Monday, December 31, 2018

Review: "Get Out" is a Cinematic Revolution

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 11 (of 2018) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Get Out (2017)
Running time: 104 minutes (1 hour, 44 minutes)
MPAA – R for violence, bloody images, and language including sexual references
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Jordan Peele
PRODUCERS:  Jason Blum, Edward H. Hamm Jr., Sean McKittrick, and Jordan Peele
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Toby Oliver (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Gregory Plotkin
COMPOSER: Michael Abels
Academy Award winner

HORROR/MYSTERY/THRILLER

Starring:  Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Marcus Henderson, Betty Gabriel, Lakeith Stanfield, Stephen Root, Richard Herd, Erika Alexander, Yasuhiko Oyama, and Lil Rey Howery

Get Out is a 2017 horror and mystery-thriller written and directed by Jordan Peele.  At the 90th Academy Awards, Peele became the first African-American to win the “Best Original Screenplay” Oscar.  Get Out follows a young African-American man who travels with his white girlfriend to her parents' rural estate and discovers weirdness and ultimately horror.

Get Out introduces Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a young Black man and a photographer.  He has reluctantly agreed to meet the family of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage (Allison Williams). From the beginning of the trip, strange things occur.

Upon arriving, Chris discovers that Rose's parents, Dean Armitage (Bradley Whitford), a neurosurgeon, and Missy (Catherine Keener), a hypnotherapist, are nice, but make discomfiting comments about black people.  Rose's brother, Jeremy (Caleb Landry Jones), is especially inappropriate.  Chris finds that housekeeper, Georgina (Betty Gabriel), and groundskeeper, Walter (Marcus Henderson), black workers on the Armitages' estate, are the most troubling of all.  After experiencing a distressing event involving Missy, Chris feels himself being trapped into something both surreal and horrifying.

Get Out is one of the most unsettling films that I have ever seen.  As an African-American and as a Black Man, specifically, I find that so much of Get Out seems to strike at my deepest fears and even at my most annoying worries.  Proverbially, this film hits “close to home.”  Get Out is essentially an allegory for the African diaspora and for the slave trade that brought stolen and captured African men, women, and children from the African continent across the Atlantic to the Americas, where they became chattel slaves.

Yes, writer-director Jordan Peele (called “mixed race” because he has a both a black and a white parent) dresses up his allegories, metaphors, similes, and symbolism in the tropes of American dark fantasy and horror films (especially those of the 1970s).  Still, his film, like quick blows in a really short fight, lays bare the cold calculations of capturing and enslaving Black people.  This is the banality of evil communicated in practicalities and practical realities.

In the final analysis, Get Out is also a great horror movie, as scary as one in which the monster, killer, or adversary uses knives, machetes, crossbows, axes, hooks, meat cleavers, etc. to kill its victims.  Many people have commented that Get Out is a criticism of white liberals, and there is some truth to that, but not as much as people think.  The villains here are white people who make living in America unsafe for African-Americans, Black people, and people of color.

Jordan Peele and his fine cast, especially Daniel Kaluuya, who embodies much of the modern Black man's existential crisis, deliver a film that is richly entertaining and is too-damn-scary to be just another horror movie.  Most of all, Get Out's truths are so true that I wonder how Peele and his cast and crew got away not only with making it, but also with sharing it with the world, especially with the United States of America.

10 of 10

Tuesday, September 11, 2018


NOTES:
2018 Academy Awards:  1 win: “Best Original Screenplay” (Jordan Peele); 3 nominations: “Best Motion Picture of the Year” (Sean McKittrick, Jason Blum, Edward H. Hamm Jr., and Jordan Peele), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role” (Daniel Kaluuya), and “Best Achievement in Directing” (Jordan Peele)

2018 Golden Globes, USA:  2 nominations: Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Daniel Kaluuya

2018 BAFTA Awards:  2 nominations: “Best Screenplay (Original)” (Jordan Peele) and “Best Leading Actor” (Daniel Kaluuya)


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, December 30, 2018

VIZ Media to Release "The Art of Magic: The Gathering—Ravinca" For New Year

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—RAVNICA

Explore The Immense And Surreal Cityscape of Ravnica In The Latest Art Book Celebrating Magic: The Gathering

San Francisco, CA — VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, celebrates the highly anticipated Ravnica deck with the release of THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—RAVNICA on January 1st, 2018.

THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—RAVNICA is the seventh installment in VIZ Media’s series of hardcover editions that each depict the incredible artwork, lore, and characters of the imaginative worlds of Magic: The Gathering®. The title debuts in January alongside the eagerly anticipated Ravnica deck release. THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—RAVNICA carries a print MSRP of $39.99 U.S. / $53.99 CAN.

Written by bestselling author and Magic: The Gathering Senior Game Designer James Wyatt, THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—RAVNICA takes readers on a fantastic journey through the City of Ravnica, a metropolis so vast that its name has long become synonymous with the entire plane. An eternity of winding streets, dark alleys, towering structures, and rubble-strewn ruins make up the world of Ravnica. The social and political framework of the world is defined by ten guilds, each with its own distinct identity, values, and priorities. Though the guilds constantly vie among themselves for power, no single one has ever succeeded in seizing total control of the plane, as they have a natural tendency to keep each other in check—and now it’s time to choose your place in this world. In these pages, lavishly illustrated with the award-winning art of Magic: The Gathering®, you’ll learn the deepest secrets of the guilds and the plots unfolding in their ranks.

“The sprawling city of Ravnica and its inhabitants are showcased in VIZ Media’s newest art book series featuring the planes of Magic: The Gathering,” says Joel Enos, Senior Editor. “Artwork for Ravnica depicts the machinations of the guilds vying for power as well as the creatures, characters, and historical lore.”

Throughout its 25-year history, Magic: The Gathering has visited many richly imaginative worlds through card sets and stories. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, Magic: The Gathering has tens of millions of fans, is played in more than 70 countries, and is available in 11 languages. Magic: The Gathering has won numerous notable awards, including a Mensa Award and multiple Origins Awards, the Hobby Game industry’s annual top award.

VIZ Media’s catalog of MAGIC: THE GATHERING titles includes the recent release of Magic: the Gathering—Concepts & Legends, a hardcover volume that offers a detailed examination of the planes, mythos and in-world history of Magic: The Gathering. VIZ Media’s THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING series includes THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—DOMINARIA, THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—IXALAN, THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—AMONKHET, THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—KALADESH, THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—INNISTRAD, and THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—ZENDIKAR. Each hardcover edition contains specially curated collections of plane-specific illustrations from Wizards of the Coast’s popular strategy card game, Magic: The Gathering.

For additional information on THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at viz.com.

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Saturday, December 29, 2018

A "Star Wars" Link-o-Rama 2018 by Negromancer - Update #81

Posted by Leroy Doureseaux - on Patreon.

EPISODE IX - From FlickeringMyth:  Todd Fisher, the brother of the late Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), says that there is enough unused footage from "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi" to make a fitting end for Fisher in Episode 9.

EPISODE IX - From BleedingCool:  According to John Boyega, "Episode 9" takes place one year after the events depicted in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (Episode 8).

COMICS - From Newsarama:  A "Star Wars" T-shirt, with art by "Star Wars Adventures'" Derek Charm, will be available for Free Comic Book Day 2019.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Variety:  Giancarlo Esposito, Carl Weathers, and Werner Herzog are among the new cast members for the Disney+ streaming series, "The Mandalorian."

ROGUE ONE PREQUEL - From THR:  Stephen Schiff, a producer on FX's "The Americans" named showrunner for Disney+'s "Rogue One" prequel TV series.

OBITUARY/A NEW HOPE - From EW:  Gloria Katz, the screenwriter who was a script doctor on the original Star Wars film, died Sunday, November 25, 2018.  Katz worked with her husband, Willard Huyck.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Variety:  Academy Award nominated actor, Nick Nolte, joins Disney+'s "Star Wars" streaming series, "The Mandalorian."

GALAXY OF ADVENTURES - From Deadline:  Starting Friday, Nov. 30th at StarWarsKids.com, the first six animated shorts in the new series, "Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures," will debut.

EPISODE 9 - From YahooEsquire:  Luke Skywalker may return in Star Wars Episode IX, but not as a force ghost...

