Review: "THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER" is Full of Love and Thunder

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 42 of 2022 (No. 1854) by Leroy Douresseaux

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Running time:  119 minutes (1 hour, 59 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, some suggestive material and partial nudity
DIRECTOR:  Taika Waititi
WRITERS: Taiki Waititi and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson; from a story by Taika Waititi (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Barry Idoine (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Peter S. Elliot, Tim Roche, Matthew Schmidt, and Jennifer Vecchiarello
COMPOSERS:  Michael Giacchino and Nami Melumad

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION and COMEDY/DRAMA

Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Taika Waititi (voice) Jaimie Alexander, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel (voice), Bradley Cooper (voice), Kieron L. Dyer, Idris Elba, Brett Goldstein, and Russell Crowe and Natalie Portman

Thor: Love and Thunder is a 2022 superhero fantasy and action-comedy directed by Taika Waititi and produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.  It is the fourth film in Marvel's Thor film series, which began with Thor (2011).  Thor is a Marvel Comics character that first appeared in the comic book, Journey into Mystery #83 (cover dated: August 1962), and is based on the Norse mythological deity of the same name.  In Love and Thunder, Thor reunites with his ex-girlfriend to fight a being who plans to make the gods extinct.

Thor: Love and Thunder finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth), using his second enchanted hammer, “Stormbreaker,” is fighting the bad guys of the galaxy with the Guardians of the Galaxy:  Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Groot (voice of Vin Diesel), and Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper).  Thor is at a crossroads in his life and is unsure of what to do next.

Back on Earth, Thor's ex-girlfriend, the astrophysicist Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), is battling stage four cancer.  Seeking medical treatment, Jane travels to New Asgard.  There, she has a strange encounter with Thor's broken hammer, Mjolnir.

Meanwhile, Thor has answered a distress signal from one of Asgard's warriors, Sif (Jaimie Alexander).  She warns him of Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), a being who possesses the god-killing weapon, “the Necrosword.”  When Gorr attacks New Asgard, Thor returns to join the battle.  Much to his shock, he discovers that Mjolnir has reforged and bonded with Jane Foster, transforming her into another Thor.

Now, Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), King of Asgard, and Korg (voice of Taika Waititi), the rocky Kronan warrior, join Thor and Thor on a journey to fight Gorr.  But are they enough to fight a being that has already killed many gods?

The last year's worth of Marvel Studios films, five including Thor: Love and Thunder, have been different, even offbeat, much to the chagrin of some critics and fans.  People complained that Marvel's films were too much alike, and now that the studio has given us five films that are quite different from the first 11 years of films, they still aren't happy.

Anyway, I want to make it clear that there is plenty of “thunder” in Thor: Love and Thunder.  Director Taika Waititi offers some action set pieces that are either unusual or have an unusual angle to them.  As Gorr, Christian Bale gives a multi-layered performance full of pathos, humor, and maniacal glee.  It is a seemingly effortless performance from one of the best actors of the last quarter-century.  So, this superhero movie has a great villain, one who can match both Thors and is genuinely vengeful, a vengeance grounded in love.

Still, Waititi wants Thor to be something really different.  The films trades in themes of love, death, and change.  Thor Odinson and Jane Foster-Thor are both in crisis.  The Odinson is having a sort of mid-life crisis.  If he is no longer the rascally young heir to the throne of Asgard or the Avenger's lightning, thunder, and muscle, then, what is he?  Jane Foster is facing an existential crisis; her cancer is really terminal.  Should she quietly accept her fate or should she go out with a bang and some thunder as Thor, fighting their enemy to death, if need be?

Thor: Love and Thunder is a perfect film for this time.  It chooses love over despair.  It is a post-breakup movie in which Thor and Jane Foster find their way back to one another.  Although death is an end, it can also mean change, and that is what can be in store for Thor and Thor and for King Valkyrie, Korg, and a few other characters.

I love what director Taika Waititi has created in his two Thor films, this and the earlier Thor: Ragnarok (2017).  Thor: Love and Thunder finds the humor in every situation, even the dark and dangerous ones, which might put off some of its audience.  However, I like that Thor: Love and Thunder is a film made of joy, color, and wonder that travels across the galaxy and into different realms.  But no matter where it goes, Thor: Love and Thunder full of thunderous sounds and furious love.

[This film as two scenes that occur during the credits, one in the middle and one at the end.]

8 of 10
A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

Friday, July 8, 2022


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Director George Miller Starts Filming "Furiosa" (from the world of "Mad Max") in Australia

Cameras Are Rolling in New South Wales, Australia, as Production Is Underway on Director George Miller’s Epic Action Adventure “Furiosa,” With Anya Taylor-Joy in the Title Role, Alongside Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography is underway on Academy Award-winning filmmaker George Miller’s “Furiosa,” the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than 30 years ago with the seminal “Mad Max” films, this time with an original new standalone action adventure that will reveal the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Oscar-winning global smash “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The new feature is being produced by Miller’s own Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner, together with the filmmaker’s “Fury Road” partners Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures. Anya Taylor-Joy stars in the title role, alongside Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke.

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.

Taylor-Joy was most recently seen in Edgar Wright’s “Last Night in Soho” and Robert Eggers’ “The Northman.” She also played the lead in the romantic comedy “Emma,” based on the Jane Austen novel. Her additional features include the sci-fi thrillers “Split” from M. Night Shyamalan, and his follow up “Glass,” in which she reprised her role from the previous film. She also starred as a chess prodigy in the massively successful miniseries “The Queen’s Gambit.”

Hemsworth is right at home with high-octane action, having starred in the “Avengers” and “Thor” films as well as the recent “Extraction.” His other film credits include “Bad Times at the El Royale,” “12 Strong,” “In the Heart of the Sea,” “Rush,” “Snow White and the Huntsman,” and “Star Trek,” among many others.

Burke is perhaps best-known for his award-nominated role in Joanna Hogg’s film “The Souvenir,” as well as playing the lead in the popular UK crime series “C.B. Strike.” He also starred as Athos in the BBC series “The Musketeers,” appeared in such feature films as Nicholas Winding Refn’s “Only God Forgives,” and played famed filmmaker Orson Welles in David Fincher’s Oscar-winning “Mank.”

Miller penned the script with “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris and produces alongside his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”). Miller’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes such longtime Australian collaborators as production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, each of whom won an Oscar for their work on “Mad Max: Fury Road,” as well as first assistant director PJ Voeten and second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris. The director of photography is Simon Duggan (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Great Gatsby”).

Filming is underway in Australia. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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TRAILER: The First Official Teaser Trailer for "THOR: Love and Thunder" is Here

The first official teaser for Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER has arrived.  The film reportedly finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced — a quest for inner peace.  However, his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods.  To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi), and ex-girlfriend, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who — to Thor’s surprise — inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. 

Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER stars Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Natalie Portman and Christian Bale. Directed by Taika Waititi. In theaters July 8, 2022.

The teaser trailer is below:

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 1st to 11th, 2021 - Update #26

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

STAR TREK - YahooPeople:   George Takei reflects on the legacy of his "Star Trek" costar, Nichelle Nichols.

MOVIES - From Variety:   Universal will stream the upcoming "Halloween Kills" on Peacock the same day as its theatrical release, October 15th. The sequel will be available on "Peacock Premium."

