Tag: Movie News

  • DC’s ‘Legion of Super-Heroes’ Sets its Cast

    DC’s ‘Legion of Super-Heroes’ Sets its Cast

    DC has set its cast for its animated Legion of Super-Heroes movie. The Hollywood Reporter has announced that Meg Donnelly (The Winchesters), Harry Shum Jr. (Shadowhunters), Darren Criss (Glee), Matt Bomer (White Collar), and Jensen Ackles (Supernatural) have joined the cast.

    Donnelly will voice Supergirl/Kara, Shum Jr. will voice Brainiac 5, and Criss will lend his voice to the Man of Steel, Superman. Bomer, who currently stars in DC’s Doom Patrol series, is on hand to voice The Flash, while Ackles has been set as Batman. Also cast in the film are Cynthia Hamidi as Dawnstar, Gideon Adlan as Phantom Girl, Ely Henry as Bouncing Boy, Robbie Daymond as TimberWolf & Brainiac 4, Yuri Lowenthal as Mon-El, Eric Lopez as Cosmic Boy & Chemical King, Darin De Paul as Brainiac & Solomon Grundy, Ben Diskin as Arms Fall off Boy & Brainiac 2, Victoria Grace as Shadow Lass, Jennifer Hale as Alura, Daisy Lightfoot as Triplicate Girl and Zeno Robinson as Invisible Kid & Brainiac 3.

    The synopsis for the film hints at Kara struggling to adjust to her new life on Earth after the loss of Krypton, and her life at Legion Academy.

    The story picks up as Kara, devastated by the loss of Krypton, struggles to adjust to her new life on Earth. Her cousin, Superman, mentors her and suggests she leave their space-time to attend the Legion Academy in the 31st century, where she makes new friends and a new enemy: Braniac 5. Meanwhile, she must contend with a mysterious group called the Dark Circle as it searches for a powerful weapon held in the Academy’s vault.

    Jeff Wamester (Green Lantern: Beware My Power) directs the film from a script by Josie Campbell (Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous). The animated film, which hails from Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, is slated to be released next year.

    Source: THR.

  • A Closer Look at Marvel Studios’ Updated Slate

    A Closer Look at Marvel Studios’ Updated Slate

    Marvel Studios made sweeping changes to their upcoming theatrical slate recently, shuffling the release dates of several projects in what looks to have been a game of dominoes. Upon closer look, however, it seems possible that the last domino hasn’t fallen yet.

    2023

    Phase 5 begins! Outside of Blade being removed from the 2023 slate, the slate remains unchanged. Two projects (Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and Loki Season 2) look to connect directly with the overarching plot of the Multiverse Saga, but The Marvels might connect to it a bit more than one might think at first glance.

    2024

    The changes to the 2024 slate are where things really start to fall apart and where one has to question whether or not there will be another round of changes ahead. It seems like a big factor in whether or not there are more changes will depend on how connected the Disney Plus series/special projects are to the order of things.

    Originally, Phase 5 was supposed to end with Thunderbolts in July of 2024, now it looks like it will likely end with Deadpool 3 in November of 2024. Blade and Deadpool 3 (even though it wasn’t officially given a date until recently) were always a part of Phase 5, so where they land within it doesn’t seem to matter. However, as of SDCC, the first Phase 6 project was intended to be a Disney Plus series/special presentation scheduled for Fall 2024, before Fantastic Four. Then, another two Phase 6 Disney Plus projects were set to stream before the end of 2024.

    With all the changes, the end date for Phase 5 has now been extended by 4 months, meaning two streaming projects that were meant to be a part of Phase 6 are now TENTATIVELY set to stream before Phase 5 concludes. Can these projects just be moved into Phase 5? It’s hard to determine without knowing the identity of the projects. Do audiences need to see the content delivered in Blade or Deadpool 3 before they can view these series? Again, hard to determine without knowing what the projects are. If they need to be included in Phase 6, Marvel Studios would have to push them into November of 2024 or later, potentially creating a content void that they seem to be trying to avoid. A lot of questions that can’t be answered, but 2024 and Phase 5 are clearly being impacted the most by the changes and potentially impacting everything else the most as a result.

    Summary: Phase 5 ends later and with a different project and would currently experience an increase in the number of projects with some Phase 6 projects set to stream before Phase 6 begins.

    2025

    While the update on Monday revealed two pretty major changes, it also implies that more might be coming. With Fantastic Four being bumped into 2025, Avengers: Secret Wars was bumped out. However, it also means the February slot before Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is now occupied by Fantastic Four when it was clearly meant for another film up until these changes took place. The best bet as to what was intended to be there is the sequel to Shang-Chi. Both films are set to be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and there’s been enough said to me to indicate that Shang-Chi 2 was meant to lead up to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. With all that in mind, the slate is what it is at this point, but don’t be surprised to see further changes. One possibility is for one Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to move to the vacated November slot, opening up one of two summer spots for Shang-Chi 2. And while Disney doesn’t date Spidey films, that 4th movie is looming out there, so perhaps one of these 2025 films might come off the schedule entirely to make room for Spidey 4.

