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First Look at MCU’s Wrecking Crew May Have Been Spotted in First ‘She-Hulk’ Trailer

There have been quite a few discussions last night as the first trailer dropped for She-Hulk. Many have focused on the CG work for Tatiana Maslany‘s transformation into She-Hulk but also the vibe it is seemingly going for, as it may give us the first Disney+ series that’s full-on comedy. A press release confirmed that we can expect Benedict Wong‘s return to the MCU right after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but there’s one aspect that may have gotten overlooked in all the chaos.

Early in the trailer, we can see a group of people that are wielding crowbars. While they seem like an unassuming group of thugs but this may be our first look at the MCUs take on the Wrecking Crew. We’ve heard rumors back in July of 2021 that the group of Thor villains would appear in the series, and this might be our first look at them.

It definitely is a different take on the team, as they aren’t wearing their over-the-top costumes from the comics, but them all wielding wrenches seems like the dead giveaway that it’s them. Of course, they may all get powers at a later point and this is just our first introduction to them. So, we’ll see if they’ll also embrace the concept from the comics and we get some magically enchanted crowbars. Either way, they may be a group of recurring villains throughout the show’s runtime and it’ll be interesting to see how they balance the comedy with their usual superhero action.

May 18, 2022
Kevin Feige Confirms ‘Loki’ is Marvel Studios’ Most-Watched Disney+ Series

So far, we’ve been strongly dependent on external analysis to see just how successful the various Disney+ series have been. Yet, most have pointed to Loki potentially being their most-watched series so far, and luckily during Disney’s Upfront conference, Kevin Feige confirmed that this was indeed the case. The timing is also perfect as they are about to start production on the second season in a few weeks. So, expectations might be high for the continuation to build upon the momentum of the first.

We’ve seen from SambaTV’s analysis that this was most likely the caste, but as it’s a third-party analysis it doesn’t work as a definite confirmation of where the viewer ratings lie. Plus, it’s unclear what exactly Disney+ is focused on when it comes to what makes a show successful, as the subscriber count is their main draw to further grow their income for the service. So, they may be looking at multiple factors at play, especially as their projects are a bit more sprayed out.

Now, the question remains what might be the series to dethrone it moving forward. She-Hulk just dropped its trailer and has some positive buzz around it besides some concerns about the CG. Still, with quite a few interesting projects heading our way, you never know what project might draw in the most attention and potentially take Loki‘s throne as Marvel Studios’ most-watched Disney+ series.

Source: Twitter

May 17, 2022
Benedict Wong Confirmed to Appear in ‘She-Hulk’

Here’s a rather big surprise, while all eyes are on the trailer for She-Hulk which included a few glimpses at the supporting cast and villains Tatiana Maslany‘s version of the character will face. Yet, there’s one little additional casting tucked away in the official casting list. It looks like fresh off of his appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Benedict Wong will return once again to the MCU in the She-Hulk Disney+ series.

The series will run for nine episodes similar to WandaVision. It’s a shorter runtime than initially expected, as comedies were rethought to have around ten episodes while drama’s focused on six. It seems that plan has shifted since the release of their first series, which had to shorten its episode count due to the pandemic. Considering the budget involved with a fully CG Hulk, She-Hulk, and Abomination, it might’ve ballooned quite a bit while VFX houses are also struggling to keep up.

For now, the series looks like a lot of fun and has an Ally McBeal feeling going for it combined with some superhero action. There’s a lot we don’t know yet about the series and it’s unclear if it’ll have an overarching structure or go with a weekly case concept. For now, we can only wait and see as more information arrives and the next trailer gives us a better look at how they bring the character to life.

May 17, 2022
2022 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition

With the end of the 21-22 season around the corner and the NBA Draft Lottery scheduled to take place on Tuesday May 17, let’s breakdown who we view as the top 14 prospects.

Draft Philosophy

Is the most talented player in an NBA draft also the most important player, or even the best player to take with the top pick in the draft? The goal should always be to build a Championship roster. With that in mind, should we over value the flashy 6’1 Guard who may be projected to score 25 points per game even if history dictates that teams led by small guards rarely win championships? (Detroit’s Isiah Thomas being the rare example). Data tells us that size, length, and versatility results in winning basketball. For this mock the players are broken out into tiers with their projected outcome.

