Blog

New ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Concept Art Features the Return of Mysterio

Despite a global pandemic that has prevented many films from finding financial footing, Spider-Man: No Way Home is still going strong in movie theaters across the nation. Much of this success is due to the excitement of moviegoers over the comeback of multiple characters fans thought to be long dead or past the point of return. While a fair share of Spider–Man characters returned, one of the few past Spider-Man villains who wasn’t included in this roster was Jake Gyllenhaal‘s Mysterio, a master illusionist and the main antagonist of 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home. It would now appear, however, that the rogue wasn’t always going to be excluded from the latest smash-hit superhero film.

A brand new piece of concept art has been making the rounds on social media, depicting the supposedly deceased villain doing battle with Benedict Cumberbatch‘s Doctor Strange above the Statue of Liberty.

https://twitter.com/GeekVibesNews/status/1486045873612247055?s=20

This is, of course, where the climactic final battle of the film took place. This would insinuate that there was at one point an idea to bring Mysterio back alongside the other bad guys to cause his specific brand of trouble. It’s likely this was a very early thought, and abandoned long ago. Still, it’s interesting to think what might have come of his return. One would think Strange would immediately wipe the floor with someone who isn’t capable of actual magic, but it’s possible this version of Mysterio could have been from one of the many open alternate universes featured in the movie. Perhaps this Quentin Beck was able to cast real spells of his own. Unfortunately, it’s more than likely fans will never know for sure.

Source: Twitter

January 25, 2022
‘Percy Jackson’ Series Reboot Headed to Disney+

After an abridged and lukewarm movie franchise, Disney+ has decided to breathe new life into the Percy Jackson franchise. Author Rick Riordan announced today in a video that the series pilot would be helmed by The Mysterious Benedict Society director James Bobin. Riordan is also expected to be closely involved with the series.

While this official announcement is new, the prospect of Disney+ being home to the beloved book series isn’t. Riordan and his wife took to Twitter two years ago to reveal that the series was being shopped to DIsney+.

The executives at Disney+ put out the following statement in light of the announcement:

With Rick Riordan, Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz leading our creative team, we’re deep into creating a compelling TV series worthy of the heroic mythological characters that millions of Percy Jackson readers know are well-worth caring about. We’re eager to invite Disney+ audiences into stories that are true to the blockbuster franchise and full of anticipation, humor, surprise, and mystery.

There’s no word yet on who will fill in the ranks of the beloved ensemble of characters but rest assured that’s something we will hear in the coming months.

January 25, 2022
Sam Raimi Reveals Status of ‘Doctor Strange’s Production and What It’s Like to Work With Marvel Studios

The man who helped begin the superhero movie craze is back, and he’s ready to talk about working with the machine keeping his trend alive. In a recent interview with Variety, acclaimed director Sam Raimi discussed the current status of the latest Marvel project and what it was like to develop a film alongside Kevin Feige and the folks at Marvel Studios. The filmmaker has been hard at work on the highly-anticipated sequel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness for a long time now, and had this to say when asked if filming was yet to be completed:

I wish I knew the answer to that question. I think we’re done, but we just cut everything. We’re just starting to test the picture and we’ll find out if there’s anything that’s got to be picked up. If something’s unclear or another improvement I can make in this short amount of time left, I’ll do it. One thing I know about the Marvel team is they won’t stop. They’ll keep pushing it until it’s as close to being great as it could be.
Sam Raimi

He continued to put an emphasis on just how great his experience with the cultural juggernaut has been:

Marvel’s been a great team to work with. I think that was a not-surprising surprise. I’ve been super-supported by the whole Marvel operations, starting at the top with Kevin Feige, and working all the way down to the crews that they work with. [They’re] super professional and have supported me every step of the way.
Sam Raimi

These comments should be thrilling for fans who were afraid Raimi, noted for his signature style, would be creatively stifled by Marvel. His last outing with a comic book hero, 2007’s Spider-Man 3, was famously affected by studio mandates and interference. Here’s hoping the future is brighter for the fan-favorite maestro.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits theaters on May 6, 2022.

Source: Variety

January 25, 2022
Sam Raimi Shares His Thoughts on ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

Tobey Maguire‘s return as Spider-Man in No Way Home was one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood. Yet, the moment he returned still became a big moment for anyone visiting a cinema, as the film became the first one to become a massive hit while others struggled during the pandemic. What makes his return so interesting is that the director of the original trilogy, Sam Raimi, also is returning to the Marvel universe with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

So, the director is slowly preparing to discuss his latest film and In an interview with Variety, he was asked about his thoughts on Spider-Man: No Way Home. He shared his thoughts on the film and also the delight of seeing the actors return to the roles he once cast them in. It looks like he had quite enjoyed the film and the fun of seeing those familiar faces return.

