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‘Black Adam’ Teaser Could Confirm Villain Rumors

Black Adam is one of the strongest characters within the DC Universe, harnessing the power of the wizard Shazam and ruling the country of Kahndaq. The character is set to make his live-action debut in his very own solo film coming next year. DC FanDome gave us our first look at the film including a brief scene from the film showing off the anti-hero’s power as he turned a man to ash with just a grasp. Many wondered just who Adam would be facing off against in the film, besides the Justice Society, and it seems another rumored foe may have been confirmed.

The first Black Adam teaser was pretty fantastic, particularly a scene in which the fallen champion himself is set free from his centuries-long imprisonment at the ends of the wizard Shazam. Before he is set free, both Sarah Shahi and Marwan Kenzari can be seen. Shahi, who plays Adrianna Tomaz, is the one who sets Adam free by reciting the hieroglyphics and saying “Shazam!.” But just before that we can see an ancient-looking crown floating above Adams tomb, one that may just be the Crown of Sabbac.

Rumors began awhile back that actor Marwan Kenzari was cast as Ishmael, and would don the crown of Sabbac which would give the abilities of the Seven Kings of Hell. The character seems to have gotten a bit of a makeover with the character foregoing his Russian roots and adopting an Egyptian heritage as the descendant of a Pharaph whose story ties directly into Adam’s.

Black Adam will be in theaters July 29, 2022.

October 18, 2021
DC’s ‘Black Adam’: Who is Doctor Fate?

Black Adam is quite possibly one of the most anticipated DC movies in development and is already living up to the hype with the addition of some of DC’s most iconic characters. With such a rich library to pick from, the film will introduce those from the Justice Society and the Black Marvel Family. The hierarchy of power in the DC universe is about to change and Black Adam won’t let anything stand in between him and protecting the kingdom that he’s called home for thousands of years.

Created in May of 1940 in More Fun Comics #55 by Gardner Fox, many characters have been known as Doctor Fate over the years, but the most known of them all is Kent Nelson, who became the Agent of Order when traveling through Mesopotamia in 1920, with his father, and fellow archaeologist, Sven Nelson. In the Valley of Ur, the two discovered a pyramid that held Nabu, an ancient immortal being from the planet Cilia, who had been kept in a frozen state for centuries. But when a poisonous gas was released in the pyramid, killing Sven Nelson, Kent began to train with Nabu and learn the secrets of the universe. Through completion of his training, Nabu bestowed upon him the Helmet, Amulet, and cloak, making him an agent of the Lords of Order, known as Doctor Fate. Nelson’s adventures were guided by Nabu as his spirit had become bound to the helmet. Through his travels, Kent would meet his soon to be wife, Inza Carter, who’d join him in the battle against the the Lords of Chaos.

Around World War II, Doctor Fate and many other heroes teamed up to thwart a plot to assassinate President Roosevelt and go on to found the Justice Society of America. Others who have gone on to wear the helmet include Inza Cramer, Kents grandson Kent V. Nelson, Kents Grand Nephew Khalid Nassour, and from time to time John Constantine.

Doctor Fate has previously only appeared in live action once, all the way back in the golden days of Smallville, played by Brent Strait. The character also famously appeared on the Justice League animated seriously, leading some of the series most popular episodes. The Kent Nelson iteration of Doctor Fate will make his first film appearance in Black Adam, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan.

October 18, 2021
RUMOR: ‘Ms. Marvel’ May Release in June-July 2022 on Disney+

There’s been quite a mystery surrounding when we’ll see the Ms. Marvel series. It was originally announced for a 2021 release back in Disney’s Investors Day, but as the year went on it seemed more and more unlikely. Once Hawkeye got a November release date, it seemed clear that young superheroine wouldn’t premiere in the MCU until next year. The first rumors hinted at a potential release in February, but we’re still waiting for any official word. Going by a posting by one of the Disney+ series’ actors, it may release much later than we might’ve expected.

Actor Mohan Kapur, who plays Kamala Khan’s father Yusuf, took to Twitter and in response to a question when Ms. Marvel would release pointed out around June or July. It’s quite a bit later than we initially expected if true, especially if it was eyeing a release this year. We also have to take it with a grain of salt, as it’s uncertain how much information is shared with the actors on when the Disney+ show will release.

https://twitter.com/mohankapur/status/1449806679164526594?s=20

There’s a good chance that if this turns out to be true, they’d try to tie the show into the upcoming The Marvels film. Perhaps the delay was planned around that film’s release, as it’ll premiere on November 11th, 2022. So, they’d shorten the release window between projects that have a connecting storyline. Yet, one could argue that it wouldn’t make sense, especially if you consider that Monica Rambeau will also have a role. We have no idea when she’ll return outside of the film and her story was set up in January’s WandaVision. Perhaps Disney+ Day might offer a clearer picture of when we can expect Ms. Marvel.

