Top ‘Hollywood’ A-Listers In Talks For Justice League Dark

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Could Constantine be coming onto the big screen? – Skatronixxx

Justice League Dark fans were excited to learn earlier this fall that the long gestating DC comic book adaptation was finally going into production. The hype is sure to continue with casting rumours surfacing for two of the characters on the mystical team.

Sources close to Latino Review have commented that Warner Bros. are looking for an ‘A-list talent’ to take on the role of British warlock John Constantine. The character from the long running Hellblazer comics has appeared on the big screen before with Keanu Reeves as the titular hero. It appears that Reeves won’t be asked back given the failure of the solo Constantine film but rather True Detective star Colin Farrell has been tapped as a possible candidate to fill the iconic rain jacket and tie.

It should also be mention that Obi-Wan Kenobi himself Ewan McGregor has also been considered for the role which is interesting given that he was also a front runner for Marvels Doctor Strange before Benedict Cumberbatch ultimately won the role. Poor Ewan, always the bridesmaid never the bride.

On the female front, Monica Bellucci who recently set hearts racing alongside Daniel Craig in SPECTRE. Is reportedly up for the role of Madame Xanadu, a sorceress with connections to Arthurian legend and is regarded in the New 52 continuity as a love interest for Jason Blood, a human who is the host for Etrigan the Demon.

 I think this would be WAY better than the ‘other’ Justice League – Skatronixxx

A casting call has also gone out for a ‘comedic presence’ for the character Deadman and a ‘Hispanic/black’ actress for Zatanna, who has been known to have passionate and antagonistic relationship with Constantine in the comics.

As previous reports have indicated, Filmmaker and writer Guillermo Del Toro is still on board with the project having written the screenplay but is no-longer directing the Dark Universe film. He however will produce the feature and had expressed his desire for Hellboy actor Ron Pearlman to inhabit the role of Swamp Thing for his film.

 Ron Pearlman as Swamp Thing? That could work – Skatronixxx

The films team are expected to ‘co-exist with the main Justice League team, much like how Marvel’s Guardian’s of the Galaxy operate individually from the Avengers.’ Also like Marvel’s Infinity War, it is assumed that the Justice League and the Dark Universe team will team up further down the line.

So are you excited for the Dark Universe movie? Does Colin Farrell make a good Constantine? Sound off on Twitter and as always, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

Bryan Singer In Talks To Direct The Next X-Men Movie

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Try and hard as you want Brian you can never move that helmet with your mind – Skatronixxx

Bryan Singer has recently mentioned that his next X-Men film is the final in the First Class trilogy that started with Matthew Vaughn’s X-Men First Class starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as younger versions of Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto. What this means for the mutant series going forward is unclear. Besides the next Gambit film currently in pre-production, we have only heard tentative news of a planned X-Force film in the immediate future.

News today revealing that Singer will in fact return to film the next feature in Marvel and Fox’s film franchise, will raise some interesting questions as the nature of the story and the characters involved. Given that X-Men Apocalypse is set in the 90’s and feature many younger versions of characters from the first three X-Men films.

 I’m sorry but he still looks like Ivan Oooze – Skatronixxx

News via Heroic Hollywood indicates that the director could begin production late next year with shooting intended to begin in early 2017. The production will be taking place at Mel’s studio in Montreal where currently X-Men Apocalypse is under going reshoots that many anticipate are in order to shoehorn Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine into the picture.

Fox reportedly struck a deal with Singer soon after initial production ended on Apocalypse with the directors reasoning for a return being that he ‘likes the city.’

With details sketchy as to what Singers next X-Men film will entail. Previous reports have indicated that Fassbender and McAvoy could return for further X-Men films in the future. Could the next film simply be a sequel to the current trilogy?

For now X-Men Apocalypse is scheduled for released on May 27, 2016 with the premiere of the first trailer expected to show before Star Wars The Force Awakens. You just got another reason to see the biggest film of the year.

