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Category: News

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Director Spills the Beans on [SPOILER]s Casting

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Director Spills the Beans on [SPOILER]s Casting

    The following article will contain spoilers for Thor: Love and Thunder’s post-credit sequences. If you want to avoid spoilers, only continue at your own risk.

    Thor: Love and Thunder may have expanded the Marvel Cinematic Universe in smaller but relevant ways. Not only did we meet other god pantheons, but we even got a glimpse on how they act when it comes to those they were meant to protect. After getting tired of their arrogance, thor seemingly kills Russell Crowe’s Zeus. Yet, the post-credit sequence reveals he survived and also introduced us to the MCU’s Hercules.

    The biggest surprise comes in the form of him being played by British actor, famous for his work on Ted Lasso, Brett Goldstein. They keep the door open on how exactly he will return but it turns out that his casting was something Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige wanted to make happen according to director Taika Waititi.

    Kevin really wanted him to do it, and yeah, Brett’s amazing. He’s great.

    Taika Waititi

    He also goes on to highlight that Hercules’ future in the MCU isn’t truly set in stone outside of what Feige might be planning for the cahracter.

    And I don’t know if that’s to do with Thor, or if it’s to do with how that will develop. Because, obviously, Hercules, there’s a character from the books as well. And so, yeah, this will be interesting to see because Kevin, he’s obviously the mastermind of all of these threads and how they’ll tie up and how they meet, mix and match. So I’m curious to find out myself.

    Taika Waititi

    Goldstein is definitely a great get for Marvel Studios, as he’s hot off of the success of Ted Lasso and likely going to become a bigger name in the near future. It’s unclear if Hercules might get his own series or film leading into a fifth Thor film, or if that might generally be their take. For now, we’ll have to wait and see where the future might lead him to.

    Source: Uproxx via The Direct

  • Taika Waititi Would Only Add More Jokes to a ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Director’s Cut

    Taika Waititi Would Only Add More Jokes to a ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Director’s Cut

    There have been many times as of late where fans have wanted to see the director’s cut of a recently released film. It’s not always the case but with success stories like Zack Snyder’s Justice League, it became a bit of a habit. Yet, Thor: Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi doesn’t really share those thoughts and highlights the importance of studios and directors working together, as otherwise, he’d release a “four and a half hours long” movie.

    I’ve been thinking about director’s cuts. I watch director’s cuts of a lot of other directors. They suck. Director’s cuts are not good. Directors need to be controlled sometimes, and if I was to say, ‘ah, you wanna watch my director’s cut? It’s four and a half hours long!’ It’s not good, at four and a half hours. There’s a lot of cup-of-tea breaks in there, you don’t even have to pause it.

    Taika Waititi

    He also highlights that he’d mostly just add cuts scenes and add a few more jokes in the film, which many have critics have actually pointed out was an issue with the film’s overall tonee.

    I’d say my cut would probably have a few more jokes in there. There might be a couple of deleted scenes, but as I always say, a scene is deleted because it’s not good enough to be in the film. I think the deleted scenes section on the DVD, not that they use them anymore, should just be a list of the scenes and no links so you can’t click on them!

    Taika Waititi

    So, if you were hoping for some kind of director’s cut you’ll not get one. Yes, they have teased that quite a few sequences were cut from the film, but it does match Taika Waititi‘s directing style to throw everything he has against the wall to see what sticks. So, it does seem safe to say that his version would definitely include quite a few more jokes.

    Source: NME

  • Russell Crowe Was Originally Going to Play Satan in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Russell Crowe Was Originally Going to Play Satan in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Here’s a rather massive surprise but it looks like Zeus wasn’t always on the table for Thor: Love and Thunder. As revealed by artist Miles Teves, it seems that Russell Crowe was originally going to play a completely different character. While it’s uncertain at what point was he going to play this character, it seems they’ve envisioned him as the Devil or Satan at one point. Not just that, but eves also shared some artwork highlighting the design.

    There’s also a second piece showcasing a more relaxed version of the character, but just with more added color and highlighting his lazy nature. It’s unclear if he would’ve had the same role in the story or if that was also changed while rewriting it.

    It’s definitely a surprise that the character was almost featured in the film, and it adds more to the theories of Mephisto making his appearance at some point. Many believed he was the mastermind in the first Disney+ series, WandaVision but were surprised when he never even showed up. While the character here is being called the Devil or Satan, it could’ve been that they considered adding him in as Mephisto for a later storyline. Yet, as we now know how the story goes, we learn that they set up something quite different going into the post-credit sequences of this film. Still, it’s always interesting to see what almost was or could’ve been.

    Source: Instagram

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Eyeing to Surpass ‘Thor: Ragnarok’s Opening Weekend With $135M+

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Eyeing to Surpass ‘Thor: Ragnarok’s Opening Weekend With $135M+

    With the Friday number sin, we’re getting a better vision of where the box office for Thor: Love and Thunder is heading. After taking in a strong Thursday Preview with $29M, the film has ended up kicking off its box office run at around $69.5M on Friday, which includes the previews. As of now, it is seemingly heading towards a $135M with a potential $145M if it picks up some pace over the weekend. It’ll be the best opening for a Taika Waititi-directed project and even beat out Natalie Portman‘s best release which was Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith with $108M back in the day.

