Tag: TV

  • Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Adds New Showrunner

    Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Adds New Showrunner

    Here’s a surprise, it looks like Matt Owens has a new co-showrunner going into the second season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece. After a strong showing in its first season and critical acclaim, there’s been quite a bit of silence on the project since they are preparing to start production on the next season. Rumors are hinting at a June production start, but we still have no updates on who might be joining the cast.

    As first shared by @OP_Netflix_Fan, they noticed that the Writing Guild of America site has updated the page for the second season which now includes Joseph E. Tracz as showrunner alongside Matt Owens, who has been part of its creation. What stands out is that Steven Maeda is no longer involved with the project after having been the showrunner in the first season. He’s also an Executive Producer on the series moving forward.

    Tracz has worked on a variety of series in the past. He was the showrunner of the Netflix romance Dash & Lily. He’s also worked on series like Lights Out, the recent Disney+ adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians as well as A Series of Unfortunate Events, one of the first major adaptations for Netflix. For the latter, he also was involved with the series finale

    Source: WGA

  • REVIEW: Amazon’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith is Uneven, Yet Enjoyable

    REVIEW: Amazon’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith is Uneven, Yet Enjoyable

    When Amazon’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith was first announced, understandably hesitant. It simply didn’t seem as though the film needed to be reimagined, and yet, that was precisely what Amazon was looking to do. But with talent like Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane on board, it was hard not to be a bit excited to see what the series would ultimately look like. While the show isn’t a complete homerun, it’s enjoyable enough and offers up a nice action piece for both Glover and his leading lady, Maya Erskine.

    The pilot episode opens with a hell of a bang featuring Alexander Skarsgård and Eiza González. The duo might not have much screentime, but audiences are sure to still feel their presence by the end of the episode. It was a wonderfully choreographed action scene that is powerful, despite its limited dialogue. Unfortunately, with an opening like that, it’s easy to downhill rather quickly. The episode does, naturally, seem to lag as most pilot episodes do. While it, understandably, needs to introduce viewers to the latest iteration of Jane and John Smith, Erskine and Glover, respectively, the dialogue at times does drag the episode down. Thankfully, it does find its footing in the end and delivers an explosive ending to the first episode. Hopefully hooking viewers eager to see what is in store for the spy couple.

    The premise of Mr. and Mrs. Smith is simple enough. So, it was never a question of whether or not it could be developed properly as a series. Ultimately, many were curious to see Glover and Erskine, who came on later in the project to replace Phoebe Waller-Bridge, could become the combative partners we’ve come to know courtesy of the film. Those that are doubtful of the duo’s ability to shine in an action setting will be thrilled to see how easily they slip into these roles. The action shots are well done, with Glover and Erskine working wonderfully together, and the character development for both is well-done. If there was one big issue that stood out in the series, it wasn’t its leading couple, but rather the use of its incredible guest cast.

    With big names like Skarsgård, González, Ron Perlman, Sarah Paulson, Michaela Coel, and Paul Dano, one would expect big things from the supporting cast. Unfortunately, most of the guest stars often feel wasted. (Dano, Paulson and Coel being the exceptions.) Given the show tackle a new case each episode, at times, it felt like a game of “Who’s the Latest Guest Star?” That being said, there is some filler in the series. This is to be expected with eight near hour-long episodes. But the filler is, oddly enough, still enjoyable even if it slows things down.

    If viewers can give the show time to do its thing, they’ll find that Amazon’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith is a delightful action series that showcases its leads as action heroes in the making. The character work is well-handled, as are the action scenes, and it’s clear Glover had fun making this series. We can only hope he’s given the chance to do more projects like Mr. and Mrs. Smith down the road — same can be said for Erskine.

    Bring on season two!

  • Where to Watch ‘Stranger Things’: A Guide to Streaming the Upside Down Adventures

    Where to Watch ‘Stranger Things’: A Guide to Streaming the Upside Down Adventures

    Stranger Things, the critically acclaimed sci-fi horror series created by the Duffer Brothers, has captivated audiences worldwide with its nostalgic 80s vibes, supernatural mysteries, and a group of lovable kids facing otherworldly challenges. As a fan or someone looking to dive into the thrilling world of Hawkins, Indiana, you might be wondering where you can watch Stranger Things. In this guide, we’ll explore the streaming platforms that offer this iconic series, making it easier for you to embark on a journey into the Upside Down.

