Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 145

Daniel Craig No Longer Attached to Luca Guadagnino’s SGT ROCK Movie at DC Studios

A new film in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU has been announced, and it’s probably not one anyone was expecting. The Oscar-nominated Italian director Luca Guadagnino, who in 2024 directed the critically acclaimed Challengers and Queer, will helm a big screen adaptation of DC Comics’ World War II series Sgt. Rock. Guadagnino recently announced a remake of American Psycho, but his DC Studios film is coming together first, as the script is already far along. However, Guadagnino’s Queer star Daniel Craig will no longer take part, according to THR.

Sony/DC Comics

In November, according to a report from Deadline, the former James Bond was prepping to re-team with Luca G as the titular WWII comics hero. However, it appears Craig has dropped out of Sgt. Rock, which is still planning to shoot this summer in the U.K. THR cites scheduling conflicts as a possible reason behind the move, though neither Craig’s reps nor DC Studios commented.

Sgt. Franklin John Rock has a long history at DC Comics. He first appeared in the series Our World at War in 1959, presented as a no-nonsense John Wayne soldier type. Writer Robert Kanigher, famous for his Silver Age Wonder Woman comics, and legendary artist Joe Kubert created him. He led his battalion, known as Easy Company, through many battles in World War II. He was so popular, that in 1977, he received his own self-titled series, which lasted until 1988, long past other World War II-centric comics. In fact, his adventures in the war lasted 25 years longer than the war itself did in real life. In DC continuity, Sgt. Rock died by the last bullet fired in the very last battle of World War II.

Luca Guadagnino is a very surprising choice for a potential blockbuster DC film, after having directed only quirky dramas, and that weird Suspiria remake. Another surprising choice is the character of Sgt. Rock himself. A Sgt. Rock movie was once planned in the ’80s, meant to star Arnold Schwarzenegger. But it never came together. In the comics, Sgt. Rock rarely crossed over with DC heroes from the era. He mostly remained in a more realistic bubble, away from superheroes. But maybe Gunn and Luca Guadagnino have other ideas, and hope to tie him more into DCU lore. We could see him working with the World War II era Creature Commandos. When it comes to Sgt. Rock, we can’t wait to see what DC Studios have cooked up.

Originally published November 20, 2024.

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Marvel Television Pauses Development of NOVA and Two Other Comics Adaptations

Unlike a few years ago when Marvel Studios was making like 16 different TV shows at once, now the small-screen branch of the entertainment giant is pulling back on even its longest-gestating projects. We discussed this a while back, with Marvel Studios‘ Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation Brad Winderbaum saying Marvel Television would develop series much more in line with how regular networks do. As a result, according to Deadline, Marvel has paused development on a Nova series—announced back in 2022—along with Strange Academy and Terror, Inc.

Marvel Comics

We’re still getting used to this new model for Marvel. For the first few years of the Disney+ series, Marvel handled TV the same way it had features. Once Kevin Feige put the title and a release date on the big board, it was pretty much guaranteed. (I mean, unless it was Blade, of course.) Now, the studio is in tacit development on a number of different projects with different writers and showrunners attached. Only the ready ones happen. In the Deadline article, Marvel shared that none of the three projects had gotten an official greenlight.

As recently as September 2024, Winderbaum had spoken about the Nova series, based on Marvel’s space cop hero. At the time, he said the series would draw inspiration from famous sci-fi exploration series like Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica. Originally, Marvel hired Moon Knight and Ms. Marvel writer Sabir Pirzada to shape the series. As of December of last year, Pirzada had left the project and Criminal Minds alum Ed Bernero stepped in as writer and showrunner.

Marvel Comics

Strange Academy would have adapted the comic book series of the same name. Created by Skottie Young and artist Humberto Ramos, the comic debuted in March 2020. Set in New Orleans, it follows a kind of sorcerer school, with Doctor Strange taking the Professor X-esque founder position. The school would educate young individuals with magical abilities. The show was expected to focus on Wong, portrayed by Benedict Wong, and his leadership of the school.

Terror, Inc. is a much deeper cut from Marvel’s archive. It follows Terror, who possesses the ability to incorporate the body parts of others into his own form, gaining their memories and abilities. Kinda weird. Created by Dan Chichester, Margaret Clark, and Klaus Janson, the character first appeared under the name Shreck in St. George #2 in August 1988 before his reintroduction as Terror in the 1992 series.