THE MANDALORIAN - From SlashFilm:  Unofficial word is that actor Pedro Pascal (Netflix's "Narcos") will be the lead actor in "The Mandalorian," the new Star Wars TV series for the upcoming streaming service, Disney+.

ROGUE ONE - From Variety:  Diego Luna will reprise his "Rogue One" role of "Cassian Andor" in a new "Star Wars" series for Disney's upcoming streaming service, called "Disney+".  The unnamed series will be a prequel to "Rogue One."

BOBA FETT - From The Playlist:  Lucasfilm boss, Kathleen Kennedy says that "Boba Fett" spinoff film no longer in development.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "Star Wars: Age of Republic Special #1" is a Jar Jar Binks story.

RESISTANCE - From BleedingCool:  Elijah Wood will be a voice actor on "Star Wars Resistance" (Disney Channel), specifically the episode, "Fuel for the Fire," which is scheduled for Sun., Oct. 21st, 2018.

THE MANDALORIAN - From TheWrap:  Lucasfilm releases the first image from the upcoming streaming series, "The Mandalorian," and the names of people who will be directing episodes of the series.  Those names include Taika Waititi ("Thor: Ragnarok"), Bryce Dallas Howard, and Dave Filoni ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels).

THE MANDALORIAN - From Deadline:  That is the title of the upcoming Star Wars streaming TV series from Jon Favreau, "The Mandalorian."  It will focus on the Star Wars race that gave us bounty hunter Jango Fett and his son Boba Fett.

STAR WARS TV - From WeGotThisCovered:  Jon Favreau's "Star Wars" TV series for Disney's streaming service is looking at "Game of Thrones" actor Pedro Pascal for lead role.

STAR WARS RESISTANCE - From IndieWire:  Japanese-American actor, Christopher Sean, talks about his voice acting role in the upcoming (Sun., Oct. 7th) Disney Channel animated series, "Star Wars Resistance."

LEGACY - From NewJerseyHerald:  A story about Greg Hildebrandt, his iconic poster for the first "Star Wars" film, and working with his twin brother, Tim, who also worked on that poster.

LUCASFILM - From Variety:  Lucasfilm extends Kathleen Kennedy's deal as president to 2021.

OBITUARY - From Variety:  "Star Wars" producer Gary Kurtz has died at the age of 78, Sunday, September 23, 2018.

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - From YahooCelebrity:  Billy Dee Williams pranked young Mark Hamill during the 1980 royal premiere of "The Empire Strikes Back."  Read the story.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "This is the Age of Star Wars! STAR WARS: AGE OF REPUBLIC, AGE OF REBELLION and AGE OF RESISTANCE chronologically tell a series of spectacular adventures featuring your favorite characters from ALL THREE STAR WARS TRILOGIES."

FRANCHISE - From Variety:  Michael K. Williams, who lost his part in "Solo" because of scheduling, still wants to be part of the "Star Wars" universe.

EPISODE IX - From BleedingCool:  Oscar Isaac ("Poe Dameron") says that the late Carrie Fisher is with the cast as they film Star Wars 9.

EPISODE IX - From Variety:  Matt Smith, who played the 11th incarnation of "the Doctor" in "Doctor Who," has joined the cast of Star Wars 9

EPISODE IX - From Deadline:  Dominic Monaghan was one of the stars of J.J. Abrams' TV series, "Lost."  Now, he reunites with Abrams as Monaghan has joined the cast of "Star Wars 9."  Monaghan also appeared in "The Lord of the Rings" films.

STAR WARS RESISTANCE - From StarWars:  See the first trailer for the new Disney Channel / Disney XD, animated Star Wars TV series, "Star Wars Resistance."

EPISODE IX - From CNET:  Latest rumor, Episode 9 may be titled "Star Wars: A New Order."

From CinemaBlend:  New photo from the set of "Episode 9."

From WeGotThisCovered:  Could there be a Hutt connection from "Return of the Jedi" in Star Wars Episode 9.

From WeGotThisCovered:  There is a rumor that "Star Wars 9" could be the longest film in the series, so long that it might be split into 2 films.

From WeGotThisCovered:  John Boyega teases a new hairdo for Finn.
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STREAMING - From BleedingCool:  According to an article in "The New York Times," the "Star Wars" series that Jon Favreau is developing for "The Disney Streaming Service" will have a budget of $100 million for a 10-episode season.

