Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 16th to 22nd, 2025 - UPDATE #9

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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NEWS:

AMAZON - From Variety:  Amazon MGM Studios is set to take creative control of the "James Bond" franchise from its long-time guardians at EON Productions, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, although latter will maintain their ownership stake in the James Bond franchise.

From Variety:  Amazon co-founder and overlord, Jeff Bezos, asks his followers on the social media app, "X" (formerly "Twitter"), who should succeed Daniel Craig as "James Bond," in the wake of Amazon MGM Studios taking creative control of the "James Bond" franchise.

From Variety:  In the wake of Amazon MGM Studios taking creative control of the "James Bond" franchise, the most recent actor to play Bond, Daniel Craig, salutes the franchise's previous creative bosses, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Universal Pictures has released a first look at Matt Damon as, "Odysseus," the lead in Christopher Nolan's 2026 film, "The Odyssey" (July 17th, 2026).

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 2/14 to 2/16/2025 weekend box office is Disney/Marvel Studios' Captain America: Brave New World with an estimated take of 88.5 million dollars.

AWARDS - From Variety:  The nominations for the 2025 / 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have been announced.  "Conclave" won "Best Film" and "Outstanding British Film."

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. has chosen writer Potsy Poncifoli to write its sequel to the 1985 film, "The Goonies."

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MOVIE AWARDS:

From Variety:  The nominations for the 2025 / 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have been announced.  "Conclave" won "Best Film" and "Outstanding British Film."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 36th Producers Guild of America Awards have been announced.  "Anora" wins the awards' top prize, "The Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 77th Annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced. Sean Baker and his team won the top prize, "Theatrical Feature Film," for his film "Anora."

From THR:  The winners for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" won "Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy" and "Best Motion Picture - Non-English Language."  "The Brutalist" won "Best Motion Picture - Drama."  "Wicked" won in the new category, "Cinematic and Box Office Achievement."  "Flow" won "Best Motion Picture - Animated."

From AMPAS:  The nominations for the 2025 / 97th Academy Awards have been announced the winners will be announced Sunday, March 2, 2025.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2025 / 25th Vancouver Film Critics Circle (VFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won "Best Picture" and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 7th Annual Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA) Film Awards have been announced.  "Sing Sing" won "Best Picture" and "Best Actor" (Colman Domingo).

From AwardsWatch:  GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the winners of its Dorian Film Awards.  "The Substance" has won five awards including "Film of the Year," "Film Performance of the Year" (Demi Moore), and "Film Director of the Year" (Coralie Fargeat).

From THR:  The nominations for the 2025 / 36th Producers Guild of America Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Sat. Feb. 8th.

From BBC:  The nominations for the 2025 / 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have been announced.  "Conclave" leads with 12 nominations.  The winners will be Sunday, Feb. 16th, 2025.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 77th Annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced.  In the awards' marquee category, "Theatrical Feature Film," the nominees are Jacques Audiard ("Emilia Perez"), Sean Baker ("Anora"), Edward Berger ("Conclave"), Brady Corbet ("The Brutalist"), and James Mangold ("A Complete Unknown").  The winners will be announced February 8th.

From EW:  The Screen Actors Guild has cancelled the 2025 / 31st SAG Awards nominations announcement live-stream because of the current wildfires sweeing through the Los Angeles area.  The nominations will be announced Thursday morning, January 9th via press release and on SAG Awards website.  The SAG Award ceremony will be hired Feb. 23rd.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 2025 / 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards have been announced.  Netflix's "The Piano Lesson" leads with 14 nominations.  The winners will be announced February 21st and 22nd.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2025 / 22nd Annual International Cinephile Society (ICS) Awards have been announced.  "All We Imagine as Light" has won "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Payal Kapadia), and "Best Ensemble."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards have been announced.  "Anora" wins "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2025 / 45th London Critics Circle Film Awards were announced. "The Brutalist" was named "Film of the Year."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The International Press Academy has announced the winners at the 2025 / 29th Satellite Awards in Motion Pictures and Television.  "The Brutalist" won "Motion Picture, Drama" and "Anora" won "Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Denver Film Critics Society (DFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Pittsburgh Film Critics Association (PFCA) Awards have been announced. This is the association inaugural awards announcement.  "The Substance" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Chicago Independent Critics (CIC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won seven awards, including "Best Indepent Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore).  "Dune: Part Two" won "Best Studio Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins "Best Movie About Women."  Coralie Fargeat's "The Substance" wins "Best Movie By a Woman" (directing)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the annual Portland Critics Association (PCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" won in 10 of the 13 categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Dakota Film Society (NDFS) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Hawaii Film Critics Society (HFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" took four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Utah Film Critics Association (UFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Wild Robot" won two awards - "Best Picture" and "Best Animated Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Music City Film Critics Association (MCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Georgia Film Critics Association (GFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Alliance of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) EDA Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Kansas City Film Critics Circle (KCFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Challengers" has won "Best Film" and "Best Director" (Luca Guadagnino).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 DiscussingFilm's Global Film Critics Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" won "Best Picture."

From EW:  The nominations for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" leads with 10 nominations.  The winners will be announced January 5, 2025 on CBS and Paramount+.