DISNEY - From THR:   Owen Wilson is joining LaKeith Stanfield and Tiffany Haddish in Disney's new "Haunted Mansion" film.

TRAILERS - From THR:   Here is the first trailer for the fourth film in "The Matrix" series, "The Matrix: Resurrections," which is due Dec. 22, 2021, in theaters and on HBO Max.

STAR TREK - From Deadline:  A teaser trailer reveals what "Star Trek" (The Original Series) characters are appearing in Paramount+'s "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," which is set in the days of Capt. Pike.

BOX OFFICE - From Deadline:   The Summer 2021 movie box office was not a disaster.

CELEBRITY - From YahooUSAToday:   Jessica Chastain replies to that viral moment when Oscar Isaac kissed her arm at Venice Film Festival.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 9/3 to 9/5/21 weekend box office is Disney/Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" with an estimated take of 71.4 million dollars.

From Negromancer:  Here is my review of "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

From Variety:   Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is on its way to a 83.5 million dollar Labor Day four-day holiday weekend.

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STAR TREK - From Deadline:   Launching Sept. 8th, the “Boldly Go” campaign is part of the celebration of the legacy of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry in what would have been his centennial year.

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  Oscar-winning actress and humanitarian, Angelina Jolie, said that "it hurt" whenever former husband, Brad Pitt, worked with disgraced studio mogul and convicted rapist, Harvey Weinstein.  Jolie alleges that Weinstein assaulted her when she was working on a film he produced, "Playing by Heart" (1998), when she was 21.

REVIEW - From Negromancer:  Here is my review of "Candyman." 

CELEBRITY - From YahooInsider:   Luke Zocchi, Chris Hemsworth's ("Thor") longtime personal trainer and friend, says protein shakes and creatine are a waste of time if you want to build muscle and burn fat.  Zocchi most recently trained Hemsworth for "Thor: Love & Thunder."

LGBTQ - From YahooBI:   In Afghanistan, The Taliban used social media to trick a gay man into meeting them. Then, they beat and raped him.

BOX OFFICE - From Deadline:  When "Candyman" debuted at #1 last weekend, Nia DaCosta became the first Black female director to debut a film in the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office.

STAR TREK - From Deadline:  Annie Wersching will join the Season 2 cast of Paramount+'s "Star Trek: Picard" as the "Borg Queen."

From YahooCBS:   This link will take you to an article where you can watch the wonderful and inspiring "main title sequence" (opening) of the upcoming animated series, "Star Trek: Prodigy."  It features rousing theme music from Oscar-winner Michael Giacchino. "Prodigy" was developed by Emmy-winning brothers, Kevin and Dan Hageman.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   Universal Studio Group has entered a new multi-year television overall deal with producer, director and Academy Award and Emmy award-winning writer, Jordan Peele, and Monkeypaw Productions, which is headed by President Win Rosenfeld.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Paramount is pushing its big Tom Cruise tent-poles to 2022. "Top Gun: Maverick" moves to May 27, Memorial Day weekend 2022, and "Mission: Impossible 7" moves to Sept. 30, 2022.

MOVIES - From Gizmodo:   "How to Nominate Movies to the Library of Congress National Film Registry." Every year, the Library of Congress chooses 25 movies to single out for preservation as part of the National Film Registry.  But did you know that the Library of Congress take suggestions from the public each year? The deadline for public nominations is coming up, but you still have time to make your voice heard.

OBITS:

From Variety:   The television and film actor, Michael K. Williams, has died at the age of 54.  He was best known for portraying Omar Little in “The Wire” and Chalky White in “Boardwalk Empire.”  Williams was the recipient of five Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including one pending in the category of "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series" for his performance in HBO's "Lovecraft Country."

 

From Deadline:   Michael K. Williams: a life in pictures - a photo gallery of the late actor's career.

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From THR:   Stand-up comic and actor, Art Metrano, has died at the age of 84, Wednesday, September 8, 2021.  Metrano was best known for the role of Lt/Capt. Ernie Mauser in the films "Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment" (1985) and "Police Academy 3: Back in Training" (1986).  Metrano also survived and partially recovered from breaking his neck in an accident at his home.

From ESPN:   Former NFL running back, Sam "Bam" Cunningham, has died at the age of 71, Tuesday, September 7, 2021.  An "All-American" player at USC, he won MVP honors at the 1973 Rose Bowl, where USC beat Ohio State 42 to 17 and became the first college football team to be voted the unanimous #1 team in both major polls (the AP and the UPI "Coaches' Poll," at that time).  He played his entire NFL career 1973-82 with the New England Patriots.  Cunningham's most famous game may be the September 12, 1970 game that pit USC against the Alabama Crimson Tide, which was an all-white team at the time.  Cunningham and USC's "all-black backfield" led the team to a 42-21 victory in Birmingham, Alabama.  Legend has it that Cunningham's performance led then Crimson Tide coach, "Bear" Bryant to integrate his team.

From Today:   Television personality and author, Willard Scott, has died at the age of 87, Saturday, September 4, 2021.  Scott was best known as the TV weatherman for NBC's "The Today Show," from 1980 to 1996.  Scott also created and originally portrayed, Ronald McDonald, in 1963 for the McDonald's franchise in Washington D.C.

From PittPostGaz:   Former NFL offensive tackle and sports broadcaster, Tunch Ilkin, has died at the age of 63, Saturday, September 4, 2021 from complications of ALS.  Ilkin was best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1980-92), where he is also a member of the "Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team."  Ilkin was also a television and radio analyst for the Steelers from 1998 to 2020.

From ESPN:  Former NFL wide receiver, David Patten, has died at the age of 47, Thurs., September 2, 2021.  Patten was killed in a motorcycle crash.  Patten won three Super Bowl titles as a member of the New England Patriots from 2001 to 2004.

NatGeo Announces "Shark Beach" Featuring Chris Hemsworth

Deep Into This Summer’s 8th Annual SHARKFEST Season, National Geographic Greenlights SHARKFEST 2021 Premier Special, “Shark Beach” (WT), Featuring Global Movie Star, Surfer and Environmentalist Chris Hemsworth

Uncovering Incredible Science of Shark Behavior, the One-hour Special Pairs Hemsworth with Marine Biologists, Surfers and Diving Experts to Discover How Humans and Sharks Can Safely Coexist

Global Special, Produced by Nutopia, to Premiere on the Networks Of National Geographic Summer 2021

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than three weeks into its 8th annual, biggest and boldest SHARKFEST ever, National Geographic sinks its teeth into next summer’s SHARKFEST headliner with the announcement of Shark Beach (WT), featuring global movie star Chris Hemsworth (Thor, The Avengers).

    “That’s why I couldn’t be more excited about Shark Beach and our latest collaboration with Chris Hemsworth. He’s a fearless defender of nature with a proven commitment to conservation and has an unrivaled willingness to do whatever it takes to help protect sharks for generations to come.”

Hemsworth, an enthusiastic surfer and renowned environmentalist, is fascinated by the ocean’s top predators for their incredible magnificence and mystery, but he’s equally perplexed by the dangers they pose when humans venture into shark territory. In Shark Beach, produced by award-winning Nutopia (The World According to Jeff Goldblum, One Strange Rock), Hemsworth embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime mission to investigate the measures put in place to safeguard our co-existence and to uncover the complicated truth behind the alarming increase in shark attacks in Australia.

