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  • New ‘Secret Invasion’ Set Photo Reveals An Avenging Presence in the Streaming Series

    New ‘Secret Invasion’ Set Photo Reveals An Avenging Presence in the Streaming Series

    The Marvel Studios streaming series Secret Invasion continues production overseas ahead of what’s becoming an increasingly likely 2023 debut on Disney Plus and, to date, details about the series have remained…a secret.

    Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn are heading up the series and are joined by Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, Kingsley Ben-Adir. Set photos and videos haven’t revealed much in the way of the series’ plot or who is playing whom, but a new set photo does reveal that at least one Avenger will be making an appearance in the streamer.

    It looks as though Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes will be making an appearance in Secret Invasion. As revealed in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Rhodes is still an active member of the Air Force as of 2024. The set photo, which comes from IG user The_Insta_Phils, shows Rhodes on an in-universe newspaper with, presumably, American President Ritson. The newspaper also hints at some political tensions that’ll come into play in the series, as President Ritson is headed to the UK for “an emergency summit amid unprecedented tensions.” What info has leaked out about the series describes it as involving “political paranoia” involving spies, like Clarke’s yet-to-be-revealed character. Given the involvement of Skrulls, like Ben-Adir’s character, it’s no surprise that they’ll have found a way to pit the governments of the world against one another.

    What role, if any, Cheadle’s Rhodey will have in the series is completely unknown. It’s possible the photo in the newspaper is the character’s only appearance and we wont’ see Rhodes at all. Of course, it’s also possible that Rhodes isn’t Rhodes at all and a Skrull-simmed Rhodes could be sewing all kinds of discord using his political pull. That, after all, is what Secret Invasion is all about. Who do you trust?

    Source: Instagram

  • REVIEW: ‘Batman Begins’ Made Everyone Take Superhero Movies Seriously

    REVIEW: ‘Batman Begins’ Made Everyone Take Superhero Movies Seriously

    Batman Begins kicked off Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, which has gone on to become an integral part of the world’s conception of not only Batman but also superhero movies in general. While debuting in 2005, Batman Begins is a far (at least 4,350 miles) cry from the last Batman flick—1997’s critical Titanic Batman & Robin. While Batman Begins no longer feels like anything particularly special, there is no doubt that it ushered in an era where superhero movies are taken seriously, both by critics and broad audiences. 

    The production value of the film is off the charts. Seventeen years later, it still feels natural to watch and does not struggle too much with outdated visuals or storytelling. Helmed by 11-time Academy Award winner and acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, it is obvious that the film’s baseline quality was one of the most important characteristics of Batman Begins. This next paragraph is about to be obnoxious, but it makes a point. 

    The movie stars Academy Award winner Christian Bale as the titular Batman, Academy Award winner Michael Caine as Alfred, Academy Award winner Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon, Academy Award nominee Liam Neeson as the villain as Ra’s al Ghul, Golden Globe nominee and the guy with the super intense eyes Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow, and Academy Award winner and global treasure Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox. Batman Begins is scored by Academy Award winner and legend Hans Zimmer, and the Batsuit was even designed by Academy Award-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming. These likely only scratch the surface of the level of talent brought in for Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Trilogy. 

    Aside from the output quality, the story comes across quite differently than most—if not all—superhero movies to come before the film. The focus is on Bruce Wayne himself. His own personal demons and battles drive the narrative rather than fantastical, caricaturized, and shallow shiny-costumed heroes or villains. Rather than the adversary being campy or corny villains taken straight out of a classic comic book, Batman’s fight is ultimately against the manifestations of long-lasting systemic crime in Gotham City. There is an element of realism in Batman Begins that frankly did not exist before in the cinematic genre. The film takes its time—albeit a lot of time—to try and explain Bruce and his origin like a fully-established character. We are not just given the Bat. We have to earn the Bat. 

