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  • ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ From Page to Screen: Episode 3

    ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ From Page to Screen: Episode 3

    Welcome back to another installment of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law From Page to Screen. In the show’s first week, we looked at the differences between the comics’ and series’ versions of Jennifer Walters becoming She-Hulk as seen in the first episode. In Episode 2, viewers got a live-action introduction to Jen’s new legal job, taken straight out of Dan Slott’s and Juan Bobillo’s 2004 She-Hulk run—Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg & Holliway (GLK&H). Episode 3 took She-Hulk in a bold direction. While it didn’t appear to be the most comics-inspired episode, it did introduce an apparently reimagined version of a comic villain.

    At the end of the episode, Jen is jumped by four men who wield the stolen tools of an Asgardian construction worker. The gang is apparently the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of the supervillain team, the Wrecking Crew. The group first appeared in 1974 in The Defenders #17. Since then, however, the Wrecking Crew has primarily been associated as a villain to Thor, though they appear as adversaries in a wide variety of contexts in Marvel Comics.

    Despite being construction-themed, the Wrecking Crew has a rather fantastical origin. The Wrecking Crew began in Marvel Comics with Dirk Garthwaite, a demolition worker whose violent upbringing made him equally unstable and violent. Dirk donned a mask and costume and assumed the criminal persona of “Wrecker,” causing mayhem at crime scenes with a crowbar. Wrecker’s crime spree one day brought him Loki, who was summoning his ally the Norn Queen to restore his magical power. Dirk was mistaken for Loki after stealing and wearing Loki’s helmet, and he was granted magical power in the form of superhuman strength and endurance.

    Wrecker used his newfound power to carry out Loki’s command and battled Thor. Wrecker was defeated by the Destroyer armor after several attempts to kill Thor and was imprisoned. Wrecker eventually escaped from prison with three other inmates: Bulldozer, Piledriver, and Thunderball. The villain found his crowbar (which held his enchanted powers) and decided to share his power with his new crew of escapees. The Wrecking Crew was born when a thunderbolt hit the crowbar while all four held it.

    The Defenders #17 (1974)
    The Defenders #17 (1974)
    The Defenders #17 (1974)

    In She-Hulk, the Wrecking Crew so far seems to be a rather puny, comedic version of the comics’ team. Though the group’s live-action origin is a nice nod to the heavy Thor-based comics crew, as they got their “abilities” by robbing an Asgardian construction worker of his enchanted tools. The Wrecking Crew members weren’t just looking for a fight with Jennifer Walters. Thunderball, wearing a ski mask, tries to inject her with what appears to be a blood sampling device. This opens the door for questions about the MCU Wreck Crew’s “boss” and what they want with Hulk blood.

    Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Episode 3
    Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Episode 3
    Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Episode 3

    The live-action Wrecking Crew has barely appeared in She-Hulk, so it is difficult to say if they will remain this fairly de-powered version of the classic comics team, or if they have more development later in the series. In She-Hulk comics, there is a comedic moment where the Wrecking Crew is imprisoned in the Big House, a Pym particle shrunken-down prison. Perhaps there is a chance for even more Ant-Man references in an MCU Disney+ series.

    She-Hulk #5 (2004)

    She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is now streaming on Disney+.

  • The Morning After Huddle: September 7, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: September 7, 2022

    Welcome to your mid-week edition of The Morning After Huddle! Vikings, Lions, Packers, and Bears? Oh my.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • First, the Chicago Bears have plans for expansion. The team is considering building a domed stadium and entertainment complex roughly 30 miles outside of Chicago. Proposal plans show the property would include things such as restaurants, office space, a hotel, fitness center, and more. The hope is also that this would be the place of future College Football playoff games, College Basketball Final Fours, and yes, Super Bowls.
    • Second, it’s never too late to go back go school. Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles is now the holder of a youth and community development degree from Mount St. Mary’s University. Thirty-seven years after leaving college for the NFL, Bowles is fulfilling his personal commitments to his mother, his family, and community. Things came full circle as he included his coaching strategies and philosophies into his assignments, including barriers and struggles of developing a team and individuals for good.
    • Finally, your Key Signings and Trades Roundup:

    As always, the Morning After Huddle is dedicated to bringing you all the latest updates. We’re back tomorrow, as the season kicks off, with more news you want to know!