RETURN OF THE JEDI - From WeGotThisCovered:  James Marquand, the son of "Return of the Jedi" director, the late Richard Marquand, defends his father's work on the final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy.

STREAMING - From IndieWire:  The "Star Wars" films (the three main trilogies and the stand alone films) won't be on Disney's upcoming streaming service until 2024.

EPISODE IX - From Deadline:  J.J. Abrams tweets first photo from the set of "Star Wars Episode IX."

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  George Lucas to be working with Disney on the script for "Star Wars IX."

EPISODE IX - From StarWars:  The cast for Star Wars Episode IX was officially announced today.  Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.

From BleedingCool:  Carrie Fisher will return in Star Wars IX via unused footage from Episode VII.
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THE CLONE WARS - From StarWars:  Beloved CGI animated series, "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" will return for a new season of 12 episodes... which will be available on Disney's "direct-to-consumer" streaming service.  This article also includes an interview with supervising director and "shepherd of the series," Dave Filoni.

EPISODE IX - From THR:  Sources confirm that Billy Dee Williams will return as "Lando Calrissian" for Star Wars Episode 9.

EPISODE IX - From THR:   Keri Russell is in talks to join Star Wars 9.  Russell previously appeared in Episode 9 director, J.J. Abrams' breakout TV series, "Felicity."

FRANCHISE - From Collider:  Sources say that Lucasfilm is putting the development of future "anthology films" or spinoff films (like "Rogue One," and "Solo") on hold.

EPISODE IX - From ScreenRant:  Rumors heat up that Billy Dee Williams will appear in Star Wars 9.

FRANCHISE - From WeGotThisCovered:  Lucasfilm Reportedly Has 9 Star Wars Movies In Development Right Now

GEORGE LUCAS - From DenofGeek:  Via an interview for James Cameron's TV series, "James Cameron's 's Story of Science Fiction," George Lucas reveals a few details about his unused plans for the Star Wars "sequel trilogy" (Episodes 7 to 9).

FRANCHISE - From ScreenRant:  "Star Wars" is taking a break.

LUCASFILM - From ScreenRant:  Star Wars Rumor: Kathleen Kennedy Stepping Down From Lucasfilm?

EPISODE IX - From FanthaTracks:  "Star Wars 9" changes working title from ""Black Diamond" to "trIXie"

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  Is Lando Calrissian returning for "Star Wars 9."

FUTURE - From SlashFilm:  Emilia Clarke is currently starring in "Solo: A Star Wars Story" and is the lead in HBO's "Game of Thrones."  She says that "Game of Thrones" TV series creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, will make their announced Star Wars TV series "Star Wars on acid."

FUTURE - From TheWrap:  There is a report that Oscar-nominated James Mangold has been hired to write and direct a "Boba Fett" movie.

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  Rumors are that "Legends" characters turned "Rebels" star, Grand Admiral Thrawn, will appear in Star Wars 9.

OBI-WAN - From JoBlo:  The rumored "Obi-Wan Kenobi" movie would be a prequel to "Star Wars: A New Hope" (Episode IV).

EPISODE IX - From FlickeringMyth:  Rumoured plot breakdown for Star Wars: Episode IX surfaces online

EPISODE IX - From WeGotItCovered:  Bizarre Star Wars: Episode IX Leak Points To Time Jumps And More

FRANCHISE - From EveningStandard:  The British newspaper site ranks the Star Wars films from best to worst - according to the writers.

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  Rumors have it that J.J. Abrams is looking for a new female lead for "Star Wars Episode 9."

ANIMATION - From Variety:  Disney Channel ordered the anime-inspired series, "Star Wars Resistance," which will debut this fall on Disney XD.

CARRIE FISHER - From SideshowToys: Todd Fisher talks about his late sister, Carrie, and late mother, Debbie, in this video interview.

EPISODE IX - From YahooMoviesUK: Lucasfilm has hired Victoria Mahoney as J.J. Abrams' second unit director on "Star Wars Episode 9."  She is the first black woman to work as a director on a Star Wars film.

FRANCHISE - From BleedingCool:  Rian Johnson says the "Star Wars" franchise needs directors who are not white guys.

