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  • Amazon Prime’s ‘INVINCIBLE’ Release Date Finally Revealed

    Amazon Prime’s ‘INVINCIBLE’ Release Date Finally Revealed

    It’s been nearly three years since we first learned Robert Kirkman‘s popular superhero comic, Invincible, would be getting an animated adaptation on Amazon Prime. After months of exciting casting announcements and still-image teasers, we finally landed a release date. During a live stream, the series creator revealed that the first three episodes will release on March 26th. It was the perfect timing, as they were celebrating the anniversary of the first issue’s release. After the initial bundle of content hits streaming, you will be able to watch new episodes weekly until the first season concludes on April 30th. The reveal included a brand new clip from the show until the next trailer releases.

    Invincible will be the third series adaptation of a Kirkman work. It follows in the footsteps of the massively successful The Walking Dead, which made its debut back in 2010. The series has grown into a media juggernaut with the release of various spin-offs and plenty more planned in the coming years. Six years later, an adaptation of Outcast was also released, which got canceled in 2018. After their success, it is time for some superhero action, as we follow the young Mark Grayson living under the shadow of his father, who is the most powerful superhero on the planet.

    Like AMC’s powerhouse, the series offers a stellar cast of characters worthy of a spin-off. The animated series features Steven Yeun in the title role. He is joined by J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Mark Hamill, Seth Rogan, Gillian Jacobs, Andrew Rannells, Zazie Beetz, Walton Goggins, Jason Mantzoukas, and Zachary Quintom, to name only a fraction of the expansive talent list. It remains to be seen if Invincible finds the same kind of traction, but a cast stacked to the brim most definitely won’t hurt its chances.

    Source: Deadline, Twitter

  • ‘Wandavision’: Agnes Makes Sure You Learn Your Lines

    ‘Wandavision’: Agnes Makes Sure You Learn Your Lines

    The mystery has begun to unravel. Westview’s cracks are beginning to show. Wanda’s vision of a seemingly picture-perfect, all-American town is starting to fade. The previous two episodes teased Wanda’s hold on this town and that she may be the one in control. Her selfish motivation is leading her down a dark path. Last week, I theorized that the town could be a malformed version of New Salem and that the inhabitants were members of the coven residing within that town. As such, they quite possibly could be survivors of the Salem Witch Trials. It looks like this week’s episode might be adding to that very theory.

    In a previous episode, a brief bit of banter from Agnes mentions that her husband Ralph would not remember their anniversary, which was June 2nd. For those that don’t know, that was the day the Salem witch trials began in 1692. If Agnes is indeed Agatha Harkness, which is the current assumption, that would make Agnes a survivor of those events. Perhaps to save the rest of her coven, she may have made a deal with the devil. The running theme surrounding children in the last two episodes could also connect to her. Any deal with the devil comes at a price. In the comics, her son’s name was Nicholas Scratch. It is the same name she refers to her bunny, who could be her son disguised as an animal. Going by the line from the previous episode, he might also be a sacrifice forced to take that form.

     

     

    How does this all connect to the latest episode? It has become quite obvious that things are much more off than they were last week in Westview. It is because the episode reveals that Agnes might know much more than she’s letting on. Our nosy neighbor only has a brief appearance in the latest episode. Yet, it is one of the most memorable scenes. She seemed worried about leaving Wanda and Geraldine alone as if something might go wrong. She even interrupts Herb so he won’t reveal anything. I believe this could play right into my theory from last week that the townspeople are members of a coven. The worried look on Agnes’ face comes from the fact that there’s an intruder within their midst who could throw off their entire plan.

    It seems to be following the storyline we’ve seen in the comics. Wanda’s children, Tommy and Billy, were shaped from shards of Mephisto’s soul. Mephisto could be crafting the perfect life and family for Wanda to tear it away from her. He wants to break her mind to make her his ally. Mephisto saw an opportunity in Wanda and used her grief to his advantage. I think the main point behind all these events is to misdirect the viewers. So, they make Wanda look like the one in control. In reality, someone else is sitting in the dark and is in full control. It’s just like how Agnes once again referred to her mysterious husband. We are slowly about to unravel the mystery, especially now that we saw how massive S.W.O.R.D.’s operation was around the bubble. We are inching closer to the story behind Agnes’ influence and if the devil is truly in the details.

