Marvel Studios has released the first official trailer for the next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel. Brie Larson, who will portray the iconic Marvel hero, debuted the first trailer during her surprise appearance on Good Morning America.
There’s obviously a lot to unpack in this first trailer, starting with the opening moment. We see Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers falling from the sky and crashing into a blockbuster video, telling us immediately that this film doesn’t take place in 2018. The trailer also gives us an exciting look at a de-aged Nick Fury, a very alive Phil Coulson and Jude Law’s mystery character (Mar-Vell?). Marvel fans will also be able to spot Lee Pace’s returning Guardians of the Galaxy villain, Ronan.
Wanna discuss the trailer? Listen to my trailer discussion/review in the video below and let me know what you thought in the comments!
The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. Set in the 1990s, Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Captain Marvel stars Brie Larson (Carol Danvers), Jude Law (Mar-Vell), Gemma Chan (Doctor Minerva), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Ben Mendelsohn, Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson), Lee Pace (Ronan) and Djimon Hounsou (Korath the Pursuer).
Filming and production are well underway for Star Wars Episode IX and already another rumor has surfaced. Between Mark Hamill teasing fans on Twitter and Kevin Smith’s theory regarding relations between Rey and Ahsoka, this rumor takes the cake. In what sounds more like fanfiction than fact, the alleged theory puts the crosshairs on General Hux.
According to an article in Express, an unnamed source leaked the following information about Episode IX.
“Kylo Ren is suspicious of an individual in the First Order handing out information to the Resistance. Part of the Episode IX storyline will have a cat and mouse element to it, like Revenge of the Sith where the Jedi were trying to find out who the Sith Lord is — which turned out to be Palpatine. General Hux is the mole inside the First Order.”
“Kylo has always been driven by his personal demons but Hux is utterly committed to the First Order and his devotion allows him to justify anything as a means to a glorious end. Hux believes Kylo Ren is not a fit leader to replace the god-like Snoke. Plus, he always had his eye on eventually being acknowledged as Snoke’s successor, so he is also trying to undermine and bring down the new Supreme Leader so that he can step in and take control himself.”
Our Thoughts On The Episode IX Leaked Rumor
Image via Disney Studios and Lucasfilm
While the Episode IX rumors are fun, this leak is one we hope isn’t true. Hux bringing down the First Order just to replace Kylo Ren sounds like lazy writing. There are a plethora of storyline options available, making this one unlikely.
If Hux was to succeed, how would it benefit him? The First Order’s been defeated, because he’s a mole, and his army is crushed. What would Hux be taking over exactly? Hux is manipulative and deceitful, this is shown clearly in the book Phasma.
While he will go to any length to achieve ultimate power, this theory doesn’t line up with his character’s goals. Win the war first, then take out Kylo Ren. Despite being a spoiled brat, Hux is patient.
If this Episode IX rumor is true, we’re positive there will be an outcry from fans.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Is this theory bunk, or is it fact? “May the Force be with you, always.”
Alec Baldwin has met his match. According to Comicbook.com, Brett Cullen has joined the cast of Todd Philip’s Joker as Thomas Wayne. Cullen comes in following the abrupt departure of Alec Baldwin. He joins Joaquin Phoneix, Rober De Niro, Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2), Marc Maron (Glow), and Frances Conroy (How I Met Your Mother) in the origin film.
Comic book movie audiences may remember Cullen from his roles in Ghost Rider and The Dark Knight Rises. He’s also appeared in such films as 42, The Shallows and 2012s Red Dawn. Recently, he had a recurring role on Netflix’s Narcos.
According to the report, Cullen’s take on Thomas Wayne will be not so friendly. It’s unclear if this iteration will differ at all from what Baldwin’s was going to be. Baldwin’s Wayne was going to be a Donald Trump-like businessman, which caused fans to question the casting.
This news comes on the heels of director Todd Philips releasing our first official look at Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck. Some set photos and a video also made their way onto the web yesterday, so the hype for Joker is gaining a lot of traction.
Joker will see Phoneix’s Arthur Fleck begin his transformation from failed comedian to Clown Prince of Crime. The movie is set to take influence from Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. Todd Philips (The Hangover) is set to direct and Hollywood icon Martin Scorcese is attached as a producer. Phoenix had this to say about the direction of the movie:
“I wouldn’t say it’s a superhero movie, or a studio movie or a … It feels unique, and I think more then anything, and probably the most important thing, is Todd seems very passionate about it and very giving, and so that’s exciting. I think, underneath the excitement of these films, and the size of them, there are these incredible characters that are dealing with real life struggles. And sometimes that is uncovered and exposed, and sometimes it isn’t, and so I always felt, like, there were characters in comics that were really interesting and deserve the opportunity to be kind of studied. And so I think that’s what Todd sees appealing about this idea.”