Marvel MAX

In any case, Marvel seems to now follow the lead of James Gunn’s DCU in this respect. Gunn announced a bevy of titles in 2023, but he has since stated whatever is ready will go first. Mike Flanagan’s Clayface movie was never in the original slate. Now it has the third feature slot following Superman and Supergirl.

I kinda like that Marvel Studios is going more fluid with its titles, and maybe it’ll stop them from announcing whole phases six years ahead of time. Just a thought.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.

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Apple TV+ Shares First-Look at Alexander Skarsgård in MURDERBOT Series

A lot of companies are forcing AI garbage down our throats these days. That makes it extra hard for any advanced artificial intelligence to win our affections. But that’s exactly what Alexander Skarsgård is going to try and do on Apple TV+‘s upcoming series Murderbot. He plays the titular robot with some very relatable, very human-like problems. And we now know what he’ll look like while dealing with them. The streaming site has shared its first-look at the sci-fi comedy thriller.

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ has given viewers their first glimpse at Murderbot before the series debuts on Friday, May 16. These photos show both a masked and unmasked Skarsgård in the starring role. Fans of author Martha Wells’ best-selling book series The Murderbot Diaries probably now why Skarsgård’s slightly perturbed/exhausted face is especially funny. But for those who aren’t familiar with the novels Apple TV+ shared a delightful description of the story:

Murderbot is a sci-fi thriller/comedy about a self-hacking security construct who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients. Played by Skarsgård, Murderbot must hide its free will and complete a dangerous assignment when all it really wants is to be left alone to watch futuristic soap operas and figure out its place in the universe.

Apple TV+

We get it. We totally get it, Murderbot.

The show comes from the writing, directing and producing team of Chris and Paul Weitz (About a Boy, Mozart in the Jungle). It also stars David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Noma Dumezweni (Presumed Innocent), Sabrina Wu (Joy Ride), Akshay Khanna (Critical Incident), Tattiawna Jones (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Tamara Podemski (Outer Range). 

The ten-episode first season will debut with two episodes. New episodes will then release revery Friday through July 11.

Hopefully during that time everyone leaves Murderbot alone so he can watch in peace like he wants. As humans that’s all we want, too.

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DUNE: AWAKENING Arriving on Steam in May, Players Can Start Building Characters Now

It won’t be long before Dune fans will have a chance to call Arrakis home once again. Funcom has announced its upcoming new survival MMO Dune: Awakening will arrive at Steam on May 20. Only, you don’t have to wait that long to start building your character. You can do that right now. And after seeing the game’s gorgeous new announcement trailer you’ll be calling the Space Guild to take you to that spicy planet right away.

The spice must flow and to do that you need desert power. (Yes yes, we know we’re combining two different movies with that one. We love all adaptations of Dune thank you very much.) You’ll have a chance to build strength on Arrakis personally with Funcom’s Dune: Awakening. It’s set on the iconic planet in an original open world, multiplayer survival game inspired by both Frank Herbert’s seminal novel and Legendary Entertainment’s films from Denis Villeneuve.

Players can get an early start on building their own spice empire right now, though. Funcom has announced that while the game will launch on May 20, gamers “can begin their journey” already “by diving into the Character Creation & Benchmark Mode, available through Steam.” They will then be able to import the characters they create their into can Dune: Awakening when it fully launches ahead of summer.

Funcom

Funcom explained all the reasons players will want that jump start in the its official release date announcement:

Download Dune: Awakening‘s Character Creator & Benchmark Mode today to receive a code for the exclusive Frameblade knife skin that can be redeemed in the game at launch. Put your hand in the box. Prepare for your epic rise to greatness on Arrakis by taking the Gom Jabbar test and creating your character. Fine-tune every aspect of your looks, then choose your home planet, caste, and mentor, be it Swordmaster, Bene Gesserit, Mentat, or Trooper. The final choice determines your starting abilities, but you will gain access to every School eventually, and can even mix and match abilities from any of them.

In addition to character creation, the benchmark mode lets you check your hardware performance and system compatibility while being treated to some epic scenes from the game, including soaring with an ornithopter and a dramatic encounter with a colossal sandworm.

Dune: Awakening will launch with a base price of $49.99/€49.99. Gamers will be able to pre-order their copies “later.” Those who do will also get the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, “an in-base decoration which houses the iconic desert mouse.”

