Saturday, March 14, 2015
Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of March 8th to 14th, 2015 - Update #10
NEWS:
From YahooMovies: Alex Gibney talks about his Steve Jobs doc.
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From TheWrap: Eddie Murphy may appear in Lee Daniel's Richard Pryor biopic as Richard's father.
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From ShadowandAct: What to expect from "Empire" Season 2.
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From ShadowandAct: A list of 73 pilots for the 2015-16 TV season that feature African-American leads or supporting characters.
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From SlashFilm: Sony Pictures announced an all-male "Ghostbusters" movie to go along with it all-female "Ghostbusters" movie. Or maybe it's a shared universe and a team-up.
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From TheWrap: A guilty plea in the "Midnight Rider" trial.
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From TheWrap: The winner at the March 6th to 8th, 2015 box office is Chappie with an estimated haul of $13.3 million.
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From YahooMovies: China lifts the box office of box office flop, Jupiter Ascending.
COMIC BOOKS:
From Comicvine: Superman's new look - coming in June. It's ridiculous.
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From SlashFilm: Chris Pine rumored for Green Lantern.
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From YahooTV: Another look at Supergirl's costume for the upcoming "Supergirl" TV show.
STAR WARS:
From EntertainmentWeekly: A history of "Rogue Squadron," which may explain the 2016 Star Wars spin-off film, "Rogue One."
Friday, March 13, 2015
Review: "Dear White People" Suddenly Relevant... Again
Dear White People (2014)
Running time: 108 minutes (1 hour, 48 minutes)
MPAA – R for language, sexual content and drug use
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Justin Simien
PRODUCERS: Effie Brown, Ann Le, Julia Lebedev, Angel Lopez, Justin Simien, and Lena Waithe
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Topher Osborn
EDITOR: Phillip J. Bartell
COMPOSER: Kathryn Bostic
Black Reel Award winner
COMEDY/DRAMA
Starring: Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner, Teyonah Parris, Brand P. Bell, Brittany Curran, Justin Dobies, Marque Richardson, Dennis Haysbert, and Peter Syvertsen
Dear White People is 2014 comedy-drama and satirical film from writer-director, Justin Simien. The film is set at an Ivy League-like university that is facing racial discord, and the story focuses on four particular African-American students.
Dear White People is set at Winchester University, a prestigious and predominantly white school with an Ivy League pedigree. A recent decision by the school's administration has caused a stir among the African-American student body. Samantha “Sam” White (Tessa Thompson) has used the controversy, via her radio show, “Dear White People,” to spur fellow black students to action.
Sam's former boyfriend, Troy Fairbanks (Brand P. Bell), is trying to hold onto his position as “head of house” of Armstrong/Parker, an all-black dormitory. Troy really wants to be a comedy writer, but his father, Dr. Walter Fairbanks (Dennis Haysbert), is Dean of Students. Dean Fairbanks does not want his son doing anything that might give white people a chance to profile the young man who has a promising future.
Lionel Higgins (Tyler James Williams) is a freshman who is trying to find his place on campus, but he is gay and a blerd (black nerd or fanboy), which makes him an odd-man-out. His housemates harass him, and the chief tormentor is Kurt (Kyle Gallner), the son of Winchester's President Hutchinson (Peter Syvertsen). Meanwhile, black student Colandrea "Coco" Conners (Teyonah Parris) is determined not to pegged as being 'hood or from the ghetto.
While watching Dear White People, I often thought of Spike Lee's 1988 film, School Daze, which was the first Spike Lee film I saw and which remains a personal favorite. Both films are driven not so much by plot as they focus on characters and settings. Lee's film is set at a HBCU (historically black college or university) and focuses on class strife among black students and also delves into how African-Americans often discriminate against each other based on how light-complected or dark-skinned he or she is.
Dear White People is set at a predominantly white school, but focuses on mostly black students. The film's writer-director Justin Simien seems to make several pointed statement: Back people don't exist to entertain white folks. Black people are not here to provide fodder for white people's curiosity and prejudice. Black people's culture, pathologies, and the way we live are not to be exploited so that white people can mock us at their leisure.
With a great many characters comes a great many motivations and conflicts, and that causes the story in Dear White People to lose focus. There is so much going on in this movie that it is practically a pitch for an original cable television series, because only a serial comedy-drama could do Justin Simien's ideas and angles justice.