From THR:  The winners at the 2025 National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) Awards have been announced. "Nickel Boys" has won the award for "Best Picture" of 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Edward Berger), and "Best Actor" (Ralph Fiennes).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" has won three awards, including "Best Narrative Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Columbia Film Critics Association (COFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Substance" has won four awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore), 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 29th Capri, Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards have been announced. "Emilia Perez" won six awards, including "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Critics Association of Central Florda (CACF) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 UK Film Critics Association (UKFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" won "Film of the Year" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) Awards have been announced. "Anora" has won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Online Association of Female Film Critics (OAFFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" won six awards, including "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat). and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore).  "The Substance" shared the "Best Film" honor with "Anora."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Philadelphia Film Critics Circle (PFCCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Florida Film Critics Circle (FFCC) Awards have announced.  "The Beast" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Bertrand Bonello).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Nevada Film Critics Society (NFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken six awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dublin Film Critics Circle (DFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Zone of Interest" was named "Best Film" and its director, Jonathan Glazer, won "Best Director."  Although the film was released in Dublin this year, it was eligible for the Academy Awards in 2023.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critic Association (DFWFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has won three awards: "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Southeastern Film Critics Associations (SFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Iowa Film Critics Association (IFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won three awards: "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch: The winners at the 2024 New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Film Critics Society (PFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Indiana Film Journalists Association (IFJA) Awards.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore), and "Best Supporting Performance" (Margaret Qualley).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 St. Louis Film Critics Association (StLFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" has won three awards, including "Film" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has announced the nominations in the category of "Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures." The winners at the 2025 / 39th Annual Producers Guild Awards will be announced Saturday, February 8, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced. "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Online Film Critics Association (BOFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won six awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross). "Sing Sing" has won "Best Actor" (Colman Domingo) and "Best Supporting Actor" (Clarence Maclin).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Critics Circle (PCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."  The films four total wins including for "Best Director" (Brady Corbet) and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Chicago Film Critics (CFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Sing Sing" won "Best Picture," won of three awards it received.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Michigan Movie Critics Guild (MMCG) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture," one of its four wins.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Atlanta Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Film," one of four awards it won.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Washington Area Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Wicked" has won the award for "Best Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 49th Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture."  Marianne Jean-Baptiste (for "Hard Truths") became the first Black woman to win a lead performance honor in the groups history.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," wins "Best British Independent Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Society of Film Critics (BSFC) have been announced.  "Anora" wins "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison), and "Best Original Screenplay."

From AFI:  The American Film Institute has named its top ten films and television series.  Among the films honored are "Dune: Part Two," "Nickel Boys," and "Wicked."

From THR:  The winners at the 2024 / 37th European Film Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins the award for "European Film."  It also won the directing (Jacques Audiard), writing (Audiard), and actress (Karla Sofia Gascon) honors.

From NBR:  The National Board of Review has named its 2024 film honorees.  "Wicked" wins "Best Film" and "Best Director" (for John M. Chu).

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.  Cannes 2024 Palme d'Or winner, "Anora," and "I Saw the TV Glow" each lead with six nominations apiece.  The winners will be announced Saturday, February 22, 2025.

From Deadline:  The winners of the 2024 / 90th New York Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  Director Brady Corbet's three-hour epic, "The Brutalist," has won "Best Film" and its star, Adrian Brody, has won "Best Actor."

From Variety:  The winners at the 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards have been announced.  Writer-director Aaron Schimberg's "A Different Man" has won the "Best Feature" award.

From Deadline:  The 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards kick off the 2024-25 movie awards season by announcing its nominations for achievement in film.  Director Sean Baker's "Anora," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes this year, leads with four nominations.  The winners will be announced Monday, December 2, 2024.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," leads with 14 nominations. The winners will be announced Sunday, December 8, 2024.

BEST PICTURE WINNER COUNT:

From AwardsWatch:  This link will take you, dear readers, to "AwardWatch's" article, "Who Won What? - The 2024/2025 Film Award Precursor Guide."

"All We Imagine as Light": 1 win (International Cinephile Society)

"Anora": 18 wins (Atlanta Film Critics Circle; Austin Film Critics Association; Boston Society of Film Critics; CACF; Critics Choice Awards; DFWFCA; DGA; Georgia Film Critics Association; IFCA; LAFCA; Michigan Movie Critics Guild; North Dakota Film Society; OAFFC; NTFCA; Philadelphia Film Critics Circle; Satellite Awards; SFBAFCC; SFCA)

"The Beast": 1 win (Florida Film Critics Circle)

"The Brutalist": 13 wins (AWFJ; BOFCA; Chicago Film Critics; Golden Globes-Drama; HFCS; London Critics Circle; MNFCA; Nevada Film Critics Society; NYFCC; Phoenix Critics Circle; Phoenix Film Critics Circle; Portland Critics Association; Satellite Awards)

"Challengers": 1 win (GWNYFCA)

"Conclave":  2 wins (North Carolina Film Critics Association; Oklahoma Film Critics Circle)

"A Different Man": 1 win (Gotham Awards)

"Dune: Part Two" - 6 wins (Chicago Independent Critics; LVFCS; Music City Film Critics Associations; St.LFCA; UKFCA)

"Emilia Perez":  4 wins (Capri, Denver Film Critics Society; Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards; European Film Awards; Golden Globes-Comedy or Musical; WFCC)

"Kneecap": 1 win (British Independent Film Awards)

"Nickel Boys": 4 wins (AAFCA; DiscussingFilm; National Society of Film Critics; TFCA)

"Sing Sing": 2 wins (LEJA Film Awards; San Diego Film Critics Society)

"The Substance": 10 wins (Chicago Independent Critics; COFCA; Dorian Awards; Indiana Film Journalists Association; KCFCC; NYFCO; OAFFC; Pittsburgh Film Critics Association; Seattle Film Critics Society; WFCC)

"Wicked": 2 wins (National Board of Review; WAFCA)

"The Wild Robot":  1 win (Utah Film Critics Association)

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Review: "CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD" Explodes with Intensity

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 9 of 2025 (No. 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Running time:  118 minutes (1 hour, 58 minutes)

MPA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some strong language

DIRECTOR:  Julius Onah

WRITERS:  Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson, and Julius Onah & Peter Glanz; from a story by Rob Edwards and Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson (based on the Marvel Comics)

PRODUCERS:  Kevin Feige and Nate Moore

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Kramer Morgenthau (D.o.P.)

EDITORS:  Madeleine Gavin and Matthew Schmidt

COMPOSER:  Laura Karpman

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/DRAMA and SCI-FI/ACTION/THRILLER

Starring:  Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, Xosha Roquemore, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, William Mark McCullough, and Takehiro Hira with Liv Tyler and Sebastian Stan

SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:

--Captain America: Brave New World is the subject of a social media smear campaign, but it is one of the best superheroes movies of the 2020s, and it is probably the best action movie of the decade

--The cast is dynamite. Not only does Anthony Mackie light up the screen as Sam Wilson/Captain America, but Harrison Ford also tears up the screen the way a Hollywood legend and icon should

--The supporting cast of Captain America: Brave New World is excellent, and the actors help make this film a rampaging good time at the movies

Captain America: Brave New World is a 2025 superhero and action film from Marvel Studios and directed by Julius Onah.  The film focuses on the character, “Sam Wilson,” as the superhero, “Captain America.”  Sam Wilson is a Marvel Comics character that was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan and that first appeared in Captain America #117 (cover dated: September 1969).  Captain America is a Marvel Comics character that was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and that first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (December 1940).

