“Avengers: Infinity Wars” Has Set Production Date

One of the most anticipated Marvel movies to date has finally set itself a production date.

Omega Underground has revealed to fans that production of the blockbuster will begin January 23rd 2017, with the report continuing that shooting will begin in Atlanta, GA, and claiming that there will be shooting in London, UK for an unknown period of time.

Some fans are concerned, as Black Panther is scheduled to also begin production in January 2017. However, it’s been confirmed that Black Panther will kick off production at Pinewood Atlanta Studios on January 15th 2017 – the two projects will be in production at the same time. This is an incredible undertaking from Marvel, and leaves us wondering if there’s something in particular that means they must be shot at the same time – it could however just been the sheer size of the cast in Avengers: Infinity War. If they do wish to utilise Chadwick Boseman (42, Get on Up, Captain America: Civil War), he’s only right next door for his scenes – but we can only imagine filming one Marvel movie is draining enough, let alone being asked to work on two.

We already had some great teasers for Avengers: Infinity War before production even began – the Russo brothers have shared test and rehearsal scenes with Josh Brolin (Everest, Hail, Caesar!, Guardians of the Galaxy), who has been cast as Thanos, alongside photos of potential filming locations that featured a winding staircase that got fans instantly thinking this was for a scene for Doctor Strange. The Russo’s also shared a video of a prop being created using a 3D printing process, stereolithography – prototypes from this method are extremely strong, and can be used to make master patterns for molding, thermoforming and a tonne of metal casting processes.

For now, however, we will have to wait until production begins to get more insight onto this massive project, and see where these teasers are fitting in.

Avengers: Infinity War is scheduled for release May 4th 2018.

 

“Donnie Darko” Gets 4K Restoration Treatment and Premieres at BFI Southbank

Cult classic Donnie Darko was released in 2001. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler, Zodiac, Nocturnal Animals) as troubled Donald Darko, the movie explores both time travel and mental health as Donnie and Frank (the man in a large, terrifying bunny suit that tells Donnie the world is ending in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds) navigate their way through a turbulent timeline.

Though it initially received a negative response, when it released on VHS and DVD it gained a cult following, which then spread to the United Kingdom – where Donnie Darko sold over 300, 000 tickets in its first six weeks.

It’s only fitting that with such a welcome reception in the UK, the 4K restoration undertaken by Arrow Films premiered at London’s BFI Southbank. The film opened on the 17th December 2016 to a full house at 20:15, and was followed by a Q&A by director Richard Kelly.

Few in the room raised their hands to being asked whether this was their first time watching Donnie Darko, but those who did were in for a treat. The film itself is a wonderful, thoughtful and visually provoking classic, and it’s well-loved for several good reasons – the masterful attention to detail taken by Kelly, the dynamic between Donnie and his family in the opening scene, and the mystery of what’s happening in this suburban town in relation to Donnie’s visions of Frank the Rabbit. Viewing the movie in restored quality, on a cinema screen in 2016, is a real treat.

For a movie about time travel and the theories surrounding it, it’s incredibly fitting that Donnie Darko is so timeless. The visual effects hold up well for its release date and the budget that the production had to work with ($4.5 million, according to Kelly), so it is truly a privilege that fans of all ages can come and see this movie in the big screen.

Arrow Films has done a beautiful restoration of Donnie Darko, and the movie is more than worthy of the time and effort this company has put into the restoration – it is a true testimont to how timeless a movie is when the full house in London’s BFI Southbank is a full spectrum of ages, from the middle-aged who would have been lucky enough to experience Donnie Darko when it began, to the new generation of Darko fans who are here for the next wave.

The Donnie Darko Limited Edition release is available to purchase from the BFI Shop.

 

Photos of Sigourney Weaver and Finn Jones Leak From “The Defenders” Set

Whilst we eagerly await details of the Netflix series of Marvel’s Iron Fist, set photos of Finn Jones (Game of Thrones, Sleeping Beauty, The Bill) as Danny Rand on the set of The Defenders have appeared online.

The photos so far show no costume yet, however they do show Danny walking out of a glass building in a smart suit – much different to his attire from the promotional trailers, where he was more akin to a homeless person.

These photos seem to add more questions than answer any – could he be involved in some sort of law suit and a lawyer has got him all dressed up? (A certain Matthew Murdock, perhaps?)

Photos of Sigourney Weaver (Alien, A Monster Calls, Political Animals) have also appeared online. Weaver is due to play the villain in the series, however details of who she’ll actually be playing are very scarce. The set photos don’t reveal much either – simply her well dressed and at a restaurant.

Other theories suggest he may be trying to get back in with his family company, Rand Corporations. The company was founded by his father, Wendell Rand and his partner Harold Meachum – when the Rand’s are presumed dead, Meachum takes over the company. However, Danny’s return allows him to eventually take back his fathers company. There is every chance Danny’s role in both Iron Fist and The Defenders will follow this story, as it would aid nicely to Danny keeping his Iron Fist identity a secret.

