Marvel is still not done with their "Phase Two" of comic book films- that is, "Iron Man 3," "Thor: The Dark World," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," all of which will lead into next summer's "Avengers: Age of Ultron."
But the booming comic film studio, and its president Kevin Feige, are always thinking ahead, and a "Phase Three" of comic book characters is already well under way (reportedly, the studio has tenative plans in mind all the way until 2028).
Three films in this later group have already been confirmed: "Ant-Man," "Captain America 2," and "Doctor Strange." But given the success of the "Thor" franchise, and the integral part that "Thor" (plus actor Chris Hemsworth) plays in the "Avengers" films, it's nearly a certainty that "Thor 3" will be in theaters before too long.
In a recent interview with io9, Feige admitted that he already has a few thoughts about the next Thor film, and managed to let a few details slip by. When asked about the villain Loki's continuing role in the Marvel universe, Feige had this to say:
"I don't know, I think anything is possible... I think It always will depend... In some way, and this gets really nerdy, we look at the development of all of our movies in these phases. We've talked about this before. [Before] The Avengers [was] phase 1. We're in phase 2 right now, that's sort of the over-arching story lines. Some day people can look back at phase 1, phase 2, or phase 3, however long it lasts, and see a whole cinematic universe. But they can also look at the individual franchises and see arcs and turns. And in a strange way Thor, Avengers, and Thor: The Dark World is a Loki trilogy, which I think is cool. In charting the relationship of these two brothers, when we first meet them as little boys listening to a story their father [tells them] that they were both meant to be kings. Which ended up not being true for one of them, and seeing where that takes him in that troubled journey that Loki goes on."
Later, when questioned about Thor's father, Odin (played by Anthony Hopkins), who seemingly met his end in "Thor: The Dark World," Feige played it coy. Here, Feige comments on the character's death:
"I would not say that it's safe to say, no. I don't know what Loki did to him."
Big Marvel news is expected at this year's Comic-Con, which begins July 24. Until then, fans continue to speculate about the premise of "Thor 3"- recent rumors include either the classic comic villain Surtur or Amora the Enchantress.
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