Joined by the world’s preeminent shark experts — including surfers, conservationists, shark advocates and marine biologists — Hemsworth begins his journey in his own backyard, Byron Bay, Australia. Here, he uncovers the reasons for increased shark attacks so close to home in recent years. Hemsworth joins local biologists to explore how existing preventative measures work to stave off shark-human encounters and dives with different species of sharks to understand their behaviors and power. He also uncovers the latest breakthroughs in shark science technology designed to protect both sharks and humans. Hemsworth’s mission to understand sharks is more than a journey; he’s searching for the answers to help pave the way to living more harmoniously among sharks.

“I’ve spent a great deal of my life near or in the ocean, sharing the same backyard with sharks, and recently there’s been some growing concern regarding an increase in shark activity,” says Hemsworth. “It’s crucial that we both revere and respect sharks. Our oceans depend on these apex predators for a biodiverse ecosystem; however, we must also learn how to protect ourselves, and that’s my main objective in Shark Beach.”

“SHARKFEST has become the port of call for A-list scientists and filmmakers who share our passion for sharks and the health of the planet’s oceans. In success, we’re also drawing in celebrity thought leaders who have the power to raise awareness and impact behavior through their incredible social platforms,” says Geoff Daniels, executive vice president of global unscripted entertainment at National Geographic. “That’s why I couldn’t be more excited about Shark Beach and our latest collaboration with Chris Hemsworth. He’s a fearless defender of nature with a proven commitment to conservation and has an unrivaled willingness to do whatever it takes to help protect sharks for generations to come.”

“Continuing to build on Nutopia’s relationship with A-list talent like Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and now Chris Hemsworth, Shark Beach is a fantastic opportunity to explore the tricky relationship between humans and sharks,” says Jane Root, Nutopia CEO and founder. “As someone interested in conservation, Hemsworth has a deep admiration for these creatures and knows how dangerous sharks can be for swimmers and surfers. We are excited to partner with him to further explore ways both can live together safely,” said Nutopia CEO and founder Jane Root.

Already pacing 10 percent ahead of last year’s event, SHARKFEST is the ultimate destination for factual shark content and the legions of fans who are mystified by them. Currently in its third consecutive week on National Geographic, SHARKFEST continues on Nat Geo WILD for two more weeks, beginning Sunday, August 9, 2020.

Shark Beach, a marquee special for SHARKFEST 2021, is produced for National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD by Nutopia. Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson are executive producers. For Nutopia, Jane Root, Arif Nurmohamed and Mark Hedgecoe are executive producers. For National Geographic, Tracy Rudolph Jackson is executive producer, and Geoff Daniels is executive vice president, global unscripted entertainment.


About Nutopia
Nutopia is known for creating award winning, factual series on a global scale, and a new genre of television, the “megadoc,” which combines epic cinematography and action-driven drama with high-end documentary and A-list talent. Nutopia’s recent critical successes include “Babies” for Netflix, which explores a decade of ground-breaking science that reveals the emotional and astounding story of a baby's first year of life; Emmy-nominated series “The World According to Jeff Goldblum,” one of the series to launch Disney+ and has been renewed for second season; “The Last Czars” for Netflix, a lavish drama-doc about the last days of the Romanovs; “One Strange Rock” for National Geographic, a multi award-winning collaboration with director Darren Aronofsky; and “Unmasking Jihadi John: Anatomy of a Terrorist” for Channel 4 and HBO. Nutopia currently has projects in development with Disney+, History and Amazon.

About National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP)
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, storytelling and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

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Review: "Thor: Ragnarok" Strikes an Odd, Pleasant Note

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 7 (of 2020) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This movie review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Running time:  130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief suggestive material
DIRECTOR:  Taika Waititi
WRITERS: Eric Pearson and Christopher L. Yost and Craig Kyle (based on the comic book and characters created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby)
PRODUCERS:  Kevin Feige p.g.a
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Javier Aguirresarobe, ASC (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Zene Baker and Joel Negron
COMPOSER:  Mark Mothersbaugh
NAACP Image Award winner

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION/DRAMA

Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, Benedict Cumberbatch, Taika Waititi (voice), and Clancy Brown (voice) with Stan Lee

Thor: Ragnarok is a 2017 superhero movie from Marvel Studios, directed by Taika Waititi.  It is the third film in Marvel's Thor film series, following Thor (2011) and Thor: The Dark World (2013).  Thor is a Marvel Comics character that first appeared in the comic book, Journey into Mystery #83 (cover dated: August 1962).  Created by artist Jack Kirby and writers (and siblings) Stan Lee and Larry Leiber, Thor is based on the Norse mythological deity of the same name.  Thor: Ragnarok finds the Norse god of thunder a slave on an alien world while his home of Asgard is controlled by the goddess of death.

Thor: Ragnarok opens two years after the battle of Sokovia (as seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron).  Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned by the fire demon, Surtur (voice of Clancy Brown), who reveals that Thor's father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), is no longer on the realm of Asgard.  Surtur explains that he himself will destroy the realm by uniting his crown with the “Eternal Flame” that burns in Odin's vault, thus initiating the prophesied end-times, “Ragnarök.”  Thor frees himself and defeats Surtur, and he takes Surtur's crown, believing that he has prevented Ragnarök.

The threats to Asgard have not ended.  Thor's estranged brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), is posing as Odin, but Thor and Loki eventually find Odin in Norway.  Odin explains to his sons that he is dying and that his death will free his firstborn child, Hela (Cate Blanchett), from a prison where he sealed her long ago.  When Hela is freed, Ragnarök is imminent.  But before Thor can stop Hela and save Asgard, he must escape from his own imprisonment, the garbage planet, Sakaar, where he is an enslaved gladiator.  And Thor's greatest opponent turns out to be an old friend.

Thor: Ragnarok plays out as one would expect.  Thor saves the day with a lot of help from friends old and new and from adversaries-turned-allies old and new.  What makes this film different and so very endearing is the work of director Taika Waititi, the New Zealand-born director whose films (such as 2014's What We Do in the Shadows) are known for the both the originality of execution and their offbeat sensibilities.  That that originality and sensibility show in Thor: Ragnarok's color palette, its costume designs, sets and art direction.  Some critics and fans have claimed that all Marvel Studios' films look alike, which is certainly not true.  In fact, no superhero movie looks like Thor: Ragnarok, and Mark Mothersbaugh's fantastic, glorious, ear-candy musical score is the finishing touch that makes Thor: Ragnarok stand out from any pack.

Waititi and his cast make the most of Eric Pearson and Christopher L. Yost and Craig Kyle's screenplay.  The pace and acting is lively, wry, spry, and witty, and, in fact, Thor: Ragnarok is, to date, the film that makes the best use of Chris Hemsworth's droll sense of humor.  The film is a bit soft in the middle, but its unique visual appearance keeps the film from going dry.

Some time ago, I read that Marvel Studios had been trying to find the right balance of superhero fantasy, action, and humor in the Thor films, but believed that they had not quite done so in the first two films.  The third time is the charm.  Thor: Ragnarok is the best film in the Thor series, and it is the kind of superhero film that will appeal to movie audiences that don't normally watch superhero movies.

8 of 10
A

Friday, February 21, 2020


NOTES:
2018 Black Reel Awards:  1 nomination: “Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture” (Tessa Thompson)

2018 Image Awards (NAACP):  1 winner: “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” (Idris Elba); 1 nomination: “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture” (Tessa Thompson)


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.


