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  • It looks like Jason Sudeikis Isn’t Actually in DC’s ‘Blue Beetle’

    It looks like Jason Sudeikis Isn’t Actually in DC’s ‘Blue Beetle’

    On Monday, a casting call made the rounds online suggesting that the Blue Beetle film would not only include Ted Kord, but that actor Jason Sudeikis would potentially be playing the role. Unfortunately, for those hoping to see Ted in the film, it’s looking as though he’s not in the film – nor is Sudeikis.

    Umberto Gonzalez, who works for The Wrap, took to Twitter to deny the reports. “No, Jason Sudekis is NOT playing Ted Kord in Blue Beetle,” he tweeted. “He is not in the movie AT ALL.”

    As it stands, Susan Sarandon is being introduced as a newly crafted character named Victoria Kord who will reportedly play a villainous role in the film. It remains to be seen if Ted is referenced in the film.

    Blue Beetle is being directed by Angel Manuel Soto from Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer’s screenplay. It is set to hit theaters on Aug. 18th, 2023 and stars Xolo Maridueña in the titular role alongside Susan Sarandon, Harvey Guillén, Raoul Max Trujillo, George Lopez, Elpidia Carrillo, Belissa Escobedo, Adriana Barraza, and Damián Alcázar.

    Source: Twitter.

  • Samuel L. Jackson is Joining Chris Pratt in Garfield

    Samuel L. Jackson is Joining Chris Pratt in Garfield

    The new animated Garfield film is being produced by Alcon Entertainment. The movie is based on Jim Davis’ iconic cartoon strip of the same name and will follow Garfield, the cynical and lazy orange cat, and his interactions with his owner, Jon Arbuckle, and fellow pet, Odie. Jackson will be playing a new character crafted for the film – Garfield’s father, Vic.

    Mark Dindal (Chicken Little) is directing the film from a script by David Reynolds (Finding Nemo). Garfield will be animated and produced by DNEG Animation, which was also behind the 2021 film Ron’s Gone Wrong. Also producing the film are John Cohen and Steven P. Wegner, who are producing alongside Alcon co-founders and co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove.

    Up next for the always busy Jackson is Secret Invasion, which he recently filmed for Marvel Studios and Disney+. He can currently be seen in the Apple TV+ series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, which is based on the novel by bestselling author Walter Mosley. He’s also set to appear in The Marvels, as well as Matthew Vaughn’s spy actioner Argylle.

    Sony Pictures will be distributing Garfield in all major territories with the exception of China. As it stands, Garfield does not yet have a release date.

    Source: Deadline.

  • More Details Emerge on Amber Heard’s Reduced Role in ‘Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom’

    More Details Emerge on Amber Heard’s Reduced Role in ‘Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom’

    As the legal battles continue between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, more details regarding the actress and her role as Mera have come to light. Previously, Heard stated that her screen time had been cut in Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom as a result of her legal troubles and the allegations against her. However, it seems Mera’s screen time was always going to be shorter in the sequel.

    During the latest testimony, Walter Hamada, the head of Warner Bros.’ DC unit, was called to testify regarding Heard’s statement that the allegations against her had impacted her role as Mera. Per Hamada, the accusations against Heard did not impact Heard’s casting in The Lost Kingdom. He did, however, note that the studio did take more time to pick up Heard’s option for The Lost Kingdom for another reason. Hamada stated that the studio feared Heard and leading man Jason Momoa lacked chemistry, which they’d had trouble crafting in post-production on the first film.

    “They didn’t have a lot of chemistry together,” Hamada explained. “Editorially they were able to make that relationship work in the first movie, but there was a concern that it took a lot of effort to get there.”

    Hamada also stated that Mera’s role was not cut down in The Lost Kingdom. He insists that the role has always been on the smaller side since it was first developed because it was supposed to be more of a buddy-comedy film between Momoa’s Aquaman and Patrick Wilson’s King Orm.

    As it stands, Heard’s Mera will return when Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom hits theaters on March 17th, 2023.

    Source: Variety.

  • Rita Moreno Officially Joins ‘Fast X’

    Rita Moreno Officially Joins ‘Fast X’

    Fast X has added a legendary actor to its roster.

    On Tuesday, Fast and the Furious leading man Vin Diesel took to social media to announce that Rita Moreno has joined the cast of Fast X. Moreno’s casting comes after Diesel teased the actress wanted to join the franchise ahead of the release of F9 last year. Moreno will play the role of Dom’s grandmother in the film.

    In the video, which you can see below, Diesel says he has dreamed of working with Moreno and is thrilled to see her join the cast. “It’s been my dream forever to work with Rita Moreno, and the fact that she’s here playing my grandmother makes my soul smile,” Diesel said. “I’m so blessed.”

    As Diesel pans the camera over to Moreno, the actress exclaims, “The answer is yes, I’ll do it.” She continues, “And yes, not only do it, but I’m tickled. I’m tickled to hell to do it. I’m so thrilled. It’s going to be such fun!”

