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  • Hunger, If You Dare! Antonio Banderas Rumored to Be Discussing a Massive Marvel Studios Role

    Hunger, If You Dare! Antonio Banderas Rumored to Be Discussing a Massive Marvel Studios Role

    The rumor mill around the cast of Marvel Studios 2024 theatrical release, Fantastic Four, continues to churn out some fascinating information. Shortly after rumors of Adam Driver, Mila Kunis, Jodi Comer and more being on director Matt Shakman‘s shortlist for key roles in the film, a new rumor has emerged that might just be the best of them all.

    Scooper My Time to Shine Hello has revealed an unexpected–and quite frankly brilliant–potential choice for a major Fantastic Four character. According to the account, Antonio Banderas is in talks to play the Cosmic Being Galactus.

    One of Marvel Comics most incredible characters, Galactus has been rumored to be a part of Shakman‘s Fantastic Four for some time now. Originally a scientist named Galan who existed in a previous iteration of the multiverse, Galan survived the transition into the new multiverse and became one of the most powerful beings in it and was reborn as Galactus. The Devourer of Worlds has long been one of the Fantastic Four’s greatest antagonists, though a more complete understanding of the essential role he plays in the universe has been developed over time.

    Banderas has remained a force in Hollywood since making the jump from Spanish cinema in the early 1990s. An action star, a romantic lead and a talented voice actor, Banderas has been nominated for Academy, Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Awards. While it’s unclear exactly what role Galactus will play in Fantastic Four and the MCU in general, Banderas‘ experiences should allow him to play Galan/Galactus in live-action and also provide voice work for the character should he be a wholly CGI creation. Marvel Studios has not yet commented on the cast of the film but at the pace the rumors are flying, it is possible it could be revealed at SDCC ’23, should the studio decide to attend.

  • Marvel Studios Finally Reveals When ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania’ Will Stream on Disney Plus

    Marvel Studios Finally Reveals When ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania’ Will Stream on Disney Plus

    When Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hit digital marketplaces on April 18th, fans were surprised to learn that it wasn’t also available on Disney Plus. Most of Marvel Studios most recent theatrical releases found their way to the streaming service relatively quickly (around 45 days in several cases) so fans were taken aback not only by the film not showing up on Disney Plus in April but also the lack of an announcement by the studio. With the May 16th release of physical media just around the corner, Marvel Studios has finally indicated when fans will be able to stream it on Disney Plus for no additional cost.

    Interestingly enough, the D+ debut of Quantumania comes just one day after the release of the physical media. While it might seem a bit counter intuitive at first, the reality is that people who buy physical copies are going to buy their physical copies no matter when the film streams…because they buy physical copies.

    According to the box office numbers for the film, plenty of people still haven’t seen the third installment in the Ant-Man franchise, so it will be worth tracking if the film gains an audience via Disney Plus (Eternals certainly got new life through the streaming service) or it it’s going to just reopen an old wound and lead to even further negativity around the film.

  • REVIEW: Prime Video’s ‘Citadel’

    REVIEW: Prime Video’s ‘Citadel’

    *Editor’s Note: This review is for the first three episodes of Citadel only.*

    Citadel is a project that has long been in development. First announced in January 2020, Citadel is a global spy thriller starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The series, which has seen some hurdles during production thanks to COVID-19, is said to be one of Amazon’s biggest ventures on the small screen to date and judging from the sheer scope of the first three episodes, it’s easy to understand why. The series, which hails from executive producers Joe & Anthony Russo, centers on a spy organization known as Citadel and two of its agents, Mason (Madden) and Nadia (Chopra Jonas) as they go on the run from a rival organization determined to bring them down once and for all.

    Citadel doesn’t really bring anything new to the spy game, and that’s not a bad thing in this instance — the episodes (which clock in around 40 minutes) move swiftly and are packed with both plenty of action and plot. Even with nothing groundbreaking, Citadel still manages to prove itself a capable spy thriller that is sure to showcase Madden and Chopra Jonas as two stars that have, perhaps, been underutilized by Hollywood — especially Chopra Jonas.

    The action is fantastic. In fact, those looking for action sequences like Captain America: The Winder Soldier will love the action set pieces throughout the series. They’re clean, brutal and exciting. Unfortunately, though, despite the stellar action sequences, the sometimes-terrible CGI can be distracting. This is a big issue in the second and third episodes, which is frustrating. After all, the show is said to be one of the most expensive series of all time. Thankfully, the CGI issues can be somewhat overlooked thanks in part to the great cast. Not only are Madden and Chopra Jonas great in their leading roles, but Stanley Tucci‘s Bernard is an excellent addition.

