsurprisingly, it looks as though Disney is trying to find the natural overlap between its core animation audience and the more kid-friendly Marvel titles. So far, so good.

In comparison to Downey’s deal, the rest of the cast were reportedly paid $200K for their roles in the $1.1 billion blockbuster. Now that Marvel’s looking to execute their sequel options, things are getting interesting. The cast is looking for $5 million upfront and a bigger piece of the back-end while Marvel is allegedly threatening to recast — a tactic they’ve proven works pretty well in the past. The only card the cast has to play is a wild one; Downey himself.

With his contract obligations under his belt, Marvel will have to sweeten the pot if they want their star back for future sequels. But to Marvel’s chagrin, the Avengers are assembling with Downey as the leader. Deadline reports that the actor won’t sign for The Avengers 2 unless his cast mates are fairly compensated. “He’s the only guy with real power in this situation. And balls of steel, too. He’s already sent a message that he’s not going to work for a place where they treat his colleagues like shit,” says a rep who only cares about their percentage.

Personally, I feel like the real talent with Marvel films is behind the camera, and the money should be put on the screen. It doesn’t matter which actor dons the mask. 40% – 60% of these movies are all CGI anyway. As long as Marvel turns out quality films with awesome special effects, the talent will remain irrelevant. The Hulk proved that.

A source confirms to EW that the twin characters Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch will be joining The Avengers 2, which Whedon hinted at recently when he said he was writing a brother-sister duo into the movie. Feige maintains a poker face on that scoop, saying only: “I’m not confirming or denying. The draft could change six months from now.”

The draft could change, of course, but it’s an intriguing update. What exactly does Whedon have in store for The Avengers 2? We’re going to have to sit through four or five post-credit sequences to find out.

Once negotiations finalize, Pace will join Pratt, Zoe Saldana‘s Gamora, Micheal Rooker’s Yondu, Dave Batista’s Drax, the aforementioned raccoon and a tree in Marvel’s Phase Two cosmic epic. The identity of Pace’s character is being kept secret but the Internet theorizes he’ll play The Controller, a henchman of the evil titan Thanos. As of right now, that’s an unconfirmed rumor that seems pretty unlikely given that The Controller doesn’t even have eyebrows. Much less, ones that take up 18% of his face. (The Wrap)

Also, his adopted brother Thor wants to team up and be frenemies in order to save Jane Foster. It seems that Thor‘s bonehead idea of warping her to a dark, mystical battlefield has put her life in the type of peril that can’t be easily solved by throwing a hammer around. He’s really got to broaden his horizons.

Although the inclusion of the character is a surprise. Yondu was featured in the original 60′s iteration of The Guardians, not the 2008 version that the film seemed to be drawing inspiration from. Yondu’s comic storyline also involved his losing his right hand though there’s no word if that will happen in the film. Between Merle’s Walking Dead amputation and the Mallrats stink palm, let’s hope that Michael Rooker’s hand finally catches a break in Hollywood. (Deadline)

What remains unclear is whether or not the character has some link to Chris Evan’s Steve Rogers before he was frozen in a block of ice and perfectly preserved for sixty-plus years. I’m talking about Rogers here. Though Redford looks amazingly maintained, no one’s insinuating he’s perfectly preserved.

Marvel’s challenge from there was to find a well-known ripped dude who would accept their offer. Enter former WWE and MMA fighter Dave Bautista. He has accepted the role of Drax, a human turned green brute created to hunt down and kill Thanos, the purple villain who appeared at the end of The Avengers. He joins the previously cast Chris Pratt, who will play the charismatic team leader Peter Quill aka Star Lord. Casting is still underway for the talking tree and raccoon. (THR)

The Parks and Recreation and Zero Dark Thirty star is nearing a deal to play the lead role of Peter Quill in Marvel’s Phase Two film, Guardians of the Galaxy. According to the plot description, Quill, aka Star-Lord, is a pilot who ends up in space in the middle of a universal conflict and goes on the run with futuristic ex-cons who have something everyone wants. I’ll just assume that refers to an easier way to open bacon packaging. (THR)

In the comics, the character was introduced as a mercenary working with Red Skull. He’s gone by several ridiculous names, such as Bingo, Frag, and Mr. Bones — which kind of sound like what a Marine would name their dog. However, it’s unknown what role Crossbones will serve in The Winter Soldier storyline, which sees the resurrection of Cap’s sidekick Bucky Barnes. All that we can really bet on is that dude will have a shield dramatically hucked at him during some point in the film. (Variety)

His most dangerous enemy, The Mandarin, reveals himself and makes things personal by destroying his pussy palace. Just like when those South Africans destroyed Rigg’s sweet oceanfront trailer in Lethal Weapon 2. Shane Black, we see what you’re doing here.

