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Iman Vellani on How ‘Ms. Marvel’ is a “More Lighthearted” Marvel Studios Series

When we got the first trailer for Ms. Marvel, it looked like the series was fully embracing its high school aesthetic. Teenagers facing their usual challenges but with the added bonus of Iman Vellani‘s Kamala Khan becoming a superhero and being a Pakistani-American. In a new interview with Zavvi, the young actress highlights their approach and teases a “more lighthearted” Marvel Studios series.

It is John Hughes-esque mixed with Lady Bird and Scott Pilgrim. It’s a lot more lighthearted than the other shows. We showcase that being a teenager is awkward, corny, and weird.
Iman Vellani

She goes on to highlight that the series is going to be quite self-aware of the fact that it explores the challenges of “growing up” and when the smallest issues feel like the world is falling apart around you.

We are self-aware of how cheesy the show gets sometimes, but when you are growing up everything is so heightened – your emotions, crushes, friendships – it all feels so new. Minor inconveniences also feel like the end of the world.
Iman Vellani

The Ms. Marvel creative team also wanted to ensure that they are as authentic as possible. To accomplish that very task, they’ve enlisted the help of the cast who are fresh out of high school to bring in their lived experiences of what it’s like being a modern teenager.

The creators and directors have done a great job in working with the cast, asking us to share our experiences and bring ourselves to the characters. It was very collaborative. We are pretty young and just come out of high school, so that made the show as authentic as possible.
Iman Vellani

It definitely sounds like we’ll fully embrace the high school storytelling in this series, something we’ve gotten a glimpse of in Spider-Man: Homecoming as well. It’ll be interesting to see the difference between these projects as they showcase the different lived experiences of teenagers.

Source: Zavvi

May 16, 2022
New ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Image May Have Offered a First Look at ‘Black Panther’s Bast

A new image has been making its way through the Internet featuring a new look at King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Mighty Thor (Natalie Portman). It’s unclear where they are but it does seem like some kind of meeting is taking place. What stands out, however, is a third character is included in the image. Everyone is sitting on a throne of some kind with our two main heroines sitting on one that seems to reflect where they are from. The Egyptian-inspired design and the cat ears on their helmet may be a signifier that this is our first look at the Goddess Bast, who we first met in Black Panther’s iconic opening as a giant panther.

There was a leak that the character would be played by an actress named Akosia Sabet on Showcase. So, there’s a high chance that she might appear, especially if Gorr the God Butcher is making his god butchering grand tour. Still, it’s not a definite confirmation and only the design is a real hint at who this character might be. There’s a chance it could be someone completely different, but there are enough hints to make the connection. She’s had a humanoid form in the comics as well, and it wouldn’t be too surprising she could change between that and her giant Panther form in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well.

The Egyptian design also hints at the connection due to Bast actually being part of the Egyptian pantheon. We’ve never fully explored her history and how she came in contact with the first man to become Black Panther and who would eventually found Wakanda. Perhaps we get a tease in the film in a conversation between her and Valkyrie. For now, it’s still speculation but it’s certainly interesting if she was indeed accidentally revealed with this new image. There’s also the question if this segment or shot makes it into the final cut.

May 16, 2022
Tom Blyth Cast as Coriolanus Snow in ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel

In what will serve as a return to the Hunger Games franchise, Tom Blyth has been cast as Coriolanus Snow in the upcoming prequel film The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The role of Snow was originally played by Donald Sutherland in the original franchise. Blyth is best known for starring in the Epix’s recent Billy the Kid series as the titular character. Francis Lawrence, who served as director for all three sequel films in the franchise, will be returning to helm this new project.

The film, based on the prequel novel by author Suzanne Collins, is set to follow the narrative of Coriolanus Snow, the main antagonist of the original Hunger Games novels and film adaptations, as he struggles to navigate the political sphere of Panem and the franchise’s titular competition as a young man. He will be paired with a character named Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12 as she takes part in the 10th annual Hunger Games.

When discussing the upcoming film, director Francis Lawrence gave a background into Snow’s character and how they feel Tom Blyth became the ideal choice for the role.

Coriolanus Snow is many things — a survivor, a loyal friend, a cutthroat, a kid quick to fall in love, and a young man ambitious to his core. Tom’s take on the character showed us all the complex ambiguities of this young man as he transforms into the tyrant he would become.
Francis Lawrence

It will be not able to follow if this film helps in elevating their career for Blyth, much like the Hunger Games franchise did for the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth.

