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  • ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Director Jon Watts Reviving ‘Final Destination’ for HBO Max

    ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Director Jon Watts Reviving ‘Final Destination’ for HBO Max

    It looks like Jon Watts has some big plans after his record-breaking launch of Spider-Man: No Way Home. The latest entry in the Tom Holland-led trilogy has managed to pass a billion at the box office, as many films even struggle to reach around $500M. So, it’s no surprise that the director would be highly requested in the industry. He’s already signed up for Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four revival, but it seems he is interested in reviving the Final Destination franchise.

    He is taking on a producing role alongside producers Craig Perry and Sheila Hanahan Taylor, who worked on the franchise for quite some time, and his wife Dianne McGunigle. The screenplay is currently being written by Lori Evans Taylor, who worked don Wicked Wicked Games, and Guy Busick, whose new take on Scream is heading to theaters this week. Watts shared his excitement on the new project heading to HBO Max:

    Both Dianne and I have been massive fans of ‘Final Destination’ from the very beginning. So to be able to have a hand in crafting a new story with the original team and New Line is going to be both fun and exciting

    Jon Watts

    Jon Watts is no stranger to the horror genre, as his first film was the body horror film Clown, which was released in 2014. He worked on the project which was produced by Eli Roth, which he co-wrote with Christopher Ford, who would go on to help him with his work on Cop Car and Spider-Man: Homecoming. It’ll be interesting to see what a new take on the classic Final Destination franchise has in store for viewers.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘The Nevers’ Laura Donnelly Joins Marvel Studios’ Rumored ‘Werewolf By Night’ Halloween Special

    ‘The Nevers’ Laura Donnelly Joins Marvel Studios’ Rumored ‘Werewolf By Night’ Halloween Special

    It looks like Marvel Studios is moving full steam ahead with their Halloween special, which has long been teased to be about the iconic Werewolf by Night or also known as Jack Russell. Some time ago, Gael Garcia Bernal joined the project as its main star and Deadline has now shared that The Nevers‘ Laura Donnelly has also joined the project in an undisclosed role. They believe she might be playing Nina Price, who eventually becomes Vampire by Night and is Jack Russel’s niece.

    The character is actually not just a vampire, but also a werewolf hybrid. It’s not an uncommon trope within vampire stories, as the concept has also been explored in series like The Vampire Diaries. Her inclusion could hint at this being more than just the story of a man fighting his transformation into a werewolf. Deadline believes the project will start production soon, as it’s eyeing a release during next year’s Halloween.

    Donnelly is a great catch, as she’s well known for her role in the HBO series The Nevers, Outlander, Britannia, and The Fall. She also had some cinematic outings with Tolkien and The Program. It’ll be interesting to see if her role might expand into a bigger one, especially with Marvel Studios introducing more horror-themed characters. Perhaps she and Bernal signed on for multiple projects, like a potential Midnight Sons crossover.

    Source: Deadline

  • Latest ‘Batgirl’ Set Photo Features a Nod to ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ Maxie Zeus Episode

    Latest ‘Batgirl’ Set Photo Features a Nod to ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ Maxie Zeus Episode

    Batman: The Animated Series is undoubtedly a pivotal and iconic part of Batman’s adaptation history. The series has provided some character best stories and introduced many to his extensive mythology. Its influence and relevance have never seemed to dwindle, as it continues to get referenced in films, series, and comics to this day. Some recent photos from the set of Batgirl in Glasgow feature a subtle nod to one particular episode, in particular, featuring one of Batman’s more obscure rogues known as Maxie Zeus.

    we get a look at some more posters from the set with one, in particular, catching the eye of Batman: The Animated Series fans. The pink and black posters feature the name of a band known as “Fire From Olympus” the title of the 63rd episode from the series’ first season.

    https://twitter.com/wxhite_wxolf/status/1480925094767693824?s=21

    The episode featured the origin of Maxie Zeus, a shipping magnate who believed that he was the reincarnation of the Greek god Zeus. Maxie’s company was in charge of shipping a powerful lightning weapon known as the Electronic Discharge Cannon for the government, but Maxie took the weapon for his own personal use after completely falling for his god complex.

    The poster features a silhouette of a man in a suit with horns surrounded by fire, which could be a nod to Hades, even if he isn’t typically depicted with devil-like features. In the episode, Zeus claims that his brother Hades will be arriving any minute and must be ready. Batman arrives and Zeus embraces him, believing him to be his brother. Even if it seems unlikely Zeus has a role in the story, it’s great just how many small details and Easter eggs are getting added to the backdrop alone.

    Source: Twitter

  • New ‘Batgirl’ Set Photos Offer Some Interesting Easter Eggs and Potential Villain

    New ‘Batgirl’ Set Photos Offer Some Interesting Easter Eggs and Potential Villain

    News on Batgirl has been quite plentiful lately as Glasgow has once again been transformed into Gotham City. As the crew prepares to begin filming, more and more Easter eggs have been spotted by some eagle-eyed fans, including images that hint at appearances from Hugo Strange, Robin, and even Black Canary. Now, more photos (sent to us by @thegeeksreview) from the set have made their way online and seem to tease some inspiration from Batgirl: Year One and a reference many diehard DC Fans will love.

