MARVEL MOVIEVERSE PHASE 1

Unlike with the DC Comics movieverse, Marvel's is quite large, and growing. It all began with "Iron Man" and "Hulk" back in 2008, and has grown from there with everything centering around "The Avengers" installments or at least setting the stage for what happens there. The success of these films have opened the doors for other Marvel characters coming to life on the big screen. And with Marvel having reacquired the rights for basically everyone from their catalog (no X-Men yet, but they have a deal with SONY to use Spider-Man), we should expect to see more and more being added to this movieverse. Although some are only voice and motion captured performances (Groot, Thanos, etc), they have thus far met and surpassed expectations.

Since the list has grown so much since "Phase One", we'll make this a multi-phase situation. Here is Phase One of whom exist within Marvel's movieverse...

Iron Man/Tony Stark

(Robert Downey Jr.)

Similar to Hugh Jackman and Wolverine, RDJ and Iron Man/Tony Stark are the crowning jewel amongst a star studded line-up. And like Jackman, this causes the rumors of when will we see the last of Downey Jr. as Iron Man.

Virginia "Pepper" Pots

(Gwyneth Paltrow)

Pepper (Gwyneth) has added some depth to the character of Tony Stark, showing that he isn't just a billionaire playboy in an iron suit.

Iron Patriot/War Machine/James "Rhody" Rhodes

(Don Cheadle previously Terrence Howard)

An acting change that worked out for the better. Will be nice to see Rhodey apart of the cast in "The Avengers 2: Age Of Ultron".

J.A.R.V.I.S./Vision

(voiced by Paul Bettany)

Going from a voice of helpfulness, to a full blown android. It will be nice to see Paul Bettany upgrade from one to the other.

Happy Hogan

(John Favreau)

Happy was going to be left out, given the size of his role. But, having been in all three, and shows us that Tony Stark does have a human side given their friendship (although also an employee/employer relationship).

Hulk/Bruce Banner

(Mark Ruffalo previously Edward Norton)

Would be interesting to see how Norton honestly feels about walking away from the role. Fans were more than okay as Ruffalo seems to be a better fit. But, given the success of "The Avengers" and the likely boosted contract for Ruffalo, it would be interesting to see how he felt.

Betty Ross

(Liv Tyler)

Given that Hulk will likely only be making his appearance in "The Avengers" installments, where does Betty Ross fit into all of this? It would be nice to see Liv Tyler and Mark Ruffalo appear together, if only to connect "The Incredible Hulk" past the post-credit scene.

Thor

(Chris Hemsworth)

Similar to RDJ and Tony Stark, was there a better choice to play Thor than Chris Hemsworth? He has truly shown growth within this character, which he had little previous experience. No worries about changing to a female Thor here, as his hair is something women envy.

Dr. Jane Foster

(Natalie Portman)

With the choice of director (Eric Branagh) being what drew her to the role in "Thor" it has been nice to see Portman continue on with the character. A pretty good choice to be what/who connects Thor with Earth.

Odin

(Sir Anthony Hopkins)

Hemsworth may be thriving in the role of Thor, simply because of who he has been lucky enough to work with. It isn't Anthony Hopkins, it is Sir Anthony Hopkins. Who has taken a supporting role and made it as valuable as a lead.

Frigga

(Rene Russo)

To be the mother of Thor, and wife of Odin one must be both soft and strong. Basically, Rene Russo's "wheelhouse". A welcomed edition to the movieverse.

Volstagg

(Ray Stevenson)

Ray Stevenson is a true chameleon, and is always able to immerse himself in his roles. Volstagg was no exception. And is always welcome to battle alongside Thor any day. If he can step away from a meal to do so.

Hogun

(Tadanobu Asano)

A member of "The Warriors Three" Hogun, along with his brethren (and Sif) add another dimension to the character that is Thor.

Fandral

(Joshua Dallas)

Fandral adds a touch of sophistication to the group, "The Warriors Three". Joshua Dallas has been doing well protecting Asgard, fighting alongside Thor.

Sif

(Jaimie Alexander)

Of course to show that not only can ladies do what men do, they often can do it more efficiently. Jaimie Alexander has done well with the role so far, and could likely do more in future Thor films.

Heimdall

(Idris Elba)

There were apparently some issues over the changing of the characters skin color, but if there were any doubters after seeing Idris Elba portray Heimdall, they will always be a lost cause and should not be worried about.

Captain America/Steve Rogers

(Chris Evans)

At first it was hard to believe that the Human Torch was going to be Captain America. Although different companies, different movies, it was difficult to digest. That was until "Captain America: The First Avenger" debuted. Chris Evans has made us forget about the past, and eager to see the future.

