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  • ‘Assembled’: ‘WandaVision’s Episode is the Most Watched Entry of the Marvel Studios BTS Series

    ‘Assembled’: ‘WandaVision’s Episode is the Most Watched Entry of the Marvel Studios BTS Series

    Disney+ doesn’t actively share any viewing data. So, we are dependent on external analysts to figure out how successful a show may be on the streaming service. Luckily, the latest analysis by Samba TV has revealed that WandaVision‘s Assembled episode is the most-watched episode of all three.

    They shared the statistic on Twitter which showcases how many viewers the episodes got in their first five days. WandaVision led with 98K US households followed by Loki with 65K as well as Falcon and the Winter Soldier‘s 61K. It seems that the premier Marvel Studios series had the most momentum, as people wanted to uncover how they brought the iconic sitcom eras to life throughout each episode.

     

    It’s an interesting insight into how many viewers are interested in the BTS episodes. It seems that this additional one-episode format per Disney+ series is paying off and has earned a considerable audience in the US. We’re still questioning if we potentially get the release of a Black widow-focused episode. There was never any announcement if they are actively including it in the series. So, it seems likely they might be utilizing this exclusively for the Disney+ series.

    Yet, they might also time it with the digital release, as they also include various looks at behind-the-scenes and cut scenes. Plus, the Disney+ series run for several weeks and it only gets released once the series’ finale got released. It’ll be interesting to see how many viewers the BTS episode on What If might garner, as we get a closer look at the animation process of his unique series. Here’s hoping Assembled has a long history ahead.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’: Wakandan Translations Hint at Tribute to Chadwick Boseman and T’Challa

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’: Wakandan Translations Hint at Tribute to Chadwick Boseman and T’Challa

    It looks like the Internet already uncovered the secret behind the mysterious new location teased from the first Black Panther: Wakanda Forever set video. We haven’t visited it before in Wakanda. So, it opened up the question of what purpose it might hold and it seems a bit darker than we assumed at first. It’s not just any location but one that also spoilers how the film will pay tribute to the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman. Twitter user @CreamOrScream shared a translation of the various pillars that hint at a tribute to the fallen king that reads:

     

     

    We were able to verify the translation, and there might even be the iconic line “Rest in Power” ahead of T’Challa’s name. There are some ways to translate the Wakandan language, as the lettering is available through the official Wakandan Files. It is an in-universe book written by the princess of Wakanda, Shuri. There are hints in the original video that this might be the council room and not a burial site. Still, they would want to keep their former king’s legacy alive by integrating it into the pillars.

    It’s heavy realizing what this location truly represents and the implications moving forward. The translation is a somber reminder of the events that transpired and the tragic loss of Boseman. It would make for a beautiful tribute that continues the actor’s legacy. It also gives the character the proper send-off he deserves. We don’t know how much of the film will get spent here, but it’ll be a location many of us will surely never forget.

    Source: Twitter

  • First ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Set Video Teases New Wakandan Location

    First ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Set Video Teases New Wakandan Location

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been actively filming for some time now. While being kept a secret, it seems the first set video found its way online. We first heard it enter production around three weeks ago, as it aims to hit its July 8th release next year. The plot details have been kept tightly under wraps. Still, some rumors are hinting Wakanda preparing to go to war with the MCU equivalent to Atlantis. After the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, the franchise’s future is uncertain, as Marvel Studios still hasn’t officially announced who would take over the role of Black Panther. Still, director Ryan Coogler has been outspoken about the film, and it’ll continue Boseman‘s legacy.

