While 4chan isn’t the most reliable source for information, its users have posted yet another list of presumed leaks about future Marvel Cinematic Universe installments. Sometimes these rumors turn out to be true - sometimes they prove to be false. And since nobody knows who posted them, it’s impossible to know from the start which one is which.
This latest batch of 4chan leaks isn't about the later MCU flicks, such as Captain Marvel; the rumors are about what is coming next. And one of them has already proven to be true - Black Panther will see the return of Andy Serkis' Ulysses Klaue, a character who first appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It isn't known how big his role will be, but Klaue is expected Klaue to meet a swift end in the beginning of the flick (pretty much like Crossbones in Captain America: Civil War or von Strucker in Age of Ultron).
So check these rumors out - they may be true! In this case, be warned - there may be spoilers here!
Michelle Pfeiffer and Christoph Waltz
While it’s one of the lesser MCU flicks, Ant-Man proved to be one entertaining movie - especially since it introduced the awesome Paul Rudd into the shared universe. Its sequel, set to be released on the 6th of July 2018, will introduce another superhero (as its title says) and will be the first Marvel film after the Infinity War has started - so there is a lot riding on it.
The rumor says that Marvel wants to cast a couple of legendary actors in key roles. The first is Michelle Pfeiffer (Catwoman from Tim Burton's Batman Returns), who is said to be in early talks for the role of Janet Van Dyne (to be noted, a previous rumor said that this role would be played by Catherine Zeta Jones). The second character is the villain, with Christoph Waltz also being in negotiations.
As far as Janet is concerned, she could prove a very useful and powerful ally against Thanos, especially since she spent so much time in the Quantum Realm. As far as the villain is concerned, the name Elias Strickler has been floating around - a mad scientist type of character.
As said, these are two important roles.
Since we're talking Ant-Man characters"¦
Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer in Infinity War
I have no idea how this will work out. It will most likely be a flashback sequence that will set the events of Ant-Man and the Wasp in motion. The rumor says that both Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne will appear in the Infinity War.
It seems a bit weird to have these two appear in a movie that already seems overcrowded. So, if it turns out to be true, the actors may just cameo. Maybe their knowledge and ability to hop between dimensions will be an ace in the hole for the Avengers, who will realize that Janet Van Dyne is essential for winning the war.
It's speculation, of course. But given the Russos' track record in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I guess we can trust them. The directors have already shown that they can handle bigger casts and that their stories can be compelling.
And one more rumor about Ant-Man and the Wasp is coming up next!
Ant-Man, Wasp, Falcon, and Hawkeye
Just like in the comics, the superheroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have started popping up all over the place, even if the movie isn't titled Avengers. And this is a great thing, because it makes the shared universe more cohesive (of course, this could be a problem for audiences who are new to the MCU).
This latest rumor says that Ant-Man and the Wasp will feature cameos with two other Avengers. The first is Anthony Mackie's Falcon, who had a cameo in the first Ant-Man and introduced the miniature superhero to Captain America - given the characters' history, they can be considered friends, and this appearance makes a lot of sense.
As far as Jeremy Renner's character is concerned, one of the most iconic moments from Captain America: Civil War saw Hawkeye launching Ant-Man on the tip of an arrow. Plus, Hawkeye was the one who brought Scott Lang to the meeting with Steve Rogers. And that's about it - it isn't too much, but I guess they could team up again.
I really like this kind of movie, with its multiple superheroes. So I do hope that this rumor is true.
Pepper and Jane cameos
While they weren't really fan-favorites, Pepper Potts and Jane Foster played important roles in the Iron Man and Thor franchises - Jane was actually responsible for finding the Aether. So it was pretty weird when Gwyneth Paltrow and Natalie Portman seemed to exit the MCU.
It was particularly weird for Pepper, especially since the big break-up happened off-screen, and was hardly mentioned during the Civil War events. As far as Jane is concerned, Thor is too big for this human"¦
The rumor says that both Pepper and Jane will cameo during the Infinity War, adding even more characters to the already huge roster. Sure, they’ll be cameos - but are they really necessary? Like too many female superhero movie characters, they’ve been severely underused (which could also be why the actresses don't really care about returning). Maybe the Russos will make up for it?
I doubt it, though it would be nice. For the moment, I can only say that maybe this one shouldn't turn out to be true.
Peter Dinklage is Eitri and not Pip
Appearing on numerous websites, a recent casting rumor said that Peter Dinklage was in final negotiations with Marvel to portray an essential character in the next two Avengers flicks. Given the pics of Dinklage sporting a red-fiery mane that were uploaded later, it was only natural to assume that the Game of Thrones actor would portray Pip the Troll (thus sparking rumors that Adam Warlock isn't far from joining the MCU).