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Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama - 2019 - Update #231

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

Support Leroy on Patreon:

TRAILER - From Marvel:  See first official teaser trailer for Marvel Studios' "Black Widow" (Tues., Ded. 3, 2019).

My Spider-Man: Far From Home" review is here.

My "Avengers: Endgame" review is here.

My "Captain Marvel" review is here.

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DEADPOOL - From Newsarama:  During an appearance on "Live with Kelly and Ryan," actor Ryan Reynolds said that work has begun on Marvel Studios' first "Deadpool" film.  20th Century Fox, now owned by Disney, was the home of the smash hit films, "Deadpool" and "Deadpool 2."

SCORSESE - From Yahoo:  Martin Scorsese's daughter, Francesca Scorsese, wraps all the director's Christmas gifts in Marvel Comics-themed wrapping paper.  The Oscar-winning director has previously criticized Marvel Studios' films.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER - From MensHealth:  New image of Anthony Mackie on the set of Disney+/Marvel's "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

BLACK PANTHER - From NBCNews:  For a little while, at least, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) listed the fictional country of "Wakanda" (kingdom of the Black Panther) on its USDA tariff tracker.

ETERNALS - From BuzzFeed:  Mandingo!  Kumail Nanjiani has gotten ripped and muscly for his role in Marvel Studios' "The Eternals."

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER - From Deadline:  The Disney+/Marvel Studios series adds two cast members, Desmond Chiang ("The Reef") and Miki Ishikawa ("The Terror: Infamy").

BLACK WIDOW - From IGN:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige says "Black Widow" will change how the audience sees "Infinity War" and "Endgame."

KEVIN FEIGE - From GamesRader:  Kevin Feige says that the "multiverse" is the "next step" in the evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

BLACK WIDOW-ETERNALS - From Deadline:  Marvel boss Kevin Feige attends CCXP in Sao Paulo, Brazil where he revealed "raw" film footage from "The Eternals" and new footage from "Black Widow."

TIGRA & DAZZLER - From THR:  Marvel has fired the showrunner and the entire writing team working on its "Tigra and Dazzler" animated series, which is slated to debut on Hulu.  The show is getting a creative overhaul, which includes dumping everything the previous team did.

BLACK WIDOW - From MovieWeb:  Scarlet Johansson talks about what "Black Widow" is really about... forgiveness and family.

BLACK PANTHER 2 - From CBR:   Chadwick Boseman isn't interested in performing in a Disney+/Marvel Studios television series.

FUTURE - From YahooMoviesUK:  Disney announces five new dates for Marvel Studios films from 2022 through 2023.

LOKI - From Variety:  Actress Sophia Di Martino ("Yesterday") is in talks to join Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Loki" series.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER - From MensHealth:  The Winter Soldier's costume in Disney+ "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" has tongues wagging.

FUTURE - From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said that some of the new characters that will have Disney+ series, She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel, and Moon Knight, will eventually transition to film.

AVENGERS ENDGAME - From THR:  At the 2019 E! People's Choice Awards, "Avengers: Endgame" won "Movie of 2019" and "Action Movie of 2019" and Robert Downey, Jr. picked up "Male Movie Star of 2019" for his performance in "Endgame."

MOON KNIGHT - From THR:  Jeremy Slater has been named the head writer of Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Moon Knight" series.  Slater wrote and developed Netflix's "Umbrella Academy" series, which is based on a comic book.

SHE-HULK - From THR:  The lead writer of the Disney+ "She-Hulk" series is Jessica Gao who won an Emmy for her work on Cartoon Network/Adult Swim's "Rick and Morty."

ETERNALS - From HarpersBazaar:  Here is a blurry image of Angelina Jolie in a skin-tight costume from the set of "The Eternals."

OSCARS - From Newsarama:  Disney has begun a "Four Your Consideration" Academy Award campaign for its films.  "Robert Downey, Jr. is being touted for "best supporting actor," although Downey had previously requested that he not be recommended for an Oscar nomination.

DOCTOR STRANGE - From Newsarama:  The 2021 Disney+ series, "Loki," will lead directly into the 2021 film, "Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness."

HAWKEYE - From IndieWire:  The Disney+ series, "Hawkeye," was originally meant to be a film.  Kevin Feige said he nervous about telling Jeremy Renner a.k.a. "Hawkeye" that his movie would become a TV series.

FUTURE - From DigitalSpy:   Actor Ben Barnes, who played "Jigsaw" on Marvel/Netflix's "The Punisher," says he has been in talks with Marvel Studios to play another character.

FUTURE - From YahooEntertainment:  Actor Taron Egerton addresses rumors that he is being considered for the role of "Wolverine" in Marvel Studios' inevitable reboot of the "X-Men" franchise.

ANT-MAN 3 - From THR:  Peyton Reed has signed to direct a third "Ant-Man" film, having directed the previous films, "Ant-Man" (2015) and "Ant-Man and the Wasp" (2018).  The third film may arrive in 2022.

HAWKEYE - From Variety:  Regarding playing "Kate Bishop" in the Disney+ "Hawkeye" series, Hailee Steinfeld doesn't know what you are talking about.

KEVIN FEIGE - From BleedingCool:  More hot rumors about the fallout of Kevin Feige taking control of all creative at Marvel, including Feige vs. Alan Fine over the making of "Black Panther" and "Captain Marvel."

BLACK WIDOW - From ComicBook:   Scarlett Johansson says that the Black Widow is unlikely to come back to life after "Avengers: Endgame."  Of course, here back story will be revealed in the "Black Widow" movie May 1, 2019.

BOB IGER - From FastCompany:  Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger fired back at acclaimed directors Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola over the recent criticisms of Marvel Studios movies. “If they want to bitch about movies it’s certainly their right."  Oh, supa-snap!

MARVEL TV - From IndieWire:  A look at upcoming Marvel-based TV shows - from the MCU and otherwise.

DOCTOR STRANGE - From TheWrap:  Up and coming screenwriter Jade Bartlett is set to write "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

KEVIN FEIGE - From Deadline:  According to reports, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige is about to add the title, Chief Creative Officer (CCO), Marvel.  Marvel TV and animation wing, Marvel Family Entertainment, will all move under Feige's Marvel Studios banner.

MARTIN SCORSESE - From YahooMovies:  A week after riling up Marvel fans and film people like James Gunn and Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Scorsese is back with the "films as theme park rides" complaints.

From IndieWire:  Here is an article about Martin Scorsese's original comments that compared Marvel movies to theme parks.
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CAPTAIN MARVEL 2 - From Variety:  Brie Larsen answers questions for Variety as the "cover woman" in their "Power of Women" issue.  No, she does not have any information on "Captain Marvel 2."

FUTURE - From YahooMoviesUK:  Brie Larson has apparently asked Marvel Studios chairman Kevin Feige to make an all-female superhero movies.

From YahooET:  A look at Marvel Studios' upcoming film slate, for the next two years.

MARVEL-SONY - From Newsarama:  Spider-Man actor, Tom Holland, may have been the hero of the Disney-Sony Spider-Man feud.

From Newsarama:  Disney CEO Bob Iger credits a "crying Spider-Man" with leading to a new agreement between Sony and Disney-Marvel about the use of Spider-Man between the two film giants.