    Today’s look at the Glasgow set have revealed what looks to be construction on a restaurant named “Bressi.” For those unfamiliar, Bressi is the last name of an infamous Gotham City, Tony, who was an antagonist of Barbara’s in Batgirl: Year One. In the comic, Bressi is introduced following Batgirl putting a beating on DC villain Killer Moth, who was attempting to kidnap Bruce Wayne. Moth attempts to sell his services as a bodyguard to Bressi, who laughs in his face because he was beaten by a girl.

    Also spotted in the area was a new billboard that serves as a fun nod to a coffee brand seen in multiple mediums of DC Comics: Sundollar Coffee, their universe equivalent of Starbucks. The billboard features a smiling coffee cup alongside the logo and the brand slogan of “The Best Money Can Buy”.

    Batgirl is shaping up to be something really exciting and seems to be greatly inspired by Batgirl: Year One; if you haven’t yet, now is the time to read up in preparation. The film is expected to release sometime late this year.

  • Gemma Chan Comments on Sersi’s Future

    Gemma Chan Comments on Sersi’s Future

    Last year, Marvel Studios released Eternals in theaters, launching a potentially brand new franchise for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the film wasn’t as well-received as Spider-Man: No Way Home, or even Black Widow, the film has left many fans wondering when they’ll next get to see the Eternals. Thankfully, thanks to one of the stars of the film, it seems likely we’ll see more of these heroes soon.

    Gemma Chan recently spoke to W Magazine to promote the film’s release on Disney+ tomorrow. In the interview, she talked a bit about her character’s journey, as well as her future. In relation to the film itself, Chan made note of the learning experience that Sersi had:

    In Eternals, she starts out shy and then discovers her power as a leader. That was fun.

    Gemma Chan

    Furthermore, Chan confirms that we will see her as Sersi again, with a joke:

    Yes. Marvel owns us for life. 

    Gemma Chan

    Seeing the character’s learning journey and confirmation that we will see her again at some point brings up a familiar MCU feeling. Some characters in these feel like modern adaptations, only to become closer to their more comic book classic character as we go further into a story through various projects with them. This suggests to me, despite the cosmic ending to Eternals, we will see the Avengers team-member that Sersi is further down the line.

    As it stands, a sequel has yet to be announced, however, it’s worth noting that Shang-Chi was confirmed for a sequel about a month after it hit Disney+. Hopefully, we’ll have Eternals sequel news with Chloe Zhao this time next month. For now, fans can revisit the film when it arrives on Disney+ tomorrow.

    Source: W Magazine

  • ‘Peacemaker’ Shot Five Episodes Before Recasting Role of Vigilante

    ‘Peacemaker’ Shot Five Episodes Before Recasting Role of Vigilante

    Peacemaker is set to release its first three episodes this Thursday on HBO Max, with the series featuring the return of Christopher Smith, better known as the titular anti-hero Peacemaker. Back when the series was still in development it was announced that actor Chris Conrad was set to play the Adrian Chase, aka the Vigilante, a punisher-like Anti-hero who’d sworn revenge on those who break the law following the murder of his wife and children. However, after production had begun on the series it was reported that Conrad had left the project over “creative differences” and Freddie Stroma had been set as the recast for the role.

    To promote the HBO Max series, writer-director James Gunn recently sat down with the folks at Screen Rant to talk about the new series and revealed that Stroma came into the series quite late, having already filmed five and a half episodes with Conrad as Vigilante. 

    “He came in late. We had already shot five-and-a-half episodes with another actor, who’s an incredible guy, but we were on different pages about certain things and I don’t think he wanted to continue on the series in the long run. And so we brought Freddie in five-and-a-half episodes in, and I reshot all of his scenes.”

    James Gunn

    Gunn went on to gush about just how much he loved Stroma in the role and how well he worked with John Cena as Peacemaker.

    “Freddie is just amazing, and the chemistry between him and John is fantastic. Freddie is so good at… he’s such a sociopath, he’s such a psychopath and yet sweet at the same time. There’s an innocence to him despite the fact that he does these horrible things and is completely lacking in empathy and feelings in a way that Peacemaker is not.”

    James Gunn

    While it is odd for an actor to depart a series that’s nearly complete, it does happen. Creative differences could push many productions into hiatus, thankfully, though, Gunn and company were quickly able to recast the role. Still, it’s a shame to know things didn’t work out for Conrad, although fans will get to see what Stroma brings to the role when Peacemaker debuts on Thursday.