EPISODE 9 - From EmpireOnline:  At "AwesomeCon 2018 (in Washington DC), John Boyega dropped some info saying that Finn and Rey would be reunited after spending "The Last Jedi" separated for almost the entire film.

FRANCHISE - From YahooDigitalSpy:  Not even Steven Spielberg could get the rights to use 'Star Wars' in 'Ready Player One'

CELEBRITY - From LATimes:  Mark Hamill gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

From Variety:  Harrison Ford remembers Carrie Fisher at the ceremony for Mark Hamill's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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STREAMING - From StarWars.com:  Jon Favreau to Executive Produce and Write Live-Action Star Wars Series

From YahooEntertainment:  Jon Favreau hired for 'Star Wars' series: Why fans have mixed feelings
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COMIC BOOKS - From StarWars:  How Dark Empire Kickstarted Star Wars Comics for a New Generation

TELEVISION - From CinemaBlend:  Could "Star Wars Resistance" be the next "Star Wars" animated or first live-action TV series?

FRANCHISE - From PopSugar:  All the Details We Have on the Upcoming Star Wars Films

EPISODE IX - From BleedingCool:  J.J. Abrams says he has a script for "Star Wars: Episode 9," and a start date for production.

THE FORCE AWAKEN - From DenofGeek:  New tidbits about "The Force Awakens," including an earlier different title for the film.

A NEW HOPE - From Oscars.org:   Myth-making: STAR WARS and the Art of Advertising

NEW FILMS - From Movieweb:  Will there be two "Star Wars" per year?

NEW FILMS - From StarWars:  "Game of Thones" creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, write and produce a new series of Star Wars films.  These films will be separate from the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently announced Rian Johnson trilogy.

CHARACTERS - From CinemaBlend:  More "Expanded Universe" characters may soon become canon, as "Grand Admiral Thrawn."

CARRIE FISHER - From USMagazine:  Carrie Fisher posthumously won the Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word Album" at the 60th Grammy Awards for the audio version of her 2016 memoir, "The Princess Diarist."

OBI-WAN - From YahooEntertainment:  After winning a Golden Globe for his performance in the FX (mini) series, "Fargo," Ewan McGregor was backstage to speak with the press and got grilled about playing Obi-Wan Kenobi.

EPISODE 9 - From YahooEntertainment:  How 'Star Wars: Episode IX' can give Princess Leia the ending she deserves

FRANCHISE - From TheNewYorker:  A Field Guide to the Musical Leitmotifs of “Star Wars”

ORIGINAL TRILOGY - From DenofGeek:  The secrecy of the Star Wars films apparently drove a wedge between Darth Vader actor, David Prowse, and Lucasfilm.

NEW TRILOGY - From TheScotsman:  The new Star Wars trilogy, to be created by Rian Johnson, is set to begin filming Summer 2018 in Scotland... according to this website.

Friday, December 28, 2018

Image Comics Announces "Stellar" Collection for January 2019

STAR-STUDDED STELLAR TRADE PAPERBACK HITS STORES THIS JANUARY

Collects issues #1-6

PORTLAND, OR — Writer Joseph Keatinge (FLAVOR, GLORY) and artist Bret Blevins (Sleepwalker, New Mutants) will release a trade paperback collection of STELLAR—created by Robert Kirkman and Marc Silvestri—this January from Image Comics/Skybound Entertainment.

Taken as a child, Stellar was transformed into the ultimate weapon, one that would end an intergalactic war. She succeeded…at everything except finding peace. Now she’s a bounty hunter, scouring the worlds she’s broken in a search for redemption. But there are other weapons loose in the galaxy, and some just can’t leave the war behind them.

“Working with Joseph on STELLAR has been a highlight of my career,” said Blevins. “We poured our hearts into bringing her story to you—I’ve never worked so hard on anything in my life. If you enjoy reading it even half as much as we enjoyed creating it, you’ll have a blast!”

STELLAR (Diamond code: OCT180120, ISBN: 978-1-5343-0870-1) hits comic book stores on Wednesday, January 16th, 2019 and bookstores on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2019. It can be preordered via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Indiebound, and Indigo.

STELLAR will also be available for purchase across many digital platforms, including the official Image Comics iOS app, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play.