BLACK WIDOW - From Newsarama:  Apparently, actor William Hurt was spotted on the set of "Black Widow," which leads to speculation that his Marvel Cinematic Universe character "General 'Thunderbolt' Ross" will appear in the film.

MARVEL-SONY - From BleedingCool:  Behind the scenes gossip about what really went down between Disney/Marvel and Sony Pictures over Spider-Man.

GHOST RIDER - From BGR:  A hot rumor from a Marvel insider says that Marvel Chairman Kevin Feige wants the character "Ghost Rider" in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Hulu recently declined to move forward with a planned "Ghost Rider" series from Marvel Television.

ETERNALS - From ScreenRant:  Marvel is trying to keep "Eternals" from looking too much like its "Thor" film franchise.

SPIDER-MAN 3 - From Deadline:  Director Jon Watts in talks to return for the third Marvel/Sony "Spider-Man."  He has directed "Spider-Man: Homecoming" and "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

SPIDER-MAN -From TheWrap:  Disney and Sony Pictures reaches a deal for Marvel Studios to produce another "Spider-Man" film.  This third film will be released July 16, 2021, with Marvel Studios Chairman Kevin Feige returning to produce.  In addition Spider-Man will appear in an additional Marvel film.

SPIDER-MAN - From YahooMovies:  Tom Holland is happy to be back as Spider-Man in the MCU.

BLACK PANTHER - From ScreenRant:  Disney CEO Bob Iger recounts how he overcame Marvel Entertainment CEO Ike Perlmutter to get "Black Panter" and "Captain Marvel."

THOR: LOVE & THUNDER - From ETOnline:  Natalie Portman explains where her "Thor" character, "Jane Foster," has been, and she talks about her return to the franchise in 2021's "Thor: Love & Thunder."

BLACK PANTHER - From YahooGMA:  Disney CEO and Chairman Bob Iger reveals that the 2018 Oscar-winning film, Black Panther, was one of the "highlight moments" of his career.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Newsarama:  "Endgame" is apparently one of five Disney films for which the company will campaign for awards recognition during the 2018-19 awards season.  The focus will be on the 2019 / 92nd Academy Awards (to be held on Feb. 9, 2020).

ETERNALS - From ETOnline:   Salma Hayek shares a photo of her and "Eternals" co-star, Kit Harrington.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From Newsarama:  Sony releases a faux-trailer for "The Night Monkey" ahead of the DVD release of "Far From Home."

THOR: LOVE & WAR - From CBR:  Director Taika Waititi confirms that Chris Hemsworth will be in the 2021 film, "Thor: Love & War," and that he will be Thor.

NICK FURY - From Newsarama:  There is apparently an alternate version of Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury post credits scene from 2008's "Iron Man."  It references the X-Men and Spider-Man.

BLACK WIDOW - From IndieWire:  Robert Downey, Jr. will reportedly return as Iron Man for a cameo in next year's "Black Widow."

X-MEN - From WeGotThisCovered:  The hot rumor is that Denzel Washington is among the actor being considered to be Magneto in Marvel's eventual reboot of the X-Men film franchise.

HAWKEYE - From Variety:  Marvel Studios has reportedly offered Hailee Steinfeld a role in its Disney+ series, "Hawkeye."  She would supposedly play Kate Bishop, a young woman who eventually assumes the "Hawkeye" mantle.

HAWKEYE - From THR:  The site is reporting that Jonathan Igla, who wrote for AMC's "Mad Men," will write the Disney+ series, "Hawkeye," from Marvel Studios.

SPIDER-MAN - From YahooMovies:  Directors Anthony and Joe Russo ("Avengers") say they are not surprised by the Disney/Sony Spider-Man split.  They say that Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige had to work to make a Disney/Sony union work the first time.

SPIDER-MAN - From Variety:  Sony Pictures chief Tony Vinciquerra says that, for the moment, the door is closed on Spider-Man returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

BLACK WIDOW - From THR:  Scarlett Johansson finds executive producing her "Black Widow" film "liberating in a way."

BLACK WIDOW - From Newsarama:  The D23 "Black Widow" poster includes an image of David Harbour "Red Guardian" and of "Taskmaster."

WANDAVISION - From YahooEntertainment:  Apparently, "WandaVision" is going to be Marvel's first sitcom.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLIDER - From CinemaBlend:  A poster for "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" reveals that The Winter Soldier now has short hair.

WANDAVISION - From Newsarama:  A key and traditional part of Scarlet Witch's costume makes an appearance in a poster for "WandaVision" released at the D23 Expo.

BLACK KNIGHT - From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios boos, Kevin Feige, see potential for the character, "Black Knight" (played by Kit Harington), beyond his appearance in 2020's "Eternals."

ETERNALS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, says that the "Eternals" film will feature an openly gay family man.

WANDAVISION - From Newsarama:  Paul Bettany ("Vision") explains the comic book roots of the Disney+ "WandaVision" series.

BLACK PANTHER 2 - From Variety:  "Black Panther 2" has a release date - May 6, 2022.

MARVEL'S WHAT IF...? - From EW:   Actors from the majority of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will reprise their characters in voice roles for the Disney+ animated series, "Marvel's What If...?"  Like the comics the show is based on, "Marvel’s What If…?" explores what might have happened if important moments in Marvel history went down differently.

ETERNALS - From Deadline:  Actor Kit Harington (Jon Snow of "Game of Thones") will play the "Black Knight" in Marvel's "Eternals" film.

MS. MARVEL - From YahooEntertainment:  At D23 2019, one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe TV series announced for Disney+ streaming is based on Marvel Comics' first Muslim superhero, Ms. Marvel.

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SPIDER-MAN - From Deadline:  It looks as if Spider-Man's time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is over and Kevin Feige won't be producing any more Spider-Man films.  The reason is because Disney and Sony Pictures, which holds the film rights to Spider-Man and his universe, can't agree on a new co-financing deal.

From Variety:  Sony Pictures issues a statement on its Spider-Man divorce from Disney.

From YahooNews:  Sony thinks it doesn't need Marvel.

From THR:  Disney/Sony divorce or not, Tom Holland, Peter Parker/Spider-Man, made an appearance at D23 Expo.
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SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From THR:  "Spider-Man: Far From Home" is getting a Labor Day rerelease with four minutes of new footage.  The film is also Sony Pictures' all-time global box office leader.

BLACK WIDOW - From Newsarama:  Bodybuilder Olivier Richters, a.k.a. "The Dutch Giant," who is the "world's tallest bodybuilder," claims he's taken an undisclosed role in Marvel Studios' upcoming Black Widow film.

ETERNALS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios concept artist Rodney Fuentebella has shared a poster he created for Marvel's Eternals which features none other than the cosmic, godlike Celestials.

THOR: LOVE & WAR - From CheatSheet:  Natalie Portman has homework to do for her role in the recently announced "Thor: Love & Thunder."

BOX OFFICE - From Newsarama:  The Marvel Cinematic Universe sets a box office mark that may never be duplicated, and so does Samuel L. Jackson.

MISC - From Newsarama:  Actor Amanda Seyfried told MTV that she turned down a major Marvel Cinematic Universe role (which she didn't specifiy) because she didn't want to be tied to a specific role for a large portion of her career.  This article has the video interview.

MISC - From Newsarama:  Joe and Anthony Russo, director of "Infinity War" and "Endgame" said that they would like a shot at making a Wolverine movie.  Marvel has recovered the film rights to the X-Men characters.