    We haven’t gotten any look behind the curtains so far. So, we don’t know how Wakanda might’ve changed in the sequel. They opened up to the rest of the world that will interestingly change the once isolated country. There’s also a lot of locations we never got a chance to visit in the brief visits we had throughout the MCU, but a new leaked set video offers us a glimpse of a brand new location we’ll visit in the upcoming Marvel sequel. The video is provided by Instagram user coolfreetv who shared it directly from Tyler Perry Studios.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CRxb7MjhFhX/

    The most frequently visited location in the film was the iconic throne room. So, it’s great we get to explore more corners of this fictional African city. The only question remains what this location is meant for. The black panther statues seem to indicate it is connected to the symbol of the country, or it might even connect to T’Challa’s unknown fate in the story. We’ll see what they’ll reveal ahead of the film’s July release and if we get a glimpse at its story ahead of the first trailer.

    Source: Instagram

  • James Gunn Shares First Details on ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’

    James Gunn Shares First Details on ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’

    James Gunn has been busy working on his DC film The Suicide Squad and the HBO Max spin-off, Peacemaker. His next project will finally be his grand return to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise to end the trilogy he started back in 2014. Marvel Studios even wen one sep above and we’ll get the franchise’s first Holiday Special ahead of the release of the third enry. In an interview with Collider, Gunn offered our first insight into what we can expect from the upcoming film.

    It’s in canon. It’s about the Guardians. You’ll learn stuff you’ll need to know ahead of Guardians 3.

    It made sense that the storyline would take place in the mainline continuity. We still don’t know if the I Am Groot special will also be part of it, but even the first animated series What If takes place in the multiverse. We might get to explore the history and backstory of the team that might tie directly into the film. Star Wars‘ infamous Holiday Special featured Life Day as the Christmas equivalent for the galaxy far far away. So, we might also learn how the galaxy celebrates it and how they spent it growing up.

    He also confirms that they will film the special at the same time as the third entry of the film. Gunn’s team will reuse the same actors and sets. So, they will make use of that during production. It is set to release ahead of the film. So, we might even get some teases of which characters will appear in the threequel. The special won’t be long as he teased it’ll be shorter than 40 minutes. It’ll be interesting to see if other franchises might also join in on the fun in the future.

    If you are interested, you can watch the brief interview with Collider here:

     

    Source: YouTube

  • Sylvester Stallone Returning for ‘GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3’

    Sylvester Stallone Returning for ‘GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3’

    Sylvester Stallone’s appearance as Stakar Ogord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was a pretty tightly kept secret up until just a few months before the film’s release. Stallone’s Ogord, who was incredibly loosely based on Marvel Comics character Starhawk, an enormously strange and powerful member of both the 31st century and “present day” Guardians of the Galaxy, was a Ravager captain who exiled Yondu after the blue space hillbilly broke the Ravager code by trafficking children. Yondu’s funeral served as an impromptu reunion for Stakar’s old Ravager buddies who decided to reteam and get back to thieving together.

    Gunn has always hinted that we’d see more of the Ravagers in the future and now, according to director Randall Emmett, a close personal friend of Stallone, it looks like Stakar (and presumably the rest of the gang) will be back for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. In a Zoom Q&A following a screening of his new film Midnight in the Switchgrass, Emmett revealed that Stallone is working on “the next Expendables and Guardians of the Galaxy.” The threequel is confirmed to begin work in Atlanta this November and is expected to be Gunn’s last go with the franchise, so it’s not surprising that he’ll have the team of Ravagers, including Michael Rosenbaum’s Martinex, Ving Rhames’ Charlie-27, Michelle Yeoh’s Aleta Ogord, Mainframe and Krugarr back to wrap things up.

    Source: Reddit

    Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is currently set to hit theaters May 5, 2023.

     

  • Starz Blocks Disney’s Star Plus Expansion in Brazil

    Starz Blocks Disney’s Star Plus Expansion in Brazil

    Here’s an interesting development. During Disney’s Investors Day, they revealed their global expansion. Europe and Canada got Star as a new brand directly in Disney+ to add access to mature content. The United States keeps its Hulu branding as a separate service, but they’ve tested ut integrating multiple streaming options by integrating ESPN+. Their idea for the Latin America market was to create a Star-focused service titled Star Plus.

