After a hugely successful film debut it appears that Marvel Comics is focusing more on the Guardians franchise with the new series Guardians of Infinity being announced over the weekend.
The new series will feature a crossover of Guardians crews and its cast of characters. Guardians of the Galaxy characters such as Drax, Groot and Rocket Raccoon assembling alongside the Guardians 3000 and an introduction of the Guardians 1000.
Guardians 3000 features lesser known characters such as Starhawk and Vance Astro as well as Yondu, who appeared in the film. The new series, which brings together all aspects of the Guardians universe, should make for some of the most definitive storylines so far. The reasoning for the new installation could be in part to the success of the Rocket Raccoon film tie-in comic, which released in summer of 2014. Rocket Raccoon #1 sold an estimated 300,000 copies in July helping the comic book industry reach its highest sales ($53.6M) in the month of July.
Think about that. The best month in comic sales history (officially recorded beginning in 1997) wasn’t led by Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, X-Men or the Avengers. It was led by Rocket Raccoon. The first issue will release in December and the series is written by Dan Abnett with art by Carlo Barberi.
Each issue will feature a backup story featuring the biggest characters in the Marvel Universe. The first issue will reportedly see Rocket Raccoon teaming up with The Thing on an Earth like planet that revolves around pro wrestling.
Here’s the full description of the first issue:
Defending the galaxy is a good gig, but Drax isn’t thrilled with the combat hours (not enough of them) and Rocket isn’t thrilled with the compensation (not enough of it). They’re off on an adventure to supplement both, and Groot is happy to come along. But instead of the perks they want, they’re about to get more trouble than they can handle. Good thing the Guardians 3000 are on hand to help! But what about…THE GUARDIANS 1000??!!
Also in this issue, Latour and Cheung tell a one-off story of Ben Grimm and Rocket Raccoon, stuck on a planet where culture is based on Earth-style professional wrestling…but the stakes are life and death! THIS AIN’T KAYFABE, BROTHER!
Let us know if you plan on picking up the first issue in the comments below!
Last Spring, it was reported that 20th Century Fox is working on TheLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemen reboot with producer John Davis. It is being written by Jayson Rothwell and based on the graphic novels with the same title, created by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill.
The original live-action movie, inspired by the comic book series, was a failure in 2003. It was the last feature film both lead actor Sean Connery and director Stephen Norrington (Blade) have worked on, and it was also the last adaptation Alan Moore has accepted official credits and licensing fees for – except for one episode of the Justice League animated series. It was that bad.
In 2013 Fox ordered a TV pilot that didn’t get picked up. This time they have the opportunity to make it right.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen has been described as a “group of British citizen and colonial secret agents, employed by the British Government until the mid-20th Century, that serves to protect England from threats, both normal and paranormal”. Based on this premise and taking the first movie as a reference (not the best, but the one with the most iconic characters), I have tried to find a new cast for the upcoming reboot.
Much like Penny Dreadful came together, in 2003’s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen all the chosen main characters were some of the best known British literary characters that appeared in the graphic novels. Two of them weren’t explicitly part of the League, but were mentioned, appeared or had a connection with other characters in some way. Here are my picks:
Allan Quatermain – Hugo Weaving
We know Weaving from some of the most classic movie franchises of all time, like Matrix and Lord of the Rings. Quatermain is part of three iterations of TheLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and thus one of the most important characters. Created by H. Rider Haggard, he was the protagonist of King Solomon’s Mines (1885). Weaving would do him justice, with his big presence on screen and wise look.
Allan Quatermain Jr. – Nicholas Hoult
If the Pool of Fire played a part in the reboot, Quatermain would be able to become younger and immortal when he bathed in this fountain of youth. This could be connected to Ayesha as a villain (see below). Nicholas Hoult has proved himself to be a very decent actor, both in drama and comedy, and I can kind of see a physical similarity with Hugo Weaving. Can you?
Mina Murray/Harker – Haley Atwell
Easier choice for me. Atwell is perfect to play the intelligent woman who was turned into a vampire by none other than Count Dracula. Mina is the leader of all the League groups she’s a member of and has a personal story that allows for several different storylines to develop. In the 2003 film she was also a chemist and set in a love/hate relationship with Dorian Gray. In the comic books she’s often paired off with Allan Quatermain. I’d say she’s a powerful enough character to stand on her own this time.
