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  • New ‘Black Widow’ BTS Images Offer Closer Look at Taskmaster, Red Guardian, And More

    New ‘Black Widow’ BTS Images Offer Closer Look at Taskmaster, Red Guardian, And More

    Disney+ has been our main source of Marvel Studios goodness since everything was delayed for a year. We are still crossing our fingers that Black Widow will release in May, but things are as uncertain as they have always been. Still, we are always excited to see new images from the upcoming project make their way online to build up some hype, as we wait for the official trailer to confirm the upcoming release. The Twitter user @ImAFilmEditor has taken to Twitter to release various new stills from the upcoming film that offer a small glimpse of what is to come.

    https://twitter.com/ImAFilmEditor/status/1371219729625456640

    There are some great images in here, especially those close-up shots from Taskmaster. His design is certainly unique, but it has been growing on us over time. He still has his iconic skull design and you can see the camera that is built into his helmet. That is a great detail for the character, whose main ability is to be able to copy moves from anyone he fights. Even after all this time, we still don’t know 100% who is behind that mask even after it got delayed by a year. There is also a picture of O-T Fagbenle‘s Rick Mason, who has been noticeably absent from the trailers.

    I also love the image of David Harbour holding an action figure of Red Guardian. If this is indeed in the film, it would imply that the Soviet version of Captain America was a public figure. It will be interesting to explore his backstory. It makes you wonder if his legacy might also be discussed in Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which is focused on the legacy that the iconic shield carries. There are also a variety of pictures showing off Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, and, of course, Scarlett Johansson on the film’s set. Here’s hoping we can see them in action this May.

    Source: Twitter

  • Kevin Feige Talks Sam and Bucky’s Role’s After ‘Falcon and The Winter Soldier’

    Kevin Feige Talks Sam and Bucky’s Role’s After ‘Falcon and The Winter Soldier’

    Among the many things that fans have been wondering about in the lead-up to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is whether or not Sam and Bucky’s show will be one and done. Some worry about what their future holds after the big “Who will wield the shield?” dilemma is answered. A quote from today’s press junket from Kevin Feige left encouraging signs for Bucky and Sam’s Marvel Cinematic Universe future.

    The characters of Bucky and Sam are essential to the MCU and as they change, or as they evolve, or whatever they go through could and should have a big impact on the MCU so the answer’s yes….There can be character shifts that have massive massive implications for the stories we’re telling in the future.

    It’s not exactly an announcement of a fourth entry in the Captain America franchise, or another TV series featuring Sam Wilson or Bucky Barnes. However, it is an indication that Feige knows both of the characters’ worth to the MCU, and why it’s important to keep them involved in it. These characters and their experiences will help ground the more extraordinary elements of this ever-expanding universe. Feige knows that an audience can get a much more fulfilling experience out of films by using relatable and emotionally engaging characters, rather than just creating a big spectacular blockbuster that gets panned because it’s not much else.

     

    The Falcon & The Winter Soldier Director Wants A Season 2

     

    I think you feel it more because we have more time with the Disney+ series but I think that’s something we’ve always tried to do. Iron Man 3 was all about Tony Stark’s PTSD from Avengers essentially. What’s great about the Marvel characters is you’ve always heard us say: is there flaws? It’s grounding something for as crazy and extraordinary and science fiction and fantasy and supernatural as the MCU can get. It’s grounding in the character experiences and the emotions of the character and that’s always by far the most important anchor for any story we’re going to tell.

    As wild and fun as parts of WandaVision were, the emotional journey we went through with Wanda’s grief hit many of us hard. Yet it was important to do on many levels. The audience is allowed to see her trauma through the series, is grounding and relatable, and anchors the more fantastical elements. It seems as if we will have an emotional deep dive with Sam and Bucky in their series as well. This is what has always most attracted me to the Marvel universe and why I love the MCU characters so much. I enjoy the spectacle but still feel connected to the characters within it. It’s good to see that although the MCU will soon involve the multiverse, alongside more space and time travel, that Kevin Feige continues to understand that the most important part of these films is the connections made with the characters along the way. I’m hopeful we will continue to see more of that, and that this series isn’t the last of Sam and Bucky that we’ll see.

  • ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’: Kevin Feige Teases Wyatt Russell’s Captain America

    ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’: Kevin Feige Teases Wyatt Russell’s Captain America

    Ever since Falcon and the Winter Soldier was announced, we knew that the Disney+ series will focus on the passing of the mantle of Captain America. After the end of Avengers: Endgame, Sam Wilson was given the shield by Steve Rogers, but he is hesitant on accepting the role. In the trailers, we get a brief look at another man in a very familiar-looking suit. We know that Wyatt Russell is taking on the role of a government-funded Captain America, John Walker. In the press release,

    The past is prologue. The clues are everywhere in what has led to this moment. Certainly that character and that name, sometimes it’s just a name, but often times, we do, of course, pull from the lineage of their biographies from the comics and then tweak it as it is appropriate for the point of time we are introducing them into the MCU. Stay tuned over the course of this series.