After seeing this announcement trailer we’re open (world) to the possibility we will ultimately prove to be Muad’Dib.

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks

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Nickelodeon Orders SEVEN HAVENS Series, Follow-Up to AVATAR and KORRA

I can’t believe Avatar: The Last Airbender is nearly 20 years old. Time truly does fly, especially when you’re out there trying to save the world with your various elemental powers. The passage of time continues for the characters within the Avatar universe also. In 2012, we got the sequel series, The Legend of Korra, set 70 years in Avatar‘s future. That show proved nearly as popular, and both spun-off into comics and other official material. Now, Avatar creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are bringing a third series to the saga, Avatar: Seven Havens.

Nickelodeon

This news comes from Variety who shares the new 2D animated series will consist of 26 half-hour episodes spread across two seasons. Or Books 1 and 2, if ya nasty.

The show’s official logline is as follows:

[Avatar: Seven Havens is] set a world shattered by a devastating cataclysm. A young Earthbender discovers she’s the new Avatar after Korra – but in this dangerous era, that title marks her as humanity’s destroyer, not its savior. Hunted by both human and spirit enemies, she and her long-lost twin must uncover their mysterious origins and save the Seven Havens before civilization’s last strongholds collapse.

That’s a fun inversion of the classic formula. The Avatar is a symbol of destruction and fear not hope and triumph. Also, we love a long-lost twin, don’t we folks? Sounds fun!

“When we created the original series, we never imagined we’d still be expanding the world decades later,” said DiMartino and Konietzko. “This new incarnation of the Avatarverse is full of fantasy, mystery, and a whole new cast of amazing characters. Get ready to take another epic and emotional adventure!”

DiMartino and Konietzko famously departed Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender over creative differences. They also executive produce the Aang-centric animated feature film expected in 2026 starring Dave Bautista. So it’s a busy time in the Avatarverse, eh? No release date yet for Avatar: Seven Havens, but animation is famously slow so maybe before the 25th anniversary.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.

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THE LAST OF US Season 2 Premiere Date Revealed

The Last of Us ended its first season on HBO with Joel and Ellie returning to the commune in Colorado. Sure, Joel might have doomed all mankind to save one young girl, but at least they have a place nice to live. For now. Fans of Naughty Dog’s popular video game franchise know new terrors and sadness await the pair in the years to come, and we’ll see all of it come to life when the hit series begins adapting the sequel game in its second season, which will premiere April 13, 2025. What else can we expect from the show after a lengthy wait?

Check out some fresh images for The Last of Us season two:

Click To View Gallery Max Max Max Max

Here’s everything we know about The Last of Us‘ second season so far.

The Last of Us Season 2 PlotHBO

HBO has not yet shared an official synopsis for The Last of Us season two. We still have some idea what to expect. The franchise’s second video game will provide the source material for the TV series. Showrunner Craig Mazin has said the show will take more than one season to adapt the sequel game, but like with the television series’ first season they are not making a direct adaptation. Fans will once again see some major changes alongside some major moments and stories taken directly from the game. That might very well include a huge—though temporary—change for one character. (We won’t risk spoiling it for those who don’t know what that means.)

A recent trailer teasing upcoming Max releases in 2025 spotlighted The Last of Us season two. You can check out what this trailer chose to highlight at the 1:43 mark and then watch the full second season teaser below.

One thing that won’t change is the importance of The Last of Us Part II‘s Abby Anderson. She will debut during the second season and play a significant role in Ellie’s story. And like the video game sequel, the HBO series will also feature a time jump.

HBO

New footage from season two promises that it will definitely be explosive. Joel is tearful and Ellie is going through some sort of horrific challenges of her own. We also get a look at Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Wright in their new roles. It is not totally clear who Catherine is playing, but Jeffrey is reprising his role as the game character Isaac. According to Entertainment Weekly, he is “the quietly powerful leader of a large militia group who sought liberty but instead has become mired in an endless war against a surprisingly resourceful enemy.”

These new images also have us super hype.

Season 2. pic.twitter.com/YooeHDxaJk

— The Last of Us (@TheLastofUsHBO) August 5, 2024

Behind the Scenes

The Last of Us‘ second season was in pre-production before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes put the show on hold. The first episode had already been written at the time. With both unions finally getting fair deals, the show is now expected to begin filming in Vancouver in early 2024.

