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Tag: TV News

  • ‘Powerpuff Girls’ Creator Returns to Reboot Series

    ‘Powerpuff Girls’ Creator Returns to Reboot Series

    It’s been a bumpy road for The Powerpuff Girls. In 2016, the franchise received a remake from Cartoon Network that surprised many when they completely replaced the main voice cast outside of Tom Kenny, famous for this time as Spongebob Squarepants, returning. Then, CW has been working on a live-action series that would see the trio as teenagers had many scratching their heads. Well, now it seems they are back again but this time with some more motivating news.

    The series’ original creator, Craig McCracken, is returning to work on a new set of reboots for Powerpuff Girls, as well as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. He’s set to work on the project with Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. Cartoon Network Studios President, Sam Register, had the following to say on McCracken‘s return:

    The Hanna-Barbera homecoming of Craig was an opportunity we could not pass up. Along with his unparalleled sense of fun and imagination, he’s bringing two of his greatest works in ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ and ‘Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,’ and we are so excited for these characters to be a part of the new legacy taking shape at the studio

    Sam Register

    While they are moving forward with a second attempt to reboot the popular series, there’s also the highlight that the live-action version of the series is still in some form of development over at CW. Chloe Bennett left the project, as she was originally going to play Blossom, and it’s in a form of limbo as they rework the concept. So, we’ll see which one comes out first.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Agents of SHIELD’ Star Not Interested in Reprising Marvel Role

    ‘Agents of SHIELD’ Star Not Interested in Reprising Marvel Role

    The first Marvel Television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ended its seven-season run two years ago. Since then, fans of the series have hoped to see many of the characters return in some way, most notably as formal parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iain De Caestecker, who played Fitz in the series, was asked recently whether he would be interested in returning to Marvel in the future. He told Digital Spy:

    I think I would say probably no. And not that I didn’t have a fantastic time doing it…I think, after everything that happened to those two characters [Fitz and Jemma Simmons], they really gave them a happy ending. And I think it would be so sad to mess with that again. It’s not fair … I’m not sure they would survive it this time. So I like the idea that they’re living a life of normality outside of the SHIELD.

    Iain De Caestecker

    The idea that fan-favorite Fitz might not make a return to the big or small screen is surely set to disappoint some fans. Of course, when it comes to Marvel and the MCU, there is always a possibility that De Caestecker will surprise audiences down the line.

    AoS lately, however, is perhaps most known for the debate it sparked with respect to whether some Marvel TV series are official canon to the MCU proper. Marvel Studios has little to no incentive to clarify to fans one way or another, and it is quite possible the question will never be answered in a way that will satisfy everyone. But De Caestecker did weigh in on the topic, and his answer will surely please AoS fans:

    I would say you might have to, because I think the original conception of the show was the fact that Coulson had come from The Avengers, isn’t it? I think you would kind of have to say it is canon.

    Iain DeCaestecker

    With the Netflix Daredevil series being given some recognition by Marvel Studios now, the canon question is hotter than ever. Still, even the most optimistic AoS fans might not get their hopes up to see De Caestecker’s Fitz appear in a Marvel Studios project.

    Source: Digital Spy

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ Star Opens Up on Kamran’s True Intentions

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ Star Opens Up on Kamran’s True Intentions

    Ms. Marvel was a strong show that not only explored a powerful moment in Pakistani history but also a strong family show. Among all Marvel studios’ projects, this one is the most grounded with its exploration of what it means to be family. While the Clandestine didn’t get as much development as hoped, we still got a great addition in Kamran, who was played by young actor Rish Sha. In an interview with THR, the actor got a chance to talk about his character’s role and his true intentions.

    There definitely is a difference. In the comics, he is a villain. He’s manipulative, and he uses Kamala. Whereas in the show, he’s actually coming from a very pure place and a very genuine place of just wanting to belong and feel at home, and he has this immediate connection with Kamala across multiple fields. And then, obviously, by the end of the show, he’s able to share the connection of the Noor by having these powers and newfound abilities.