For all your Mutant news stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

The Flash And Arrow’s Second Crossover Event Will Be Bigger Than Ever

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 It seems like everyone is a superhero except me *pouts* – Skatronixxx

Just last week I mentioned in an article with Arrow writer Marc Guggenheim, that the upcoming Arrow-Flash crossover would exist as two stand alone episodes for both shows. As well as laying groundwork for CWs new show The Legends of Tomorrow.

Recent reveals via Twitter, including candid shots from the set, reveal that a team of up to nine superheroes will be involved in only the second crossover event since both shows went into production.

In a conversation with comic book.com, the Green Arrow himself Stephen Amell commented: ‘We shot a scene that had, like, nine superheroes in it’ further adding ‘Nine people with either powers or super-suits. It was an amazing thing to look out over the scene and see the world that has been built over the course of three-plus years.’

Much like Marvels cinematic universe, DC and The CW have carved out a niche in the market for both the ardent and causal superhero fan, with The Legends of Tomorrow presenting an opportunity to create a truly interactive universe of which movies can’t easily do.

On the crossover itself, Amell expressed that ‘these two crossover episodes standing together will probably be, in my mind, the pinnacle achievement for both shows.’ The Flash, Grant Gustin, also added: ‘I feel like more people are a part of it this year from both sides, and we’re tying in Legends, obviously, so it’s just bigger.’

With all three shows existing in the same universe, us fans will ultimately be spoilt with the interwoven storylines that may present themselves. With John Constantine only just popping up in Arrow, what now stops that cheeky bugger from show hoping across all three, and vice versa for those new heroes and villains to come.

 

 They made a MASSIVE mistake cancelling Constantine – Skatronixxxx

With Neal McDonough already confirming that his villainous character Damien Darhk will appear in an upcoming episode of The Legends of Tomorrow. It seems possible that the new series big-bad Vandal Savage may also cause trouble for other shows as well.

The crossover episodes of Arrow and The Flash will air on December 1 and 2 on The CW, which will bring together a new team of heroes before The Legends of Tomorrow debuts in 2016.

For all your DC Tv news, as always stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

Rooney Mara Is Still On Board For Dragon Tattoo Sequel

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I actually think the ‘non Americanised’ version is better – Skatronixxx

Contrary to recent reports, Rooney Mara, star of David Fincher’s adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, claims that she is still on board with the planned reboot of the stagnant franchised based on the popular Millennium novel series.

In an interview with E! online, Mara was quoted as stating: ‘As far as I know I’m doing it until someone tells me otherwise. I’m doing it unless someone tells me that I’m not—and then I still might do it.’ Considering that in the past Mara has expressed her desire to slip back into the leather pants of heroine Lisbeth Salander for the planned sequel based on the second book in the series, The Girl who played with Fire. It’s not surprising that although the sequel was delayed in late 2012, she would be all in for a return to the role that was met with critical acclaim.

Reports released earlier this month however indicated that Sony were interested in taking the franchise in a new direction, effectively rebooting the thriller series. The next film, The Girl in the Spider’s Web, would apparently not be a direct sequel to the Fincher film given that Sony have already been courting Ex Machina’s Alicia Vikander to assume the role originally made famous by Noomi Rapace in the Swedish films.

Following the death of Stieg Larsson, the writer of the first three books in the Millennium series, in 2004. The Girl in the Spider’s Web was written by crime author David Lagercrantz based on the characters created by Larsson. The book was released in August 2015, reaching the top of the U.S bestseller list early that month.

For all your Fincher and Tattoo-lady-news, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

Arrow Writer Wishes They Could Use DC’s Batman

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Would you want to see an Arrow-Gotham crossover? Or an adult Batman in Arrow? – Skatronixxx

As super producer Greg Berlanti quickly corners the market on DC TV shows with CW’s Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and CBS’s Supergirl falling under the same banner. One elusive vigilante has still managed to escape the producers grasp considering that even NBC’s cancelled Constantine made his Arrow debut last week.

‘I love Batman’, revealed co-creator of Arrow, Marc Guggenheim, and writer on the show. ‘He’s probably my favourite DC character and of course I’d love to see him on Arrow, but you know, that’s just not in the cards anytime soon.’

