Summary
In 2020,Marvel Studiosunveiled a line-up that teased the next two phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Among the titlesannounced during the studio’s presentationwasArmor Wars, originally planned as a series for Disney+. Since the project’s announcement, not only hadMarvel Studioshired a head writer for the project, but the studio also opted to shift the project from a series to a theatrical release - a decision made nearly two years ago. Since then, however, little to no news has surfaced regardingArmor Wars.
With Marvel Studios having suffered numerous box office hiccups since COVID, the studio is said to be looking at quality over quantity. This means some projects that have already been announced run the risk of being canceled. As it stands,Marvel has yet to officially cancel any projects. However, could that soon change withArmor Wars? More importantly, isArmor Warsa story that needs to be told at this point in time?
Marvel Studios' Armor Wars Woes
Armor Wars was first announced in 2020 along with a plethora of new tiles being developed for Phase 5 and Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While other titles that were announced around the same time, includingIronheartandCaptain America: Brave New Worldhave undergone production and have projected release dates,Armor Warsis still up in the air. Production on the series was initially set to begin in 2023. However, in September 2022, Marvel Studios notified the production staff that the project was being halted. Rather than move ahead with production on the Disney+ series, the studio decided it was best to rework the project into a feature film, keeping former head writer Yassir Lester on board as the feature scribe. At the time of the announcement, it was reported that Marvel felt in order to tell the story the “right way.” The series was expected to take hues from theIron Mancomics between 1987 and 1988. The storyline hailed from writers David Michelinie and Bob Layton and artist Mark Bright. As is normal with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, however, it’s more than likely the film will be its own unique take on the comics, rather than a straight adaptation.
Since news that the series would be reworked into a feature, absolutely no further news has been unveiled. There is currently no production start, nor is that any indicator that Marvel Studios is eyeing a director for the project. With little movement on the film, and the studio already tied up withtrying to rightBlade’s production woes, is it worth even trying to saveArmor Wars? Disney’sBob Iger previously teasedthat not all previously announced titles from Marvel would actually come to fruition. This, of course, came about given Marvel’s recent stumbles at the box office, including, but not limited to,The Marvels. As it stands, Iger and Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige have yet to announce the cancelation of any Marvel Studios projects thus far, but perhapsArmor Warsmight just be the first. Something that wouldn’t entirely be a bad thing, sadly.
Is Armor Wars Truly Necessary to the MCU?
As exciting as it would be to give Don Cheadle’s Rhodey a starring role in a Marvel Studios movie,Armor Warsdoesn’t necessarily feel like it’s vital to the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In fact, one could argue that most ofthe originalArmor Warsstorylinewas technically covered in the less-than-stellarIron Man 2. Tony Stark’s journey is now over, and we’re getting to see a new hero rise to the occasion withRiri Williams in Ironheart, so what importance doesArmor Warsactually have to offer? It feels like too little, too late to give Rhodey the spotlight after Tony’s death. As a Disney+ series,Armor Warscould’ve been an exciting storyline, especially with Marvel Studios bringing back the Marvel Television banner. The goal of the Marvel Television banner is to ultimately release stories that fans can watch and enjoy without having to do homework. While still interconnected to the films, the stories also stand on their own.
There’s no reasonArmor Warscan’t revert to a Disney+ series. Disney and Marvel Studios have proved to be interested in exploring various lengths and projects for Disney+ with projects likeWerewolf by Night,Ms. Marveland evenAgatha All Along. IfArmor Warsis a story the studio feels strongly about still, it could easily fit in on the Disney+ corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It would limit the box office risks that Iger is focused on, while still allowing Feige and company the ability to continue to expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One can only hope that, withBladefinally expected to enter production later this year, that Marvel begins to figure out what it intends to do withArmor Wars. Will it be scrapped? Or will the story be reworked yet again? It remains to be seen, but for now, fans can rewatch all threeIron Manmovies on Disney+ now.