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Co-creators, writers, and executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann are back for season two. Writers Halley Gross (The Last of Us Part II) and Bo Shim worked with Mazin and Druckmann on season two. Deadline additionally reports that The Last of Us season two has set its slate of directors, both new and old. These include four new directors: Succession‘s Mark Mylod, Perry Mason‘s Nina Lopez-Corrado, Watchmen‘s Stephen Williams, and Loki‘s Kate Herron. They join returning director Peter Hoar, who directed the incredible season one episode “Long, Long Time,” and the show’s creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.

The series comes from Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, Word Games, and Naughty Dog.

The Last of Us Season 2’s CastHBO

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey will return as Joel and Ellie. Also expected back is Gabriel Luna. He plays Joel’s younger brother, Tommy. As is Rutina Wesley. She plays Tommy’s wife Maria.

Netflix/Naughty Dog

Regarding new casting news, The Last of Us season two has cast Kaitlyn Dever as Abby. Abby is an important character from The Last of Us Part II game. Additionally, Isabela Merced has joined the season as Dina, who also hails from the second The Last of Us game. Dina is described as “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.”

Most recently, Isabela Merced, who will play Dina on The Last of Us season two, shared, “I’m so excited for people to see my chemistry with Bella. Bella and I have so much chemistry. From the first day, it was there. There’s no work to be done. I really respect Bella. I just saw Catherine Called Birdy, and Bella has such range and just an honesty about their work. I’m learning so much. I’m very honored to be here.”

Max/Naughty Dog

We’re glad to hear it because we can’t wait to see Dina and Ellie’s complicated romance come to life. Currently, The Last of Us season two describes Dina as “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.”

Netflix/Naughty Dog

The Last of Us season two has also cast Beef‘s Young Mazino as Jess. Jess is described, per Variety, as “a pillar of his community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at a terrible cost.” That sounds ominous. Generally speaking, from Jess’s role in The Last of Us Part II, we can assume he and Ellie will build a friendship.

Finally Danny Ramirez, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, and Spencer Lord have all come aboard the second season of The Last of US, they will all feature as characters from The Last of Us Part II.

Naughty Dog/Paramount Pictures/Netflix

Variety reveals:

Ramirez will play Manny, described as “a loyal soldier whose sunny outlook belies the pain of old wounds and a fear that he will fail his friends when they need him most.” Barer will play Mel, said to be “a young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism.”

Gabrielle has been cast as Nora, “a military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past.” And Lord will appear as Owen, “a gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate.”

The Last of Us Season 2’s Release DateHBO

The Last of Us‘ second season will premiere April 13, 2025. This reported in mid February via Variety.

Max

Originally published on December 29, 2023.

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First-Look at Matt Damon as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s Next Film

The first look for Christopher Nolan’s next hero is here. Matt Damon will star as Odysseus in Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, which is what Nerdist predicted! The first look shows Damon as the king of Ithaca in traditional Greek armor, sporting a long beard, which is indicative of the time period. We should point out, many online history buffs have noted the historical inaccuracy of the costume. Looks pretty good, even still. The film’s social media account revealed Odysseus in a post.

Universal Pictures

Christopher Nolan’s production company Syncopy will begin production for the film in spring. Nolan is shooting The Odyssey in Sicily and on the island of Favignana, off the coast of Sicily. People commonly refer to Favignana as Goat Island, a name translated from Ancient Greek in ancient times.

The roles of the rest of the cast are still up in the air. However, we do know Damon is acting alongside an absolutely stacked cast, including Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Benny Safdie, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Elliot Page, Jon Bernthal, and Charlize Theron. They are announcing new actors every day, and this isn’t even the full list.

Warner Bros./Legendary/Summit Entertainment/Marvel Studios

Nolan’s The Odyssey will be based on Homer’s epic of the same name. Universal Pictures said the film “is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time.” Which is typical for Nolan’s style of filmmaking.

The Odyssey will be the third film Damon and Nolan have collaborated on together. Although, Damon only played supporting characters before as Leslie Groves in Oppenheimer and Dr. Mann in Instersellar. You can catch Damon as Odysseus in theaters on July 17, 2026.