    Batman Begins is certainly not perfect. Watching it now, it can be rather dull and boring at times. While systemic crime is the real culprit, a somewhat messy mixture of Ra’s al Ghul, Scarecrow, and Carmine Falcone make up the individual villains. Because each is diluted, none have the presence of an actually foreboding villain, but the combination and realism influence gives the movie more of its well-rounded and structurally-solid qualities. One thing that the movie provides that was surprisingly refreshing upon re-watch is the steady building of Batman’s arsenal. As far as previous Batman movies are concerned, Batman already existed and had his awe-inspiring collection of gadgets, gear, and Batmobiles. Here, watching it all play out with genuine attempts at describing how Batman’s stuff works is nice. 

    At the end of the day, Batman Begins feels now like an overtly middle-of-the-road, standard high-quality superhero movie. With its level of realism, it honestly simply feels like a “not bad” general action film. Still, the fact that the quality of Batman Begins is now something ordinary to talk about in the genre is something taken for granted now. As another reminder, Batman & Robin was released only eight years before Batman Begins. Now, the internet goes insane over a 4-hour, black-and-white director’s cut of a superhero film fans felt let down by, and perfectly OK Eternals is absolutely slammed for each and every potential weakness because it touted itself as being both “cinema” and a superhero movie. That type of discussion only exists because of the legacy and influence of The Dark Knight Trilogy, which in turn came into existence with Batman Begins. 

  • Latest ‘One Piece’ Set Video Reveals Shank’s Ship

    Latest ‘One Piece’ Set Video Reveals Shank’s Ship

    We just recently shared a first look at the One PIece’s Marines as set photos have found their way online. Yet, it seems that wasn’t it, as @DesneCitrus has also shared a rather curious video that hints at another ship that is currently under construction. What stands out is that the red coloring and the size of the head – even if incomplete – would hint at Shank’s famous Red Force.

    The give-aways that this is his Red Force are mainly the size of the head, which was strongly inspired by Norse ships from the Vikings in the manga, as well as the general red coloring of the rest of the ship. It’s not a confirmation in case we get a full look at the figurehead, but it’s an easy guess given what we know from the manga and anime.

    A full look at the ship was shared by @OP_Netflix_Fan, which shows that the ship is right next to the Golden Merry, which we have seen quite a bit of in the past.

    The designs are a bit more muted, but there’s a chance they might add some designs in post-production. Shank’s ship is missing the ornaments on the side as well as the golden circle on the front, but they are also still working on it. So, it may get added on later, as the Going Merry went through a few changes since the first time it was spotted.

    Source: Twitter, Twitter

  • Leaked ‘One Piece’ Set Photos Offer First Look at the Marines

    Leaked ‘One Piece’ Set Photos Offer First Look at the Marines

    So far, we know very little about the upcoming live-action adaptation of One Piece that is in the works for Netflix. We did get a few set photos but they mainly focused on the massive ships that are being built for the series. Luckily, it seems that even more photos from the set have leaked which offer our first look at the designs for the Marines.

    @DesnesCitrus took to Twitter to share the first look with a closer zoom in to the patches that confirm the iconic symbol from the manga will also be used in the live-action project. They even have the “Marine” bade on their hat and it does seem like the design is quite close to that from the manga. You can check them out here:

    @OP_Netflix_Fan has also shared a set photo featuring the Marines’ in their costume gathered for some kind of assembly.

    The scene could either take place at the Marines’ headquarters with Garp rumored to have a larger role in the East Blue saga. Yet, there’s also the sequence where Luffy and Zoro say farewell to Coby, where the MArines gathered for a final salute. We still know very little bout what to expect from the project, or how they’ll structure it but it’s great to see these iconic designs brought to life.

    Source: Twitter, Twitter

  • Andrew Garfield Has “No Plans” for More Spider-Man

    Andrew Garfield Has “No Plans” for More Spider-Man

    The road to Andrew Garfield’s return as Spider-Man: No Way Home was filled with denials and dissembling as the actor tried to keep a lid on things even as more and more evidence emerged that he would suit up again. While all is certainly forgiven by fans following the film, Garfield’s performance has led to a non insignificant push on social media to see a more extended return to the character.

