In a separate report on the contract negotiations between Marvel Studios and its principal actors. The Hollywood Reporter confirms that there are currently scripts in development for Ms Marvel, Blade, Iron Fist, Black Panther and The Runaways. However, don't take that as confirmation that we'll be seeing any of those films anytime soon. Here's a breakdown of where each film currently stands.
Marvel Studios Writing Program
Back in 2009,
Marvel Studios set up a screenwriting program for young talent to cut their teeth prepping the groundwork for film adaptations of lesser known Marvel characters. This is where development on scripts for all the characters listed above first began. Marvel just isn't allowing anyone into the program, the majority of the screen writers admitted come from the fabled
Black-List. However, interestingly enough, there have been a few Marvel comic book scribes admitted into the script writing program as well.
Blade
After three Blade films at New Line, Marvel Studios announced at San Diego Comic Con 2011 that they had regained film rights to the character. This announcement came from Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada someone that works more closely on comic books; we have yet to hear any substantial news from any individuals working on the film side of Marvel. However, a report on a Blade remake script being purchased by Marvel surfaced in early January of this year on The Tracking Board, however detailed information remains hidden behind a paywall.
Iron Fist
Back in 2010, Kevin Feige announced that 'a very talented writer was working on a draft' and that it was inspired by the Ed Brubaker/Matt Fraction take on the character, told inside the pages of The Immortal Iron Fist. Since then, it's been revealed that the talented writer is named Rich Wilkes but not much else has emerged.
Ms. Marvel
Last May, there were conflicting reports about a Ms. Marvel script in development at Marvel Studios. In light of the recent news from THR, I'd probably say those rumors were actually true. We currently have no info on who has written the script.
Black Panther
A name many fans have been clamoring for, Black Panther has been simmering on the Marvel back-burner for quite some time now. Just recently, we had a new report surface that Chadwick Boseman (42) was the frontrunner on Marvel's shortlist to play T'Challa. Writer Mark Bailey was the last name associated with the script.
The Runaways
Iron Man 3 writer Drew Pearce was hired back in May 2010 to begin scripting a film adaptation of Marvel's teen superheroes. Peter Sollett was attached to direct the feature film and there were even reports of a March 2011 start date but Marvel obviously decided to put the brakes on the project. Recent comments made by Kevin Feige during the marketing blitz for Iron Man 3 seem to indicate that there are no plans to ever make this film.
Doctor Strange
Strange is the likeliest of the bunch, and all but has a guaranteed Phase III roster spot. You can read what Kevin Feige has to say on the project by CLICKING HERE.
Other Marvel characters mentioned by prominent Marvel figures as being in serious consideration for a live-action film include Luke Cage and Moon Knight. And there's also recently returned properties like Ghost Rider, Daredevil and Punisher to consider as well. But we're talking Phase III at the earliest for any of these films to grace the silver screen and that begins after The Avengers 2 is released in 2015. In light of the recent revelation about contract squabbles, these films almost seem like contingency plans, options to be rolled out if something drastically goes wrong with Marvel Studios' current crop of films and actors.