Select praise for STELLAR:

“A fresh retelling of the bounty hunter tale.” —Black Nerd Problems

“Beautiful.” —ComicBook.com

“Impresses with its premise and world-building.” —Bleeding Cool

“This comic looks fantastic—great work from industry vet Blevins.” —The Beat

“A dramatic space opera with a nod to the classics as well as the contemporary.” —Comicon.com


ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has six individuals on the Board of Directors: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and Eric Stephenson. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

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Image Comics Dates "Oliver" Comic Book for January 2019


GARY WHITTA AND DARICK ROBERTSON’S OLIVER ARTFULLY DODGES ITS WAY INTO STORES THIS JANUARY

PORTLAND, OR — Award-winning screenwriter Gary Whitta (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Book Of Eli) teams with celebrated artist Darick Robertson (HAPPY!, Transmetropolitan, The Boys) for the highly anticipated new dystopian series OLIVER—coming this January from Image Comics.

“OLIVER has been more than 15 years in the making, so it’s a particular thrill to finally see it on its way to a comics store near you, and at a time when it feels more relevant than ever,” said Whitta. “I couldn’t be more excited to be working with my long-time friend Darick Robertson, whose artwork I’ve admired ever since his groundbreaking work on Transmetropolitan.”

In this totally new take on a literary classic, Charles Dickens’ most famous orphan is reimagined as a post-apocalyptic superhero fighting to liberate a war-ravaged England while searching for the truth about his own mysterious origins.

“This project has been a long labor of love for me,” said Robertson. “Co-creating OLIVER has been an opportunity to bring my level best work, with support from Eric Stephenson and Image. It is the essence of what brings me passion for comics and visual storytelling. With OLIVER, I have been able to co-create a rich, emotionally engaging story by my (very patient) friend Gary Whitta, whose career has just surged in the time we have been creating this book. For me, this is what indie comics are all about. I am thrilled to have it scheduled for its January launch at long last.”

OLIVER #1 (Diamond code: NOV180029) will be available in comic book stores on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, December 31st, 2018.

Advance praise for OLIVER:

Gary Whitta slips effortlessly from movies into comics with a terrific story and career-best art from Darick Robertson.” —Mark Millar

This is compelling and masterful storytelling, vividly set in a world that is both familiar and startling.” —Dave Gibbons


ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has six individuals on the Board of Directors: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and Eric Stephenson. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

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Thursday, December 27, 2018

Marvel Studios Link-o-Rama 2018 - Update #140

Support Leroy on Patreon:

Leroy Douresseaux's "Avengers: Infinity War" review is here.
Leroy Douresseaux's "Ant-Man and the Wasp" review is here.

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

TRAILER - 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.

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

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KEVIN FEIGE - From Variety:  In this "Playback Podcast," Feige talks about ten years of Marvel Studios and "Black Panther" in Oscar contention.

BLACK PANTHER - From AwardsWatch:  "Black Panther" named best picture of 2018 by the Black Film Critics Circle.

SPIDER-MAN - From Collider: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Jacob Batalon appear at Brazil's Comic-Con CCXP, and they revealed new details about "Spider-Man: Far From Home."  It seems Mysterio and Spider-Man work together.

BLACK PANTHER - From TheWrap:  Andy Serkis says that Chadwick Boseman nearly broke his ribs during the filming of a fight scene for "Black Panther."

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From GeekTyrant:  James Gunn's script for "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" is apparently quite good, even making some people cry.  Of course, Disney fired Gunn as director of the film...

MARVEL TV - From TheWrap:  Amy Rutberg, an actress on Marvel/Netflix's "Daredevil," says that it was Netflix's decision to cancel the series after three seasons.

DOCTOR STRANGE - From THR:  Reports say that Scott Derrickson will return for a "Doctor Strange," which could hit theaters in 2021.

AVENGERS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios is saying that the "Avengers: Endgame" trailer is the most viewed film trailer in history with 289 million views in the first 24 hours of posting it, breaking the record that the film trailer "Avengers: Infinity War." set

SPIDER-MAN - From Collider:  See Spider-Man's "stealth suit" for next summer's "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  Joe and Anthony Russo, the masterminds behind the second and third Captain America films and Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4, talk about the future.