Captain Nemo – Naveen Andrews
Also called Prince Dakkar, he’s an Indian pirate. He owns the Nautilus, an advanced and enormous submarine. Andrews is mostly known for his role of Sayid in Lost, for what he was nominated for both an Emmy and Golden Globe. Captain Nemo is described as being old, so Ben Kingsley could also be a good option, if not a little bit too obvious.
Hawley Griffin (The Invisible Man) – Alan Tudyk
Here’s something interesting: producers of the 2003 film weren’t able to acquire the rights to the H.G. Wells’ created character that appears in TheLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novels. Instead, they came up with Rodney Skinner, a mischievous thief who stole the invisibility formula from Dr. Griffin. Though in the movie they didn’t go as obscure as in the comics, where he was a known rapist. I’m not usually on board with Americans faking a British accent or viceversa because it usually sounds wrong to me, but I’m sure Tudyk could pull it off, no sweat. After his work in A Knight’s Tale, with the kind of playful, naughty humor he conveys, I’d vouch for him.
Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde – Matthew Goode
We all know who this classic character is. Matthew Goode was seen recently in The Imitation Game and Stoker. He has an unassuming look that I believe would work for Dr. Jekyll. In the original movie they made Hyde a giant, muscular, ugly man with a regular-sized head. The concept for the monster would have to be developed a bit more.
Dorian Gray – Douglas Booth
Eternally young Dorian Gray is one of the most romantic victorian characters to appear in TheLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemen. He’s not a part of the League in the comics, but his portrait appears in one of the illustrations, leading fans to speculate about his involvement in an implicit mid-19th Century team. Booth, with longer hair, would make for a good looking Dorian Gray. He last worked in Aronofky’s Noah and The Wachowskis’ Jupiter Ascending.
M/James Moriarty – Mark Strong
Sherlock Holmes most known nemesis is one of the main villains in TheLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novels and in the original movie. I’d only include him as a side character or not at all, but I still think Mark Strong makes for a great British villain. He’s often typecast for this, and rightly so.
Tom Sawyer
Sawyer was a reason for controversy when he was added to TheLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemen in 2003’s adaptation. There are only a few references about him in the comic books, but was never part of any of the teams assembled throughout the years. In the movie, he’s an American Secret Service Agent who becomes Quatermain’s apprentice. I doubt they’d want to add him in the reboot (and I would agree with that decision), so I decided not to cast him.
John Davis also mentioned a female-centric new movie and – contrary to what Collider thinks – there are plenty of interesting female characters in the graphic novels to choose from, some of whom include:
– Janni Dakkar: Captain Nemo’s daughter, who takes over the Nautilus after his death. Archie Panjabi could play this character. She is a British-Indian actress seen in The Good Wife and Bend It Like Beckham. Her work has been recognized by the New York Times Magazine and Variety.
– Orlando: “Immortal warrior and adventurer who changes sex involuntarily as the years pass.” I’d say Emily Mortimer (Shutter Island, The Newsroom) could play the female version.
– Ayesha: Immortal Egyptian Queen. Janni Dakar steals her treasure in one of TheLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemen side stories. I vote for this storyline, including the Pool of Fire to feature in the new female-centric reboot. Who do you think could play Ayesha?
I find this literary Avengers-type of stories very interesting and if done right I’m sure the new reboot can be a hit. I like to think that Kenneth Branagh would be interested in directing, too.
They might also think about introducing new characters related to the existing ones, like maybe Irene Adler, the only woman to outwit Sherlock Holmes, or unrelated, like Becky Sharp from Shakespeare’s Vanity Fair, a fierce self-taught social climber often described as an anti-hero. Would that go over well, though? We’ll have to wait and see.
Who would you like to see in the new League of Extraordinary Gentlemen?
Captain America: Civil War has just wrapped up filming but there are still tons of questions on how this film will unfold. One of the greatest plot points in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date will be revealed in this film. Peter Parker / Spider-Man will make his first appearance and jump right into the heart of a super hero Civil War.
We have a clue to how that interaction will go after the jump.
This is your last chance to avoid the potential spoilers.
According to Latino-Review, when Spider-Man is first introduced on screen he will be wearing a homemade suit. They also add that Tony Stark will be the one responsible for creating Spidey’s web shooters.
Do you like the idea that Stark creates the web-shooters instead of Peter?
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, Captain America: Civil War picks up where Avengers: Age of Ultron left off, as Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.
Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Chadwick Boseman, Emily VanCamp, Daniel Brühl, Frank Grillo, William Hurt, and Martin Freeman.
Captain America: Civil War is set for release on May 6, 2016.