This film is the fourth film in the Captain America film series and also the 35th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).  In Captain America: Brave New World, Captain America must discover the identity of the mastermind behind a plan to launch the United States into a global war over access to an amazing new metal alloy.

Captain America: Brave New World focuses on Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who is still early in his tenure as the superhero, Captain America, replacing his friend, the original Captain America, Steve Rogers.  Wilson was once the superhero, “The Falcon,” and now, that mantle belongs to his partner, U.S. Air Force First Lt. Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez).  Captain America and the Falcon begin the film on a mission in Oaxaca, Mexico where they take on the “Serpent Society” and its leader, Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito), in a bid to intercept the sale of a canister of “Adamantium.”

Adamantium is the new metal alloy that was discovered on the “Celestial Island,” located in the Indian Ocean.  Celestial Island is really the gigantic carcass of the “Celestial Tiamut,” whose emergence was stopped by the Eternals (as seen in the 2021 film, Eternals).  The U.S., Japan, and India are vying to mine adamantium, and to that end, the three countries are working on a treaty that would create the infrastructure in which the three nations would share control of the island.

The current President of the United States, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), formerly known as General “Thunderbolt” Ross, asks Sam to be the face of the adamantium treaty as Captain America.  President Ross also wants Sam to join him in a plan to reform the superhero group, “The Avengers.”  However, the announcement of the treaty is interrupted by an assassination attempt.  Now, Sam's friend and mentor, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), the Korean War veteran and once-imprisoned “super soldier,” is once again imprisoned because of the incident.

Despite a growing rift with President Ross, Sam decides to investigate the assassination attempt, and Joaquin joins him.  Shadowing them is a former “Black Widow,” the Israeli Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas), but even she can't stop Captain America and the Falcon from discovering the mystery of a man named Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson).  Can Sam Wilson stop a global war, and can Captain America really take on the creature known as the “Red Hulk.”

Captain America: Brave New World is the subject of an intense online and social media smear campaign.  When you, dear readers, come across someone using the word, “woke,” to describe it, you should know that in the context of this film, “woke” is Confederate pig Latin for the name “Anthony Mackie.”  People who complain that the story and/or the script are not good are against the film because of their grievances concerning an African-American actor, Antony Mackie, taking on the role of Captain America.  With that said...

Captain America: Brave New World ties into some other Marvel Studios productions.  Obviously, this film's “Celestial Island” subplot is related to events depicted in the 2021 film, Eternals.  The Disney+/Marvel Studios series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021) is a prologue to Brave New World.  Surprisingly, Brave New World acts as a sort of sequel to the second film in the MCU, 2008's The Incredible Hulk.  There are also references to numerous other MCU films.

Captain America: Brave New World is a superb superhero movie and great action film.  Director Julius Onah has helmed a film that is a rampaging good time at the movies, doing this in spite of delays and reshoots.  He should take pride in making a Captain America film that is as good as or better than the previous three films in the series.  The action is great, and the conspiracy at the heart of the story is intense and shockingly personal.  The character drama is surprisingly potent and is both complex and complicated.  Plus, the Captain America vs. Red Hulk battle in the film's last act fell on me like a tree; it is so intense that for a moment I wished I was wearing an adult diaper while watching it.

With Captain America: Brave New World, Anthony Mackie not only proves that he is a true Marvel leading man who can carry a MCU film, but he also proves that he is a Hollywood leading man.  In subtle ways, his performance and speeches clearly define that which Mackie fights in the real world and Sam Wilson fights in his world.  Watching Mackie chop up this movie with his dramatic chops, I realized that it was long overdue that he lead a Marvel film.

I must also admit that Harrison Ford brings down the thunder in his role as President Thaddeus Ross, a.k.a. “Thunderbolt” Ross.  Ford dominates his scenes so much that only Mackie can really match him in Captain America: Brave New World.  Seeing Ford here reminds me of what a find dramatic actor he is and how he has always been fun in action movies.

Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Xosha Roquemore also deliver solid turns in their respective supporting roles.  They deserve to pop up in the MCU again, many more times.  I guess it is obvious that I am still buzzing from seeing Captain America: Brave New World last night (Thursday, February 13th).  I had not expected much from this film because I had listened to too much of the propaganda.  I love being wrong in these instance.  Captain America: Brave New World is going to be my favorite film of 2025 for awhile, dear readers, and I heartily recommend it to you.

9 of 10

A+

Friday, February 14, 2025

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama 2024 - Update #75

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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NEWS:

THUNDERBOLTS - From EW:  "Entertainment Weekly" has an exclusive preview of Marvel Studios' "Thunderbolts," including new images from the film.  Also, in the article, actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus says that all the schemes of her character, Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, will be revealed.

GOLDEN GLOBES - From CBR:  Kathryn Hahn has been nominated for her role of "Agatha Harkness" in the Disney+ series, "Agatha All Along."  Hahn received a nomiation in the category of "Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy" at the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes.  Hahn is the fourth actor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to received a Golden Globe nomination following Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen in the Disney+ miniseries, "WandaVision," and Angela Bassett in the 2022 film, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."  Hahn's nomination that "Agatha All Along" received.

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  Sources are telling "Deadline" that actor Chris Evans, who played "Steve Rogers/Captain America," will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for "Avengers: Doomsday."  What role he will play is currently unknown.

FRANCHISE - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige says that the upcoming film, "Fantastic Four: First Steps" is about to wrap filming. He also says that "Avengers: Secret Wars" will set up the entry of the mutants and the "X-Men" into the Marvel Cinematic Universe."

ELIZABETH OLSEN - From Variety:  Actress Elizabeth Olsen, known for playing the "Scarlett Witch," in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, does not see conflict in making MCU films and independent films.  She describes being able to be in Marvel movies as insurance.