    Overall, the first three episodes of Citadel are… good. The series knows what it is – a spy thriller meant to excite – and it exceeds at what it sets out to be. It’s a nice bit of escapism, an hour of thrills that audiences will enjoy. And with plenty of twists and turns in the first three episodes alone, one has to think the rest of the season will take viewers on one heck of a ride. If you like spy thrillers, give it a shot. There are moments when the series is its own victim of trying to do too much, but when it reels itself back in, it’s just pure fun and sometimes mindless entertainment is needed.

  • Andy Serkis Reveals the Fate of His ‘Andor’ Character

    Andy Serkis Reveals the Fate of His ‘Andor’ Character

    Season 1 of Lucasfilm’s Star Wars streaming series Andor took a deep dive into some uncomfortable corners of the galaxy far, far away. One of those corners included the moon known as Narkina 5, which was the location of an Imperial Prison Complex where Cassian Andor found himself sent following his arrest on Niamos. There, Andor met one of the series’ most talked about new characters: Andy Serkis‘ Kino Loy.

    The floor manager of Unit-Five-Two-D, Loy evolved from a no-nonsense ball buster to one of the organizers of the wonderful “One Way Out!” breakout from Narkina.

    When he was incarcerated, he then almost sheds any desire to look out for other people apart from himself. Just do his time and get out. To try and get out and just survive the sentence, the torture, the desensitization. I think it was that desensitization that made me perhaps have that slightly lost but kind of hardened and toughened shell.

    Andy Serkis on Kino Loy

    That breakout, as you might remember, led to the prisoners having to jump into the water surrounding the prison and the revelation that, after having led the prisoners to freedom, Loy couldn’t join them in their escape because he couldn’t swim. The last we saw of him, Loy was left behind in the prison to face an uncertain fate: did he make the jump or choose to remain in prison and face the consequences? In an interview with ET, series creator Tony Gilroy and Serkis recently revealed Loy’s choice.

    “Well, he didn’t die,” revealed Gilroy, adding “I don’t know what happened, but he didn’t die. We never see him die.” According to Serkis, that means Loy stayed behind at the prison because he certainly didn’t jump. “If he jumped, that would be the end of him and he would be out of the picture,” explained Serkis. “But no, he’s alive and [Kino’s] working out his next move.”

    Does that mean Loy might turn up in Season 2? While neither Gilroy nor Serkis gave any indication, the short answer is most likely “no.” While fans responded well to Serkis‘ character and there might be a time and place for him to return, Season 2 of Andor looks set to move at breakneck speed covering 4 years of time in 12 episodes. The Narkina 5 arc was beautifully designed and shot and had a major impact on the audience and Andor and with the fact that the prisoners there were making components for the Death Star already revealed, it might be best to let that part of the story remain complete.

    Andor Season 2 is expected to hit Disney Plus in 2024.

    Sources: ET Online, Collider

  • Zoe Saldaña Calls ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ “The End for Gamora”

    Zoe Saldaña Calls ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ “The End for Gamora”

    Reactions to advance screenings of Marvel Studios Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 have called the threequel heartbreaking and emotional and that has fans of the franchise nervous as the film’s wide release approaches. Before the film”/’s teaser trailer debuted, fans were already abuzz about which Guardians might meet their ends in Vol. 3 and that teaser (a d subsequent marketing) has only amplified that feeling. While fans continue to place their bets about whifh beloved character won’t make it out alive, one of the film’s stars just threw a little gas on the fire.

    Promotional material for the film has made it seem like several of the film’s lead characters (most prominently Star-Lord, Rocketband Drax) will be facing their ultimate fate in the film. Dave Bautista, now making his seventh appearance as the dense Drax, has made it clear that his time as the character is through and now his sentiment has been echoed by another of the film’s stars: Zoe Saldaña.

    In an interview with THR, Saldaña, whose Gamora has already died once in the MCU, made it clear that while the Guardians will live on, Gamora will not be part of their future.

    I don’t think this is the end for the Guardians. It is the end for me, for Gamora.