I don’t know about you, but to me the world is a better place when Keanu Reeves is acting in relevant, compelling films. Such is the case with Knock Knock, Eli Roth’s upcoming thriller which now has a second trailer.
In Knock Knock, Reeves plays a loving father who is lured into a seedy sexual encounter with two mysterious women one weekend while his family is out of town. When Reeves tries to right the situation, the two women aren’t having any of it. Here is the second trailer:
When a devoted husband and father is left home alone for the weekend, two stranded young women unexpectedly knock on his door for help. What starts out as a kind gesture results in a dangerous seduction and a deadly game of cat and mouse. A sexy new thriller from director Eli Roth, KNOCK KNOCK stars Keanu Reeves as the family man who falls into temptation and Lorenza Izzo and Ana de Armas as the seductresses who wreak havoc upon his life, turning a married man’s dark fantasy into his worst nightmare.
After John Wick, it’s nice to see Reeves starring in a film that doesn’t look entirely terrible. I’m not a fan of Eli Roth overall, but this film looks like a tense ride that (possibly) tones back on the relentless gore. Still, I’m sure there will be plenty of bloodletting somewhere along the way.
Monday morning Netflix released the official trailer of Season 4 of Longmire.
“It’s not that you come back, it’s how you come back that matters,” said Walt Longmire.
This contemporary crime thriller focuses on a Wyoming sheriff who’s rebuilding his life and career following the death of his wife. Walt Longmire is the charismatic, dedicated and unflappable sheriff of Absaroka County.
Longmire stars Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bailey Chase, Cassidy Freeman and Adam Bartley. The highly rated series was canceled by A&E after three seasons and then found a new home on Netflix.
The fourth season is 10-episodes and comes out September 10.
“This is our home. They will not possess it,” said Colonel Vosch (Liev Schreiber).
In ‘The 5th Wave,’ set in the present day, four waves of increasingly deadly attacks have left most of Earth decimated. Against a backdrop of fear and distrust, 16-year-old Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother. As she prepares for the inevitable and lethal 5th wave, Cassie meets a young man who may become her final hope.
The 5th Wave is directed by J. Blakeson and stars Chloë Grace Moretz, Liev Schreiber, Maika Monroe, Nick Robinson, Maria Bello, Maggie Siff, and Ron Livingston.
Wes Craven once said he didn’t set out with the intention of becoming a horror director. Thankfully, for cinema and pop culture in general, Craven’s career took that path, and the director created some of the most groundbreaking shock set to celluloid throughout his forty-year career. Sunday, Wes Craven passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with brain cancer, and immediately his resonance spread throughout social media. While his career had slowed considerably in the last decade, there is no denying the crater of influence Craven left upon the horror landscape. He will be missed.
Wesley Earl Craven was born August 2, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio. At 32, Craven wrote, produced, and directed an indie horror flick called The Last house on The Left. Last House was, and remains, a disturbing and boundary-shoving cinematic bloodletting. It drew controversy and vitriol from the buttoned-up masses, but in this new world of visionaries infiltrating the studio systems of Hollywood, Craven’s documentary-style revenge thriller was a breath of fresh-blooded air. From there, Craven would work to change the landscape of horror time and time again, creating iconic characters and films that were best watched with your head turned slightly away, through one open eye.
The Hills Have Eyes was Craven’s next groundbreaking feature in 1977. Then came smaller fare like Deadly Blessing, the comic-book adaptation Swamp Thing (which I posited deserves a remake), and Invitation to Hell. Then, in 1984, Craven birthed one of the most incendiary, iconic horror baddies in film history: Freddy Krueger. In A Nightmare on Elm Street, it was Freddy Krueger, clad in his razor-sharp claws and Christmas sweater, that changed the game for good. A Nightmare on Elm Street would go on to become the ultimate horror franchise, spawning endless sequels, a remake, and another remake on the way. Some Craven directed, others he did not; you always knew when Craven was behind the camera.
The 80s were rife with low-budget freak fests from Craven’s delightfully warped sensibilities. Films like Shocker and The Serpent and the Rainbow were not blockbusters, not by any measure, but horror fans admire these works on par with Craven’s legendary Krueger brainchild. The People Under the Stairs did its part to disturb young children who grabbed the VHS copy at their local video store. Then, in 1996, Wes Craven once again upended the status quo in the genre with Scream, a meta-fueled examination into those films he perfected throughout his career. Scream would kick off its own set of sequels, all directed by Craven, and now lives on an MTV series.