    Netflix: The Original Home of Stranger Things

    The most straightforward answer to where you can watch Stranger Things is on Netflix. The streaming giant is where the series was born and continues to thrive. If you already have a Netflix subscription, you’re all set to binge-watch all seasons of Stranger Things. If not, you can easily sign up for a subscription, as Netflix is the exclusive platform for streaming this supernatural hit.

    Offline Viewing with Netflix

    One of the perks of using Netflix is the ability to download episodes for offline viewing. This feature comes in handy when you want to enjoy the adventures of Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and the gang without an internet connection. Simply download your favorite episodes when you have Wi-Fi, and you’ll be able to watch them on the go.

    Netflix Availability Worldwide

    Netflix is available in most countries around the world. However, the content library may vary from region to region due to licensing agreements. To ensure that Stranger Things is available in your country, check Netflix’s official website or app for the most up-to-date information.

    Streaming Quality on Netflix

    Netflix offers Stranger Things in high-definition (HD) and even 4K Ultra HD, provided you have a compatible device and a sufficient internet connection. This ensures that you can enjoy the series in all its visual glory, immersing yourself in the nostalgic landscapes of the 80s.

    In conclusion, the answer to where you can watch Stranger Things is simple: Netflix. The streaming platform has been the exclusive home for this thrilling series since its inception. Whether you’re a seasoned fan planning a rewatch or a newcomer eager to experience the mystery and excitement of Hawkins, Indiana, Netflix is your gateway to the Upside Down. So, grab some snacks, settle into your favorite spot, and get ready for a binge-watching session that will transport you to a world where strange things happen.

    Keep an eye on official social media accounts, press releases, or the Netflix platform for the latest news regarding Stranger Things Season 5 availability.

    1. ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Adds Key Characters to its Cast

      ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Adds Key Characters to its Cast

      The Last of Us is slowly preparing for its second season. The upcoming continuation of the iconic story will adapt The Last of Us Part 2. It’s still unclear if it’ll be a direct adaptation of the entire sequel or rather split up into multiple seasons given the story’s length. Still, the first two castings confirm that we’re not getting any unique take or original expansion, as the HBO show has found its Abby and Jesse.

      The big addition is Kaitlyn Dever, who will take on the challenging role of Abby. Besides the stellar emotional performance the role offers, a lot of weight comes with tackling this character due to reactions to the original game it’s adapting. Not to give away any major spoilers, but it will be interesting to get a feeling of how they tackle that scene in general.

      She’ll be joined by Young Mazino, who will take on the role of Jesse. While not the biggest role in the original story, he’s still an important recurring character. There’s still no news on how many from the original cast we can expect to return and if they’ll tackle the season the same way, but it’s great to see that things are getting moving on the second season. We’ll likely get a few major castings news in the weeks to come as they slowly start preparing for the production start.

      Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline

    2. ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Star Provides Promising Update on the Show’s New Direction

      ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Star Provides Promising Update on the Show’s New Direction

      No project generated more buzz during SDCC ’22 than Daredevil: Born Again. Originally intended to stream on Disney Plus in Spring 2024, production on the series got underway in early 2023 but was paused in June amid the WGA strike. Marvel Studios used that break to evaluate what they had filmed for the series so far and decided the series needed a creative restructuring. By October 2023, Dario Scardapane (The Punisher) had been brought in as showrunner and the directing duo of Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (Moon Knight, Loki Season 2) were handed the reigns and tasked both with salvaging what they could from the work that had been done and plotting a new course for the project. As 2024 gets underway, it looks as though production on the project is set to resume soon and fans are starting to become more curious about just what the new direction of the series will be.

      Daredevil: Born Again will see Daredevil stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio back in action as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, respectively. D’Onofrio also has a major role in Marvel Studios’ next streaming project, Echo. During an interview with Collider about his role in that series, D’Onofrio provided a very promising update about the new direction Daredevil: Born Again is headed under the direction of Scardapane, Benson and Moorhead.

      We’re having a really good time right now. We’re getting back up. We’re gonna start soon, hopefully sooner than later, and Charlie and I feel like the right vibe is there,” D’Onofrio told Collider. With so much negativity surrounding the MCU right now, fans are hopeful that the time taken to restructure Daredevil: Born Again pays off. After all, Daredevil is one of Marvel’s cornerstone characters and rumors have the series paving the way for the character to play a major role in Spider-Man 4 where he and the Wall-Crawler team up to take on Kingpin in what’s being called a “street-level Civil War.” Whether or not that turns out to be the case, D’Onofrio is convinced that the series is in good hands with the new creative team.

      Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios’ ECHO, releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

      I think all the powers out there that control this whole creative world of the MCU, also believe that we’re in the right place right now… I have to say, it’s luck, really. I mean, my favorite series so far have been Moon Knight and Loki, and we’ve got those guys as directors, and so that’s pretty lucky. And we’ve got Dario, who’s an incredible writer who wrote The Punisher. We’re in a very happy place right now

      -Vincent D’Onofrio

      With the series set to resume production soon, there’s still hope that Daredevil: Born Again will debut on Disney Plus early in 2025. And, if D’Onofrio is right and the new creatives are heading down the right path, it could be one of the studio’s best projects yet.

      In Daredevil: Born Again, “longtime rivals Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) try to leave behind their darker alter-egos to serve the people of New York only to have their pasts catch up to them.

      Source: Collider

    3. Sydney Freeland on the Importance of Maya Lopez’s Past in ‘Echo’

      Sydney Freeland on the Importance of Maya Lopez’s Past in ‘Echo’

      Marvel’s upcoming streaming series, Echo, represents a new type of project for the studio. Not only is it the first TV-MA project, but it’s also the first to roll out under the new Marvel Spotlight banner. According to the studios, Marvel Spotlight projects will bring “more grounded, character-driven stories to the screen” that “focus on street-level stakes over larger MCU continuity.” Essentially, while the projects may involve familiar MCU characters (indeed Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk has a prominent role in Echo and Charlie Cox’s Daredevil does appear), the stories told within them are self-contained. “Viewers don’t have to watch any other Marvel series to understand the plot,” which means everything needed to completely enjoy Echo will be seen in Echo. And according to director Sydney Freeland, that means a heavy dose of lead character Maya Lopez’s past.

      During a global press event before the premiere of Echo, Freeland talked about the unique opportunity to further explore Lopez, who debuted in the 2021 streaming series Hawkeye. “One of the most interesting aspects about the character,” began Freeland, “is the fact that she’s a villain in Hawkeye, right? But then within that, once you start, sort of, pulling in that thread, then you look at where she comes from, right? And you look at, “Oh, this is a deaf, indigenous amputee girl from Oklahoma,” said the director. “‘How the hell does she end up being one of the top-ranking lieutenants in Kingpin’s army?’ And answering those questions was such an exciting place to be.”

      Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ Echo, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

      For Maya, following the events of the Hawkeye season finale, that means finding her way back to Oklahoma to a family she hasn’t seen in years. And as is traditional wisdom, once you leave, you can’t go home again. “Well, what is that like when she goes back home? You know?,” asked Freeland. “And I think for, you know, just for myself and you know, being indigenous, being an American, it was such a fun and exciting place to be. And then once you layer on the Choctaw cultural specifics onto that, it gave us a chance to tell a really fun story, you know? I think one example of that is actually in the second episode of our series.

      As the show’s promotional footage has revealed, Maya’s troubles with Kingin will follow her home. Freeland seems to indicate that the series will explore the path Maya took from Oklahoma to NYC. It’ll be interesting to see what connections to the Kingpin took her away from home and what the consequences will be when she returns.

      All 5 episodes of Echo will stream on Hulu and Disney Plus beginning at 9 PM EST on January 9th.

    4. ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Star Provides a Very Encouraging Update on the Status of the Show’s Production Timeline

      ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Star Provides a Very Encouraging Update on the Status of the Show’s Production Timeline

      Marvel Studios ambitious 18-episode streaming series, Daredevil: Born Again, began production in New York City in early 2023. Quite a few episodes of the series, which stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, were filmed before the WGA strike forced a shutdown in June. As that strike went on and the SAG strike began, Marvel Studios took a look at what they had put together for the series and decided that the series was in need of a major creative overhaul. Writers Matt Corman and Chris Ord left the show and were replaced by showrunner Dario Scardapane (The Punisher). Moon Knight and Loki Season 2 directors, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, were brought on to determine what was salvageable from the episodes that had been filmed and to take the lead for the rest of the series. With so much going on behind the scenes, production was unable to resume when the dual strikes found resolution; however, according to D’Onofrio, cameras are set to roll soon!

      While promoting the upcoming Disney Plus series Echo, which debuts on Hulu and Disney Plus on January 9th, D’Onofrio indicated that a restart of production was right around the corner. According to the star, Daredevil: Born Again will resume filming “not long from now… in a few weeks, in fact.” That information is consistent with the information we heard and shared here:

      Even though Moorhead indicated that he and Benson were on “day zero” in November, it’s likely that some portion of the footage that was filmed last year will make its way into the series. With that in mind, it is still entirely possible that the first nine episodes of the series will be ready to roll out by January 2025, which was in the cards at one point in time.