    Summary: Phase 6 starts later than expected, but with the same project (Fantastic Four). It also ends later, but with the same project (Avengers: Secret Wars).

    2026

    As announced at SDCC ’22, Avengers: Secret Wars was intended to close out Phase 6 and the Multiverse Saga in November of 2025. The next day, Disney slated 4 Untitled Marvel Studios films for 2026, all meant to kick off Phase 7. But as the delay of Blade led to the delay of another project and another project and so on, Avengers: Secret Wars found itself bumped 5 months to May of 2026. But being the capstone project of the entire Multiverse Saga, moving Secret Wars ultimately means delaying the end of Phase 6 and the start of Phase 7.

    Additionally, in shifting from November 7, 2025 to May 1, 2026, Avengers: Secret Wars actually jumped 2 dates. On the surface and without further changes, this adds a 6th film to the Phase 6 slate. We don’t know what the untitled films are, but when the slate for Phase 6 was revealed, it was comprised of 5 films. With things the way they are now, it’s 6 and this seems like a pretty major change to a slate that one would assume is pretty well planned out and only holds the requisite number of projects to tell the story. The scenario described in the 2025 section above provides some relief to that by removing one of those films to make way for Spidey 4. The best guess here is that Marvel Studios is NOT done shuffling and that these dates should be viewed as placeholders and nothing more.

    Summary: Phase 6 not only ends later but with Avengers: Secret Wars jumping 2 release dates, it currently includes one additional film that was previously slated for Phase 7.

    Realistically, any analysis is probably a waste of time because the only constant with Marvel Studios’ slate of projects is change. So for now, tracking the changes and thinking about how they might lead to more is both the best we can do and the worst thing we can do because it sends us down a path with no clarity just past the horizon.

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Star Joins Tim Blake Nelson Film ‘Bang Bang’

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Star Joins Tim Blake Nelson Film ‘Bang Bang’

    Bang Bang is only getting bigger. The upcoming sports drama, which is set to star Tim Blake Nelson in the title role, has added five more performers to it’s roster. Daniella Pineda, perhaps best known for playing Faye Valentine in Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop, joins Tony Award winner Nina AriandaKevin CorriganAndrew Liner, and Will Janowitz as new additions to the film’s cast. The group will appear alongside Nelson and Glenn Plummer, who were exclusively revealed as being attached to the project by Murphy’s Multiverse in September.

    Bang Bang centers on former featherweight boxer Bernard ‘Bang Bang’ Rozyski, played by Nelson, as he attempts to settle a score with his old rival Darnell Washington, played by Plummer. When his grandson, Justin, comes to stay with him, Rozyski sees the boy as an opportunity to relive his glory days, complicating his family life and leading him down a path toward the ultimate rematch. Liner will play Justin, while Arianda portrays his mother, Jen. Pineda is set to bring Officer Flores to life, while Corrigan and Janowtiz portray men named John and Dylan, respectively. Janowitz, who once held a recurring role in HBO’s The Sopranosalso wrote the movie’s script.

    There is currently no release date for Bang Bang, which will be directed by Vincent Grashaw. However, it’s likely the project is aiming for a 2023 release. Production is scheduled to begin at the end of the month in Covington, Kentucky with Jesse Ozeri and Dane Eckerle on board as executive producers.

  • ‘Rosaline:’ Sean Teale on Dario’s Relationship with Rosaline

    ‘Rosaline:’ Sean Teale on Dario’s Relationship with Rosaline

    This Friday, Hulu is set to debut a new take on the Romeo and Juliet tale with Rosaline. Focusing on Juliet’s cousin – and Romeo’s ex – Rosaline tells the story of Rosaline Capulet and her rocky relationship with Romeo Montague. While she knows the two could never truly be together due to their warring families, Rosaline can’t help but fall in love with Romeo. Unfortunately, though, she soon learns her love has since fallen for another – more specifically, her cousin, Juliet. While Rosaline goes on a journey to try and destroy the relationship between Romeo and Juliet, in hopes of winning him back, she finds what she originally wanted isn’t what she wants in the end. Instead, she learns the one she should be with has been under her nose the entire time. It’s a cute romance filled with plenty of chaotic moments, which proved to be enjoyable for some of the cast members.