  • REVIEW: ‘Cars on the Road’ Has Something for Everyone

    REVIEW: ‘Cars on the Road’ Has Something for Everyone

    The Cars franchise has varied in quality throughout its three cinematic releases, but there’s always been something quite charming about the friendship between Owen Wilson‘s Lightning McQueen and Larry the Cable Guy’s Mater. Pixar knew what the film’s strengths were and with each project kept that at the base of its hard; no matter where the story leads it. That very same thing can be said with Pixar’s true first animated series, Cars on the Road.

    Across the various episodes, the duo is on the road for a few days to take part in the wedding of Mater’s sister. Besides the surprise revelation of Mater’s family background–which has quite a fun twist that doesn’t overstay its welcome–and some more fun between the leading pair, there’s something quite special with the Pixar series. Each episode is its own little storyline that offers something quite fun and a great time.

    Steve Purcell and his team tried to offer something fun with each episode, such as playing around with different genres, film tributes, and generally just taking these iconic characters and putting them into surprising scenarios. While one episode explores the pre-historic history of the Cars universe with a Ray Harryhausen animation twist, another will give us The Shining with a vehicular twist.

    The series doesn’t revolutionize anything and there’s no real need for it to do so. From the opening, the show knows exactly what it’s about and doesn’t try to be anything else. What helps with that aspect is that these episodes are pretty digestible. You’ll get through an episode in just around seven to eight minutes, which includes credits and it helps give each episode a quick pace.

    The show goes by fast and still has its memorable moments. McQueen goes through quite a bit of hell this time around, as the poor guy has to live through a haunted mansion and even face his fear of clowns; a highlight of the season. Mater is as enjoyable as he’s always been and the show doesn’t change their characters much; mostly just sees how their personalities would work or even clash depending on the situation.

    We also get some new additions this season with characters like Quinta Bruson‘s Ivy and Dana Powell‘s Mato. They are fun additions but don’t really take much of the focus away from our leading duo. There is a point in the story where they make it seem like they’ll have someone joining them for the road but that storyline is swiftly scrapped. In a way, it did make you wonder why they included it besides for a few gags and it was a shame not to explore how their dynamic would change with a new friend tagging along.

    The animation is great and everyone looks the way you’d expect them to. As stated earlier, there is an episode that pays tribute to claymation that highlights the attention to detail. A lot of this series feels like a love letter to the many genres and films where the franchise started. There aren’t any major twists and turns but a simple joyful ride with two close friends.

    Cars on the Road is just a great time and has something for everyone. Kids will just have a blast with Mater and McQueen’s usual dynamic while also enjoying how these two play off of each other. In the meantime, adults will get a blast out of Easter eggs from Mad Max, The Shining, and more sprinkled throughout the series. In a way, it could be the perfect jumping-off point for anyone wanting to spark their kid’s curiosities about some classic films when they start asking why a bunch of cars are driving through the desert challenging strangers to survive the Thundercone.

  • Justin Long Calls ‘Barbarian’ the “Best Written Horror Script” He’s Ever Read

    Justin Long Calls ‘Barbarian’ the “Best Written Horror Script” He’s Ever Read

    The early praise for Barbarian has been immense, and that positive feedback isn’t limited to film critics. Both the cast and crew of the movie have been publicly vocal about their love of the project, but actor Justin Long may have given the film its greatest note during a recent press conference promoting its release. When asked why he signed up to co-star with Bill Skarsgård and Georgina Campbell in Zach Cregger‘s horror debut, the former New Girl guest didn’t hold back:

    It was the best written horror script I’d ever read. There was something very classic, completely unexpected. I had no idea what was happening. I was so intrigued by it. It was just unlike anything I’d read. Starts off as a well written romantic comedy, which is really hard to do. The dialogue was so fluid and natural. Then there were
    things happened in it that broke so many rules. I was just so grateful; it was one of those things you read, and you are just so grateful that whoever wrote it wanted me to do it.