    It doesn’t seem like the film will potentially outpace Jurassic World: Dominion and will have to settle for the third biggest opening of the year so far. Still, the reopening for Marvel Studios’ first fourth entry in a franchise isn’t doing too badly as it’s ahead of the $122M opening for Thor: Ragnarok. While it’s unclear if it’ll surpass that film’s total box office, especially with the now CinemaScore B+ rating potentially slowing down its legs, the sequel still managed to reach $950M when it was initially released with a B+ rating. Still, the film has been doing pretty well overseas as well and is already on its way to $300M opening.

    there are quite a few theories going around on what this means for the Studio as it’s another B release after Strange and Eternals. Some are questioning if Marvel is overdoing it with Disney+ or generally if this is a sign of audiences being tired of the franchise. One could easily point to Deadline’s analysis from RelishMix which has looked at Social Media’s stirring with the controversy of Portman‘s return as a “gender-bent” version of the character and a surprising backlash to Waititi‘s trademark humor. With a horror film and a rom-com/comedy, it’s still a bit tough to really nail down if this is an issue on Marvel’s side or just everyone getting back into the swing of things.

    Source: Deadline, THR

  • Netflix Adds Fan-Favorite ‘Spectacular Spider-Man’ Animated series

    Netflix Adds Fan-Favorite ‘Spectacular Spider-Man’ Animated series

    We’ve been enjoying a splurge of great Spider-Man films with No Way Home breaking records even during the pandemic. Yet, many also fondly remember some of his greatest hits like the animated series like The Spectacular Spider-Man, which sadly ended a little too early due to the rights issues between Sony and Marvel. Now, the fan-favorite series created by Greg Weisman (Gargoyles) and Victor Cook (Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated) may find a second life as it’s been added to Netflix.

    Luckily, they’ve added both seasons for those hoping to give it another shot. It should be noted that the project is likely part of Sony’s long-term deal with Netflix which they’ll add to their library. We’ve recently seen some of the classic Spider-Man films join Disney+, which were on the Netflix streamer for quite some time. So, we might have to wait a few years and it could also find its way to a Disney-owned streamer.

    One of the things that made Spectacular Spider-Man so special was how it balanced the more personal life of Peter Parker with his time as a hero. It also was a series that didn’t shy away from Peter’s darker side and let him face the consequences of his own actions in a story that continued to evolve over time. Some people are hoping that its addition to Netflix may spark interest in reviving the project similar to how others were given a second life through their popularity on streaming services. So, we’ll see if there’s a future for this project to return after all.

    Source: Netflix, ComicBook

  • ‘Blue Beetle’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Kord Industries

    ‘Blue Beetle’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Kord Industries

    Blue Beetle has been busy filming for some time, as we got our first look at how they’ll adapt his iconic design in live-action some time ago. Things have calmed down since the project but it looks like a new group of set photos shared by Twitter user @DcversoMidias have offered a new look at what’s to come in the film. While it’s not a new look at our heroic Blue Beetle, it is our first look at Kord Industries. Not only do we get a first look at the company’s logo but also what seems to be a station built by or for the company.

    That is not all, as it seems that Kord Industries is not just all about clean energy development but also offers a hotel of some kind. An additional billboard includes the names of famous DC cities, Central City, Gotham, Metropolis, and more

    It’ll be interesting to see how Kord Industries will connect to the overarching storyline, especially as we don’t know if the former Blue Beetle will also have a role in the film. There was once a rumor making the rounds on Jason Sudeikis playing the character, which ended up getting quickly denied. So, we’ll see what the project has in store for us once we see more from the set or even the first trailer drop at some point in the future.

    Source: Twitter

  • Major ‘The Boys’ Actor Will Play New Character in Season 4

    Major ‘The Boys’ Actor Will Play New Character in Season 4

    The latest season finale for The Boys was all sorts of messed up, but there was one moment in particular that likely shocked viewers more than others. After spending the majority of Season 3 in hiding from Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy, fan favorite baddie Black Noir finally worked up the courage to confront his demons and return to Vought Tower. Unfortunately, his reunion with Toni Starr’s Homelander didn’t go exactly as planned, and the silent menace instead found himself violently gutted on the tower floor. Black Noir’s sudden death was as surprising as it was gruesome, with the move coming as soon as the show had finally begun to reveal the character’s tragic backstory. The decision to kill Noir off also deprived fans of their chance to see him face off against his former Payback captain in an epic final showdown.

    Luckily for Nate Mitchell, the stunt man who spent three seasons behind the mask, Noir’s death will apparently not be the end of his time on the show. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Eric Kripke revealed that Mitchell would return as an entirely new version of Black Noir for The Boys’ upcoming fourth batch of episodes. After teasing playfully that a character who “is completely silent and in a black mask can be recast”, the former Supernatural creative explained that Season 4 will feature a brand new character donning the infamous all-black ensemble:

    It’s definitely not the last we’ve seen of Black Noir as a hero. It’s just that the guy who was inside [the Noir suit] in season 3, he’s gone. But we have Nathan playing a really interesting and hilarious character who wears the suit next season. We’ll explore it as the season goes on, but Nathan plays a whole new character.