    Garfield has recently made it clear that he’s open to returning as the older, angrier Spider-Man down the road and his performance in No Way Home was powerful enough to leave fans asking a lot of questions that could be explored under the right circumstances, as Garfield explained previously:

    I mean, yes, definitely open to something if it felt right. Peter and Spider-Man, those characters are all about service, to the greater good and the many. He’s a working-class boy from Queens that knows struggle and loss and is deeply empathetic. I would try to borrow Peter Parker’s ethical framework in that, if there was an opportunity to step back in and tell more of that story, I would have to feel very sure and certain in myself.

    Being open to returning and actually returning are, of course, very different things and not entirely dependent on Garfield’s wishes. To that end, fans may be a bit bummed to find out that, at the moment, it doesn’t seem like another appearance by Garfield as Spidey is imminent. At last night’s SAG Awards, Garfield was asked by a Variety reporter if he would be doing Spider-Man again and a very self-aware Garfield delivered the news that he has “no plans” to return to the role.

    As fans, it’s become entirely impossible to believe anything any actor associated with a Marvel project has to say. Garfield could be telling the truth and not actually know what’s next. Garfield could have already filmed something for a future appearance. Garfield could be lying, which he knows is the default belief of fandom now. Whatever the case, there’s certainly room for more stories to be told about Garfield’s Amazing Spider-Man that would definitely deviate from the path Tom Holland’s MCU Spidey has set, so fingers crossed it’s another lie and we’ll see him swinging back into action in the not-too-distant future.

    Source: Variety

  • Leaked ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ LEGO Set Leaked Featuring Gorr and Mysterious Creature

    Leaked ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ LEGO Set Leaked Featuring Gorr and Mysterious Creature

    You never know when some things just find their way online faster than others. Instagram user the.brick.wolf has shared a brand new LEGO set for the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder film, which includes the two Thors fighting Gorr and a mysterious monster. The title seems to be “Attack on New Asgard” but no word on what exactly the strange creature is in the background with bat wings for ears and crab-like craws. You can see it here:

    It’s interesting how a random LEGO set, which hasn’t been announced yet has found its way to the Istanbul Airport. Keep in mind, LEGO sets don’t always reflect what happens in the films – most famously is the Iron Man 3 misdirect – but it’s a curious addition and continues to highlight that New Asgard might be at the center of the final battle.

    There’s still a lot we don’t know about the film which is eyeing a release in July, but that’s a good thing. Somehow Taika Waititi was able to keep quite a few interesting details under wraps and we’ll see what surprises they might have in store for us. The Guardians are interestingly absent from any marketing, which makes you wonder how much they’ll be featured in the story. For now, we can only see what heads our way.

    Source: Instagram

  • Latest ‘Secret Invasion’ Set Photo Includes ‘Hawkeye’ Connection

    Latest ‘Secret Invasion’ Set Photo Includes ‘Hawkeye’ Connection

    We’ve known for some time that Secret Invasion has been busy filming in the United Kingdom. Just recently, set photos have found their way from Halifax, where a secretive shooting location was leaked online through some behind-the-scenes photos. We’ve had a few set photos find their way online for some time now, but a brand new one includes a curious Hawkeye connection.

    Twitter user @Roxmanoff shared a new photo from the production that includes a reference to the Rogers musical that highlights “Coming to the West End.” That is a reference to the famous London theater location, which is a new hint at another location that is part of the series globetrotting Skrull hunt. You can check it here:

    At this point, the Rogers musical has appeared in Spider-Man: No Way Home and two Disney+ series. It’s a fun connection across the universe and hopefully, they might also add more elements like these that create more visual connections, especially as the franchise starts expanding into multiple storylines that may or may not interconnect moving forward.

