The MCU’s ‘Spider-Man’ Will Be Different From The Others

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Is the most eagerly anticipated character in the upcoming film, Spiderman? – Skatornixxx

Captain America: Civil War’s directors Anthony and Joe Russo are looking to bring Spider-Man into the modern era by making him unlike any of the previous interpretation of everyone’s favourite web-head.

In an interview with comicbook.com, Joe Russo disclosed “we took a very personal approach to the character. He was my favourite character growing up, so the opportunity to bring Spider-Man to the screen is a dream come true.”

In dealing with bringing such an iconic comic book character into the MCU Anthony Russo explained “we’re bringing Spider-Man into the movie in [Captain America’s] universe, in that specific tonal stylistic world. It’s a little more grounded and a little more hardcore contemporary.”

The directors further elaborated their desire to make us care more about the character this time around by grounding Peter Parker in a “world that we live in”, they hope to make the “experience of watching [him] more passionate and more well-rounded.”

The Russo brothers previous success with Captain America: Winter Soldier saw the duo-directors pair spy-heavy-thriller with the comic book world of Marvel. A darker interpretation for the MCU that resonated with fans as well as critics alike. With the directors news that Civil War will continue the darker-trend, the pair teased “a lot of shocking things are going to happen” ushering a “profound experience” within the Marvel Universe.

Captain America: Civil War is slated to hit theatres May 6, 2016.

For all you Spidey News, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

‘Agents of SHIELD’ Star Doesn’t Expect ‘InHumans’ Movie Crossover

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Are You Inhuman ? – Skatronixxx

Agents of SHIELD has carved out a niche within the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the go-to show for all your InHumans madness. However if Agent Coulson actor Clark Gregg has any precognitive ability at-all, then don’t expect your favourite Agents to cross-over with Marvel’s InHumans movie in the future.

“The InHumans movie I suspect will be its own cinematic version,” discussed Clark in an interview with DigitalSpy. “That writer and director will have free-reign to do what they want to do with the InHumans. But hopefully there’ll be some way that our InHumans connect to that. It’d be too bad if that was wasted.”

Since Season 2 of the hit Marvel show. The InHumans have proven a critical story element, with Skye (Chloe Bennet) revealed to be comic book character Daisy Johnson and heir to dynasty of InHumans living on Earth. Season 3, which is set to debut in the UK this Sunday on E4, looks to continue this trend with numerous InHumans discovering their powers after Season 2’s finale saw Terrigan Crystals get into the public Water supply.

Clark did note that the show has continued to transform: “They destroy the organisation our show is named after and we have to deal with that! I’ll be interested to see how it evolves, that crossover stuff.”

With Marvel’s InHumans movie slated for release on July 12, 2019. It may be awhile yet before either Marvel or Agents of SHIELD have to worry about such crossover nonsense. But its fun to fan-fict Daisy ‘Quake’ Johnson joining The Avengers right?

Make sure to tune in Sunday January 10, on E4 for the Season 3 UK premier of Agents of SHIELD.

For all your Marvel Crossover Nonsense, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

New Images And Details Of Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’

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 I think this film might surprise us … in a good way – Skatronixxx

A few images of Benedict Cumberbatch as the Sorcerer Supreme have been revealed of late but Marvel have officially lifted the lid on Doctor Strange with a few new images to boot, including previously unreleased concept art.

Cumberbatch’s Strange wont be alone in his fight as Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Baron Mordo and Tilda Swinton’s the Ancient One round up the good guys, with Mads Mikkelsen mysterious villain looking to wreck havoc over the talented surgeons life. True Detective star Rachel McAdams has also been cast in the film as a “fellow surgeon that has a history with Strange” who serves as “his sort of lynchpin to his old life” before he became a Sorcerer.

Doctor Strange will be the first origin tale in Phase 3 of Marvels’ intergalactic Cinematic universe and will introduce magic into a superhero world full of super-soldiers, Billionaire inventors and Hulking monsters. “We don’t want to shy away from that, because that’s what makes Doctor Strange Doctor Strange,” confided Marvel Producer Kevin Fiege. “He has a Cloak of Levitation that allows him to fly, but he doesn’t fly like Superman or like Thor.”