ETERNALS - From Collider:  Irish actor Barry Keoghan ("Chernobyl") is in talks to join Marvel's "Eternals" film.

ETERNALS - From TheWrap:  Gemma Chan in talks to join "Eternals."  Chan has already appeared in a Marvel film, in "Captain Marvel" as "Minn-Erva."

FUTURE - From Complex:  Writer-director M. Night Shyamalan says that he has met several times with Marvel Studios about making an MCU film.

BLACK WIDOW - From Inverse:  "Black Widow" screenwriter Jac Schaeffer says she isn't scared to make the fanboys mad and will remove anything she finds offensive in Black Widow's comic book origins from her cinematic story.

BLADE - From ScreenRant:  David Leitch, the director of "John Wick," "Deadpool 2," and "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw," want to direct Marvel's "Blade" reboot.  

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From YahooMovies: Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige reckons that Wanda Maximoff/Scarlett Witch could have taken down Thanos.

AVENGERS - From Newsarama:  Apparently, Kevin Feige said that there will be a fifth Avengers film, but the roster will be entirely different and will feature characters that we have seen and some that we have not seen yet in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film.

PHASE 4 - From YahooFinance:  With it's "Phase 4" announcement, Marvel Studios has left Warner Bros./DC Comics in the dust.

WANDAVISION - From ScreenRant:  The character, "Monica Rambeau," appeared as a child (played by Akira Akbar) in the recent smash hit, "Captain Marvel."  She will be an adult in the upcoming Disney+ "WandaVision" series, played by actress Teyonah Parris.

FUTURE - From Variety:  Australia is giving Marvel Studios some $55 million in U.S. dollars in tax credits to get Marvel to film "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and "Thor: Love & Thunder" filmed there.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From Deadline:  Today (7/25/19), "Spider-Man: Far From Home" will cross the $1 billion mark in global box office.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER - From YahooNews:  Actor Daniel Bruhl shares an image of his notorious character, Baron Zemo, returning for Disney+'s "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

BLADE - From EW:  Original "Blade" star Wesley Snipes said that he is "all good" with Marvel Studios' "Blade" reboot starring Mahershala Ali.  He also said the news came as a surprise.

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER - From YahooLifestyle:  Fans are celebrating first "out" character in Marvel Studios' films, Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie from the "Thor" films.

ETERNALS - From HuffPost:  Newly minted Marvel star, Kumail Nanjiani, celebrated by sharing a "throwback" photo of he and the late Marvel legend, Stan Lee, on Twitter.

COMIC-CON - From Newsarama:  Here is video featuring highlights from Marvel Studios' "Hall H" Phase 4 presentation at Comic-Con International 2019.

BLACK WIDOW - From YahooNews:  Scarlett Johansson tells "Good Morning America" that she is glad that she can finally talk about her "Black Widow" standalone film.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Variety:  "Avengers: Endgame" passes James Cameron's "Avatar" (2009) to become the king of global box office with an haul of $2.7902 billion versus Avatar's 2.7897 billion.

BLADE - From THR:  At Comic-Con 2019, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige announced that two time Oscar-winning actor Marheshala Ali will portray Blade (previously played by Wesley Snipes for three films from 1998 to 2004).  Ali apparently asked for the role.

ETERNALS - From THR: Angelina Jolie makes her Marvel Studios' debut at Comic-Con.  She will play the immortal "Thena" in Eternals.

SHANGI-CHI - From THR:  Chinese-Canadian actor, Simu Liu, will play the lead in Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

PHASE FOUR - From THR:  Marvel Studios unveils "Phase Four," it's post-"Endgame" film slate.

From BleedingCool:  The site is live-blogging Marvel Studios' "Hall H" #MarvelSDCC presentation of "Phase 4."

PHASE FOUR - From BleedingCool:  At the "Women of Marvel" panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2019, Marvel Studios executive vice president of production did some teasing.  She hinted that tonight's (Sat., July 20th) Marvel Studios "Hall H" event at SDCC will be a huge night for the "Women of Marvel."

THOR 4 - From Deadline:  The site has confirmed that Taika Waititi will write and direct a fourth "Thor" film, and that Chris Hemsworth will return as Thor.  Waititi directed the third film, "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017).

FUTURE - From Newsarama:  Newsarama contributor George Marston revisits Oscar-nominated actress Sharon Stone's claim that she was going to be in a Marvel Studios film.

FUTURE - From Variety:  What to expect of Marvel Studios' Comic-Con 2019 presentation next week.

FUTURE - From Fandango:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige talks about the future of Spider-Man, the multiverse (yes, there is such a thing), and "the Snap" and "the Blip."

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From THR:  After its first six days in release, "Spider-Man: Far From Home," opens to $185 million in the U.S.  It nears $600 million in global box office.

From CBR:  Kevin Feige on why he picked Mysterio as the villain for "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

From TheWrap: "Spider-Man: Far From Home" continues its strong box office opening with an estimated $32.6 million grossed on Friday, July 5th.

From Variety:  "Spider-Man: Far from Home" grossed $25.2 million on Thursday, July 4th, 2019 - the second largest Independence Day box office total ever.

From YahooEntertainment:  A guide to the Easter eggs and end-credit scenes in "Far From Home."

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From IndieWire:  Zoe Saldana wants her GotG character, Gamora, to turn bad in the planned "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3."

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From CBR:  See every Spider-Man costume Peter Parker wears in "Far From Home."

FUTURE - From Newsarama:  Does "Spider-Man: Far From Home" tease a "Fantastic Four" future.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From Variety:  "Spider-Man: Far From Home" has netted $39.2 million dollars at the domestic box office.  That is a record for a film opening on a Tuesday.

From Deadline:  "Spider-Man: Far From Home" looking to set a North American box office record for a film debuting on a Tuesday.  The current record holder is 2012's "The Amazing Spider-Man" which debuted at $35 million.

BLACK PANTHER 2 - From IndieWire:  "Black Panther 2" rumors about Michael B. Jordan's return are just that - rumors say Marvel Studios' boss, Kevin Feige.

FUTURE - From YahooMoviesUK:  Samuel L. Jackson speculates that Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will have an Avengers team.

BLACK WIDOW - From MensHealth:  Could "The Taskmaster" be a villain in the Black Widow film.

BLACK WIDOW - From Yahoo:  Digital Spy believes it has learned the identity of the character actress Florence Pugh will play in the "Black Widow" film.  Is it "Yelena Belova?"

BLACK WIDOW - From Variety: Actor Ray Winstone has reportedly joined Marvel's "Black Widow" film.

SPIDER-MAN - From CinemaBlend:  Kevin Feige says that it is up to Sony whether or not Tom Holland's Spider-Man meets Tom Hardy's Venom.

FUTURE - From ComicBook:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige confirms that he has been talking to Keanu Reeves about ways to bring him into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From Newsarama:  Will Zendaya's "MJ" character have red hair as a nod to the Spider-Man comic books' "Mary-Jane Watson?"

SHANG-CHI - From ThatHashtagShow:  Actors Ludi Lin ("Power Rangers") and Disney TV actor, Ross Butler ("K.C. Undercover") have the lead in landing the title role in Marvel's "Shangi-Chi" film, with Lin being the rumored favorite.

BLACK WIDOW - From FlickeringMyth:  These are supposed to be the first set photos from Norway for upcoming "Black Widow" film.

