Summary
Marvel Studioshas had a bit of a rough go in recent years with a constantly changing release slate. Some of the issues stemmed from COVID-19, while others stemmed from the multiple strikes that took place last year. While most of the projects have eventually entered production, there are two projects that appear to be stuck in development:BladeandArmor Wars. The former has at least had writers and directors attached to the project, while the latter has had little to no movement since being redeveloped from a television series into a film.
Recently, it was suggestedMarvel Studiosmight have to rethink the project. However, the project can still work and should be saved, especially with Robert Downey Jr. set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, how exactly can Marvel Studios makeArmor Warswork? We break down how the film can still work, despite its long-gestating status and reports that it might not happen.
Armor Wars' Strange Development Journey
Armor Wars and Blade were both announced around the same time, but only one project has made it close to production. Marvel Studios hired Yassir Lester to showrunArmor Warswhen it was first announced, as it was being planned as a Disney+ series. Unfortunately, the series never came to fruition, and in 2022 it was revealed that Marvel was looking toredevelop the project into a film. Lester was still said to be involved as the movie’s writer, as it stands, though, it’s unclear if that is still the case. No further details have been revealed since September 2022, and leading man Don Cheadle has recently played coy when asked about the project. To make matters all the more intriguing, recent rumors have suggested that Marvel Studioswill be re-evaluating bothArmor WarsandBlade, which is still dealing with development issues, to seewhether or not to go through with the films. Marvel Studios has yet to comment on this matter, of course, but the future currently looks grim for a project that was once announced as an exciting Phase 5 line-up of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
It’s worth noting that following the project’s shift from being a Disney+ series to a theatrical film,Armor Warshas never had a director attached. Nor have other cast members outside of Cheadle ever been announced for the project. This, of course, is not the same case withBlade. That movie has actually gone through two directors now, and has announced multiple cast members, although it’s unclear if any of them are still attached outside of Mahershala Ali. WhileArmor Warswas once a part of Marvel Studios' plans,Bladewas essentially only announced because Ali approached the studio to make the film. This leavesArmor Warsin a shaky position, but it ultimately deserves to be made, especially now more than ever.
Why Armor Wars Should Still be Made
Armor Warsis one of the projectsMarvel Studios president Kevin Feigeannounced during Disney’s Investor Day in December 2020. It was meant to serve as the first headlining project for Cheadle’s James Rhodes, aka War Machine. Sadly,Armor Warswas announced at a time when Hollywood was still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, and right before the strikes would ultimately force Hollywood to shut down for a second time not too long after. It also came at a time when the Marvel Cinematic Universe found itself struggling to maintain its box office status, with most of its recent releases struggling to surpass $400 million worldwide. Disney’s Bob Iger noted that the studio would be taking time to focus on quality over quantity going forward, a statement echoed by Feige, and it seemsArmor Warsmight’ve fallen victim to this decision. However,Armor Warsstill very much deserves to happen, especially with Downey Jr. back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
It was said thatArmor Warswas ultimately meant to explore what would happen if Stark technology fell into the wrong hands following Tony Stark’s death. This is something the project can still explore, but witha Stark variantthis time around. Downey Jr. is already on hand to playDoctor Doom inThe Avengers: Doomsday, with reports suggesting he’s also set to appear in the end credits scene forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.Armor Warscould easily tackle what would happen if Stark technology were to fall into the hands of Doctor Doom. Or Marvel Studios could have Downey Jr. play yet another variant, especially withThe Avengers: Secret Warson the horizon, and have the technology fall into the hands of that variant. It would create a unique story for Rhodes as he’s forced to accept a variant of his former friend who he watched perish inThe Avengers: Endgame. If the reports of Marvel Studios taking the time to decide whether or not to move forward with Armor Wars are true, we should have more news on the film relatively soon. For now, however, one can only hope the studio realizes the potential it has to tell an exciting story inArmor Wars.
