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  • James Gunn Teases a Potential ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2

    James Gunn Teases a Potential ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2

    James Gunn is slowly expanding the DC universe in interesting ways. We’re about to get a darkly twisted incarnation with his adaptation of The Suicide Squad that will see the misfit team face an unlikely challenge. He will introduce some of DC’s most obscure yet creative characters. It includes the addition of Charlton Comics’ icon Peacemaker, who will be played by John Cena. The character was first introduced in Fightin’ 5 #40 back in 1966. The creation by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette will soon become a household name, as James Gunn also started working on an original HBO Max series that explores his story before the events of the upcoming film. It looks like Gunn has some plans for a future season, as he teased on Twitter that there is one more character he didn’t get a chance to include in this season.

    https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1392683838619410432

    Of course, Gunn doesn’t reveal which character he is thinking of, but there is a likely chance it might be another one from Charlton Comics. Some of the bigger additions come from the iconic publishing company that ran from 1945 until 1986. peacemaker season 2. It would be interesting to see which characters Gunn wants to explore, as there are some really interesting candidates. We could see him add Captain Atom or Question into the series. He could even explore the original Blue Beetle, Dan Garret. He would be an interesting contrast to Peacemaker. Whatever the director has planned, t is great to see HBO Max and DC explore these minor characters and give them the spotlight to tell stories, we’d otherwise miss out on.

    Source: Twitter

  • Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ Now Heading to Disney+ Premier Access Alongside Theatrical Release

    Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ Now Heading to Disney+ Premier Access Alongside Theatrical Release

    Even as cinemas are recovering, there still remains some uncertainty about the potential of gathering people in an enclosed space. Currently, most upcoming projects in the next months will release digitally in some form or another. HBO Max started the trend by announcing all of its 2021 films would release simultaneously in cinemas and on the streaming platform. Disney followed in these footsteps with Mulan, as well as Raya and the Last Dragon before continuing it with the upcoming releases of Cruella and Black Widow. Well, it looks like one more film is joining them, as Dwayne Johnson has announced that his upcoming film Jungle Cruise will release in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access on July 30th.

     

    It’s not a surprise that they are making this decision, as it is still uncertain how a film will perform in cinemas. Godzilla vs. Kong managed to do the unthinkable a year ago, but it isn’t a sure-fire confirmation every film will be able to do so. So, Disney may be trying to take a safer route as Black Widow is also heading for a simultaneous release in theaters and on the silver screen. The latest release with the format may have also proven to be quite profitable. So, Disney saw the potential of continuing to utilize the service to avoid any potential heavy losses if people tend to remain at home until the pandemic truly is “over.” We’ll have to keep an eye out on the Box Office for the coming months to see if the later half of the year might see the end of simultaneous digital releases.

    Source: Instagram

  • First Look at Kevin Smith’s ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ Revealed

    First Look at Kevin Smith’s ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ Revealed

    It looks like more classic cartoons from the 80s are making a return, as Entertainment Weekly finally gave us our first look at Kevin Smith‘s adaptation of Masters of the Universe. It’ll be released n two parts with the first premiering July 23rd. The series will be titled Masters of the Universe: Revelation and see the return of Prince Adam, who is voiced by Chris Wood. Skeletor will be voiced by Star Wars and voice-over veteran, Mark Hamill. It’ll continue the tale where the original left off with the help of Castlevania’s Powerhouse Animation. The first images have found their way online with Smith sharing his enthusiasm for this new project.

    Everything I’ve ever worked on in like 27 years, this is easily in the top five of my favorite, most satisfying projects. When I die, they’ll be like, ‘He made Clerks, remember?’ ‘Cause that’s the most memorable thing I think I’ve ever done. I think this has a running shot at being like, ‘He made Clerks and that one cartoon that one time.

     

    They’ve also announced the addition of Lena Headey as Evil-Lyn, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Teela, Alicia Silverstone tackling the role of Queen Marlena, and Kevin Conroy as Mer-Man. The original Skeletor, Alan Oppenheimer, will also return to the series but this time as Moss Man. Smith has also confirmed that his goal is to expand the lore and explore new aspects of these iconic characters through the sequel series. They also aimed to raise the stakes in interesting ways, but don’t expect an Invincible level of blood.

     

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • Marvel Studios’ Disney+ Approach Causes Industry Concern

    Marvel Studios’ Disney+ Approach Causes Industry Concern

    It looks like Marvel Studios’ current new direction with Disney+ is causing a stir again, as a report by Variety has revealed that many industry experts are wary of their new strategy. Usually, shows are produced by a showrunner, who pretty much organizes the production, directors, writers, and maps out the overall story. In Marvel’s case, these shows have a head writer but don’t actually include anyone with the title of showrunner. It has been openly communicated by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige but has somehow managed to fall under the radar until now. As Falcon and the Winter Soldier‘s Kari Skogland put it, they are using “the features model.” That means that they are adapting their production methodology from filmmaking in their new long-form format rather than fully embracing classic television conventions. She had the following to say on the process:

    It’s a nuance, but it’s one that I think is being embraced more and more because the job honestly in these big, epic miniseries or shows is too big,” says Skogland, who’s also an executive producer. “I was in the writers’ room so that I could really absorb what was being said and be part of the process by floating ideas. As we were going through production, we would workshop scenes and then ask for rewrites on things. So [Malcolm Spellman] was still very much a part of the whole process, but it’s a slightly different mechanical way it comes down. Honestly, it’s very effective and efficient, because it’s just too much work for any one person.