Fiege also revealed in his interview with Entertainment Weekly that Stranges’ signature idol, The Eye of Agamatto, will feature heavily in the film granting Steven the ability to “manipulate probabilities” even “screw around with time’ — which is part of our story.”

Fans have theorised that The Eye likely is an Infinity Stone – the Time Stone – coveted by Thanos which will have to show up in the series of films before The Avengers ultimate showdown in The Infinity War scheduled for release in 2018.

Doctor Strange is slated for release in theatres November 4, 2016.

In the meantime enjoy the images below and as always, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

‘Supergirl’ Midseason Review

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 Is it a bird? A plane? No it’s @mitch_rated mid season review of Supergirl – Skatronixxx

Supergirls meteoric arrival onto the general publics viewing radar saw the often overshadowed and forgotten daughter-of-krypton thrust into the limelight. As CBS’s newest superhero show broke records and set people’s expectations to the nth degree. It rested on the shoulders of actress Melissa Benoist to fly or plummet to her doom. But as fans like me came to realise, we had nothing to worry about.

In stating whether Supergirl maintained those kind of viewing figures that the Pilot achieved is un-fair, given how modern viewership these days are rendered redundant with the advent of streaming services and catch-up capabilities. What Supergirl did do however was focus on creating a grounded reality that the early days of Smallville achieved in producing. Taking that and running with it; or should that be flying?

For a show that primarily focuses on the exploits of a flying-Alien superhero. Benoist and writers carefully crafted their Supergirl into a hero worth rooting for. Be it fighting the various fantastical Alien Big Bads that cropped up each week. Or dodging the delightfully catty (pun intended) barbs thrown her way by her overbearing Big Boss Cat Grant, played by the masterful Calista Flockhart. Benoist’s charm and adorkable personality injected Kara with an unwavering aura of goodness which is undoubtedly integral to the comic book characters fight for justice. But if left in the far less capable hands, has the danger of becoming preachy and bland. A blight which has shrouded various incarnations of Clark Kent in a number of comic-book-adaptations.

What helps the show in maintaining the light-hearted tone is the wealth of supporting characters that orbit Kara’s life. From the love interest of Superman stories mainstay James ‘Jimmy’ Olsen (Mehcad Brooks), to the ever-faithful sidekick of original character Winslow ‘Winn’ Schott Jr (Jeremy Jordan). Each supporting character are self serving rather than left feeling like a spare part, which complements the dramatic tone that each bring to various episodes they appear. A stand-out being Flockharts Cat Grant, a character who has been described as a Devils Wears Prada prototype by the shows own producers, has been handled particularly well. Escaping what could had been a two dimensional character has been build as a stern supporter of Supergirl which made that reveal in the shows midseason finale all the more poignant.

The show however hasn’t been without its problems. Plague by a couple of dodgy episodes that seem to tread water in favour of dragging out over-arching mysteries, such as the true allegiance of DEO Commander Hank Henshaw (David Harewood). The show floundered in maintaining what essentially is Kara’s biggest threat which is her Aunt Astra (Laura Benanti), whose plan to save Earth through nefarious means. Seemed bookended into the Finale leaving an unsatisfactory taste in our pallets when the cliffhanger hit. Assuming that Astra becomes the season’s Big Bad going forward, the show would feel more async in serialising Astra’s storyline to keep her threat in the minds of the viewers. Rather than cropping up here-and-there like a classic cartoon villain. Where’s Mutley when you need him.

Even with the tedious introducing characters, season 1 had a strong forefront that has build strong foundations allowing characters to breath and face stronger dramatic arcs to come. And with Cat’s estranged son Adam Foster (Blake Jenner) making his way back into her life and rumoured appearance of Superman Villain Bizzaro yet to come. It seems as if Kara and Co. will have a lot on their plate when Supergirl returns January 4 next year.

For all your Comic-Book news, stick with @mitch_rated throughout 2016 only on Skatronixxx.com

Actors announced for ‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’

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Harry Potter and Co. are all grown up – Skatronixxx 

The world of Harry Potter seems to have no limits. From spin-offs such as Fantastic Beast and where to find them to entire themed parks dedicated to the boy wizard. It was only a matter of time until the wizarding world of Harry Potter reached the stage with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child carrying on the story of Harry, Ron and Hermonie.

