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  • Disney Updates its Cinematic Release Slate for the Coming Years

    Disney Updates its Cinematic Release Slate for the Coming Years

    The cinematic experience is partly enjoying a film in theaters while also going through the continuous reshuffling of release schedules. Not every release manages to stay consistent due to production conflicts and various challenges that come together. Blade has recently faced some troubles as it lost its director and naturally was postponed, but surprisingly many more films from Marvel followed with a whole new slate. That isn’t all, as Disney used the opportunity to update its entire slate.

    Disney’s upcoming 2024 release will now include:

    • 3/1/24 – Elio
    • 3/22/24 – Disney’s Snow White
    • 5/3/24 – Captain America: New World Order
    • 5/24/24 – Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
    • 6/14/24 – Inside Out 2
    • 7/5/24 – Mufasa: The Lion King
    • 7/26/24 – Thunderbolts
    • 9/6/24 – Blade
    • 11/8/24 – Untitled Deadpool Movie
    • 12/20/24 – Avatar 3

    Fantastic Four is scheduled for 14th February 2025 with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty set for May. They have also added two untitled Marvel films for July and November. They wrap up the year with an untitled Star Wars film in December, the first cinematic entry since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. Avengers Secret Wars is now scheduled for May 2026 with three more Marvel films already given a release date. Avatar 4 joins that same year in December with its fifth entry already planned for 2028. They also already mapped out another untitled Star Wars film in 2027.

    It definitely looks like Disney has some big plans for the coming years and it’s crazy to think just how mapped out they are until 2028. Of course, the last two years only have one entry each, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see more Marvel films get scheduled once we near the Avengers release. It looks like their next

  • ‘Blade,’ ‘Deadpool 3,’ ‘Secret Wars,’ and ‘Fantastic Four’ Get New Release Dates

    ‘Blade,’ ‘Deadpool 3,’ ‘Secret Wars,’ and ‘Fantastic Four’ Get New Release Dates

    Following the news that Marvel Studios would be halting production on Blade, the Walt Disney Company has confirmed new Blade has been pushed to 2024. Unsurprisingly, this move has also resulted in shifts for other Marvel Studios titles including Deadpool 3, Avengers: Secret Wars, Fantastic Four, and two untitled Marvel films.

    Blade, previously dated for Nov. 3rd, 2023, has moved to Sept. 6, 2024. While Deadpool 3, which only announced its release date a couple of weeks ago, has now moved from Sept. 6, 2024 to Nov. 8th, 2024. Fantastic Four, previously set for Nov. 8th, 2024 has now moved to Feb. 14th, 2025. Avengers: Secret Wars is now moving to May 1st, 2026 from Feb. 14th, 2025, while two other Untitled Marvel Studios films have also been bumped. One of those movies has moved from Feb. 14th, 2025 to Nov. 7th, 2025, while the other set for May 1st, 2026 has been removed from the schedule altogether.

    It remains to be seen what the untitled film was that was ultimately shelved, but the massive date change is to be expected. With Secret Wars now delayed until Feb. 2025, there is no longer just six months between The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars. While Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton is attached to helm the former, the latter is still on the hunt for a director.

  • First Look at Matilda Lutz in ‘Red Sonja’

    First Look at Matilda Lutz in ‘Red Sonja’

    Production is currently underway on Millennium Media’s Red Sonja at the Bulgarian Nu Boyana Studio, and the studio has unveiled an official first look at Matilda Lutz (Revenge, Rings) as the titular character, which can be viewed below. Production is expected to move to the Greek Nu Boyana Studio later in the month.

    Lutz can be seen sporting the character’s iconic red locks and armor as she holds her sword over her shoulder.

    Red Sonja is based on the comic book of the same name from Dynamite Entertainment. Hannah John Kamen (Killjoys) was initially set to star in the film but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.