FUTURE - From MovieWeb:  New rumors say classic Marvel Comics' property, "Fantastic Four" will make its Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in 2022.

ETERNALS - From YahooEntertainment:  Word is that Keanu Reeves is "in talks" to appear in Marvel Studios' planned "Eternals" film.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Here are two video extras from the "Captain Marvel" Blu-ray:  one featuring comic book writer Kelly Sue DeConnick.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Truthout:  “Avengers: Endgame” Is a Liberal War Cry by Nicholas Powers.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Newsarama:  "Endgame" is within $110 million of surpassing "Avatar's" global box office record.

DIRECTORS - From Polygon:  What movies did Marvel Studios film directors make after their "Marvel Cinematic Universe" films.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER - From Deadline:  Kari Skogland has been set to direct the six-part Disney+ miniseries, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," with Anthony Mackie (The Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier") set to star.  "Captain America: Civil War's" Daniel Bruhl and Emily Van Camp are also in talks to join the miniseries, which will air in August 2020.

FUTURE - From Newsarama:  Kevin Feige said that the real "Mandarin" will appear in a future Marvel Studios film.  Ben Kingsley played an imposter in "Iron Man 3."

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From Movieweb:  "Far From Home," according to rumor, will have an end-credit scene that will set up Spider-Man's future as a superhero.

SPIDER-MAN/AVENGERS - From Polygon:  Starting Friday, May 10th, "Avengers: Endgame" has a post-credits scenes, but it is the simply the second trailer for "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Variety:  "Endgame" writers, Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, answer a bunch of questions.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From CBR:  Did Thanos' snap of his fingers in "Avengers: Infinity War" create mutants a.k.a. X-Men?

FUTURE - From Variety:  Marvel will reveal its future film slate some time during the summer, according Disney CEO Bob Iger.

ETERNALS - From Variety:  "Game of Thrones" star Richard Madden in talks to star in "Eternals" film.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Deadline:  "Endgame" is on the way to crossing the $2 billion dollar mark this coming weekend.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Deadline:  Naughty Chris Pratt filmed some "highly illegal" video while on the "Endgame" set, but people are loving it online.

FRANCHISE - From THR:  Marvel Cinematic Universe actors are getting paid, with Robert Downey, Jr. leading the way.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Newsarama:  Why CAPTAIN MARVEL and BLACK PANTHER Didn't Have Bigger Roles in AVENGERS: ENDGAME

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Deadline:  "Avenger: Endgame" rips up all the box office records for a film opening.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Variety:  "Endgame" has an opening day (Fri., April 26th) of $156.7 million.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Newsarama:  "Endgame" sets a record for Thursday previews with an estimated 60 million dollar take.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Variety:  "Endgame" surpasses $100 million in China on its opening day.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Newsarama:  Fandango says that 4,000 showings of "Endgame" have sold out.

PHASE THREE - From YahooFatherly:  Kevin Feige makes it official that the end of "Phase Three" of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

From News18:  Marvel boss, Kevin Feige, says that Marvel Studios is going big on diversity and is willing to take risks on films.  For instance, "Shang-chi" will have an Asian-American lead.

From FlickeringMyth:  Robert Downey, Jr. says that the last eight minutes of "Avengers: Endgame" are maybe the best eight minutes in the entire history of the whole run of them, in a way, because everyone’s involved.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From USAToday:  Nick Fury is the "mean new stepdad" in "Far from Home" says director Jon Watts.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From Newsarama:  The release date for "Spider-Man: Far from Home" has moved from July 5th to July 2nd.

KEVIN FEIGE - From Variety:  The Marvel Studios boss talks about Disney+ and the X-Men.

DISNEY+ - From Newsarama:  During an investors webcast, Disney confirmed details of its Marvel Cinematic Universe based TV series, including a "What if" animated series and live action "Loki," "Falcon and Winter Soldier," and "WandaVision" series.

BLACK WIDOW - From Deadline:  "Black Widow" adds actor O-T Fagbenle ("The Handmaid's Tale") to its cast.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Updates on "Captain Marvel's" box office.

DISNEY+ - From Variety:  Jeremy Renner will reprise his "Avengers" role as the superhero, "Hawkeye," for a Disney+ series.

FUTURE - From Variety:  Australia has given Marvel Studios a $17.1 million subsidy to film a movie there.

BLACK PANTHER - From YahooEntertainment:  Actor Chadwick Boseman has the perfect response to all the people asking about "Black Panther 2."

THE ETERNALS - From THR:  Oscar-nominee Kumail Nanjiani is reportedly in talks to join Angelina Jolie in Marvel's "The Eternals" film.

AVENGERS ENDGAME - From YahooEntertainment:  Apparently, because of his tendency to leak things, Tom Holand a.k.a. Peter Parker/Spider-Man, did not get a copy of the "Endgame" script.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From TheWrap:  "Captain Marvel" crosses the $1 billion mark in worldwide box office.

BLACK WIDOW - From Variety:  Oscar-winner Rachel Weisz ("The Constant Gardner") in talks to play a key role in "Black Widow."

BLACK WIDOW - From CNET:  David Harbour is about to star in the "Hellboy" reboot and is a star in Netflix's "Stranger Things" has joined Marvel's standalone "Black Widow" film.

THE ETERNALS - From THR:  Angelina Jolie reportedly in talks to join Marvel Studios' "The Eternals, which is to be directed by Chloe Zhao.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Newsarama:  Marvel releases 32 "Avengers: Endgame" posters that offers some surprising clues/details.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From Newsarama:  Sony Pictures releases international versions of the "Spider-Man: Far from Home" movie poster.  Spidey is sporting a new costume.

KEVIN FEIGE - From ScreenRant:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige talks "Captain Marvel" and a lot of other stuff.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Deadline:  "Captain Marvel" now at $910 million in worldwide box office.

AVENGERS ENDGAME - From SlashFilm:  Anthony and Joe Russo admit that the "Avengers: Endgame" trailers are deliberately misleading audiences.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Newsarama:  "Captain Marvel" crosses the $800 million dollar mark in worldwide box office.

BLACK WIDOW - From Variety:  Sources say that actress Florence Pugh has joined the "Black Widow" standalone film.

KEVIN FEIGE - From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige doubles down on his commitment to diverse representation in the studio's films.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Deadline:  "Captain Marvel's" second weekend box office haul, $69.3 million, is the second best second weekend in March box office history.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From YahooEntertainment:  In the wake of "Captain Marvel's" smashing success, other female-led superhero movies are coming.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Deadline:   Disney has reinstated James Gunn as director of "Guardians of the Galaxy 3."  Gunn was fired after OLD social media posts came to light.

From YahooDigitalSpy:  Directors of Marvel Studios films react to the return of James Gunn to GotG 3.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From YouTube:  New "Avengers: Endgame" trailer - released March 14, 2019 

SHANG-CHI - From THR:  Destin Daniel Cretton has reportedly been chosen by Marvel Studios to direct its film, "Shang-Chi," based upon Marvel Comics' "Master of Kung-Fu."  Marvel is also looking for an Asian lead and the film will feature a predominately Asian and Asian-American cast.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Variety:  "Captain Marvel" moves past $500 million in worldwide box office as of today.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Marvel:  "Captain Marvel" breaks box office records in its opening weekend.  Marvel Studios' latest chapter became the biggest opening for a woman-led movie.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From THR:  "Captain Marvel" has a $153 million debut at the domestic box office and $455 million in worldwide ticket sales.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Newsarama:  "Captain Marvel" off to a 78 million dollar start at the global box office.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From YahooFinance:  Advanced tickets sales for "Captain Marvel" are reportedly hotter than they were for "Wonder Woman" and only trails "Black Panther" for solo superhero movies.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Deadline:  "Captain Marvel's" debut in China is the fourth biggest for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

BLACK WIDOW - From Newsarama:  Andre Holland, Rachel Weisz, and Alec Baldwin are reportedly on the shortlist to join Marvel's "Black Widow" film.