BLACK PANTHER 3 - From Deadline:  During the press interviews for the upcoming "Gladiator II," Denzel Washington let slip that he will have a role in "Black Panther 3."

CAPTAIN AMERICA - From YouTube:  Marvel just released the first official trailer for "Captain America: Brave New World," which is due in theaters February 14, 2025. The first "official teaser trailer" was released back in August (2024).

TRAILERS/DISNEY+ - From YouTube:  Disney+ gives a look ahead to the Marvel Studios productions that are scheduled to appear on the streamer in 2025.

SPIDER-MAN 4 - From Variety:  Tom Holland says that Sony/Marvel's "Spider-Man 4" begins filming next summer (2025).  He says "Everything's good to go" and "I can't wait."

BLADE - From Deadline:  Disney has removed Marvel Studios' "Blade" film from its 2025 release schedule.  It's November 7, 2025 release date has been given to 20th Century Studios' "Predator: Badlands."

DAREDEVIL - From Deadline:  Disney+ has set a March 4, 2025 date for the debut of Marvel Studios' "Daredevil: Born Again" series.

YOUNG AVENGERS - From Deadline:  "Deadline" looks at the the actors who have played characters that could be cast as the "Young Avengers."  That includes the most recent entry, actor Joe Locke as "Billy Maximoff"/"Wiccan" in Disney+/Marvel's "Agatha All Along."

TRAILER/THUNDERBOLTS - From YouTube:  Marvel has released a teaser trailer for its upcoming film, "Thunderbolts," which is due May 2, 2025.

SPIDER-MAN 4 - From Deadline:  The site is reporting that "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" director, Destin Daniel Cretton, is in early negotiations to direct the fourth Sony/Marvel "Spider-Man" film.

WANDAVISION - From THR:  Actor James Spader is reportedly set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He will reprise his voice role as the robotic villain, "Ultron," in a "WandaVision" spinoff that will focus on "Vision."  Terry Matalas, the showrunner of "Star Trek: Picard," will head the new series.

BLADE - From Variety:  Ryan Reynolds asks for more "Blade" in the wake of the reception the character received in "Deadpool & Wolverine." In the billion-dollar grosser, original "Blade" actor, Wesley Snipes, played the character.

X-MEN '97 - From THR:  Beau DeMayo, creator of Marvel's "X-Men '97," and Marvel Studios trade public comments about why he was fired from the series just before it debuted on Disney+

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE - From Variety:  This Halle Berry-Storm/Blake Lively/Ryan Reynolds/Deadpool story has legs.

From Deadline:  "Deadpool & Wolverine" surpasses 1 billion dollars at the global box office

OBIT - From THR:  South African television and film star, Connie Chiume, has died at the age of 72, Tuesday, August 6, 2024.  Chiume is best known outside of South Africa her roles in Disney/Marvel Studios "Black Panther" (2018) and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" (2022).  She also starred in Beyonce's "Black is King."

BLADE - From GuinnessWorldRecords:  According to Guiness World Records, Wesley Snipes has set to records for films based on Marvel Comics characters: "longest career as a live-action Marvel character" and longest gap between character appearances in Marvel films."

From CBR:  Wesley Snipes explains his "Blade: Trinity" feud with co-star, Ryan Reynolds. The two reunite in Disney/Marvel's global smash, "Deadpool & Wolverine."

AVENGERS - From Variety:  Word is that Robert Downey Jr. will get 100 million dollars plus luxurious amenities to return to Marvel Studios to play Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom. The Russo Brothers will reportedly get 80 million to direct two Avengers movies.

From YahooEntertainment: Not everyone is happy with Robert Downey Jr.'s "Doctor Doom payday.

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE - From Deadline:  The box office estimates for Mon., Jan 29th say 24.3 million dollars for "Deadpool & Wolverine."  The would be a record for R-rated films.

From Deadline:  I thought I had lost Gambit forever, Channing Tatum, who plays the character in "Deadpool & Wolverine," says.  Tatum praises "Deadpool" star Ryan Reynolds for helping him rescue his chance to play the character.

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios announces at San Diego Comic-Con that Anthony and Joseph Russo a.k.a. "the Russo Brothers" will return to Marvel to direct the fifth and sixth Avengers films, "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret Wars."  The brothers directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE - From EW:  Wesley Snipes talks about his surprise return as Marvel's vampire hunter, "Blade," in "Deadpool & Wolverine."

From Deadline:  "Deadpool & Wolverine" grossed 38.5 million dollars in Thursday preview showings, a record for R-rated films and the eighth biggest day ever for previews showings.

From Deadline:  The site has a list of all the songs that you'll hear on the "Deadpool & Wolverine" soundtrack.

KEVIN FEIGE - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige answers five questions for "Deadline."

From THR:  Could Robert Downey, Jr. return as Tony Stark/Iron Man return to a Marvel Studios film the way Hugh Jackman has returned as Logan/Wolverine in "Deadpool vs. Wolverine?" Marvel boss Kevin Feige says it could happen.

DAREDEVIL & WOLVERINE - From THR:  Ryan Reynolds watched "Deadpool & Wolverine" with his nine-year-old daughter and his late 70-ish mother. And they loved it.

From THR:  Actress Emma Corrin says she took inspiration from "Willy Wonka" in order to play villain "Cassandra Nova" in "Deadpool & Wolverine."

FRANCHISE - From Deadline:   Marvel Studios Head of TV and Streaming Brad Winderbaum gave updates on several projects: the "Eyes of Wakanda" TV series, "Daredevil: Born Again," "Agatha All Along," and the animated "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man."

FANTASTIC FOUR - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige says that the "Fantastic Four" movie will be a period piece "set in a version of the 1960s."

COMIC-CON - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios is returning to "Hall H" at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. The convention runs July 25th to 28th.

SHE-HULK - From Deadline:  Tatiana Maslany, the star of the Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "She-Hulk," says twerking with twerking with series guest-star, Grammy-winning recording artist, Megan Thee Stallion, was "the greatest moment in my life."

BLADE - From Deadline:  Mia Goth apparently has been cast in Marvel Studios' "Blade" film (due Nov. 2025). She addressed the films many delays by saying that they want to make a great movie.