Other set photos have leaked as well, including Krysten Ritter’s (Big Eyes, Don’t Trust the B- In Apartment 23, Breaking Bad) Jessica Jones coming face to face with Misty Knight from Luke Cage, Mike Colter (Million Dollar Baby, Zero Dark Thirty, Salt) back in New York City and getting rather cosy with Rosario Dawson’s (Sin City, Rent, Death Proof) Claire Temple, and also Jessica and Matthew Murdock (Daredevil, played by Charlie Cox – Stardust, The Theory of Everything, Legacy.)

The Defenders aired a trailer at San Diego Comic Con earlier this year, and while it didn’t reveal much, we do know the series will be coming to Netflix at some point in 2017.

 

“Pacific Rim” Sequel Gets New Title

It doesn’t seem that long ago that John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Attack the Block, 24: Live Another Day) posted on his Instagram that the Pacific Rim sequel would be titled “Pacific Rim: Maelstrom.” However, it seems this title has been dropped in favour of a new one.

The robots vs. monsters sequel will now officially be titled “Pacific Rim: Uprising.” It’s a rather cryptic title, considering the first movie left us at the wormhole between the Kaiju and planet earth being completely destroyed by a nuclear reactive Jager, alongside what looked like the entire alien species who were breeding the Kaiju. Could it be the uprising of the Kaiju army once more? Or is there a new threat that the Jager programme will have to rise up against?

Not many other details have been revealed about the sequel – all we know so far is that it definitely takes place after the events of Pacific Rim, that John Boyega will have a role in the film as the son of Stacker Pentacost (Idris Elba – Luther, The Losers, The Jungle Book), and that Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy, Green Street, Children of Men) will not be returning to reprise his role as Raleigh Beckett.

Overall, it looks like an entirely new movie at this stage, with new characters and challenges. Considering the scope of the world Guillermo Del Toro built in the first movie, there’s a lot of room for new stories and characters to carry the torch.

Pacific Rim: Uprising is currently schedule for release on February 23rd 2018. The movie will be directed by Steven S. DeKnight and written by DeKnight, Emily Carmichael, Kira Snyder and T.S. Nowlin from the story by Guillermo del Toro.

 

Margot Robbie and David Ayer Working Together on “Gotham City Sirens” Movie

Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad, Focus)was already in the works to be reprise her role as Harley Quinn, and produce the standalone movie that would be focussing on her and several other villainesses – however, it’s been officially announced that David Ayer (Suicide Squad) will be reunited with Robbie, but Ayer then went on to post a massive hint to his Twitter that the movie will be based on the Gotham City Sirens comic series.

The comic series (written by Paul Dini and art by Guillem March) featured Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy. Original rumours suggested that the movie was going to be called Birds of Prey, which was the name of a superheroine team led by Barbara Gordon (Batgirl/Oracle), which occasionally featured Catwoman. However, if Ayers does go ahead with the Gotham City Sirens title and use the original graphic novel series stories, it will give him more of a chance to showcase Quinn.

The script is currently being worked on by Geneva Robertson-Dworet, who is known for her work on the Tomb Raider remake and Sherlock Holmes 3. 

Despite some mixed and pretty critical reviews, Suicide Squad was a box office success – so it’s not a surprise that Warner Bros. would look into developing the movie as it’s own franchise, and have some spin-off characters and movies interlinking to it.

The DC Cinematic Universe is starting to grow considerably, and with Robbie and Ayer at the helm, fans are in for a wild ride.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” Teaser Drops and Promises Trailer Tomorrow!

So after much speculation about the leaked images from the trailer, we’re going to find out tomorrow (December 8th, 2016) as the new Spider-Man: Homecoming teaser trailer has revealed!

The 18 second teaser shows off Jon Favreau reprising his role as Happy Hogan, and pointing out a case left for Spider-Man. The case comes with a note;

Then, a brief clip of Spider-Man himself comes. And brace yourselves kids – this years re-adaptation of the web-slinger comes complete with the iconic Web Wings!

The official Spider-Man twitter has verified this trailer, posting it themselves with a caption explaining that the first look at the trailer will come tomorrow during Jimmy Kimmel Live.

The fan reaction has been entirely positive;

Spider-Man: Homecoming will feature Tom Holland, reprising his role as Peter Parker from Captain America: Civil War. The movie is scheduled for release on July 7th, 2017.

 

 

 

Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” Telltale Series Unveiled

Revealed live at the The Games Awards, the world can finally know; the critically acclaimed Telltale Games are working hand-in-hand with Marvel to bring us Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series.

The reveal showed off a 47 second long teaser, with a casette tape floating by in space showing off the title of “*RAD MIX*” and Toploader’s “Dancing in the Moodlight” playing over the top – fading in at first, getting louder as the headphones pass shot, then building to a clearer and crisp sound as the title reveals itself.

Marvel and Telltales’s official statement read:

“The energizing blend of humor, emotion, teamwork, and full-on sci-fi action-adventure of the Guardians provides an enormously satisfying space to explore through Telltale’s unique style of interactive storytelling,” said Kevin Bruner, Co-Founder and CEO of Telltale Games. “In Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series, players will take on multiple roles within the ragtag band of heroes, and take the pilot’s seat in directing their escapades around the universe. We are always honored to be working with the best creative partners and storytellers in entertainment, and working with Marvel on this series leaves us excited to share what we’ve been developing when it premieres in 2017.”