Source: Twitter, IMDb

October 17, 2021
FX Cancels ‘Y: THE LAST MAN’ After One Season

Here’s a rather surprising turn of events, as FX on Hulu has decided not to move forward with its newest show Y: The Last Man. The adaptation of Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra‘s Vertigo storyline was in development hell for quite some time. It finally was able to premiere this September with Eliza Clark as showrunner. Sadly, she took to Twitter to announce that the series will not move forward. However, she has pointed out that they are actively looking for a new home to keep the team that worked on the post-apocalypse series together.

https://twitter.com/TheElizaClark/status/1449800214357762051

Actress Amber Tamblyn also took to Twitter to share her hope on finding a new home for the series with the hashtag #YLivesOn.

https://twitter.com/ambertamblyn/status/1449803149758418951

The series cancellation also means it won’t be available for European Disney+ subscribers, as it was also made available through their Star branding. Sadly, we have no insight on why they moved on the show after its premiere episode, but they might’ve not gotten the numbers they were hoping for given the necessary budget to keep this series going.

Of course, when we talk about revivals, Netflix commonly becomes the first new home for most shows due to their history. Lucifer just recently managed to finish its run on the streaming service after getting cancelled by Fox after its third season ended. Of course, there are other options, but it’ll be interesting to see if there are developments due to the series’ overall reception by fans and viewers.

Source: Twitter, Twitter (Tamblyn)

October 17, 2021
‘Eternals’ Soundtrack Features Lizzo, BTS, Pink Floyd, and More
Marvel Studios has started expanding in many different ways throughout history. What If…? was their first of many ventures into animation. Ever since the success of Guardians of the Galaxy, they’ve also explored musical ventures. Black Panther‘s album included songs performed and chosen by Kendrick Lamar. Recently, Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings also got one featuring music by 21 Savage and Rich Brian. It looks like Eternals will do something similar, as a new listing has been unveiled featuring BTS, Lizzo, Pink Floyd, and more. Here’s the list for the soundtrack
- Pink Floyd – Time
- Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears – Sugarfoot
- Carl Perkins – Lend Me Your Comb
- BTS– Friends
- Lizzo – Juice
- Foreigner – Feels Like The First Time
- The Dap-Kings (ft. Rickey Calloway) – Stay In The Groove Pt. 1
- Merle Haggard – Mama Tried
- Skeeter Davis – The End of the World
- Celina Sharma – Nach Mera Hero
- Carl Perkins – Lend Me Your Comb
It’s certainly an interesting mix of songs that truly reflect the diversity of the film’s main cast. MCU’s filmography has used quite a variety of needle drops that made the film’s many iconic moments stand out even more. Thor: Ragnarok‘s use of Led Zeppelin‘s Immigrant Song is still one of the franchise’s most memorable additions. Of course, there’s also AC/DC‘s Back in Black from Iron Man that kickstarted the franchise back in 2008. It’ll be interesting to see how these songs play into the film when it releases this November.

Source: The Direct
October 17, 2021
Robin Williams Once Campaigned to Play Remus Lupin in ‘Harry Potter’

There are some interesting moments in history where you look back at what could’ve been. Especially in film, we always explore the different castings that almost happened before someone else took on the role. Marvel fans could hardly see anyone else take over the mantle of Iron Man after Robert Downey Jr.‘s performance, but there was a time where Tom Cruise was considered. Harry Potter is no different, such as how Alan Rickman made the role of Severus Snape as iconic as it is today. Yet, it looks like one American icon tried to find his way into the franchise, but was prevented due to a simple casting rule by the production.

In an interview with Total Film, director Chris Columbus discussed his work on the iconic franchise, as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone turns 20. In it, he discussed a rather curious discussion he had with famous comedian Robin Williams. It seems that he was adamant about playing Remus Lupin, who would have a considerable role as of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The role famously went to David Thewlis, as the production had a simple rule. This franchise is set in Great Britain and to remain authentic, they had the rule that these films did not include any Americans.

I had a conversation with Robin Williams, who wanted to play Lupin. It was very difficult for me to say ‘It’s all British. There’s nothing I can do.
Christopher Columbus

It’s not uncommon for projects to set rules on how they approach their casting. As fun as it would’ve been to have Williams in the role, Thewlis made it his own throughout his run in the original eight-film franchise. Still, if we go by an if scenario, the role would’ve fit him quite well. The character is shown to have a comedic side but takes a dark turn later down the line. Robin Willimas proved his range with films such as One Hour Photo, Good Will Hunting, and many more.