However, the latest 4chan leak says that Peter Dinklage is set to play Eitri the king of Dwarves, who is supposed to have built both Mjolnir and the Infinity Gauntlet. It isn't said, however, which Gauntlet he built - as we all know, one is in Asgard and another is already on Thanos' hand.
Other fans believe that Peter Dinklage will play an amalgamation of the two characters, thus making him even more important for the next two Avengers flicks. But time will tell"¦
Who knows? Maybe he'll play MODOK instead, as yet others wanted"¦
Returning from the dead: Quicksilver
There are quite a few MCU characters who could be brought back, despite having been killed in the past - as a matter of fact, most of the villains should return, especially Red Skull, via some Infinity Gauntlet magic. After all, Thanos will need some generals.
But this next rumor is about a hero, not a villain. According to the 4chan leak, Quicksilver will be brought back for the Infinity War. Will it be a cameo? It isn't mentioned. However, he’ll be there. And the most interesting possibility would be for Thanos to play with Scarlet Witch's mind, essentially breaking her spirit and driving her insane.
Why would that be interesting? Because it could lead to a House of M type of event in which Wanda reveals her true power and rewrites the entire MCU.
According to the same rumor, Peggy Carter will also return - so using visions to play with a hero’s mind it is!
Expanding the Elders' mythology
Thor: Ragnarok will feature quite a few new characters in addition to Hulk and Thor, including Hela, Skurge, Surtur, and Grandmaster. So, Jeff Goldblum has signed with Marvel.
But what is most interesting is that director Taika Waititi has also cast Sam Neill in a still-unspecified role. And if we are to believe the 4chan leak, the Jurassic Park actor will bring to life another Elder of the Universe - the Trader. So, besides the Collector, this year will see the introduction of two Elders, both in Thor: Ragnarok - the Grandmaster (Thor and Hulk will battle on his planet) and the Trader.
Of course, the rumor doesn't say anything about the Trader’s role in the movie. So, as far as I’m concerned, he could just cameo. However, as his name suggests, he could also want to, well, trade. And since it’s rumored that the Soul Stone will appear in Thor: Ragnarok (because of Hela), maybe he has it.
Thor: Ragnarok will be released on the 3rd of November. So there is still plenty of time until then.
And speaking of Ragnarok"¦
Thanos to cameo in Thor: Ragnarok
We have to mention this rumor, even if it’s a no-brainer: With the Tesseract in Odin's Vault, Thanos will have to come to Asgard. And what better time than when the Asgardians are battling for their own survival? In this way, Thanos could cameo in the end, when Asgard is still in ruins after the war with Hela and her legions.
At the same time, he could also give Hela a bit of extra power, which she would need to defeat Asgard. If it’s true that Hela is also Death in the MCU, the Mad Titan will have even more reason to be at her side (especially if he’s infatuated with her, as he is in the comics).
If the Soul Stone appears in this final Thor installment, he'll have even more reasons for being there. So this rumor is a no-brainer: of course Thanos will cameo during the final days of Asgard.
Sharon Stone and Sylvester Stallone
Quite a while ago, Sharon Stone said that she would have a tiny role in an upcoming Marvel flick. We all assumed that she'd portray Janet Van Dyne in the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp. The most recent 4chan leak says not only which actress will bring Hank Pym's wife to life - it also names the character Stone will portray.
Thus, she will portray Balthak, who could be Balthakk from the Wager Of Octessence. However, she could also be the recipient of Balthakk's powers. I won't hold my breath as far as this rumor is concerned"¦
On the other hand, her co-star from The Specialist is rumored to portray Chief Centurion in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2. The character looks like a Nova Corpsman, so this title suits him perfectly. Of course, some suggest that this is an allusion to the Scarlet Centurion, thus signaling the coming of Kang (which would also mean that Fox and Marvel made a deal"¦right?)
It remains to be seen.
And lastly"¦
Black Order and Lady Death
If Thanos doesn’t resurrect the dead villains of the MCU, he’ll need some generals. The leak says that he will bring the Black Order into the MCU: Black Dwarf, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight, and Supergiant. And this is great news - I do hope that Thanos brings not an army, but just these guys, each of them targeting one or two Avengers at a time"¦
Lastly, one of the most persistent rumors about the Infinity War is that the MCU's Hela is actually an amalgam of the comics' Hela and Death. And this would make sense, especially since this type of abstract entity hasn't been introduced in the shared universe until now.
However, the latest 4chan leak says otherwise - and I’m actually glad, since it says that Eva Green is in final negotiations for the role! And if anybody should take Cate Blanchett's role, that somebody is Eva Green (the actress also appeared with Josh Brolin in Sin City"¦).
Just imagine her as the object of Thanos’ infatuation - it makes perfect sense for him to want to erase half the universe!