    Justin Long

    These are big words from Long, who has appeared in his fair share of popular spooky movies. Although he’s known for his work in comedy, Long has also shown up in Sam Raimi‘s Drag Me to Hell and the Jeepers Creepers franchise. If anybody is qualified to comment on a horror script, it may be him. Unfortunately for fans of the actor, they’ll have to wait until September 9th to see him take on whatever threat may be present in Barbarian.

  • Jodie Turner-Smith Joins ‘The Acolyte’

    Jodie Turner-Smith Joins ‘The Acolyte’

    Announced during Disney’s 2020 Investor Day, The Acolyte was one of many Star Wars projects that went dark for a while with virtually no updates on the series. That was until it had been announced that Amanda Stenberg was set to lead the cast of the Sith-based prequel series for Disney+ and it looks like the project has secured yet another cast member.

    Deadline is reporting that actress Jodie Turner-Smith, best known for her work in projects like After Yang, Queen and Slim, and Anne Boleyn, has joined the cast of the Disney+ series. The trade report didn’t have any details on who Smith will be playing in the series as details on the project still remain under wraps.

    The series, developed by Netflix’s Russian Doll creator Leslye Headland, is said to take viewers into the last days of the High Republic as the Dark Side grows in power and will follow a young Sith apprentice, known as an Acolyte. The project is reportedly set to begin filming sometime this Fall.

    Fans can most likely expect to hear more on the project at the upcoming D23 expo set for September 9th and 10th where anything and everything under the Disney umbrella will have time to shine during two major Studio Showcase panels.

    Smith can be seen in multiple upcoming projects such as White Noise alongside Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig, directed by Noah Baumbach and Netflix’s Murder Mystery 2.

    SOURCE: Deadline

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘Cars on the Road’s Larry the Cable Guy Shares How He Voiced Mater Throughout the Years

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘Cars on the Road’s Larry the Cable Guy Shares How He Voiced Mater Throughout the Years

    Mater has become a staple of the Cars franchise and even many children’s toy boxes. Even with the many different toys, video games, shorts, and anything Disney could get out of the character, Larry the Cable Guy continued providing his voice for the many iterations of the character.

    Now, he’s venturing out into the first TV series based on Cars with Cars on the Road, and in an exclusive interview, Larry the Cable Guy shared how he recorded most of his projects in the past and compares his latest experience to working on the various Mater-centric shorts throughout the years.

    I have a studio at my house and that’s where I did all the toys, and games, and that kind of stuff. The movies, I’d go out to Emeryville. […] For the shorts, I think I’ve done it so long that the producers and directors trust me enough to know what I’m doing. We all get along and they write such great stuff, they trust me, I am very happy about that.

    Larry the Cable Guy

    He highlights how many different venues they have nowadays to release the series and he could’ve imagined Cars on the Road as shared just how much fun they had recording for this project.

    We laughed so hard, each one of these episodes we’d get to laughing so hard. I’d throw something out, they’d throw something out. We would go: “Let’s take a few seconds!” because we were laughing. I mean there is really funny stuff in there.

    Larry the Cable Guy

    It definitely sounds like they had a lot of fun and he teased in the interview that he also had the chance to improvise; giving the scenes their own dynamic as well. He’s voiced the character for so many years and through many different mediums, but he still shares his joy of voicing this character to this day.