• Iron Man posing in new armor
• Helicopters
• Gwyneth Paltrow taking a dump
• The back of Ben Kingsley‘s head

Not exactly riveting (though it is refreshing to see the sequel acknowledge that everybody poops). So, instead of posting the short tease, I’m posting the new poster and photos that show far more. Including a good look at Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin. You see the front of his face and everything. (EW)

Details have been pretty mum for the ABC action series, but now there’s wind to be caught about the show’s central characters. They’re so Whedon-y! 

But now, plans might be changing. According to Feige, there may be a third Hulk standalone film for audiences to ignore, but it won’t happen any time soon.

“Do I think Hulk can carry a movie and be as entertaining as he was inAvengers? I do believe that. I do believe he absolutely could. We certainly are not even going to attempt that until Avengers 2,” he told MTV. “So there’s a lot of time to think about it.”

But Marvel wants to double and triple check that you guys will go see this movie and enjoy it. Because it takes a lot to make a film like this. You’ve gotta rent all kinds of equipment and blow things up and print posters and it’s just a lot. So can we all promise just to go see these Hulk pictures from now on?

 ”At the end of the day, 90% of the movie, I’m not the character I signed on to play. I’m literally in there for two minutes, and then all of a sudden…So there’s not a lot of back story or understanding we can really tell about who Clint Barton is, or Hawkeye, and is he working for SHIELD or not. There’s a lot of unanswered questions, even for me. And I was OK with that. At least I was still in the movie. And I was glad for that…”

“I prefer [playing] the good, because if we go to the evil part, or hypnotized or whatever the heck you want to call it, it’s kind of a vacancy. Not even a bad guy, because there’s not really a consciousness to him. The interesting part was being guilty about the bad things I did do when I was hypnotized. I think he’s already an interesting enough character. To really kind of take away who that character is and just have him be this sort of robot, essentially, and have him be this minion for evil that Loki uses,” he explained. “Again, I could just focus on the task. I was limited, you know what I mean? I was a terminator in a way. So yeah, fun stunts. But is there any sort of emotional content or thought process? No. That doesn’t exist in that time [that he's hypnotized]. It happens to be for most of the movie.”

“You know, there are a lot of people in that movie. And a lot of important characters. And my character, I felt like if I can help serve the story, then I did my job.”

I have to agree with Renner here, who actually did a pretty good job with what he was given. I blame the audience. Kids today just aren’t as interested in following the exploits of an aerodynamics genius as much as they used to be. It’s sad, really.

It also seems that his relationship with Marvel has blossomed from a little over-the-shirt beneath the bleachers to full-on going steady. Whedon is also developing a live-action television show featuring Marvel characters. There’s no word on what that show will be but, one way or the other, this is good news for Eliza Dushku. (EW)

For those on the outside looking in, we’re betting that your seething jealousy will cause you to keep reading, your only comfort the cold knowledge of what could have been.

Game Of Thrones – Friday, 7/13 at 2:45 PM

What’s better than seeing Rose Leslie, Alfie Allen, Emilia Clarke, Michelle Fairley and Richard Madden all onstage together? Watching casual fans trying to divorce the actors from their uber-serious characters. The only real strike against this panel is a near-criminal lack of Dinklage. Fortunately, this is the last year we need concern ourselves with such matters, as next year legislation will be enacted to ensure that Peter Dinklage must sit on all panels, even if he has nothing to do with him. I’m looking forward to seeing him hang out with the cast of Sons of Anarchy and HBO’s Girls.

The Walking Dead – Friday, July 14th at 1:25 PM

This show manages to be live up to its potential just often enough that it keeps people tuning in week after week to wonder if this is the week the show FINALLY lives up to its potential. A pretty awesome strategy if you ask me.

Going into season three, the gang has braved a whole ton of zombies and managed to survive some truly terrible leadership and decision-making to survive more or less in one piece. Perhaps the best part of this panel will be watching the kid who plays Carl show up looking like Colin Farrell even though he’s supposed to play a 13 year old.

In the wake of the season two finale revelations, everyone wants to know more about Michonne, the ninja sword badass who keeps armless zombie as her pets/bodyguards, which is something so cool I can’t even talk about it without getting a nosebleed.

