You have to admit, as far as stingers go (scenes after a film’s credits), Iron Man had a pretty kick-ass idea. Not only setting up the idea that we will have an Avengers movie soon, but introducing Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury? It doesn’t get much better than that. Then, of course, you had the cool crossover in The Incredible Hulk with Tony Stark showing up.
So, what can we expect from the upcoming swath of Marvel Movies? Iron Man 2 screenwriter Justin Theroux says he has no idea yet. The writer told MTV Splashpage that no conversations are going on between the writers of the various movies.
Theroux clarifies that this is a good thing though. The potential is there for all sorts of cool crossovers, but nothing is being sent down as a requirement. The studio is focused more on making great individual movies, and then allowing cameo appearances or setting the stage for Avengers later on. “I think [Marvel Studios President] Kevin Feige just wants to make sure we can make the best movie that we can make.”
Theroux says that just because the studio isn’t handing down requirements doesn’t mean they aren’t paying attention though. ”Kevin is in all the meetings for all the movies, and is the sort of connective tissue – the neurons if you will – running between the meetings. Making sure all the things can be connected.” That actually excites me. I never felt like the worlds of Spider-Man, X-Men, and Punisher were all that connected, despite them inhabiting the same city in the comic books. The idea that Feige is making sure these films can be combined, while not laying down requirements to force them to fit some mold is really good.
I’m very excited to see where Marvel can take their franchises on film. I think they have the potential for some really excellent movies if they play their cards right. The first big step is making sure each movie can stand on its own, however, and that’s exactly what they are doing. There’s no point in ruining one of these first movies in hopes of laying down the foundation for the future if the future doesn’t get here, right? Lest we wind up with another Elektra.