BLACK WIDOW - From Newsarama:  Emma Watson shortlisted to be the co-lead in Marvel's "Black Widow" film.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  On "The Jonathan Ross Show," Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson of "Captain Marvel" met comic book creator Bryan Hitch, the comic book artist who first drew Jackson as Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D.

FUTURE - From Newsarama:  Kevin Feige says that Marvel Studios won't announce additions to its film schedule until after "Avengers: Endgame" and "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From YahooDigitalSpy:  Brie Larson reveals her intense training for the lead role in "Captain Marvel."

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Newsarama:  "Avengers: Endgame" is tracking to set an opening weekend box office record.  "Infinity War" had an opening weekend of $257 million, which is the current record.

FUTURE - From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige talks about the place of the "Eternals" in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

BLACK PANTHER - From io9:  Black Panther wins 3 Oscars at 91st Academy Awards.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From THR:  Ticket pre-sales for "Captain Marvel" are the third highest for a Marvel Cinematic Universe film, behind "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Black Panther."  Those pre-sale numbers are also ahead of Warner Bros.'s "Aquaman" and "Wonder Woman."

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel has apparently screened "Captain Marvel" and people are tweeting early reactions.

BLACK WIDOW - From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios has reportedly hired writer-director Ned Benson to do rewrites of Jac Schaeffer's script for the "Black Widow" solo film.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Newsarama:  Gwyneth Paltrow, Pepper Potts in the "Iron Man" film, says she is ready to quit the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

BLACK PANTHER - From THR:  Benjamin A Burtt has an Oscar nomination (sound editing) along with Steve Boeddeker for creating the sounds of "Black Panther."  He is the son of Oscar-winning "Star Wars" legend Ben Burtt.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios' "Captain Marvel" is projected to have at least a 100 million dollar opening weekend.

BLACK PANTHER - From ComicBook:  Letitia Wright shares heartfelt thank for BAFTA win in a video.

BLACK PANTHER - From ComicBook:  Here is a list of the 8 categories in which "Black Panther" is nominated at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

BLACK PANTHER - From ComicBook:  At the 72nd BAFTA Awards, "Black Panther" wins the award for "Best Visual Effects," the only nomination it received.

BLACK PANTHER - From ComicBook:  Letitia Wright, who played "Shuri," Black Panther's sister, has won the BAFTA Rising Star Award at today's BAFTA Awards.

BLACK PANTHER - From ComicBook:  "Black Panther" has won the Grammy Award for "Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media" at today's 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From TheWrap:  Taika Waititi, the director of "Thor: Ragnarok," says that he will not direct the third installment of "Guardians of the Galaxy."  He says "That's James' film," referencing James Gunn, whom Disney fired from the franchise.

AVENGERS ENDGAME - From Variety:  See the Super Bowl teaser trailer for "Avengers: Endgame," which is due in April.

BLACK PANTHER - From TheWrap:  “The Favourite”, “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Black Panther” have been named the best-designed films of 2018 by the Art Directors Guild, which handed out its 23rd annual Excellence in Production Design Awards on Saturday night at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown.

BLACK PANTHER - From BleedingCool:  Chadwick Boseman gives a moving speech while he and cast mates accepted the SAG Award for "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture."  And he teases "Black Panther 2."

BLACK PANTHER - From Newsarama:  "Black Panther" is returning to theaters in February - for free showings to celebrate Black History Month.

BLACK PANTHER - From YahooEntertainment:  "Black Panther" wins the top award at the 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards - "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture."

BLACK PANTHER - From Deadline:  At the 2019 / 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards, stunt teams from "Black Panther" and "GLOW" walked away with this year’s SAG Awards for outstanding action performances by film and television stunt ensembles.

BLACK PANTHER - From YahooEntertainment:  "Wonder Woman" director Patty Jenkins, currently working on "Wonder Woman 1984," says that she is happy that Black Panther has been nominated for a "best picture" Oscar.

BLACK PANTHER - From THR:  Among "Black Panther's" seven Oscar nominations at the 91st Academy Awards, one of them is historic.  "Black Panther" is the first comic book movie to be nominated in the "best picture" category.

BLACK PANTHER - From USAToday:  Oscar nominations: Why 'Black Panther' really deserves that best-picture nod

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Variety:  "Captain Marvel" will open in China on the same day it opens in North America, March 8, 2019.

FUTURE - From ComicBook:  Marvel Comics artist, Stefano Caselli, teases a new project for Marvel Studios.

SPIDER-MAN - From Newsarama:  With his role in "Spider-Man: Far From Home," Zach Barack is the first openly trans actor to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

SPIDER-MAN - From YouTube:  First official trailer for "Spider-Man: Far From Home," which is due July 5, 2019.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From THR:  How "Captain Marvel" is being positioned as the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

DISNEY+ - From THR:  The streaming service, Disney+, has found a showrunner for its "Vision and Scarlet Witch" series (formerly "Scarlet Witch).  He is "Captain Marvel" co-screenwriter, Jac Schaeffer.

FUTURE - From Newsarama:  Both Kevin Feige and Oscar-winner Adam McKay ready to talk about a "Silver Surfer" movie.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Newsarama:  Kevin Feige says "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" is still happening, although when is yet to be determined.

STREAMING - From WeGotThisCovered:  Disney's upcoming streaming service, "Disney+" will be a major part of the "Marvel Cinematic Universe" going forward, according to Marvel head honcho, Kevin Feige.

BLACK PANTHER - From SlashFilm:  "Black Panther" earns a "best picture" nominations at the 30th Producers Guild Awards.  Winners will be announced Jan.19th.

BLACK PANTHER - From Newsarama:  AARP has released its list of nominees for its annual "Movies For Grownups Awards," which honor films the organization feels appeal to their older demographic. Among the announcements are a pair of nominations for Marvel Studios' 2018 blockbuster Black Panther - "Best Ensemble" category, which honors the entire cast of the winning film, and "Best Supporting Actress" for Angela Bassett's performance as Queen Raimonda.

BLACK PANTHER - From Newsarama: Black Panther's Letitia Wright has been nominated for the EE British Academy Film Awards' (BAFTA) "EE Rising Star Award."


TRAILERS:

From EW:  Here is the "Infinity Saga" trailer which is connected to the forthcoming release of the "Infinity Saga" box set.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - From YouTube:  New trailer (5/6/2019) for "Spider-Man: Far From Home," which is due July 2, 2019.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - From Marvel:  Here is the first trailer from "Avengers: Endgame," formerly "Avengers 4."

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Marvel:  Here is the first official trailer for Marvel Studios next film, "Captain Marvel," starring Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson.  The film arrives in theaters March 8, 2019.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From YouTube:  Captain Marvel official trailer #2 (released Monday, December 3, 2018).