From Deadline:  On social media, Wesley Snipes, the original big screen "Blade," is having a laugh at the troubles of Marvel Studios' "Blade" reboot, which is to star Mahershala Ali in the title role.  The project has now lost two directors and is on its sixth writer.

From Variety:  Yenn Demange has stepped down as director of Marvel Studios' long-in-development "Blade" reboot film. This is the second time a director has departed the project, with Bassam Tariq being the first.  Eric Pearson ("Black Widow," "The Fantastic Four") is now also the sixth writer to take a crack at the film's script.

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  As Disney/Marvel's "Deadpool & Wolverine" prepares to overwhelm the box office in late July, the film's director, Shawn Levy, is apparently at the top of the list to direct the next "Avengers" movie.

X-MEN - From Deadline:  The latest news on Marvel Studios' "X-Men" film is that Michael Lesslie, the writer of "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" is in negotiations to write the "X-Men" movie.

DEADPOOL/WOLVERINE - From CBR:  According to information on the AMC Theaters website, the running time on Marvel's "Deadpool & Wolverine" is 127 minutes (2 hours, 7 minutes).  The film is due July 26th.

DAREDEVIL - From Deadline:  Actors Charlie Cox (Matt Murdoch/Daredevil) and Vincent D'Onofrio (Wilson Fisk/Kingpin) say that they are very much involved in the creative process of the Disney+ Marvel Studios series, "Daredevil: Born Again."  The series now has a target release date of March 2025.

FANTASTIC FOUR - THR:  "The Hollywood Reporter" is reporting that actor Ralph Ineson ("Game of Thrones," "The Witch") is in talks to play the character, "Galactus," in Marvel's "Fantastic Four" film.

From Deadline:  The site is reporting the Oscar-nominated actor, John Malkovich, has signed onto Marvel's "Fantastic Four" in role that is being kept under wraps.

CAPTAIN AMERICA - From GamesRadar:  There is a photographic image of actor Danny Ramirez  as the character "Joaquin Torres," making its way around the interwebs.  Torres appeared in the Disney+ Marvel Studios series, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," and Torres will apparently replace Sam Wilson as "The Falcon," because Wilson takes on the identity of Captain America and will star in "Captain America: Brave New World."

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige apparently advised Hugh Jackman against coming back as Wolverine for "Deadpool & Wolverine."

OBITUARY - From Deadline:  British art director and production designer, Ray Chan, has died at the age of 56, Tuesday, April 23, 2024.  Chan was best known for his work in art direction, production design, and additional photography for Marvel Studios, beginning with "Thor: The Dark World" (2013) to the upcoming "Deadpool & Wolverine" (2024).  He was nominated for five Art Directors Guild Awards and won twice.

ANT-MAN - From Variety:  Michael Douglas, who plays "Hank Pym" in Marvel Studios' "Ant-Man" movies asked Marvel to kill off his character in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania." He says he pitched a "fantastic death."

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE - From Deadline:  Director Shawn Levy explains that the next Marvel Studios' film, "Deadpool and Wolverine" is not "Deadpool 3."  "This is a two-hander character adventure," he says.

CAPTAIN AMERICA - From EW:  The site has the first official photos from "Captain America: Brave New World."  There is a first-look of Anthony Mackie as "Sam Wilson/Captain America."  There is also a first look at Harrison as "Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross," the general who is now President of the United States.  The film is due Feb. 14, 2025.

IRON MAN - From ComicBook:  Recent Oscar-winner Robert Downey, Jr. ("Oppenheimer") says that he is willing to return to his role as "Tony Stark"/"Iron Man."  He hints that Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige could have a plan could have a plan and that he says, "Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige."

FANTASTIC FOUR - From Deadline:   Sources have told "Deadline" that Emmy-winning actress, Julia Garner (Netflix's "Ozark") has been cast to play the Shalla-Bal version of the "Silver Surfer" in Marvel's upcoming "Fantastic Four" movie.

DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN - From Variety:  New set photos have emerged from the Disney+ Marvel Studios series, "Daredevil: Born Again," reveals actor Jon Bernthal as "The Punisher," looking bloodied up.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Variety:  Although she is done (for now) playing "Gamora," actress Zoe Saldana thinks it would be a "huge loss" for Marvel Studios if they didn't bring back the "Guardians of the Galaxy."

BLADE - From ClutchPoints:  The latest news on Marvel's "Blade" film is that it starts film this Fall, according to info found on the website, "Production Weekly."

From Variety:  Aaron Pierre becomes the latest person to exit Marvel Studios' troubled "Blade" film.

From Vulture:  Alejandra Gularte offers, "Everything We Know About Marvel's Long-Delayed 'Blade'"

X-MEN '97 - From THR:  Beau DeMayo, the writer-producer who created "X-Men '97," for Disney+/Marvel, has been fired.  The series is a continuation of Fox's beloved Saturday morning animated series, "X-Men" (1992-97) and is set for a March 20th debut.

FRANCHISE - From THR:  Marvel Studios is "retooling," according to "The Hollywood Reporter."  For instance, the fifth Avengers film is no longer entitled, "Avengers: The Kang Chronicles."

IRON MAN - From USAToday:  Actor Robert Downy, Jr., who played Tony Stark/Iron Man in several films for Marvel Studios, has won the "Best Supporting Actor" award at the 2024 / 96th Academy Awards.  He won for portraying "Lewis Strauss" in director Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer."  Fellow Marvel star, Mark Ruffalo, who plays Bruce Banner/The Hulk, was also nominated in the same category for playing "Duncan Wedderburn" in the film, "Poor Things."

From Variety:  Actor Robert Downy, Jr., who played Tony Stark/Iron Man in several films for Marvel Studios, has won the "Best Supporting Actor" award at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards.  He won for portraying "Lewis Strauss" in director Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer."

FANTASTIC FOUR - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios has announced the cast of its reboot of the "Fantastic Four" franchise.  The planned 2025 will star Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (aka the Thing). 

DEADPOOL 3 - From YouTube:  "Deadpool 3" is now officially "Deadpool & Wolverine," and it has a trailer.  The film is due July 26th, 2024.