Tier 1: Top 2 Players on a Championship level team

Tier 2: All Star Potential

Tier 3: High End Starter

Tier 4 Starter

Tier 5: Rotation

Tier 6: Low Floor Wing Bets

Tier 7: Low Floor Second Round Bets

Tier 1

1. Chet Holmgren: Height – 7’0 Weight – 195 lbs

If selected with the first overall pick, Chet will go down as having one of the lowest floors for a number one pick. A scary proposition for any GM willing to take him but his high-end outcome is way too tantalizing to overlook. Chet projects as an elite shot blocker with the lateral quickness to stick with guards even after being beat off the dribble. Offensively, he possesses guard skills that allows him to lead on fast breaks and beat opposing bigs off the dribble. His three-point shooting is coming along and he has good touch around the rim. If Chet hits his end outcome, he’s a Franchise altering player that can define a team’s defensive culture (ala Rudy Gobert) but also be utilized on the offensive end to great impact. The problem is his weight. At 195 lbs, he’ll be one of the skinniest players in the league. With the highest ceiling in the draft, I still believe it’s worth taking him top overall.

2. Jabari Smith Jr: Height – 6’10 Weight – 210 lbs

Smith is one of the best hustlers on defense in draft while also possessing arguably the best jumper. At 6’10, Smith offers teams a shot making big that can space the floor. His lack of ball handling skill limits his ability to create his own shot and forces him to only play the 5/4 on offense.

Tier 2

3. Paolo Banchero: Height – 6’10 Weight – 250 lbs

With various interior moves and the quickness to beat opposing bigs off the bounce, I expect Banchero to make an immediate impact to the team that drafts him. An underrated skill is his ability to play make off the dribble. With NBA spacing and if his shot continues to develop, I can see a scenario in which Banchero’s playmaking will be his elite skill.

4. Shaedon Sharpe: Height – 6’6 Weight – 175 lbs

An above the rim wing who thrives on fast-paced teams. His elite handles allow him to be shifty and his ability to shoot the ball makes him a threat anywhere on the court. Sharpe is a gamble as he hasn’t played any college basketball this season but is a gamble worth taking as high-end versatile wing players are hard to come by in the NBA.

5. Jaden Ivy: Height – 6’4 Weight- 195 lbs

A dynamic isolation player with a monster first step that allow him to get the rim with ease. Ivy is one of the best athletes in the draft and will definitely turn heads with his monstrous dunks in the league but it remains to be seen how his lack of playmaking ability and defensive struggles will impact him in the NBA.

Tier 3

6. Keegan Murray: Height – 6’8 Weight – 215 lbs

With the best feel for the game in the draft, Keegan is going to a good player and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up better than player’s selected above him. With such a high floor and low ceiling it makes sense to have him at the top of tier 3. Expect him to play point forward with responsibility on him to make smart reads to give his team the best chance to win.

7. Jeremy Sochan: Height – 6’9 Weight – 230 lbs

A versatile wing player who is able to guard all five positions. An offensively limited player but is worth a high lottery pick due to his willingness to make hustle plays, playmaking skills, and his overall basketball intelligence. His NBA outcome all depends on if he’s able to develop a reliable jump shot.

8. AJ Griffin: Height 6’6 Weight – 222 lbs

A gifted wing scorer who can light it up from 3. Also possess the ball handling skill to create his own shot. He’s tough but not a great defensive player to project as a 3 and D wing.

9. Jalen Duren: Height 6’10 Weight – 230 lbs

An athletic and explosive shot blocker who already has the NBA frame to oppose other NBA bigs. Projects as a decent finisher at the rim and a good pick and roll partner. Will need to work on reading pick and roll defense in order to be an elite defensive presence.

Tier 4

10. Dyson Daniels: Height – 6’6 Weight – 199 lbs

A gifted playmaker and defender, that utilizes his strong feel for the game to facilitate and to control the tempo of a basketball game. The lack of shot making upside limits his ceiling. Dyson can become a reliable starting point guard if he continues to improve his 3 point shot.

11. Bennedict Mathurin: Height – 6’6 Weight – 210 lbs

An elite spot up three point shooter who also possesses the athleticism to be an above the rim finisher on fast break plays. Will need to improve his defensive consistency to project as a 3 and D wing.

12. Blake Wesley: Height – 6’5 Weight – 181 lbs

One of the best handles in the draft, Wesley is able to break down the defense with ease. This is an upside pick that projects Blake adding better passing reads and a more consistent three point shot to his repertoire.