  • ‘Hitman 3’ Breaks Franchise’s Digital Launch Record

    ‘Hitman 3’ Breaks Franchise’s Digital Launch Record

    In other gaming news, it looks like IO Interactive has some time to celebrate. Hitman 3 was the first major release of 2021 to kick it off with style. After ending last year with many buggy releases and controversies, it is good to start the year off like this in the gaming market. According to the developer, their latest entry had the franchise’s biggest digital launch ever. Its launch was also welcomed by a wave of raving reviews highlighting how it continues to evolve the 20-year-old franchise.

    This franchise defined the developer ever since it was founded in 1998. They’ve worked on seven Hitman titles since and rebooted the franchise in 2016, which would become the World of Assassination trilogy. At the time, they were owned by Square Enix and even got renamed Square Enix Europe. At one point, they were able to do a management buyout a year later and once again become an independent franchise. They almost lost the rights to their original creation in the process but that luckily didn’t happen.

    It is also a highlight to end their trilogy on such a high note. IO Interactive is about to venture out into a new franchise, as around two months ago they announced that they are working on an untitled 007 game. There is no word if they are taking a longer break from the franchise, as they focus on new IPs moving forward. I do think there is always going to be a future for Agent 47, so maybe we get a chance to see him and James Bond duke it out in the upcoming game.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Newsletter Teases Upcoming Hawkeye DLC

    ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Newsletter Teases Upcoming Hawkeye DLC

    The New Year has finally started, and we are just getting ready to see what the future has to hold. 2020 was a rough year in general, so hopefully, 2021 will be a new beginning for many. That statement also includes Marvel’s Avengers that had a rough launch in the last year. I have been covering the game for quite some bit now, so I am hopeful to see what direction it might take in the New Year. There has been some silence lately, as most developers have only recently returned from the holidays.

    Luckily, we did get a chance to cover the first 2021 developer stream. It offered some smaller teases, which teases some big plans for the year. It looks like a lot is happening for this game, which is exciting to see. Many of us are still anticipating a reveal and release date for the next DLC character, Clint Barton, the original Hawkeye. We sadly haven’t heard anything since December, but it looks like some activity is happening behind the scenes. As a nice surprise, we just got a new newsletter featuring his silhouette teasing his upcoming addition.

    https://twitter.com/PlayAvenger/status/1352702483953561601?s=20

    Sadly, we haven’t received the newsletter in Europe yet, so I am grateful that @PlayAvenger shared the one he received. It doesn’t say anything really, but his inclusion at least is a hint that he may sooner rather than later. We still have no official release date or even any info on their Deep Dive, but any sign of what they are working on is a welcomed change of pace. They have already added an open menu for his addition on the website, so we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks. Sadly, there is no developer stream today, which highlights they might be working on quite a bit right now. We’ll keep an eye out on what the future may hold for Hawkeye and Marvel’s Avengers. 

    Source: Twitter

  • How ‘WandaVision’ Embraces J. J. Abram’s ‘Lost’ Mystery Box

    How ‘WandaVision’ Embraces J. J. Abram’s ‘Lost’ Mystery Box

    WandaVision is truly unique among Marvel Studios’ projects. We have gotten used to what defines a Marvel film. Even as they dabbled with different types of genres, it still was somewhat recognizable. Expectations are the set-up So, their first attempt at a TV series on Disney+ took many by surprise. It is a slower-paced show that only offers glimpses of a larger mystery that is lurking underneath the sitcom-inspired facade. At some point, Wanda ends up in a different dimension that shifts through different eras of television comedy. There, we meet a very-much-alive Vision, wh seems oblivious to what is happening around him. Head writer Jac Schaeffer has no interest in holding our hand. It started to remind me of a series that is near and dear to my heart, Lost. 

     

     

     

    Why am I making this comparison? The simple reason is how both shows approach their format. The J.J. Abrams‘s directed pilot took a similar approach back in 2005. This fact is especially noteworthy in how it builds its overarching mystery. Most of its episode focuses on the character of Jack Shephard. We are distracted by the airplane crash as the primary mystery before the island takes center stage. We retrace his steps, get to know the ensemble cast, and try to figure out how they landed on the island. It wasn’t until later in the episode that we learn of what this series is all about. Just like WandaVision, we get a two-parter to start the series. The first merely hints at something being off before the second starts unraveling it.

