Marvel Studios and director James Gunn have released a group of character banners for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2. The banners feature the original members of the Guardians, including Star-Lord, Gamorra, Rocket Raccoon, Baby Groot, and Drax!
While offering us an awesome new look at each member of the team, these banners also do an amazing job of teasing the visuals that the upcoming sequel will deliver. The first Guardians is rightfully regarded as the most visually stunning film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and these banners prove that James Gunn is looking to improve his work with the sequel.
Check out the banners below!
Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, Kurt Russell, Pom Klementieff, and Elizabeth Debicki. The film lands in theaters on May 5, 2017!
Game of Thrones fans have a little over 100 days to wait for season 7, which seems close to a lifetime away. The franchisation of George R.R. Martin’s creation means that the companion books and merchandise are never ending, offering ample opportunity to pass time in Westeros. But for those who can’t get enough of the fantasy world rendered in technicolor, and whose relationship with the source books is stronger and more intertwined than most marriages, how about visiting another world entirely?
Fantasy is a genre as old as time. The first stories every told were of monsters, myths and magic as ancient peoples tried to make sense of a world before science. Popular fantasy is based around magic or sorcery, and nearly always rooted in a medieval setting. Despite the clear disconnect with modernity, epic fantasies have the appeal of plots and characters whose familiar traits transcend time, but whose stories are different enough that the genre holds an escapist attraction, taking readers (or viewers) away from reality.
Besides the obvious fantasy epic fiction of J. R. R. Tolkein in The Lord of the Rings, there are a number of authors whose works have spirited this writer away to familiar and imaginary lands ringing with swords and sorcery. One of the best things about the books that follow is that none have (yet) been recreated for film or television, so you must rely on the magic of your own imagination to paint the pictures in your head.
1Belgariad – David Eddings
The Belgariad is a glorious coming of age story of a journey from rags to riches. The farm boy Garion joins Belgarath the sorcerer and a fellowship of contrasting characters as they seek to fulfil a prophecy and take down the source of all evil. There are the usual themes of sorcery, political intrigue, relatable characters and human relationships, but also no shortage of humor. Where the First Law books by Joe Abercrombie are shrouded in darkness and moral contempt, David Eddings’ books are colored vibrantly with a full spectrum of characters, cultures and emotions.
The Belgariad successfully fulfils the formula of fantasy epic, and does it more religiously than George R. R. Martin in the Game of Thrones, whose main characters die willy-nilly. But the formula is by no means dull. Based in a land divided into many kingdoms, the political complexity of the Belgariad is clearly reminiscent of Middle Earth and written in such a skilful way that every land and race is easily differentiated from the others. There is a rich reality and vibrancy to the Belgariad that sets it apart from its peers.
Book One: Pawn of Prophecy:
“Long ago, the evil God Torak fought a war to obtain an object of immense power – the Orb of Aldur. But Torak was defeated and the Orb reclaimed by Belgarath the sorcerer.
Garion, a young farm lad, loves the story when he first hears it from the old storyteller. But it has nothing to do with him. Or does it? For the stories also tell of a prophecy that must be fulfilled – a destiny handed down through the generations.
And Torak is stirring again . . .”
All the sagas listed here are worthy of the attention of the full breadth of the Game of Thrones fandom. The experience of reading of these people and places is certainly far more detailed and arguably a lot more involved than watching the same unfold on screen. Furthermore, one of the above may well be seen rendered in film before too long, so why not study up while you can? Game of Thrones is a show which could go on indefinitely, but after a year or more of speculation, the show runners finally announced at SXSW that the eighth and final season will air next year with just six episodes. The end of the Great War in Westeros will leave a gaping hole in pop culture, which producers all over the world will hope to fill. Could it be The Wheel of Time?
How are you passing the time between now and July 16th? Let us know in the comments below.
Director James Gunn will begin posting a behind-the-scenes photo from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 every day up until release of the film. Kicking off his series of pictures was a BTS shot of Dave Bautista as Drax The Destroyer.
“I will be posting a #GotGPicoftheDay every day from now through the movie opening. They’ll be composed of behind-the-scene shots from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 I took on my iPhone, my Leica Q, and a few select unseen set stills. Here’s the first one, Dave Bautista (Batista) as Drax in quite a mess. This was uncomfortable as all get out for Dave but, as usual, he puts up with many feats of discomfort to make the Guardians great. #GotGVol2#Drax#movies“
Are you looking forward to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2? Why wouldn’t you be? Comment below, let us know!
“Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.”
Guardians Vol. 2 stars Chris Pratt as Star-Lord/Peter Quill, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket Raccoon, Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot, Michael Rooker as Yondu, Kurt Russel as Ego The Living Planet, Karen Gillian as Nebula, Dave Bautista as Drax, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Sean Gunn as Kraglin, and Sylvester Stallone in a currently unknown role. The film is directed by James Gunn.
The film hits theaters on May 5, 2017. If you’re interested in picking up tickets for opening night, click here.
Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins talked to the Toronto Sun about Joss Whedon’s recently announced Batgirl film.
“[On Joss Whedon’s involvement] I don’t even know if that deal is done or not – I don’t have the inside scoop on that. But if it is done, then I’m excited about it. I think it’s super exciting. The tone of Joss’ work is great for female superheroes. He takes such a fun approach and I think he’ll have fun in the DC universe, which will be excited to have him.”
Later in the interview, Jenkins gave Gal Gadot a series of compliments.
“Gal’s supernaturally beautiful and unbelievably kind and thoughtful and intelligent and wise, yet bright and youthful and hopeful in such a sweet way.”
Just before the interview ended, Jenkins talked about why she’s excited for the DC Extended Universe to move forward.
“There are a lot of directors I’m really excited about and the storylines are all vastly different, with different tones and very different approaches to storytelling. I think there’s a treasure trove of great characters here. Jason (Momoa) is off to do Aquaman right now – that’s such a cool story. It has its own vibe and dynamic completely. I’m excited to see each one of these films.”
Are you looking forward to seeing Jenkins’ Wonder Woman film? How about Whedon’s take on Batgirl? Comment below, let us know!
“Wonder Woman hits movie theaters around the world next summer when Gal Gadot returns as the title character in the epic action adventure from director Patty Jenkins. Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.”
Wonder Woman stars Gal Gadot as the title character, Chris Pine, Robin Wright as Antiope, David Thewlis, Danny Huston, Elena Anaya, Connie Nielsen, Ewen Bremner, and Lucy Davis.
The Walking Dead made up for its pretty underwhelming seventh season with an excellent, albeit predictable, season finale this past Sunday. While there were many fist pumping moments in the episode – from Rick defiantly threatening Negan, to Shiva leading the cavalry into Alexandria at precisely the right moment – what the finale, and the season overall, did best was set up season eight and the upcoming war between Alexandria, the Hilltop, the Kingdom, the Saviors, and the Scavengers.
Based on the events of the finale, here are five predictions that I have for the upcoming eighth season of the hit television show. Please bear in mind there might be some slight comic book spoilers – though I am trying to make my predictions based solely on the television show’s canon and not my knowledge of the comics.
One of the most exciting things about a new Spider-Man franchise is the possibility of seeing some of the web slinger’s iconic villains. Spider-Man: Homecomingwill introduce Spidey’s first big super-villain with Michael Keaton’s Vulture, but Tom Holland already has his eyes set on the future.
While talking to Screen Rant, Holland briefly discussed which villains he’d like to see in future sequels, and while his answers aren’t extremely surprising they’re probably the characters fans would most like to see appear as well.
“Oh, well I love Doc Ock. I think Spider-Man 2 is one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. But I think Venom is someone I’d love to kick the crap out of one day.”
It’s not a total surprise that Tom Holland wants Spidey to fight Doctor Octopus and Venom. These are arguably two of the hero’s most beloved rivals and some of the greatest super-villains in comic book history. Things might be complicated when it comes to seeing Venom in future movies as the character is currently scheduled to appear in a solo movie, unconnected from Holland’s web slinger. It is a lot more likely that Doctor Octopus will appear in a sequel, depending on how happy Marvel is to use villains that have already appeared in previous Spider-Man movies.
Do you want Spidey to fight Venom and Doctor Octopus in future Spider-Man sequels? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below! Spider-Man: Homecoming lands in theaters on July 7, 2017!
Ready or not, the long-gestating sequel to 2009’s Avatar is set to begin filming this fall.
