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Tag: TV News

  • Kevin Feige Reflects on Year 1 of Marvel Studios TV

    Kevin Feige Reflects on Year 1 of Marvel Studios TV

    Next week, Hawkeye, the fourth and final live-action Marvel Studios streaming series of 2021 will kick of it’s 5-week run on Disney Plus. During Tuesday’s press event, our own Charles Villanueva asked Marvel Studios One-Above-All, Kevin Feige, to reflect on the first year of Marvel Studios produced streaming series and what he and the studio learned that they will take into their second year and it seems that to Feige, the most important takeaway is how well they’ve all been received.

    Yeah. Well, it’s the-yes, the end of year one of the-of the project’s finally, finally coming out and people being able to see them. But it’s about year three or four for us as we’ve been developing them. And I think we learn on-we learn on everything. The reception to each of them is what has been most gratifying. Because we always-we wanted them to be different here. We’re sitting talking about a fun grounded action Christmas series. Loki is this very otherworldly thing. Falcon and Winter Soldier, geopolitical. And WandaVision, ode to-to sitcoms and grief. And it feels like the audience has responded the way we wanted to.

    As Feige mentioned, these projects have been in development at the studio for several years and, as we all remember, the COVID-19 pandemic took a big chunk out of each of them in their own ways; some productions were interrupted and others delayed. At one point in time, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier was supposed to kick off Phase 4 before delays moved WandaVision to the front of the queue. Nothing was made easy during Marvel Studios first foray into live-action streaming series but as Feige said, audiences have, for the most part, enjoyed the series as they explore some of the MCU’s characters on a deeper level and introduce some new characters to the mix.

    As Marvel Studios moves ahead into Year 2, there have been fewer COVID-related delays and you can bet that Feige and Parliament have implemented the lessons they’ve learned over Year 1 to do a better job of the simple thing they’ve always set out to do: entertain audiences.

  • Leaked ‘The Last of Us’ Set Video Offers New Look at Gabriel Luna

    Leaked ‘The Last of Us’ Set Video Offers New Look at Gabriel Luna

    HBO might have to invest in better security, as we’re getting quite a good look at what is being filmed at The Last Of Us‘ Jackson City set. We just recently got some photos of Pedro Pascal on the set of the series production, which hinted at them integrating some elements from the second game entry. Well, not even a day afterward we got one more set video that offers a new look at Gabriel Luna’s take on Tommy. As we theorized, they probably are in this town to meet up with Joel’s estranged brother and these new set videos confirmed the suspicion.

    https://twitter.com/thelastofusnews/status/1461132737591619589?s=21

    Luna is rocking quite the mustache in this sequence and it looks like he is guiding Joel and Ellie through the town. The jacket is quite similar to the one he had on in The Last of Us 2, which seems to be what this entire segment will primarily be inspired by. They could be using this time to set up their visit ahead of a potential second season. Plus, the continuity is a nice touch with them already integrating elements from the second game. We don’t know if they might explore a unique angle with the story in the future, or if they’ll stick as close as they can to the original game.

    We did get a brief tease of the brothers before the time skip from Gabriel Luna, which hinted at the fact we’ll relieve the events when the fungal infection spread across the world. Times have passed and the world technically came to a somewhat abrupt end. It’ll be interesting to see if the dynamic between Tommy and Joel also remains the same from the game’s, or they might dive deeper into it. It’s the advantage of a series adaptation, as they can offer a closer look into what drove these two apart.

    Source. Twitter

  • Vincent D’Onofrio on Hawkeye: “This is Going to Be Fun”

    Vincent D’Onofrio on Hawkeye: “This is Going to Be Fun”

    For months now, rumors have swirled that Vincent D’Onofrio would be reprising his role as Wilson Fisk in the upcoming Marvel Studios streaming series Hawkeye. If the “rumors” are true, D’Onofrio would join Charlie Cox in making the jump from Marvel’s Netflix Defender-verse to the mainstream MCU.