    Marvel Studios is well-known in the industry for its unorthodox approach, which allowed them to establish 23 interconnected films. Of course, switching up the cinematic landscape and adding a new level of restrictions comes at a price, as peers will doubt its validity in making television. It brought back a discussion regarding the creative autonomy that showrunners usually hold and if this will lead to the studio losing talent. David Goodman, the president of Writers Guild of America West, has shown his concern for the model but highlights how unique Marvel Studios is as a case in the industry.

    If Marvel still wants to have its product be at the standard that people are coming to expect from it, they’re going to need good writers, and they’re going to have to invest those writers with responsibility. I stand in awe of what they’ve done at Marvel. Others have tried, and they haven’t succeeded

    Yet, there are some legitimate concerns about the approach. Kevin Feige and the companies’ future vision for the Marvel Cinematic Universe acts as the main showrunner connecting it. It is an environment that won’t interest every type of creative out there, which could lead to some strife, which we’ve seen back in the day with Edgar Wright. Though, it isn’t uncommon for industry experts to fear strong changes to the status quo. Its implementation may serve the MCU’s expansion and won’t become an ongoing standard, which also makes Marvel Studios a perfect jumping-on point for talent. It is the same environment that gave Malcolm Spellman the chance to expand into film with Captain America 4.

    Source: Variety

  • Janelle Monae Joins Daniel Craig-led ‘Knives Out’ Sequel

    Janelle Monae Joins Daniel Craig-led ‘Knives Out’ Sequel

    Back in 2019, Rian Johnson garnered an impressive class that included Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craig, Don Johnson, Christopher Plummer, Chris Evans, and Ana De Armas. it took a traditional approach by introducing us to a classic murder mystery in the family’s home, as they fight over their inheritance. In the middle of it all, detective Benoist Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, slowly unravels the true mystery of what happened to the mansion’s owner. It was such a success that the sequel was fast-tracked.

    Recently we received word that Johnson had begun assembling another all-star cast that will join Craig’s returning Benoit Blanc. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that musician and actress Janelle Monae will join the cast of the upcoming project. So far, she is joining the likes of Dave Bautista and Edward Norton. We’ve been receiving news on the daily basis, which could indicate we’ve just hit the surface.

    Plot details for the upcoming film are still currently under wraps. Filming will begin in Greece this summer. The project is the first in a massive $469M deal between Johnson and Netflix, who have high hopes for the project moving forward. The film currently has no release date but we can expect quite a few more cast members to join the production in the upcoming weeks. We’ll see what other big names might have gotten the director’s attention as they round out the cast.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • First Look at Elliot Page on Netflix’s ‘Umbrella Academy’ Set

    First Look at Elliot Page on Netflix’s ‘Umbrella Academy’ Set

    The next season of The Umbrella Academy has been in production for some time now. After the ending of the last season, we were teased of the arrival of the Sparrow Academy. The third season will explore this new timeline, where Sir Reginald left his original family behind to adopt a new one. His hope was that these new groups would avoid the dark future he saw in a vision. We got the official casting announcement a few months ago, but have been wondering when we’ll get a look at the cast from the original timeline. Luckily, our wait has paid off as the first images have found their way from the set. Photographer Sean O’Neill shared an image giving us our first look at Elliot Page on the series’ set.

    That is not all, as we also got a closer look at Tom Hopper wearing a muscle suit in Hamilton’s Gage Park.

    In December 2019, Elliot Page publicly announced his transition and publicly discussed the difficulties of identifying as a boy while often playing the role of a girl. However, Netflix embraced the change and even adapted the credits from the previous projects to showcase his change. He will continue playing the role of Vanya Hargreeves in Umbrella Academy, who was portrayed as a cisgender woman. It is uncertain if they might decide to adapt to the role, but currently, there still seem to be no plans. Seeing Elliot on the set could be an indicator that they will allow the actor to embrace his new identity and add a new layer of complexity to the character.

    Source: Twitter, Variety (Transition), Variety

  • China Release for ‘Shang-Chi’ and ‘Eternals’ Uncertain As Films Face Backlash

    China Release for ‘Shang-Chi’ and ‘Eternals’ Uncertain As Films Face Backlash

    The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a stronghold in cinemas across the world. They’ve also been a mainstay with China, one of the largest growing film markets globally. Its growth has been giving Hollywood quite a bit of competition. At one point, they even tried to strengthen their ties with China by filming exclusive sequences for Iron Man 3. There were even rumors that they’ve adapted specific aspects of their films to appease China’s very strict regulations for allowing Western film releases. It looks like they might be facing some troubles with their upcoming releases, as CCTV6 China Movie Chanel released their list of upcoming releases. They showcased eight of the ten available titles with Eternals and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings noticeably absent.