Bucky/Winter Soldier/Sgt. James Barnes

(Sebastian Stan)

It was almost expected to see Bucky become Winter Soldier given he "dies" in "Captain America: The First Avenger". But, expectations were matched and slightly surpassed by Sebastian in "Captain America: Winter Soldier". Will always be a good guy to us.

Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff

(Scarlett Johansson)

Even if you didn't like Scarlett before, it is hard to argue she hasn't exceeded expectations for her role as Black Widow. Acting yes, as it is what she does. The fight scenes involving her? Did not expect that, and love when she unloads on people.


Click the following links for Phase 2 Phase 3

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Transcending and Embracing

Figured best write an article or list on here instead of joining the masses and make Bitstrips all day long (don't usually follow the herd, but come on, comic style statuses, etc?? If your not using the app, it's likely because your making your own comic at the moment. Only acceptable excuse aha joking).

For years in terms of comic book/superhero movies, there was Superman and then there was Batman. There were some others, Captain America, The Punisher, etc., but those 2 were the best known if anything. Enter the 2000's and the floodgates opened. However, we were still left with actors and actresses who either didn't give 100% or bailed after one installment out of fear of type-casting. We have had some greats, and things worked out pretty well, but a lot of that is due to those who are clearly comic book fans and/or people who not just performed well in their roles but seemed to have fully embraced them.

Some of these are very obvious, however they still deserve props for it. There are some however that may surprise you, and at first surprised me when they popped into my head, but seemed to make sense once I thought about it more. And yes, some get extra points for being main characters in multiple genres (all of which are in the nerd world).

Hugh Jackman

Somewhat "The Face" of the comic book/superhero movie explosion. That's a matter of opinion yes, but he was the most notable character in the initial film that was followed by numerous movies. And to make things even better, Hugh Jackman fully embraces the character and admits to the role being what "made" him. Love or hate any installment in the X-Men/Wolverine franchise, hard to knock Jackman for his portrayal in any of them. Even his dedication on the physical aspect of the role deserves recognition.

Tom Hiddleston

Hard to mention Jackman without mentioning Tom Hiddleston, or you may know him by his Asgardian name, Loki. Talented is an understatement, and likely his reason for embracing the role and not fearing type casting. If it hasn't been said before, I am saying it now, as a DC Comics fan, I would love to see Hiddleston as The Riddler. Any role really, but The Riddler would be my top choice.

Patrick Stewart

I remember even as a kid in the early 90's he was top choice to play Prof. X if there was ever a movie. And although he will also forever be Captain Jean Luc Picard, and with James McAvoy receiving the torch so to speak, Stewart will always be Prof. Charles Xavier as well.

Sir Ian McKellen

Magneto. Gandalf. And they don't give the "Sir" title to just anybody. Just saying.

Hugo Weaving

If based on role selection, it would be safe to at least assume Hugo is a fellow nerd. In the Matrix trilogy, he was Neo's top nemesis in Agent Smith. In the Lord Of The Rings saga he is Elrond. V in V For Vendetta. And he was Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger. And like Hiddleston, I want him in my DC Universe. Top of my head, perfect Mr. Freeze. Even just to ensure that role is done well at some point.

Chris Evans

Like them or not, Chris Evans was the Human Torch in the initial Fantastic 4 franchise. Nick a "Mover" (telekinetic) in the movie Push. And more than redeems himself as Captain America both in solo and group ventures a la The Avengers.

 Nicholas Cage

I did say that there would be some shockers. Whether it was a title character Ghost Rider or in a co-starring role as Big Daddy in Kick-Ass, love him or hate him, Nic makes the list for being a fan and at least attempting to bring us our comic book characters to the big screen. Obvious fan, even if he takes it a bit far (see pic).

Robert Downey Jr.

"I am Iron Man." is a Tony Stark quote, but one that if Downey Jr were to use in real life, it would be kind of hard to argue. Of a series of decent to stellar performances, the Iron Man franchise is the crowning jewel in the "Ya, I messed up before, but sit back and have socks blown off" comeback tour for RDJ. Plus, he's Sherlock Holmes and you're not aha

Ben Affleck

Whether you embraced it, or you went Bat-crap crazy against it, or even if you took a complete wait and see approach, the casting of Ben Affleck as Batman in the upcoming Superman Vs Batman (or Man Of Steel 2) has garnered attention from all corners of the globe, and that ladies and gentlemen is a good thing. And if he nails it, there will be a lack of words for how beneficial this will be to the industry. If it fails, then at least Marvel will benefit aha Stay tuned for a positive review of 2003's Daredevil, a role Affleck was also the lead.

Of course there are many more, like Halle Berry having been Catwoman (opinion aside) and Storm, or directors like Bryan Singer, Kevin Smith, Zach Snyder the list goes on really. There are those who, I wouldn't want back in the mix (looking at you Norton), but that's a list for another day.

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