From Polygon:  There are cameos a-plenty in the first "Deadpool & Wolverine" trailer.

THUNDERBOLTS - From THR:  According to "The Hollywood Reporter," actor Lewis Pullman (Apple TV+'s "Lessons in Chemistry," Top Gun: Maverick) will play whatever role actor Steven Yeun was supposed to play in the upcoming Marvel film, "Thunderbolts."  Yuen exited the film in early January (2024).

DEADPOOL 3 - From Variety:  Ryan Reynolds announced via Instagram today (Wed., Jan. 24th) that "Deadpool 3" has wrapped up filming.

GUARDIANS - From ComicBook:  "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" earned a "Best Visual Effects" Oscar nomination at the 2024 / 96th Academy Awards.  The winners will be announced Sunday, March 10th, 2024.

DEADPOOL 3 - From Deadline:  Hugh Jackman has shared a video on Instagram of the workout he is using to get his "Wolverine body" back for his role in "Deadpool 3."

ECHO - From Time:  What to know before watching the Disney+ Marvel Studios series, "Echo."

THUNDERBOLTS - From Variety:  "Variety.com" says that it can confirm that actor Steven Yeun is no longer involved in Marvel Studios' "Thunderbolts" film.  Marvel never officially confirmed that Yeun was in the film, so it is unknown if Yeun's character was dropped or is being rethought.

DEADPOOL 3 - From Deadline:  Actor Ryan Reynolds finished 2023 by posting of photo of himself wearing the "Deadpool" costume on Instagram.

AWARDS - From AwardsWatch:  The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS, IATSE Local 706) has announced nominations for the 11th MUAHS Guild Awards. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 received four nominations.  The winners will be announced Sunday, February 18, 2024.

KANG - From THR:  Marvel Studios has dropped actor Jonathan Majors from its roster of stars after the actor was convicted by a New York City jury of reckless assault in the third degree and also of harassment.  Majors had played "Kang the Conqueror" in two seasons of the Disney+ series, "Loki," and in the movie, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

BLACK PANTHER - From ComicBook:  Disney+ has announced a new animated series, "Eyes of Wakanda," set in the world of his film, Black Panther.  It is scheduled to debut sometime in 2024.

-----------------------------------------

MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE (MCU):

Review: Iron Man (2008)

Review: The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Review: Iron Man 2 (2010)

Review: Thor (2011)

Review:  Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Review:  Marvel's The Avengers (2012)

Review: Iron Man 3 (2013)

Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Review:  Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Review: Ant-Man (2015)

Review: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Review:  Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Review: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Review:  Black Panther (2018)

Review:  Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Review:  Captain Marvel (2019)

Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Review:  Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Review: Black Widow (2021)

Review: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Review: Eternals (2021)

Review: Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Review: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Review: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 (2023)

Review: The Marvels (2023)

Review: Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

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Click here for the 2023 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2022 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2021 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2020 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2019 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2018 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 19th to 25th, 2024 - UPDATE #10

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

SCANDAL - From Deadline:  Nicki Minaj‘s show in Manchester, England, was postponed after the singer was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on suspicion of carrying marijuana.  The Grammy-nominated recording artist has since been released.

CELEBRITY - From THR:  The venerable Hollywood paper profiles hot HOT actor Glen Powell and his continuing rise up the film industry superstar ladder. 

ANIME - From JapanTimes:  Four rare anime short films from Studio Ghibli will be screened at Cannes. One of them, "Mei and the Baby Cat Bus" is a 14-minutes mini-sequel to the legendary anime film, "My Neighbor Totoro" (1989), which was directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of the studios.

CANNES - From Variety:  Netflix has bought director John Lee Hancock's drama, "Monsanto," starring Glen Powell, Anthony Mackie, and Oscar-winner, Laura Dern.

From Variety:  Director Ali Abbasi's film, "The Apprentice," a biopic of Donald Trump, has screen at Cannes.  Actor Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) plays Trump. The film has drawn attention for a controversial scenes of sex or rape - depending on point of view.

DISNEY - From EW:  "Pirates of the Caribbean" producer Jerry Bruckheimer would like to reboot the PotC franchise and also do a PotC film starring Margot Robbie.  Bruckheimer also said that he'd bring Johnny Depp back as "Captain Jack Sparrow" if it were up to him... So it's apparently not.

AI - From Variety:  "Sky," is one of the voice-enabled chatbots in OpenAI's latest release, "GPT-4o." Sky sounds like the voice Scarlett Johansson uses as the disembodied AI companion in the director Spike Jonze's 2013 film, Her.  Many people noticed, including Johansson, herself who threatened legal action.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Will Smith's action film, "Sugar Bandits" to be directed by Stefano Sollima, is set to start production in September. The film has sealed a number of international deals, including with Amazon Prime Video, ahead of that.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/17 to 5/19/2024 weekend box office is Paramount Pictures' "IF" with an estimated total of 35 million dollars.

CANNES - From Variety:  Cate Blanchett's new film, "Rumors," directed by Guy Maddin, is indeed named after Fleetwood Mac's iconic 1977 album.

MOVIES - From THR:  Sony's reboot of the 1997 horror film hit, "I Know What You Did Last Summer," is due "Summer 2025."

Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama 2023 - Update #60

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Support Leroy on Patreon:

NEWS:

KANG - From THR:  Marvel Studios has dropped actor Jonathan Majors from its roster of stars after the actor was convicted by a New York City jury of reckless assault in the third degree and also of harassment.  Majors had played "Kang the Conqueror" in two seasons of the Disney+ series, "Loki," and in the movie, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

BLACK PANTHER - From ComicBook:  Disney+ has announced a new animated series, "Eyes of Wakanda," set in the world of his film, Black Panther.  It is scheduled to debut sometime in 2024.

THOR - From Variety:  Oscar-winner Taika Waititi said that he had not interest in directing "Thor: Ragnarok," but did so because he was poor and had a second child to feed.

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  According to the site, Michael Waldron, who created the Disney+ "Loki" series and served as its showrunner for Season 1, has been tapped to write the upcoming film, "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty." Waldron is already penning the sequel, '"Avengers: Secret Wars."

FANTASTIC FOUR - From Deadline:  Word is that actor Pedro Pascal will portray Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in Marvel Studios' planned "Fantastic Four" film.