    Yet, it looks like those plans were swiftly halted by a judge in São Paulo. Starz successfully blocked their launch in Brazil with complaints on trademark infringement still active in Mexico. Argentinian court has denied Starz’s complaint. Judge Jorge Tosta wrote the following on the decision:

    The plaintiff proved to have priority of use and registration in Brazil over the word mark ‘STARZPLAY,’ including for identifying entertainment services, which grants it the right to protect its reputation and material integrity.

    Starz has established its Starzplay streaming service and launched it in the Latin American market in 2019. Of course, it isn’t the exact same title but they have pointed out that Star Plus and Starzsplay will get generalized terms as “Star.” Plus, Disney’s marketing power also could harm Starz brand. It’s an interesting case, as it opens Disney to some new hurdles. They either have to rethink their strategy in Brazil or create unique branding for the location. Perhaps they’ll decide to extend the Hulu brand internationally as a result.

     

    Prime Video Channels: Amazon bringt Starzplay nach Deutschland

     

    Of curse, they can also take the European route by integrating it into Disney+, but the service was going to include ESPN offerings. So, there’s also the Indian Disney+ Hotstar branding that is more distinctive. It’s likely they’ll wait out until Mexico makes their decision before rolling out the brand, but it’s an interesting development that could have repercussions for Disney’s overall branding strategy. The official Twitter channel teased a strange new verified channel simply called The Streamer:

    Source: Variety, Twitter

  • Namor Connection Teased in ‘Doctor Strange’ Sequel Casting

    Namor Connection Teased in ‘Doctor Strange’ Sequel Casting

    It looks like Shuma-Gorath might not be the only tentacle monster in the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel. A listing by actress Yenifer Molina reveals she has a role in Sam Raimi‘s film. What stands out is that her character’s name is Gargantos 2. Long-time comics fans might recognize it as a sea monster under the control of the Lemurian known as Naga. They only appeared in 1969’s Sub-Mariner #13 and X-Factor Annual #4 in 1989 but vanished since.

     

     

     

    Its inclusion in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is quite a surprise. We still have no idea how Strange will travel through the multiverse and if each pocket dimension gets a unique arc. Her acting credits include minor roles as an office worker in Detective Pikachu and a waitress on HBO Max’s Tom and Jerry. So, this role might only have a minor part in the film. We don’t know how many universes the doctor will travel through. The creature’s backstory connects to Namor. So, it would make sense that they’d appear in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which will potentially feature the character.

    The Funko leaks hinted at Supreme and Defender Variants of Doctor Strange. So, they may end up joining their multiversal counterparts in their story. Moviegoers might get introduced to the concept of the Serpent Crown, which got tossed into a pocket dimension for safekeeping. It got created by the Elder Gods, which could connect back to Shuma-Gorath. Perhaps it is the McGuffin necessary to stop the Devourer God from taking over the multiverse.

    Source: Mandy

  • Scott Snyder Announces 8 New Original Comics Under Massive ComiXology and Dark Horse Deal

    Scott Snyder Announces 8 New Original Comics Under Massive ComiXology and Dark Horse Deal

    Acclaimed comics creator Scott Snyder just might be comics’ busiest man today. The famed Batman writer just took to Twitter to unveil a brand new mega-deal between his own company Best Jackett Press with Amazon’s digital service comiXology and announced a whopping 8 new original titles with various artists. The titles are collaborators are as follows: a horror/action titled WE HAVE DEMONS with Batman collaborator Greg Capullo, a futuristic noir mystery called CLEAR with Flash artist Francis Manapul, a throwback horror story with Francesco Francavilla called NIGHT OF THE GHOUL, a romance/adventure story with Tula Lotay called BARNSTORMERS, a sci-fi romp called DUDLEY DATSON & THE FOREVER MACHINE with Jamal Igle, a western called CANARY with Dan Panosian, a manga-inspired adventure set 1955 America titled DUCK AND COVER with Rafael Albuquerque, and a thriller with Jock called BOOK OF EVIL. All these books will be printed and published by Dark Horse.