It was so much fun. I love ‘No Way Home’ and the audience I was with went crazy. It was delightful to watch Alfred play his role, and Willem Dafoe, just seeing these guys take it to the next level. And Tobey was awesome as always. The best word I can say is it was refreshing for me.
Sam Raimi

It must be a strange feeling to see elements of your own story make a return on the silver screen. The film managed to find a good balance of continuing their original stories and even trying to redeem them, which becomes a core narrative for Tom Holland‘s Peter Parker. There’s a sense of irony that a Spider-Man film would also be the set-up for his newest entry in the Marvel universe.

Source: Variety

January 25, 2022
All-New ‘Daredevil #1’ Coming From Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto

The Man Without Fear will return for another groundbreaking first issue this summer, and his future is set to be mapped out by a few familiar faces. Chip Zdarsky, a popular writer, and Marco Checchetto, a talented artist, are back as the creative forces behind everyone’s favorite blind vigilante. The duo previously launched an acclaimed run on the character in 2019, which recently concluded with the shocking events of the Devil’s Reign story arc. Over the course of their last outing, Zdarsky and Checchetto introduced readers to the idea of iconic femme fatale Elektra Natchios taking over the mantle of Daredevil from Matt Murdock. It looks as though their new series will give the horned mask back to Murdock, but the pair promise it will also treat readers to the next chapter in Elektra’s story while ushering in the darkest era of Hell’s Kitchen yet.

Zdarsky and Checchetto both released statements regarding the news, highlighting just how excited the team is to get back to work on a new Daredevil #1. The writer exclaimed:

Getting to write Daredevil and work with Marco is a career highlight. I’m just genuinely excited that we get to continue our epic story with this new issue one! Matt and Elektra have confronted their past mistakes with DEVIL’S REIGN and WOMAN WITHOUT FEAR, but can they atone for them together? This is the start of our fourth year on the title! And the plan for it is about as big a swing as we could possibly take. I’m super excited for readers to see where we’re taking our Daredevils!
Chip Zdarsky

Checchetto added a little self-awareness to the moment, commenting on the irregularity of the same team working on a second first issue and their aim towards continued darkness:

It’s the first time that I’ve to draw the first issue of the same series twice. I could tell you it’s an issue like everyone else, now, but it’s not. Each time I’ve to draw a new script of Daredevil it’s a new experience. Chip keeps throwing at me new challenges and I’m not the type of artist to refuse them. How much more can we mess up with Matt Murdock’s life? Let’s see with this new DAREDEVIL #1.
Marco Checchetto

Daredevil #1 hits stands and your local comic shop in June!

Source: Marvel

January 25, 2022
EA and Respawn Announce Three New Star Wars Games Are In Development

After the success of Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, an action-adventure game following a Jedi after the events of Order 66, it looks like EA and LucasFilm are ready to expand their offerings at Respawn studios.

Today, EA has announced that Respawn Entertainment have three new Star Wars games that are in development. Jedi Fallen Order’s sequel was previously known to be one of these titles. We still have no title or firm release details, but it is rumored that the game may be coming later this year.

We also now know of a first person shooter. This game is being led by Peter Hirshman, who previously worked on titles like Titanfall 2, Lego Star Wars, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

Lastly, it seems as though the third title will be a strategy game co-developed by Respawn and Bit Reactor, a studio founded by ex-Firaxis employees (Civilization, X-COM).

Star Wars gaming fans rejoice! It looks like after Battlefront II stopped receiving updates, we finally have a new Star Wars FPS to be excited about! More Star Wars games are always a treat, let’s hope we get some solid games out of the amazing team at Respawn.

Source: EA

January 25, 2022
MALTA FILM WEEK: Director Colin Azzopardi Shares His Experience Working on ‘Game of Thrones’

The first-ever Malta Film Week has kicked off that gives local talent the chance to discuss and share their experiences as part of the international film industry, but also the importance of growing their local cinematic landscape. During the panel discussion on Malta’s film culture and ecosystem, director Colin Azzopardi offered some insight into his work on Game of Thrones after the question came what the panel would prefer: working on film or TV? He offered some insight into what his experience was, as well as the pros and cons that come with it.

For me, it was a fantastic journey. One, being part of such a big project which after season 1, they knew it would do well, but they never expected it to do so well. It became like a cult and it sort of exploded, and your being part of the process. I started off as a AD, I was part of the creative process. And you’re getting involved in decision making and creating the looks of various culture in the story, and stuff like that. Then, moving on to production management and helping actually make the product on a massive scale, of course. The budgets on that were off the roof. And there’s a satisfaction in that, being part of that and being reocgnized for the awards and that kind of thing.
Colin Azzopardi

Just as much as he was praising the work that he was able to do with the HBO series, there was one large setback. Given its success, he was contractually obligated to work on the project for some time which limited his options of tackling other projects.

