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Tag: TV News

  • ‘Falcon and Winter Soldier’ Almost Featured a Wakandan Shield Upgrade for the New Captain America

    ‘Falcon and Winter Soldier’ Almost Featured a Wakandan Shield Upgrade for the New Captain America

    It looks like the development team behind Falcon and the Winter Soldier have gone through quite a few ideas on how to support Sam Wilson’s new role as Captain America. Unlike his predecessor, he doesn’t have the same Super Soldier serum to give him an edge in battle, which hints at him being more dependent on his wits and weaponry. To counteract that, it seems they have considered giving his shield a new Wakandan upgrade that would’ve created a dome energy shield, as shared by development concept illustrator Wesley Burt.

    He goes on to highlight how he approached the idea, as their team was tasked with thinking up new ways that Sam could use the shield in creative ways, which ended up leading to the results you can see above.

    Ryan [Meinerding] asked some of the [Visual Development] department to take a little bit of time and think up some new ways that Sam could use the shield, more specific to him and his own physicality with it… when I was thinking about the tech rim piece, I was looking for a way to minimally add an element to the shield so as not to distract too much from the shield itself but still make it feel like it could have a believable tech addition and hint at the Wakandan upgrades before you see them used

    Wesley Burt

    While the concept hasn’t made its way into the Disney+ series, it doesn’t mean they may revisit the idea at a later point. We still don’t know what Sam may owe Wakanda given they help create his design and him carrying it is fitting with the shield being made from Wakandan Vibranium. Perhaps they may further explore its ties to the country and how it connects to Sam Wilson’s new role given his own background, especially the way his country views him.

    Source: The Art of Falcon and Winter Soldier via The Direct

  • Update on Timeline for ‘Stranger Things’ Writers Room

    Update on Timeline for ‘Stranger Things’ Writers Room

    With the recent release of the now complete fourth season of Stranger Things, questions are already being asked about the timeline for when fans can expect to watch the fifth and final season of the series. Unfortunately, fans will most likely have another relatively long wait to see how the hit Netflix series comes to an end. In an interview with Collider, series creators The Duffer Brothers provided a timeline for when the new season’s writing process would begin.

    We’re going to take a little vacation in July. And then we’re going to come back. I know that the writer’s room is going to start in that first week of August.

    The Duffer Brothers

    Between August marking the beginning of the official writer’s room and the expansive production time that has now gone into Stranger Things, fans should temper their expectations on the show having its ultimate resolution in the near future. Though a potentially optimistic sign for the speed of this writing process is The Duffer Brothers also revealing that the overall planning for the final season is slightly ahead of schedule than if it was to be just written cold turkey beginning at the start of August.

    We had all the scripts before we started shooting, so we could look at the whole thing as a whole. And we outlined all of five. So it really is four and five or like of a piece, and this was due to the six-month hiatus that we had due to the pandemic. So we don’t typically have as much time. It usually feels like the train is going down the tracks and Ross and I and our writers are just throwing down track as we’re going, once we’re halfway through the season. And for the first time ever, we were able to look at it globally, not just Season Four, but Season Five as well.

    The Duffer Brothers

    It certainly will be interesting to see how Stranger Things wraps up with the attention of the watching world around it. Essentially all that’s known at this point is that there will be some sort of time jump between the ending of the fourth season and the beginning of the fifth. This is very likely a wise decision with the young cast rapidly aging out of the high school-age characters they’re portraying, and will especially be the case with it still being a ways away from actually entering production.

    Stranger Things 4 is now available to watch in completion on Netflix after the release of its second volume of episodes on July 1st. You can find our own review of this final batch of episodes here. 

    Source: Collider

  • Disney+ Changes ‘Jessica Jones’ Title

    Disney+ Changes ‘Jessica Jones’ Title

    In a move only Krysten Ritter‘s private investigator could get to the bottom of, Disney has seemingly changed the title of Jessica Jones on Disney+. The series, which was created by Netflix and initially ran for three seasons from 2015 to 2019, was only recently added to the Disney+ library. All of the “Defenders Saga,” as it’s now being called, was brought home to join the rest of Marvel’s live-action lineup after the streaming rights were lost by the series’ original owner. Now, several weeks later, Disney is making a few alterations.

