Here's the Update for the JMS Panel:
A storyteller, even in his panels, J. Michael Straczynski's panel at WizardWorld: Philadelphia was peppered with anecdotes, remembrances (his first meeting with one of his heroes, Rod Serling, for example), hints and teases of what's coming up in his comics, as well as a focus on the smaller, more character-oriented moments he enjoys writing, and is proudest of.
Getting into the questions, answers, and teases…
Asked about the complications that living in Stark Tower could present for Peter Parker and Mary Jane (as a result fo Aunt May's house being burned down in Amazing Spider-Man #518), Straczynski agreed that it does present challeneges for the characetsr. The writer further elaborated by telling of an upcoming story wherein Peter and MJ will become separated late at night, forcing Mary Jane to travel to Stark Tower on her own.
Upon arriving, she's spotted by paparazzi who ask why she's going to Stark Tower at 2:00 am. A quick story about a meeting with Tony Star later, MJ and Peter will find their marriage the subject of tabloid speculation.
Along the same theme, Straczynski said that coming up in Amazing Spider-Man, Aunt May and Jarvis' relationship moves to the next level, much to Peter's dismay. There's a strong likelihood that Aunt May will stay at Stark Tower when Peter and MJ eventually move to their own apartment.
Also on the Spider-Man front, JMS began the panel asking how many of those present liked the "Sins Past" storyline. A smattering of applause came back. When asked how many people didn't like it, only one hand slowly went up.
Asked who he felt Peter should ultimately be with, Mary Jane or Gwen Stacy, JMS tossed ideas back and forth for a few minutes, centering on the fact that Gwen is dead, and Peter having a relationship with a dead woman would show an entirely new, and disturbing side of his character. Ultimately, addressing the context of the question, JMS said that he feels Peter is a better match with MJ than with Gwen.
Straczynski said that he is currently working with Marvel Productions in regards to developing a television series based on Marvel characters. According to JMS, budgeting talks will be held in August, and if the series is greenlit, and moves forward, a debut could be as early as late 2006. Familiar with television, JMS added that nothing is definite at this stage, and urged attendees not to be disappointed if nothing comes of the talks, though he is hopeful.
Asked (jokingly) if he has plans to reveal a secret tryst between Sue Richards and Galactus, now that he's writing the Fantastic Four, Straczynski laughed, later promising that there would be no revelation of relations between Sue and Galactus.
On the FF front however, JMS said that an upcoming storyline will see Child Welfare coming to the Baxter Building to speak with Franklin Richards about his parents, and the adventures he and his sister find themselves having, living with the Fantastic Four. The story hits the major appeal of the FF for him, Straczynski said, a blend between the cosmic and the family relationship sides of things, and this coming story will explore the family side of the equation, and the fact that the children do live in an occasionally dangerous environment.
As for continuing with Dr. Strange, JMS said that he has a full workload now, and that Marvel is waiting to see how the Strange miniseries performs as a whole, and what to do with the character from the launching pad the miniseries represented. JMS added that he won't be involved with the character's immediate future.
On the subject of other publishers and characters, JMS retold the story of Jeph Loeb telling him that whenever he's no longer exclusive with Marvel, there's a Superman book with his name on it at DC. Straczynski said that his rules are to work with anybody – and not restrict himself, but he wondered aloud at how well he would work with DC, commenting that the publisher, compared to Marvel, is more "handcuffy."
The film rights to Rising Stars, previously held by Atlas Entertainment, have expired, and currently, according to JMS, there are three studios vying for the rights to the story.
Speaking of Supreme Power, JSM said that Mark Milton/Hyperion will decide that the world would do better if he was in charge, a parallel of sorts to the Squadron Supreme maxiseries of years past, but with its own twist.
As for Babylon 5, JMS said that he told the story that he wanted to tell, and plans for a feature film based on the property never really came together. Right now, there are no plans for B5 for film, television, or books, according to the creator.
Also on the television front, Straczynski fielded a (or the obligatory) Star Trek question, about a reported meeting that he had with Paramount about him writing Star Trek. Setting the record straight, JMS clarified, saying that he and Bryce Zable (creator of Dark Skies) wrote a treatment for a reboot of Star Trek. They did speak to Paramount about it, but as JMS explained it, the studio has a bad taste in their mouths over what has happened to the franchise over the years, up to and including the cancellation of Enterprise. He said that Paramount is looking to take two or three years off of the franchise, but the day they decide to come back to it, JMS said, "I'll be there" (not in a contractual sense, but willing to work if called).
Asked about a scene in Amazing Spider-Man #500 which showed Peter Parker receiving the costume that he saw his future self die in, JMS said that he created the costume with a mind towards Marvel's The End series, so there is a story behind it. While the story could be akin to a Dark Knight Returns version of Spider-Man, JMS said that there are no current plans, but he does know the story behind it.