That statement certainly seems apt given that a young Bruce Wayne is going through his own journey on Fox’s Gotham, currently in its second season. ‘So it remains a fantasy, but we have so many other fantasies and pipe dreams of ours have come true, I really have no complaints.’

On the numerous cameos on Arrow, Guggenheim further elaborated on the creative process of introducing established characters on the show. ‘We always say we never set out to introduce this many DC characters, you know, on the screen. Even by the end of season one of Arrow when we had done Deathstroke much sooner than we planned, we had never planned on doing Huntress, we didn’t plan on introducing Roy Harper so soon.’ The news that fan favourite Roy Harper’s introduction was unplanned seems surprising considering the character stayed around for three seasons, Until actor Colton Haynes left for pastures new. ‘To look at where we are now, you know, four years, two going on three shows in, it’s like, how did this happen? And we’re always pinching ourselves.’

With fans awaiting a major cross-over event to kick start CW’s third superhero show, The Legends of Tomorrow. The Arrow writer revealed the plan for this years most anticipated event. ‘There’s a lot of things that are really cool about this year’s crossover, one of which is the fact that there really is a true two-part story unlike last year where it was two interconnected episodes each had their own beginning, middle, and end.’

Guggenheim further revealed that the crossover will feel more self contained than last years Flash and Arrow event. This time properly introducing new characters to the audience. ‘It feels like an episode of Flash and then an episode of Arrow. It truly is a two-hour Flash/Arrow event that just so happens to introduce us to some new characters who will be a big part of Legends Of Tomorrow.’

The new show looks to bring together a rag-tag band of misfits in order to fight comic book villain Vandal Savage. The team will consist of familiar faces from both Arrow and The Flash including Firestorm, White Canary, The Atom, Heat Wave and Captain Cold. We also see the first incarnations of Hawkman, Hawkgirl and time traveler Rip Hunter who will be introduce on The Legends of Tomorrow.

Details are tight lipped but you can find out for yourself when DC’s Legends of Tomorrow premieres in 2016 on The CW network.

But in the meantime, for all your Arrow, Flash and Supergirl news. Stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

Deadpool Star Ryan Reynolds Reveals The Merc-With-A-Mouth Is ‘Pansexual’

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Isn’t he a little warm in that suit? – Skatronixxx

I don’t think anyone can deny that after Deadpool released its debut trailer earlier this year at San Fransisco Comic-Con. The Merch-with-a-mouth certainly got tongues wagging with its excessive violence and general naughty-ness. I mean, dude be balling in that trailer.

But it seems that Ryan Reynolds Deadpool won’t just be breaking the fourth wall but men and women’s hearts alike. ‘Pansexual! I want that quoted. Pansexual Deadpool’, quipped the director. Revealing that the Merch will let the love fly as free as his bullets, certainly if the man portraying him is to be believed. ‘There is some sexuality in this movie for sure. You kinda think you have moments when you’re shooting where you think, ‘This is, uh, a little excessive. This is a comic book movie. Are we gonna get away with this?’ But the long time champion of a solo Deadpool movie, since Reynolds first portrayed the assassin in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, did confirm that the ‘studio hasn’t crushed us with anything’.

 Still haven’t seen the trailer? Now’s your chance. Lil kiddies look away please – Skatronixxx

For fans wondering if this revelation is out of the blue, co-creator of the character, Fabian Nicieza, has suggested in the past that Deadpools sexuality was fluid. But perhaps more curious was the assertion by Reynolds that the movie also has ‘unicorn f**king’. Well, I guess they threw everything into this movie, including  the kitchen sink … or Unicorn to be more apt.

With Deadpool certainly looking to make a splash with the release in February of next year. It was recently revealed that X-Men producer Simon Kinberg had made plans for an Avenger-like team up/crossover involving Deadpool, Gambit and the X-Men. With Marvels X-Men franchise seemingly reinvigorated with the success of Days of Future Past, a team-up film might not as far off as fans may think. Especially if Deadpool proves a hit with mutant fans.