    Moreno is the latest legendary actress to join the franchise after expressing interest. Helen Mirren first expressed her interest in joining the family back in 2015 before finally joining the long-running franchise for F9 as Queenie.

    Production on Fast X is currently underway. Despite a bit of a setback after Justin Lin exited the project over rumored differences with Diesel, Louis Leterrier stepped in as the director and production has since gotten back on track.

    Fast X does not yet have a release date.

    Source: Variety.

  • Morning After Huddle: May 24th, 2022

    Morning After Huddle: May 24th, 2022

    The morning after, well, anything is usually one filled with equal parts regret and hope, and this one is no different, friends. We got a fresh look at Thor: Love & Thunder (hope), which gave us our first look at some pretty powerful cosmic beings (including one that will, most likely play a pivotal role in Ms. Marvel’s powers), and we got to see the Celtics turn their Eastern Conference Finals series into a best of three while my Mavericks inch closer to a sweep (regret). Either way, I am back to pinch hit for one half of the world’s greatest tag team, and to deliver a wrap up from the league that never sleeps. Like Aaron Rodgers’s words about being immunized, let’s take it back to the day that was.

    • According to Mike Garafolo, former New York Giants David Diehl is now joining the Memphis Tigers as a coach after retiring from the NFL. Diehl was a key cog in the last Super Bowl title for the G-Men, and was regarded as one of the smarter offensive linemen in their locker room. The Giants could use some of that intelligence this year, as they work to implement Brian Daboll’s offensive system, and acclimate Daniel Jones to being an actual QB in this league.
    • Speaking of locker rooms, HBO will take us inside the Arizona Cardinals’ locker rooms for Hard Knocks: In Season. Maybe we will see what DeAndre Hopkins didn’t put in his body, or maybe we will witness Kyler Murray not being a leader. For me, I hope we visit the sweet pad Kliff Kingsbury didn’t draft an offensive lineman from. The Cardinals are one of the better teams in the league, but have faltered in second halves, so it’ll be exciting to see in 4K if this season is any different.
    • While the Cardinals try to figure out how to get over the hump, the 49ers are trying to get their super-talented young QB ready for primetime. However, as OTAs kick off, they are forced to do it without all-world WR Deebo Samuel. According to Ian Rapaport, Deebo will miss OTAs as he and the Niners figure out what the hell to do with him now that the draft has passed. Do you pay him like a star WR? Do you trade him to Baltimore? Do you jettison him to Siberia to chill with a variant of Bucky Barnes? All questions that need answers, but the longer you let this play out, the longer Trey Lance has to play with back-ups.
    • Lastly, speaking of back-ups, Meg’s team has solidified the oldest QB room since Jesus led the Disciples to the first ever championship in Earth’s history. The Colts have signed Nick Foles to be Matt Ryan’s back-up, a solid move that allows for Frank Reich to actually have someone to turn to if the veteran falters. More importantly, it gives Reich someone he’s comfortable and familiar with, and who he’s coached before, which should only pay dividends fo… Wait, this isn’t from last year!?

  • Deborah Chow Played John Williams ‘Star Wars’ Score While Filming ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’

    Deborah Chow Played John Williams ‘Star Wars’ Score While Filming ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’

    There’s something iconic about John Williams‘s score. No matter when you hear it, you instantly can connect it to Star Wars. Obi-Wan Kenobi‘s marketing team knew that as the moment they played Duel of the Fates in the teaser trailer, they knew what kind of emotions it would awaken.

    While talking about making the lightsaber during action sequences in the Disney+ series’ press conference, Deborah Chow revealed that they couldn’t tell if the cast was doing them as they were playing music while filming. Not just any music as they were using John Williams‘ iconic scores to put the actors in the right mind, as Moses Ingram reveals how it felt hearing the music while simply stepping off a ship.

    And it was sick, too. Because we’d be like stepping off the ship or doing something else and the music would swell. And you’re just like feeling like you’re 10 feet tall. It’s very, very cool.

    Moses Ingram

    Chow highlights that this was their intention to use the music that’s become synonymous with the franchise to bring the actors to feel what it means to be part of this franchise.

    Yeah, that was the big reason we did it, because there’s the music obviously brings the emotional component. And what John Williams has done has been so inextricably tied, it is Star Wars. so, if we put it on, all of a sudden, I see Moses go like two inches taller and everybody responds to it.

    Deborah Chow

    The franchise wouldn’t be the same without William’s score and it definitely left its imprint on many. The inclusion during filming is a great way to convey the emotions it brings to life and there’s something special about the soundtrack of the Prequel trilogy. The most exciting aspect is to also hear the return of this soundtrack once the Disney+ series premieres this Friday.

  • ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Director Explains Pandemic’s Impact On Movie

    ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Director Explains Pandemic’s Impact On Movie

    Bob’s Burgers, the incredibly popular animated sitcom that began it’s run all the way back in 2011, has yet to show any signs of slowing down. Next up on it’s long list of accomplishments will be a theatrical installment, The Bob’s Burgers Movie, set to release later this month. Franchise creator Loren Bouchard wrote and co-directed the film based on a story he devised way back in 2018, before the movie’s release was delayed multiple times by the global COVID-19 pandemic. With all that’s happened in the world since then, it seems impossible that the script for The Bob’s Burgers Movie would still be exactly the same as it was when Bouchard turned in his original draft.

    During a recent press conference promoting the project, Bouchard addressed just how much of the script was tweaked in the four years between conception and the film’s release. His answer revealed The Bob’s Burgers Movie actually never stopped changing:

    We worked on this movie until just, it feels like last week.  We were determined to take every moment they gave us and keep working on it.  So yeah, it changed.  It wasn’t like it drastically changed, it was more like any time we had, we were excited to take advantage of. Tweak jokes, change, you know, picture, fool around with thesound.  It was not just the script, just everything was in our hands until they tore it from our little fingers.

    Loren Bouchard

    One perk of animated shows such as Bob’s Burgers is a moving timeline that allows for freedom in storytelling. One might assume the story of the film would have to be altered dramatically to accommodate whatever was happening in the show, which continued to be produced throughout the pandemic. Luckily, animated worlds don’t necessarily have to play by realistic rules. The pandemic did, however, provide the creative team time to improve upon jokes and the film’s visual appeal. Bouchard’s answer is sure to make fans wonder what bits would and wouldn’t have made the cut had the film released as originally intended.

    The Bob’s Burgers Movie hits theaters on May 27th.

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Trailer Features Some MAJOR Cosmic Entities, Including the Watcher

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Trailer Features Some MAJOR Cosmic Entities, Including the Watcher

    We know that Thor: Love and Thunder will see Christian Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher on a mission to end all the gods. You’d think that kind of mission would catch the attention of some pretty powerful beings, and as it turns out, a scene from the new trailer hints at the potential inclusion of some of Marvel’s major Cosmic entities

    While we can’t be sure exactly WHERE Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor is in the scene below, we sure can identify the busts in that location.

    Mistress Death, Eon and Infinity look to line the wall to the left of the shot, while Uatu the Watcher and the Living Tribunal, who has made quite a few brief appearances in the MCU as of late, line the right.

    It’ll be interesting to see if this is some sort of meeting area for the major Cosmic entities and if Jane goes there for help, or if this is some sort of elaborate trophy room for Gorr. We may well have to wait until July 8th to find out!

  • Disney Releases New Synopsis for ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Disney Releases New Synopsis for ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Along with a full trailer and a new poster, Disney has released an updated synopsis for Thor: Love and Thunder.

    …the God of Thunder’s latest adventure—including a trek to Olympus where Zeus (Russell Crowe) reigns supreme. The film finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – a search for self-discovery. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late. Directed by Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “Jojo Rabbit”) and produced by Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum, “Thor: Love and Thunder” opens in U.S. theaters July 8, 2022.

  • RUMOR: Jason Sudeikis to Play Ted Kord in ‘Blue Beetle’

    RUMOR: Jason Sudeikis to Play Ted Kord in ‘Blue Beetle’

    While the future of the DC Extended Universe remains unclear, fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle, on the big screen. In the comics, Jaime is the third to don the mantle of the Blue Beetle, following Ted Kord who obtained the title from Dan Garret, the original Blue Beetle. Since the movie was announced, fans have been curious as to whether or not Ted Kord will be making an appearance in the film. Thanks to a new report, we might finally have an answer.

    Listings from a casting agency indicated that the movie, which is currently in production, is looking for a couple of body doubles for June 1st. Of the two images posted by the Bill Marinella Casting company, one is a blurred/edited photo of Jason Sudeikis. In the image, which you can see below, the casting call is for someone who matches the complexion of Sudeikis. Those applying must be between the ages of 20-55, and be between the height of 6′ and 6’1. The casting call is looking to fill the role for June 1st in Atlanta, GA. 

    Going off the above casting call, it would suggest the comedian is playing none other than Ted Kord. As it stands, though, there is no confirmation of this. It is, of course, worth noting that Susan Sarandon has been cast as Victoria Kord, who is meant to be the antagonist of the film. The character is said to be an original character developed for the film, but her inclusion would suggest an appearance by Ted is likely.

    Blue Beetle is set to hit theaters on Aug. 18th, 2023 and will be directed by Angel Manuel Soto. The film stars Xolo Maridueña in the titular role alongside Susan Sarandon, Harvey Guillén, Raoul Max Trujillo, George Lopez, Elpidia Carrillo, Belissa Escobedo, Adriana Barraza, and Damián Alcázar.

    SOURCE: The Cosmic Circus