Still, the movie is especially interesting. It was almost as if I could not stop watching it. Plus, Tyler James Williams as Lionel Higgins and Teyonah Parris as “Coco” Conners give star-making turns. Their performances make their characters the most interesting in this film, by far. If Ms. Parris were a white actress, this role would have earn her roles in several high-profile films for at least the next two years, some as the female lead.
The sky is the limit for Williams. I think so after watching him make Lionel force Tessa Thompson's Sam to share the spotlight as Dear White People's signature character. There is a moment in the film when Lionel tells Dean Fairbanks that in high school, he had more trouble from his Black classmates. It takes guts and talent to pull off a moment like that, and Williams has both. And Dear White People is better for his performance.
Also, a video of members of the University of Oklahoma chapter of the fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, performing a racist chant/song was recently made public. In the wake of that incident and the subsequent fallout and controversy, Dear White People is now more relevant than ever.
7 of 10
B+
Thursday, March 12, 2015
NOTES:
2015 Black Reel Awards: 2 wins: “Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Male” (Tyler James Williams) and “Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Female” (Teyonah Parris); 8 nominations: “Outstanding Motion Picture” (Justin Simien, Angel Lopez, Lena Waithe, Ann Le, Effie Brown, and Julia Lebedev), “Outstanding Actress, Motion Picture” (Tessa Thompson), “Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture” (Teyonah Parris), “Outstanding Director, Motion Picture” (Justin Simien), “Outstanding Screenplay-Original or Adapted, Motion Picture” (Justin Simien), “Outstanding Ensemble” (Kim Coleman), and “Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Male” (Brandon P Bell), and “Outstanding Score” (Kathryn Bostic)
2015 Image Awards: 4 nominations: “Outstanding Motion Picture,” “Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture” (Tessa Thompson), “Outstanding Independent Motion Picture,” and “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture” (Justin Simien)
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Disney Consumer Products Prepares Roll out for "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and Spider-Man
Marvel Rolls Out Extensive Licensing Program for 2015 around Avengers: Age of Ultron, Spider-Man and More
GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following American International Toy Fair in New York, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) today announced its 2015 plans for Marvel and its key franchises including The Avengers and Spider-Man. This year will see the roll out one of its biggest-ever licensing programs around Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, expansion in high potential categories including female fashion and healthy lifestyle, the launch of new animated content and innovative marketing initiatives to drive the brand 365 days a year globally.
“Marvel has become a super-brand in its own right thanks to its outstanding universe of aspirational, relatable characters and the incredibly broad appeal of not only its movies but its comics, books, apps, games and TV series, that continually deliver epic storytelling with action, heart and humor. We’re excited to build on this huge momentum and the incredible buzz around the next Avengers movie with a series of product initiatives appealing to fans of all ages,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president, global licensing at Disney Consumer Products.
Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron program captures the popularity of the overall Avengers team as well as distinguishing the core characters in fresh new ways. Marvel is working closely with licensees and top brands – such as Hasbro, LEGO, Hot Wheels, Funko and more – to develop innovative products that expand the storytelling of the franchise and with key retailers to create unique retail programs tied to the highly anticipated film. Through 2015 and beyond, Marvel’s campaigns focuses beyond movie events, with an eye toward new animation on Disney XD and a new MarvelKids.com microsite where kids can regularly interact with the characters and experience new content.
Spider-Man is leaping to new heights thanks to the animated success of Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man: Web-Warriors airing on Disney XD. Introducing a full team of spider-themed Super Hero personalities in the series including Agent Venom, Iron Spider, Spider-Girl and Spider-Man 2099, the franchise extension offers new opportunities for retail and licensees. In an effort to support Spider-Man in a variety of categories, 2015 will mark a dedicated focus on action sports and fashion forward apparel for fans of all ages. The plans will help pave the way for the iconic webslinger to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe following a new deal with Sony.