    SOURCE: Twitter

  • Judy Greer, Keegan-Michael Key & Johnny Knoxville Board Hulu’s ‘Reboot’

    Judy Greer, Keegan-Michael Key & Johnny Knoxville Board Hulu’s ‘Reboot’

    Hulu’s forthcoming comedy series, Reboot, has nabbed a trio of all-stars.

    It was revealed on Monday that Judy Greer, Keegan-Michael Key & Johnny Knoxville have boarded Hulu’s comedy series, Reboot. Greer has nabbed the leading lady role of Bree Marie Larson, replacing Leslie Bibb. Per Deadline, the reason for the recast is because the writers ultimately took the direction of the main female character in a “different direction.”

    Reboot hails from Steven Levitan and 20th Television. Along with creating the series, Levitan will write, executive produce and showrun Reboot for Hulu. The series focuses on Hollywood’s love of rebooting properties, especially for the small screen. Reboot sees a 2000s family sitcom rebooted, forcing its dysfunctional cast back together. Over the course of the series, the cast will need to “deal with their unresolved issues in today’s fast-changing world.”

    Key plays the role of Reed Sterling, a fussy actor also on the sitcom. While Knoxville plays Clay Barber, a dark and filthy standup comedian who is most famous for is work on the “sunny” sitcom. As for Greer’s Bree, the character is described as a small-town pageant girl who always dreamed of being an actress and a princess and both somehow came true. The trio joins the previously cast Rachel Bloom, Calum Worthy and Krista Marie Yu.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Black Canary Reference Spotted in Latest ‘Batgirl’ Set Photos

    Black Canary Reference Spotted in Latest ‘Batgirl’ Set Photos

    The Birds of Prey are a prominent crime-fighting force in DC comics, usually comprised of an all-female roster. They have most recently appeared in the Harley Quinn-led film, where she alongside Black Canary, Huntress, Renee Montoya, and Cassandra Cain teamed up to take down Roman Sionis, aka the Black Mask. There has been some hope that the missing key member may also join at one point, Barbara Gordon. Luckily, new set photos offer a hint that a meeting might be in the near future.

    We’ve seen quite a bit from the set of Batgirl, which included an all-new look at Michael Keaton‘s bat-suit and even confirmation on the existence of Robin in the new DCEU. There was even a tease for a potential appearance of Hugo Strange. A new set photo of some more posters has found its way online and includes a direct reference to Black Canary. While most of the poster is covered, it’s likely connected to her music career.

    It seems Dinah Lance may be going solo in Gotham City these days. Rumors have swirled recently on her inclusion in the film with it even connecting into her upcoming solo project. For those who aren’t familiar with the Batgirl: Year One storyline, Canary played an important role as Barbara Gordon’s inspiration in becoming a crime-fighting vigilante. So, they may take some queues from that storyline to add more inspiration to the character’s motivation outside of Batman.

    Source: Twitter

  • Aubrey Plaza Joins ‘The White Lotus’ Season 2

    Aubrey Plaza Joins ‘The White Lotus’ Season 2

    Fans of the first season of the HBO Max original series The White Lotus are anxiously awaiting the next entry. The next season is rumored to take place at another White Lotus resort, moving away from the one located in Hawaii with an all-new set of characters. As such, the series might be taking an anthology approach moving forward. Variety is now reporting that Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza will be the next guest, as she officially joins the second season. The actress is set to be a series regular, playing the character of Harper Spiller. Harper is on vacation with her husband and his friends, however, no casting has been made on her supporting cast.

    Plaza joins Sopranos star Michael Imperioli, who is set to play the role of Dominic Di Grasso, another guest, who is traveling with his son and father. A while back it was reported that Jennifer Coolidge would be returning from the first season, but it was never confirmed by HBO Max. If she does end up returning, she’ll very likely be reprising the role of Tanya McQuoid. There is currently no set production start and it’s uncertain what the location might be this time around. Mike White, the series creator, is returning to work on the series alongside producers David Bernad and Mark Karmine.

    Source: Variety

  • Patrick Hughes Directing ‘The Raid’ Remake for Netflix, Michael Bay Producing

    Patrick Hughes Directing ‘The Raid’ Remake for Netflix, Michael Bay Producing

    Hollywood is no stranger to remaking international films or TV shows to bank on their success. While Netflix has become quite famous for their new focus on projects from any market, they still dabble with Western reimaginations as well. They just recently brought the Anime classic Cowboy Bebop into live-action and have more already in some form of development. It looks like they found their next project, as the streaming service will work with Patrick Hughes, who will direct a remake of The Raid.

    XYZ Films is on board to help produce the project with Michael Bay also taking a producer role. Gareth Evans also takes on the role of executive producer with Range Media Partners. The script is written by Hughes, who co-wrote it with James Beaufort. The upcoming film will take place in the Philadelphia “Badlands,” where an undercover DEA task force has to catch a kingpin. It’ll be curious how they approach the project, as The Raid is famous for its visceral and memorable action.

    Source: Deadline