We’ve all wondered what exactly the upcoming Shazam: Fury of the Gods film has in store for us. While the details are still quite sparse, the San Diego Comic-Con panel has finally started for DC’s future slate. It kicked off with one of the funniest entries in the franchise, and it offered us a small glimpse into what we can expect. As COVID hit and there’s the challenge of the teen cast aging to fast, it seems to avoid that issue they’ll simply have the film take place a few years after the original. That is not all, as it’ll also see how the team is established as heroes and they will face off against the daughters of Atlas in the upcoming film.
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SDCC: Elizabeth Olsen Will Return to Disney+ in ‘What If…?’ Season 2
Last night, Marvel Studios unveiled its first-ever animation panel at San Diego Comic-Con. What made the occasion was that attendees got an exclusive look at what the future has in store for its animation department. That included teases of Spider-Man: Freshman Year, X-Men ’97, and much more. They also got exclusive streaming of an episode of What If..?’s upcoming second season which won’t premiere until next year.
The premiere will once again feature Captain Carter and will focus on her fighting the Hydra Stomper. The opening credits however also include the confirmation that Elizabeth Olsen will reprise her role as Wanda Maximoff in the animated series, though how she plays into the story isn’t known just yet. But, it’s exciting to see how much of a presence she has had throughout Phase 4 with the recent appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
What makes this stand out is that this is her first time voicing Wanda on the Diseny+ animated series. While she made quite the splash with the first ever Disney+ release from Marvel Studios with WandaVision, her appearance as a zombie wasn’t actually voiced by her. So, we’ll see if she potentially has some additional appearances in other episodes throughout the latest season.
Source: The Direct
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REPORT: ‘Community’ Star May Have Joined Live-Action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Series
Here’s an iinteresting secret casting, but it may look like that Community‘s Abed, Danny Pudi, may have joined the upcoming live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Whiel details are scarce, Avatar News, who have been very trustworthy in the past, has shared that the actor is playing the Mechanist in the Netflix adaptation.
They hint that there was a casting call for the Mechanist’s son Teo, who they were looking to cast a South Asian actor in the role with a mobility disability. So, there were already hints that the character would appear in the project. Pudi would make for a great addition to the cast, and has quite the sense of humor to add some levity to the project. Though, it’s unclear how much we’ll see of the actor throughout the series run.
The production has seemingly wrapped up not too long ago, but we’ve heard more from the still filming One Piece live-action series than the other. With Tudum on the horizon, we could get a first look there but it’s definitely an effects-heavy production. It alongside the before-mentioned manga adaptation is among Netflix’s biggest hopes to build their next Stranger Things, a franchise that will put them on the map.
Source: Avatar News
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SDCC: Production I.G. Will Produce Keanu Reeves’ ‘BRZRKR’ Anime For 2 Seasons at Netflix
All eyes may be set on John Wick: Chapter 4, but Keanu Reeves has an entirely different project he’d like his fans to focus on. The actor made a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con to discuss the future of BRZRKR, a brand new franchise co-created by Reeves and writer Matt Kindt. Debuting as a Boom! Studios comic book series in 2021, the story follows an immortal warrior named Berzerker as he battles his way through time. After centuries of honing his skills as a killer, B spends the modern age working as a government agent and attempting to find a way to end his unnaturally long life. The titular hero is illustrated in Reeves’ likeness, and the Hollywood icon has big plans for the character’s future.
It was announced last year that Netflix would produce a live-action film adaptation of the comic with Reeves in the lead role and Project Power’s Mattson Tomlin helming the script. At the time, it was said an anime series would act as the streaming service’s follow-up to the movie, but no further information was given. Now, Boom! Studios has revealed that the anime will be produced through Japanese company Production I.G., best known for their acclaimed work on Ghost in the Shell and Eden of the East. It was also confirmed that the anime will last only two seasons, planned ahead as a contained story as opposed to an ongoing epic. If that wasn’t enough, Reeves closed his panel with a final reveal that Random House will be publishing a BRZRKR novel from an unnamed New York Times bestselling author. The identity of the author is being kept under wraps for now.
Source: IGN
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Book Review: ‘Squirrel Girl: Universe’
The latest adventure for the ever-popular Squirrel Girl is heading towards bookstores in the not too distant future. I’ve had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the latest novel in Simon & Schuster’s Marvel Heroines series. Squirrel Girl: Universe by author Tristan Palmgren is scheduled to be released on August 2, 2022.
Squirrel Girl: Universe follows the story of Computer Science student Doreen Green, though best known as the superhero Squirrel Girl, on her latest adventure alongside her best friends as they aim to solve a mystery involving strange occurrences involving New York City landmarks. What they come to encounter becomes a plot larger than they could’ve imagined and brings the characters to numerous unexpected locations beyond their comfort zones. Their journey brings the protagonist face to face with impending massive universal stakes and potential galactic doom. Though while having to deal with such large external stakes, the internal struggles with Doreen could weigh just as large.