    While both actors have attempted to deny their involvement, they’ve both recently commented on what they’d like to see their characters do if they did return with D’Onofrio recently saying he’d love to go up against Spider-Man. D’Onofrio is always active on social media and with Hawkeye’s debut just a week away, the actor took to Twitter to indicate that he’s also a big fan of the Marvel Studios’ produced series on Disney Plus and that he thinks this one is “going to be fun.”

    With Maya Lopez, aka Echo, appearing in Hawkeye and her character having such strong comic book ties to Kingpin, the series provides the perfect opportunity for the character to come on board. The return of Cox and D’Onofrio in their respective roles could prove to be just the beginning of big things for those characters in the future, with a Daredevil project rumored to be in the works. With Hawkeye’s 6 episodes spanning the holiday season and wrapping up before the new year, maybe Kingpin is Feige’s gift to us all.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Why Trinh Tran Tackled ‘Hawkeye’ After ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    EXCLUSIVE: Why Trinh Tran Tackled ‘Hawkeye’ After ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    The launch of Disney+ has led to a whole new avenue of storytelling potential. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, many wondered just how the Marvel Cinematic Universe would continue onward, and a slew of Disney+ original series offered the chance to spotlight some minor yet fan-favorite characters. We recently had the chance to speak with Marvel Studios producer Trinh Tran to discuss her next project, Hawkeye. It’s quite a shift from working on a massive project like Endgame to this smaller project, and she offered some insight into why she tackled the Disney+ series right after.

    I wanted it all! [LAUGH] I think, you know, when we were filming Infinity War and Endgame I was already, we were already talking about What is the future? What is my next project and you know Shang-Chi was already starting. So, unfortunately you know I couldnt be apart that the same way that Jonathan was and, you know, I loved Hawkeye from the Fraction run. I love how fun it is and the banter between Clint and Kate, and I really wanted to explore, you know a female version of a skilled archer, as well as telling Clint’s side of the story which we havent had the chance to in the MCU. So, I felt that it was due time for him to shine and get his spotlight and I think that was one of the reasons why I gravitated towards this particular show.

    Trinh Tran

    Trinh Tran has worked on the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the beginning. She served as an associate producer on Captain America: Civil War, and worked her way to becoming an executive producer on the two most recent Avengers films. It’s great to hear her excitement about the project, and that this adaptation springs from that very enjoyment of Faction and Ajap‘s run on the character. Disney+ is the bridge to explore stories that would’ve never gotten the cinematic treatment. Here’s looking forward to what else Marvel Studios may explore in the future.

  • New ‘The Last of Us’ Set Photos Hint at ‘Part 2’ Influences

    New ‘The Last of Us’ Set Photos Hint at ‘Part 2’ Influences

    At this point, we’ve probably seen way more than was intended from the upcoming The Last of Us series. Their reliance on practical sets in real locations is a great move for a post-apocalyptic storyline but does make it easy for any person near their shooting location to share photos. Just recently, we got quite a few set photos teasing the city of Jackson, as the Canadian town of Canmore was turned into the famous stronghold from the games. It’s where our two main protagonists meet up with Tommy, Joel’s brother. Yet, it’s even more important if you consider that it’s the main location that the opening of the sequel takes place. Well, some new set photos featuring Pedro Pascal‘s Joel may hint that the series will include elements from The Last of Us Part II.

    In the new photos shared by Twitter user @softdindjarin, we see Joel standing at the stables of the same location we saw from the set photos shared by Russell and Russell Design Studios the other day. What is noteworthy is what Pascal is wearing in this scene. When Joel reunites with his brother, it’s a rainy day. Yet, Jackson set photos are teasing a winter setting just like the sequel.