For all you merc-with-a-mouth news, stick with @mitch_rated, only on Skatronixxx.com

IceMan’s Sexuality Is Finally Confirmed

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Wow those outfits are a bit risque 😉 – Skatronixxx

6-months ago legendary comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis and Marvel took the brave step to unveil a founding member of the X-Men was in fact gay.

Bobby Drake, better known by fans as Iceman, was outed by physic Jean Grey in All-New X-Men #40 after she unwillingly read his thoughts. The problem that many fans had with this revelation however was that it was a young Bobby Drake who confirmed this, having been brought into our time by Henry McCoy at the beginning of Bendis run on the comic. This left fans on a cliffhanger wondering what an older present day Bobby Drake would make of this reveal and what exactly it meant for his own sexual identity.

Now in issue #600 of Uncanny X-Men that sees Bendis wrap up his run with the mutant superheroes. We finally see this pivotal story come to a compassionate head.

 Bobby’s secret is out

Although Marvel have been at the forefront of exposure for important homosexual characters that their readers can relate too in the past. This is no less important – even more so – given that Iceman is a popular mainstay of the X-Men since their inception. An issue that Bendis reaffirmed six months ago by saying that he felt it was crucial for an active founding member of the team to come out. Given the history of homosexual characters being widely hidden in comics books by writers in the early 60’s when Iceman made his debut.

With Bendis run on X-Men coming to an end, it doesn’t mean we won’t see both Iceman in the near future. With young Bobby continuing the mis-adventures of the All-New X-Men. While present day Iceman will take centre stage alongside the Extraordinary X-Men as they enter a civil war against the InHumans.

Cool indeed.

For all your comic-book news and reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

Recasting Marvels Avengers

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 If you had to recast The Avengers, who would you pick?

Ok it’s time for my next blog. I’ll admit (and apologise) I haven’t written anything for a little while but those of you who know me, know that I have been busy moving hoise and that kinda consumes your life! Now that I am in my nice new house and everything is more or less sorted, I thought I’d writer another blog for you as I’m nice like that 🙂

The real question was what to write? I had a couple of ideas floating around in my mind but I wasn’t sure what one to do. So I took the question to you and decided to let you choose! How did I let you choose? Well chances are that 99% of you reading this, have a twitter account and you follow me on there.  Twitter have recently introduced a new feature, where we can set up a vote.

The choices were ‘Recasting The Avengers’ or ‘One Series Shows’, you the people voted and chose ‘Recasting The Avengers’. So here I am with my latest blog, picke dby you, my #SkatFamily I hope you like it!

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Iron Man – Matt Bomer

Most peoples pick for a new Iron Man is Bradley Cooper but I think Matt would be an awesome choice

The media seem to have jumped on the idea of Bradley Cooper becoming the next Iron Man. True he has the combination of goodlooks, action hero pedigree and humour that make up the role of Iron Man. For me I decided to choose someone who many people may go WHO??? Or may disagree with me at first but after sitting down and thinking about  it, they’ll go yeah he’s a good choice and that is Matt Bomer. All I’ll say is he possess all the same attributes as Bradley Cooper is two years younger, still don’t agree with me, go and watch his portrayal as Luc in Tru Calling.

Captain America – Jensen Ackles

He turned down the role of Hawkeye but would he better suited as Cap?

it’s a well known fact that Jensen turned down the role of Hawkeye in the first Avengers film. The role eventually wound up going to Jeremy Renner. I kept trying to picture Jensen as Hawkeye and sadly it just didn’t fit. For some reason my mind went onto Jensen as Captain America. I mean imagine Dean from Supernatural but kicking ass in the red, white and blue of Cap, it just fits doesnt it? For Cap you need someone who isn’t a overly muscley kinda guy, but can hold their own and occasionally inject humour into the role. For me no one is a better mix then Jensen Ackles.