    We have seen Marvel Studios adapt a lot of its characters. Sometimes they add unique spins or even combine characters, such as Iron Man 2′s Ivan Vanko being a combination of Crimson Dynamo and Whiplash. We don’t know if there is a history for Russell‘s version of the character moving forward as the US Agent, or even as Captain America. He will potentially become the public face for the character, as we saw him getting introduced in a football stadium. It is crazy to think that was the first trailer that was released during 2019’s Super Bowl. It will be interesting to see how his character evolves throughout the show, and what implications it could have for the future of the MCU.

  • ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’: Anthony Mackie Talks Sam Wilson’s Hesitance on Becoming Captain America

    ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’: Anthony Mackie Talks Sam Wilson’s Hesitance on Becoming Captain America

    As the logo of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier teases, the main focus of the upcoming show continues where Sam Wilson’s story last ended in Avengers: Endgame. As we learned in the first trailers, it seems that Sam isn’t quite ready to take on that heavy role. In the press release, our own Charles Murphy got a chance to ask Anthony Mackie about why Sam Wilson is hesitant to take on the shield even after Steve Rogers passed it on to him. He offered a heartfelt answer on the pressure that Sam is facing after holding the iconic Vibranium frisbee.

    Sam’s whole thing is: he went on this journey, this Avenger story over six movies with Steve because of his respect and admiration for Steve. When Captain America, he says, when Captain America shows up at your door, you answer in the movie Captain America: Winter Soldier. That being said, it is, you know, it is the pain, the idea of not being able to go on these missions, not going to be able to help his friend. You know, there are still people out there that really appreciate camaraderie and friendship […] Just like everybody else, you don’t want to see Steve Rogers go away. You don’t want to see Captain America go away. Because just like Captain America was your Cap, Captain America was Sam Wilsons Cap. So, you know, that is why he says at the end of Endgame, it feels like, when he is holding the shield, it is someone else’s. It feels like it is yours. He was a fan like everybody else.

    hH ends the question with a joke that Sam Wilson’s entire goal was to get a spin-off with Black Widow when she knocked on his door. It was a great way to break the tension after a very heartfelt and introspective answer on why this decision is so difficult for Sam. He spent so many films alongside his friend and now, he is gone. The moment he accepts the shield, he also has to face the fact that his friend has moved on. Of course, others being after the iconic symbol isn’t making that decision any easier and we can’t wait to see how they approach it once it premieres on March 19th.

  • Anthony Mackie Teases That ‘The Falcon and Winter Soldier’ Will Explore Sam Wilson’s Backstory

    Anthony Mackie Teases That ‘The Falcon and Winter Soldier’ Will Explore Sam Wilson’s Backstory

    Throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we are introduced to a long-list of characters. Sadly, we don’t always get to explore the characters’ history before they join the franchise. When Sam Wilson was introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, we only briefly hear about his time in the military. Luckily, as this franchise continues to expand we also get a new perspective on different characters. Luckily, it looks like The Falcon and The Winter Soldier will do exactly that, as we will get to find out more about Sam’s past before he became the iconic winged Avenger.

    It’s always a surprise when the minds get-together and the information trickle down to you. When I first read the script, I was really happy and acknowledged the fact, that he was from Louisiana.

    Anthony Mackie also briefly mentioned that he wanted to eat crawfish on camera to pay tribute to Wilson’s family history from Louisiana, but it sadly wasn’t possible. He also briefly talks about how this changes the characters’ comic history.

    The First Reactions To 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' Are Here – BroBible

    The idea of Sam Wilson, he’s always evolved in the world of the Marvel comic books and now he’s evolved in the Marvel cinematic universe. Because if you remember when Sam Wilson started out he was a huslter, from Harlem, and then as African American culture evolved, Stan Lee evolved him in the comic book into different incarnations. So I’m excited for everyone to see the new and improved Sam Wilson

    Still, it is great that the upcoming series will take a deeper look at these character’s history. It may also be used as a contrast to Bucky, who has no one left. All he had left in the modern age was Steve, so he might get accepted into a new world, as his relationship with Sam evolves by getting to know him better throughout the series’ runtime. It certainly opens up a lot of interesting character moments that would not get the spotlight in a feature film.