Don’t expect the actors from the series of films to once again assume their roles however as the cast for the stage-play was recently announced with Jaime Parker, Paul Thornley, and Noma Dumezweni taking on the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione respectively

Worry-not Pott-heads (is that a coined term, if not, make it happen!) because famed Author J.K Rowling has crafted the story that has been written by Jack Thorne which will see the trio nineteen years after the battle at Hogwarts. Where the thirty-something Harry Potter juggles his work at the Ministry of Magic and his family life, while his son Albus tries to come to terms with being the child of The Boy who Lived.

Jaime Parker, the actor taking on the role of Harry Potter, is a Shakespearian actor who is notably one of the original cast of the Tony-award winning History Boys. Thornley, who may be familiar to gamers as the voice of Olgierd von Everec in The Witcher 3 expansion DLC, will be taking on the role of Potter’s best friend Ron Wesley. While Dumezweni is an Olivier award winning actress who will bring her gravitas to the role of perpetual know-it-all Hermonie Granger.

The stage production will be directed by John Tiffany and will debut at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End. Although little information is known about the project, 250,000 tickets have already been sold.

So Pott-Heads, are you excited for the stage-play? Could the Death Eaters make their return? Sound off on Twitter and as always, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

New Information On CBS’s ‘Supergirl’ Comic Book Series

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Wow all that flying and her make up isn’t smudged, that’s talent! – Skatronixxx

CBS’s Supergirl will receive a new ongoing comic book series penned by DC veteran girl-of-steel writer Sterling Gates.

Adventures of Supergirl won’t directly tie into the show but will tell original tales following Kara-Zor-El as she teams up with the DEO as she tries to keep her identity under wraps while working at CATCO Media.

The 13-part digital comic book series will be released bi-weekly every Monday to co-inside with new episodes on CBS in the US. DC has also confirmed that super villains such as Rampage, Vril, Dox and Psi will appear.

The comic book series will also have a rotating cast of artists including Bengal, Jonboy Meyers, Emanuela Lupacchino and Emma Vieceli. Currently Bengal is slated to pencil, ink and colour the first three chapters.

Supergirl won’t be the first DC Tv property to receive a comic book series with Arrow, The Flash and Smallville all enjoying ongoing success. Supergirl however will be the first to skip a paperback release with the entire series being released as a collected graphic novel after the digital issues have been posted online.

The series itself is enjoying rating success with CBS ordering a full season bringing the total episodes to 20 in its debut season.

Adventures of Supergirl will be released in January 25, 2016.

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

 

‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.2’ Reportedly Cast Star-Lords Father

 

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Who is Star-Lord’s father, we have to know!!! – Skatronixxx

Rumours have been abound as to the identity of Star-Lord Peter Quills father and who exactly will be playing the spectral figure in James Gunn’s sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2. As with rumours many have been wrong in the past. One particular rumour that draw the ire of Gunn himself was the reveal that Quills dad would indeed be the original Captain MarvelMar-Vell’. This was subsequently shot down in humorous fashion with a pointed statement from Gunn via FaceBook retorting that ‘We’re creating a film that doesn’t rely on plot twists to be an enjoyable experience. They’re only a very small part of what we’re cooking up for you.’

At the time the statement was posted, it had been reported that Academy award winner Matthew McConaughey had turned down a role in the Marvel sci-fi sequel, with the role of Mar-Vell indicated to be the part offered to the actor. Although the character of Mar-Vell has been chucked off the table, McConaughey did turn down a role in the film which may be offered to another Hollywood legend.

Sources close to The Wrap, report that Hateful Eight star Kurt Russell is Gunn’s favourite to portray Quills mysterious father for Vol.2. Although it has been stated that the actor has not been offered the role or read for the part, meetings are scheduled to take place soon.