Source: Total Film

October 17, 2021
Marvel Studios Could Do What Universal’s Dark Universe Couldn’t

Marvel Studios is expanding in more ways than one. Yes, our focus is primarily on the multiversal focus of the stories so far, but there’s another one that is heading our way soon. Its first tease came in 2019’s San Diego Comic-Con panel. Mahershala Ali came out and shared that he’ll star in a new adaptation of Blade. The Marvel Cinematic Universe would soon introduce vampires into its ever-expanding universe. Yet, that wasn’t all as shortly after followed the reveal of a Moon Knight Disney+ series. The supernatural side of this universe is expanding, but the report of a Werewolf by Night special for next year might hint at a bigger story at play. Marvel Studios might accomplish what the Dark Universe couldn’t.

To bring up some memories, In May 2017, Universal Pictures announced that a slew of films would create its universe. The idea made sense if you consider that the original Universal Monster films built their cross-over universe back in the day. Tom Cruise‘s The Mummy was the first in many projects to bring this idea to life but quickly fell into obscurity. It mostly is used as branding for the classic films to still make use of the visual. Still, the idea of various monsters facing each other is something that would’ve been great to see in the modern age.

Luckily, if Marvel Studios continues down this path, we might see that vision become a reality. Moon Knight is no stranger to face off against supernatural beings like Werewolf by Night. He’s a mercenary that believes he is possessed by the Egyptian god Khonshu. So, he could take the place of the usual mummy character in these types of stories. Blade makes for a natural addition to the team to represent vampires. Marvel Comics even had their own Invisible Man who was part of the modern Howling Commandos alongside Abominable Snowman, Glob, Man-Thing, The Living Mummy, Vampire by Night, and many more. Hell, they even had a clone of Frankenstein’s Monster that went by Frank.

Yet, they’re not bound by the classic movie monsters and can mix it up with their own. It’s uncertain if the team of the Midnight Sons is in the cards, but the potential of Ghost Rider, Hellstrom, and other supernatural characters teaming up would make for a compelling storyline. There’s also the option of pushing Nick Fury into a new part of the world, as he gathers the Howling Commandos together to face supernatural enemies. They could even bring back Dum Dum Dugan as a self-conscious Zombie in this story that leads the team. Not only would we get Neal McDonough back into the live-action franchise, but build upon the What If…? episode.

The comics offer quite an extensive source of inspirations to build upon a distinct corner of this universe. It’s also a genius move by Marvel studios to diversify their cinematic portfolio. Each new aspect of their universe allows them to attempt different types of stories. A space opera is not bound by the story conventions of a horror flick. They’re truly embracing their genre diversity rule by mixing up the characters they introduce. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was pitched as a horror story and we may get many more in the future. Perhaps his story is also building into the Marvel Monster corner of this franchise.

Source: YouTube

October 17, 2021
‘Halloween Kills’ Makes a Killer $50M Domestically

The numbers are in and Halloween Kills has taken the top spot at the domestic box office. It managed to make around $50.4M, which makes it the biggest opening for a horror film during the pandemic. That is on top of releasing simultaneously on a streaming service. It was made available on Peacock, which continues the trend since Wonder Woman 1984 on HBO Max. The continued trend of performances supports the current focus on shortening the release window between theatres and digital.

Not everything was rosy this weekend, as Ridley Scott‘s 14th-century epic, The Last Duel, ended up with $4.8M. It only ended up opening at fifth place, as No Time to Die holds on to second place with $24.3M. It currently stands at $99.5M after 10-days but has been keeping steady with a strong international performance. Still, their shared older audience may have been the cause for Scott’s latest film to squander at the box office as they cut into each other’s share. Of course, the genre’s generally has been an upward fight at the box office.

No Time to Die’s drop is pretty in line with previous entries of the franchise, but still a tough drop in these uncertain times, especially given how much money was invested to advertise the “endgame” of Daniel Craig‘s James Bond run. Venom: Let There Be Carnage still clung to third place with $16.5M, which puts it at around $169.1M as of now. So, the numbers are looking good for Dune to also perform quite well once it releases.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety

October 17, 2021
Exploring Riddler’s True Goal in ‘The Batman’

The latest trailer for The Batman has finally dropped during 2021’s DC FanDome. After around three-and-a-half hours, we got a sneak peek behind the scenes and then a new look at the second trailer to build up to its March release. It still kept quite a few secrets as it kicks off with Paul Dano‘s Edward Ashton getting arrested by the Gotham PD, but it only builds the mystery from there. After the first trailer teased his role in the story, it was a curious way to start the new trailer this way. His face is purposely obscured throughout the trailer, as we get a better look at Matt Reeves‘s noir-inspired story. There is one shot in particular that may open up a bigger question: who is the true villain of The Batman?