Thor – Alexander Skarsgard

 Let’s have a proper Scandanavian Thor instead of an Aussie one

Ok yes I know it may seem a tad obvious but I’m sorry Thor is not Australian and no matter how much the current Thor tries to sound NOT Australian, it just can’t escape him. So I say go with someone who has the actual Scandanavian blood line and that is Alexander Skarsgard . Most people will recognise him as the charasmatic Eric Northman from tv series True Blood. Eric Northman liked to think he is a god, Thor IS a god. So yeah it may just be a coincidence about Alexander’s bloodline but to be honest I would have picked him anyway. He has the perfect combination of humour, kickassness and seriousness roled into one with the ability to play a character with a god like complex. Plus he looks ok-ish with long blonde hair. So for me there is only one Thor, heck get him in the next Avengers film!

The Incredible Hulk – Stephen Moyer

We saw him combat his inner demons as Bill Compton, I’d like to see him do the same with Bruce Banner

I know what you’re thinking, oh Skat you have picked two True Blood characters in a row, that’s lazy picking and thinking. Well no it’s not if you hear my reasons for doing so. After picking Thor I then toyed with the idea of Ryan Kwanten (Sookies younger) brother as Hawkeye. Yes that would probably be a good choice but I don’t want my version of The Avengers to become a TB alumni fest. I then moved onto Bill Compton and the actor who played the vampire known for struggling with his inner demons Stephen Moyer. I was then thinking about how much Bill Compton and Bruce Banner had in common in both stuggling to combat the rage that can consume them. From the similarities I then imagined Stephen as Bruce and the idea was born! I for one could not think of another Bruce replacement other than Stephen.

Black Widow – Emily Blunt

 Emily Blunt in a catsuit? Yes please!

Emily Blunt as a red headed Black Widow in a catsuit *drools* no other explanation needed. Heck the film could just be her, running around for an hour, that would leave one happy Skatronixxx.

Hawkeye – Sam Huntington

Could the little jungle archer boy from Jungle 2 Jungle be an archer again?

You may be thinking who is this guy and to be honest you’d probably be right, but after I tell you he was the little guy from the 1997 film Junge 2 Jungle all grown up. You’d probably go OH HIM followed by DAMN now I feel old. Since starring as Mimi-Siku, Sam Huntington has gone to to play other various roles most notably the werewolf Josh Levison in Syfy’s American remake of Being Human. I decided to go with Sam’s versatility and I wanted a more younger Hawkeye less gritty and bitter than the current version. Think more like a cross between Robin and Nightwing from the DC universe but older. Plus this guy has been shooting arrows since 1997. Who knows maybe we could go with the back story of Mimi-Siku growing up and joining The Avengers!

Nick Fury – Lawrence Fishburne

 I’m here to talk about the Avengers, I have a blue pill and red pill

This was one role that I almost had to admit defeat in recasting. I toyed with numerous ideas but none seemed a right fit. That was until I was watching a repeat of CSI and Lawrence Fishburne came on my tv screen. Lawrence is most notably known for his portrayal as Morbius in The Matrix series. I think that if Lawrence was able to combine the mystique of Morbius with the down to eart reality of Jack Crawford. You’d get an awesome Nick Fury. Failing that bring Clark Gregg on board and have him as a straight up replacement.

Loki – Tom Hiddleston

 Seriously who else could be Loki?

I’m sorry I couldn’t come up with another choice, well actually I’m not sorry. There’s only one man for me who can be Loki and that is Tom Hiddleston. I sat down and thought for about 30 minutes on who would be an excellent Loki but I just couldn’t think of anyone. That is testament to the awesome portrayal of  Loki. Few people truly own roles and another one I can think of is James Marsters from Buffy as Spike. So for me there is only one Loki. Long live Loki, I pledge my allegiance to your cause!

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So there we have it, the cast of Marvels The Avengers recast by me. Do you agree? Disagree? Have any choices of your own? As always let me know by following me on twitter @skatronixxx and have your say!