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director, Destin Daniel Cretton, is stepping away from the directors chair of "Avengers: The Kang Chronicles."  He will continue to oversee the Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "Wonder Man," and will also continue to develop a "Shang-Chi" sequel.

THOR 5 - From Variety:  If there is really going to be a "Thor 5," Taika Waititi, who directed the previous two "Thor" films (Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder), says that he won't be the film's director. He says he is working on other non-Marvel films and is still developing his "Star Wars" films.

THE MARVELS - From BoxOfficePro:  "The Marvels" tops the 11/10 to 11/12/2023 weekend box office.

From Here:  A review of "The Marvels" by Leroy Douresseaux.

RELEASE DATES - From Deadline:  Disney is changing the release dates for Marvel Studios films again.  "Deadpool 3" moves to July 26, 2024.  "Captain America: Brave New World" moves to February 14, 2025.  "Blade" is not scheduled for November 7, 2025.

BLADE - From Deadline:  In an interview about his short film, "Dammi," director Yann Demange says that his Marvel Studios' film, "Blade" (starring Mahershala Ali) will be rated "R."

OBIT - From Variety:  Movie stuntman, Taraja Ramsess, has died at the age of 41, Tuesday, October 31, 2023.  Ramsess and two of his daughters were killed in a car crash on Halloween night.  Among his 94 screen credits was stunt work on Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Panther.

FRANCHISE - From Variety:  Crisis at Marvel Studios? Inside the Jonathan Majors/"Kang" scandal and other things exciting the gossipy press.

DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN - From THR:  Screenwriter Dario Scardapane will be the showrunner for Disney+.Marvel Studios' "Daredevil: Born Again."  Scardapane will write the remainder of the episodes that will comprise Season One of the series, as well as commit any other writing.  "Loki" Season 2 helmers, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorehead, will direct the remaining episodes.

From THR:  Marvel Studios is "retooling" its Disney+ series, "Daredevil: Born Again."  It is looking for new directors and writers after firing the current staff.

X-MEN - From Deadline:  In an exclusive story, "Deadline" is reporting that Marvel Studios will start meeting with writers later this Fall 2023 to hear pitches for the X-Men movie.

DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN - From Variety:  Steven DeKnight, the showrunner for the first season of Netflix/Marvel's "Daredevil" says that Disney is running a scam by renaming the series "Daredevil: Born Again."  The scam is that Disney is slightly renaming the series to set contract terms back to the first season." Read to hear his explanation and complaints.

DISNEY+ - From Variety:  Disney+ has shifted the release dates of some of its upcoming series due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.  Season 2 of "What If?..." has been delayed.  "Echo" and the animated "X-Men '97" have been moved from Nov. 29th to Jan. 2024.  The "WandaVision" spinoff, "Agatha," has been moved over year away to Fall 2024.

LABOR - From Variety:  A super-majority of Marvel Studios' more than 50-worker visual effects (VFX) crew has voted to unionize, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) announced on Mon., Aug. 7th.

IRON MAN - From CBR:   In an interview, "Oppenheimer" director Christopher Nolan calls the casting of Robert Downey, Jr. (who stars in "Oppenheimer") one of the greatest casting decisions ever made.

THE MARVELS - From EW:  Marvel Studios' upcoming film, "The Marvels," is the "cover feature" at EW ("Entertainment Weekly), feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes look and new images from the film.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Deadline:  "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" will make its Disney+ debut on August 2nd, 2023.

MS MARVEL - From CBR:  The Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "Ms. Marvel," will be the first Marvel Studios series to make it to broadcast television.  The series will debut on ABC, Saturday, August 5th, 2023 with three episodes, and the remaining three will debut the following week, Sat. August 12th.

DEADPOOL - From THR:  The site is reporting that Jennifer Garner will once again play the role of anti-hero and Marvel Comics assassin, "Elektra," in the upcoming Marvel Studios' film, "Deadpool 3."  Garner originally played the role in 20th Century Fox's "Daredevil" (2003) and "Elektra" (2005).

SECRET INVASION - From Polygon:  The opening credits scenes for the new Marvel Studios' Disney+ series, "Secret Invasion," used art generated by an artificial intelligence.  Yes, AI art is here to stay, but Marvel's move has generated some ill will.

HULK - From Deadline:  The rights issues have cleared.  The second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), 2008's "The Incredible Hulk," is now streaming on Disney+.

CAPTAIN AMERICA 4 - From Variety:  "Captain America: New World Order" is now "Captain America: Brave New World."  Plus, the film has dropped a first-look photo of Harrison Ford and Anthony Mackie ("Captain America") sharing a laugh on the set of the film.

THOR - From Deadline:  Irish actor Ray Stevenson, has died at the age of 58, May 22, 2023.  He played the character "Volstagg," in Marvel Studios' "Thor" (2011), "Thor: The Dark World" (2013), and "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017).  He also played "Frank Castle/The Punisher" in Lionsgate's 2008 Marvel Comics' film, "Punisher: War Zone."

DEADPOOL 3 - From Deadline:  Actresses Brianna Hildebrand will return as the character "Negasonic Teenage Warhead" and Shioli Kutsuna will return as Negasonic's girlfriend, Yukio, in Marvel Studios' "Deadpool 3."

LOKI - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios' Disney+ series, Loki Season 2, will arrive October 6th.  New episodes will arrive weekly.

ECHO - From Deadline:  Every episode of Marvel Studios' Disney+ series, "Echo," will drop on November 29th.  The series focuses on "Maya Lopez," a deaf Native American superhero.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Variety:  "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3" opens with a domestic box office gross estimated at 114 million dollars.  It added 168 million dollars in 52 international markets for an estimated worldwide total of 282 million dollars.

From GamesRadar:  Vin Diesel breaks his silence on his character, Groot's final line in the film. The reason why we (the audience) and new Gamorra could understand that line is that after spending so much time alongside Groot, we can understand him.

From THR:  This is an article about, among other things, how Chris Pratt and his "Guardians of the Galaxy" rescued their director James Gunn after his (unjust) firing by Disney.

From Deadline:  "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" does 14 million dollars in Thursday night's preview shows.