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Marvel Says It’s Discussing Bringing Back JESSICA JONES, LUKE CAGE, and IRON FIST

A Daredevil is about to be reborn in the MCU. But Matt Murdock might not be the only Defender returning for more vigilante fun in Hell’s Kitchen. A Marvel executive said the studio is very much discussing the possibility of also bringing back Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist.

Yes, even Iron Fist.

Netflix/Marvel Studios

Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s head of streaming, television, and animation, told Entertainment Weekly the studio is “very much exploring” the idea of bringing Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, and Finn Jones into the MCU proper. All three previously starred on their own Netflix Marvel show. They also teamed with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil on The Defenders.

Winderbaum wouldn’t offer up any specifics on how or when the three could reprise their roles. But he said the thought of getting to play in that “sandbox” is “extremely exciting.” It’s a sandbox that is set to make its mark on Disney+ with Daredevil: Born Again.

That series will also bring back another star of a Netflix era series. The Punisher‘s Jon Bernthal will reprise his role as Frank Castle. The upcoming series will also star Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk. He’s already made his presence felt in other MCU projects, same as Cox’s Murdoch. But original Daredevil stars like Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Ayelet Zurer, and Wilson Bethel are also coming back for the first time since the Netflix shows ended.

If the MCU does cook up more new projects in Hell’s Kitchen, it could lead to even more returns. “Once we arc out here, there’s obviously any number of stories that we’d want to revisit or pull from the comics that involve Elektra or the Hand or any part of the Daredevil mythos,” said Winderbaum when asked about Elodie Young’s hero also returning.

This is a big admission from a studio that craves secrecy. But if any of the Defenders unexpectedly show up on Daredevil: Born Again (we thought Jessica Jones might even before this) we’ll look back on this less as a fun possibility Marvel shared with us and more as a covert tease.

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This Stop-Motion Video Cooks Up a Tasty LEGO Cheeseburger

Who doesn’t need a little more stop-motion animation in their life? We all do, especially if it’s a LEGO cooking stop-motion video. Now, I usually don’t think that plastic bricks look appetizing, but this LEGO cheeseburger looks pretty good to me. I mean, did you see that bacon cooking on the grill? You can check out the stop-motion video of cooking a LEGO cheeseburger video below.

The video starts with bacon and two patties on the grill, so I guess we can expect a Double-Double. Then, the burger bun is sliced in two and dressed with mustard and some lettuce. Afterward, the skilled person making this LEGO meal takes a tomato and slices it up. The inside of the tomato is even translucent, like the real thing.

Cut back to the grill, and the bacon is looking good. The patties are flipped over to the other side and look great. The creator even placed flat LEGO studs to float on the grill like oil. After a short while, the patties finish cooking, so now it’s time to assemble the burger. Of course, no cheeseburger is complete without the cheese, so the mysterious hand places it over the patty with some bacon on top. No burger is complete without some red onion and jalapenos. Some dollops of ketchup complete the creation, the top bun seals it, and the burger is ready.

Hypno Motion

The creator of the video, YouTuber Hypno Motion, whose real name is Andrew, has many other cool stop-motions to check out, like making fried chicken and french toast. Their YouTube channel also features behind-the-scenes videos. Maybe you can try creating your own stop-motion after watching them.

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5 MCU Characters Who Should (and 5 Who Shouldn’t) Be the MCU’s Next President

Captain America: Brave New World inaugurated the newest President of the MCU, but like his predecessors Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross’s term was marked by bloodshed and chaos. Aldrich Killian tried to kill President Matthew Elli on live TV in Iron Man 3. James Ritson turned himself into a one-term president after he foolishly declared war on Skrulls after their assassination attempt in Secret Invasion. And Ross turned into a big giant red rage monster who destroyed the White House and had to resign.

Now his unseen, unnamed running mate is in the Oval Office. So who is the latest leader of the free world in the MCU? Here are five candidates we hope took the oath of office during Captain America: Brave New World along with five we hope didn’t.

Marvel StudiosShould Be President – Colonel James “Rhodey” RhodesMarvel Studios

One of our favorite superheroes, War Machine, is also our top choice to the MCU’s next president. Colonel James Rhodes is a brave, respected, loyal, high-ranking military commander with years of diplomatic experience. What makes him especially good for the job, though, is that his impeccable resume is only surpassed by his strong moral code. Rhodey is a noble man who cares about protecting others. (Also, he wasn’t a Skrull the whole time. We refuse to accept that nonsense.)