    Source: Twitter

  • RUMOR: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’s Matt Murdock Getting a New Funko

    RUMOR: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’s Matt Murdock Getting a New Funko

    Here’s some fun news for Funko collectors and fans of Spider-Man: No Way Home, as there may be a new addition heading our way in the near future. @funkomarvelnews has shared a listing from an upcoming Pop! Vinyl figure that would feature Charlie Cox‘s Matt Murdock. That’s not the only thing, as it’ll even pay homage to the iconic scene of his return, as he’ll also have the brick with him that he caught before it could hit Peter.

    It was only a question of time once the spoiler characters would get their own Funko Pops – even if there’s still a strange absence of villain-focused Funko’s from Sony. The other two Spider-Men are likely the next in line to get their own additions, but we haven’t heard anything concrete on them as of now. So, we can only see if another listing finds it way online that hints at their arrival.

    Matt Murdock was still one of the best surprises in an already EAster egg-filled film. We don’t know yet where exactly he’ll show up next – She-Hulk is still the likeliest of candidates – but his return does bode well for more of the Netflix characters arriving in the mainline MCU. Here’s hoping we find out soon with some teases, especially as these shows make their way to Disney+.

    Source: Twitter

  • New ‘Moon Knight’ Merch Offers a New Look at Mr. Knight

    New ‘Moon Knight’ Merch Offers a New Look at Mr. Knight

    Not too long ago, we got the official confirmation that the upcoming Disney+ series Moon Knight would feature the alter-ego known as Mr. Knight. It offered a good look at the live-action design but mostly focused on his upper torso. Now, some more merchandise has found its way online featuring a closer look at the character’s look, such as revealing he is seemingly wearing white sneakers. @FISTOFKHONSHU has provided the merchandise designs, which you can check out below:

    https://twitter.com/FlSTOFKHONSHU/status/1497983949414580229

    The design still looks great, and the Egyptian-inspired artwork that takes inspiration from hieroglyphs and classic character depictions from that era just have a nice touch. The merch does highlight Mr. Knight as a separate form of the Moon Knight specter. It’ll be interesting to see how the series dives into their differences.

    We still have a month to go until the series finally releases, but it still seems like one of the most promising projects by Marvel Studios. The darker tone will also be a strong push forward for the franchise, as it tries to expand its offerings and viewership beyond Disney+’s restrictions on family-friendly entertainment. For now, we have some great merchandise to tease what the upcoming series has in store for us and we won’t be running out of great designs anytime soon.

    Source: Twitter

  • RUMOR: Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool May Be in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of MAdness’ After All

    RUMOR: Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool May Be in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of MAdness’ After All

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been a wild ride for many, as speculation after speculation started hitting the web on who may appear in the film. If you have “multiverse” in the title, you expect t a lot of cameos and shenanigans to unfold. Especially when even the poster teases potential apperances such as what looked like Deadpool. Ryan Reynolds quickly denied any connection but a new rumor may further add to his potential appearance.

    Our friends over at DisInsider published their latest The DisInsider Show episode, where Derek Cornell made comparisons between his recent denial and those made by Andrew Garfield throughout the build-up to Spider-Man: No Way Home. Even Patrick Stewart denied his involvement shortly after the trailer included his voice during the Super Bowl.

    Well, Ryan Reynolds is pulling an Andrew Garfield right now, so we’ll see.

    Derek Cornell

    Editor-in-Chief Skyler Schuler was a bit more straightforward by straight-out stating that Reynolds is definitely in the film as the iconic character.

    Deadpool’s in it. I wouldn’t say it’s a rumor of the week, but I have it on good authority that Ryan Reynolds is in Doctor Strange.

    Skyler Schuler

    The poster inclusion still seems to add to the likelihood of his appearance and actors have denied appearances in the past due to their NDAs. We might not get official confirmation until the film officially releases, but his eventual appearance, especially with an MCU-based Deadpool 3 on the horizon, would make a lot of sense as a gateway into the Sacred Timeline. So, hopefully we’ll get to see him in action again once the film releases in May.

    You can check out the DisInsider Show’s latest episode right here:

    Source: DisInsider via The Direct