    Starring alongside Lutz in the film are Wallis Day, Robert Sheehan as Draygan, Michael Bisping as Hawk, Martyn Ford as General Karlak, Eliza Matengu as Amarak, Manal El-Feitury, Katrina Durden and Oliver Trevena. M.J. Bassett (Solomon Kane) is directing the film from a screenplay penned by Joey Soloway (Transparent) and Tasha Huo (Netflix’s Tomb Raider).

    As of now, the film does not have a set release date.

    Source: Deadline.

  • ‘Rosaline:’ Kaitlyn Dever on How She Shaped Her Role

    ‘Rosaline:’ Kaitlyn Dever on How She Shaped Her Role

    William Shakespeare‘s story of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, is widely known across the world. What some people might not know, though, was that in the original story, there was another person Romeo loved before Juliet – that person was none other than Rosaline. For leading lady Kaitlyn Dever, who takes on the role of Rosaline for the Hulu film, getting to know Rosaline from Shakespeare’s story was an important step in preparing for the role.

    During the virtual press conference for the movie, Dever explained that Rosaline’s limited role in the original story actually made it easier for her to develop the character. “She is mentioned in Romeo and Juliet. But she’s a very, very, very small role in the story,” Dever explained. “And so, because of that, it was actually a really exciting prospect because you can kind of do anything and everything you want to, and the character that I sort of created with Karen was kind of something that we just felt like you could go for it in so many ways.”

    Dever continued, noting that she had a ton of fun with the character. She got to enjoy her determination and fearlessness, while also having the chance to be more comedic in her delivery at times. “I just appreciated and admired her, you know, determination and her fearlessness and her drive. The writing is so brilliant,” she said. “It was really easy to kind of go there. But, I mean, it was so easy to just have the most fun and just be sort of outrageous sometimes, and sarcastic and comedic with this whole cast. It was really, really fun.”

    One of the things Dever, as well as the rest of the cast, had to be careful with was how far they were willing to take things. As the actress explained, it was all about balance because of the fact that Rosaline is “a lot.” Thankfully, director Karen Maine was there to help guide them all.

    I feel like it was always kind of, we were always exploring that and those tones.  And sort of, I feel like some days I was like, “Yeah, that was a lot.”  And Rosaline is a lot sometimes.  And that’s what’s so much fun about her in playing her. But I think you never really know, but I think, yeah, we did have, you know, Karen there as a constant guide. And she’s so good with direction and sort of allowing us to feel free in that.

    Dever

    Rosaline will premiere on Hulu this Friday, Oct. 14th, 2022.

  • Paddy Considine Reveals What Killed King Viserys

    Paddy Considine Reveals What Killed King Viserys

    With the conclusion of the eighth episode of House of the Dragon came the conclusion of a season-long journey toward death for one of the series’ main characters. After a long and gradual decline in health over the first season, King Viserys I Targaryen died in his sleep in the final moments of Sunday’s latest episode. In an interview, actor Paddy Considine gave some insight into the cause of the suffering and death for the now-deceased King of Westeros.

    He’s actually suffering from a form of leprosy. His body is deteriorating, his bones are deteriorating. He is not actually old. He’s still a young man in there. He’s just, unfortunately, got this thing that’s taken over his body. It becomes a metaphor for being king, and the stress and strain that it puts on you, and what it does to you physically, what it does to you mentally.

    Paddy Considine

    This shouldn’t really come as a surprise to viewers based on the telltale signs of Viserys’ body gradually falling apart as the season progressed. It was certainly noticeable in this past episode in which the king had to wear a golden mask to hide the fact he had lost an eye due to the disease. Considine’s physical performance in struggling with leprosy and his overall portrayal of the character should place the actor high in award consideration in 2023.

    Ultimately, the death of Viserys is the gateway for the civil war brewing amongst the Targaryen family. The conflict between Rhaenyra Targaryan and Alicent Hightower has been the main storyline of House of the Dragon to this point and while this episode left the two characters at potentially the closest they’ve been since the premiere, the feelings of resentment have been passed down to their children which makes the upcoming boiling point all the more inevitable. With two episodes remaining, it certainly will be interesting where the status quo stands heading into the future of the series with the Dance of the Dragons.

