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Marvel President Kevin Feige comments on superhero films

Marvel President Kevin Feige is a special kind of movie producer. Producers know how to talk to the press, what to say, what not to say, and when to say it. They know which actors to talk to, who their agents are, how much to pay them, how long to pay them for, what the costume should look like and where the story should go. So what makes Feige different? Most producers are not recognized by name. Marvel fans know who Kevin Feige is and understand the Marvel Cinematic Universe was born and raised inside his head. We're now twelve films deep in the Marvel Comic Universe (MCU), and Feige is still revealing his thoughts in spectacular fashion.

In an interview with IGN, Feige spoke to comments made about superhero films (that they would soon go by the way of the Western) and the future of the MCU. Feige said: " ... the Western lasted 40-50 years, and they still pop up occasionally. It's been, what, eight years since Iron Man 1, if we count that, which I do, as the beginning of our MCU? Maybe [the superhero genre] will only last another 42 years."

He added: " ... I still believe the same thing, which is as long as the ones that we can control are as good as they can be, that's all that I care about. I think we've been doing pretty well. I'm very confident in the films we've announced that we have coming forward that they're going to be surprising and different and unique. I've said a lot: I don't believe in the comic book genre. I don't believe in the superhero genre. I believe that each of our films can be very different."

Feige's comments make perfect sense when we take a look back into history. For example, Feige hired director James Gunn to spearhead 2014's summer hit Guardians of the Galaxy. Gunn had previously directed two feature films: Slither and Super. Feige has repeated how his decision to hire Gunn was obvious. He continuously looks for the best storytellers, regardless of the "superhero" stereotype. He looks for unique ways to best tell these stories and has been, on the whole, a success.

Is Vin Diesel directing Furious 8?

Vin Diesel is, without question, one of the busiest actors in the game right now. With The Last Witch Hunter getting its release soon, Diesel is also lined up for xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, director Ang Lee's Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and, of course, Furious 8. Furious 7's director James Wan is busy with The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist, and Fast and Furious 3-6 director Justin Lin is busy with Star Trek Beyond, so the Fast and Furious franchise is, once again, attempting to bring the family back together. Diesel and Lin have been meeting with Universal Studios discussing directors and Rob Cohen (The Fast and the Furious) has been mentioned in a number of reports, though other reports count him out.

What other name has been mentioned? Diesel himself. He took to his Facebook page to make some interesting comments: "I will share something crazy that my mother said six months ago after the studio had me announce the date for 8 to the world … 'Either you direct 8 yourself … or don’t do it.' Some of you vinbook pioneers are all too familiar with my mother’s wisdom, as I have posted her sayings in the past on Our page … but I wrote it off as just a mother’s love and belief in me, though she has seen first hand what I’ve done to make these movies defy expectations and become increasingly successful, even when the studio thought I was crazy."

Diesel has a deep emotional — and professional — interest in the franchise, and has been fighting to keep it alive and kicking. A producer on each film since the fourth installment, Diesel is rightfully involved in all director talks and understands the franchise more than virtually anyone. Whether or not he holds the other essential tools of a director isn't clear, but his passion for the success of Furious 8 and beyond makes him an obvious consideration to sit in the chair.

Kingsman sequel could hit a speed bump

Kingsman: The Secret Service was a success on a variety of levels, but one in particular could put the inevitable sequel in trouble: the blastoff of Taron Egerton's career. Since starring as Eggsy, the actor was snatched up to star in Lionsgate's Robin Hood: Origins. With Lionsgate putting the film on the fast track, Egerton's two-film contract for Kingsman may put his role in jeopardy. Both films are set for an early 2016 production schedule and Egerton's role in Kingsman could knock him off Robin Hood: Origins. I'd obviously love to see him back as Eggsy, but Robin Hood: Origins seems like it could be interesting as well. Hopefully Hollywood throws the young actor a bone, and he can find his role in both films.

Egerton can be seen as Teddy Smith in the upcoming gangster-drama Legend starring Tom Hardy and Emily Browning.