    Now, with the release of the third episode, the truth is starting to take center stage. Just like Lost, the mystery will take over as the series continues. There is also the existence of a strange governmental facility that features throughout the overarching storyline. The DHARMA Initiative was to the island what SWORD is to Westview, as they seek a way to reach Wanda. The difference is that WandaVision is more subtle in its approach, as no dead pilot is hanging in a tree to warn us of a monster that is hiding. I mean, we almost had a man suffocate on what looked to be a strawberry. In a way, their first Disney+ outing is similar to J. J. Abrams‘ fascination with The Mystery Box storytelling. There are so many different mysteries that connect one way or another, may it be the overall setting, Wanda going through pregnancy in 24 hours, and Vision being alive.

     

     

    There are tiny details in the background that add to the overall mystery, such as subtle touches in Agnes’ clothes. One of the Lost showrunners, Damon Lindelof carried over this approach into his latest series, Watchmen. If you pay close attention to the set dressing, dialogue, and various other subtle moments you can predict the show’s direction. Schaeffer has done something similar by twisting our familiarity with sitcom tropes and clichés. We know something is wrong but not quite sure what it may be. Even if the first few episodes don’t quite click, the bigger picture or mystery is keeping you going and may enhance previous viewings. We are just at the beginning of opening the mystery box and we’ll see how it comes toge

    Source: TED

  • First ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Set Photos Tease The God Butcher’s Home World

    First ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Set Photos Tease The God Butcher’s Home World

    After a new wave of delays, the future of cinema seems uncertain once more. We are still waiting for another delay or announcement for Marvel Studios’ Black Widow. It already got delayed by an entire year, so it seems likely that it will continue getting pushed back. Disney is still testing out another round with their Premium Access strategy once Raya and the Last Dragon releases in March. They might be waiting out until then. For now, it is uncertain what the future has in store for Marvel. Yet, these delays aren’t stopping them from getting future projects filmed, so they are available for their original release date. As such, we were anxiously waiting for any updates or set photos.

    Thor: Love and Thunder is currently preparing to film in Sidney’s Centennial Park. The Daily Mail was able to get a few photos from the film’s production design being built. It may offer us our first real look at what may be one of the many planets visited throughout the film. It looks like they are preparing a desert-inspired biome, so they might cover the background with a green screen.

     

     

    Comic fans might instantly recognize the background. It looks like they are building the home planet of Gorr the God Butcher, who will be played by Christian Bale in the upcoming film. It would make sense that they explore his backstory, so they might be preparing a flashback or what could even be the opening of the film. It is uncertain what role Gorr will have in the film, as we’ve seen the Marvel Cinematic Universe adapt well-known characters in unique ways. There could even be a chance that Hela makes an appearance, as she was wielding the weapon we commonly connect with the God Butcherer. Hopefully, we might also get a closer look at the set once they officially start filming.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • ‘NO TIME TO DIE’ Delayed Once Again

    ‘NO TIME TO DIE’ Delayed Once Again

     

    Another day, another major release pushed back.

    Universal has rescheduled the opening of their upcoming James Bond flick, No Time To Die, for October 8, 2021. This means you won’t be able to see Daniel Craig and new co-star, Ana de Armas, kicking undercover butt for another six months past the previous release date, April 2nd.

     

    The film is no stranGoogle search history of a writer - Part 1 — Lloyd Edwards - Author of Fantasy & Science Fictionger to skipping out on release, as this change-up from MGM and Universal marks the tentpole picture’s third shift. The project was originally scheduled to drop in April of 2020, before jumping to November of that year, and then the aforementioned April 2021. The new date puts the film in direct competition with Sony’s Morbius, the latest offering from their stable of Spider-Man spin-offs, as well as Halloween Kills, the next major film in Miramax’s iconic horror franchise.

    The story, which was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, is set to be the last Bond adventure for star Craig, who has held the role since 2006’s Casino Royale. He will be joined in his return by franchise veterans Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Ralph Fiennes, and Naomi Harris. Newcomers to the Bond universe will include Rami Malek, the previously mentioned de Armas, and Lashana Lynch as the newest incarnation of the 007 moniker.

    Lynch is perhaps best known for her starring role in Marvel’s Captain Marvel as Maria Rambeau, the mother of Wandavision‘s Monica Rambeau and Carol Danvers’ best friend. Malek, on the other hand, recently won an Oscar for Best Actor, and will be using his acting chops to portray the film’s main antagonist.