Are you excited to see Brett Cullen take on the role of Thomas Wayne? Let us know in the comments below!
Many believe Solo: A Star Wars Story is just as much Chewbacca’s story as it is Han’s and the bonus footage from Solo just confirmed it. Thanks to Reddit user u/Godxon, we now have confirmation the infamous fuzzball’s last name is Attichitcuk.
Image via Reddit user u/Godxon. Disney Studios and Lucasfilm
Better known as Itchy, Attichitcuk is a Wookiee Chieftain who fought beside Yoda and Qui-Gon Jinn. It’s also believed he’s the one who helped Yoda flee Kashyyyk in Revenge of the Sith. Although, from fandoms perspective, Attichitcuk (Paul Gale) is famous for his iconic role in the Star Wars Holiday Special.
The digital release of Solo: A Star Wars Story contains a good many deleted scenes, like a charming snowball fight between Han and Chewie. There’s also a clip of Solo crashing a TIE fighter after trying to save a fellow Imperial pilot. Plus, an extended version of Darth Maul’s conversation with Qi’ra.
How Solo Officially Made Itchy Canon
Image via Wookieepedia – Fandom and 20th Century Fox Television
Thanks to the bonus footage from the Solo: A Star Wars Story, we now know for certain Chewie’s related to Attichitcuk. It also officially inducts Itchy into the Star Wars Canon.
While the other family members currently aren’t Cannon, yet, perhaps Disney and Lucasfilm will continue to unravel the backstory of Chewbacca in the future. Whether this happens through another Solo film or television series, we’re happy to have a confirmation of Chewie’s father outside of the wacky Holiday Special from 1978.
George Lucas didn’t have anything to do with the Holiday Special, being that it was a spin-off. It did, however, include most of the cast from Star Wars: A New Hope and music by John Williams.
Solo: A Star Wars Story released digitally on September 14th. The Blu-ray is available on September 25th.
Let us know in the comments if you want more of Chewie’s Wookiee past explored in future Star Wars projects? Are you excited about Itchy being confirmed into Canon? “May the Force be with you, always.”
A long time ago, 2001 to be exact, on a network not so far away….
An MTV animated series would hit the airwaves. Edgy and downright hilarious, the show would give a look at college lifestyle but vanished not long afterwards. However, the show soon becomes a cult hit on Teletoon and DVD. But it has yet to make its Netflix debut.
Created by Pete Williams, the show only consists of 13 episodes, but they depict a great take on college life. In an alternate universe, the show could have been a worthy MTV series in the vein of Beavis and Butt-Head and Daria. However, the series is still fresh and feels contemporary nearly twenty years later.
The show focuses on four freshman as they embark on their first year of university. Having been friends since infancy, they swear to remain “the Clique” despite going to different schools. Parker “Nitz” Walsh is the shy everyman who must make his way through life in college. His dream is to win the love of Kimmy Burton, a second-year student who he went to high school with. However, she’s fawning over a drama student named Mark, whom she doesn’t realize is gay. Nitz gets advice and support from fellow student Jessie, a laid-back, easy going girl who’s definitely interested in him. She often gets frustrated by his mooning over Kimmy. All the while, Nitz remains oblivious to Jessie’s attraction to him.
Calvin “Cal” Evans is Nitz’ roommate. Tall, blonde and handsome, he is somewhat of an airhead with a lisp and a habit of calling everyone “guy”. Although he is not too bright, Cal has an impressive track record with women, much to the envy of his friends. However, he remains the peacemaker of the group and tries to be kind.
Rocko Gambiani can be called a drunken oaf. He’s a meathead at the local community college with the desire to join a fraternity. Unfortunately, times have come a long way from the likes of Animal House, and his antics are more pathetic and annoying at best. This often puts him at odds with the frat boys and the Clique. Despite his loud, obnoxious behaviour, Rocko loves his friends and will gladly help them out.
Last but not least is Justin “Gimpy” Taylor. Think Mark Zuckerberg crossed with Howard Hughes. Gimpy is highly intelligent but almost never leaves his dorm room at the local technical college. He’s a fan of Star Wars, Spider-Man and The X-Files. Although he admires Agent Dana Scully, Gimpy seems to view women as “the enemy.” He is often at odds with Rita the Resident Assistant.
Undergrads is unique among college series by almost never showing the guys in class. We never learn what they are studying, but that hardly matters on the show. Most of the storylines involve issues such as peer pressure, traditions, rivalries, sex, debt, and questioning one’s identity. Often, the four friends wind up pitting against each other, but they come to see the foolishness of their actions. That is, most of the time.