13. Johnny Davis: Height – 6’5 Weight – 194 lbs

A shifty, playmaking guard who thrives off of making mid-range plays. Davis is most comfortable in the mid-range which also happens to be the most inefficient shot in the game.

14. TyTy Washington: Height – 6’3 Weight – 197 lbs

A guard with a great feel for the game and a knack of getting his teammates in great position to make plays. TyTy had an injury riddled season but I believe in his shooting ability to translate to the NBA.

May 17, 2022
First Look at Titania, Leap-Frog and More in ‘She-Hulk’ Teaser

The rumors of a lengthy delay to Marvel Studios Disney Plus streaming series She-Hulk have been debunked with the first teaser for the series debuting and the release date is officially revealed. The teaser also gave fans their first looks at the supporting cast of the show, including Jameela Jamil’s updated Titania, and a surprise appearance by a Daredevil baddie that’s sure to have everyone Wiki-ing away.

Jamil‘s role in the series had hardly been a secret, with reports dating back nearly a year ago that she’d be bringing Titania to live-action. Described as a Kardashian-esque influencer, Jamil‘s version of the character looks to be an incredibly modernized version of the comic character, first introduced in the 1984 event, Secret Wars.

Finally, Daredevil baddie Leap-Frog made a surprise appearance in the teaser, proving that no character is off-limits in this series. The character first made his appearance in the comics over 50 years ago in Daredevil #25 and had a wildly unsuccessful career as a villain despite being a genius inventor. Leap-Frog’s son took over the suit and going by the name Frog-Man, became a hero who was eventually part of The Initiative. It seems that, in the MCU, the character will be a mish-mash of father and son.

You can watch the full trailer here:

She-Hulk will begin streaming on Disney Plus on August 17th.

May 17, 2022
First ‘She-Hulk’ Trailer Reveals New Title for Disney+ Series

After a long wait, the first trailer finally arrived for Disney+’s She-Hulk. We’ve only gotten a glimpse at the project during last year’s Disney+ Day alongside a new logo, but that was only the tease of what’s to come. The project also got a new logo at the time, which was closer to its Law & Order inspirations rather than the comic-inspired logo. It seems that it got another revamp and a new logo going along with it, as the Marvel Studios series is now titled She-Hulk, Attorney At Law.

Now, the title certainly highlights the comedy series’ strong focus on procedural, as we’ll likely spend a lot of time with the titular heroine trying to fight her way through one lawsuit after another. Yet, it also may have caught the attention of some that are fans of Cartoon Network’s earliest Adult Swim era. The title seems like a tribute to Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.

If it is intended, the tribute makes a lot of sense given the way that the animated series featured a former superhero acting as an attorney. He would have various iconic characters from Hanna-Barbera’s animation history pop in for various lawsuits, no matter how crazy they may have been. We’ve even written a piece in December of 2020 about how She-Hulk should echo that series given its perchance to also break the fourth wall. Maybe we even get some appearances of Gary Cole or Stephen Colbert, which would be a nice little touch to pay tribute to the iconic Adult Swim series.

She-Hulk will begin streaming on Disney+ on August 17th.

May 17, 2022
Ava DuVernay’s Animated ‘Wings of Fire’ Adaptation Canceled by Netflix

It hasn’t been easy for Ava DuVernay‘s projects as of late. Not only did her New Gods project get canceled by Warner Bros but her new CW series adaptation of Naomi won’t be returning for a second season. Now, it looks like her animated adaptation of the Wings of Fire‘s fantasy book series.

It looks like her series is one of many animated series that were cut as a result of Netflix’s recent subscriber drop. The adaptation would’ve explored Tui T. Sutherland’s books, which would’ve run for a ten-episode season. It explores an ongoing war between dragon tribes of Pyrrhia. A prophecy proclaimed that five young dragons would lead to peaceful times, who would set out on a quest to uncover themselves and just what led to the war in the first place.

Dan Milano and Christa Starr were working on the project as showrunners and executive producers. DuVernay and Sutherland were also executive producing alongside Sam Register and Sarah Bremner. Sadly, Netflix has generally been on a cancelation spree with their projects, which also included Boons and Curses, Dino Daycare, and Pearl.

The news also comes in addition to recent mumblings that 150 people are about to lose their job, as their revenue growth has slowed down. Netflix right now is weighing its options and those productions that are further in may not be affected, but it seems they have set their eyes on animation as their main way to save money moving forward when it comes to active pre-productions.