    Eric Kripke

    Kripke says he broke the news to Mitchell before filming on Season 3 began, hoping it would ease his pain of losing the original Noir interpretation. This decision was also why a different actor, Fritzy-Klevans Destine, was brought in for flashback scenes involving a speaking, maskless Noir. This way, things will be less confusing when Mitchell’s face is shown as someone else in Season 4.

    The entirety of The Boys is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • Newly Leaked ‘She-Hulk’ Promo Offers First Full Look at Comic-Inspired Outfit

    Newly Leaked ‘She-Hulk’ Promo Offers First Full Look at Comic-Inspired Outfit

    We’ve gotten quite a few looks at the upcoming series She-hulk, which will see Tatiana Maslany take on the role of Bruce Banner’s cousin, Jennifer Walters. While we already had a trailer, Marvel and Disney have been quite coy about showing the full design for the character’s comic-inspired design. We did get a glimpse through some promo art, but a new set as shared by @MCU_Facility may have given us our best look yet at what her full design will look like.

    It’ll be interesting to see what the design looks like in live-action but there’s an interesting design concept going on here. The visuals are much more flashy and might be used to highlight her home to also add some color instead of just going with a simple lawyer concept. The last version of the logo seemingly jumped into that direction before they shifted gears once again.

    With some time before the series releases and we’re anxiously awaiting a second trailer that shows how far the CG has gone since the first reveal. Corridor Digital has recently highlighted the quality of the work done on the character, especially in contrast to how the internet has reacted. So, we’ll see how much legwork the second trailer is going to have to make up for.

    Source: Twitter

  • The Morning After Huddle: July 9, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: July 9, 2022

    Welcome to your Weekend Edition of the The Morning After Huddle. There is tragic news out of the league this morning.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Sadly, Former Seahawks CB and co-special teams captain Jimmy Williams has passed away at 43. News broke late Friday evening that Williams was battling some sort of illness. In recent years, Williams had been coaching in his hometown of Boston as an assistant football coach and teacher at Episcopal High School.
    • Unfortunately, Former Oilers player Ira Valentine has also passed away. Texas A&M announced that Valentine died of a heart attack, on Wednesday, at the age of 59. He was a 12th round selection by the Oilers and played 1 season in the NFL.
    • Finally, Your Key Signings RoundUp:
      • The Cowboys will sign LB Christian Sam and kicker Lirim Hajrullahu to the team. Sam was drafted in 2018 by the Patriots, but most recently played for the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL. Hajrullahu Is signing to compete with rookie free agent Jonathan Garibay for the kicker job.

    Thanks for joining the Huddle today. Connect with us on Monday for more news you need to know.

    ICYMI: Friday – July 8, 2022 Edition

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Nabs B+ CinemaScore, Same as ‘Doctor Strange 2’

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Nabs B+ CinemaScore, Same as ‘Doctor Strange 2’

    The CinemaScore has finally arrived, which mostly reflects how the general audience feels about a film’s release. Unlike normal ratings, the films are mostly skewed heavily with A being the general goal for any release. Marvel Studios famously stuck around to this area as a “crowd-pleasing” offering but that has changed with Phase 4. Some of their releases have landed the B rating, most notably Eternals being the first to do so. Thor in 2011 also received a B+ rating. Now, Thor: Love and Thunder has also joined the B+ club.

    https://twitter.com/CinemaScore/status/1545634584313970688

    CinemaScore has just released the fact that the general audience has given Thor: Love and Thunder a B+ grade. Now, the internet is already in a panic about this being the sign that Marvel Studios has lost its grace with the general audience, but there’s a lot more at play with this rating. Yes, it is normally a higher rating, anything with a C+, such as Morbius, is a sign that the film may not leg out

    Yet, considering that the film currently holds an 84% like ratio from Google Users, stands at 7.1 on IMDb, and even has an 83% Audience Score on RottenTomatoes, you start to see the bigger picture. The only indication this value has is a hint at the legs a film will have at the box office, and if Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is anything to go by, a B+ won’t stop it too much. Yes, it won’t have the same momentum that could push it past its initial release but we may see a harsh drop in the second weekend.

    Also, most indie releases end up in this ranking, which generally is a sign of how audiences consume media. If it is mindless fun, they’ll tend to give it a higher ranking and Marvel Studios still has an A ranking for films like Shang-Chi, Black Widow, and especially Spider-Man: No Way Home. Plus, the lowest ranking films also include strong horror and gore elements, such as Doctor Strange with Love and Thunder also includes some “bloody-esque” kills plus LGTB representation that is more dominant than a blink-and-you-miss-it kiss like in Lightyear. And if we want Marvel Studios to experiment (as has been proclaimed by many over the years), they will face a slight disconnect with general audiences at times.

    Source: Twitter, CinemaScore