CAPTAIN MARVEL/AVENGERS - From GeekTyrant:  The second full "Captain Marvel" trailer will debut during the Dec. 3th telecast of "Monday Night Football" on ESPN.  Rumors say that the "Avengers 4" trailer will debut Wed., Dec. 5th.

AVENGERS - From YahooEntertainment:  Joe Russo, do-director of the recent Avengers movies with his brother Anthony, says that Chris Evans is not finished with Captain America.

STAN LEE - From ScreenRant:  Marvel Comics' legendary writer-editor, Stan Lee, who recently died, has made cameo appearances in numerous films based on Marvel Comics characters.  He has appeared in all the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, beginning with 2008's "Iron Man."  He reportedly already filmed cameos for the upcoming "Captain Marvel" and "Avengers 4."

BLACK PANTHER - From ThePlaylist: Director Ryan Coogler admits that he did not think that "Black Panther" would work, and also talks about the pressures of the sequel.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From CBR:  The latest photo image from "Captain Marvel" may indicate what year in which the film is set.

AVENGERS - From WeGotThisCovered:  Is there more evidence that "Avengers 4" will be entitled "Avengers: Annihilation."

KEVIN FEIGE - From ThePlaylist:   Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, gives updates on "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" (It's on hold.).  He also says that a trailer for "Avengers 4" is due before the end of the year.

SPIDER-MAN - From YahooUK:  Tom Holland shares Instagram post as "Spider-Man: Far From Home" wraps production.

AVENGERS - From ComicBook:  Jim Starlin, who created the Marvel Comics' character, Thanos, wanted Arnold Schwarzenegger or Idris Elba to play the character.  In the Marvel Studios films, Josh Brolin plays Thanos.

BLACK PANTHER - From THR:  Ryan Coogler has signed on to write and direct "Black Panther 2."

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Brie Larson apparently has a 7-picture deal to play Captain Marvel for Marvel Studios.

BLACK WIDOW - From THR:  According to this article, Scarlett Johansson, will get a $15 million payday for a "Black Widow" stand alone film.

AVENGERS - From GeekTyrant:  Chris Evans ("Captain America") has announced that he has officially wrapped production on "Avengers 4."  He leaves a heartfelt message for fans... that sounds like a goodbye.

AVENGERS - From GoldDerby:  The site writes "5 reasons why ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ deserves a Best Picture Oscar nomination"

AVENGERS 4 - From TheWrap:  Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson head to Atlanta to the set of "Avengers 4"...

THE ETERNALS - From Variety:  Chloe Zhao is reportedly the director of Marvel Studio's in development film, "The Eternals," based on the comic book created by Jack Kirby.

MARVEL TV - From Variety:  "Wonder Woman" screenwriter developing a Marvel female superhero series for ABC.

STREAMING - From Variety:  Marvel Comics characters like Loki and Scarlet Witch will get their own series on Disney's new streaming TV service.  The actors who portrayed them in film are expected to portray them on the new television series.

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  Mark Ruffalo says that "Avengers 4" reshoots are about finishing the film.

AVENGERS - From DarkHorizons:  Jeremy Renner teases his return to the next "Avengers" films as Hawkeye.

BLACK PANTHER - From TheNewYorker:  Contributor Awol Erizku takes a look at the career of costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who designed stunning costumes for "Black Panther."

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From EW:  Entertainment has an exclusive "first look" at Marvel Studios' next film, "Captain Marvel," with 10 images from the film.

BLACK PANTHER - From YahooGQ:  Marvel Studios' smash hit film, "Black Panther," is now on Netflix.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Deadline:  Dave Bautista says that he may not return for "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" in the wake of Disney firing Guardians franchise director, James Gunn.

BLACK PANTHER - From YahooEntertainment:  Yahoo has a first look at the "Black Panther" animated series, "Marvel's Avengers: Black Panther's Quest," which is the fifth season of Disney XD's "Avengers Assemble" series.

KEVIN FEIGE - From BleedingCool:  The Producers Guild of America will honor Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige with the "David O. Selznick Achievement Award."

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From THR:  Disney and Marvel Studios has put production on "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" on hold, in the wake of the firing of director James Gunn.

FUTURE - From WeGotThisCovered:  "Ironheart" rising?  Is it evident?