    Last week, Disney hosted a virtual press conference for the film, and actor Sean Teale was asked why he believes Rosaline and Dario were the superior couple in the film. The actor noted that, while the character of Rosaline is charming, leading lady Kaitlyn Dever helps to sell her charm. “Like, she’s incredibly charming, Kaitlyn and Rosaline.  And also, sort of, there’s so much to her, you would not want to do anything other than find out more,” he explained. “But I think Dario, the thing that drew me to Dario is that something that I didn’t have, which is that he just doesn’t mind what anyone thinks of him or how he appears.  He is a certain way. And I do not possess that trait at all.  I’m scared about everyone’s opinion.  But Dario sort of manages to be a lot more progressive than a man would be in that time.”

    The differences between the two characters are great, but it’s these differences between them that help to pull them together. As Teale further explains, while Dario is a Renaissance man, he’s also incredibly progressive for his time. “And so of course he’s completely drawn to this, like, brilliant, funny, charismatic-driven, diligent, independent woman at a time where, you know, where that was not as easy to be or do,” he said. “So, it sort of becomes very obvious to him. They also wind each other up to no end. Which is super-fun.”

    Viewers can watch the relationship between Rosaline and Dario grow when Rosaline debuts on Hulu this Friday, Oct. 14th.

  • Producer Dany Garcia on the Long Journey to ‘Black Adam’

    Producer Dany Garcia on the Long Journey to ‘Black Adam’

    In 2007, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was announced as Black Adam for Warner Bros. and DC Comics. At the time, it was expected that he would first pop up in Shazam! but the plan eventually changed with Johnson and his team opting instead to give the anti-hero a solo film first. Now, after what feels like forever, Black Adam is finally set to hit the big screen later this month.

    While at the film’s premiere, producer Dany Garcia briefly talked about the film’s long journey to the big screen and Johnson’s commitment to the character. “A decade and a half ago, we knew that character was a character that Dwayne should play… it’s been pushing a boulder every day forward, but believing in the vision.”

    Starring alongside Johnson in Black Adam are Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher and Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate. Black Adam is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra from a script by Adam SztykielRory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani.

    Black Adam is set to hit theaters on Oct. 21st. It is currently on track to earn between $70 million and $75 million.

  • ‘Black Adam:’ Aldis Hodge is Ready for Mr. Terrific and Hawkgirl to Board the DCEU

    ‘Black Adam:’ Aldis Hodge is Ready for Mr. Terrific and Hawkgirl to Board the DCEU

    On Wednesday evening, Warner Bros. Discovery held the world premiere of its latest offering: Black Adam. The film has long been expected to usher in a new era for DC Comics on the big screen. And while currently tracking for an impressive opening, it remains to be seen when or if a sequel eventually happens. Still, one cast member is already dreaming of where this new take on the DC Extended Universe could go, and he’s hoping it includes Mr. Terrific and Hawkgirl.

    While walking the red carpet for Black Adam, Hawkman actor Aldis Hodge was asked which characters from the comics he’d like to see join the DCEU. Hodge, of course, noted he had two characters in particular on his mind. “Two people. I want to bring in Mr. Terrific – his backstory is amazing – and also Hawkgirl.”

    It’s of note that Hawkgirl was originally meant to appear in Black Adam along with Stargirl. Which would’ve given the actor part of his wish. However, throughout the years, changes were made to the script and Hawkgirl was unfortunately cut. With DC’s slate currently up in the air, it’s unknown if Hawkgirl (or Mr. Terrific) will appear in any forthcoming project, but should Black Adam perform well, one has to think Hawkgirl’s big screen debut can’t be too far off.

    Black Adam hits theaters on Oct. 21st, 2022.

  • ‘Black Panther’ Director Reveals When ‘Wakanda Forever’ Takes Place

    ‘Black Panther’ Director Reveals When ‘Wakanda Forever’ Takes Place

    Many have wondered when exactly the upcoming Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, will take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline. Especially this project had many wondering as we know the project will act as a tribute to Chadwick Boseman with T’Challa also having died in this universe. Many assumed the project would start off with the direct aftermath of that event, but it seems that the film actually explores the aftermath a year after his in-universe passing according to director Ryan Coogler.

    Ramonda realizes that it’s been a year since T’Challa’s passing and Shuri’s still not healing—she’s not taking steps to move forward in a healthy way. They take a retreat—stepping away from the city, from the technology—to sit with no distractions and perform what is essentially a grief ritual. That’s when Namor shows up.

    Ryan Coogler

    This statement was released as part of a new press release and it highlights the overall themes of this story. Just as the family is finally trying to overcome the loss, Wakanda faces its biggest threat yet. It doesn’t give away the full story but it definitely seems like the legacy of T’Challa–especially that of Chadwick Boseman–will fuel the story and the characters living through that grief.