It’s been considered a somewhat confounding decision by author Suzanne Collins to transition the franchise into the point of view of the franchise’s tyrannical antagonist. Though it will certainly be interesting to see what is done to make this a worthwhile endeavor back into the young adult franchise. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is currently scheduled to release on November 17, 2023.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

May 16, 2022
Amber Heard Confirms Her Role as Mera Was “Reduced a Bunch” in ‘Aquaman 2’

There’s been a lot of discussions surrounding Amber Heard‘s role in the upcoming Aquaman sequel. As Johnny Depp had to leave the Fantastic Beasts sequel as production started, many were surprised that Heard was still on board for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. As it turns out, Warner Bros. didn’t want her on the production and she fought for joining.

During the proceedings of their lawsuit, she was asked about her involvement with the Aquaman sequel, where she confirmed that she had to fight “really hard to stay in the movie.”

I have. I fought really hard to stay in the movie. They didn’t want to include me in the film.
Amber Heard

While she managed to stay on board for the production, after all, it seems her role had been quite minimized. She goes on to highlight that her role was “very pared-down version” of the initial script as they reworked it throughout production.

I was given a script. Then given new versions of the script that had taken away scenes that had action in it, that depicted my character and another character, without giving spoilers away, two characters fighting with one another. They basically took a bunch out of my role. They just removed a bunch.
Amber Heard

It definitely sounds like Warner Bros. was in a no-win situation if she fought for remaining in the film even as they tried to take a step back from Heard due to the allegations, especially the PR and the current legal battle. We’ll see just how much of her role made it into the film and what that may mean for the Aquaman sequel.

Source: YouTube via Reddit

May 16, 2022
2022 Disney Upfront to be “Unlike Anything You’ve Ever Seen”

Tomorrow at 4 PM ET at New York City’s Basketball City, Disney will hold their in-person upfront presentation, where they will showcase their upcoming network, streaming and cable content. According to the Walt Disney Company’s President of Advertising Sales, Rita Ferro, the event will be “unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”

For Disney, the event could provide an opportunity for them to shine a spotlight on the upcoming schedule for their flagship streaming service, Disney Plus, in addition to addressing new programming coming to Hulu and ESPN+. In the case of Disney Plus, not much is known about what to expect in the second half of 2022 and the presentation could give some details on the streamer’s cornerstone content from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm. The upfront will also certainly include news on Disney’s key networks such as ABC and ESPN.

With this being the first in-person upfronts since COVID shut down the world in the Spring of 2020, Disney is expected to make a big splash not only with the announcements at the event, but with the planned afterparty, also set to be held at Basketball City.

Sources: Hollywood Reporter, Deadline

May 16, 2022
‘Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ Gets Rating in South Korea, Hints at Release Soon

While most attention has been on Marvel’s Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy game as of late, the upcoming XCOM-inspired Midnight Suns has been a bit dormant. Due to some delays, it was unclear when we might expect the game to release, which will feature a wide variety of Marvel characters facing off against Lilith and the revived HYDRA. The player will take on the character only known as Hunter, who they can customize throughout the game’s playtime. A Redditor by the name of u/LongJonSllver has uncovered a rating in South Korea for the game, which may hint at a release date soon.

Normally, rating boards are only assigned when a game is near completion and they are on their way to finalizing the project. There’s been no word if the game has gone gold yet, but it does add to the speculation that a new announcement may be on the horizon.

Normally, rating boards are only assigned when a game is near completion and they are on their way to finalizing the project. There’s been no word if the game has gone gold yet, but it does add to the speculation that a new announcement may be on the horizon. XCOM developer Firaxis is working on the game, which started making the rounds ahead of last year’s E3 event. There are supposedly some unannounced characters for the game. So, we’ll see if they may also get their time in the spotlight once more details are revealed on its upcoming release.

Source: Reddit via VGC

May 16, 2022
Yasmin Finney Joins ‘Doctor Who’ Series 14 as Rose

There’s a new Rose aboard the Tardis.

Heartstoppers breakout, Yasmin Finney, is set to play Rose in Series 14 of Doctor Who. She joins the new Doctor, who will be played by Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa. Also joining the duo are former series stars David Tennant and Catherine Tate. Finney will be one of the first transgender actors to appear in Doctor Who.

If anyone would have told eight-year-old Yasmin that one day she’d be part of this iconic show, I would have never in a million years believed them,” Finney said in a statement to the press.“This show has a place in so many people’s hearts, so to be seen as a trans actress by the legend himself Russell, has not only made my year, it’s made my life.
Yasmin Finney

Series 14 of Doctor Who will see Russell T. Davies take over as showrunner. Davies, of course, helped to bring the show to modern times when he rebooted the beloved series in 2005 with the episode titled “Rose.” Davies exited the series in 2010 following “The End of Time: Part Two,” which is when Steven Moffat took over. Davies will now take over for Chris Chibnall, who helped bring the world the first female Doctor with Jodie Whittaker.

While it is unknown whether Finney’s character will be a new Rose, or will be a new iteration of the character first portrayed by Billie Piper, Davies doesn’t seem too keen to answer just yet. The showrunner merely teased, “How can there be another Rose?”