  • Anthony Mackie Wants to Spend Time in ‘Blade’s World

    Anthony Mackie Wants to Spend Time in ‘Blade’s World

    Marvel Studios is about t expand in many different ways. They finally started their new venture into Disney+ with WandaVision and the upcoming The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. There is also the exploration of a darker side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Moon Knight and Blade. Especially the latter opens up a whole new avenue for the franchise. In the latest press event for the second Disney+ show, Falcon’s Anthony Mackie was asked what future project he is most excited about, and he then revealed that he wants to be involved with

    I would really like to, Kevin, spend some time in Blade world.

    Anthony Mackie and Mahershala Ali would make for a fantastic duo in the MCU, which could be the focus of a future project. They wouldn’t introduce the vampire hunter without any plans for a crossover.  I do love how he points out to Kevin Feige what he wants to happen. It’s going to be interesting how Blade’s world will get introduced into the MCU. We haven’t seen anything related to vampires yet, so they could be a rather new introduction t this world. In the comics, vampires were created through the Darkhold, so they could focus strongly on the magical connection. It wouldn’t be surprising for an Avenger to get involved once they start noticing more attacks. So, it is only a question of time before they start getting heavily involved in the more supernatural world of the MCU.

  • Kevin Feige Talks Potential Future Seasons for ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’ and ‘WandaVision’

    Kevin Feige Talks Potential Future Seasons for ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’ and ‘WandaVision’

    The press rounds have started for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Marvel Studios’ next venture in Disney+ will take a closer look at the dynamic between Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, who will carry on the legacy set by Steve Rogers’ run as Captain America. Now, they face an uncertain future with many more adventures ahead of them. One of the questions was on the possibility of the series getting a second season, which the showrunner is open for, and how that would look with the MCU’s connected universe. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige may have teased their general approach:

    […] People expect it to be like what people know before. Where is Season 2? Where is Season 1? We really did apprach it like we do the mvies, we better do this great or we won’t get to do another one. If we are able to do another one, there are certailny ideas. The slight difference, of course, as you all heard me say, and I think is becoming clear with WandaVision, that they will really go back and forth between Disney+ Series and Marvel Studios features. So, where characters show up and how, will sometimes be a in a direct season two, sometimes in a feature and then an additianl season.

    We know that Wanda is going to have a bigger role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but the question is open to how they approach her story afterward. They could revisit the WandaVision series in a new format, or even retitle it completely t fit a new narrative. The introduction of Secret Invasion proves that we might see more event titles as mini-series rather than focusing on these series continuously releasing a new season each year. Disney+ does offer that flexibility that will keep these shows from getting repetitive.

  • ‘Superman and Lois’: Checking In With The Kent Boys

    ‘Superman and Lois’: Checking In With The Kent Boys

    On Superman & Lois, a lot of time is spent on Clark Kent juggling being a hero and learning to become a better father. While all of this is happening, Lois Lane is trying to expose Morgan Edge. While all of that is fascinating in its own right, the Kent children tell quite the story of their own. Jonathan and Jordan Kent couldn’t be more different from each other, which adds quite a bit of tension throughout its run.

    Jonathan (Jordan Elsass) is levelheaded, comfortable in his skin, and incredibly confident. In the first three episodes, he stands out as the moral center of the show. Sure, we see him teasing his brother, but what teenager wouldn’t? What we learn about him while watching this show is that Jonathan is also incredibly empathetic and reasonable. He sees things in his brother that their father is missing.

     

    Superman & Lois review: It's a good premiere — but is it a show? | EW.com

    When Jordan (Alex Garfin) joins the football team without Clark knowing, Jonathan tells his brother that their father will be upset, as he tries not to beat him over the head with it. Later, when Clark finds out and scolds Jordan, Jonathan is the one that comes to his defense. He ensures to their father that Jordan can control his abilities. Jonathan should have every reason not to be as understanding as he is. He got upended to a small town and suddenly finds out his father is Superman. We haven’t even tackled the fact that his brother has powers while he doesn’t.

    Now the one thing Jonathan excels at is football, but now his brother is upstaging him. With all of that happening, he still tries his best to be a good brother. One wonders if that will continue or how that will evolve, as Jordan is the one that needs the most care. He’s emotionally unstable at times, which is a dangerous combination when one possesses abilities as he does. This fact, of course, concerns his parents.

     

    Superman & Lois' Twin Sons Jon & Jordan, Explained

     

    When Clark takes Jordan to the Fortress of Solitude, Jor-El’s hologram tells Clark that Jordan will never be like him. This revelation leaves his son angry and bitter, which ends up blaming it all on his father. We will look at this as an angst-ridden teenager in any other show, but this is a young man with insane expectations. Imagine being the son of Superman and hearing your grandfather say how you’ll never live up to your father. That’s pretty rough.