     

     

     

    This huge deal with Snyder isn’t Amazon’s first foray into the world of comic books. The company first purchased comiXology back in 2014 and from there, began building its comic-related multimedia portfolio; Robert Kirkman‘s Invincible and Garth Ennis‘ The Boys have since been massive hits for their streaming service. However, in a piece by the Hollywood Reporter, it is being reported that Snyder and his collaborators shall maintain full TV, film, and merchandise rights under the Amazon deal, meaning they will be able to pick which company gets to adapt what. When asked why he signed a deal with Amazon, he says, “It’s a tumultuous time in comics. I think a lot of big companies are cutting rates and becoming more corporate. But because all these companies [networks and streaming services] are so desperate for content, there is more demand for good storytelling than ever before. You have more agency.”

     

    Source: THR

     

  • ‘Lucifer’s Joe Henderson Developing Live-Action ‘Pokémon’ Netflix Series

    ‘Lucifer’s Joe Henderson Developing Live-Action ‘Pokémon’ Netflix Series

    The future for the Pokémon series has been quite the question mark in Hollywood. We got the 2019 film Detective Pikachu starring Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith. We never got an official announcement for a sequel or spin-off films after the film had moderate success at the Box Office. After a long bit of silence, the series makes a grand return as Lucifer‘s Joe Henderson is set to write and executive produce a live-action series for Netflix.

    The streamer has been on the hunt for big-name franchises to compete with the ever-growing competitive market. They’ve dabbled in Anime for quite some time and even became the home for most of the iconic animated series featuring Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu. There’s no word if they will adapt the Anime into live-action or take a completely new direction to make it stand on its own terms.

    Variety points out that the series will be akin to the 2019 film. Sadly, no further details are available but Henderson’s work on the popular Lucifer season makes him a great choice. There’s a lot of potentials to explore the vast world filled with these creatures. Each season ould explore a different region from the games, or they even explore a brand new one.

    Pokémon joins the many Anime live-action adaptations that the streamer has been trying to bring to life over the last few years. They’ve been working on bringing Cowboy Bebop, One Piece, and even Gundam to live-action. Only Bebop has entered some form of production with a release remaining uncertain. Here’s hoping this project doesn’t end up in development hell for some time.

    Source: Variety

  • Seth Green Teases Howard the Duck’s Role in Marvel Studios’ ‘What If’ Disney+ Series

    Seth Green Teases Howard the Duck’s Role in Marvel Studios’ ‘What If’ Disney+ Series

    It seems Howard the Duck may have more than a bit role in Marvel’s What If…?, according to actor Seth Green. The Hollywood Reporter recently published a retrospective on 1986’s Howard the Duck film, in honor of the cult classic’s 35th anniversary. The piece includes numerous interviews, including one from Green, who has been portraying Howard in the MCU since 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Among his comments on the character were interesting tidbits on his future in the Marvel wheelhouse, and a confirmation in which episode we can expect him:

    […] it resulted in a scene between T’Challa and Howard.

    Fans discovered Howard would be involved in the show via a surprise appearance in its first full-length trailer. Green’s comment seems to confirm he will appear in an episode featuring Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa replacing Peter Quill as Star-Lord and reveals he will play a big enough role to include a speaking part. The famed comedian also shared how he chose to portray the character, with a manner more in line with his comic history:

    He’s a punk rock noir detective, at least that’s the way I play it.

    Howard was written as a private eye in Chip Zdarsky’s 2015 run on the character, and it appears that former Howard the Duck actress Lea Thompson found inspiration from the same comics when developing her ideas for a potential MCU reboot. Thompson has been vocal about wanting to direct a modern remake of Howard, and some of her comments on the topic, from the same retrospective, do hint at a future for everyone’s favorite space Duck in the MCU:

    Marvel liked the pitch, but they have different plans for the different characters.

     Source: The Hollywood Reporter