The Five Bits (Aug. 21-27): Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, Civil War, Gambit, and Episode VIII

It's the return of the Bits!

1.  Doctor Strange Bits!

Community and Rick and Morty creator Dan Harmon is reported to have written a few additional scenes for the Doctor Strange reshoots that recently took place. Can we expect some of his signature meta humour? Probably not, but I CAN DREAM.

And it looks like we could be seeing everyone's favourite Sorcerer Supreme a bit earlier than expected. A Thor: Raganarok set photo shows Thor holding a business card with the address of the Sanctum Sanctorum on it. What could Thor possibly want from Doctor Strange? Maybe some help fighting Loki, finding Odin, or fixing Mijolnir? Could it be just a red herring? I wouldn't put past Taika Waititi... 

2.  Director Shortlist for Captain Marvel

Art by BossLogic

So now that we have the actress confirmed in Brie Larson, we're just waiting for news on who will direct Captain Marvel. This week, we got a good idea at who Marvel's looking at, with the reveal of their director shortlist.

The list includes Niki Caro (Macfarland, USA), Lesli Lanka Glatter (Homeland), Lorene Scafaria (The Meddler), and Rebecca Thomas (Electrick Children).

I haven't seen any of the films these directors are known for, so I can't really say which are good choices and which aren't. But I do think it is very cool how Marvel is making the extra effort to get a female director for this one. It shouldn't be too long until we get an official confirmation now.

3.  Civil War Was Almost a "Zombie" Film.

Yep. You read that correctly.

The Russo bothers have been out and about promoting the Blu-Ray release of Civil War, and revealed that, in case Marvel's contract renewal negotiations with Robert Downey Jr. fell through, the film would instead revolve around Cap and company facing off against Zemo and his Mad Bomb. The bomb, when detonated, would cause everyone within range to go crazy and become extremely violent. Essentially, really aggressive, not undead zombies.

In the end, we got Civil War, and it was great, but part of me still wants to see this somehow. The Russos said they would've had Cap struggle with the idea that he'd have to fight against innocent people in order to save the world, and I sort of find that interesting. But if it was that or Civil War? Civil War in  heartbeat.

4.  Bad News for Gambit, Good News for DC.

Gambit, currently the most unlucky comic book film in development at the moment, has lost another director, Doug Liman, in what was a "mutual parting of ways." The film, despite now having no director attached, is still eyeing a January production start date.

Meanwhile, Liman has jumped on board the DC train, and will direct a Justice League Dark film. Think the Justice League, but with more magic and all that jazz. 

5.  No Episode VIII Title Reveal For a While?

I'm sure most Star Wars fans, including myself, are eagerly awaiting news about what Episode VIII will be titled. Unfortunately, we may still have to wait a bit.

According to Dasiy Ridley, she's heard a title, but isn't sure if it's remained the same over the course of production, and believes it won't be revealed for some time still.

Now, before you throw your arms up impatiently, it may not actually be too long. The Force Awakens title for VII was announced in the November of 2014, 13 months before the actual release date, so maybe we'll get the title for VIII this November? Possibly, but don't quote me on it. 

I guess all I can say is "Let's wait and see." Quote me on that puppy.

Noah