      Daredevil: Born Again will see “longtime rivals Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) try to leave behind their darker alter-egos to serve the people of New York only to have their pasts catch up to them.

      Source: Comic Book Central

    5. Vincent D’Onofrio Compares Wilson Fisk’s ‘Echo’ Appearance to ‘Daredevil’

      Vincent D’Onofrio Compares Wilson Fisk’s ‘Echo’ Appearance to ‘Daredevil’

      After meeting what appeared to be a grisly end in the season finale of Marvel Studios’ 2021 Disney Plus streaming series, Hawkeye, Wilson Fisk is back in the studio’s newest series, Echo. Vincent D’Onofrio, who first portrayed the Kingpin of crime in 2015 in the Netflix streaming series Daredevil, returns once again as Fisk and, as has been teased in the trailers for Echo, will have some serious catching up to do with Alaqua Cox‘s Maya Lopez.

      Debuting simultaneously on Hulu and D+, Echo is the first TV-MA production by Marvel Studios, allowing it to include a level of violence that fans of the Netflix Defenders-verse series are sure to enjoy. Though Fisk’s brutality was on full display in Daredevil, there’s much more to the character. During a global press event for Echo, D’Onofrio was asked what makes Kingpin, who first appeared in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man #50 in 1967, so compelling.

      I think that, you know, originally in the comic books, he was also compelling, I think. And I’ve just been lucky to get the opportunity, beginning with the Netflix show, with really good writing to bring him forward in I guess a kind of new way, but just my version of what they did in the original comics. And then, now in Echo, you know, it’s just more good writing and, you know, without the writing, you know, I can’t really do much other than, you know, show up. And so, the writing is there, and it gives me the opportunity to bring the character forward.

      Vincent D’Onofrio
      Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios’ ECHO, releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

      Netflix’s Daredevil series was created by Drew Goddard and saw showrunners Steven S. DeKnight (Season 1), Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez (Season 2) and Erik Oleson (Season 3) work to create a complex and nuanced character that, thanks to the performance of D’Onofrio, became a fan favorite despite being a villain. On Echo, head writers Marion Dayre and Amy Rardin led a writers’ room, according to D’Onofrio, captured the parts of the character from Netflix series. “I think, with Echo, is the first time since the Netflix show when I’ve actually felt like we brought Fisk into Maya’s story, but in a way that Fisk is, I think, best portrayed,” explained D’Onofrio. “It’s very similar to the way it was in the original series,” he continued, “and that’s very exciting for me always, ’cause it has a more grittier feel to it and it’s a more emotional story with me and Alaqua’s character, Maya. And I think that kind of tone is the proper way for where my character, I believe, lives best.

      With D’Onofrio affirming that viewers can expect the same tone to carry over into Marvel Studios’ 18-episode streaming series, Daredevil: Born Again, fans of the Netflix series should look forward to having their appetites for the grittiness of that universe sated. All episodes of Echo will stream on Hulu and Disney Plus beginning January 9th.

      About Echo

      Marvel Studios presents Echo, spotlighting Maya Lopez as she is pursued by Wilson Fisk’s criminal empire. When the journey brings her home, she must confront her own family and legacy. Echo stars Alaqua Cox (Hawkeye) as Maya Lopez, as well as Chaske Spencer (Wild Indian, The English), Tantoo Cardinal (Killers of the Flower Moon, Stumptown), Devery Jacobs (FX’s Reservation Dogs, American Gods), Zahn McClarnon (Dark Winds, FX’s Reservation Dogs) and Cody Lightning (Hey, Viktor!, Four Sheets to the Wind), with Graham Greene (1883, Goliath) and Vincent D’Onofrio (Hawkeye, Daredevil, Law & Order: Criminal Intent), who returns to the villainous role of Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin.

      Episodes of the series are directed by Sydney Freeland (Navajo) and Catriona McKenzie (Gunaikurnai). Executive producers are Kevin Feige, Stephen Broussard, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Victoria Alonso, Richie Palmer, Jason Gavin (Blackfeet), Marion Dayre and Sydney Freeland. Co-executive producers are Jennifer L. Booth and Amy Rardin. Marvel Studios’ Echo launches on Disney+ and Hulu Jan. 9, 2024.

    6. Vincent D’Onofrio Reveals What It Would Take to End Wilson Fisk’s Reign as the Kingpin of NYC

      Vincent D’Onofrio Reveals What It Would Take to End Wilson Fisk’s Reign as the Kingpin of NYC

      As Bruce Springsteen once reminded us: only the strong survive. Vincent D’Onofrio‘s Wilson Fisk is a survivor. New York City’s Kingpin of Crime survived a point-blank shot to the head in the season finale of Hawkeye and it back on his feet in Marvel Studios’ latest streaming series, Echo, where he will find himself face-to-face with the one who pulled the trigger: his adopted “niece”, Maya Lopez.