Should NOT Be President – Wilson FiskMarvel Studios

Daredevil: Born Again will introduce Wilson Fisk as mayor of New York City. Hopefully that’s the highest political office Kingpin ever attains in the MCU. The former (likely still) crime boss is a violent murderer who would try and shape both the U.S. and the world into his singular twisted image. We hope he’s not even mayor of the Big Apple by the end of the Disney+ series. The greatest city in the world deserves to be run by someone who isn’t blatantly corrupt.

Should Be President in the MCU – Pepper PottsMarvel Studios

This might seem like an unlikely choice, but Pepper Potts would be an outstanding president in the MCU. She’s worked at the highest levels with every group you’d want a president in a world full of superheroes to be familiar with. She’s run a billion-dollar company, helped keep the Avengers organized, and she’s coordinated closely with the U.S. government. Pepper knows how to manage big egos and big responsibilities at the same time. And, vitally, she is also a really good person with the ideal temperament for the job. Pepper Potts would crush it in the White House like she crushes every task she has ever had.

Should NOT Be President – Sharon CarterMarvel Studios

Unless we’re using Tony Stark’s time machine to go back in time to get the old Sharon Carter, we want no part of the Power Broker with the power of the U.S. government. Sharon Carter is a secret international crime syndicate tycoon with deep animosity for the country that betrayed her. The fact she’s so good at hiding who she really is now makes her even more dangerous. She has everyone convinced she’s a patriot when she actually hates America. That would be bad for both the country and the whole world.

Should Be President in the MCU – Bruce BannerMarvel Studios

We know the last Hulk to be in the White House literally destroyed it, but Bruce Banner got his own rage issues under control long ago. Meanwhile, he’s always been a brilliant scientist, one of the smartest people in the world. And his years protecting Earth has also brought him into contact with other countries and even other planets. He’d be the Diplomat in Chief while promoting STEM at a time the world really needs to focus on it. Plus, you know, he can beat up almost anyone who would hurt his fellow citizens. That’s always cool.

Should NOT Be President – Hank PymMarvel Studios

Being a brilliant scientist and a superhero is not enough to earn our vote. For the same reasons Thaddeus Ross wasn’t the right person for the job, neither is hothead Hank Pym. He’s not exactly cool and calm under pressure and he doesn’t play well with others. Hank Pym would probably get America involved in a war entirely out of spite. President of the United States is a big job with big responsibilities. He better serves his country in small doses.

Should NOT Be President – Valentina Allegra de FontaineMarvel Studios

The current director of the CIA might be the least trustworthy person in the entire U.S. government. She works for shady, corrupt figures who want heroes like Clint Barton dead. She’s running her own secret anti-hero ring. And if all of that wasn’t bad enough, we still don’t know anything about her. She might not even be human, let alone an American citizen. No one knows who “Val” actually serves or what her ultimate goals are, but something tells us even if we did we wouldn’t want this slippery figure near the Oval Office.

Should Be President in the MCU – Everett K. RossMarvel Studios

Valetina Allegra de Fontaine’s ex-husband is someone we would trust with the power of the presidency. Everett K. Ross has proven himself again and again to be a capable, honorable man. The Air Force veteran spent years working at the CIA, but he risked both his career and his freedom when he thought the agency’s actions were wrong. He also has a great relationship with the actual most powerful country on Earth, Wakanda, a huge bonus for any would-be MCU president.

Should Be President – Nick FuryMarvel Studios

Who cares more about protecting Americans and their fellow citizens of the world (human and alien alike) than Nick Fury? He’s also someone willing to act when others won’t. Plus he’ll do the right thing, even at great risk to himself, when he must. Has anyone in the MCU so consistently proven themselves to be up to the actual challenges of the world as it is (rather than as they’d like it to be) than the greatest spy on the planet? The brilliant, cunning, well-organized, Nick Fury has amazing foresight to root issues before they even happen. But when things do go wrong, while he might use questionable, even unethical methods, his actions are always in service to the ultimate good.

Should NOT Be President – Nick FuryMarvel Studios

Okay, but no. Nick Fury can’t actually be President of the MCU’s United States for pretty obvious reasons. That includes one especially disqualifying fact: he might have been responsible for who “won” all these previous elections.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist who would campaign for Pepper Potts. You can follow him on Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

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