Liam Crowley
MCU Writer, Podcaster
I joined The Direct because I believe in entertainment journalism. My passion for entertainment news started with my fandom for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and that propelled me to pursuing a career in the broadcast field. The MCU has raised me from boyhood, from being a little seven-year-old watching Iron Man, to being a freshman in college driving home 325 miles to see Endgame with my closest mates at our favorite theatre. These characters and these stories are incredibly special to me, and I want to help ignite that passion with my readers. With the MCU now being over a decade old, there are some audience members who were not alive when it started. I see this as an opportunity to help foster fandom within a new generation of MCU viewers. My goals with this platform are to inspire discussions on MCU topics, to create consistent and compelling content, and to eventually bring discussion-driven podcasting to The Direct.
My favorite MCU movie is Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and I attributes that to it’s gritty, realistic, and political approach to the often fantastical Marvel Universe. I saw this movie in theatres opening night when I was just 13 years old, and no matter how many times I revisit it, I still find it magnificently compelling.
While I have many honorable mentions, my favorite MCU character is Captain America. Watching Cap's seven-film arc is absolutely fascinating. He consistently evolves, from being an obedient boy scout, to a man determined to expose the machine, to being villainized by society, yet still standing by what he believes in. I attributes many of his proudest personality traits, such as the ability to see the good in people to the commitment to doing the right thing over the popular thing, as traits I learned from Steve Rogers.
Liam's Articles
Liam's Thoughts
- I really dig this rumor. While it may not seem like much, a deaf Clint could be the perfect catalyst for a really intriguing storyline. How will an expert archer adapt to losing an integral sense? Sign me up for this.
- Drax's humor style is perfectly balanced with his Guardian counterparts. Dave Bautista has emerged as one of my favorites in Hollywood today, and much of that is attributed to his portrayal of Drax. Thankful we're getting more of him in the MCU!
- If Kellyman is indeed appearing in the series and Marvel is making that extra effort to hide her involvement, I can only imagine who she is potentially playing. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is easily my most hyped MCU Disney+ series, and this only heightens that anticipation. Can't wait!
- Wow. I am always fascinated by MCU films and their individual development processes, but this takes it to a whole new level. The amount of care and dedication from everyone that worked on the film makes 11 years of fandom feel all the more worth it.
- Let's GO! This is the best news I've heard in a long time. As someone who's never been able to attend SDCC in person, I am absolutely stoked to watch whatever's in-store live. The real winner here is my laptop, who likely won't be getting any viruses from searching 'Hall H leaked footage' this year. Everyone wins!
- While this could have been epic, I'm somewhat glad it didn't happen. Sony's response indicates that this scene is something they want to go down in the future, and I'd love for it to happen in live-action first. Fingers crossed we get Maguire, Garfield, and Holland together in the near future!
- Keanu definitely needs to be in the MCU at some point, but I don't think Moon Knight is the best role. Considering his age, Reeves might be better suited as a one-off/limited appearance villain. Regardless what happens, in Sarah Finn we trust!
- This is a tough one to turn down. Talk about a dream opportunity! I will definitely be entering this one, two, or fifty times. Big chance to hear some ~exclusive~ stories.
- Red Skull has always been on the the MCU's most enigmatic characters, and this alternate design shows that brilliantly. While a neat concept, I'm content with the version we got in Infinity War. Need more Red Skull in Phase 4!
- WOW! If this get confirmed, this has MAJOR implications on the entire MCU. I can't think of a more logical way to introduce the X-Men/Fantastic 4 than through the Ultimatum storyline. Only a year removed from Endgame, but I'm already giddy with anticipation for the next crossover event.
- As an MCU junkie, the more a project is shrouded in secrecy the more intrigued I tend to be. I understand why some need to learn more about the plot in order to be sold, but I was ready as soon as Feige announced the inclusion of the REAL Mandarin. Let's go!
- Admittedly, I was not the biggest fan of Ragnarok. I know! Call me crazy. Waititi's directional style is an acquired taste, but after seeing (and loving) his work with The Mandalorian and Jojo Rabbit, I came to appreciate Ragnarok. That being said, Love and Thunder is one of my most anticipated Phase 4 flicks. Let me reserve my tickets ASAP!
- The latest iteration of Spider-Man deserves all the success, I just hope this financial success does not convince Sony to eventually pull him back. Give the fans what they want!
- I've been a massive fan of Taika ever since Jojo Rabbit. For me, his style was definitely an acquired taste, but he has quickly become one of my favorite directors going today. Ragnarok was, well, pretty weird to begin with. I can't even imagine what he's got in store for Love and Thunder! #hyped
- I am truly blown away by Marvel's communication skills, and how much care they put into each individual character. It is fascinating to hear about the meetings the directors have together to ensure they do justice to each other's characters. Man, what I would give to be a fly on the wall for that Gunn/Russo Bros meeting! As for Guardians 3... I. Can't Wait. Need me some Adam Warlock ASAP!
- While I'm not the biggest fan of Ragnarok or Thor's persona in Endgame, I'm intrigued to see where Waititi takes him next. Thor was my highlight of Infinity War, his balance of being battle-driven yet internally broken was masterful. Either way, more Thor is a very good thing!
- Interesting to note that with Black Widow getting pushed to November 6, this will be the longest gap in theatrical releases for MCU movies (it will have been 493 days since Spider-Man: Far From Home) since the time between The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2 (693 days). Crazy to think it's been over a decade since we've had to wait this long!
- The Eternals is quickly becoming a must-see flick for me. While I love the crossover appeal of the MCU, I am stoked to see a bunch of new characters that don't necessarily have to be linked to the Avengers. The inclusion of more Celestials only heightens my anticipation, November can't get here soon enough!
- It's a bummer that Black Widow is indefinitely delayed, but Marvel's continued marketing push keeps my anticipation high. I was hesitant when I heard this movie would take place in the past, but every time I see Taskmaster in all his glory, I can't help but get excited. Who's under that mask?!
- My Loki excitement levels are off the charts. I personally loved how the plot of Ant-Man and the Wasp revolved around the direct consequence of Ant-Man fighting alongside Captain America in Civil War, and the idea that the entire storyline of Loki will deal with the repercussions of 2012's God of Mischief portalling out of New York with the Space Stone is intriguing. Sign me up!
