Still in the works, Marvel sequel Avengers: Secret Wars is climbing up the calendar for Disney and Marvel Studios. Some whispers are claiming director Shawn Levy, heralded for his work as the director of Deadpool 3, might be the one tasked to take the reins for one of the MCU’s next crossover epics.
From ‘Merc with a Mouth’ to Marvel Cinematic Universe
The emergence of the infamous “Merc with a Mouth,” Deadpool, on the silver screen dates back to 2016, a project masterminded by Tim Miller. David Leitch directed the movie’s sequel that dropped audiences into the middle of the action in 2018. Now, Deadpool is making the transition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Ryan Reynolds has vouched for a familiar face to helm the third film – Shawn Levy.
Levy’s collaboration with Reynolds extends far beyond the MCU, with under-the-belt projects such as The Adam Project and Free Guy. His existing relationships within the Disney and Fox families, owing to his work on projects like Cheaper by Dozen, the Night at the Museum saga, and Real Steel, further solidify his fitting candidacy.
Levy’s Biggest Challenge with ‘Deadpool 3’
Deadpool 3 is shaping up to be a significant undertaking for the director, and for an unexpected reason – it will mark the franchise’s first-ever R-rated movie. Given Levy’s existing relationship with Marvel Studios, the anticipated success of the film could cement Levy’s place in Marvel’s cinematic future. This inevitably leads to the speculation that Levy is on the shortlist to direct Avengers: Secret Wars.
In an interview with ET Canada, the director himself dropped a hint about the buzz, saying, “I read that rumour, and that’s all I’m gonna say.”
Other Contenders Hovering in the Background
Levy’s potential appointment isn’t without competition. Sam Raimi, the director behind Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and esteemed Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron are reportedly also on Marvel Studios’ wish list for Avengers: Secret Wars.
Why Is Avengers: Secret Wars Crucial for the MCU?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s interconnected projects hold clear relevance in understanding individual narratives. The superposition of the Disney+ shows throughout recent years has only amplified this pertinence.
Avengers crossover movies, taking the form of grand collage events featuring the franchise’s biggest heroes, play pivotal role within this order. Avengers: Secret Wars will follow the pattern, but with a twist. It could conclude ‘The Multiverse Saga,’ and possibly direct the MCU toward a major reboot, charting a new path for the franchise.
Comic Book Roots of ‘Secret Wars’
Marvel comic book series – Secret Wars, devised by Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, and Bob Layton in the mid-1980s, revolves around The Beyonder, a powerful entity. The Beyonder abducts a mix of Marvel Comics universe’s heroes and villains and sets up a Battle Royale on a planet named Battleworld.
Interestingly, the roup of characters abducted largely consist of the Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four. Given that the latter two groups are set to become part of the MCU in upcoming projects, the adaptation of this story to the silver screen makes all the more sense.
According to the release schedule, fans will have to hold their horses until May 7, 2027, for Avengers: Secret Wars. In the meantime, Deadpool 3, much-anticipated for its departure from the typical franchise formula, is projected for a May 3, 2024 box-office debut.