The astronomical success of the first Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy film is just the beginning for this popular franchise. Following the film’s success, Marvel is building a long-term strategy, starting with the new animated TV series set to debut on Disney XD later this year. Marvel is also expanding the franchise’s licensing program with both current licensees - who are extending their existing lines - and a number of new partners who see the long-term potential in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
The predominate characters of the Marvel Universe also headline some of Marvel’s premier comic books including The Avengers, All-New Captain America, Superior Iron Man, Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy, and brand new critically-acclaimed hits like Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Ant-Man, and many more. 2015 is also on track to be recording setting for Marvel with the highly anticipated mega-event, Secret Wars, the largest Publishing Event in Marvel’s history, which is receiving cross company support including a consumer products program targeting teen and adult collectors.
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) will continue to bring Marvel Super Heroes to life through books, magazines, partworks, kids apps, and eBooks in support of all Marvel Studios feature films, Marvel Animated television shows, and Classic versions of Marvel’s iconic characters. In addition to publishing over 4,000 Marvel books and magazines in 30 languages for the next generation of fans, DPW will extend its print and digital program to include Young Adult and Middle Grade novels based on Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man franchises—as well as kids and family friendly apps.
This year will also see the debut of Marvel’s Daredevil, the first of several series slated for production on Netflix; the company recently announced Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones and Luke Cage are also in development. Each of the series will be supported by an encompassing Marvel Knights merchandise program that will open new opportunities for product lines in with more sophisticated and edgy fashion style, as well as new collector focused opportunities, aimed at teen and adult fans.
All of these programs will be supported by a corporate-wide interest in fostering an active and healthy lifestyle for kids by building an extensive roster of new partners in nutritious foods and sporting goods. Under Armour, Sage Fruit, Conagra granola bars, Crunchpak and Chobani are some of the latest offerings for consumers; more collaboration in these categories is expected to roll out during the year.
The culmination of Marvel’s blockbuster year will be an expanded, national multi-platform celebration – ‘Marvel Super Hero Spectacular.’ Following the success of ‘Marvel Super Hero September’ this past fall, the supercharged 2015 campaign will now run for five weeks – beginning at the end of September and going through all of October – and will deliver even more Marvel Super Hero fun to meet fan demand. ‘Marvel Super Hero Spectacular’ will introduce an enhanced marketing and retail strategy with more partners and merchandise offerings aimed to entice fans to celebrate their love for all things Marvel. The campaign will focus on core Marvel franchises including The Avengers, Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Both The Avengers and Spider-Man drove more than a billion dollars each at retail globally in 2014 and Marvel’s toy sales in the US grew nearly 13% in 2014 vs. 2013, according to The NPD Group1.
About Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit http://www.marvel.com/. ©MARVEL
About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that delivers innovative and engaging product experiences across thousands of categories from toys and apparel to books and fine art. As the world's largest licensor, DCP inspires the imaginations of people around the world by bringing the magic of Disney into consumers' homes with products they can enjoy year-round. DCP is comprised of three business units: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around five strategic brand priorities: Disney Media, Classics & Entertainment, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Princess & Disney Fairies, Lucasfilm and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books, magazines, and apps, igniting imagination through storytelling in ever-inventive ways. DPW creates and publishes books, magazines, eBooks and apps both vertically in-house and through an extensive worldwide licensing structure. DPW is also committed to the educational development of children around the world through Disney Learning which includes our flagship learning brand, Disney Imagicademy, as well as Disney English and other Disney themed learning products. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide and is known for providing consumers with high-quality, unique products. Disney Store operates ecommerce channels in nine countries, which can be found here. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products www.DisneyConsumerProducts.com.
1 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service; US; Dollars; Annual 2014.
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GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following American International Toy Fair in New York, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) today announced its 2015 plans for Marvel and its key franchises including The Avengers and Spider-Man. This year will see the roll out one of its biggest-ever licensing programs around Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, expansion in high potential categories including female fashion and healthy lifestyle, the launch of new animated content and innovative marketing initiatives to drive the brand 365 days a year globally.
“Marvel has become a super-brand in its own right thanks to its outstanding universe of aspirational, relatable characters and the incredibly broad appeal of not only its movies but its comics, books, apps, games and TV series, that continually deliver epic storytelling with action, heart and humor. We’re excited to build on this huge momentum and the incredible buzz around the next Avengers movie with a series of product initiatives appealing to fans of all ages,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president, global licensing at Disney Consumer Products.
Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron program captures the popularity of the overall Avengers team as well as distinguishing the core characters in fresh new ways. Marvel is working closely with licensees and top brands – such as Hasbro, LEGO, Hot Wheels, Funko and more – to develop innovative products that expand the storytelling of the franchise and with key retailers to create unique retail programs tied to the highly anticipated film. Through 2015 and beyond, Marvel’s campaigns focuses beyond movie events, with an eye toward new animation on Disney XD and a new MarvelKids.com microsite where kids can regularly interact with the characters and experience new content.
Spider-Man is leaping to new heights thanks to the animated success of Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man: Web-Warriors airing on Disney XD. Introducing a full team of spider-themed Super Hero personalities in the series including Agent Venom, Iron Spider, Spider-Girl and Spider-Man 2099, the franchise extension offers new opportunities for retail and licensees. In an effort to support Spider-Man in a variety of categories, 2015 will mark a dedicated focus on action sports and fashion forward apparel for fans of all ages. The plans will help pave the way for the iconic webslinger to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe following a new deal with Sony.
The astronomical success of the first Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy film is just the beginning for this popular franchise. Following the film’s success, Marvel is building a long-term strategy, starting with the new animated TV series set to debut on Disney XD later this year. Marvel is also expanding the franchise’s licensing program with both current licensees - who are extending their existing lines - and a number of new partners who see the long-term potential in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
The predominate characters of the Marvel Universe also headline some of Marvel’s premier comic books including The Avengers, All-New Captain America, Superior Iron Man, Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy, and brand new critically-acclaimed hits like Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Ant-Man, and many more. 2015 is also on track to be recording setting for Marvel with the highly anticipated mega-event, Secret Wars, the largest Publishing Event in Marvel’s history, which is receiving cross company support including a consumer products program targeting teen and adult collectors.
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) will continue to bring Marvel Super Heroes to life through books, magazines, partworks, kids apps, and eBooks in support of all Marvel Studios feature films, Marvel Animated television shows, and Classic versions of Marvel’s iconic characters. In addition to publishing over 4,000 Marvel books and magazines in 30 languages for the next generation of fans, DPW will extend its print and digital program to include Young Adult and Middle Grade novels based on Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man franchises—as well as kids and family friendly apps.
This year will also see the debut of Marvel’s Daredevil, the first of several series slated for production on Netflix; the company recently announced Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones and Luke Cage are also in development. Each of the series will be supported by an encompassing Marvel Knights merchandise program that will open new opportunities for product lines in with more sophisticated and edgy fashion style, as well as new collector focused opportunities, aimed at teen and adult fans.
All of these programs will be supported by a corporate-wide interest in fostering an active and healthy lifestyle for kids by building an extensive roster of new partners in nutritious foods and sporting goods. Under Armour, Sage Fruit, Conagra granola bars, Crunchpak and Chobani are some of the latest offerings for consumers; more collaboration in these categories is expected to roll out during the year.
The culmination of Marvel’s blockbuster year will be an expanded, national multi-platform celebration – ‘Marvel Super Hero Spectacular.’ Following the success of ‘Marvel Super Hero September’ this past fall, the supercharged 2015 campaign will now run for five weeks – beginning at the end of September and going through all of October – and will deliver even more Marvel Super Hero fun to meet fan demand. ‘Marvel Super Hero Spectacular’ will introduce an enhanced marketing and retail strategy with more partners and merchandise offerings aimed to entice fans to celebrate their love for all things Marvel. The campaign will focus on core Marvel franchises including The Avengers, Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Both The Avengers and Spider-Man drove more than a billion dollars each at retail globally in 2014 and Marvel’s toy sales in the US grew nearly 13% in 2014 vs. 2013, according to The NPD Group1.
About Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit http://www.marvel.com/. ©MARVEL
About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that delivers innovative and engaging product experiences across thousands of categories from toys and apparel to books and fine art. As the world's largest licensor, DCP inspires the imaginations of people around the world by bringing the magic of Disney into consumers' homes with products they can enjoy year-round. DCP is comprised of three business units: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around five strategic brand priorities: Disney Media, Classics & Entertainment, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Princess & Disney Fairies, Lucasfilm and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books, magazines, and apps, igniting imagination through storytelling in ever-inventive ways. DPW creates and publishes books, magazines, eBooks and apps both vertically in-house and through an extensive worldwide licensing structure. DPW is also committed to the educational development of children around the world through Disney Learning which includes our flagship learning brand, Disney Imagicademy, as well as Disney English and other Disney themed learning products. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide and is known for providing consumers with high-quality, unique products. Disney Store operates ecommerce channels in nine countries, which can be found here. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products www.DisneyConsumerProducts.com.