Source: Deadline.

May 16, 2022
Ed Skrein To Replace Rupert Friend in ‘Rebel Moon’, Fra Free and More Join Cast

Zack Snyder has found himself quite a comfortable home at Netflix after his stint over in the DC Extended Universe. Just last year Snyder released his first project, Army of The Dead, with hopes that it could spawn a franchise for Netflix. Snyder isn’t sticking to just one franchise, as he is currently developing yet another film titled Rebel Moon with hopes that it could also lead to sequels and spin-offs later down the road.

Production on Rebel Moon has already begun but it seems some issues have led to the film having to recast its main antagonist. Rupert Friend was initially set to play the role of the tyrant Regent Balisarius, who’d set out to conquer a colony on the edge of the galaxy. The role now belongs to Deadpool actor Ed Skrein. Joining him on the project are Cleopatra Coleman, Fra Fee, and Rhian Rees whose roles in the film currently remain under wraps.

The film is set to follow a Seven Samurai-inspired story in which a young woman, played by Sofia Boutella, sets out to recruit warriors from neighboring planets so that they can band together and take a stand against the incoming invasion from Balisarius. Rebel Moon is sporting quite the impressive cast with Boutella and Skrein starring alongside Charlie Hunnam, Ray Fisher, Cary Elwes, Corey Stoll, Alfonso Herrera, Djimon Hounsou, Doona Bar, Stuart Martin, and Michiel Huisman.

The film is set to be directed by Snyder who co-wrote the script alongside Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad. This is the first project to come from Snyder’s recent first-look deal with Netflix and will be produced under his production company Stone Quarry.

Source: Deadline

May 16, 2022
Hayden Christensen Teases Darth Vader’s “Personal Mission” in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’

The announcement that Hayden Christensen would be reprising his role of Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader) in the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series for Disney+ was one of the most surprising in recent memory of the Star Wars universe. While the series will predominantly focus on Ewan McGregor’s reprisal as the titular character, audiences will also get to follow the rise of the most iconic cinematic villains in Darth Vader.

One of the most compelling elements of returning to Darth Vader at this point in time is connecting the dots between when audiences last saw Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith and the cold, calculated antagonist of A New Hope. In an interview on The Cutaway with William Mullally, Hayden Christensen discussed the untapped potential in returning to this specific era of the Star Wars timeline.

This is sort of a point in the timeline that hasn’t really been explored yet, and I think that the character of Darth Vader is at an interesting point in his life, in terms of what has happened before and where we left him in Episode III
Hayden Christensen

As well in the interview, Christensen discussed how he views the character motivations for Skywalker in Obi-Wan Kenobi.

He’s very much sort of trying to reconcile his past, and hunting down the Jedi… obviously it’s his job and he’s mandated by the Emperor, but it’s more than that. It’s a personal mission for him.
Hayden Christensen

This perspective certainly has the ability to make Star Wars fans quite excited for what’s in store for Darth Vader’s arc in the upcoming Disney+ series. As well, the notion of Skywalker hunting the Jedi as a means of getting closure with his past makes the potential of a confrontation with Ewan McGregor’s portrayal as his old master all the more tantalizing. It would be the ultimate showdown between someone trying to eliminate the past and someone trying to bring forth a new future.

In addition to Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to co-star with an all-star cast of Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr, Sung Kang, Simone Kessell, and Benny Safdie.

The Deborah Chow-directed series is set to debut on Disney+ on May 27.

Source: YouTube via Comicbook.com

May 16, 2022
The Morning After Huddle: May 16, 2022
Welcome to your Monday edition of The Morning After Huddle where we bring you the top news from around the NFL. Former players dominated the news cycle over the weekend, starting with the pro boxing debut of Frank Gore.

Here’s what you need to know:
- Frank Gore is just plain good. The former running back, and future hall of famer, made his pro debut in boxing in emphatic fashion on Saturday, landing a KO of Yaya Olurunsola in the fourth round. It seems he has bounced back after his exhibition match against former NBA player Deron Williams last year.
- The winds of fate have not been as kind to former Seahawks and Ravens player, Earl Thomas. Thomas was recently charged with a third degree felony for violating a protective order twice or more within a 12 month period. According to reports, Thomas refused to communicate with his wife – who has filed for divorce – through an established app, instead communicating with her directly and threatening her and their children.
- Finally, some team news: The Raiders are emerging again in league news, with the New York Times uncovering what is described as ”financial disorder” by more than a dozen former employees. Within their coverage, they note how employees who raised concerns about the situation “were often ignored or pushed out and given settlements and nondisclosure agreements to keep them quiet.”
That’s it for today’s huddle. We’ll be back tomorrow with more news you want to know.

ICYMI: Saturday – May 14,2022 Edition
May 16, 2022