    Zoe Saldaña

    As Gunn has said and THR’s report reiterated, there are more adventures in store for the Guardians of the Galaxy, just not these Guardians of the Galaxy. And will Saldaña joining Bautista in moving on from the franchise, perhaps the makeup of the new team starts to become a little clearer even before audiences see the film.

    Stars Chris Pratt and Pom Klementieff, who play the brother/sister duo of Star-Lord and Mantis, respectively, have been less direct about their futures with Marvel Studios. Will Poulter‘s Adam Warlock, who serves as an antagonist in Vol. 3, has a comic book history with the Guardians and his casting has always seemed like one with the future in mind. Groot is almost unkillable and his partnership with Rocket is one of Marvel’s most beloved ongoing relationships. Certainly there’s a team in that mix somewhere, even if it doesn’t involve all of them. However, Saldaña, it seems, won’t be part of whatever new adventures are in store.

    Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 debuts in theaters on May 5th.

    Source: THR

  • Zack Snyder Gave His Blessing for Michael Shannon to Return as Zod in ‘The Flash’

    Zack Snyder Gave His Blessing for Michael Shannon to Return as Zod in ‘The Flash’

    Zack Snyder is always a big discussion point online, as his very specific group of fans continues to try to keep the “legacy” alive as much as possible. Even as the DC franchise is starting to move away from what he initially started with Man of Steel. It seems Michael Shannon wasn’t sure either when Andy Muschietti asked him to reprise the role of Zod from the film in the next DCEU entry, The Flash.

    I was hesitant [to come back] because I wasn’t really happy about what happened to Zack Snyder in that whole deal … And I really love Zack. The fact that Zack asked me to play that part to begin with – that’s probably the biggest surprise of my career. It almost felt like a practical joke. I was like, ‘You’re kidding me, right?’

    Michael Shannon

    He goes on to share what it was like when Muschietti offered him the role and it seems he even had some drawings prepared to showcase his vision of what The Flash would look like if he returned to the role and how it would shape the story. Shannon even still owns a drawing from that pitch.

    But I talked to Andy [Muschietti] about it, and I liked Andy, and I said, ‘Andy, look – I just want to get Zack’s blessing on this because it just doesn’t feel right without that.’ And Zack, to his credit, was very understanding. He gave me his blessing, and I went to do it. I loved Andy, too. I loved working with Andy. They’re both super creative guys. Andy’s an amazing artist. He would just make these drawings when I was sitting there talking to him. I’d look over and say, ‘Hey, can I keep that?’ and he’d go, ‘Sure!’ and sign it and give it to me.

    Michael Shannon

    He does, however, highlight that we shouldn’t expect much depth from his version of Zod in The Flash, as they may have seemingly used him as a way to set up an antagonist that blocks our heroes’ way as teased by the trailers.

    But, you know, it’s just really different – these kind of multiverse situations … The story is a lot more all over the place, you know? And I feel like I mainly exist in ‘The Flash’ as, like, an obstacle or a problem. Whereas, in ‘Man of Steel,’ it was more of a story. Like, ‘The Flash’ is definitely about The Flash – as it should be. So, it’s not as in-depth.

    Michael Shannon

    It’s great to know that Zack Snyder gave his blessing to the project and that he was able to return. This film almost feels like a final swan song for that era of DCEU that was built upon Man of Steel’s release. So, we’ll see if it pays tribute to the past while setting the stage for the future.

    Source: The Playlist

  • CinemaCon: Hugh Grant to Play an Oompa-Loompa in Timothée Chalamet’s ‘Wonka’

    CinemaCon: Hugh Grant to Play an Oompa-Loompa in Timothée Chalamet’s ‘Wonka’

    Warner Bros. Discovery’s big CinemaCon showcase seemingly had two big centerpieces: DC Studios and Timothée Chalamet. Besides sharing the first footage for his upcoming major release of Dune: Part 2, they also had some footage ready for his other big project, Wonka. The Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory prequel explores the early days of the chocolatier in musical form, and it seems we also know who will take on the role of at least one Oompa-Loompa.

    It should be noted that this was first reported by One Take News, as it has been unveiled that Hugh Grant, who recently had a major role in the Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves film, will be playing an Oompa-Loompa in the prequel. There’s no word if they are sticking to what we saw in Tim Burton’s take, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where all Oompa-Loompas were played by Deep Roy.