    As of today, Jessica Jones is being shown on Disney+ as A.K.A. Jessica Jones. The title is only present within the actual episodes themselves, and the show is still referred to by its original name on the service’s home screen. Interestingly, A.K.A. Jessica Jones was the name being used for the project when it was still in development at ABC, a nod to the source material’s Alias naming convention without copying the Jennifer Garner series of the same title.

    The curious move comes just after Disney used its social media to promote the show and its brother projects, using the caption “it’s all connected” and causing a stir that Marvel Studios may have plans to bring the Netflix characters back sooner than later. Charlie Cox‘s Matt Murdock has already made his grand reentrance to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and this suspicious platform activity could be an indicator Ritter‘s Jones is soon to follow. This is pure speculation, but perhaps the name change is to align the show with an incoming reboot rebranding to further disconnect the series from its time on Netflix. It could also mean nothing. Only time will truly tell.

    Source: The Direct

  • EXCLUSIVE: Aramis Knight on the Future of Red Dagger

    EXCLUSIVE: Aramis Knight on the Future of Red Dagger

    Aramis Knight’s Kareem stepped immediately into action in Episode 4 of Ms. Marvel and, for much of the episode, didn’t get a chance to slow down. The formidable Pakistani hero played a large role in Kamala’s trip to Pakistan, both in the books and in the series, but with the nearly non-stop action in the episode, the audience didn’t really come to know much about Kareem. In an exclusive interview, Knight talks about what he’d like explore about the character in the future and his budding relationship with Ms. Marvel.

    I would love to see Kareem’s training regimen. I just think that’d be super interesting. He comes in as a hero who is powerless so to be able to keep up with these people who do have powers he has to train every single day of his life and I think seeing parts of that-seeing things that he does to become the superhero that he is-I think that would be super interesting. I would also love for people to meet Kareem’s family.

    Aramis Knight

    Marvel Studios has certainly shown a willingness to go beyond the source material in developing the characters in their shared cinematic universe. They’ve already taken a step in that direction with Kareem by making him part of an order of Red Daggers, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they continued to do so if the character returns for another season. Though Kareem played a pretty major role in his time in the comics, he’s only had a few appearances so there’s room for the Ms. Marvel creative team to work. And according to Knight, he hopes that part of that work is taking on a mentor role with Kamala.

    Even more than that, I become a great ally for Kamala and, in a way, I become somewhat of a mentor in that she’s a newfound superhero to someone who’s kind of worked his whole life with this organization so there’s a lot for her to learn from him. And I think I do take on that mentor role a bit, although there’s also the banter, you know, the bit of flirtation, it kind of all plays into it, I think.

    Aramis Knight

    Fans are certainly hoping for a second season of the hit streaming series and given the path Kareem’s character follows in the comics, there is certainly room for him to return to help Kamala and complicate things a little for her as well.

    The first four episodes of Ms. Marvel are now streaming on Disney Plus with Episode 5 debuting Wednesday, July 6th.

  • ‘Andor’ Creator Explains Series’ Unique Timeline Structure

    ‘Andor’ Creator Explains Series’ Unique Timeline Structure

    The next big live-action series from Lucasfilm’s Star Wars universe is Andor, the Rogue One prequel starring Diego Luna as Rebel spy Cassian Andor. An origin story of sorts, the show will span five years of the titular character’s life, finally giving viewers a look into Andor’s adventures with the growing Rebellion and leading directly into his final days stealing the Death Star plans. However, with Andor already confirmed to last just two seasons, many fans have found themselves wondering how those five years will be broken up and explored in so few episodes.