    Rish Shah

    He does add that Kamran’s moral compass isn’t as straightforward as Kamala’s, who has a good head on her shoulders. That distinction, especially with their very different family dynamics, adds to him actually being a guy with good intentions.

    He definitely has a skewed moral compass and he’s definitely a bit more unsure of where he stands, but he does make that decision really early on to betray his family and protect Kamala. So that’s quite a big decision, and hopefully, that shows that he’s actually a good guy with good intentions.

    Rish Shah

    Shah also shared how he interpreted Kamran’s motivation and generally how he was inspired to tackle the character for his first live-action venture.

    Yeah, I played it as genuine in my mind, but it’s nice that it’s up for debate. It’s always interesting when you have a character with a bit more complexity to them and their intentions, so it’s nice that it can swing both ways. Hopefully, it’s more engaging and interesting. But in my mind, he was genuinely just connecting with someone. Iman said this before about Kamala, but she hasn’t been able to spend time in her high school life around someone else who is able to just openly and confidently talk about their culture, specifically. So I think Kamran has felt the same way.

    Rish Shah

    The series ended in a way that opens up on a way to allow his character to further develop in whichever direction he wants. He could potentially become a member of the Red Dagger to find his own place in the world, or perhaps even further explore what exactly the Noor universe is all about. So, they definitely left the door open for many different angles to take the character.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ Director Teases Kamala Will Gain Even More “Spectacular Power” in the Future

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ Director Teases Kamala Will Gain Even More “Spectacular Power” in the Future

    Ms. Marvel recently ended its run on Disney+ as one of the most critically well-received Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series made viewers fall in love with Kamala Khan and get invested in the mysterious unraveling of what exactly her powers are. By the end of the show, audiences are already excited at seeing what comes next for Kamala in The Marvels. Iman Vellani will star alongside Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, who appeared in the final post-credits scene of Ms. Marvel.

    Kamala’s powers in the MCU raised a lot of eyebrows and questions. First, there were significantly different from the abilities and origin she had in the comics. But Ms. Marvel also dropped the huge fact that Kamala may be a mutant in the MCU, and it never fully explained her powers and her Clandestine background. Some of this was due to time constraints for the series, but the series’ director Adil El Arbi recently told The Direct that fans have quite a bit to look forward to regarding Kamala’s powers going forward. El Arbi stated:

    And I think, power-wise, we saw just the tip of the iceberg of Kamala Khan. I think there is so much more she can do, and on that front, I think there’s a big road for that, some more spectacular power.”

    Adil El Arbi

    Considering Kamala’s powers were introduced and developed in a fairly unique way in the MCU, it makes sense that we are not done learning about them. The series’ creators previously mentioned that Ms. Marvel’s new MCU powers were, in part, meant to help the character fit in better with The Marvels. Director Billal Fallah added that her power growth will result in “a great can of action sequences.” The promise of Kamala’s abilities evolution certainly begs the question of whether she will ultimately have powers on par with Captain Marvel, who is arguably one of the strongest characters in the MCU.

    Ms. Marvel is now streaming in its entirety on Disney+. The Marvels is scheduled to hit theaters on July 28, 2023.

    Source: The Direct

  • SDCC Will Require a Health Pass and Mask for Attendance

    SDCC Will Require a Health Pass and Mask for Attendance

    Those planning on attending San Diego Comic-Con will have to adhere to health and safety protocols. It was announced today that anyone attending San Diego Comic-Con – whether it be fans or vendors – will be required to wear a mask while in attendance. All parties will also be required to provide verification that they are fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours.

    Attendees will need to download a health pass through Clear, which will be used to verify testing and/or vaccination status while at the convention. All of those who follow protocol and verify that they’re either vaccinated and/or negative with their health pass will then be given a wristband allowing entry into the convention. There will reportedly be three wristband stations on site to try and make things move smoother. Interestingly, though, there’s no mention of testing being provided on-site.