1 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service; US; Dollars; Annual 2014.
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Thursday, March 12, 2015
Title of First Stand-Alone "Star Wars" Film is Revealed as "Rogue One"
Rogue One Is the First Star Wars Stand-Alone Film, Rian Johnson to Write and Direct Star Wars: Episode VIII
The title for director Gareth Edwards' stand-alone movie, featuring actress Felicity Jones, is revealed, and Rian Johnson is confirmed for Star Wars: Episode VIII -- coming to theaters May 26, 2017.
“Always in motion is the future,” Yoda said. The future of the Star Wars cinematic galaxy, however, is taking shape.
This morning at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, across the street from Lucasfilm, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger hosted a shareholder meeting where he announced news regarding the first Star Wars stand-alone movie as well as Star Wars: Episode VIII.
Rogue One is the title for the first film in a unique series of big-screen adventures that explores the characters and events beyond the core Star Wars saga. Rogue One will be directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla) and written by Oscar nominee Chris Weitz (Cinderella, About a Boy, Antz). The first actress cast is Felicity Jones, who garnered an Academy Award nomination and critical acclaim for her performance in The Theory of Everything. The idea for the story of Rogue One came from John Knoll, an Academy Award-winning visual effects supervisor and chief creative officer at Industrial Light & Magic. He will executive produce along with Simon Emanuel (The Dark Knight Rises, Fast & Furious 6) and Jason McGatlin (Tintin, War of the Worlds). Kathleen Kennedy and Tony To (Band of Brothers, The Pacific) are on board to produce and John Swartz (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) will co-produce. The film starts shooting this summer in London and is due for release on December 16, 2016.
In addition, Iger confirmed that Rian Johnson will write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII. The film, which continues the saga after the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is set for release on May 26, 2017 — forty years and a day after the release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977. Johnson is widely considered one of cinema’s most gifted young filmmakers, having directed the modern sci-fi classic, Looper, as well as Brick and The Brothers Bloom. He was also behind the camera for three episodes of the critically-acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad, including “Ozymandias,” which series creator Vince Gilligan named as the best installment of the show. Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman, producer of Looper, Don Jon, Brick, and The Brothers Bloom, are on board to produce, and J.J. Abrams will serve as executive producer.
StarWars.com. All Star Wars, all the time.
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The title for director Gareth Edwards' stand-alone movie, featuring actress Felicity Jones, is revealed, and Rian Johnson is confirmed for Star Wars: Episode VIII -- coming to theaters May 26, 2017.
“Always in motion is the future,” Yoda said. The future of the Star Wars cinematic galaxy, however, is taking shape.
This morning at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, across the street from Lucasfilm, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger hosted a shareholder meeting where he announced news regarding the first Star Wars stand-alone movie as well as Star Wars: Episode VIII.
Rogue One is the title for the first film in a unique series of big-screen adventures that explores the characters and events beyond the core Star Wars saga. Rogue One will be directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla) and written by Oscar nominee Chris Weitz (Cinderella, About a Boy, Antz). The first actress cast is Felicity Jones, who garnered an Academy Award nomination and critical acclaim for her performance in The Theory of Everything. The idea for the story of Rogue One came from John Knoll, an Academy Award-winning visual effects supervisor and chief creative officer at Industrial Light & Magic. He will executive produce along with Simon Emanuel (The Dark Knight Rises, Fast & Furious 6) and Jason McGatlin (Tintin, War of the Worlds). Kathleen Kennedy and Tony To (Band of Brothers, The Pacific) are on board to produce and John Swartz (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) will co-produce. The film starts shooting this summer in London and is due for release on December 16, 2016.
In addition, Iger confirmed that Rian Johnson will write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII. The film, which continues the saga after the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is set for release on May 26, 2017 — forty years and a day after the release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977. Johnson is widely considered one of cinema’s most gifted young filmmakers, having directed the modern sci-fi classic, Looper, as well as Brick and The Brothers Bloom. He was also behind the camera for three episodes of the critically-acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad, including “Ozymandias,” which series creator Vince Gilligan named as the best installment of the show. Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman, producer of Looper, Don Jon, Brick, and The Brothers Bloom, are on board to produce, and J.J. Abrams will serve as executive producer.
