Welcome to your Thursday edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on the “X’s”, the “O’s” and everything in between. The Buffalo Bills have decided to “choose love” (as their new cause shirts say) and have made good on their promise to help the Buffalo community.
Here’s what you need to know:
The Buffalo Bills will partner with the NFL Foundation to donate $400,000 to local response efforts within the city of Buffalo. Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, called the donation a way to “work together as a community to address immediate needs, long-term rebuilding and systemic issues that continue to marginalize communities of color.”
The Minnesota Vikings are hosting a coaching summit this week to give minority coaches, who otherwise might not have the opportunity, exposure to the NFL. The 3 day event includes presentations, group activities, and mock interviews. Assistant Head Coach Mike Pettine says he was inspired by the NFL’s lack of diversity in coordinator and head coaching positions.
James Bradberry tops your Key Signings Roundup today. The former Giants CB signed a 1-year, $10M deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have been looking to fill a spot at CB since Steven Nelson signed with the Texans last month.
Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us today. Catch us Friday for more news you need to know!
It looks like one more detail has slipped past us during Disney’s TV Upfront. All eyes were on the big release of She-Hulk, Attorney at Law‘s trailer. Yet, there was a tiny segment on Secret Invasion as well where some information was shared on what to expect from the Disney+ series. The Koalition‘s Dana Abercrombie covered the event and also shared some tidbits from the brief segment where Kevin Feige talked about when exactly the series will take place and it seems like it’ll explore the events during the Blip.
There does seem to be an issue on what was quoted during the event, as it seemingly has been hinted at as “It will explore the events that occurred during The Blip” while others claim the series takes place during that event. Of course, this opens up a big can of worms as Nick Fury wasn’t around during that time period. So, the entire Secret Invasion event may have started during his absence and we now explore his return, as he tries to uncover what happened during those five years.
It actually makes a lot of sense for a secret Skrull invasion to happen during the Blip era, as many people already vanished and they could’ve easily replaced them and just pretend they weren’t dusted. Plus, who knows if the events of that time also shaped some of the Skrull’s outlooks when their own family and friends got dusted. Plus, with hints of the Skrull God appearing in some form, perhaps the event was part of the original prophecy. Whatever it may be, we’re going to be in for a deeper exploration of the impact the Blip had on the galaxy.
It’s definitely a weird deal to talk about, but it seems that Marvel has acquired the rights to bring Stan Lee, who passed away in 2018, back to life through archival footage and digital technology. If you’re wondering what exactly this is all about, it seems that Marvel has signed a 20-year deal with Stan Lee Universe, which is a venture of Genius Brand International and POW! Entertainment. It lets them license the use of his name and likeness in any future film or TV production, as well as Disney theme parks, “experiences,” and merchandising.
The CEO of Genius Brands, Andy Heyward, has shared the following statement on the decision to make this deal and revive the beloved comic creator, who quickly became the face of Marvel, through digital means.
It really ensures that Stan, through digital technology and archival footage and other forms, will live in the most important venue, the Marvel movies, and Disney theme parks. It’s a broad deal.
Andy Heyward
Stan Lee‘s cameos in the various Marvel films, not just Marvel Studios’ MCU, were a staple and they have found indirect ways to mention the comic creator with small tributes to the actor without actually including him. Of course, it’s unclear if he’ll actually return as a digital character in these films. Plus, it’s not certain people will feel comfortable seeing a digital double of Lee on the silver screen. Best case, they might include his likeness in the background like how the Netflix shows had him on posters. Heyward highlights:
The audience revered Stan, and if it’s done with taste and class, and respectful of who he was, [uses of his likeness] will be welcomed. He is a beloved personality, and long after you and I are gone, he will remain the essence of Marvel.
Andy Heyward
The deal is still a strange one, as Stan Lee Universe was originally founded by Gill Champion and Arthur Lieberman with the comic creator to “steward” the legacy he left behind. It’s unclear just how detailed the dealing is and if they have to sign off on the use of his likeness, but we’ll have to see how this deal pans out. They likely may have also made a deal due to existing merchandise using Lee‘s likeness.