Ultimately, Squirrel Girl: Universe was an enjoyable read that has the ability to leave the audience excited for what narrative twists and turns may occur. And this is a novel that certainly places its characters in unexpected situations on multiple occasions. Framed through the literary device of a time capsule, the novel does a strong job in making these events seem like the largest-scale adventure Squirrel Girl faces in her young life as a superhero. Readers will face a major challenge in trying to put down this book based on what may happen after each chapter. In addition, this novel is quite fast-paced and readers are immediately thrown into the crux of the main adventure by the end of the first chapter.
A make-or-break for the reader’s opinion on this book will be its connection to the larger Marvel Universe. This is a story deeply tied into the lore of Marvel Comics, including numerous references beyond the scope of Squirrel Girl’s immediate world and lexicon. It isn’t enough to necessarily dissuade most readers from being able to appreciate the central plot of the novel, but Squirrel Girl: Universe would certainly be most appreciated by those who can understand at least most of the references sprinkled in throughout.
In terms of which character will most likely connect the most with readers, Brian Drayne, aka Brain Drain certainly is the most distinct and unique character that’s part of Squirrel Girl’s ensemble. Especially with how he is framed from a literary standpoint, he will be hard to not connect with when reading the novel.
Though what makes this novel most standout is its thematic messaging. Without delving too deep into the specifics, Squirrel Girl: Universe is a story about internal guilt and how we respond to making the incorrect decision. It’s a challenge often found in humanity, and this novel serves as a resonant way for young readers to have a better understanding of how to deal and move past mistakes made. What makes some of the best young adult novels so powerful is the ability to hold deeper philosophical discussions with the backdrop of some sort of fun action set-piece. And Squirrel Girl: Universe adeptly accomplishes this task with both excitement and heart.
The Verdict: Squirrel Girl Universe is absolutely worth a purchase for any young adult who is an avid reader, and especially one that already has a penchant for the Marvel Universe. The one caveat might be that a reader could be even better served to have at least some understanding of the Squirrel Girl character before jumping into this novel. Though past that, Tristan Palmgren has successfully provided young adults with an exciting superhero adventure worth reading about.
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‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ Trailer Set to Debut Today
Plenty of big news has already made its way out of San Diego as the annual Comic-Con rolls on, but the biggest news of the weekend is almost certainly yet to come. Saturdays have traditionally held a couple of showstopping panels and this year is no different with Warner Bros. set to bring their upcoming theatrical slate to SDCC.
Among the most-anticipated projects expected to be on display today is Shazam! Fury of the Gods. It was recently confirmed that the sequel would be part of the Hall H presentation and it now appears that fans can expect a new trailer online at some point after those in attendance see it premiere.
As those who have followed it for years know, not everything shown to the Hall H crowd makes it out of Hall H, so this ad is an encouraging sign that fans who couldn’t make the trip will get a look at some action from the film, which is currently scheduled to hit theaters December 21st.
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Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Finds Its Young Luffy
We’re anxiously awaiting any news for the upcoming live-action One Piece series currently in development for Netflix. So, when a One Piece Day live-stream event was teased, we were quite excited to see what we might see from the upcoming series. While the 5+ hour stream wasn’t full of any major reveals, we did get one little nugget of news and that is the official casting of Colton Osorio in the role of young Luffy.
The young actor will take on the role of the future Pirate King during the flashback sequences, which will likely also be the moments we see Peter Gadiot‘s Shanks in action. It’s unclear just how big his role might be in the series, especially with the uncertainty of how much time will be spent on flashbacks, but it’s great to finally know who will take on the role and that they aren’t going to skip on the iconic backstory of how he got his iconic scar under the eye and ended up eating the Gomu Gomu no Mi.
Luffy actor Iñaki Godoy also shared his excitement over the announcement by posting some Instagram stories on his account (as shared via @OP_Netflix_Fan).
It is surprising they wouldn’t announce the rest of the cast that’ll be younger versions of the heroes, especially with how relevant their flashbacks are. Perhaps they are going to announce some more castings in the near future, especially as Netflix has announced a Tudum event in the near future. Without a clear picture of when the project will likely wrap up, we’re still going to have to wait a little longer for more news.
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SDCC: Marvel Studios Animation Panel Recap
In less than a year, Marvel Studios Animation has gone from having just one series to having its own panel at San Diego Comic-Con. The 90-minute panel was entirely focused on updating projects that had previously been announced, but that did not mean there was a shortage of exciting news!
I Am Groot
A series of five animated shorts, I Am Groot will stream in its entirety on August 10th. Creator Kristen Lepore was on hand to debut a trailer for the series!
There’s no guarding the galaxy from this mischievous toddler! So get ready as Baby Groot takes center stage in his very own collection of shorts, exploring his glory days growing up—and getting into trouble—among the stars. “I Am Groot,” five original shorts featuring several new and unusual characters, stars everyone’s favorite little tree, Baby Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, who voices Groot in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.