When I was doing Game of Thrones, I used to get calls for other projects, and obviously, you can’t do it because you’re tied down for so many years on a project. So, everything has its pros and cons, of course. I guess, if it was my TV series, then it’s a bit different because it’s yours and you’re involved with it, absorbed in the process.
Colin Azzopardi

Of course, the panel highlights that everyone has their own perspective on the matter. There may be some that enjoy the safety of a fixed contract while others prefer the freedom of managing their own projects, as highlighted by Azzopardi on the way you approach a project if you created it yourself. That diverse perspective also strongly reflects how complex the industry is

Source: YouTube

January 24, 2022
Emilia Clarke’s Character Acting Suspicious in Latest ‘Secret Invasion’ Set Video

In a series titled Secret Invasion, we suspect a lot of foul play throughout the series. What doesn’t help is that quite a few spies will be involved in the series, which is the perfect recipe to keep people on their toes. A new set video has found its way online featuring Emilia Clarke in the same outfit we saw previously. It also adds a bit more to the scenes we saw featuring her and Cobie Smulders, who is returning as Maria Hill.

The video features Clarke‘s character walking by a building only to return back. It seems reports from the set, as this is part of LeedsLive’s Facebook stream, is that she is looking around nervously and acting suspiciously. Plus, she and Hill seem to know each other, which adds some more confusion to her behavior. Ther’s always a chance she ends up being a Skrull, but she may also just be a former SHIELD spy meeting back up with her.

https://twitter.com/SInvasionNews/status/1485750118158635017

We have no official word on Clarke‘s character and we might not find out for some time, but it does add to the intrigue of what exactly is going on during these scenes. It’s always fun to see what the scene looks like when we see what the sequence looks like once they release it on Disney+. There are quite a few people waiting outside the barriers, which may be the reason we’ve gotten so many set videos and photos since they started their production.

Source: Facebook via Twitter

January 24, 2022
Disney+’s ‘Mighty Ducks’ Series Found Its New Male Lead in Josh Duhamel

It looks like The Mighty Ducks Disney+ series has found its new lead, as Josh Duhamel has been announced to fill the gap that is left behind with Emilio Estevez leaving the project. He originally was going to return for the second season, but there were rumors that conflicts regarding the series COVID restrictions may have led to his departure. Supposedly, there were also creative differences that played a key factor in why he and Disney went their separate ways on this project.

Duhamel is set to play a new character named Gavin Cole, who runs an intense summer hockey institute. He was once an NHL player that became a coach with the description of being “inspirational, charming, and hardcore as he is big on the hockey metaphor that applies to life.” So, the kids might be in for a tough training session in the upcoming second season. It won’t be the same without Estevez‘s Gordon Bombay, but it’ll be interesting to see what Duhamel might offer to mix up the formula.

The second season will be run by Cathy Yuspa and Josh Goldsmith, who created the series together with the film’s director Steven Brill. Outside of Estevez, most of the cast will return for the second season, such as Lauren Graham and Brady Noon. The series currently has no production start date or release date for its second season.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

January 24, 2022
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s Chukwudi Iwuji Teases His “Powerful” and “Complex” Character

It’s James Gunn‘s world and we’re just living in it. The director has been making headlines with one hit project after another, as he directly followed up his work on The Suicide Squad with a spinoff on the character of Peacemaker, as played by John Cena. All that was just the warm-up, as he already jumped straight to directing his third – and likely final – Guardians of the Galaxy film. In it, a familiar face from his latest HBO Max series will make a return, Chukwudi Iwuji.

Iwuji‘s involvement was first confirmed in a photo from the set back in November, and it’s still unclear who exactly he is playing – even if there are quite a few rumors offering a hint at who exactly that might turn out to be. That hasn’t stopped the actor from teasing the role in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, as he believes his character might be “the most complex character” we’ve seen yet in the MCU. His full quote:

Powerful. Extremely powerful. Complex. James and I were talking about it, but he’s certainly one of, if not the most complex character we’ve seen in the freaking Marvel universe. So he’s deeply complex and deeply powerful, and I hope intriguing. I hope I bring that to it
Chukwudi Iwuji

It’s quite something to tease and Gunn is known for his talent of bringing complex characters to life on the silver screen. Iwuji‘s wording of “powerful” would add to the possibility of him playing a villain. Most of the MCU’s villains have been rather one-note, but that has started to change with their latest projects. So, if he is indeed playing one, the tease would add a lot to the franchise’s rogue’s gallery.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

January 24, 2022