The Wonder Twins have met an early demise as the new leadership at Warner Bros. Discoveryis looking to shake things up and set the DC Extended Universe on a clearer path. It seems the twins may have just been the first of many causalities going by a recent statement.
The new leadership, led by David Zaslav, is reportedly placing a mandate that states all DC films should be set as theatrical releases as their first goal. This decision stems from the budgets many of these films have with Zaslav using Wonder Twins‘ $75 million as an example. They don’t see that kind of investment viable with a good return with a release on HBO Max. This would mean that a film like Batgirl, which is still set to release on HBO Max could instead see a shift from the streamer to a wide theatrical release.
The Hollywood Reporter also states that sources have told them that a lot of things that are being developed by Warner Bros. are likely going to be scrapped and never see the light of day. It seems the Green Lantern series may be in danger as it’s hit multiple delays in production and could exceed the budget granted to projects on the streamer. The bright side could see the film finally get some steam behind it and the long-awaited return of a character like Hal Jordan could become a possibility.
It may be a while before we know exactly what is happening with the DC Extended Universe and many of the other projects in development. While things may seem uncertain it could lead to a much smoother March forward for the franchise.
It looks like Squid Game‘s second season will take quite a while to get rolling, as the series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has revealed that Season 2 will very likely not release until the end of 2023 or even 2024. In his interview with Vanity Fair, he talked about his plans for the next entry of Squid Game, and confirmed that he “only has about three pages worth of ideas that he plans to turn into a script.”
He also talked about what his hopes for the sequel season will be, which seems to be a strong focus on exploring more what it means to cooperate with your fellow contestant; the possibility of there being multiple winners. Perhaps moving away from people “focused on wanting to kill each other off” in the next round.
I want to ask the question, ‘Is true solidarity between humans possible.
Hwang Dong-hyuk
It definitely would mix up the way we explore the Squid Game in the universe, and having the chance of multiple winners could twist up the way the characters have to interact. Perhaps the cooperative version acts as a way for existing winners to get another chance at winning more or might explore how the Line Man ended up with his current position. No matter what may happen, it’ll take some time before we find out.
The Golden State Warriors, not too long ago, were thought to be done as a contender. Over the last few seasons they’ve dealt with injuries, roster turnover, and age. Now they’re back with their championship core, some new additions, and an attitude to get back to the NBA Finals. It might be Steph Curry’s league once more.
The Dallas Mavericks have a singular talent, the likes of which we may have never seen. A generational player in Luka Doncic, who’s combined his talents with smart coaching and a versatile roster. That combination led to one of the most shocking results in NBA history as they dismantled Phoenix.
It’s the old guard in Curry, and the new one in Luka. This matchup is fascinating for so many reasons. Let’s take a look.
Tale Of The Tape: In the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Mavericks have had to adjust on the fly. First, Doncic missed some time against Utah, which led to Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie stepping up. After they got through that series they were dominated by Phoenix in the first two games. Once Jason Kidd challenged Luka and co. to participate, the Mavs shocked the world and won a Game 7 on the road.
The Warriors are coming off of a physical series against Memphis after dispatching Denver in the 1st round. In the 2nd round, it felt like the Warriors just had an experience advantage against the Grizzlies. Despite some uneven performances they now have home court in this round.
Key Matchup: Luka vs Everyone
Luka Doncic has shown that, at least for now, there isn’t a coverage that he can’t figure out. He will hunt a matchup and pick on it. Whether it’s getting a switch to get a big on him or getting a smaller guy, he is on another level. The Warriors will probably start with Andrew Wiggins on Luka. Then the game of chess begins. Dallas will want to get Steph Curry or Jordan Poole in actions for Luka to get the one on one. After that, it’s pick your poison. You either send your help to Luka and allow him to find a three point shooter or he goes one on one. Right now there is no easy answer. Here’s an example of how he can burn you in different ways.
Here you see the Warriors defense in scramble mode as Luka gets the ball movement going. This is where the Mavs are at their best.
Kevon Looney is one of the smarter switch bigs in the league, and here Luka just picks on him and gets to the basket for an and one.
