I recently discussed the Bobby Layton panel at ComiCONN where the comic book writer and artist discussed his ties to Marvel Studios. However, to those familiar with Valiant Comics you know that it started as a branch off of Marvel with icons, in the publishing world, Jim Shooter and Layton at the helm. These two played a Stan Lee and Jack Kirby role in the fledgling company which has produced hits such as X-O Manowar, Ninjack, and Bloodshot. Valiant has gone through cycles of relevancy with the 90s being their most successful period. Valiant has made a comeback with the soft relaunch of X-O Manowar in 2017 reintroducing the company back into the realm of relevancy. 6 years after being announced Layton also revealed the current state of the Valiant Cinematic Universe during this weekend’s panel.  

Layton started off by saying that he will soon be in South Africa for the shooting of Bloodshot. He said the shooting would start happening later this summer around the beginning of August revealing that the film is on its way to completion. As was reported earlier this year, Vin Diesel will be playing the role of the title hero Bloodshot, which Layton confirmed he was still on board with the project. Layton stated that his role on the set would be similar to his job on Iron Man 2 checking the authenticity of the set. Having one of the creators on set for Bloodshot boosts the chances of the film being a good start to the franchise. Layton also stated that the film needs to be great in order to set a tone for the franchise stating there would be “no MCU without the success of 2008’s Iron Man.”

Layton also shared why he thinks the Valiant Cinematic Universe will succeed where some others failed *cough* DC *cough*. Having been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe he knows that it all starts with the head and having a singular vision. He commented on his respect for Kevin Feige and his role of pulling together the entire operation for Marvel and “making sure things made sense.” With knowing the keys to Marvel he put the franchise square in the hands of Dinesh Shamdasani the former CEO of Valiant who has now moved on to the Valiant’s film department. Layton shared that Shamdasani has a deep understanding of the company’s roster of characters having grown up on their publications. With everything running through Shamdasani the future of the Valiant looks bright.

It was a nice surprise to be filled in on the information by Layton about the film universe that has been quiet despite the lead up to their first film. While Layton said he was not one of the main people running the operations it seems that he will be incorporated to a degree. Though Layton may be Valiant’s Stan Lee he expressed that you won’t see him in any Stan Lee-like cameos as it ruins the “ruins the suspension of belief.” With the above information, it appears that the Valiant Cinematic Universe is in good hands having found their Kevin Feige in Dinesh Shamdasani.

Let us know your thoughts. Are you looking forward to the Valiant Cinematic Universe?

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