Marvel Studios dropped a Hulk-sized bombshell today releasing information on the nine films that will comprise its "Phase 3" of development. If you are a long-time "South Park" fan, you would know that according to the Underpants Gnomes, "Phase 3" is the time when you profit, but this is clearly Marvel's answer to DC's massive film slate announcement just about two weeks ago. And what an answer it is: "Inhumans." "Black Panther." "Dr. Strange." "Captain Marvel." Yes, please...
But, if anyone was playing close attention, you'll notice that there are two glaring omissions: no stand-alone "Black Widow" film, or another crack at a stand-alone "Hulk" film. Marvel's Kevin Feige had this to say about those "missing" films; in reference to the Hulk: "We'll see. For now, he'll be appearing with his friends in the other films." In regard to the "Black Widow": "Like the Hulk, her role will be in the 'Avengers' films." But Feige emphasized that there are plans in which "Black Widow" will still play a "key, key role."
So, you may ask, what's left in the Marvel Universe for it to mine at this stage of game? Its film dance card appears to be pretty damn full at the moment, and what it has lined up for TV with Netflix is pretty robust as well. But the Marvel Universe is vast and wide, and here are three of my suggestions for more Marvel goodness on both the small and large screens:
"ALPHA FLIGHT"
This Canadian super-team was created by John Byrne and Chris Claremont in the late 70's as foils for the X-Men, but they also had their very own long-running series in the comics (from 1983 to 1994; 130 issues). Wolverine was supposed to be the original leader of this team, but he left to join the X-Men. Ultimately, the Canadian government sent Alpha Flight to bring him home and claim his rightful position. The mighty Canucks are also notable for having the first openly gay comic character, Jean Paul Beaubier (Northstar).
Since they are technically part of the "X-Men" universe, their rights (and fates) may be tied up with Fox...and Fox and Marvel aren't on friendly terms right now. But, it would be fantastic to see this very unique team utilized in some fashion...maybe in the next stand-alone "Wolverine" film?
"POWER PACK"
This kid-friendly super-team was always a personal favorite. They were created by writer Louise Simonson and artist June Brigman, and first appeared in their own comic series in 1984. "Power Pack" lasted only for 62 issues. The characters have since sporadically appeared in other books in the MCU.
"Power Pack," having their superpowers granted to them by a dying alien, was the first team of preteen superheroes in the Marvel Universe, and the first in comics to operate without adult supervision.
This is a series made for television, if there ever was one. I mean, really, it's a slam dunk. There was a "Power Pack" pilot produced in 1991 (seen here in all of its cheesy glory) but, sadly, it was never picked up. Now is the time for "Power Pack" to make a comeback and strike while the superhero iron is white hot.
"THE PUNISHER"
Yes, I know there have been other versions of "The Punisher" put to film already in 1989, 2004 and 2008, but they all sucked to be honest because they veered too far from the scary, not-very-nice essence of the character. The Punisher (Frank Castle) is a vigilante who employs murder, kidnapping, extortion, coercion, threats of violence and torture in his war on crime. Driven by the deaths of his wife and two children, who were murdered by mafia thugs during a shootout in New York City's Central Park, the Punisher wages a one-man war on the mob and all criminals in general by using conventional war weaponry. You cannot tone that down...let the character be what he is: a fearsome killer.
Go with a "hard R" version of either the original "Punisher" mini-series from 1986, or the Garth Ennis, "Welcome Back, Frank" arc in 2000, and Marvel Studios would have a blood-splattered winner on its hands. Guaranteed.