    There’s also a video that has been released from the same sequence with Pedro Pascal preparing for the role.

    https://twitter.com/TheLastofUsNews/status/1460833867686985728?s=20

    So, either these set photos are teasing the production is currently shooting sequences that’ll wrap up the first season, or they might be combining elements from both. The stables are an important landmark in the opening of the second game, but Joel didn’t play a role during that. It seems likely they might be bringing in familiar elements and then pushing the video game adaptation in a different direction. Instead of directly going to the fireflies, they may stay in Jackson for some time. Here’s hoping the first trailer gives us a clearer picture how they tackle this project.

    Source: Twitter

  • REPORT: New Character Breakdowns for ‘Dead Boy Detectives’

    REPORT: New Character Breakdowns for ‘Dead Boy Detectives’

    The upcoming Dead Boy Detectives spin-off is currently casting as it prepares to shoot its pilot before it is greenlit for an ongoing series. 

    Dead Boy Detectives is looking to cast a few more characters to its cast, the first being Thomas The Cat King. Thomas is described as a man in his late 20’s to early ’30s but one that has been around for centuries, He is also a bit of a predator, feline-like, and darkly fun. Thomas will always keep his word, but one should never really be trusted, listed as a series regular, and is eyeing Andrew Horton to star.

    The next character is Jenny Green, described as a kind and optimistic punk butcher who is an amateur at love with a hard outer shell. Jenny becomes a good friend and confidant to one of the lead characters, Crystal Palace. The show is also looking to cast the character Niko Sasaki. Niko is described as being charming and sincere but is obsessed with the hopes of one day falling in love. She is also obsessed with an anime known as ‘Case Closed’ and is bent on joining the Dead Boy Detective Agency. Both characters are described as series regulars.

    One of the final characters looking to be cast is Esther Corvus. Production is looking for an actress in the 40-50-year-old range and is described as a very direct and “take what she wants’ kind of person, with a Stevie Knicks in her Fleetwood Mac prime type of vibe. She is seen as a threat and an adversary of the Dead Boy Detectives in Port Townsend. Another series regular for the show.

    The final character looks to be our main antagonist, with the show seeking to cast an actor 18 or older to play the host of the demon David. David is described as crude, scornful, and hostile, with a nasty hankering for raw fish. He is the one who stole Crystal’s memories and will do anything he can to get her back. Davids’s host is described as a recurring guest star.

    Dead Boy Detectives currently has no set release date as it has yet to be greenlit for a full series order.

    SOURCE: Illuminerdi

  • Netflix Shares Viewership Numbers for the First Time

    Netflix Shares Viewership Numbers for the First Time

    Streaming may be about to change forever, as Netflix has suddenly offered insight into how much their shows and films are being viewed. Not just that, they promise this to be a regular occurrence. Other streaming services have been coy on sharing any data, as the market hasn’t required it. Yet, as they continue to grow this is a massive jump for transparency and might also shift the market in a new direction, as streaming becomes more dominant.

    The goal for Netflix is to report how many hours were spent on the top 10 TV shows and movies, which includes original and licensed offerings. The first numbers offered some insight into their latest release Red Notice with Gal Gadot, Ryan Reynolds, and Dwayne Johnson spearheading. In its first week of release, it had garnered around 149M hours of viewing time. Narcos: Mexico was the most-watched English-speaking series with 50M hours. Squid Game did take the top spot, however, for a non-English series with around 43M after being available for some time.

    It’s a great development, but it opens the question of whether others will be willing to share their data as openly. Newer streaming services are facing enough hardship. So, transparency might streamline the market and showcase what investments are proven successful. This move does also feels like a follow-up to 2021’s long-winded discussion regarding simultaneous releases and how effective they truly are. We’ll keep an eye on future developments.

    Source: Financial Times

  • Netflix Shares ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Set Photo as Production Starts

    Netflix Shares ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Set Photo as Production Starts

    It looks like the turbulent developmnet hell surrounding Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender has come to an end. Hot off the heels of casting Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai and Paul Sun-Hyung as Uncle Iroh, the streaming service announced on their Twitter profile that they’ve officially entered production with a cute picture of the cast on the set. Sadly, they aren’t showing anything quite yet but it’s great to know that after its turbulent history, such as the creators existing the showing last year over creative differences, they are finally at a point for the series to kick-off filming.