    Source: Comicbook.com

  • Marvel Studios Halting ‘Blade’ as Director Search Continues

    Marvel Studios Halting ‘Blade’ as Director Search Continues

    Marvel Studios is reportedly halting Blade, at least temporarily, as it continues its search for a new director. The news comes courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, with the outlet reporting the decision was made in order to further develop the movie and continue the search for a new director. The movie was expected to enter production in November. The crew is said to have been notified today that the production is temporarily shutting down.

    Bassim Tariq was originally set to direct the film starring Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, however, Tariq left the project a little over two weeks ago. With the production currently shutting down, it seems doubtful it’ll make the previously announced release date of Nov. 3rd, 2023. Marvel Studios is said to be keen to get the movie “right,” and Ali has been heavily involved in the creative decisions on the film with the actor reportedly having had say in hiring Tariq in the beginning.

    Following Tariq’s exit, it was revealed that Beau DeMayo had signed on to rework the script. With DeMayo’s hiring, it was expected that Marvel Studios would quickly fill the director position (ala Ant-Man), but instead, the studio has opted to slow down to “deepen the search” for a new director, while also ensuring they took time to further strengthen the movie.

    Blade was first announced by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige in 2019 when Ali was brought on stage to reveal the project was in development.

    Source: THR.

  • REVIEW: ‘Rosaline’ is a Delightful ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Retelling

    REVIEW: ‘Rosaline’ is a Delightful ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Retelling

    There are few stories known as worldwide as that of Romeo and Juliet. The story of star-crossed lovers has been adapted countless times and referenced even more, and yet, despite the age-old story being so familiar, Hollywood still seems keen to try and find new ways to tell it. Enter Rosaline. Inspired by the book When You Were Mine by author Rebecca Serie, Rosaline offers a new spin on the romantic classic. This time around, it’s not Romeo and Juliet that take centerstage, but rather Juliet’s cousin, Rosaline – Romeo’s former lover.

    Rosaline, which is a comedic retelling with modern influences, stars the excellent Kaitlyn Dever as the titular character. Despite their warring families, Rosaline has found herself falling for Romeo Montague, although she knows her family can never know of their love. Little does she know, though, that her love has found himself smitten with someone else: her cousin, Juliet. And it’s not just puppy love, either. Gone are Romeo’s playboy ways as he spends his days chasing after Juliet and only Juliet. Eager to win back Romeo, Rosaline seeks to ruin things between Juliet and Romeo resulting in a chaotic love story that proves love is capable of driving us all a little mad.

    When it comes to Rosaline, Dever is easily the best part of the film and it’s clear she’s having a blast as the mischievous Rosaline. And while her on-screen chemistry with Romeo (Kyle Allen) is nearly non-existent, Dever is electric alongside Sean Teale‘s Dario. Every moment the duo share on screen is captivating; their dynamic is excellent and complements the less impressive relationship between Romeo (Allen) and Juliet (Isabela Merced). It’s hard to buy these two as Romeo and Juliet; they lack any kind of spark. Thankfully, even with sometimes stilted performance, what truly sells this take on the classic story is that the cast – or rather, most of the cast – is so willing to lean into the material. It takes more than simply adding modern bits to make something unique. Without a cast committed to the material, Rosaline would not have worked.

    While set in the renaissance era, Rosaline is very modern – from the language to the behaviors of its characters and the social standards, this isn’t the Romeo and Juliet story viewers are used to. Driven by modern music and a leading lady unwilling to give into society’s expectations of her, Rosaline is a delight to watch. Even more impressive, though, is that while Romeo and Juliet are featured in the film – the story we’ve come to know isn’t the story that plays out here. It’s far more realistic and entertaining, and it ultimately helps to drive Rosaline’s story forward.

    All in all, Rosaline is a breath of fresh air. It’s emotional, romantic and simply fun. Those eager for a fresh new take on the Romeo and Juliet lore will want to check out Rosaline. Dever delivers a hell of a performance as the titular character and Karen Maine (Yes, God, Yes) is a director to watch.