Luka asks Looney for another dance, and this time backs him down, and gets to a mini fadeaway.
The Warriors can counteract this on the other end by making Luka work on defense. Andrew Wiggins could be an important player this series if Dallas isn’t going to send help. Expect the Warriors to target Luka just like Phoenix did. The only difference is the Warriors have more shooting to expose them.
The Mavericks should also expect Draymond Green helping on timed double teams, and where Green is deployed should be interesting. Green will have less of a 1 on 1 responsibility and should be able to roam in this series. He could definitely disrupt Dallas’ offense if they’re not on their game.
The Prediction: Golden State will miss Gary Payton II in this series. His defense and intangibles are very valuable, especially in trying to disrupt this Mavericks offense. There will be games in this series that the Warriors will win just by outshooting the Mavs. Steph, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole will find success.
The issue when the rubber meets the road is Luka Doncic. He is playing at a Hall Of Fame level. The decision making is sublime; the ability to dissect a defense is truly incredible. Add in Jason Kidd’s coaching and being adept at making adjustments. Also add in the Mavs role players figuring things out to a point where they dominated the best team in the sport. Going with the best player in the series here, Mavericks in 6.
Many were surprised when Mindy Kaling was working on a Scooby-Doo spinoff that would mainly focus on the character of Velma Dinkley. It would act as a prequel series, but still include the usual mystery format that made the franchise so popular. During Warner Bros. Discovery’s TV Upfront event, creator Mindy Kaling came on stage and offered the first look at the series, which you can see here:
It certainly is going to offer something more mind-blowing than we may have anticipated, as the series has been known to focus on a more adult audience even if animated. Still, no one probably would’ve guessed to see someone with their head chopped open and their brain missing. So, we might expect quite a lot of violence and murder in this spinoff series.
It’s unclear but the redhead could be Daphne Blake, as its uncertain if the rest of the Mystery Inc. gang will appear in the series in some capacity. Plus, they may also be reimagined such as Velma being South Asian in this series, which is a nice change of pace similar to how the Scoob! movie also being Hispanic, where she was voiced by Gina Rodriguez. The first look is promising and it’ll be interesting to see just what the series has to offer.
With star actor Harrison Ford nearing the age of 80, questions could be asked about the future of the franchises he’s long been involved with. At least when it comes to Indiana Jones, it’s been confirmed that Lucasfilm doesn’t have the intention to recast the role. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed as much.
We would never make Indiana Jones without Harrison Ford. Having just finished the fifth movie, I can tell you, there wasn’t a day I wasn’t on set where I wasn’t like, ‘Yes — this is Indiana Jones.’
Kathleen Kennedy
This is congruent with the sentiments of Kennedy to avoid recasting legacy characters in the Star Wars franchise as confirmed in the same interview. Many questions have been raised about the direction of the Indiana Jones franchise moving forward, especially with the long delays between the fourth and upcoming fifth installments. This news confirms the notion that we are probably nearing the end of seeing the titular character on the big screen; however, there certainly is room for new characters to be created that would fill the role as a spiritual successor down the road.
Indiana Jones 5 is naturally set to star a returning Harrison Ford as Doctor Henry Jones, Jr. As well, the likes of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Toby Jones, and Antonio Banderas are set to join the franchise in undisclosed roles. The James Mangold-directed project wrapped production in February of 2022 and is currently scheduled to be released on June 30, 2023.
Just a few weeks ago, word began to spread via The Hashtag News that the Wonder Twins film had been scrapped just before it was set to begin filming. The project was quickly put together with Black Adam writer Adam Sztykiel set to direct the film with KJ Apa and Isabel May set to star as the titular twins, Zan and Jayna. While the cancelation was never officially confirmed, Warner Bros Discovery has officially announced by the studio, the project was confirmed as dead following the studio’s Upfront panel today.
It has been confirmed that David Zaslav and the new leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery have already begun undoing some of the previous executive’s strategies, like their goal to produce multiple films a year solely for release on HBO Max. The previous plan was for a few of those films to be DC projects to continue to grow their brand and expand the DC Extended Universe.
