Before filming kicked off for Marvel's superhero extravaganza
The Avengers, the studio had another ensemble film scheduled for filming early this year; the big screen adaptation of
Runaways. Despite having a director attached, Peter Sollett, a few of the roles filled, and a solid script penned by Drew Pearce, the studio put the film on hold for "unspecified" reasons. However, speaking with
The Playlist at Empire's Big Screen fest, Pearce reveals the assumed reason why.
“Basically, ‘The Avengers’ came along and everything else at Marvel got put on hold for a year. But the script is there, we’re good go,” Pearce said. “It’s kind of like [being] at the airport when you’re waiting for your slot to take off with Marvel, and we’re hoping we get a slot next year. Fingers crossed. They’re very happy with it, so hopefully it happens.”
While it was revealed
The Avengers director, Joss Whedon, was in contention to helm, Peter Sollett will be directing whenever Marvel gets things back on track. And cameras could begin rolling as early as 2013, being that Disney have two undisclosed films slated for release year 2014. And regarding
Runaways' cast,
Akeelah And the Bee actress Keke Palmer revealed she was a offered an undisclosed role, while relativity unknown TV actor Lucas Cruikshank revealed he auditioned, and
Jumping The Broom's rapper-turned-actor Romeo Miller campaigned for the role of Alex Wilder.
Runaways, based on the comic book about the children of super villains who try to use their evil powers for heroic purposes, follows a group of teenagers who discover that their parents, an amalgam of mob bosses, time-travelers, dark wizards, mad scientists, alien invaders and telepathic mutants, are part of an evil crime syndicate. The series is known for it's solid characterization and its ability to tackle dark elements while maintaining a comedic tone. The stories take places in mainstream Marvel continuity and several major Marvel characters have made appearances alongside the teens.