    On top of all of that, Jordan also has feelings for Lana’s daughter, Sarah Cushing. (Inde Navarette) In the pilot, he kisses her. It leads to a fight with her then-boyfriend, which becomes the catalyst to activate his heat vision. Jordan then spends the next episode not being allowed to go to school. It’s hard to imagine anyone dealing with this well at all. In episode three, both the boys find out that Clark has been eavesdropping on their conversations for a long time. This invasion of privacy is a privilege Superman has through his abilities, but it creates tension with his sons. 

     

    Superman & Lois' Super Son's Powers May Not Be What You Expect

     

    Eventually, there’s growth from Jordan once he joins the football team. He’s able to control his new-found strength to some degree. The best part is, he even gets to make some friends. Maybe there’ll be a little bit less angst in the upcoming episodes. Even Clark learns something from prior experience with his Dad that gives him the motivation to let Jordan play. This television show is primarily about Superman, but they confirm his two sons are not just cannon fodder. They’re teaching Clark valuable lessons and growing as young men themselves. Their character development is just as important as the man of steel.

  • ‘Black Adam: First Set Photos Tease Hawkman’s Origins

    ‘Black Adam: First Set Photos Tease Hawkman’s Origins

    Anticipation is high for the upcoming debut of Dwayne Johnson in his first foray into the superhero genre, where he will don the bolt of the wizard Shazam to become Black Adam. The film had been on the back burner for quite some time until it finally got moving when the film picked up director Jaume Collet-Serra in 2019. Since then, the film would march full steam ahead, as it recruited star after star to fill out its cast. Sadly, it lost its release date due to the pandemic, but that isn’t stopping its production team from getting ready. Now, as the film prepares to get the ball rolling next month, it seems we have our first look at something completely out of this world.

    Die-hard fans of Hawkman and Hawkgirl know what we’re talking about, as it seems to resemble the Thanagarian Star Cruiser. It’s a ship that plays a pivotal role in their origins. While they can be quite convoluted, it seems they’ll be going with his post-hawk world origin this time around. In it, a Thanagarian ship crashes in ancient Egypt as prophecized by Nabu. Prince Khufu, Nabu, and Teth-Adam find this ship and bring it back to Khufu’s palace. There they study the Nth metal and eventually melted down and used it to make a scarab, a knife, and the Claw of Horus.

    The metal would also strengthen the souls of Chayara and Khufu, in which Katar believed they’d be together forever. The pair would eventually be murdered by Hath-Set using the Nth Metal Knife, trapping their souls in an endless cycle of reincarnation. Aldis Hodge will take on the role of Hawkman and his ties to Egypt could end up tying together with Black Adam’s origin. Hopefully, we get our first look at Hawkman in costume once it enters production next month.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter, Twitter

  • EXCLUSIVE: Director Kari Skogland on How the Pandemic Impacted ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’

    EXCLUSIVE: Director Kari Skogland on How the Pandemic Impacted ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’

    Production on Marvel Studios next Disney Plus streaming series, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, was about halfway complete when things abruptly came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When production resumed on the project under the ironically named Pandemic Productions company, the cast and crew had to adjust on the fly to an entirely new set of circumstances. I asked director Kari Skogland how the pandemic impacted the project and to find a silver lining in what was a scary and surprising time.
    Charles Murphy: “You guys had quite a bit of work done when the pandemic shut things down. What’s something good that came out of that downtime on this project?”
    Kari Skogland: “For us, it was actually quite positive because we were able to, first of all, we had an amazing team. Everybody was very willing to pivot as necessary. So there was no panic as a result we just got on with it. Once the sort of surprise of it all, perhaps we all sniffed it coming? I guess I don’t know. But nonetheless, it was still a surprise. Once we sort of got over that, it was very much…we just sort of picked up and kept going because there is always work to be done-cause we were midway. So the positive side to it was when we were able to gear back up we were really targeted. We knew exactly what we were shooting. We knew where the series was and where it needed to go. I think we were able to use the time very wisely to make all kinds of decisions that we wouldn’t have had time to make otherwise. The best and most positive thing was that the team responded incredibly well, actors, everybody included, we all just got on with it.”

    More than once during the shutdown, I heard how Marvel Studios was using the time they wouldn’t otherwise have well and wisely. Having more time to think, discuss and evaluate their projects provided a rare opportunity to strengthen what were some already great projects. As Skogland said, the shutdown gave them time to really reflect on things and make decisions without being up against deadlines. As you’ll see when The Falcon and The Winter Soldier debuts next week, the downtime was time well spent.