Craven’s penchant for taking meta angles were one of the many things which set him apart from other horror directors. Scream was, and still is, the definition of what self-aware horror can become; before that, however, Craven returned to the Krueger well to direct New Nightmare, a meta precursor to the structure of Scream 2, 3, and (shudder) 4. Craven was all for pushing boundaries, all the while remaining fully aware of the gleeful absurdities in horror. He had fun creating bumbling comedy relief and satire in the face of pure chaos and disturbing subject matter. It was a twisted way of looking at the genre, and a wonderfully entertaining perspective.
TOP FIVE WES CRAVEN FILMS:
Narrowing a list of Craven’s five most influential horror films is like choosing your favorite child. To point out these films is in no way a slight on the ones that don’t make the list, but with every subjective list, some make it and some don’t. The beauty of a list like this is how it will vary from person to person, place to place. This is simply a list of the films that stand out to me, films that stamped out a spot in my own cinematic journey, and films who’s cultural impact were, in my opinion, head-and-shoulder above the rest. Here we go…
5 – The Hills Have Eyes (1977): A vacationing family find themselves stranded in the desert, near an nuclear testing range, where a savage group of cannibalistic monsters stuck in time begin systematically stalking and terrorizing them. The Hills Have Eyes mixed notions of post-apocalyptic landscapes and true horror. It also showcased one of Craven’s true talents: ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The grit and grime oozes off each frame, creating a desperate world of violence and bleak fright.
4 – The Last House on the Left (1972): Craven’s first feature is still one of the more unsettling personal horror stories of all time. Two young women are kidnapped by a gang of roving psychopaths and systematically tortured. The Last House on The Left is part true crime, part horror, part revenge, as the parents of one of the girls seeks their pond of flesh. Craven pushed well beyond the boundaries of what was expected, or accepted, in his debut feature. The relentlessness and doc-style of the film make it still difficult to watch, but that is the idea.
3 – Scream (1996): While Scream may have dealt with a murderous serial killer in a mask slashing through unsuspecting teens in a small town, the film also managed to be the the most amusing of Craven’s career. The self-aware discussions of previous slasher films was the tapestry of the film itself, as the kids front and center in the story were unlike most kids in horror films: they have seen other horror films. They know the play, they know the rules, but that doesn’t help their plight.
2 – The People Under the Stairs (1991): This one touched a nerve on a personal level. The People Under the Stairs was a perfect blend of physical and mental horror, as it tells the story of a family with feral children who terrorize unsuspecting kids in a dilapidated home. The film is edgy and boundary pushing, and despite not having the commercial success of some of Craven’s bigger films, it remains one of his most complete horror stories.
1 – A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): This goes without saying. Aside from the reshaping of horror in pop culture, Wes Craven’s creation of Freddy Krueger was a seminal moment in the genre. Without getting too far into details, I direct you to Matt Singer’s piece at The Dissolve about the cultural and genre impact of A Nightmare on Elm Street. He says it better than I could ever say.
AMC Monday morning released a sneak peek at Fear The Walking Dead episode three titled ‘The Dog.’
What did the world look like as it was transforming into the horrifying apocalypse depicted in “The Walking Dead”? This spin-off set in Los Angeles, following new characters as they face the beginning of the end of the world, will answer that question.
The AMC series is six episodes and stars Kim Dickens, Cliff Curtis, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam Carey, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Lorenzo James Henri, Mercedes Mason, and Ruben Blades.
Fear The Walking Dead already broke the record as the highest rated cables series debut, in will be interesting to see how the ratings continue for the series. AMC also announced a half-hour special that will connect with Fear The Walking Dead. The special is about a zombie outbreak on a flight to LAX.
Fear The Walking Dead takes the holiday off and returns on September 13.
The Iron Giant has been remastered and enhanced with two all-new scenes and renamed, The Iron Giant: Signature Edition and will be re-released in theaters on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. local time, with an encore event in select markets on Sunday, October 4 at 12:00 p.m. local time.
While promoting the re-release of The Iron Giant, Vin Diesel who voiced the giant robot hinted at a possible sequel.
“I have been very lucky to have played so many interesting characters… one of the first and one of my favorites is… the Iron Giant. P.s. Don’t be surprised when you hear WB announce the sequel,” said Diesel.
Brad Bird directed the film and used it as a launch pad to The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.
Do you want to see ‘Iron Giant 2’ or should they leave it alone?
I have been very lucky to have played so many interesting characters… one of the first and one of my favorites is… the Iron Giant.P.s. Don’t be surprised when you hear WB announce the sequel.