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘Barbarian’ Director on Film’s Surprises

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘Barbarian’ Director on Film’s Surprises

    Barbarian is the next major horror film to hit theaters, and it already has social media buzzing. Early online reactions to the movie claim it as a must-see for fans of the genre, and there has been almost unanimous praise for its many supposed twists and turns. Luckily, whatever those surprises are actually are remains a secret for viewers who wish to enjoy the plot unspoiled. All that is publicly known is what can be found in the trailer – a woman knocks on the door of her AirBnB to discover it’s already occupied, and after going inside, learns that something terrible is waiting for her under the house.

    In an exclusive interview with Murphy’s Multiverse, writer and director Zach Cregger was asked how he hoped audiences would react to what he has in store for them. Upon hearing the word “surprise”, Cregger fessed up to being as taken aback by his own script as anyone else. He explained his writing process, and how he weaponized it to make a genuinely shocking picture:

    I was surprised. [laughs] I didn’t beat this movie out. I didn’t outline it, I just started writing it. I was discovering it as I was going. So, I didn’t know what was down under the house until it happened. I didn’t know. So, I was just as surprised as anyone. [laughs] That was my rule for writing. If I don’t know what’s gonna happen, there’s no way the audience could. And so, I just kept to that spirit throughout the whole process.

    Zach Cregger

    Prior to creating Barbarian, the filmmaker maintained a successful career in comedy as part of the iconic sketch troupe The Whitest Kids U’Know. It would seem his many years of comedic improvisation have paid off in a rather unexpected way, flexing the same creative muscle in a wildly different genre.

    Barbarian crawls its way into theaters on September 9th.

  • The Hypothetical 2024 Marvel Studios Release Calendar, V3

    The Hypothetical 2024 Marvel Studios Release Calendar, V3

    Thanks to Kevin Feige’s presentation at SDCC ’22, not much has been left to the imagination for 2024. Marvel Studio’s One-Above-All blew the doors off Hall H by officially revealing Daredevil: Born Again, Captain America: New World Order, Thunderbolts, and Fantastic Four would all be released in 2024. He did, however, leave one currently scheduled film date unfilled and what look to be three Disney Plus series. Feige also gave a time frame for when Agatha: Coven of Chaos should start streaming and from the looks of it, 2024 is going to be a very full slate for Marvel Studios live-action productions.

    As per Feige at SDCC ’22, Coven of Chaos will bridge 2023 and 2024, so if Marvel Studios sticks to that timeline, it’s just a matter of when in December it starts and when in January it ends, assuming a 6-episode run until otherwise indicated.

    Once upon a time, it seemed like a sure thing that Deadpool 3 would hold down this spot. I even got wind at one point that it might start production in the Spring of 2023, making this the perfect date. However, as time goes on, confidence in Deadpool 3 being ready in time for this date continues to decrease. But until such a time that confidence hits absolute zero (and I hear that something else is taking this date), it’ll stay here.

    Daredevil: Born Again will be Marvel Studios’ longest series yet, with an 18-episode first season on the docket. Everyone has their own idea about how this series will work out: three six-episode pods; a nine-episode “part one” and a nine-episode “part two.” But as of now, Marvel Studios hasn’t given any indication of what to expect so we’re rolling with this being 18 consecutive weeks of DD goodness. 18 weeks is over a third of the year and there are plenty of other streaming series they want to roll out, so a March 1st start date allows this big event series to bridge the gap between films.

    It took a little longer than expected to crack the script and find a director, but now things are headed in the right direction with Julius Onah taking the helm. Expect casting news to start trickling out over the last quarter of 2022 and for production to get underway early in 2023.

    The first draft of Thunderbolts has been complete for quite a while now, having been done by Black Widow’s Eric Pearson. With Jake Schreier now on board as director and much, if not all, of the cast of the film already in place, don’t expect a ton of news to roll out about this one.