Last year in August, we theorized that perhaps this version of the Caped Crusader’s mythology is building up to his eventual meeting with the Court of Owls. Reeve‘s even hinted at a deeper corruption in the 2020 DC FanDome panel. His version of the Riddler even asks the question “If you are justice, please do not lie. What is the price for your blind eye?” So, one could assume that Ashton’s role in this story is to bring something far sinister to Bruce Wayne’s attention throughout the story. The second trailer highlights this fact when you notice that he’s obsessed with a mystery surrounding his parent’s death.

As the screenshot from the trailer highlights, he’s highlighted the statement hinting at the sins of his father. What is interesting is that this might be a callback to Batman: The Long Halloween, where his father saved a young Carmine Falcone from a bullet wound. Perhaps this one action would end up unleashing the crime wave that established the darker side of this corrupted city. So, Ashton may be one of many victims of John Turturro‘s Falcone throughout history. Selina Kyle’s inclusion in the story with The Long Halloween ties would add to that potential storyline intersecting. Riddler’s actions in this story are to leave the breadcrumbs to bring the darker history surrounding the Falcone family to the forefront.

It doesn’t seem like this version of Batman will face off against rogues like Mr. Freeze or Clayface any time in the future. So, we might have a much smaller story for now. Falcone is the prelude to the bigger picture, as his downfall could open up to a much larger story. I’ll still hold on to the belief that the Court of Owls will have a role of some kind in this trilogy, but there’s also a possibly simpler explanation. Perhaps it’s truly the tale of Batman taking down organized crime by dismantling Roman’s empire throughout Gotham. In reality, this might be Riddler’s goal by the end of the story. Not too dissimilar from Alberto Falcone’s storyline in the original comic. It’s not uncommon for adaptations to fuse characters.

This concept sets up some incredible future storylines and breaks up The Long Halloween story throughout the initial trilogy. Riddler’s story may simply be the prelude, as once Falcone is taken down, the rest of his family tries to take over. Pattinson’s version of Bruce Wayne might have to take on other mob bosses that are fighting for power to fill that vacuum. We’d get the Maroni family, who have an important role in turning Harvey Dent into Two-Face. It could setups the Sinois family with Black Mask and White Shark entering the field. The trilogy could end in an all-out turf war where Batman has to learn what it truly means to be Gotham’s hero.

October 17, 2021
Alaqua Cox Confirms MCU’s Echo Will Have Her Comic Powers

Marvel Studios’ streaming series Hawkeye is set to introduce several major new characters to the MCU when it hits Disney Plus next month. While much of the buzz before the series went into production centered on whether or not Hailee Steinfeld would sign on as Kate Bishop, newcomer Alaqua Cox quickly came into the spotlight when it was announced that her character, Maya Lopez, would have her spinoff series.

Lopez, better known as Echo to comic readers, like Cox, may not have been a household name, but her performance in Hawkeye filled Marvel Studios with enough confidence to greenlight an Echo series just as the character has risen to prominence in the comics. Now the host of the Phoenix Force, Echo is one of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe; however, before her run-in with the Ravager of Worlds, Echo was already an elite martial artist, able to stand toe-to-toe with Daredevil. Using her “photographic reflexes”, Echo has been able to perfectly emulate the fighting techniques of anyone she’s watched, making her more than a match for most opponents.

While it was originally unclear if Marvel Studios would adapt Echo’s unique gifts, Cox seems to have indicated they will in a recent interview with People Magazine:

Maya is a bada– woman. She can pick up fighting moves after watching it one time
Alaqua Cox

So far we’ve only seen one quick look at Echo in the promotional footage for Hawkeye which means we’re all in for a treat when she gets involved in the action. In the comics, she was able to prepare to fight her opponents by watching footage of their past rumbles; in a time when any and everything is recorded and available on the internet, Echo could quickly and easily prepare for just about any opponent. It’ll be fun to see how Marvel Studios interprets her abilities to live-action and who takes the first beating at her hands Hawkeye begins streaming on November 24th on Disney Plus with a two-episode premiere.

Source: People Magazine

October 17, 2021