With the excitement surrounding the upcoming Thor, Captain America, and Avengers films, little attention has been given to Marvel's lesser known characters that may soon be be getting screen adaptations of their own.


Marvel Studio head Kevin Feige hinted at several projects yesterday during their extensive and nergasm inducing movie panel. Feige did confirm that Doctor Strange is the next project the studio plans to undertake once the Avengers has finished production. Feige also hinted at taking on the Black Panther and Iron Fist, due to their critically well received recent comic book runs.


However, perhaps the most surprising announcement was that Marvel is still considering the possibility of another Punisher adaptation. Despite the poor performance of both previous outings for the gun toting anti-hero, it appears that Marvel is still in talks to keep their edgiest hero on the big screen.

Ever since Disney bought Marvel comics last summer, comic fans have wondered where this may take the film industry. Many have speculated that Disney may begin producing films with Marvel characters, however the majority of of the companies flagship characters were already owned by other companies (Spider-man by Sony, Iron Man by Paramount, etc.).



Today, Deadline reported that the two companies may in fact be preparing for their first voyage onto the silver screen. Apparently writers Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer ( A Sound of Thunder, Sahara, and the new Conan: The Barbarian)have been hired to pen a live action adaptation of the comic book sorcerer Doctor Strange. The film is reportedly scheduled for a 2013 release after Paramount's movie contract with Marvel ends with the release of Iron Man 3.

The world of Marvel is perhaps best known for its wide range of characters. In a universe that contains characters ranging from Howard the Duck to The Punisher, comic fans will no doubt find someone who interests them. However, not all draw the same mass appeal as do such power houses as Iron Man or Spider-man. For many years, Marvel fans have worried that they may never see such characters as Luke Cage or Ka-zar adapted to the screen.

Today, Latino Review released information that put these worries to rest. With a partnership with Disney, Marvel may be producing ten minute short films in future years focusing on the companies lesser known characters. Such names as Luke Cage and Doctor Strange were mentioned. However, it is still likely that this may just be a rumor.

According to CHUD.com, it looks like Marvel may be making large steps towards expanding their film franchise. Apparently the famous comic book industry has been in talks with directors and screenwriters this week on adapting some of Marvel's lesser known characters to the silver screen. Each film would have a reported budget of around $20 to $40 million, and reportedly would feature characters such as Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Ka-zar, Dazzler (?), and the famous former sorcerer supreme Dr. Strange. While it is likely we will not receive a film adaptation of any of these comics for years to come, it is exciting to hear that some of Marvel's second tier characters will get their time in the spotlight. Of all the character's discussed though, Dr. Strange's name was reportedly the one with the most interest and excitement. There are even some rumors of a large budget adaptation being created following Marvel's Avengers film in 2012.