BBC Producing ‘His Dark Materials Trilogy’ for TV

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Who else is psyched about this? – Skatronixxx
The BBC announced that they will be producing a new adaptation of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. This of course wouldn’t be the first time that Pullman’s children’s fantasy novel about the relationship of science and theology has been adapted. With the novel making its big screen debut in 2006’s The Golden Compass.
Although many will remember that the film starring Daniel Craig, Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richards was critical panned on release. That doesn’t seem to have dampened the spirits of the author himself who revealed: ‘It’s been a constant source of pleasure to me to see this story adapted to different forms.’ Speaking with BBC news, Pullman expressed his enthusiasm for his work being adapted for television, explaining that ‘In recent years we’ve seen how long stories on television [-] can reach depths of characterisation and heights of suspense by taking the time for events to make their proper impact and for consequences to unravel.’ Pullman continued, ‘And the sheer talent now working in the world of long-form television is formidable. For all those reasons I’m delighted at the prospect of a television version of His Dark Materials.’
The trilogy, consisting of three books The Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass, each will be adapted with production taking place in Wales with Bad Wolf and New Line at its helm.
His Dark Materials has been has been published in more than 40 languages and has sold nearly 17.5 million copies worldwide. Its theologist themes has often been at logger heads with the Church of England with The Golden Compass feature film prompting numerous campaigns to boycott the film on release resulting in much of the controversial elements of the book to hit the cutting room floor. With the BBC funded by taxpayers money, it will be interesting to see if pressure from outside groups will force their hand resulting in another diluted adaptation.
Are you excited for another adaptation of His Dark Materials? Have you read the books yourself? Sound off on Twitter and as always, for all your BBC-Book-Adaptation news, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

Supergirl Pilot Review

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Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s Superman, oh wait I mean Supergirl – Skatronixxx

What holds Supergirls pilot together, another origin episode as par the course with superhero Tv.Is the title girl herself Kara Zor-El’s (Melissa Benoist) adorkable-ever-so-loveable personality. Does that sound like a knock on the episode, it shouldn’t be because when your lead actress does the job you hire her to do, your on to a winner.

Talking of wins, the idea to show Kara as a 20-something working a crap-shoot of a job just looking to find her place in the world, grounds what could easily be (excuse the pun) an out of this world story. And to surround her with similar individuals that are so real they could very well be your best friend work well as counter balance to more comic-book elements of the show. Oh and did I mention Jimmy (sorry James) Olsen (Mehcad Brooks) is a hottie now.

In a nut shell the episode sets up the ground work for much of the series procedural case (or Big Bad) of the week with Kara falling in (literally) with the DEO. A black-ops government organisation that has known about Kara since her arrival on Earth and inform our super-heroine that when her ship fell into and escaped the Phantom Zone, she brought a big prison ship with her. Of course, full of big-bad alien criminals that are preparing Earth for ‘The Generals’ arrival. Nice work Kara.

Wisely not much of our time is spent with the hokey-DEO, instead we see our Supergirl traverse the perils of a rookie hero on the job. From a wardrobe-costume-choosing montage scene alongside her BFF Winn (Jeremy Jordan) to saving the residents of National City. It isn’t long until Kara must embrace who she is and take down this weeks big bad in the form of Vartox (Owain Yeoman), our introduction into a shadower evil that undoubtedly will serve as an over-arching villainous team that threatens Earth.

Overall the second half of the episode can’t hope but compete with that scene of Kara saving the airline as she heroically manoeuvres it through a suspension bridge, a suitable stand-out scene that introduces Supergirl to the world. It’s not say that the episode decreases in quality as the pacing, look and tone of the episode maintains. Its just that I worry the show may suffer due to budget constraints in the future, with her final fight with Vartox a little too grounded for my liking.

Cue trademark glasses

My only major gripe is the characters assertions to knock us over the head that Supergirl is well, a girl. I understand that this series is breaking ground as the first major female lead DC Tv show but it isn’t the first female lead Tv show ever. So when characters feel the need to remind us of this fact, the charm quickly falls away and becomes obnoxious. I mean, if Tv audiences are surprised that a female can lead a show, where have they been? Step forward Buffy Summers for starters.

Talking of Buffy, the show smacks of Buffy the Vampire Slayer potential. Which as a huge fan of the Scoobies, gives me hope as a continued watcher of Supergirl. Of course I want the show to stand on its own but with more than a fair few trademarks that made Buffy a hit on display, the future is bright for our daughter of Krypton.

For more reviews, news and @mitch_rated fun and games. Keep it glued to Skatronixxx.com