Official Disney Press ReleaseBefore heading out, Lepore surprised SDCC by screening one of the episodes, “Groot Takes a Bath” and announcing a second season of the series was in development.
Spider-Man: Freshman Year
No presentation caught audiences by surprise more than Spider-Man: Freshman Year. Originally announced as a canonical prequel to Spider-Man’s MCU adventures, the series seems to have taken a major multiversal detour.
“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” is an animated series that follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots.
Official Disney Press ReleaseHead writer Jeff Trammell and artist Ryan Meinerding were on hand and revealed a crazy and unexpected cast of supporting characters for the series. Norman Osborn, Doc Ock, Rhino, Unicorn, Chameleon, Scorpion and Tarantula are all set to appear, as well as allies Daredevil, Doctor Strange and friends Nico Minoru and Amadeus Cho! Obviously doesn’t sound like the MCU Spidey we know!
Before heading out, the creators revealed that the show is set to debut in 2024 and that work has already begun on Spider-Man: Sophomore Year.
What If…?
Co-creators Bryan Andrews and AC Bradley were on hand to discuss the second season of the Emmy-nominated series which explored new corners of the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse.
“What If…?” Season 2 continues the journey with The Watcher as our guide through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU. The animated series questions, revisits, and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews with executive producer AC Bradley as head writer.
Bryan Andrews and AC Bradley talked about the Emmy-nominated series and showed the trailer for Season Two. The audience went wild when, at the end of the presentation, a surprise screening of one episode of the highly anticipated next season was shown, and a third season was announced.
Season 2 will debut in early 2023 and Andrews and Bradley brought not only the trailer but also an episode from the sophomore season with them to San Diego. The duo also revealed that Season 3 is already in the works!
Marvel Zombies
A surprise of a different sort was the revelation that Marvel Zombies will be TV-MA programming when it hits Disney Plus! The series was confirmed to be a continuation of the zombie episode from Season 1 of What If…? and Bryan Andrews, who co-created What If…?, is directing the series.
The animated series “Marvel Zombies” from Marvel Studios reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews and written by executive producer Zeb Wells.
Disney Official Press ReleaseWhile no strict timeline was given, it looks like Marvel Zombies will stream in 2024.
X-Men ’97
The animation panel concluded with an update on X-Men ’97, the Marvel Studios-led revival of X-Men: The Animated Series. Brad Winderbaum and head writer Beau DeMayo were on hand to reveal the supporting cast of the show, which features some heavy hitting hereos and villains, including a returning Mister Sinister!
“X-MEN ’97” is an animated series from Marvel Studios that explores new stories in the iconic ’90s timeline of the original series. Beau DeMayo is executive producer and head writer.
Disney Official Press ReleaseSeason 1 was revealed to be headed to Disney Plus in the Fall of 2023 and Season 2 was revealed to be in development!
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SDCC: Upcoming ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Movie Will Revisit Aang and Friends
There have been many speculations about what exactly the new Avatar Studios is going to work on. The world is rich and offers a lot of potential stories to explore. With three new films in development based on the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, we finally got an update on what the first entry will be about. As it turns out, it’ll revisit some old territory as the film will be about Aang and his friends once again. They will seemingly be about their time as young adults rather than when we last saw them in the original series.
Source: SDCC via TWitter
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SDCC: Rick and Michonne’s ‘The Walking Dead’ Limited Series Eyeing 2023 Release
During the show’s Hall H panel on Thursday, former The Walking Dead castmates Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira surprised everyone by taking to the stage to announce their own spinoff series. The new series, which does not yet have an official title, is meant to wrap up the story arcs of their characters, Rick and Michonne, respectively.
The description for the series promises an epic love story set against a changed world. Rick and Michonne have been kept apart by distance. They’ve survived a war against the dead before being forced to face off against the living. Now, they’ll need to find each other once again as they struggle to adapt to a place and situation, unlike anything they’ve ever known before. They’ll need to rediscover themselves and determine if they are lovers, victims, or victors – or perhaps even the walking dead.
The news of the spinoff, one of many in development, comes as The Walking Dead readies to end its run after eleven seasons. The Walking Dead is based on the comics of the same name from Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. It focuses on a world where survivors of an apocalyptic event are left to fend for themselves in a collapsed civilization overrun by zombies known as walkers.
Lincoln’s Rick Grimes exited the series following Season 9’s fifth episode titled, “What Comes After.” While the series left Rick’s fate open-ended, we later learn that he, in fact, survived and was taken away on a helicopter. While Gurira’s Michonne last appeared in the show’s tenth season, where she took off in search of Rick.
The Walking Dead Universe’s Chief Content Officer, Scott M. Gimple, is set to serve as the showrunner of the series. Both Lincoln and Gurira will serve as executive producers on the spinoff. The untitled series will debut with six episodes sometime next year.
Source: Deadline.