    Showrunner Albert Kim also shared his excitement on finally entering production on this project on Twitter:

    The cast certailny looks excited and overall casting has been quite promising. It’s uncertain how long they might be in productiona nd when we can expect thes eries to release. Considering it’ll be effects heavy, we might have to wait for some time before we get too see their take on these iconic animated characters. Still, it’s good to finally get a confirmation that the project is moving forward and here’s hoping they’ll tease the cast in their costumes in the near future.

    Source: Twitter

  • Paul Sun-Hyung Lee Cast as Uncle Iroh in Netflix’s ‘Avatar’

    Paul Sun-Hyung Lee Cast as Uncle Iroh in Netflix’s ‘Avatar’

    Avatar is one of the most beloved animated series of all time. It tells the story of Aang, the very last Airbender, as he travels the four nations with his companions and masters all four elemental bending techniques. The show returned to Netflix last year and brought back a wave of nostalgia for many, who soon remembered Netflix was in development on a live-action adaption, piquing the interest of many.

    In the past couple of weeks, the adaption has begun adding to its cast, some known and some new to the scene. An addition that all have been waiting for is the role of Uncle Iroh, the uncle of Prince Zuko, and one of the series most important and loved characters. The Mandalorian and Kims Convenience Star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee has been officially cast in the role of Uncle Iroh. Along with that casting, Ken Leung has joined as Admiral Zhao with Lim Kay Siu cast as Monk Gyatso.

    It’ll be interesting to see how the series adapts the first book and if it changes any backstories to better fit within the shorter episode run. The series has been pretty on the spot with its recent castings, and Lee as Iroh is quite a great addition.

    Lee, Leung, and Siu join Gordon Cormier as Aang, Dallas Liu as Zuko, Ian Ousley as Sokka, Kiawentiio Tarbell as Katara, and Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai. Albert Kim will serve as showrunner on the series following the departure of original series creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante Dimartino.

    Source: The Wrap

  • EXCLUSIVE: Marvel Didn’t Allow ‘Hit-Monkey’ To Use Bullseye In Series

    EXCLUSIVE: Marvel Didn’t Allow ‘Hit-Monkey’ To Use Bullseye In Series

    Marvel TV’s last bastion Hit-Monkey premieres tomorrow on Hulu, ending the department’s near-decade-long stint with a brutal and violent spectacle. The show is filled with lots of gore, emotion, and features a handful of Marvel characters that some comic readers may recognize. Characters like Silver Samurai, Fat Cobra, and Lady Bullseye all make memorable appearances all throughout.

    One character that almost made the cut, however, was the original Bullseye. Once again, the old adage of corporate mandates hijacking creative visions took place, prohibiting showrunners Will Speck and Josh Gordon from using the fabled Daredevil character. In our exclusive interview with the directing duo, they said:

    Yes, Bullseye. Bullseye was in the original issues of Hit-Monkey and that was who we originally thought we would use but for various reasons, we couldn’t. But Marvel offered us Lady Bullseye instead and we thought, ‘Wow. That’s so much more interesting since she’s a character we haven’t seen much of yet.’ We were thrilled that we got that pivot.

    These things happen a lot with Marvel TV. Jeph Loeb and co. want to use a character for their shows but the powers that be at Marvel Studios veto it for reasons related to their own plans for the characters at hand.

    In this instance, this could’ve been a case of Marvel not wanting to touch anything that had to do with the Netflix clause that prohibited the use of characters from their shows for an X amount of years, though the production timeline might say otherwise. Interestingly, this could also very well be a mandate from Marvel Studios as Kevin Feige begins to get his hands on some of Marvel’s most famous street-level characters.