In yet another lengthy Ant-Man press junket interview, this time with Io9, Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige touches more on next year's Captain America: Civil War, as well as 2017's Thor: Ragnarok, and the recently-titled Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2. When asked about the rumors that the Incredible Hulk (or Red Hulk) will be appearing in Civil War, Kevin Feige teased that the Jade Giant is "not a primary part of Civil War" and that "he may not be a part at all."
Furthermore, Kevin Feige explained how the 2016 superhero ensemble flick will include so many characters while still being considered a Captain America movie. "Certainly at the end of Civil War it’s a whole new ball game," Feige began. "What’s fun about Civil War though is, as you know from the comics, it’s a very simple story. And it really has to be, to accommodate that many players. It’s very much a Captain America movie and it’s very much a sequel to the Winter Soldier in ways I don’t think people [will expect].... It’s a very simple structure that allows you to have these amazing character interactions in a way that I don’t think becomes overwhelming. And it’s very much is a kick off to Phase 3 because it sets the dynamic for everything that follows."
Next up, Feige was asked about Thor: Ragnarok, which is set for release on November 3, 2017, and the rumors or rather speculation that Thor helmer Kenneth Branagh will be returning to the director's chair. After debunking that rumor, the producer teased when we'll find out who will be helming the God of Thunder's third solo outing. "I think towards the end of the summer there will probably be a filmmaker announcement and a writer announcement and maybe even some additional casting announcements," he said. "That won’t start filming until middle of next year."
The official title for the Guardians of the Galaxy sequel was just revealed earlier today, but Feige teases bigger reveals in the James Gunn-directed Volume 2. "I’m very excited for it and excited that we and James are not resting on the laurels and just saying 'Here’s another soundtrack and another space adventure,'" he said. "There’s a lot of very surprising additions to the movie and reveals in the movie that if I were to tell you now you’d go 'What!?!' But when you see the movie I hope it is just as surprising as Guardians 1 was the first time around."What do you think?
Anyhow, the currently-filming Captain America: Civil War will hit theaters on May 6, 2016, while Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 will start production in February with a May 5, 2017, release date.