The hosts delve into the exciting Comic-Con news about Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Dr. Doom. They share their enthusiasm and discuss the implications for upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday. The conversation also touches on the evolving Marvel landscape, fan frustrations, and the challenges of innovative storytelling. They reflect on the shift in filmmaking and celebrity culture, while reminiscing about their favorite X-Men movies, critiquing the franchise's legacy and its connection to modern pop culture.
Robert Downey Jr.'s return as Dr. Doom marks a significant shift in the MCU, balancing nostalgia with new narrative possibilities.
The surprise success of 'Inside Out 2' highlights the potential for animated films to achieve remarkable box office milestones.
Discussions on the corporate nature of filmmaking reveal concerns that reliance on star power may overshadow innovative storytelling opportunities.
Deep dives
Summer Movie Wager Update
The podcast discusses the ongoing Summer Movie Wager, where participants predict box office successes of summer films. A notable highlight is the surprise performance of 'Inside Out 2,' which has grossed over $600 million domestically, a significant achievement for an animated film. There’s speculation about the potential box office success of 'Deadpool and Wolverine,' with David Chen expressing hopes that it might challenge records for R-rated films. This affection is juxtaposed with past skepticism, where the idea that 'Deadpool and Wolverine' could outperform 'Inside Out 2' was ridiculed in discussions.
Comic Con Revelations
The episode emphasizes significant announcements from Comic Con, including the poorly received title of the upcoming Fantastic Four film, 'Fantastic Four First Steps.' This title was criticized heavily, seen as lacking inspiration compared to previous Marvel titles. Additionally, there's commentary on the nostalgic feeling surrounding Comic Con as previous attendees reflect on their past experiences at the event, noting a generational shift as new influencers take the stage. While enthusiastic about the event, the speakers express a degree of exhaustion at the thought of attending such a crowded convention again.
Returning Directors and Characters
The Russo Brothers’ return to direct two new Avengers films, titled 'Avengers Doomsday' and 'Avengers Secret Wars,' is discussed, highlighting Marvel's strategy of leaning on established names amidst current criticisms. Anticipation builds around the storyline possibilities, particularly with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Iron Man, creating intrigue regarding how this could blend with newer characters. This move is seen as both a risk and a safe choice, reflecting Marvel’s attempt to recapture past successes while potentially sidelining new narratives. There’s a debate on whether this reliance on familiar faces reflects a lack of creativity or an opportunity for rich storytelling.
The Future of X-Men in the MCU
The conversation shifts to the future integration of the X-Men within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with excitement over their prospective inclusion in upcoming films. The speakers express hope and concern about the legacy of characters like Wolverine and how previous iterations will influence new portrayals. There’s a recognition that bringing back past characters comes with pressures to deliver a satisfying narrative arc that honors previous storylines while embracing new directions. As the episode wraps, there’s cautious optimism about what the merging of these iconic characters could yield in terms of both storytelling and fan loyalty.
Critique of Corporate Filmmaking
The podcast concludes with a critical discussion on the corporate nature of modern filmmaking, questioning whether massive budgets for established stars compromise artistic integrity. Commentators reflect on how this trend limits opportunities for new talents and innovative stories, suggesting that the focus on familiar franchises may detract from the vibrancy of new cinematic endeavors. The high financial stakes of big-budget films raise concerns about sustainability within the industry, driving home the point that profit often prevails over creative exploration. This sentiment resonates with the notion that the MCU's reliance on star power and past successes might stifle fresh perspectives moving forward.
The Filmcast: After Dark is the bonus show where we talk about a variety of random topics that didn't make it into the main podcast (including your questions and what's going on in our lives).
In this episode, David, Devindra, and Jeff discuss the big news that dropped at San Diego Comic-Con: Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU and playing Dr. Doom! We discuss how we feel about this news, and the creative/economic implications of it, including our thoughts on the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
To get more bonus episodes like this in the future, become a Patron at patreon.com/filmpodcast
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