    Some reactions have hinted that the visual of Grant in the role has burned itself into their mind, it definitely sounds like it would be quite a fun role for the actor. Though, it’s unclear how big of a role he might truly have in the film and if we will also see him sing. It does seem likely and the visual of him in the make-up from the original 1971 film creates a potentially hilarious nightmare fuel for viewers.

    Source: Twitter, Twitter, One Take News, Twitter

  • Voice Cast for Rocket’s Friends in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’ Revealed

    Voice Cast for Rocket’s Friends in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’ Revealed

    We’ve known for some time that a big part of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would likely explore the origins of Rocket. The character was a major part of the franchise’s emotional core and James Gunn openly discussed that he centered a lot around that character from his own personal experiences. With the third Guardians entry being his last before he continues to focus on DC Studios’ future, it seems almost fitting to use this chance to explore that character’s true emotional background.

    In a new piece of footage, we get a new look at the characters that grew up alongside Rocket into becoming more humanoid under The Evolutionary’s watchful eye. Linda Cardellini has been confirmed to play Lylla the Otter, who is Rocket’s main love interest. Asim Chaudhry is taking on the role of Teefs the Walrus while Mikaela Hoover is Floor the Rabbit. Gunn shared the following on what makes these characters stand out in the film:

    They’re best friends… and I think it’s a really beautiful scene with them… where they talk about going outside into the sky, in the world, which they’ve never experienced.

    James Gunn

    Of course, the big surprise for many is likely that Cardellini is set to take on the role of Lylla after having played a major part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Avengers: Age of Ultron as Laura Barton, the wife of Clint Barton and a former SHIELD agent as teased in the Hawkeye Disney+ series. Though, it’s not the only time this has happened and not even the first time this year, as David Dastmalchian also took on a new voice role in the recently released Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

    Source: Collider

  • CinemaCon: First Footage Description of ‘Dune: Part 2’ Finds it’s Way Online

    CinemaCon: First Footage Description of ‘Dune: Part 2’ Finds it’s Way Online

    While most eyes have been on the future presentation of DC Studios and their current releases, which still were developed under the former leadership, they had quite a bit of other projects to show off during this year’s CinemaCon. They gave visitors a look at Barbie and its unique world and it seems the first footage of the long-awaited Dune sequel has been released for attendees. Us online at least got the description of the footage that was showcased during CinemaCon.

    It seems the big focus of the footage was on Paul Atreides, played once again by Timothee Chalamet, learning to ride a giant sandworm. It makes sense given that this was the big tease at the end of the first entry and Paul’s entire storyline is wrapped around him finding his way among the locals of the planet Arrakis. They also seemingly got a first look at Florence Pugh and Austin Butler during the footage but not many details have been shared on what they might look like.

    It’s definitely interesting that this is their selling point as Chalamet made the bold statement of it being “done practically” which has become a bit of a habit to imply certain elements are done that way with the rest added afterward. It’s also become a bit of a marketing habit to make the film stand out in the pool of effects-heavy film selection. Most of what we’ll see on the screen will be effects work as there is no real giant sandworm, but it makes for a good way to sell it to audiences.

    Source: Twitter, Discussing Film, Twitter, Twitter

  • CinemaCon: First ‘Aquaman 2’ Footage Description Teases Major Plot Points

    CinemaCon: First ‘Aquaman 2’ Footage Description Teases Major Plot Points

    CinemaCon has given Warner Bros. Discovery the chance to highlight its future slate with a strong emphasis on 2023. It’s a big movement for the studio as they have been struggling with their recent DC releases like Black Adam and Shazam: Fury of the Gods. While the big focus is on The Flash which is being screened in its entirety for attendees, they also got some footage teasing Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

    The big surprise is that quite a bit of the footage shown includes some major spoilers for the sequel. Some reports are sharing that the footage includes Aquaman having a child and that Black Manta is seemingly the main antagonist in the upcoming sequel. Of course, they might be hiding some secrets as there’s no word of the “Lost Kingdom” in the title.

    Black Manta has seemingly gotten his hand on an ancient weapon known as the Black Trident and starts an attack on Atlantis. The rest of the film will see him forced to work alongside his murderous brother Orm the Ocean Master. Of course, they weren’t going to spoil everything but it’s definitely interesting that many early reports are pretty much on point with what we can expect. It’s also great to see Yahya Abdul-Mateen II get a bigger role in the sequel.

    Source: Twitter, Twitter