    Whether or not this project, which was announced back in February of 2021, is called Midnight Angels or not remains to be seen; however, once fans see Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, they will certainly have an understanding of what this project could be about should Ryan Coogler chose to center this Wakanda-centric spinoff on those characters. Of course, there will be a couple of other potential stories that could also make for an interesting D+ series and Ironheart is itself a Black Panther-related spinoff, so the World of Wakanda will continue to grow in many directions regardless of what this series is titled.

    Wonder Man finally gets his chance to step into the MCU! While I don’t expect this show to begin filming until 2023, there may be something to the rumors about them already looking to cast Simon Williams, meaning that the character would debut in another project ahead of his streaming series. Wonder Man and the Wakanda series do seem to be next up, so which one debuts first in the Fall of 2024 will just be a matter of which one gets into production first and successfully avoids the kinds of delays that have hit all of Marvel Studios live-action streaming series.

    Nearly five and half years after first being teased at SDCC ’19, Marvel Studios will debut their version of the First Family. Matt Shakman was recently chosen to shepherd the project and early word is that his vision lines up nicely with not only what Kevin Feige has in mind but with the original vision of the characters who first appeared in the World’s Greatest Comics Magazine over 60 years ago.

    Fans have had a field day wondering “what’s going on with Armor Wars?” The answer is probably much less sinister than the internet believes. The project is still in development and as is the case with so many of Marvel Studios’ projects, they are simply just taking their time to make sure they put together a solid project before heading into production.

    *NOTE* While confidence is fairly high that 2024 will include Midnight Angels, Wonder Man, and Armor Wars (though it’s possible a Nova series pushes one of them to 2025) confidence is much lower on the order in which they might arrive.

  • Dan Lin No Longer in Talks to Become DC’s Kevin Feige

    Dan Lin No Longer in Talks to Become DC’s Kevin Feige

    While many were excited when the news first hit that long-time producer Dan Lin might be the one to lead Warner Bros. Discovery’s new future for its DC Comics adaptations. Yet, it turns out that he’s no longer in talks due to various factors. One of the big aspects is his continued commitment to his production banner Rideback. The search still continues as Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is committed to finding the right person for the job to lead their DC adaptations similar to how Kevin Feige handles Marvel Studios.

    For those wondering, the current DC Films President Walter Hamada is expected to leave the company. That was cemented with the recent drama surrounding Batgirl and the way it was communicated. Lin seemed like a big candidate, especially with his history with Warner Bros. and the successful LEGO Movie franchise. It seems the company was also interested in taking a majority take on the company.

    A lot is riding on this search, especially as shares have been down by 50%. Their “cost-cutting measures” have ended up backfiring in many ways, as industry veterans are nervous about working with the company and a lot of bridges getting burnt along the way. We’ll have to see if they do end up finding the right person for the job, or rather who is willing to do so.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter, CNBC

  • Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans’ ‘Red One’ Adds ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Star

    Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans’ ‘Red One’ Adds ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Star

    It looks like Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star, Kiernan Shipka, has found her next major project as she’s set to join Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video holiday event titled Red One. It’ll be directed by Jumanji director Jake Kasdan but no further details on her role or even the plot of this Holiday event are being shared. It’s being marketed as an action-adventure comedy for all four quadrants that’ll open up a potential new “universe” in “the holiday genre.”

    Amazon Studios is developing and it’ll be an original story from Hiram Garcia after they landed the bidding war for the project back in 2021. Seven Bucks Production collaborator Chris Morgan wrote the screenplay for the adaptation, who has quite an extensive history with the Fast & Furious franchise. So, we might be able to expect a lot of action cut from the same cloth.

    It’s interesting to see this cast come together and theorize what direction they are going with this story. She’s joining two big-named actors in what could be a brand new franchise that opens up many new opportunities. It’s interesting how the word “universe” is used and it may be Amazon’s attempt at creating their own big recurring holiday franchise. So, we’ll see what they have in store for us.

    Source: Deadline