MarvelBlog News for July 3rd, 2022
Do we have a new Wolverine set to join the MCU? We’ll delve into the most tantalizing of possibilities in the latest MarvelBlog News.
Is Elton John Wolverine?
Source: PEOPLE Magazine/ Marvel
I mentioned last week that the MarvelBlog News mill will slow down until the opening of San Diego Comic-Con later this month. Conversely, the rumor mill explodes into overdrive as Marvel insiders (and would-be insiders) try to sniff out all the scoops.
Something I fully expected was for rumors to start about the casting of Wolverine. In fact, I said as much last week. Many folks I know believe that Marvel has already settled on the all-important casting of Wolverine/Logan/James Howlett.
Are they correct? Nobody will know for sure for another three weeks. Even so, some credible sites are running with a massive story. I’m not talking about the people with a few hundred followers and no blue checkmark on social media. I mean Deadline, among others!
Source: Inverse
What’s their lede? Actor Taron Egerton, who won an Golden Globe for his singing as Elton John in Rocketman, has met with Marvel about Wolverine. Should we get too excited about this information? Absolutely not.
In fact, Marvel could have asked Egerton to draw attention as a distraction away from the actual casting. Since the British actor is only 32, he’s not necessarily in a rush to join the MCU. Instead, he could be fostering goodwill with potential future employers.
However, I previously wrote about the potential candidates to replace Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in the MCU. Egerton wasn’t merely on my shortlist but someone I underlined as a strong possibility. He checks all the boxes of what Marvel would want in the character.
Source: Marvel/ GQ
Also, Egerton is almost exactly the age as Jackman when he portrayed Wolverine in X-Men in 2000. That led to a 20-year run as Logan. You can understand why Marvel would like to duplicate that feat by casting someone young but proven in the role.
What Does Deadline Say?
As MarvelBlog News stressed last week that stories like this require extra vetting in the run-up to major events like Comic-Con. Deadline queried Egerton about his interest in the role and any negotiations he’d had with Marvel. Here’s the enlightening reply:
“I don’t think it would be wrong to say that. I’d be excited but I’d be apprehensive as well, because Hugh is so associated with the role that I’d wonder if it’d be very difficult for someone else to do it…But hopefully if it does come around, they’ll give me a shot.”
Again, that’s non-committal, primarily because Egerton isn’t an idiot. Marvel has been known to bring the thunder on actors with loose lips. At a minimum, he has confirmed that he did make some form of shortlist for the role and has all but begged for the opportunity.
Source: GQ
Egerton’s candidacy is a fascinating one due to his credentials. He’s previously played an action hero in a moderately successful franchise, The Kingsman. Also, Egerton has worked with Jackman on Eddie the Eagle and presumably picked his peer’s brain about the character…because who wouldn’t?
If Egerton earned Jackman’s seal of approval, that’s an impactful bonus to his candidacy since it’s certain Marvel asked Wolverine’s opinion about his replacement. The one sticking point here is that Egerton has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.
I doubt Marvel would cast an actor who has committed to another project/character of that scope. Still, the timing of this article suggests that Egerton wants the attention about the potential Wolverine casting. So, all we’re left to wonder is why now?
Emma Roberts Joins Madame Web
Source: KARWAI TANG / CONTRIBUTOR, GETTY IMAGES
MarvelBlog News has yet another casting update for the upcoming Sony/Marvel movie, Madame Web. Emma Roberts, the Hollywood scion best known for Scream Queens and American Horror Story, has joined the cast.
Once again, Sony has refused to acknowledge anything about the character Roberts will portray in the Dakota Johnson movie. Roberts joins soon after the confirmations of Isabela Merced and Sydney Sweeney to the project. So, this one is shaping up as a very strong cast.
To me, Roberts will always be the actress who stole Scream 4 right out from under the existing cast of regulars. In fact, I’ve always maintained that the producers blew the final cut here. So, I tell friends to stop watching after the table scene and skip the last ten minutes.
I’m devout that if this had been the final scene, the movie would have reinvigorated the franchise. Not coincidentally, I’m somewhat mystified why Roberts isn’t a bigger star. Remarkably, I’m just as high on Isabela Merced, a child actress with terrific instincts.
In a calendar year, she once played a strong-willed orphan, a scion of a drug cartel, and Dora the Explorer. That’s range, my friends.
Source: Marvel Comics
As for Sweeney, she’s the scene-stealer, Cassie, on Euphoria. So, whoever is casting Madame Web has exquisite taste. They’re culling top talent from the best shows and movies.
As such, I’m a lot more excited for Madame Web than I ever was for Morbius, which I think we all knew deep down was a clunker.
Marvel Miscellany
Source: Variety
MarvelBlog News also has a tale of love in the MCU! Everybody’s beloved Loki, Tom Hiddleston, fell for an actress named Zawe Ashton during their work on a 2019 play, Betrayal. Ashton later earned an MCU role that you haven’t even seen yet. She will portray the villain in The Marvels.
By the time that film comes out next July, Ashton will be a mother for the first time! She just announced that she and Loki are having a baby! The couple was previously engaged in March, and now they’ll have a child who is all but certain to join the MCU by 2045. Uncle Thor’s gonna be so proud!
By the way, Daredevil himself, Charlie Cox, was the third star in that play. This kid is as pure Marvel as is humanly possible. I’ve got two other notes for you. The first is that Thor: Love and Thunder enters theaters this weekend.
Source: Marvel Studios
Marvel hasn’t lifted its review embargo yet, but the early buzz is quite strong. Also, if you haven’t noticed yet, Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now available on Disney+. So, you should be watching it this weekend!
That’s all for MarvelBlog News this week, I hope you’re having a lovely holiday weekend, everyone!