    Speaking with Empire Magazine, series creator Tony Gilroy explained that the first season, due in August, will focus solely on the first of those five years, while the second batch of episodes will cover the next four in blocks:

    The scale of the show is so huge. Directors work in blocks of three episodes, so we did four blocks [in Season 1] of three episodes each. We looked and said, ‘Wow, it’d be really interesting if we come back, and we use each block to represent a year. We’ll move a year closer with each block.’ From a narrative point of view, it’s really exciting to be able to work on something where you do a Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and then jump a year.

    Tony Gilroy

    So, to translate, that means Andor Season 2 will consist of 12 episodes, with each set of three taking place in a different year. It’s a unique storytelling tactic that should help to keep audiences on their toes and diversify the content of the season in really exciting ways. Early rumors for the project had indicated it would last a full five seasons, with each telling the tale of a year in Andor’s life. This may not have turned out to be true, but the reality of the situation will hopefully make for a more streamlined experience all around.

    Andor debuts on Disney+ on August 31st.

    Source: Empire

  • Video Shows Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson Reuniting on Set for ‘Loki’ Season 2

    Video Shows Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson Reuniting on Set for ‘Loki’ Season 2

    Photos from the set of the second season of Loki seemed to indicate a movie theater would play a key role in scenes currently being filmed in London. Now, a behind-the-scenes set video has leaked out that confirms the importance of the theater and shows the series’ dynamic duo back together.

    Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson are filming a scene together at the theater and given the black suit and tie and fanfare seen in other set videos, it seems that Loki and Mobius are attending a movie premiere. The two came formed quite a bond in Season 1, but as the season ended and Loki made his way back to TVA headquarters, it was heartbreakingly revealed that the Mobius from an apparently new timeline had no knowledge of who Loki was or of the other Mobius’ friendship. Having to start over again leaves all kinds of room for interesting stories to develop and it looks like while the two are working together here, Loki’s hands may actually be restrained. We’ll have to wait for a better look to determine exactly what’s happening, but it’s great to see the two stars back together!

  • Leaked ‘Loki’ Season 2 Set Photos Tease 70’s Setting

    Leaked ‘Loki’ Season 2 Set Photos Tease 70’s Setting

    Season 2 of Loki, one of Marvel Studios’ most popular streaming series to date, is now in production in London and some intriguing set photos have now made their way online. The first season of the streamer shot in Atlanta and did so mostly in studio, meaning set leaks were extraordinarily rare. Getting a look at these set photos this early into production on Season 2 is extra exciting.

    It looks as though Loki Season 2 is shooting on location at London’s Noel Theater and, according to the movie posters put up for the shoot, it’s likely that this portion of the show is set in 1974 or 1975.

    As seen in pics, there’s a combination of real-life and in-universe films being advertised at the theaters. Herbie Rides Again, Airport 1975 and Earthquake all hit theaters in UK 1974, with Earthquake debuting in late November. The three other movie posters on display at the fictional Leopold Theater are wonderful Easter eggs. One is a film starring Kingo of the Eternals, another is for a film entitled Phone Ranger and the final two are for a horror film entitled Zaniac. Phone Ranger and Zaniac are among the deepest of DEEP cuts Marvel Studios has ever dropped in a production as both are incredibly obscure comic book characters.

    Interestingly enough, the first look at Loki, presented by Kevin Feige back in 2019, featured the God of Mischiefoutside of a movie theater in what appeared to by 1975 New York. That concept was never explored in Season One, but it looks like Season 2 will make good on it and that a movie will be premiering at the Leopold Theater. Whether or not Loki will be there and what he’ll get up to remains to be seen, but it’s worth noting that the end of Season 1 took place in a timeline where thing in the TVA were a little different and Loki didn’t seem to have any allies there, meaning we might see him hopping around a bit while on the run.

  • Russo Brothers Praise Marvel Studios President of Putting the X-Men “Aside for a While”

    Russo Brothers Praise Marvel Studios President of Putting the X-Men “Aside for a While”

    Many have been wondering where exactly the X-Men are. There have been hints that they could get added to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as many looked to projects like WandaVision or Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to set up their existence.