    Those that do not adhere to the health and safety protocols in place will be removed from the convention – this includes those that opt to remove their face masks. “This policy is in place to ensure the health and safety of all fans. Security will be on-site to support adherence to the policy.”

    In order to avoid any confusion, Comic-Con has made it clear, too, that masks will need to cover the nose and mouth completely and fit snugly against the sides of the face.

    The decision to enforce masks at the convention shouldn’t be too surprising, of course. California is still a hotspot for COVID, and in a space where people are often on top of one another, it is important to try to keep all in attendance safe, especially as the BA.5 variant is going around.

    This year’s Comic-Con kicks off on July 21st and runs through July 24th.

  • ‘Secret Invasion’ May Not Release Until Next Year

    ‘Secret Invasion’ May Not Release Until Next Year

    We’re quite far into 2022 and still have a few projects heading our way. The shorts for I Am Groot finally got a release date with She-Hulk on the horizon in August. There’s also the last cinematic release in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever set to release in November with a Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special later this year. Let’s not forget the many rumors surrounding a small but potentially fun Halloween special focused on Werewolf by Night.

    For some time, there were also theories that we may get Secret Invasion at one point this year, but those plans may have been postponed. According to TVLine, the Samuel L. Jackson-led Disney+ series may not release until 2023. Of course, they don’t have any details or a specific release window but that would make sense given rumors of potential reshoots happening recently. There were a lot of rumors that hinted at it releasing some time this year.

    With that, 2023 seems to be even more stacked than this year, as it would join Echo and Ironheart, which recently started production. Loki‘s second season is also already underway and rumors hint that Agatha: House of Harkness potentially starting at some point. While they believe all these projects will release in 2023, there’s no official word especially with Disney+ Day heading our way later this year. So, we’ll see just how many shows Marvel Studios truly has planned to roll out.

    Source: TVLine

  • Amazon’s Prime Video UI Gets Major Overhaul

    Amazon’s Prime Video UI Gets Major Overhaul

    Of all the streaming giants, Amazon’s Prime Video has seemingly been the one needing an update for the longest time. Luckily, it seems that the streamer has been working on something for secrets besides just a few tweaks over the years as they have shared their first major overhaul. This will be its biggest step since Amazon started distributing content back in 2013 and is the perfect time as they start hyping up The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power‘s upcoming release.

    It looks like they wanted to make the navigation menu more user-friendly, especially in how one can access Prime Video’s library of originals. So far, it hasn’t been the easiest menu to maneuver, especially when it came to creating your own Prime experience with your favorite shows. There is now a side section for six primary pages: Home, Store, Find, Live TV, Free With Ads, and My Stuff.

    It seems they’ve tried to optimize the platform for users, especially given how diverse their offerings are with sports events, live TV, and more depending on your subscription model. It’ll also include a “My Subscriptions” addition for those wanting to switch between others like Paramount+ or AMC+.

    Overall, the design looks great and still adheres to some elements from the original, it gives their projects a bit more pop. Plus, it may help ease people to find what is actually part of their Prime subscription as it was mostly dependent on a small tag in the upper corner of the project. Will be interesting to see how people welcome the new design once it rolls out.

    Source: The Wrap

  • ‘Star Wars: Clone Wars’ Writer to Adapt ‘Grounded’ as an Animated Series

    ‘Star Wars: Clone Wars’ Writer to Adapt ‘Grounded’ as an Animated Series

    Deadline has announced the videogame Grounded is being adapted into a television series. The videogame, which is an Xbox exclusive, is being adapted for television by Star Wars: Clone Wars writer Brent Friedman. He’ll craft the story for Halo director Brien Goodrich, currently attached as a director on the project.