Source: Deadline

May 17, 2022
Robert Downey Jr. Working on New Discovery+ Series Turning Muscle Cars Eco-Friendly

Robert Downey Jr. is about to revisit his Tony Stark era in a new and creative way. He is working on a new unscripted series where he turns sports and muscle cars into eco-friendly variants for the 21st century. This makes his second Discovery+ series currently being worked on under the title Downey’s Dream Cars.

They may change the title, but Team Downey is involved with the project, which is Robert and Susan Downey‘s production banner. They are working with Boat Rocker’s Matador Content with the series eyeing a release later this year on Discovery+, which will not yet fuse with HBO Max after the Warner Bros. Discovery merger. He made the following statement on it:

My goal is to showcase that it’s possible to keep the integrity of classic cars while leveraging new tech and innovation to make them more eco-friendly. I’m thrilled audiences will get to see this series on Discovery+ later this year.
Robert Downey Jr.

This project marks the second one alongside the four-part documentary series The Bond. Downey’s Dream Cars is a passion project for the former Avengers: Endgame star, as he tries to bring these cars into the modern eco-friendly age. It’s great to see the star combine his passion with a new project, which has generally become a new trend as stars have entered reality TV productions to explore hobbies in a new way through their production banners.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

May 17, 2022
‘Loki’s Sasha Lane Says It Is Possible Hunter C-20 Could Return for Season 2

The highly-anticipated Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has finally been released and has given fans a taste of the MCU’s vast multiverse. In the midst of all the madness, it is easy to forget where the multiverse began. The Season 1 finale of Loki showed the infinite branches of reality cracking open after the death of Jonathan Majors’ He Who Remains.

Loki created far more than the multiverse, though, as it also introduced the Time Variance Authority to the mythos. The season finale threw a wrench in viewers’ ability to predict Season 2 because Tom Hiddleston’s Loki found himself in a very different TVA at the end. Anything seems to be possible. Recently, actress Sasha Lane told Collider that her character Hunter C-20 could possibly return in Loki Season 2, even though Hunter C-20 appeared to meet her end in the first season.

I remember telling the producer, because they’re like, ‘Oh, we’ll see,’ and I was like, ’If I happen to make it back, can I just be hiding behind a little rock somewhere? Just squatted behind a rock just like, ‘Hey! Missed you guys. It’s been a while.’ I’m desperately hoping to be hiding behind a rock somewhere because you don’t know where I went! You don’t know. So, to me, I’m not dead, so I’m just trying to project it out there that there’s a rock that I’m sitting behind just, ‘Is anybody gonna stop by soon?’
Sasha Lane

While bringing characters back from the dead has always been an option in these stories, there are plenty of other avenues for Hunter C-20 to return. For example, Owen Wilson’s Mobius did not know who Loki was at the end of the season finale, implying that he could be a different Variant of the Mobius we met initially. So, with all the complications of the multiverse, there is no reason a Hunter C-20 Variant could not exist. Still, it could be the case that the character never died in the first place, as Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s Ravonna Renslayer’s actions were shady enough that there is room for interpretation as to what exactly happened to the TVA hunter.

Fans will be able to see what Loki Season 2 has in store eventually. It does not have a confirmed release date, but Hiddleston said production on the season should be starting soon.

Source: Collider

May 17, 2022
‘Yellowstone’ Prequel ‘1932’ Adds Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford

Talk about adding some star power, as Taylor Sheridan‘s Yellowstone prequel series titled 1932 has added Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. They are going to star in the Paramount+ exclusive streaming service that is currently eyeing a December release. It was picked up back in February, which will explore a new generation of the Dutton family during the early 20th century.

The storyline will take place at the end of Prohibition and the Great Depression affects the mountain west, where the Duttons have made their home. Sadly, they won’t reveal what characters Mirren or Ford are playing as of now. It’s definitely a power move, especially after the success of Sheridan‘s Yellowstone series.

It also continues to signal Paramount+’s move to further establish the new streaming service with some powerhouse names. There have been various other spinoffs and prequels in development based on Yellowstone, such as 1883 and a spinoff 6666, which is still in early development. So, he’s been slowly building up a cinematic universe on the streaming service.

With the exception of Yellowstone, all of these projects will be part of Paramount+ with 1932 being produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, and Sheridan‘s Bosque Ranch Productions. he is joined by executive producers John Linson, David C. Glasser, Art Linson, Bob Yari, Ben Richardson, and David C. Glasser.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

May 17, 2022