StarWars.com. All Star Wars, all the time.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Dark Circle Comics Announces "The Hangman"
Dark Circle Comics is proud to announce the newest title in its genre-defying superhero line-up, THE HANGMAN, by writer Frank Tieri and artist Felix Ruiz.
First revealed on Comic Book Resources, THE HANGMAN, launching later this year, will be a fresh interpretation of a classic superhero character – but not in a way that readers expect.
“THE HANGMAN isn’t a book for the squeamish,” explained Dark Circle Comics Editor Alex Segura to Comic Book Resources. “We want to explore different genres and push the envelope with some of the best talents in comics and beyond. This book will surprise people. It's not what you expect -- which is exactly what Dark Circle is about.”
The launch of THE BLACK HOOD #1 in February set the tone for the Dark Circle Comics imprint as a no-holds-barred, anything goes line of superhero comics. THE HANGMAN “isn’t a book for the squeamish,” said Segura, comparing it to “Quentin Tarantino adapting a Stephen King novel.”
Frank Tieri, having written stories featuring popular comic book characters such as Deadpool and Wolverine, is no stranger to the darker side of superheroes. Tieri will team with Felix Ruiz, known for his frenetic and gritty art on titles including Wolverine: MAX, to tell stories about "the vile disgusting parts of ourselves we don't like to talk about." Tieri promises the book will be dark and gritty yet will also about seeking redemption.
For more information on THE HANGMAN, visit Comic Book Resources: http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/exclusive-archie-grows-dark-circle-line-with-the-hangman-by-tieri-ruiz. To learn more about THE BLACK HOOD, THE FOX, and THE SHIELD, visit the official Dark Circle Comics website (http://darkcirclecomics.com/) and pick up the Dark Circle Comics Free Comic Book Day Special on May 2nd at your local comic book store.
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Guy Ritchie's King Arthur Begins Production in the UK
Director Guy Ritchie’s New King Arthur Movie Now in Production
Charlie Hunnam Stars as Arthur, joined by Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Djimon Hounsou, Aidan Gillen, with Jude Law and Eric Bana
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie brings his dynamic style to an original King Arthur epic, a sweeping fantasy action adventure starring Charlie Hunnam (FX’s “Sons of Anarchy”), for Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures. Principal photography has begun at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, UK.
The bold new story introduces a streetwise young Arthur who runs the back alleys of Londonium with his gang, unaware of the life he was born for until he grasps hold of the sword Excalibur—and with it, his future. Instantly challenged by the power of Excalibur, Arthur is forced to make some hard choices. Throwing in with the Resistance and a mysterious young woman named Guinevere, he must learn to master the sword, face down his demons and unite the people to defeat the tyrant Vortigern, who stole his crown and murdered his parents, and become King.
Starring with Hunnam is Astrid Bergès-Frisbey (“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”) as Guinevere; Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” “In America”) as Resistance leader Bedivere; Aidan Gillen (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) as Goosefat Bill; Oscar nominee Jude Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”) as Vortigern; and Eric Bana (“Star Trek”) as Arthur’s father, King Uther Pendragon.
Guy Ritchie (upcoming “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”) will direct from a screenplay by Joby Harold (“Awake”). Ritchie will also produce the film, alongside “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” producers Lionel Wigram and Steve Clark-Hall, Akiva Goldsman (“I Am Legend,” Oscar-winning screenwriter for “A Beautiful Mind”), Joby Harold, and Tory Tunnell (“Awake,” “Holy Rollers”). David Dobkin (“The Judge”) and Bruce Berman (“American Sniper”) will executive produce. Max Keene (first AD, the “Sherlock Holmes” movies) will serve as co-producer and James Herbert (“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” the “Sherlock Holmes” movies) as associate producer.
The creative team joining Ritchie behind the scenes includes two-time Oscar-nominated director of photography John Mathieson (“Gladiator,” “The Phantom of the Opera”), Oscar-nominated production designer Gemma Jackson (“Finding Neverland”), editor James Herbert, costume designer Annie Symons (Masterpiece Theater’s “Great Expectations”), makeup and hair designer Christine Blundell (“Mr. Turner,” the “Sherlock Holmes” films), and Oscar-nominated VFX Supervisor Nick Davis (“The Dark Knight”).