The company confirmed that The Wonder Twins met an early demise after DavidZaslav deemed the $75 million-plus budget way too high for a film that would make a very limited return and just too high of a budget for a streaming film. Zaslav is instead interested in increasing the number of films that studio releases theatrically, reportedly aiming to release 20-25 movies a year, with the theatrical movies actually performing better on HBO Max following a theatrical run.
Sadly, fans are gonna have to wait to see The Wonder Twins make their big-screen debut for now as they don’t seem to fit in the new leadership’s plans for the DCEU.
Considering Marvel Studios has so far only released a teaser for She-Hulk, the list of character appearances is already off the charts. Fans have always clamored for connections between projects in the MCU and for the return of certain characters in new projects. Opinions on whether cameos add to or detract from any given project will never be unanimous, but the question has become increasingly tense among fans in the wake of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Regardless of your experience with the rampant cameo rumors that came before Multiverse of Madness, it is fair to say that many fans were expecting far more exciting characters to show up in Doctor Strange’s solo sequel. While the multiverse aspect gave the film an arguably easy way to include countless cameos, She-Hulk may very likely be the MCU’s strongest magnet for cameo madness in a very different way.
‘She-Hulk’ (2014)
The series’ subtitle says it all: “Attorney at Law.” While there may not be a multiverse in the Disney+ outing, there certainly is a black hole for an unpredictable amount and type of characters in the superhero-ridden MCU—lawsuits and courtrooms. The only laws that Marvel Studios has really discussed so far are the Sokovia Accords, which were first introduced in Captain America: Civil War and confirmed to still apply in WandaVision. But there is absolutely no chance that that one set of international laws is the only thing superpeople have to deal with. Property damage, wrongful death of civilians inadvertently killed during a major battle, theft, zoning law violations, assault, creating murderbots—you name it, an Avenger has done it. The thing is, we just have not seen anyone come after our heroes for regular laws. That’s where She-Hulk comes in.
The teaser trailer confirmed that Jennifer Walters has the same type of law practice that she does in the comics and will focus on superhuman law. She-Hulk comics runs that inspired the live-action series, like those by Dan Slott and Charles Soule, make it clear that superhumans of all varieties get sued a lot. But it can be a bit trickier to handle legally when a superperson runs afoul of laws designed for normal people. For example, Hercules was sued for damages after injuring a supervillain, Howard the Duck argued his film contract promised him a film trilogy, and Valkyrie learned she needed a license to operate a flying horse. And those were all on the same two pages in She-Hulk #9 (2004).
‘She-Hulk’ (2004)
The point is there is a neverending revolving door when it comes to who or what gets sued or summoned to court. And there is certainly a neverending invitation for these cases to be quite weird. Jen Walter’s legal practice is the perfect avenue for bringing in wild cameos from across the Marvel universe in each episode for elements of surprise, humor, mysteries, tricky legal storylines, fan service, or whatever the She-Hulk creators decide. While its role as a series rather than a feature film almost certainly means that it may not have the budget or capacity to bring in the type of A-List cameos some expected in Multiverse of Madness, it has all the room in the world to be incredibly creative and bring plenty of “madness” to the MCU. Plus, we already know of several major characters that will show up, so who’s to say the series cannot pull off even more?
Get excited for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, which premieres exclusively on Disney+ on August 17, 2022.
Cookie Consent
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
This website uses cookies
Websites store cookies to enhance functionality and personalise your experience. You can manage your preferences, but blocking some cookies may impact site performance and services.
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
Name
Description
Duration
Cookie Preferences
This cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.
30 days
These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.
Name
Description
Duration
comment_author_email
Used to track the user across multiple sessions.
Session
comment_author_url
Used to track the user across multiple sessions.
Session
comment_author
Used to track the user across multiple sessions.
Session
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
90 days
__utma
ID used to identify users and sessions
2 years after last activity
__utmt
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests
10 minutes
__utmb
Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
30 minutes after last activity
__utmc
Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.
End of session (browser)
__utmz
Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gid
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_gat
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
1 minute
Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user.
Pinterest Tag is a web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic.