The show does not delve into sentiment either. Rocko’s battle with drinking is one of the series’ ongoing arcs. After a heavy night of boozing, he hallucinates seeing a giant bottle of liquor and vows to go sober. Naturally, this is easier said than done. In another episode, Nitz has an identity crisis after nobody recognizes him following the winter break. He locks himself in his dorm room and refuses to come out, thus becoming known as “Room Guy” on campus.
Of all the episodes, the penultimate “Risk” is perhaps the funniest. Gimpy, Cal and Rocko convince Nitz to play Risk with them over the weekend. Despite promising Kimmy to help out at the spring carnival, he agrees to join the Clique in a drawn-out game. The group plans to keep Nitz with them as long as possible, as they feel he chooses Kimmy over them. Gimpy is hellbent on beating Nitz, something which he has never done yet. Rocko’s quickly out of the game, so Nitz and Gimpy team up to take Cal down. However, Nitz breaks the treaty to attack Gimpy, who has a nervous breakdown and goes kamikaze. This results in both players unable to win, thus making Cal the winner by default.
One of the best parts of Undergrads is the music. Good Charlotte contributes “The Click” as the theme song, and they even make a cameo in the “Risk” episode. At the time, they were an up-and-coming band and have since become superstars. Another hilarious moment is Nitz and Cal’s rendition of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.” Other artist whose music is featured include Alkaline Trio, Reggie and the Full Effect, and Sam Roberts.
All in all, Undergrads would make a fine addition to the Netflix platform. The thirteen episodes feel consistent and timely. Indeed, the show does not feel dated or cliche. If anything, a Netflix revival would gain a new audience among viewers, thus making a second season likely to happen.
Lately, there is hope for a comeback. MTV has given Williams the go-ahead to produce an Undergrads movie, and a Kickstarter campaign is in the works. This could lead to a potential second season.
Stayed tuned for details. We may yet hear more from the Clique…..
The trailer for Hunter Killer, a new action-thriller, could make Michael Bay proud and maybe even shed a tear or two. The trailer for the military film begins with an epic shot of a naval fleet and promises to deliver an explosive political action film when it releases in October. Hunter Killer stars Gerard Butler and Gary freakin’ Oldman!
About Hunter Killer
Official Description: An untested American submarine captain teams with U.S. Navy Seals to rescue the Russian president, who has been kidnapped by a rogue general.
Director Donovan Marsh previously worked on the South African film Avenged (also known as iNumber Number) and knows his way around some action. However, HunterKiller is a major production with a budget that’s on a much bigger scale here. Donovan’s star-studded cast includes Linda Cardellini and Common. Leading the film is Gerard Butler and in for the fun is Oscar-winner Gary Oldman.
HunterKiller features a cast that includes …
Gerard Butler as Commander Joe Glass, Captain of the USS Omaha
Gary Oldman as Admiral Charles Donnegan
Common as Rear Admiral John Fisk
Linda Cardellini as Jayne Norquist, National Security Agency senior analyst
Zane Holtz as Martinelli, U.S. Navy SEAL
Caroline Goodall as United States President Dover
Alexander Diachenko as Russian President Zakarin
Michael Nyqvist as Captain Sergei Andropov, Russian Submarine Commander
Ilia Volok as Captain Vladimir Sutrev
Mikhail Gorevoy as Admiral Dmitri Durov
Igor Jijikine as Tretiak
Toby Stephens as Lieutenant Bill Beaman
HunterKiller feels like a throwback 80s, Cold War film, something like a modern Hunt for Red October. But the new trailer offers a little twist in the middle which makes this a much more intriguing story. Instead of a Red Scare-lite, the trailer reveals a different narrative that, at least on the surface, feels fresh and a welcome turn from the Us vs. Them mentality. Of course, this is only a trailer and, by design, is meant to make viewers wonder and want to see the movie.
Did this trailer get you excited for Hunter Killer? Leave your comments below!
The return of the Worst Heroes Ever is inching closer. According to writer Todd Stashwick, the script for Suicide Squad 2 is complete.
During an interview with Discussing Film, Stashwick revealed that his draft of the script is complete:
“We have finished our draft and I’m really proud of it.”
He went on to discuss what the writers of the film are attempting to do with the sequel, while still playing coy about detail:
“It’s a sequel to the first film. Again, I can’t say anything else. Our intention is to tell an exciting story, deepening these characters.”
2016s Suicide Squad was, at one point, viewed as a potential savior for the DCEU. After the mixed reaction to Batman V. Superman, fans turned to DC’s next film to put the universe back on track. That, of course never came to fruition. Suicide Squad was panned by critics and fans alike and is now considered by some the DCEU’s worst film. It’s one saving grace was the fact that the movie made over $700 million at the box office, which was enough to get a sequel greenlit.
Gavin O’Connor, known for directing Warrior and The Accountant, was brought in to helm the sequel and co-write the script. His crew will attempt to rectify the problems that plagued the first film using a more in-depth story.