From The AVClub:  What does "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" mean for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

DAREDEVIL - From CBR:  Actor Vincent D'Onofrio says that the Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "Daredevil: Born Again," will not be like Netflix's "Daredevil" series.  He says that all he can say is "we are not bored."

VICTORIA ALONSO - From Deadline:  Disney has settled with former Marvel Studios VFX chief Victoria Alonso after abruptly firing her in March.  The terms are confidential, but the settlement is said to be a multimillion dollar compensation package.

JEREMY RENNER - From People:  Actor Jeremy Renner said that during his recovery from serious injuries he sustained due to a Jan 1st snowplow accident, fellow actor Anthony Mackie was at his bedside.  Renner and Mackie both starred in the Oscar-winning "The Hurt Locker" (2009) and both are among the Marvel Cinematic Universes biggest stars.

ANT-MAN - From Forbes:  Disney reveals that its spent 193.2 million dollars on pre-production and filming of "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania."

CAPTAIN AMERICA - From THR:  Liv Tyler, who played "Betty Ross" in Universal Pictures and Marvel Studios' "The Incredible Hulk" (2008), will return as the character in "Captain America: New World Order." Anthony Mackie will headline the film as Sam Wilson/Captain America.

From TheAVClub: Actor Carl Lumbly, who played the super-soldier, "Isaiah Bradley" in the Disney+ series "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" will reprise the role in "Captain America 4," which is currently titled "Captain America: New World Order."

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Deadline:  Director James Gunn talks about the runtime of "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3" (about two and a half hours) and says that not a second of the film is wasted.

EXECUTIVE SUITE - From THR:  Victoria Alonso, the president of physical and postproduction, visual effects and animation production at Marvel Studios, has reportedly left the company.

IRONHEART - From GameRant:  Iconic voice performer, Cree Summer, who has performed voice roles in numerous animated films and television series, has joined the Disney+/Marvel Studios' series, "Ironheart," in an undisclosed role.

WOLVERINE - From Variety:  Hugh Jackman is bulking up to play "Wolverine" again, this time, in the upcoming "Deadpool 3."  He is eating 8000 calories a day.

DAREDEVIL - From THR:  Actor John Bernthal will return to play Frank Castle/The Punisher in Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Daredevil: Born Again."  Bernthal played the character in Season 2 of Marvel/Netflix's "Daredevil" and in his own series, "The Punisher," for two seasons (2017-19).

WAKANDA FOREVER - From Deadline:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" topped the U.S. streaming charts the week of its debut, 1/30 to 2/5/2023, with 2.3 billion viewing minutes.  That is also the third highest debut ever, behind Netflix "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" and Disney+'s "Hocus Pocus 2."

ANT-MAN/WASP - From Variety:  Actor Jonathan Majors, who played "Kang," and screenwriter Jeff Loveness confront the bad reviews that "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" in different ways.

From Deadline:  "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" star Evangeline Lilly says she once turned down Hugh Jackman's request that she appear in an "X-Men" film."

THE MARVELS - From THR:  "The Marvels" release date has been moved July 28th to Nov. 10th.  Disney's "Haunted Mansion" will take the July 28th release date.

KEVIN FEIGE - From EW:  Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, gives a wide-ranging interview to "Entertainment Weekly" about Marvel's movies, including discussions on Phase 5, "Kang," and the future of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

OSCARS - From Marvel:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" has received 5 nominations at the 2023 / 95th Academy Awards.  The nominations came in the following categories: "Best Supporting Actress," "Best Costume Design," "Best Original Song," "Best Visual Effects," and "Best Makeup and Hairstyling."  The winners will be announced Sunday, March 12, 2023.

DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN - From Deadline:  Nikki M. James has joined the cast of the Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "Daredevil: Born Again."  Her role is unknown.

ANGELA BASSETT - From Variety:  “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” star Angela Bassett made superhero cinema history on Tuesday as the first woman, the first person of color, and the first Marvel Studios actor to be nominated for an Academy Award for their performance in a comic book adaptation. 

From Variety:  With her "Best Supporting Actress" win for her performance in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" (as "Queen Ramonda") at the 80th Golden Globes, Angela Bassett becomes the first actor in a Marvel Studios film to win a major acting award.  She was part of the cast that won "Best Ensemble" for "Black Panther" at the 2019 SAG Awards.

AGATHA - From Deadline:  Kathryn Hahn, the star of the Disney+ "WandaVision" spinoff, "Agatha: Coven of Chaos," hints that there may a song or two in the new series.  The series is apparently due this year.

BLACK PANTHER - From Deadline:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" is among the ten nominees in the category of "Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures" at the 2023 / 34th Annual Producers Guild of America Awards.  Winners will be announced Sat., Feb. 25th, 2023.

DON CHEADLE - From Variety:  Oscar-nominated actor, Don Cheadle, says in an interview that Marvel Studios gave him two hours to decide if he wanted to join "Iron Man 2" and sign a six-movie contract with them.  Cheadle would go on to play James "Rhodey" Rhodes/War Machine in six films.

WAKANDA FOREVER - From THR:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" cinematographer, Durald Arkapaw, reflects on “one of the most beautiful endings”

TEASERS & TRAILERS:

From Deadline:  This is second trailer for "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," which made it debut during Super Bowl LVII (Feb. 12th).  The film debuts May 5th, 2023.

From YouTube:  This is the second trailer for "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," which was released Jan. 9th.  The film is due in theaters February 17, 2023.

From YouTube: This is the first trailer for "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," which is due in theaters February 17, 2023.

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MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE (MCU):

Review: Iron Man (2008)

Review: The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Review: Iron Man 2 (2010)

Review: Thor (2011)

Review:  Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Review:  Marvel's The Avengers (2012)

Review: Iron Man 3 (2013)

Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Review:  Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Review: Ant-Man (2015)

Review: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Review:  Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Review: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Review:  Black Panther (2018)

Review:  Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Review:  Captain Marvel (2019)

Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Review:  Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Review: Black Widow (2021)

Review: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Review: Eternals (2021)

Review: Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Review: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Review: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 (2023)

Review: The Marvels (2023)

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Click here for the 2022 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2021 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2020 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2019 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2018 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

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