The film will shoot primarily at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, and on location in Wales and Scotland.
Slated for release on July 22, 2016, it will be distributed in North America by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
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Charlie Hunnam Stars as Arthur, joined by Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Djimon Hounsou, Aidan Gillen, with Jude Law and Eric Bana
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie brings his dynamic style to an original King Arthur epic, a sweeping fantasy action adventure starring Charlie Hunnam (FX’s “Sons of Anarchy”), for Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures. Principal photography has begun at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, UK.
The bold new story introduces a streetwise young Arthur who runs the back alleys of Londonium with his gang, unaware of the life he was born for until he grasps hold of the sword Excalibur—and with it, his future. Instantly challenged by the power of Excalibur, Arthur is forced to make some hard choices. Throwing in with the Resistance and a mysterious young woman named Guinevere, he must learn to master the sword, face down his demons and unite the people to defeat the tyrant Vortigern, who stole his crown and murdered his parents, and become King.
Starring with Hunnam is Astrid Bergès-Frisbey (“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”) as Guinevere; Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” “In America”) as Resistance leader Bedivere; Aidan Gillen (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) as Goosefat Bill; Oscar nominee Jude Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”) as Vortigern; and Eric Bana (“Star Trek”) as Arthur’s father, King Uther Pendragon.
Guy Ritchie (upcoming “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”) will direct from a screenplay by Joby Harold (“Awake”). Ritchie will also produce the film, alongside “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” producers Lionel Wigram and Steve Clark-Hall, Akiva Goldsman (“I Am Legend,” Oscar-winning screenwriter for “A Beautiful Mind”), Joby Harold, and Tory Tunnell (“Awake,” “Holy Rollers”). David Dobkin (“The Judge”) and Bruce Berman (“American Sniper”) will executive produce. Max Keene (first AD, the “Sherlock Holmes” movies) will serve as co-producer and James Herbert (“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” the “Sherlock Holmes” movies) as associate producer.
The creative team joining Ritchie behind the scenes includes two-time Oscar-nominated director of photography John Mathieson (“Gladiator,” “The Phantom of the Opera”), Oscar-nominated production designer Gemma Jackson (“Finding Neverland”), editor James Herbert, costume designer Annie Symons (Masterpiece Theater’s “Great Expectations”), makeup and hair designer Christine Blundell (“Mr. Turner,” the “Sherlock Holmes” films), and Oscar-nominated VFX Supervisor Nick Davis (“The Dark Knight”).
The film will shoot primarily at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, and on location in Wales and Scotland.
Slated for release on July 22, 2016, it will be distributed in North America by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
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Dark Horse Comics Announces "Midnight Society: The Black Lake" Miniseries
MILWAUKIE, OR—In June, Drew Edward Johnson (Wonder Woman) makes his creator-owned debut, combining intrigue, secret agents, monsters, and more in Midnight Society: The Black Lake.
Forty years ago, England’s greatest adventurers cast aside their friendship, making a choice that would come to haunt humanity. Now, secret agent Matilda Finn will face the consequences of that choice as she aids in a frantic rescue operation at Scotland’s Loch Ness, where something terrible is waiting to draw her into the fight of her life!
“I began my career in comics working with Dark Horse on Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron,” Johnson told Comics Bulletin. “To bring my first creator-owned project to Dark Horse Comics is a great homecoming for me. Especially given the opportunity to work with my editor, Philip Simon, whom I had the good fortune of working with in the early days of my career. I’m thrilled and honored to join Dark Horse’s line of genre-bending horror-adventure books, like Hellboy, B.P.R.D., The Goon, and so many more, which have all influenced my work heavily over the years.”
For a first look at Drew Edward Johnson’s art and more of his thoughts on the series, head over to Comics Bulletin: http://comicsbulletin.com/exclusive-dark-horse-series-announcement-the-midnight-society-the-black-lake/.
Preorder a copy today at your local comics shop: http://www.comicshoplocator.com/Home/1/1/57/575.
Midnight Society: The Black Lake #1
Drew Edward Johnson (W/A/Cover), Ray Snyder (I), and Lizzy John (C)
On sale June 17
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
About Dark Horse
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.
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