In the Marvel comics it has long been known that Peter is half Spartax, a humanoid Alien race ruled over by King J’son of the Spartoi Empire who fathered Quill when he crash landed on Earth. In the comics father and son are often put at odds, with J’son believing his son too immature and roguish to inherent the throne and Quill viewing his father’s methods as underhanded and almost villainous. Which is often how J’son himself is presented to the reader with the King of Spartax being involved in numerous plots to overthrow other empires in the galaxy including the Kree, Shir’Ar and even Earth.

Although I could see Vol.2 using J’son as a character, I don’t see the MCU going down that path given that it is heavily indicated that the new Guardians of the Galaxy animated show on Disney X.D. could be using him, as Quill’s Spartax heritage has already been confirmed on the show.

With Star-Lord’s father proving a big tease towards the end of the first film its highly likely that whomever is cast will play an important role in Gunn’s much anticipated sequel. Production is slated to begin next year with a released date May 5, 2017.

So Guardians of the Galaxy fans, who should be Peter Quills dad? And who would you like to see bring the role to life? Hit us up on Twitter. And as always, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

‘Suicide Squad’ Synopsis Reveals Bad News For The Team

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 How could you not love these guys and gals – Skatronixxx

DC’s Suicide Squad is easily the most fascinating out of the comic book outlets upcoming cinematic offerings. Not only will we see the latest incarnation of The Joker (Jared Leto) since Heath Ledger’s scene stealing interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008). The first live action appearance of The Joker fan-girl Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and countless possibilities for further cross-over’s down the line. Not to mention the delectable opportunity to see Cara Delevinge’s The Enchantress crop out in Guillermo Del Toro’s upcoming Justice League Dark film. But we will ultimately see DC pull the trigger on releasing their vault full of iconic villains on an unsuspecting movie audience and see what they make of it.

Now tell me you aren’t excited to cheer for the bad guys for once? Well those bad guys may well steal your heart yet if Warner Bros. latest synopsis is anything to go by:

‘It feels good to be bad… Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated supervillains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity.

US intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of desparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do.

However, once they realise they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?’

With this in mind I guess the only question will be if any of the team will survive Director David Ayer’s (Training Day, Fury) film as the odds are certainly stack against them.

Suicide Squad will serve as the follow-up to the crown jewel in the franchise, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, when it lands in theatres August 5, 2016.

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

‘Saga’ The Comic Book Series

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Saga is a graphic novel series, written by Brian. K Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples. It’s an epic fantasy, sci-fi tale, with 31 single issues published, five trade issues and a deluxe trade edition coming shortly.

And it is possibly the best graphic novel you will read.

Saga is a tale of Alana and Marco, two lovers who come from two different species who are currently at war. Alana met Marco whilst guarding him in a war camp, and soon after, freed him and ran away with him. And this tale begins, when Alanna gives birth to their daughter, Hazel – who is the narrator.

This might sound very Romeo & Juliet but let me promise you that it is anything but. Because their eloping and the birth of their child has caused a political outcry that’s spread far and wide – and now the whole universe is after the child who was not meant to exist.

 A quick warning before I continue – this story is probably not recommendable for anyone under the age of 18. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to police what you read, but just be warned there is a lot of sex, a lot of nudity, and a lot of gore. It’s Game of Thrones in space up in here.

Saga is, first of all, a very unique premise. Sure, everyone has heard the “forbidden lovers” story multiple times, but the execution of the story is what makes it so original and special. These species are literally at war. And, to top it off, one of the species belongs to a satellite that used to orbit the planet of the other species. That’s damn intense.

The writing of this story is great. Hazel is a very blunt, honest narrator who doesn’t try and frame her parents and their mistakes (and boy, do they make a lot.) as excusable or okay. She’s very much a narrator who grew up aware of the war and the political implications of her birth, and she’s very blunt, frank and absolutely hilarious. And it’s very strange but refreshing to watch her narrate this story, when during the tale she is very much a tiny child that you watch grow up.

What I also love about this story, are the themes dealt with and the way in which they’re handled. Thus far, in the five trade issues I’ve read, we deal with child trafficking, prostitution, drugs, addiction, domestic violence, childbirth, sex (lots of it.), monsters, war, politics and love – and I imagine, so much more. The story also handles these issues with a lot of tact and a great moral compass – everything is handled bluntly, honestly, but with a lot of tact about it. The story knows how it needs to frame these issues, and that’s what makes it all the more engaging and exciting for me. I especially love that with this war, the two actual planets of the Waring species are entirely peaceful – but the rest of the galaxy has inserted itself into this war and keeps it thriving and new.

