Trust Marvel when they allude to the fact that much of what they have been doing and will be doing is all leading up to The Avengers in 2011.  They’re taking it seriously, and there’s news out today that proves it.  Marvel dropped a press release earlier proudly proclaiming that they’ve hired on Robert Downey Jr., as well as Don Cheadle (taking over for Terence Howard for James Rhodes / War Machine).  Iron Man director Jon Favreau has also been officially signed on as Executive Producer.  The press release doesn’t disclose a whole lot more than that pertaining to The Avengers, but it does specifically mention a line up including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and The Hulk.

Also in the news is that all three of the aforementioned are officially signed on for Iron Man 2, tentatively scheduled to release in May of 2010.

Now on to some speculation.  With these films, as well as Thor and Captain America releasing within around just a year’s time, Marvel could easily run into some scheduling conflicts.  Especially since it is now apparent that they want the same actors to continue their roles as Avengers.  Presumably, the lot of them could film back to back, not unlike marathon shoots done by Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings.  It would only make sense, as Marvel has already made it clear via their tie-ins between Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk that they are totally cool with doing just that.  Having Tony Stark or Steve Rogers meet each other or Thor before the release of The Avengers would do wonders for fan anticipation and built in advertisement.

Though, again, that’s all speculation.  We’ll certainly learn more as production for each of these films ramp up.  In the meantime, drop by our Comics or Movies boards and sound off.

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