MINOR SPOILERS- DON’T READ IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN AVENGERS
The general consensus is that The Avengers is an amazing movie that highlights each superhero’s abilities when fighting the opposing force as well as each other. Now that we can turn our attention away from the awesomeness that is and was Avengers, we can look at the next slate of Marvel films, specifically the ones featuring the heavy hitters of the Avengers. Because Ironman 3, Thor 2, Cap 2 and hopefully Incredible Hulk 2 will be the only solo sequels to come after Avengers we have to look at how the Avengers will shape each solo title.
We already know that Iron Man 3 is due out May of 2013 and that everything being reported indicates that a Mandarian and Extremis storyline is probably what we are going to see. Other factors to consider are, the relationship that now exists between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts and how it will evolve or devolve. Will they get married? Will Tony break it off with Pepper because of duty as Ironman? Obviously the above mentioned Extremis armor is the next step in armor evolution though on the flipside Marvel may hold out on it for a little further down the road. Regardless, the armor will evolve somehow. Maybe Hulk will make a cameo and Tony will break out the Hulkbuster armor.
Also in 2013 is Thor 2, which is being directed by Alan Taylor of Game of Thrones fame, and has the most to live up to in comparison to the first Thor movie. Avengers cemented Thor as a bada--, something void from his first outing. With Thor’s origin explained and undefined but understood relationship with Jane Foster established, Thor 2 can focus more attention on his fighting ability and showcasing his power. Something will have to bring Thor back to Earth, perhaps the Wrecking Crew which also fulfills the previously mentioned requirement of showcasing his power and fighting ability. Fighting four Asgardian magic enhanced supervillians will provide a final battle scene on par with the end of IM2 where Ironman and War Machine are fighting the Hammer drones.
Captain America 2 comes out sometime in 2014, a July 4th opening is only fitting for such a patriotic icon. Not showcasing his full ability in Avengers, Cap 2 will without a doubt focus on the man out of time aspect of his character development. It has been rumored that the character played by Amanda Righetti at the end of Captain American, when Steve wakes up after his deep freeze sleep, is Sharon Carter so an obvious further dive into the Rogers and Carter relationship would begin to form. Fan favorite villains Baron Zemo and robot form Zola are two villains who can make an appearance with little explanation.
The Hulk ruled the Avengers movie from his overall bada--ness to perhaps the highlight of the movie when he pummeled Loki and the coinciding line. His movie is the only one of the four that isn’t officially green lit but all indications are it will happen, possibly to pair with Cap in 2014 or to follow in 2015. The Leader was introduced at the end of the first Incredible Hulk but with him being under SHIELD custody he may not make it to the sequel. No idea what direction would be taken as far as Hulks opponent but surely something will being written into.
Enjoy.