  • Dwayne Johnson Promises a Major Showdown Ahead in the DC Universe

    Dwayne Johnson Promises a Major Showdown Ahead in the DC Universe

    It’s been said so much that it’s become a meme: the hierarchy of power in the DC Unvierse is changing. In just a couple of weeks, fans will see for themselves what Dwayne Johnson has been teasing when Black Adam hits theaters. Johnson has called the long-gestating project the “hardest undertaking of [his] entire career physically & mentally” and has maintained his passion for bringing the character to the screen for the better part of a decade.

    With the future of the DC Universe uncertain in the wake of massive ongoing changes at WB, it’s safe to say that all eyes will be on the box office performance of Black Adam as WB decides just what the future holds. While the execs might be debating what’s next, Johnson is pretty bullish on what he thinks needs to happen and, in an interview with CinemBlend, he made it very clear: Black Adam vs. Superman. When asked if he intends for the two titans to go toe-to-toe on screen, Johnson held nothing back, saying, “Absolutely. That is the whole point of this man. Thank you for asking that.“

    Johnson continued on, giving some insight into what the new DC era he’ been talking about really means

    And I have been saying for some time, there’s a new era in the DC Universe that’s about to begin. And what I meant by that was introducing a brand new character. It’s not a sequel, not an existing IP. It was…you know, Black Adam! Two years ago the world had no idea who he was. We did, but not, you know, the rest of the mass out there. Introducing the JSA, introducing that new era of the DC universe.

    Dwayne Johson

    According to Johson, however, the new era isn’t just about introducing new characters. It’s also about giving the fans what they want, including more Superman.

    But also what I really meant by, ‘This is a new era in the DC Universe,’ is listening to the fans. Listening to the fans. And doing our best to give the fans what they want. And maybe, sometime down the road — and I went through this in pro wrestling — is you can’t always give them what you want. But you’ll always know that we’re listening. And in this case, with what you and I are talking about, I have been listening and I’ve been wanting to address fans for years. Because I’ve been waiting for someone to step up and address the fans and say, ‘Hey, we hear you.’ So finally, after many months turned into many years, we ended up with what we ended up at. And the whole goal and intention now is to this new era, new time. Now let’s build out.

    Dwayne Johnson

    Rumors continue to proliferate that Henry Cavill’s Kal-El makes an appearance in Black Adam, but it sounds as though Johnson has more than just a brief meeting between the two in mind. While everyone is waiting for the Shazam/Black Adam movie, it seems Johnson has other plans.

    Source: CinemaBlend

  • A Potential ‘Moon Knight’ Season 2 Could Feature ‘Werewolf By Night’ Characters

    A Potential ‘Moon Knight’ Season 2 Could Feature ‘Werewolf By Night’ Characters

    After the raging success of Marvel Studios’ first Special Presentation, Werewolf by Night, fans are anxiously awaiting Jack Russell’s, Ted Sallis’ (Man-Thing), and Elsa Bloodstone’s returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The special itself appeared to open the door to the MCU’s monsterverse, but it has also been confirmed that Werewolf By Night has no intention of being a pilot for future series. Of course, there are Midnight Sons and Legion of Monsters rumors and theories. And there’s always Blade, though the film is in a rough spot after recently losing its director. But perhaps the answer—or one of the answers—is a bit less obvious. After star Oscar Isaac’s comments that there is more Moon Knight in the MCU’s future, it may not be too farfetched to think that characters from the monster special could appear in a potential second season of that series.

    The most obvious connection Moon Knight has to these characters is that his first appearance was as an adversary in Werewolf by Night #32 in 1975. Originally, Moon Knight was written as a mercenary hired to capture Russell, which explains his moon-themed persona and silver weapons. By the end of his original two-issue appearance, Moon Knight changes course and helps the titular werewolf instead. From here, the character went on to have his own solo and team-up careers unrelated to Werewolf by Night. Moon Knight’s connections to Man-Thing and Elsa Bloodstone are less obvious, though the three of them were all part of a relatively recent Midnight Sons lineup in the Damnation crossover event. Still, Man-Thing’s connection to the Nexus of All Realities makes his general presence in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga make sense, and Jack and Ted were set up as a pair in Werewolf by Night.

