The Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading toward a major precipice. With the battle against Thanos looming, and Phase Three slowly nearing its conclusion, it seems like just about any character could bite the dust when the Infinity War breaks out. Avengers: Infinity War has already amassed a giant cast of MCU favorites, and now it looks like another classic character may be showing up as well. Because director/actor Jon Favreau may have just let slip that his character Happy Hogan will be showing up in the Russo Brothers' massive ensemble film.
Jon Favreau recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote his role in Spider-Man: Homecoming. When Kimmel asked him point blank if he'd be showing up in Infinity War, Favreau said:
I don't know what I'm at liberty to say, but I will be going to Atlanta during the filming of The Avengers.
This wording seems like a pretty creative way to stay out of trouble with Marvel Studios and not screw up his Non-Disclosure Agreement, but that's definitely a confirmation. Tony Stark's friend and confidante Happy Hogan will be making his fifth appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Infinity War, and I'm pretty psyched about it.
Jon Favreau joins an already giant cast of MCU favorites who will be teaming up to battle Thanos and his forces in the next Avengers film. The film will bring together The Avengers (including Cap's group of outliers), the Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as newcomers like Black Panther, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and (hopefully) Captain Marvel. Happy Hogan isn't the only supporting character show up, as Maria Hill and a handful of Black Panther cast members will also appear during the film. Now let's hope for a Pepper Potts appearance as well.
It should be interesting to see how the Russo Brothers manage to feature such a huge cast in Infinity War's presumably limited runtime. Smart money says that the battle against Thanos and his forces will be a worldwide event, and we'll get small glimpses of characters attempting to defend the Earth from their various locations. Some of these roles may be glorified cameos, rather than ones that truly move the plot forward. I'd love to see Happy Hogan suiting up with some Stark tech to battle Thanos' cronies, although perhaps that's asking too much.
With so many MCU mainstays showing up in Infinity War, it's especially surprising that certain characters like Evangeline Lilly's Hope van Dyne. While she's set to appear in Avengers 4 once she becomes a superhero in Ant-Man and the Wasp, it's hard to believe that she wouldn't answer the call to arms once Thanos comes knocking- especially with Scott Lang risking his hide to save the world.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is currently in theaters, and Avengers: Infinity War will arrive on May 4, 2018. In the meantime, check out 2017 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