The first interesting character in the show’s history should spark some interesting conversation. But if that’s not enough, know that the panel is moderated by Chris Hardwick of the Nerdist podcast.

Breaking Bad – Friday, 7/13 at 6:45 PM

For those who don’t know, Breaking Bad is a drama on its fourth season on AMC. It focuses on a high school scienc-

COME ON! It’s Breaking Bad. It’s the best drama on TV, and it’s heading into it’s final season or its final two seasons, depending on how you divvy up those last 16 episodes.

The cast and crew have become almost legendarily good at keeping plot points to themselves, so don’t expect anything more than cryptic half-messages and generalities about the upcoming season five, but you can look forward to watching creator Vince Gilligan interact with with cast members Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte and Jonathan Banks.

That’s right. Jonathan Banks. You can watch Mike the Cleaner do his thing live on stage. Will he help someone get rid of a corpse? Maybe. Probably. Yeah.

Community – Friday, 7/13 at 10:00 AM

Want to watch the actors of a popular(ish) spend an hour avoiding the elephant in the room? Of course you do. So catch up with the stars of Community, save for Donald Glover and Chevy “Reputed Bastard” Chase as they talk about what’s in store for season four while they pretend that there’s nothing weird or unsettling about how showrunner and creator Dan Harmon was given the ole’ boot-a-rino from the show.

Seriously, short of these guys revealing that Mitt Romney will be appearing for a six-episode arc, I think these guys are going to come across like Charlie Brown’s teacher for 60 minutes. But if they do talk about Harmon’s exit, and it will be very hard for them not to, then expect headlines, whether the show wants them or not.

Marvel Studios – Saturday, 7/14 at 6 PM

If ever there was a panel tailor made for Comic-Con with its bombast and nerd appeal, it’s probably Marvel’s annual must-see panel, which is kept under a shroud of secrecy but will undoubtedly include trailers, guest appearances, and just enough information to beget more questions than answers.

The guests haven’t been announced, save for a couple, but it’s everyone’s guess that Iron Man 3 will be the star of the show, while less mainstream fans will be pulling for some information or test reels on Edgar Wright’s Ant Man. The masses are also eager to learn what the next movie announcement will be. The smart money is on Guardians of the Galaxy or Black Panther, which may indicate that Marvel is making films based on comic book characters I haven’t even come close to hearing of.

Twilight – Thursday, 7/12 at 12:45 PM

Say what you want about the Twilight cast (and chances are, you will), but don’t accuse them of being disloyal. They have appeared at every Comic-Con for the past six years or so, promoting their films and just generally making themselves accessible to their fans, which is pretty cool of them, even if they make bad movies for mentally challenged people.

They’re back in sunny San Diego to promote Breaking Dawn Part 2, which is scheduled to hit theaters in November whether you want it to or not.

On a decidedly dramatic, macabre, and generally un-Twilight note, a fan was killed after being struck by a car while waiting for the panel, so perhaps a more-somber-than-normal tone will be carried during this period. That should be pretty weird, no?

There’s also hopes that a Wright-directed Ant-Man clip will be the after-the-credits Easter Egg attached to next year’s Iron Man 3.

With Marvel slated to make a big announcement about their secret film project at Comic-Con, this test reel news only adds to the speculation. However, Latino Review have reported that Guardians of the Galaxy have been chosen for Marvel’s 2014 release. Just last month, the website reported that Black Panther would be the mystery film on Marvel’s slot. Those reports were debunked. So take the Guardians report with a grain of salt. We won’t really know until Comic-Con whether or not Latino Review are correct or once again totally full of beans.

Also, who is this extremely sexy, extremely camera-shy Black Widow? I’d sure like to show her what to do with her arms… (via Reddit)

In honor of this release, let’s have a look at some of our favorites throughout the years.

Iron Man 1966

Before becoming the cultural phenomenon he is today, Iron Man made the leap from comic to cartoon. The 1966 animated series followed the exploits of genius inventor and billionaire playboy Tony Stark, as he balanced the rigors of world-saving and just chilling out and having a good time. Plus, listen to that intro song. I know that he’s sampled it in the past, but Ghostface Killah needs to work it into more tracks. It’s just precious.

Thor

Thor was always a bridesmaid and never a bride before last summer’s blockbuster version. Relegated to supporting roles, the Son of Odin appeared in the television movie The Incredible Hulk Returns. This was meant to serve as a pilot for Thor‘s own television series but the plans did not come to fruition.