Margot Robbie and Will Smith are confirmed to reprise their roles as Harley Quinn and Deadshot respectively. It’s unclear what other members of Task Force X will return, although, Jared Leto, Viola Davis, and Joel Kinnaman are expected to make an appearance.
Production on Suicide Squad 2, which was set to kick off later this year, has been delayed into next year. So it will be sometime before we get to see our favorite bad guys on the big screen again.
Are you excited for Suicide Squad 2? Let us know in the comments below!
Disney dropped the trailer for Mary Poppins Returns Monday morning with new adventures on Cherry Tree Lane as the practically perfect nanny returns.
About the film: In Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” an all-new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Emily Blunt stars as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure and Lin-Manuel Miranda plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London.
The film is directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay by David Magee and the screen story is by Magee & Rob Marshall & John DeLuca based upon the Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The music score is by Marc Shaiman and the film features all new original songs with music by Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman.
Mary Poppins Returns also stars Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and introducing Joel Dawson as the Banks’ children, with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes, Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.
Marvel Comics has released a second printing of Iron Fist Epic Collection Volume 1, “The Fury of Iron Fist”, chronicling the kung fu superhero’s earliest tales.
The book collects Marvel Premiere #15-25, Iron Fist #1-15, and Marvel Team-Up #63-64. It’s written by Chris Claremont, Roy Thomas, Len Wein, Doug Moench, and Tony Isabella, and pencilled by John Byrne, Larry Hama, Gil Kane, Arvell Jones, and Pat Broderick. The great inkers, colorists, and letterers are too many to name, unfortunately, in a collection spanning over three years and three series.
You get a ton of iconic Iron Fist moments packed into this $40 book. There’s the origin of Iron Fist, the search for Colleen Wing, and the first appearance of Sabertooth, plus meetings, team-ups, and even battles with the likes of Misty Knight, Iron Man, and Captain America. Any fan of the Netflix series that wants to know more about Danny Rand needs to pick up his first Epic Collection.
Of course, with so many different writers and artists, there are many different styles present here. But you get to see the evolution of Iron Fist comics in their early days, which is amazing, and part of what makes these Marvel Epic Collections so great. Regardless, as a whole, Iron Fist continually delivers kick-ass kung fu action throughout.
The earliest stories in Marvel Premiere put you right in Danny Rand’s brain. The narration isn’t “Iron Fist did this.” It’s “You are the Iron Fist,” and “you leap out of harm’s way and deliver a powerful kick.” This style of narration intensifies the action, and gives you a personal stake in the comic. It’s an interesting technique that you don’t see much of.
As the series evolves, it loses this narration, but the intensity stays.
Each creator brings something special to this collection, but once Claremont and Byrne take over full time, it’s a whole new level. It becomes the Iron Fist that fans have come to know and love. It also gets a bit more trippy and more experimental. This was the 70s, after all. So, in a way, you’re not only seeing the evolution of Fist comics, but the evolution of comics as a whole.
If you like kung fu comics, superhero comics, 70s comics, or all of the above, definitely check out Marvel’s “Fury of Iron Fist” Epic Collection. You’ll get action, heart, great character moments, and much more. It’s perfect for old fans, or newbies looking for an entry point.
We have our first look at actor Joaquin Phoenix’s take on the Clown Prince of Crime in The Joker, courtesy of director Todd Phillips.
Phoenix appears as The Joker’s alter-ego Arthur Fleck in the upcoming origin film for Batman’s greatest nemesis. The image, shared from Phillips’s Instagram, shows Arthur before he donned his nefarious title:
Of course, the shot of Phoenix isn’t all we got today. Along with the image came a video taken from the set.
In it, we see Fleck, apparently losing his grip on sanity by this point, interacting with a man dressed in a clown suit. The clip has no audio, but the mannerisms offer a clue into what we can expect from Phoenix’s performance:
A new set video from Todd Philips’ ‘JOKER’ starring Joaquin Phoenix has been officially released. (Source: @DailyMail) pic.twitter.com/l6sx7ZvHof
The movie is a standalone story existing outside the established DC Extended Universe of films. It is meant to be something of a character study into the Joker himself à la Alan Moore’s 1988 graphic novel The Killing Joke.
The film draws quite a bit on the book according to information we have so far. Fleck appears as a failed comedian pushed over the edge, mirroring Joker’s origin in the book. However, we’ve yet to learn just how much of Moore’s infamously-dark story will make the transition into this new film.
Martin Scorsese, who notched producer credits for films including Goodfellas and The Wolf of Wall Street, will produce. The film is due in theaters in October 2019.
What do you think of Joaquin Phoenix’s take on the classic character? Are you looking forward to the new movie, or do you think it will be a let-down? Leave your comment below and join the conversation.