    Yet, Marvel has been playing coy and not rushing out their introduction. It’s also something that the Russo Brothers highly praised that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has been focusing on introducing other characters instead.

    That was one of my favorite comics growing up, Wolverine. One of my prized possessions is ‘Incredible Hulk 181,’ which was the first appearance of Wolverine. It’s an important part of my comic book collection. Wolverine being so essential to the X-Men, of course, that would be a fun project to work on and find a new way into it. But I do think that’s probably something that Kevin has rightfully put aside for a while to introduce some new characters to the world and bring that back when it’s ready.

    Russo Brothers

    It makes sense as the X-Men are an already well-established franchise due to 20th Century Fox’s time with them. While many were hit or miss, it still produced some iconic Marvel entries. So, it’s also a challenge to reintroduce these characters without ignoring their legacy.

    Russo Brothers have proven they have a way of handling massive casts of characters, which is why they have been considered as the right choice for a revival. Yet, many would also like to see their return to the Avengers franchise. Perhaps the upcoming events might clue us in on Marvel Studios’ future plans.

    Source: Twitter via FandomWire

  • ‘The Umbrella Academy’ Showrunner Only Planned on Four Seasons

    ‘The Umbrella Academy’ Showrunner Only Planned on Four Seasons

    The Umbrella Academy has always felt like the little show that could. The cult Netflix series debuted in 2019 to mixed reviews, but has since found it’s footing and, after three zany seasons, has left fans begging for more. In a sea of comic book adaptations and uber-popular superheroes, the wonky cast of characters that inhabit the world created by Gerard Way somehow manage to be uniquely likable.

    Season 3 saw the titular characters, once again, trying to prevent the end of the world. Their antics saw them existing in a timeline they shouldn’t and, after 10 episodes, the Umbrellas have inexplicably put themselves in a place to start over for a fourth time – in a brand new reality with no superpowers. With so much room to run creatively, showrunner Steve Blackman spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his plans for the future of the series:

    We haven’t been picked up — I have my fingers crossed. But I know what season four is in my head. I’ve already sort of worked out the beginning, middle and end of it. When I started this thing, I sort of knew four seasons of the show. I have nothing passed that in my brain, but I’ve sort of kept to a trajectory. So, I have a really good sense of what season four would be, and it should be just as bonkers as the other seasons — what a challenge these superheroes, this family has being powerless.

    Steve Blackman

    If renewed, it sounds like season 4 of the super-family dramedy could be it’s last. As sad as that may sound, all good things must eventually come to an end. It’s also still possible Blackman and his team strike storytelling gold and spawn ideas for a fifth season along the way. After all, the show has now outlived its source material, meaning anything beyond this point must be wholly original.

    Source: THR

  • RUMOR: Finn Jones Unlikely to Return as the MCU’s Iron Fist

    RUMOR: Finn Jones Unlikely to Return as the MCU’s Iron Fist

    There have been many theories on the canonical connection between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Netflix’s The Defenders series. The return of Charlie Cox in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Vincent D’Onofrio in Hawkeye opened the floodgates for more returning faces. Sadly, it seems one is very unlikely to return.

    According to DisInsider’s Derek Cornell, Marvel Studios isn’t bringing back Finn Jones, who played Danny Rand in the Netflix series that premiered on the streamer back in 2017 to critical backlash.

    The series was riddled with controversy due to the casting of the original comics’ “white savior” trope. The series still managed to draw in a better received second season but was swiftly canceled when Netflix noticed the competition of Disney entering the streaming market.

    Jones was a fun addition, especially in his dynamic with Mike Colter’s Luke Cage. While the series lacked in the martial arts department, there were still some people that wondered if he’ll also return. There’s no word if they might recast the role entirely or focus on a different person holding the mantle. For now, we’ll have to see if the character has a future win the MCU at all.

    Source: Twitter