Spider-Man

The Spider-Man we know and love experienced a minor overhaul in Japan. In this late 70′s series, a young motorcycle racer who accepts a blood transfusion from an alien from Planet Spider. This blood co mingles with his, granting him the awesome powers of Spider-Man. And just because this takes place in Japan, he of course pilots the giant robot Leopardon, which he uses to fight over sized monsters.

Also, a samurai cuts a house cat in half in spectacular fashion.

• Civilians running from whatever menace Loki has aligned himself with
• Badass S.H.I.E.L.D. jets being parked neatly (Coulson demands it)
• Iron Man wearing a Black Sabbath t-shirt
• Thor surfing on a jet
• Alien ninjas jumping from the sky above New York
• Captain America and Thor using their shield and hammer to protect the team from raining flames and debris
• Lasers
• A Samuel L. Jackson pep talk
• Cool 360 degree group shot
• Tony Stark’s New York penthouse
• The Hulk jumping in the air and tackling rockets

So, yeah. Pretty great. Ball’s in your court now The Amazing Spider-Man. Amaze us.

One thing that is for certain, Rodat’s talent for creating carefully crafted characters and intense moral dilemmas will not be needed here. Any deeper moments will be replaced with “Thor throws hammer at a laser.” (Deadline)

Marvel has been notoriously cheap when it comes to paying the directors and talent from their films, so it is surmised that Taylor met the right price and won’t push back when bullied with studio notes. Until, of course, he a lab accident or magical talisman grants him super-human abilities and help him find the confidence to stand up for himself and the downtrodden masses.

Also in the running for the gig was Daniel Minahan, who also directs on HBO‘s Game of Thrones. Man, that show is going to have an awkward season two premiere party. (Deadline)

The Punisher is described as an hour-long procedural with a Marvel signature and a new take on one of the comic book giant’s iconic characters, Frank Castle, a rising star detective with the New York Police Department who moonlights as the vigilante Punisher, seeking justice for those the system has failed.

What? Procedural?

I was under the impression that the Punisher was a former marine and war vet who loses his family in a mob hit gone wrong, and then spends his life punishing violent criminals. Now he’s going to be a cop? Why is Fox developing The Punisher at all when they just plan to remake Dexter? I hope this new procedural features a smart allecky police captain who makes Punisher work late, and possibly a hip goth crime lab chick who he can flirt with.

The character has been adapted three times as a film, and although each film had its good points, none of them were a hit. Why this concept is so hard to crack is baffling. Here’s the recipe to a great Punisher story:

Step 1: Show an awful villain beyond redemption committing horrific acts.

Step 2: Show the Punisher killing this villain.

Step 3: Rinse, repeat.

Maybe this show will prove me wrong, and will actually be a kick ass adaptation of my favorite comic book. But it isn’t off to a promising start.

Also of interest is the news that those incredibly popular post-credits scenes are also going to continue. It wasn’t clear if this means that The Avengers will feature a teaser for Iron Man 3, or something else entirely. It’ll be nice to be surprised, right? Anyway, assuming The Avengers is the blockbuster everyone knows it will be, this will all culminate in a sequel to The Avengers, after which I’m sure they’ll just pack everything up in the interest of maintaining a high standard of quality. Ha ha, just kidding. (FirstShowing.net)

Swordsman

One of the early “New” Avengers brought into the series during the late ’60s, Swordsman didn’t have a lengthy career with the team. In fact, he promptly quit, later rejoined, and was killed off in about 20 issues. Along with a crappy costume, even by 1960′s standards, Swordsman brought with him a power set that included… sword play. There were subsequent heroes to go by the name Swordsman as the years went on, but none of them lasted very long. Thank God.

Rage

Rage was a 13-year-old kid who, after being doused in toxic waste, morphed into a super strong 30-something. In addition to having the least thought out origin in history, his costume was a true artifact of the 1990′s. Rage was kicked off the Avengers when they discovered he was only a minor. Plus, the toxic waste thing probably creeped them all out.

Wonder Man

Wonder Man is actually fairly popular amongst Avengers fans, and has had a long and colorful history with the team. But the poor guy would have trouble being taken seriously by film fans for one key reason: his name. For the general public, the only “Wonder” superhero is DC‘s Wonder Woman, and any character with a similar moniker is only going to come off as derivative, even if his powers and origins have nothing to do with hers. Maybe they should change his name to something more distinct. How about “Glowing Red Eyes Flying Guy”? That’s yours for free, Marvel. You’re welcome.