Sure, all eyes are on the release of Avengers: Infinity War right now, but there are already more MCU stories on the way. One such project is Captain Marvel, which will take the Marvel Cinematic Universe back to the 1990s to introduce Brie Larson as Carol Danvers. Setting a Marvel film in the past inherently means that old characters can return, which is precisely what will happen with the already-announced return of Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson. With the fan-favorite S.H.I.E.L.D. agent set to come back to the big screen, it also looks like Gregg is excited to see how Marvel will use technology (instead of a traditional fitness plan) to de-age him. The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. actor explained:
That was a fun call from my friends in the Cinematic Universe, who I normally see at these events, saying, 'You know, we think once again we have some work for you, but it takes place in the '90s. Can you go to the gym?' Yeah, I said, 'The '90s? I mean, there is no gym that can get me back to the '90s.' And they said, 'Well, don't worry. We've been working on that technology, and we think we can goose you back a few years.'
If Captain Marvel took place a few years in the past, Clark Gregg might have to get back to the gym and do some sit-ups to get himself back into fighting shape. That said, with this film firmly taking place in the 1990s, it looks like Marvel is going to dust off some of the CGI technology to send him back a few decades. Marvel has honed this tech in recent years, as it similarly used it to de-age Kurt Russell in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Michael Douglas in Ant-Man, so Clark Gregg seems excited about what the project can do to his character (and likely the fact that the 56-year-old won't have to kill himself at the gym.)
However, in all fairness to Clark Gregg, he has aged pretty well over the years. Just check out how he looked in an appearance on Law & Order back in 1991.
The question of Clark Gregg returning to the big screen corner of the MCU also raises the question of whether or not we will see him come back to the present-day Marvel movie world for Avengers 4. Per his recent remarks to Comicbook.com, it seems that Gregg doesn't even know, and is only looking forward -- or backward -- to Captain Marvel. Nevertheless, he appears grateful to finally have the chance to make his way back to a Marvel movie.
Of course, we should also note that Clark Gregg won't be the only classic Marvel actor to appear in Captain Marvel. In addition to Agent Coulson, we're also going to see Samuel L. Jackson reprise his role as Nick Fury, and this time he will have two eyes -- a stark contrast from his typical, eyepatch look. We don't yet know if the folks plan to similarly de-age Jackson, but if it's happening to Clark Gregg, then it's entirely possible that it will happen other returning actors, as well.
On that note, make sure to keep an eye out for more updates related to Captain Marvel as new stories related to the film break. Until then, make sure to check out our review of Avengers: Infinity War and our review roundup, and catch the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster for yourself!