    It’ll be interesting to see how they tackle those themes with an invasion by Namor. While the character is more of an anti-hero, he’ll take on a villainous role in this entry and grief will likely also be one of the motivators for his place in this story. For now, we’ll have to wait just one more month for it to finally release in theaters.

    Source: The Direct

  • ‘Halloween Ends’ is Targeting a $50 Million-Plus Opening

    ‘Halloween Ends’ is Targeting a $50 Million-Plus Opening

    Halloween Ends might be releasing simultaneously in theaters and on Peacock, but that doesn’t look to be hurting its box office potential. Current estimates have Halloween Ends looking at a healthy $50 million to $55 million opening weekend. Should those numbers hold, Halloween Ends will be the first movie to earn over $50 million in its opening weekend since July’s Thor: Love and Thunder.

    The film’s predecessor, Halloween Kills, also released simultaneously in theaters and on Peacock, and that film managed to secure a $49 million opening last October. That was an impressive feat on its own in the midst of a Pandemic. Ends, however, looks ready to benefit from monopolizing the Imax and other premium large formats. While Halloween Ends looks to overtake Kills, it’s doubtful it’ll surpass 2018’s Halloween which pulled in $77 during its opening weekend. Working in that film’s favor was the fact that it was released exclusively in theaters during a COVID-free time.

    Halloween Ends is directed by David Gordon Green and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak, Kyle Richards, and Rohan Campbell. The movie hits theaters on Friday, October 14th.

    Source: Variety.

  • John Carpenter Wants to Direct a ‘Dead Space’ Movie

    John Carpenter Wants to Direct a ‘Dead Space’ Movie

    We’ve entered a new era of video game adaptations, as many streaming networks have seen the potential of banking off of existing IP. Yet, there are some franchises that have surprisingly never been attempted so far. Dead Space is currently making a grand return with a remaster for modern consoles after going on hiatus for some time. Many wondered why the Lovecraftian-inspired sci-fi horror game never got an adaptation but it seems one director is actively interested.

    Not just any director but THE John Carpenter is open to tackling the gaming franchise. In an interview with A.V. Club, he talked about gaming adaptations and was surprised to find out that Chornobyl‘s Craig Mazin is adapting The Last Of Us. It sparked an interest in wanting to adapt something as well from the gaming universe, which led to I’m thinking of Dead Space.

    The only one I can think of, and I’ve mentioned it before, is Dead Space. That would make a real great movie. I could do that.

    He goes on to highlight that he’s quite a fan of the franchise, even highlighting the last release that wasn’t as critically received. Dead Space 3 moved away from its horror roots to explore more action-oriented storytelling, which didn’t seem to bother the horror director.

    Well, any of them were really good. I even like the last one, the action one that nobody else liked.

    It’s definitely interesting to see his interest in tackling such a big IP. Of course, he’d likely bring his own touch to make the project stand out from its original, but still, keep the horror landscape that made it as unique as it was when the first entry was released back in 2008. It’s no wonder that a remake is in development and we’ll see if this newly sparked revival of the franchise.

    Source: AV Club

  • ‘Smile’ Surpasses $100 Million at Worldwide Box Office

    ‘Smile’ Surpasses $100 Million at Worldwide Box Office

    Paramount has plenty to Smile about these days. Its latest horror release, Smile, has officially passed the $100 million mark at the box office. In two weeks of release, the film has managed to earn $102.3 million worldwide; that’s with $55.5 million at the domestic box office and $46.8 million from the international box office.

    While most films often suffer a sophomore slump, Smile has continued to have an impressive hold at the box office. In its second weekend, the film retained the top spot with $13 million. That was enough to earn the movie the second-best hold ever for an R-rated horror movie in its second weekend, with a drop of just -22%.

    Noting the film’s accomplishments at the box office, Brian Robbins, the CEO and President of Paramount Pictures, noted the studio always believed the movie had cinematic potential. “The moment we saw this film we knew it had immense cinematic potential, and we’re beyond thrilled and proud to see that audiences around the world agree wholeheartedly and are turning out in record numbers,” he said. “Thank you to our director, Parker Finn, our creative partners and our production team for delivering a fantastically terrifying movie; and thank you to our global marketing and distributions teams for hitting it out of the park once again.”

    Directed by newcomer Parker FinnSmile stars Sosie Bacon and focuses on a therapist who meets a graduate student that has recently witnessed a gruesome suicide. Soon after, she begins experiencing frightening experiences she can’t explain. In order to survive, she’ll need to confront her past in order to escape her horrifying new reality. The film also stars Caitlin StaseyKyle GallnerRobin Weigert and Kal Penn.

    Source: Deadline.