MarvelBlog News for February 7th, 2022

by David Mumpower · February 8, 2022

Tom Holland has plenty to say, and a 50 Shades star will join Sony’s answer to the MCU. It’s probably not the star you want, though.

I’ll explain in this week’s MarvelBlog News.

Source: Marvel Studios

Holland Speaks. A Lot.

Tom Holland is 25 years old and has already appeared in three of the top six movies of all time.

Sure, you could argue that Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame would have done about as well without him.

Source: Marvel Studios

In fact, I watched people do that right up until the debut of Spider-Man: No Way Home, the most successful film of the pandemic.

Once that movie somehow earned $750 million domestically at a time when nothing else had topped $250 million, most folks ceded the point.

Source: Marvel Studios

Holland has proven himself a box office draw and a charming human to boot.

After the stunning triumph of No Way Home, he’s also faced an endless onslaught of publicity. Passionate Spider-Man fans watch it all and want more.

Source: Marvel Studios

So, Holland politely obliges as much as possible. Sometimes, his youth and inexperience shine through, though.

For example, he garnered the bad kind of headlines for this quote: “If I’m playing Spider-Man after I’m 30, I’ve done something wrong.”

Marvel Studios | Sony Pictures

That statement understandably freaked out Holland’s loyal fans. However, he has since gone on something of an apology tour.

During an Esquire interview, Holland backtracked on the previous statement by explaining his intent. You can watch the clip here:

The gist is that Holland would rather work as a mentor for the actor who eventually plays Miles Morales or the like.

In other words, Holland recognizes that Robert Downey Jr.’s career trajectory makes the most sense for superhero actors. Their time isn’t limitless.

But…

Source: Marvel Studios

It’s Good to Be the King

A writer for No Way Home confirmed something last week. Showrunners and movie executives at Marvel have repeatedly pitched for Tony Stark’s return.

The fact that they’re doing so less than two years after Endgame demonstrates that this will happen at some point.

Tony Stark’s death. Photo: Marvel

Marvel will wait until the perfect moment, and then it’ll cut a check for Downey to return from the dead.

Before you dismiss the possibility, please remember that spoiler from No Way Home. Also, know that Michael Keaton (!) is returning as Bruce Wayne soon.

Photo: Marvel

Nothing stays dead in Hollywood when there’s money involved. We have a Scream movie in theaters at the moment after all…one named Scream.

Holland’s prior comments showed that he doesn’t see the big picture yet…but he’s starting to get it.

Source: Marvel Studios

Sony wants Holland to star in another Spider-Man trilogy because, well, they like mountains of cash.

Previous reports had suggested that Holland had already signed on for more movies.

Tom Holland and Elizabeth Olsen of Avengers: Infinity War at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2017 in Anaheim, Calif. Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Now, the actor has addressed the subject in an Entertainment Weekly interview. He states that he has only had conversations with Sony.

Yes, Holland has deduced that his asking price just went up a lot, just as Downey Jr. got paid A LOT more after the MCU exploded in popularity.

Tom Holland, Kevin Feige Address Spider-Man’s Exit From the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Photo Credit: Sony Pictures
Kevin Feige and Tom Holland on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming. Photo: Sony Pictures

So, Holland is now dropping hints in the media that he’ll happily sign up for more projects…for more money.

Of course, the actor also gave the people what they wanted. He added in a different interview, “I’d play Spider-Man forever.”

Photo: Marvel Studios

By the way, if you don’t know, the real reason Holland has been so public lately is that he has another big movie coming out.

Here’s yet another interview he did with The Hollywood Reporter. In it, he discusses the emotional challenges of that scene in No Way Home.

Source: Marvel Studios

Mrs. Grey Will See You Now

Did I mention that Sony wants more Marvel movies? The studio owns the licensing rights to everyone in the Spider-Verse and, by God, they’re going to use them all.

The latest announcement involves Dakota Johnson, who will star in the new Madame Web movie.

Source: Marvel/ Lia Toby/ Getty Images

Let’s not pretend like you have any idea who this character is. Imagine an old woman whose throne hangs from a spider web, and you get the gist.

This Spider-Man character played a role in Decimation and has appeared in a few Spidey animated episodes.

Source: Marvel

Still, we’re talking about a super-obscure character here. Sony has picked this project because it wants a Dr. Strange clone in its version of the MCU.

Madame Web is a precog who is telepathic and clairvoyant as well.

Source: Marvel

Given Johnson’s casting, Madame Web probably won’t mirror the comics completely. She’s usually an old woman in those stories.

Here, she’ll look like the unholy offspring of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson.

Source: Los Angeles Times

I’m having fun with this because it’s like Ant-Man. Just because a comic book character exists doesn’t mean they need a movie, too.

I’m looking at you, Kraven the Hunter. Still, we’re going to see a lot of these now that No Way Home has earned $750 million.

Source: Marvel Studios

I happen to like Dakota Johnson – she somehow made How to Be Single watchable – and think she’ll do well as a superhero.

I mean, she can’t be any worse than Thomas Jane as The Punisher.

Source: Lionsgate

All kidding aside, you should expect to hear a lot more about this project in the coming weeks. My understanding is that it’s filming later in 2022.

Other MCU News

Since we’re No Way Home-heavy this week, I’ll add one news item. The digital release will include more than 100 minutes of extra scenes!

Source: Marvel Studios

Also, Holland recently stated that he has spoken with Florence Pugh about a potential pairing of Spider-Man and Yelena Belova. No, not like that…I don’t think.

Disney has also firmed up some dates and plans for its various MCU series. Loki season 2 will apparently film this summer.

Source: Marvel Studios

Gugu Mbatha-Raw announced her return on Good Morning America as she tried to avoid giving away anything else about season two.

Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk will apparently get second seasons as well. There’s a similar report about Moon Knight, but I’m not as confident about it.