Character-wise, this story is a full cast of completely fascinating, well-thought out, complex persons who are all interesting. I don’t find a single character boring, even if I find their actions deplorable. They’re all well written with intense motives. Even the side characters are a delight to read about! Once again, Hazel’s narrative helps with framing a lot of them – Hazel, although knowing they were enemies of her parents, frames them as people who had their own issues, morals and instructions when chasing their goals. Even when they’re messed up, twisted and say downright messed up things, ultimately they are real and they do have emotions and ways you can sympathise with them. It’s honestly fantastic and refreshing.

Fiona Staples illustrations are also (no pun intended. Maybe.) out of this world. They’re so beautiful, sharp and well laid out. Every page is an absolute delight to read, with jaw-dropping scenery and characters who look so unique and suit the writing so, so much. I mean, look at this.

Look.

 I can’t even emphasise enough how well done these illustrations are. They’re so unique and they fit the Saga world so perfectly.

That and Fiona won’t shy away from the grim and gore. Emphasis on grim.

Yes, that is a giant monster’s swollen, pus covered testicles. Staples sat down at a table, picked up the appropriate equipment, and created this. With the go ahead from Vaughan. And if everything else I listed isn’t reason enough to check this out, I think the pus covered genitals should do it.

 On a serious note; Saga is without a doubt one of the best pieces of literature I’ve engrossed myself in over the past year. It’s got this incredible story that’s executed with stunning illustrations, gloriously written characters and a unique narrative. It’s got so much heart, so much emotion and just a tonne of really incredible ideas behind it, put together by two really imaginative and talented creators. It’s funny, it’s sharp and it’s deeply emotional.

So if you want to get into a new graphic novel series but not a clue where to start; start here. And brace yourself for one of the greatest journeys.

Fare thee well,

Fran

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Skatronixxx Note:- Ladies and gentleman that was @franpan ‘s debut article, I think you’ll agree that was an awesome one and she is a welcome addition to the site. Fran also publishes the stuff she writes for the site on her own blog that can be viewed at http://fransmindfellover.wordpress.com

Also be sure to follow here on twitter she’s @franpan don’t be shy, go say hi and tell her ‘Skatronixxx sent me!’

Netflix’s ‘Iron Fist’ Finds A Show Runner

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This show looks good – Skatronixxx

Iron Fist looks poised to join his cohorts on the mean streets of New York’s Hells Kitchen, as the Netflix/Marvel series gains a show runner.

An announcement this week via the streaming service, revealed that Steve Buck (Dexter, Rome & Six Feet Under) has jumped on board as show runner for the Iron Fist series. No information was given as to the release window for the next phase in Netflix’s superhero series but with the release of Daredevil season 2 and a Luke Cage series coming in 2016. It may be awhile before we see the martial artist realised on screen.

Currently fans have been introduced to Daredevil early this year with Jessica Jones having been realised late last month. Both shows carries a more mature tone reflecting the more street-level crimes that both heroes combat in Hells Kitchen, a stark contrast to more grandiose escapades of their Avengers counterparts.

Although unconfirmed it is believed that the series will air before the planned The Defenders mini series designed to bring together Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist together in a team-up series similar to a big-budget crossover event seen in Avengers Assemble and Age of Ultron. Details are scarce on the nature of the Iron Fist series but Netflix did release a synopsis along with their announcement that hinted towards the continued gritty tone established by its predecessors:

‘Returning to New York City after being missing for years, Daniel Rand fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his incredible Kung-Fu mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist.’

Iron Fist first appeared in the pages of Marvel in the 1970’s as a deliberate response to the popularity of Kung-Fu movies at the time. He was soon joined by partner in crime Luke Cage, whose dynamic duo team-up lasted for several years.

With Cage currently appearing in the Jessica Jones series, could we see Iron Fist make a cameo in Luke Cage before his own series debuts? I wait excitedly with flaming-fists a ready.

For all you comic-book-Kung-Fu news. Stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com