The wait is officially over — producers Katy Mullan and Raj Kapoor have confirmed the 98th Academy Awards will feature both Marvel superhero and Bridesmaids cast reunions when it airs Sunday, March 15. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the ceremony also promises an 'extraterrestrial' surprise that's keeping everyone guessing.
What Marvel heroes are reuniting at the Oscars?
According to producer Katy Mullan, 'There's also going to be a Marvel reunion for the superhero fans.' The announcement comes as perfect timing, given Chris Evans's confirmed return to the MCU and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film later this year.
Mullan teased even more surprises: 'So we're gonna have superstar superheroes, and there is also going to be an extraterrestrial on the stage. So you can figure that one out.' The mystery element has fans speculating whether this hints at cosmic Marvel characters or something entirely different.
With so many iconic faces having joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe over the years, the reunion could feature anyone from the original Avengers to newer franchise stars. The timing suggests it's likely tied to promoting the next phase of Marvel films.
Bridesmaids reunion marks film's 15th anniversary
Producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor confirmed another major surprise: 'We have a huge reunion happening... we are very excited to announce that we have a Bridesmaid reunion that is going to be very special.'
The timing couldn't be better — Bridesmaids is approaching its 15th anniversary, and Rose Byrne has earned her first Oscar nomination in the lead category this year. The reunion likely celebrates both the film's legacy and Byrne's achievement.
While the specific cast members involved remain under wraps, the original ensemble included Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, and Ellie Kemper. Given the film's cultural impact and quotable moments, this reunion promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Special performances celebrating nominated films
The ceremony will feature elaborate performances honouring 'Sinners' and 'KPop Demon Hunters', going beyond simple song recreations. Choreographer Mandy Moore explained: 'We're basically taking songs from films, and we're not just recreating them like the film did. We're creating them as a celebration of the film as a whole.'
For 'Sinners', director Ryan Coogler's team is heavily involved. 'It's not just about the song, it's really how Ryan integrated music and wove that into the entire story,' Kapoor noted. The performance will include costumer Ruth E. Carter, choreographer Aakomon Jones, and the original music team, plus acclaimed dancer Misty Copeland.
The 'KPop Demon Hunters' performance of 'Golden' features what Moore describes as 'beautiful gold flags' creating 'beautiful air quality' effects on stage. Both performances aim to celebrate the films' complete artistic vision rather than just their nominated songs.
When and where to watch in UAE
The 98th Academy Awards broadcast live on ABC and stream on Hulu starting Sunday, March 15 at 7pm ET. UAE viewers should note this translates to 4am GST on Monday, March 16 — an early morning commitment for dedicated film fans.
While official UAE streaming platforms haven't been confirmed, regional services typically carry the Oscars through partnerships with major networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 98th Academy Awards?
The 98th Academy Awards will broadcast live on Sunday, March 15, starting at 7pm ET (4am GST Monday, March 16 for UAE viewers).
Will there be a Marvel reunion at the Oscars?
Yes, producer Katy Mullan confirmed a Marvel superhero reunion during the telecast, along with a mysterious 'extraterrestrial' appearance on stage.
What other reunions are planned for the Oscars?
A Bridesmaids cast reunion is confirmed, timed perfectly with the film's approaching 15th anniversary and Rose Byrne's first Oscar nomination.
What special performances are planned for the Oscars?
Elaborate performances celebrating 'Sinners' and 'KPop Demon Hunters' will feature their original creative teams, including Misty Copeland and costumer Ruth E. Carter.
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