Talking to the The Hollywood Reporter, Sigourney Weaver revealed that Avatar 2 would soon start production. “We’re starting!” she said excitedly. “We’re starting training, and we’re starting — hm, I probably can’t say anything. We will be actually shooting it by the fall.”
In addition to Weaver, Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington have signed on to revisit Pandora.
The first film grossed $2.7 billion at the global box office.
James Cameron has four additional films planned for the franchise. He is developing them simultaneously.
All four scripts have been completed, Cameron said. However, last month he revealed that the second film would not be ready for a 2018 release.
Currently there is no release date for Avatar 2.
In the meantime, Disney is set to open an Avatar-themed land at its Animal Kingdom park in Orlando.
It’s “a time for heroes,” as the trailer for the new series of Doctor Who suggests. It’s also a time of major change for the long-running British series. We know that The Doctor, who Peter Capaldi has expertly played since 2014, as well as showrunner Steven Moffat, are both leaving the show after this year’s Christmas special.
First off, a new trailer has been released today, featuring the titular hero, his new companion Bill (played by Pearl Mackie), Nardole (played by Matt Lucas, who has been in the last two Christmas specials), and the devious Missy (played by Melissa Gomez). It also features some monsters of old and new that the heroes will face off against. Here is the trailer:
Did you catch that moment at the very end? Here’s a still frame:
Capaldi’s Doctor is gripping a wall in pain, clutching his chest, his hand glowing that all-too-familiar golden regeneration energy.
Could this be the 12th Doctor’s last stand? That would be a bit surprising. Capaldi announced back in January that his final episode would be the Christmas special, leading viewers to assume that’s when the long-anticipated new Doctor would make his (or her?) first appearance. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the 12th Doctor won’t regenerate earlier than expected.
Is this brief orange glow a false alarm? It wouldn’t be the first time Who “faked” a regeneration. Back in the Series 4 episodes, “The Stolen Earth” and “Journey’s End,” the 10th Doctor (David Tennant) was about to regenerate, when he siphoned off the energy that would have changed his appearance and personality into his severed hand (you had to be there).
Be it in the coming weeks, or in December, we know for a fact that Capaldi is bowing out as the beloved Time Lord.
Other Who news broke over the weekend, as it was announced that The Doctor’s new companion, Bill Potts, is the show’s first openly gay main character, and will have her sexuality revealed in her first scene in the new series.
Her time on the show may be short-lived, however. If rumors are true, this will be Bill’s one and only series on the show. This is reportedly due to the new showrunner, Chris Chibnall, aiming for a clean slate when his era begins with Series 11.
Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat’s final series of Doctor Who begins April 15.
Are you sad to see Capaldi exit the TARDIS? Who would you like to see as the new Doctor? Let us know in the comments.
That’s the end of my childhood, was the phrase uttered most in the wee hours of the morning as late Sunday April 2nd became early Monday April 3rd. As #ThankYouTaker and #GoodbyeTaker started to trend on twitter at the sight of the Phenom’s signature coat gloves and hat laying abandoned in the middle of the ring. The match itself did what is rare in wrestling rings these days, unless of course the opponent is the legendary Undertaker. It told a story. The aging veteran and the young upstart was the overarching theme for WrestleMania 33. Never was it as stark as it was in those final moments of the match.
The Match
Usually stronger, more dominant and resilient, The Undertaker finally felt his own mortality at the hands of Roman Reigns. People’s thoughts on Reigns aside he did the job last night with grace, courage and heart. He relented when he should’ve relented and pressed hard when the match called for it. This was the ending The Undertaker had been looking for. The one that seemingly only this performer could provide.
The Man
Many fans must’ve been thinking back to the last WrestleMania in Orlando and Ric Flair asking Shawn Michaels to perform the coup de grace on his career. The same weight that shadowed Michaels’ face rode high in Reigns. We all knew what we were about to see. Yet thinking back to WrestleMania 24 I recall a question that occurred to me there that has never left. Especially when I think of matches involving the Undertaker. After his main event win versus Edge the question was, “How do they do that?” When it happened again at Backlash later that year I repeated the question and haven’t been able to answer it.