    The game was released for early access in July 2020. Since then, it has amassed over 10 million plays. The full version of Grounded will be released this September. The game follows four friends who have big plans before they start high school to help elevate their social standing. Unfortunately, though, their plans are soon upended after they stumble upon shrinking technology that leaves them two inches tall. Now, the four friends face a new obstacle: the backyard full of predators as they uncover a corporate conspiracy threatening their town.

     “We couldn’t be more excited about diving into the whimsical universe of Grounded. This partnership will be one of great collaboration, expanding on an already wonderful journey of exploration and adventure,” Tina Chow, the CEO of Bardel Entertainment said in a statement to Deadline.

    “The team at Obsidian have created an incredible world that has already grabbed the attention of the gaming community. We are excited to work with our incredible partners to bring the story to life in an animated series,” added Carl Whiteside, MD, WP/SC Productions.

    The animated adaptation of Grounded is being produced through Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox in association with Waterproof Studios/SC Productions, Kinetic Media, and Bardel Entertainment. As it stands, the series does not look to have a network attached.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Skeleton Crew’ Disney+ Series Budget Among ‘Star Wars’ Highest, Eyeing 2023 Release

    ‘Skeleton Crew’ Disney+ Series Budget Among ‘Star Wars’ Highest, Eyeing 2023 Release

    Star Wars has mostly become a Disney+ exclusive franchise for now, as we’re still waiting for any news on the mysterious films that were promised back during Disney’s Investors Day by CEO Kathleen Kennedy. Until now, it seems those productions are continuing to face various delays but nothing is standing in the way of their Disney+ series. Among them is Jon Watts‘ upcoming Skeleton Crew. In a new piece by Hollywood Reporter, we may have gotten our first tease of just how big this project may end up being.

    A new piece on the California tax credits gained by big projects also includes a brief statement on some Skeleton Crew details. It seems the project’s production budget is around $136M, which would put it among the highest costing series for the streaming service. The production also is receiving $20.9M in credit from California. The project by the Spider-Man: No Way Home director is currently eyeing a 2023 release but no further details on when that might be.

    There were reports that Obi-Wan Kenobi had a lower production budget than even The Mandalorian, but as we have little official confirmation, we can only theorize. So, it’s surprising we get a more exact number with Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. It’ll be exciting to see just how Watts will tackle this project and how the story of a group of kids getting lost in space might be explored. With Jude Law attached, we are still waiting for some casting announcements but if it’s eyeing a 2023 release, production ill likely start rather soon.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter, Epic Stream

  • RUMOR: New Poster May Hint at ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ Season 2

    RUMOR: New Poster May Hint at ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ Season 2

    You never know what may find its way online, especially with many eagle-eyed fans out there looking for the next hint at some of their favorite franchises making a return. With San Diego Comic-Con on the horizon, who knows what kind of announcements we might get from the various studios. There have already been quite a few teases of what Mar vel STudios may have planned in the near future, but a new poster may hint that a Star Wars Disney+ series may also make a return soon.

    As shared by Reddit user u/SomeBoredBoi, they’ve spotted a poster teasing the various Disney+ Star Wars series. Among them, there’s the listing of the various projects currently in development which also includes a tease that The Book of Boba Fett may be getting a second season. There hasn’t been an official announcement yet, especially with all eyes on The Mandalorian‘s third season, Ahsoka for next year, and even Andor later next month.

    Boba Fett Season 2 confirmed in Spanish poster?
    by inStarWarsLeaks

    We still have to take it with a bit of a grain of salt, as there have been some very well-made fake posters in the past to catch people off-guard. Still, it would make sense for a second season that builds upon the storylines slowly introduced in the first. The first season was part of Boba Fett’s origin story for what happened to him after falling into the famous Sarlacc Pit while also setting up The Mandalorian‘s third season. So, here’s hoping a second entry could keep the focus on Boba a bit more and also give Temuera Morrison some more chances to showcase just how badass he really is.

    Source: Reddit