Will Marvel’s Netflix Heroes Appear In The Movies? “It Depends On Timing,” Says Kevin Feige
Netflix’s grimy little corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has really flourished in the past couple of years, with all the leading heroes now preparing to team up in 2017’sThe Defenders. Meanwhile, the big-screen side of the MCU is still chugging along nicely, with alltheirleading heroes set to come together in 2018’sAvengers: Infinity War. But could the Defenders ever make the leap to the movies? According to Marvel chiefKevin Feige, it’s a matter of “timing.”
Colliderasked Feige about the possibility of a Marvel movies Netflix crossover. Here’s his answer:
Technically, all the Marvel Netflix shows and all the movies are part of the same continuity and owned by the same company. So in a legal or narrative sense, it’s perfectly possible for Jessica Jones to pop in and help Doctor Strange battle Thanos or what have you. But whether Marvelcanbring all those characters together and whether theyshouldare two different questions, and it sounds like Feige’s not so sure about that second part.
Feige has cited a similar reason for not introducing Captain Marvel inAvengers: Age of Ultronor the Wasp inCaptain America: Civil War. It’s a good all-purpose excuse, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valid. The MCU didn’t get where it was by just shoving characters in willy-nilly. Not everyone who shows up to watch a Marvel movie in theaters will be familiar with Marvel’s Netflix characters, so taking screentime away from Captain America or Thor to focus on Luke Cage or Iron Fist could prove more distracting than invigorating.
The question of whether the Defenders (or other Marvel Netflix characters) could cross over with the Avengers (or other Marvel movie characters) has come up time and time again. But those involved with the films have seemed cautious about committing either way.Infinity WardirectorsJoeandAnthony Russohave said they"consider everyone,“which could be a hint or could just be a way of letting fans down gently.Infinity WarscreenwritersChristopher MarkusandStephen McFeelyhave claimed they’re “open” to the idea only to point out"it’s not really our call.”
Coming from the other end,Jeph Loebdoesn’t sound too optimistic about the idea of a crossover either. The Marvel TV headexplained earlier this yearthat while “anything is possible,” there are logistical challenges to making a crossover happen. “I can tell you that part of the challenge of doing this sort of thing is that the movies are planned out years in advance of what it is that we are doing,” he said. “Television moves at an incredible speed.” Plus, he added, the small-screen talent is often too busy filming the shows to go make a movie.
In short, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Marvel movies Netflix crossover eventually, it seems unlikely to happen anytime soon. You probably shouldn’t hold your breath for a Defenders cameo inAvengers: Infinity War. Which is probably fine. Lord knows they’ve got more than enough characters lined up for that one already.Avengers: Infinity WaropensMay 4, 2018.