“With story at the core of everything that Marvel creates, who better to team with than master storytellers Telltale Games,”said Jay Ong, Senior Vice President, Games & Innovation, Marvel Entertainment. “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series fully showcases Marvel and Telltale’s rich legacy of storytelling, and fans will find themselves immersed in an original, character-driven narrative. As part of our strategy to establish a new standard for Marvel games, this is certainly among the great titles to come.”

Telltale have always been considered a powerhouse in the video game world, creating multiple choice games based on franchises with huge fanbases, including The Walking Dead, Borderlands, Fables (The Wolf Among Us) and most recently, the Batman Telltale Series, which has had some great reception, scoring 8/10 on Gamespot, 7/10 on Steam, and IGN describing the story  as “exciting” and “intricate”.

Alongside the recent release of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. trailer, this seems like an absolutely picture perfect release.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series will debut it’s first episode in 2017.

 

Have “Spider-Man: Homecoming” Images Been Leaked from the Upcoming Teaser Trailer?

Whilst the first trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming wasn’t anticipated to arrive until Friday (strictly to lucky Brazilian fans), it looks like Marvel and Sony may have to really batten down the hatches on this one, as supposed images from the teaser have leaked online.

An Instagram account has posted these low-res images; they look legit enough, though plenty of faked Marvel posters and trailers have built up a tonne of hype before being outted as fakes, so there’s no true way to know until Marvel and Sony release the actual trailer.

The leaked photos seem to be of Peter Parker (Tom Holland – In The Heart of the Sea, The Impossible, Captain America: Civil War) in front of a green background (a chalkboard?) and through high school corridors – and then of course, an image of Spider-Man himself, and beside him is a very bright blue light; Electro?

Whether these are real or fake, we can all live in the knowledge that a HD release of the trailer isn’t much further away, as the trailer is reportedly going to be attached to the release of Star Wars: Rogue One when it releases in cinemas.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is scheduled for release on July 7th 2017.

 

Could There Be More “Gilmore Girls” On The Horizon?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably aware (and have binged) the Netflix revival series of Gilmore Girls (2000-2007). The revival series was four episodes long, and was titled Gilmore Girls: A Year In the Life. The series focused on one entire year in Lorelai and Rory’s life (nine years after the original show ended), and each episode would focus on one season in the year, starting with Winter.

The revival has seen mostly positive reviews, and we got to hear those final words that the writers promised would conclude the show and wrap it all up in a bow. And we suppose she was right – if the bow was put over a screaming cat while death metal music played in the background, but it’s a bow all the same.

Since the binge-fest many fans took over the Thanksgiving weekend, many many tweets have appeared demanding that the series cannot end where it has, and that they need so much more.

Now, the revival was supposed to be Amy Sherman-Palladino’s last hurrah with Star’s Hollow, and she promised us the last four words would be present. However, Lauren Graham (Bad Santa, Because I Said So, Parenthood) has given fans a glimmer of hope that this may not be the end.

The last four words were incredibly open-ended, game-changing last words – and Graham agrees. When asked by E! News  if she thought there would be more Gilmore Girls, she responded, “”You know the final four words; what do you think?!” Cryptic, but a potential hurray!!!

Fans shouldn’t get too excited though – as stated before, Sherman-Palladino has said this would be the end and her chance to drop the final four words, and Alexis Bledel (Sin City, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Mad Men) also stated that there’s currently “no plans” to return to Stars Hollow for another round.

Given the possibilities the finale has provided, it isn’t always impossible for Gilmore Girls to return to our screens – let’s just hope it doesn’t take another decade. And if it does, Graham has announced that she has a memoir coming out titled, “Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls.” So fret not, fellow Poodles – we won’t be without more Gilmore Girls tales for the rest of our lives.

Tom Holland in Talks to Join Daisy Ridley in “Chaos Walking” Movie

Tom Holland (In The Heart of the Sea, Captain America: Civil War, The Impossible), who currently holds the mantle as Spider-Man for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is in talks to star alongside Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Scrawl, Lifesaver) in the movie adaptation of the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness.

The Chaos Walking series takes place in a world in which a virus has wiped out all the women, and all the men and animals can hear each others thoughts in a never ending bombardment of sound that they call The Noise. Young Todd Hewitt (Holland) has known nothing but this loud, womanless life – until one day while walking his dog, he stumbles into complete silence. And in the centre of that silence, sits a young girl named Viola (Ridley).

Doug Liman, known for his work on Edge of Tomorrow, is currently on board to direct the project, with Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and Jamie Linden (Money Monster) having worked on the script.

Producers will be Doug Davison (Mena, which Liman has directed) and Allison Shearmur (Rogue One, Cinderella).

The first movie in the Chaos Walking adaptation will presumably follow the plot of the first book (The Knife of Never Letting Go) – as of yet, there is no anticipated release date.