Rumor is that Marvel and Netflix are in talks to add future properties and we can’t wait to pick who we’d like to see in them.
Coming off a punishingly successful and electric 2nd season, ‘Daredevil’ has set the tone for Marvel hits on Netflix. And the streaming media powerhouse hasn’t stopped there laying out other hit series like ‘Jessica Jones, ‘ which is rapidly nearing the premier of its 2nd season, and the upcoming stand alone ‘Luke Cage’ and ‘Iron Fist’ series. Given the recent inundation of streamable superhero material, one would think Netflix is Marvel-ed out for the time being. Well, “one” would be WRONG! That’s right, the hot new rumor circulating the web is that Marvel and Netflix are far from any sort of hiatus and busy penciling out future joint properties. More specifically, the streaming behemoth is allegedly close to nailing down a contract for a Blade, Ghost Rider and Moon Knight series.
The tone of these properties also seem to fall in line with the darker themes and characters Netflix’s Marvel universe has been developing. So while we, the adulated fans of the Netflix housed Marvel universe, patiently wait to see if these rumors fade or come to fruition, behold Film Fad’s top picks to fill those super-shoes.
Blade aka Eric Brooks
Some motherfuckers are always trying to ice-skate uphill. – Wesley Snipes | ‘Blade’ (1998)
Blade’s first solo story hit the stands back in 1974 (Vampire Tales #8). That Marvel story grew into the comic franchise that ultimately became “Blade” the motion picture. This movie was both one of Marvel’s early attempts that not only became a fan favorite, but also paved the way for subsequent Marvel movies like Bryan Singer’s “X-Men” movie. In a way, that means we have “Avengers” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” because Blade is such a bad@ss vampire.
In The Past…
Wesley Snipes (‘Blade,’ ‘Blade 2’ and ‘Blade Trinity’)
A half-vampire, half-mortal Blade (Wesley Snipes) struggles with his humanity, tussling with flashbacks of his past, only to become the protector of the mortal race, slaying evil vampires to prevent the rise of the so called ‘Blood God.’ As mentioned above, the positive reception of the ‘Blade’ movie almost single handedly provided what would be the kindling for the inferno that has become the greater Marvel cinematic universe. So, it goes without saying that a new Blade will have some seriously hefty combat boots to fill to even come close to Snipes’ character redefining adaptation.
Sticky Fingaz (‘Blade: The Series’)
In 2006, Sticky Fingaz revived the blade mantle for a ‘Blade’ series created by ‘The Dark Knight’ writer, David S. Goyer. The season, while with some cult following, failed to capture the appeal of the Snipe’s lead film franchise and only managed to survive for one season before being staked through the heart. While he tried to imitate the bad@ss character Snipe’s had created, Mr. Fingaz ultimately gave audiences a rather lackluster performance.
Our Pick:
Idris Elba (Heimdall in ‘Thor’)
Why? Because Idris Elba should play EVERY role! No, seriously. I would love to see Elba don the fangs and roam both the darkest alleys and sunniest streets as the infamous Daywalker. Given his ability to breathe life and excitement into even the most vapid of movie roles ([cough]… ‘Pacific Rim’), Elba would surely bring audiences a ‘Blade’ they can love again. While many fans are holding out to see Elba transition to the Warner Bros held DCEU as Green Lantern John Stewart, I think he’d have an easier time staying in house with Marvel. All that being said, Heimdall is still alive and well in Asgard, for now, so this pick will remain in the realm of fantasy. Again, for now…
Go to the NEXT PAGE to see our pick for GHOST RIDER!
Ghost Rider aka Johnny Blaze
Yeah, I’m good. Feels like my skull’s on fire, but I’m good. – Nicolas Cage | ‘Ghost Rider’ (2007)
Created in 1972, Ghost Rider tells the tale of stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze who agrees to trade his soul to a Satan-like demon named Mephisto to save the life of his father. In doing so Blaze inadvertently agrees to becoming a vengeful spirit who reaps death. By day, Blaze struggles with his demons (literally), but come nightfall night and when in the presence of evil, Blaze finds himself consumed by hellfire. His skeletal transformation leaves him with the signature flaming skull. Upon a fiery bike, the Ghost Rider blasts down demons with hellfire from his skeletal mitts.
In The Past…
Nicolas Cage (‘Ghost Rider’ and ‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance’)
I think we can all agree that it’s time for Cage to pass on the Ghost Rider torch (see what I did there?). While Cage’s acting style definitely gives the audience the impression that he is indeed possessed, it is unfortunately not by the ‘Spirit of Vengeance…’ It’s more like the spirit of a pokemon on angel dust. While I’m sure there are some diehard lovers of Cage’s Ghost Rider run, most will agree that it was far from perfect… or even good, really.
Our Pick:
Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman in ‘Breaking Bad’)
The duality of Johnny Blaze and Ghost Rider is one riddled with a serious inner turmoil, a spiritual tug-of-war with the darkness of Hell itself. With that being said, the character needs a nuanced touch. One from an actor that’s younger, but experienced. Gritty, yet introspective. Well, my answer to that call is “Magnets, b*tch!” That’s right, I think Aaron Paul, aka ‘Breaking Bad’s’ beloved Jesse Pinkman as the demon hunting inferno on two wheels. Not only does Paul have the look and appeal befitting the stuntman Johnny Blaze, he also has the dramatic range to instil some serious sense of guilt and spiritual conflict into the character. Given his recent and grit-riddled role in ‘Triple 9,’ I think we can all agree that Paul would fit the part like a glove.
Go to the NEXT PAGE to see our pick for MOON KNIGHT!
Moon Knight aka Marc Spector
Created by Doug Moench and Don Perlin in August 1975, Moon Knight first appeared in the Marvel Comics published “Werewolf by Night” #32. Moon Knight tells the tale of Marc Spector, a highly skilled combatant who is imbued with the powers of an Egyptian Moon god to fight crime. Marc Spector is a complex character known to create numerous fake personas, from millionaire Steven Grant to taxi driver Jake Lockley, to aid him in his crime fighting.
In The Past…
Well… um. Marc Spector doesn’t really have a past on the big screen or small. As a matter of fact, Moon Knight is a realatively unknown character to mainstream audiences.
Our Pick:
Ross Marquand (Aaron in ‘The Walking Dead’)
While lesser known by general audience, Ross Marquand has quickly proven himself to the rabid fans of ‘The Walking Dead.’ Marquand definitely knows how to handle death and drama, both key factors in an effective rendition of the mystical Moon Knight. What really qualifies Marquand for the job is the plethora of impersonations that he is able to skillfully pull off. This talent would definitely help round out the role-playing alter ego of the Moon Knight, Marc Spector. Marquand also has the look to pull of both a Millionaire type, as well as a guy who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.
Watch Vanity Fair’s “Celebrity Nano-Impressions with Ross Marquand” below for a glimpse of Marquand’s keen talent.