      From the sounds of it, Fisk’s return in Echo is just the first step along a path that will see the Kingpin become the “big bad” of Marvel Studios’ street-level stories. Next up for Fisk will be the streaming series Daredevil: Born Again, where it’s been rumored the Fat Man will run for Mayor of New York City. Further speculation posits that his arc in that series will dovetail into Spider-Man 4, which has reportedly been developed as a “street-level Civil War.

      While there have been no official announcements, it seems the next Spidey film won’t hit theaters until 2026 at best. That means we’re a long way off from casting and set photos; however, D’Onofrio hasn’t been shy about expressing his desire to appear in the film and taking on the Web-Slinger. It’s likely that Spidey wouldn’t be alone in trying to take down the Kingpin (recent rumors support the common sense idea that Daredevil would be among the street-level heroes teaming up with Spider-Man) should they square off and, according to D’Onofrio, the Wall-Crawler would need all the help he can get.

      In an interview with Jake’s Takes, D’Onofrio was asked who could take down the Kingpin for good, since a bullet to the head couldn’t do the job, and while he doesn’t see that as a possibility, he did reveal who might stand a chance.

      This is a very difficult question, because I don’t see that happening. I don’t see Kingpin dying. Kingpin never died in the canon of the comic books, so that’s very difficult. I’ll talk in terms of who could come close to it. I think that it would have to be either Daredevil or Spider-Man…together, the two of them together, maybe. But I don’t see Kingpin going away. He never did when I was a kid, so I don’t expect he will now.

      While D’Onofrio can’t come out and say it, it sure seems as though Fisk is destined to find himself facing off against Daredevil and Spider-Man in the next Spidey solo film. Spidey star Tom Holland has also expressed a desire to see his character take on Kingpin and you have to think that at least part of Marvel Studios’ plan in bringing D’Onofrio and Charlie Cox back was to eventually put them together on the big screen.

      Fisk can be seen in Echo, which debuts on Hulu and Disney Plus on January 9th.

    7. Marvel Exec on Wilson Fisk’s Thanos-Sized Role in the MCU’s Street-Level Stories

      Marvel Exec on Wilson Fisk’s Thanos-Sized Role in the MCU’s Street-Level Stories

      Vincent D’Onofrio’s return to the role of Wilson Fisk in the 2021 Marvel Studios Disney Plus streaming series Hawkeye helped carve out a whole new corner of the MCU. As Kevin Feige confirmed at SDCC ’22, Marvel Studios was taking their storytelling to the streets where heroes such as Spider-Man and Daredevil would lead the way. Spinning out of Hawkeye is the studio’s next streaming series, Echo, which sees Fisk return from what should have been a kill shot at the end of Maya Lopez’s barrel.

      Despite some creative retooling, it’s expected that Echo will dovetail into another streaming series, Daredevil: Born Again, which will reunite Fisk with Charlie Cox’s Man Without Fear. Beyond that series, rumors point to the storyline continuing to be threaded into the fourth Marvel Studios/Sony Spider-Man collaboration, which was recently described as a street-level Civil War. Early rumors suggested that Daredevil: Born Again would adapt Marvel Comics’ “Mayor Fisk” storyline. Photos from the set of the series seemed to support those rumors as they showed a very distinguished-looking Wilson Fisk on the streets of New York. All signs point to very big things ahead for the Kingpin of Crime.

      In an interview with Screen Rant’s Joe Deckelmeier, Marvel Studios’ Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation, Brad Winderbaum, responded to the notion that Fisk was being positioned to be the “Thanos of the street-level corner of the MCU.” “Oh man, you kind of hit the nail on the head,” said Winderbaum. “I can’t say too much, only that as a chapter in Wilson Fisk’s life, this is a crucial one and sets the stage in some remarkable ways for what’s coming next.

      While there’s been no official announcement by Sony about when a fourth installment in the Spider-Man franchise may appear, it’s been made clear by Feige that the project has been in development for some time and that writers have long understood the assignment for the film. For his part, D’Onofrio has made it well-known on multiple occasions that he’d like to see Fisk, who first appeared in the pages of Spider-Man comics, square off against the Wall-Crawler in Spider-Man 4. Though he stops short of saying it, Winderbaum certainly does nothing to turn down the heat on the rumors and, if anything, his comments are sure to fan the flames of an already hot fire.