    Why does it matter? Well, the channel is part of China’s propaganda department. They have the final word on what Western releases make it into the country. If these films do not receive governmental approval or pass censorship, they will not be released in any capacity. For now, it doesn’t imply that the films won’t be released but that there are some aspects that may have caught the Chinese official’s attention.

     

    Can Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings fix Marvel's 'Asian problem'? | Movies | The Guardian

     

    It’s also curious that both have strong connections to the country. Shang-Chi will feature Simu Liu as Marvel Studios’ first Asian superhero, who was born in China. Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh are also well-known in the country. The issue the film may face is the character’s ties to the racist caricature Fu Manchu in the comics. Chinese politicians have slammed the film for simply replacing the character with another harmful stereotype. The film has also seen some harsh criticism towards Simu Liu and Awkwafina’s appearances not matching the ideal Chinese beauty standard. Mulan’s reception has also been a cause for concern after it received backlash for its portrayal of Eastern culture.

    Then there is Eternals‘ director Chloé Zhao, who just recently won an Oscar for Nomadland. She also was born in China and has strong ties to the country. According to Variety, there has been some backlash surrounding the director, as her name and achievements were wiped from the Chinese web. It is still uncertain why they decided to blacklist her after the praise for winning the Golden Globes. As of now, we will have to wait and see if any new developments might give them a chance to release them in the booming market. Currently, it doesn’t look like their chances are good.

    Source: Variety

  • Netflix Adds Edward Norton to ‘Knives Out’ Sequel

    Netflix Adds Edward Norton to ‘Knives Out’ Sequel

    The first Knives Out film was a smash hit, sporting an all-star cast that includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana De Armas, Daniel Craig, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Chris Evans, and Michael Shannon. The film grossed over $300M, and it seemed like a sure thing it’ll get a sequel. A while back, Netflix announced that they closed a $400M deal acquiring the rights to two more installments in the Knives Out franchise. The follow-up films would see the return of Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc. Rian Johnson will also return as writer and director on the project.

    Yesterday, we received news that the Destroyer, Dave Bautista, will join the project in an unknown capacity. It looks like it was just the beginning, as we’ve learned that Edward Norton, best known for his roles in films such as Fight Club and Birdman, will also have a role in the upcoming film. It looks like it’ll be another star-studded cast.

    Plot details for the upcoming film remain under wraps as production on the film aims for a summer start in Greece. It’ll be interesting to see how Johnson shifts the story this time, as the first film did such a great job of reinventing the classic Whodunnit. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the film is its new setting. The first film found us set within an old family home filled with bickering relatives. Now it seems we will be taken to a new and much more exotic location, as the world becomes Johnson‘s sandbox.

    Source: THR

  • ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ Funko Offers Better Look at Carnage’s Design

    ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ Funko Offers Better Look at Carnage’s Design

    After a long wait, the first trailer for Venom: Let There Carnage hs finally dropped online. It continued where the original left off, as Tom Hardy‘s Eddie Brock lives his life alongside the symbiote. We also got a new look at Woody Harrelson as Cletus Kasady. The mad man would eventually combine with a symbiote to form Carnage. We got a few good looks at the symbiote throughout the trailer, but as they are still working on the effects, they have kept him in the shadow. It seemed as if they muted his classic red coloring, but the newly revealed Funko Pops may have given us the best look yet.

    The trailer’s muted colors didn’t quite offer a great look at the newly formed symbiote. Luckily, the Funko Pops confirms that he will be mostly red with black tendrils mixed in. The design seems strongly inspired by his time in the Ultimate Spider-Man comics, where it was an artificial creature created by Dr. Curtis Conners with the help of Peter Parker’s DNA. Of course, in that run, the character wasn’t taken over by Cletus Kasady. The story that was hinted at seems to take a lot of inspiration from the Maximum Carnage run, as it also includes the character of Shriek.

    Source: Instagram

  • Report: ‘Ms. Marvel’ Has Wrapped Production, Slated for Late 2021 Release

    Report: ‘Ms. Marvel’ Has Wrapped Production, Slated for Late 2021 Release

    Principal photography on Marvel Studios Disney Plus streaming series Ms. Marvel has wrapped in Thailand, according to a trade report. The series spent more than a month filming on location in Thailand after beginning production in Atlanta. According to the report, episodes 4 and 5 of the 6-part series were filmed overseas; according to rumors and casting information, we could expect to see Kamala bump into the Red Dagger, one of her allies in the comics, during that time.

    Iman Vellani is Kamala Khan in First Ms. Marvel Sizzle Reel!

    Ms. Marvel was first announced at D23 in August of 2019 and is one of the studio’s most anticipated streaming series. After a long search for their Kamala Khan, Marvel Studios cast Iman Vellani in the role in September of 2020, shortly before beginning production on the series in November. Though we’re not quite sure yet when Ms. Marvel will debut, the trade report reiterates that it is expected to stream before the end of this year. Vellani will be moving into production on The Marvels later this year.

     

    Source: Variety