The ‘that’ being how do they with movement, timing and build wrap people into a space and mental compliancy that makes them forget that this is staged. How do they get you lost in the moment? I determined years ago that the phrase ‘suspension of disbelief’ was created before The Undertaker graced a ring. Because when he is on with a partner willing to travel with him no one has to remind the viewer to pretend it’s real. In those moments in the breadth and scope it is real. The beauty of wrestling is that when done right it’s like a spell built to captivate and to mystify. In my years of watching I have never seen a spellcaster the quality of The Undertaker. The fantasy is made real.
The Myth
It was real both times The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels showed us what showmanship artistry and storytelling was in their legendary matches at WrestleMania 25 and WrestleMania 26. Heart nearly exploding I yelled I screamed I lost my breath and needed time to recover. It was real when the American Bad Ass rode around the ring then got into it to show Triple H what bad ass really meant at WrestleMania 17. Real when he tossed countless competitors into coffins, buried them and Tombstoned them nearly through the mat. It was real every time the lights dropped the bell tolled and the door to that Hell in a Cell cage shut forcefully behind him. Hell was on earth and caged against Mankind, Batista, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Randy Orton, CM Punk.
The championships, the transformations, the highlights, the moments. The Elimination Chambers, the Royal Rumbles, the Survivor Series, the WrestleManias, the Streak. The magic of the Phenom. Whether led by the late Paul Bearer, by flame bearing druids or by no one at all. The montage of his ring personas feel like the evolution of a fully realized life.
The Legend
The first Undertaker sighting is a heralding mark among wrestling fans. It’s like an honored war story when someone tells you about a Taker sighting not in his wrestling boots as much as in them. Fans swap stories about the first Undertaker entrance they experienced. So enrapt has one man kept several generations of people that his legend cannot be undone.
When Ric Flair had his final match it burned and shined. Florid with all the pomp and circumstance that outfitted his career. Shawn went down in the fight which was always his bread and butter. The Undertaker, always marching to his own beat did things as usual a little differently. He left us in a wash of black and purple lightning striking, streaking the sky in a haze of fog and smoke moving as always like a barely realized dream built from fire and ash. He left as he came. A dash of the mystical too real to be denied, too unreal to be anything but magic. What he has attained is true immortality.
The Phenom
So now it’s my turn. When I first saw The Undertaker live it was at WrestleMania 17 and he was firmly in his American Bad Ass phase. My first true Undertaker entrance happened years later. The lights dropped. The audience sat in silence. Then being compelled the rally begins. Feet start stomping in a familiar cadence rattling around me. The vibrations building as others join. The chanting starts soon after. Un-der-ta-ker; Stomp stomp, stomp stomp stomp. The bell tolls. The chanting increases.
The spotlight goes up as the fog starts to roll high at the entrance ramp. The first thing seen is the outline of his hat. The fog parts and he steps through as if materializing out of nothing. I catch my breath and feel this chill across my spine. I stop chanting stop moving as the world vibrates around me. He makes his way to the ring in that slow methodical gait that stuns as it moves. With ears ringing from the chanting, I knew this was all so very real.
Tell us about your favorite Undertaker moments, matches and sightings below in the comments.
Earlier today, Batman writer Tom King blasted Twitter with a major upcoming story. Following the ongoing I Am Bane story arc, King announced a epic clash between two classic Gotham villains. The Joker and Riddler will faceoff in War of Jokes and Riddles.
Along with these little bits of story setup, we were treated to a ton of art. King says the series will begin with Batman #25 and last for eight issues. Artist Mikel Janin will take the title back over from David Finch.
This story will be the first to involve Joker since Rebirth began. In DC Rebirth #1 Batman revealed that, upon asking the Mobius Chair for his identity, there are actually three Jokers. Will this story finally touch upon that revelation?
Tom King tweeted “Joker is tired of riddles, Riddler is tired of jokes.”
The Joker appears to be returning to a more classic look. After becoming a horror movie villain throughout Snyder/Capullo’s brilliant New 52 run, this more traditional approach could be a lot of fun. Of course, this Joker and the horror Joker could be entirely different people.
Batman fans have a lot to look forward to this year. Along with War of Jokes and Riddles, Dark Knights:METAL was also just announced.
Are you excited for the upcoming Batman books? Which current Bat-Book is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
