The Avengers - Phase Two

The Avengers - Phase Two

Marvel had a lot of fans drooling this week as they released the latest (and probably final) trailer for Iron Man 3 which hits our screens on April 25th. So, it's about time we paused for a moment and had a look at the bigger picture of Marvel Studios' massive schedule for all of our avenging superheroes. Here's what's happening so far in "Phase Two":

Iron Man 3

Director: Shane Black

Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley

Release Date: April 25th 2013

The pitch: A year after Manhattan was almost annihilated in The Avengers, Tony Stark sets out on a fierce quest for revenge when his personal world is destroyed at the hands of a terrorist calling himself "The Mandarin". Meanwhile, scientists are perfecting a nanotechnology called "Extremis", a project which can turn humans into genocidal killing machines. 

Behind the scenes: Iron Man 3 is the third theatrical Iron Man movie, however (including The Avengers) it is actually the fourth to feature Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and his metal alter-ego. Downey's contract with Marvel is up after this outing - but nobody else could ever play Tony Stark, surely?

The bigger picture: Iron Man 3 takes place a year after the events of The Avengers and Tony is now alone again. However, rumours have circulated that the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy could make an appearance in the end credits potentially setting up The Avengers 2, while shots of the "Hulkbuster" armour in the latest trailer suggest that Tony has taken some inspiration from his new friends.

Thor: The Dark World

Director: Alan Taylor
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston
Release Date: November 18th 2013

The pitch: Having successfully assisted his Avenger buddies on Earth, Thor has now transported his evil half-brother Loki back to Asgard. But when a powerful new nemesis in the form of Malekith the Accursed attacks the God of Thunder's home, Thor must venture into the darkest parts of the nine realms in order to seek revenge. The only person who has access to these places, however, is none other than Loki - to save Asgard, Earth and all the nine realms, the siblings-at-war must work together.

Behind the scenes: Alan Taylor (director of HBO's Game of Thrones) takes over Kenneth Branagh to helm Thor: The Dark World, giving this sequel what Chris Hemsworth describes as a "very kingly, medieval tone." Almost all of the cast from the original are reprising their roles, with Christopher Eccleston and Zachary Levi notable additions.

The bigger picture: Without the events of the original Thor movie, The Avengers would never have happened. Now, as we depart Earth and return to the kingly realm of Asgard, we're back in outer space in the most original and cosmic Marvel movie yet. However, with Guardians of the Galaxy set to be released in 2014, Thor: The Dark World could prove to be a successful stepping stone into the deeper space of Marvel's universe.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo

Cast: Chris Evans, Emily VanCamp, Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson

Release Date: April 4th 2014

The pitch: Steve Rogers (or Captain America) remains the only Avenger to willingly continue his affiliation with S.H.I.E.L.D, the public defence organisation spearheaded by Nick Fury. Still attempting to adjust to life in the modern world, Steve is haunted by ghosts of his past life as a World War Two soldier but when he is reunited with a friend he thought long dead, those ghosts become real threats to both himself and the security of America.

Behind the scenes: Emily VanCamp (star of TV show Revenge) will play the female lead Sharon Carter, the grand-daughter of Steve's love interest Peggy Carter from the first film. Also, Anthony Mackie will play "Falcon", a superhero who fights alongside Captain America with the ability to fly.

The bigger picture: With appearances from Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Captain America: The Winter Soldier will be the Phase 2 movie with the most tie-ins to The Avengers. 

Guardians Of The Galaxy

Director: James Gunn

Cast: Chris Pratt - others currently TBC.

Release Date: August 1st 2014

The pitch: The Guardians of the Galaxy are a group of galactic freedom fighters whose mission in outer space is to (as you would assume) defend the universe from evil. When US pilot Peter Quill accidentally ends up in space, he finds himself caught up in the midst of an age old intergalactic conflict where he then goes on the run with The Guardians, thus accepting his destiny as Star Lord.

Behind the scenes: Since the announcement of a Guardians of the Galaxy movie, speculation has been wild regarding who will bag the lead role of Star Lord. From Dark Knight Rises star Joseph Gordon-Levitt to the likes of Lee Pace, Joel Edgerton and even Simon Pegg, tons of big name leads were touted for the job - but the pivotal role eventually went to none other than up and coming Parks And Recreation actor Chris Pratt.

The bigger picture: In the end credits of The Avengers, comic-book bad guy Thanos can be glimpsed, and it has thus far been confirmed that the Titan warrior will be the central antagonist in the Guardians movie. Given that Guardians will be the last movie in Marvel's Phase Two, there's a good chance that this will lead straight into The Avengers 2 with Thanos as the main villain - and the possibility of the Guardians of the Galaxy teaming up with the likes of Iron Man and Captain America to bring him down.

Marvel's Phase Two begins with Iron Man 3 on April 25th - check back to Movies Under The Microscope then for a full review. In the meantime, stay chilled!