    While Marc Spector has a colorful resume, he is not particularly well known for his connection to monsters. As such, there are not many clear storylines from the comics that a Moon Knight Season 2 could adapt from the comics. But without a doubt, Moon Knight is the first character aside from Doctor Strange to truly open up the paranormal and supernatural worlds of the MCU. That aspect of the universe is gaining more steam, but in terms of seeing Werewolf by Night or related characters sooner rather than later, there do not seem to be a lot of obvious options at this moment. Phase 6 is almost entirely unannounced, and so is a second season of Moon Knight. Still, an appearance in the series might be fundamental to the steady rise of the monsterverse and its related projects.

    While Moon Knight is not generally found constantly battling or working with monsters, the vigilante is certainly not foreign to them. In the series alone, the character had to face some rather monsterous Ancient Egyptain-themed creatures, and the finale was aptly titled, “Gods and Monsters.” The supernatural angle of the character was definitively established in Moon Knight. In the comics, the actual existence of Khonshu is sometimes debated as the stories play around with Marc Spector’s unique mental state. But in the MCU, Khonshu’s presence and related supernatural truths are presented as fact. While, so far, the live-action of the character has been limited to the very specific Egyptian god-focused aspect of the supernatural, Moon Knight has ample reason to encounter more. After all, a key component of the vigilante in print is that, as the Fist of Khonshu, he is a protector of those who travel at night—and plenty of things go bump in the night.

    While nighttime is clearly special for Moon Knight and monsters alike, the concept also highlights the stylistic compatibility of characters like Werewolf by Night and Moon Knight. Both rely on supernatural themes, but the series and Werewolf by Night are noticeably some of the MCU’s darkest projects both literally and figuratively. The potential seedy and gritty vigilante life of Marc Spector, Khonshu’s ghostly presence, and surreal psychological components could easily accommodate some additional bizarre components. Even more, Moon Knight’s character and Werwolf by Night have a reputation of (by MCU standards) particularly brutal or gruesome violence.

    For these reasons, it would not be entirely surprising if Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, or other related characters made some type of appearance in a second season of Moon Knight. They likely would not be a major part of the full season, but rather could be integrated in a similar way to Moon Knight’s comics introduction. If the MCU’s Marc Spector does take on the vigilante lifestyle as expected, perhaps he has run ins with various beings causing havoc, including an out-of-control Werewolf by Night. It is easy to picture Marc Spector being hostile to monster-type creatures before understanding that they are not necessarily villains, which could be a vital moment in the building of teams like the Midnight Sons or Legion of Monsters or crossover of related characters. Or, perhaps the hero gets caught up in the Bloodstone’s longer narrative in the MCU, as the likely alien relic ties together the MCU’s supernatural side before the big events of Avengers: The Kang Dyanasty and Avengers: Secret Wars.

    Only time will tell if Marvel Studios announces a second season of Moon Knight. Either way, fans will get much more of all of these characters in the MCU’s future.

  • New Character Posters Released for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    New Character Posters Released for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    With a month until Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters, Marvel Studios has unveiled a slew of new character posters for the film. The posters, as shown below, feature Michaela Coel (Aneka), Alex Livinalli (Attuma), Florence Kasumba (Ayo), Winston Duke (M’Baku), Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia), Tenoch Huerta (Namor), Mabel Cadena (Namora), Danai Gurira (Okoye), Angela Bassett (Queen Ramonda), Dominique Thorne (Riri Williams), Martin Freeman (Everett Ross) and Letitia Wright (Shuri).

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.

    Along with the posters, Marvel Studios released a brand new featurette for the movie featuring director Ryan Coogler, Nyong’o, Wright, and Huerta.

    In the film, Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. When Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, alerts them to a global threat and his disturbing plan to thwart it, the Wakandans band together with the help of War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

    Tickets for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are on sale now. The movie will hit theaters on Nov. 11th, 2022.