  • New ‘Resident Evil Village’ Trailer Explores the Vampire Castle

    New ‘Resident Evil Village’ Trailer Explores the Vampire Castle

    Resident Evil is celebrating its 25th anniversary. There were some smaller reveals, such as some unique gear for The Division 2. It seems that a multiplayer game is also being added to Resident Evil Village for free, which includes characters from the latest installments. I never really imagined we’d get a third-person Call of Duty clone for the horror franchise. Of course, we were anticipating the latest update for the eighth installment of the franchise. Early trailers already teased a very different game that included werewolves and, what seemed to be, vampires. Well, the latest trailer builds on that and offers some small tidbits of gameplay as well.

     

     

    Resident Evil has been quite busy with their releases. After the successful launch of VII, which surprised players with its new first-person perspective, they’ve released remakes of their second and third installments. These games took the franchise back to its roots. It offered a nice change of pace, as Village revealed to continue where its predecessor left off. In a way, it would allow Capcom to please old and new fans of the franchise. We once again take control of Ethan Winters, who will be facing some rather unlikely foes. The latest trailer took a closer look at the castle and its inhabitants.

    The environments look beautiful with the gothic design, and the overall design does remind me of the game’s fourth entry. Surprisingly, they only teased Chris Redfield, whose role is still uncertain. It is great to see Capcom move away from what we are used to while still embracing what made the franchise iconic. As much as I loved the seventh entry, I think the monster’s design was a bit of a letdown. Of course, the family was a highlight, but the strange black goo creatures got quite repetitive. So, embracing a new twist on vampires and werewolves promises some unique action.

    Source: IGN, YouTube

  • ‘Tales of Dunk and Egg’ And Many Other ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequels’ In Development

    ‘Tales of Dunk and Egg’ And Many Other ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequels’ In Development

    Game of Thrones was one of the most popular television series of all time. It redefined our understanding of the fantasy genre after spanning eight seasons. Yet, when the show came to an end, many fans were left with a sour taste in their mouths. Even after the last season’s reception, HBO was not going to miss out on continuing building the franchise. At one point, a prequel had been in development with Naomi Watts. It would take place a thousand years before the story we’ve witnessed across eight seasons. Although the pilot got filmed, the project did not move forward. Instead, they started development on the HBO Max exclusive House of The Dragon. It will focus on the reign of the Targaryens, as they conquered Westeros.

    Now, it seems there is one more member of the family getting his series, as a recent report confirms that a second prequel series is now in the works titled The Tales of Dunk and Egg. 

    It will follow the adventures of Sir Duncan The Tall (Dunk) and Aegon Targaryen (Egg), whose story was told in the George R.R Martin novels The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight. It will take place 90 years before the events of Game of Thrones. The project currently has no talent attached, but it seems HBO is fast-tracking it.

    According to Entertainment Weekly, this is just one of the many projects they are working on. It seems HBO has been meeting with many writers to get multiple series of the ground. Even Rome‘s Bruno Heller has been in talks at one point. One potential series may focus on Robert’s Rebellion, which started the original story. They also confirm that there are no plans for spin-offs or sequels. The focus remains on developing prequels that explore the history of Westeros and its many corners. It’s an interesting development, as even the previously mentioned Watt‘s prequel was among five in development at the time. For now, we can look forward to a lot more Game of Thrones in the future.

    Source: Variety, Entertainment Weekly

  • First ‘Superman and Lois’ Trailer Released

    First ‘Superman and Lois’ Trailer Released

    CW has been making some curious changes lately. The Arrowverse seemed to be facing a shift, as many long-term shows were getting canceled. They even decided not to move forward with the Arrow spin-off Green Arrow and the Canaries. Black Lightning and Supergirl are also on their way out, which may signal a new direction. DC has been focusing a lot on adding to HBO Max’s line-up, which may be a reason for this reshuffling. It isn’t the end of an era, as CW has a brand new DC show on the horizon. The CW has greenlit a brand new series titled Superman & Lois. It will focus on the Man of Steel trying to juggle his responsibilities as a hero and taking care of his children. After a long wait, we finally got a first look trailer at the upcoming series, which you can check out here:

    The trailer looks very promising. Clark trying to balance his family and superhero life makes for a great premise. Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch are perfect choices for the CW’s version of the iconic power couple. The series is set within the Arrowverse continuity, so we might see Supergirl or other heroes could make an appearance throughout the season. We already got the tease that David Ramsey’s John Diggle was going to return, and he also directed an episode for the show. The first trailer certainly teases a great new addition to the Arrowverse line-up. We will see how crazy things get as Clark tries to regain some kind of normalcy.

    Source: Twitter