Under promotional duties for Marvel's The Avengers Blu-ray and DVD release, the Marvel co-president, Louis D'Esposito, discussed the studios' forthcoming projects with FilmJunkies.de. He dots on future Marvel one-shots, when fans can expect Shane Black's theatrical Iron Man 3 trailer, director Edgar Wright's Ant-Man test reel from Comic-Con, and where the Ant-Man movie will fit on the studios' upcoming slate, among other things.
When asked about Wright's
Ant-Man test reel, and whether it'd be available for everyone to see, D'Esposito reasurred,
“Yes, I think so. Edgar is just adding the finishing touches and then we will once again make the final visual effects editing. The process is almost complete. Then we will decide when and how we can make it available to the fans. We are more than happy with it. He's a great filmmaker and we look forward to.”
D'Esposito continued,
“I was there when he made the test reel. I now know how it works and it's going very methodical and planned. First, he designed the concept, then the storyboard, then he produced an animatic, so he knows exactly what he'll turn. Every morning we visited him, and he had added new material, which we then looked at together. He is a passionate filmmaker and it that's contagious. We've only looked at it yesterday and every time we see it, then we think, ‘Wow! We can not wait to make this film!’”
On the subject of the actual
Ant-Man film, which is rumored to begin filming next year after director Edgar Wright completes
At World's End, the interviewer then asked D'Esposito if the tiny hero will fit into Marvel's “Phase 2” slate, in which he replied,
“I'm not sure, so I can not make a definitive statement. Once we know the more accurate schedule, we will make this announcement publicly.”
Along with the
Ant-Man test reel, the very first footage from
Iron Man 3 was also shown at comic-con this year. And regarding when a theatrical trailer will be released, D'Esposito says,
“I [don't?] have the exact date...it's just not ready. But I think it is mid to late October, you can watch a first teaser trailer.”
Later in the Q&A, Louis D'Esposito discussed the
Item 47 Marvel one-shot, in which he directed. And when asked if future short films are planned, he said,
“We do not know exactly what they will be. Only, I will stage one of the short films and we are looking for a guest-director for the other. We are just in the development process. I currently have about 15 different concepts to be on my desk. And this part is nerve-wracking. We ask ourselves, who will continue the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or which one is suitable, the fans or the moviegoers best. We sit together as a group and try to select and then choose one with which we try. I have to decide by next month.”
Before the Agent Coulson-centric one-shots debuted, it was previously rumored that the short films would actually introduce lesser-known Marvel heroes. And when the interviewer brought up that possibility in future shorts, namely with Black Panther, D'Esposito said,
“I love Black Panther, he is one of my favorite characters. But before we have a filmmaker on board, it is difficult to do anything. Because we want to involve them in the processes such as casting or design issues or even other areas for which one hires a director.” He continues,
“So if we have a director on board and knew that we would turn Black Panther or Luke Cage and Ms. Marvel or whatever for a figure that is, then we would do maybe. But right now it is logistically a difficult hurdle.”
In addition to “Marvel's The Avengers” sequel on May 1, 2015, Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including “Iron Man 3” on May 3, 2013; “Thor: The Dark World ” on November 8, 2013; “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” on April 4, 2014; and “Guardians of the Galaxy” on August 1, 2014.