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From WeGotThisCovered:  New promotional art reveals a fuller look at Brie Larson in Captain Marvel suit.

AVENGERS 4 - From ExpressUK:  Leaked photos from the "Avengers 4" set may be validating fan theories that Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor travel through time to stop Thanos.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Variety:  Disney AND Marvel are reportedly standing firm on the firing of "Guardians" director James Gunn from the third installment of the franchise.

From ThePlaylist:  Marvel Studios is apparently trying to convince their Disney bosses to reverse the firing of "Guardians 1 & 2" director James Gunn as director of the franchise's third film.
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CAPTAIN MARVEL - From WeGotThisCovered:  Actor Ben Mendelsohn is assumed to be playing the villain in Marvel Studio's 2019 film, "Captain Marvel."  Some believe he will play a Skrull (a classic Marvel Comics alien race) general.

BLACK PANTHER - From THR:  "Black Panther" finally crosses the $700 million mark in domestic box office, becoming the third film to do so, without adjusting for inflation.  [Several films from the distant past would cross that mark if their tickets sales were converted to today's prices.]

SPIDER-MAN - From BleedingCool:  Marvel and Sony release the official logo for next summer's "Spider-Man: Far From Home," the sequel to "Spider-Man: Homecoming."

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From CinemaBlend:  The primary cast of Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy" films release a statement in support of the "Guardians" franchise director, James Gunn, who Disney recently fired.  Read the full statement at the link.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Deadline:   James Gunn responds to Disney firing him from the third "Guardians of the Galaxy" film.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP - From THR:  David Dastmalchian plays Russian ex-con, Kurt, part of Scott Lang/Ant-Man's crew.  "The Hollywood Reporter" has a feature on Dastmalchian, who got a big break in Chris Nolan's "The Dark Knight."

RUMORS - From WeGotThisCovered: Marvel Studios commissioned a script in which Iron Man go from being Tony Stark to Riri Williams, a character in the comic books who is mentored by Stark.  Oh, and Riri is an African-American girl.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Deadline:  Disney has fired James Gunn, the director of Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy Franchise, over old social media posts.

FRANCHISE - From Deadline:  "Iron Man" At 10: How One Film Set A Dominant Path For Marvel, Kevin Feige, Robert Downey Jr. & Jon Favreau

BLACK PANTHER - From Forbes:  "Black Panther" still stalking the $700 million mark in domestic box office.

BLACK WIDOW - From Collider:  Cate Shortland will direct the "Black Widow" stand-alone movie... according to sources.

BLACK PANTHER - From Variety:  Sean "Diddy" Combs calls "Black Panther" film a "cruel experiment."

SPIDER-MAN - From ShadowandAct:  Actor, comedian, pitchman, JB Smoove, joins "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP - From Variety:  "Ant-Man and the Wasp" leads the global box office with an estimated haul of $161 million.

From Variety:  "Ant-Man and the Wasp" leads the 7/6 to 7/8/2018 weekend box office with an estimated haul of $76 million.
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THE FUTURE - From Polygon:  Here’s who could direct the Black Widow movie that’s finally happening

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP - From BRAdvocate:  Michelle Pfieffer threated to quit "Ant-Man and the Wasp," in which she portrays "Janet Van Dyne"

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR - From DenofGeek:  Details and release date for the "Infinity War" DVD/Blu-ray.

ANT MAN & THE WASP - From CinemaBlend:  8 Things to Remember Before Seeing Ant-Man and the Wasp

AVENERS 4 - Esquire:  Is "Avengers 4" really entitled "Avengers: End Game."

THE FUTURE - From WinonaDailyNews:  Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, says that will Marvel will continue to introduce new characters.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP - From THR:  The Hollywood Reporter reviews the new film and says, "An enjoyably goofy respite from Marvel's A-list musclemen."

THE FUTURE - From EW:  Marvel Studios chief says that Marvel Cinematic Universe will soon include two openly LGBTQ characters.

SPIDER-MAN - From TechnoBuffalo:  "Spider-Man: Homecoming" sequel has a title.  It is "Spider-Man: Far From Home"

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP - From Yahoo:  Marvel screens "Ant-Man and the Wasp" for entertainment writers, who seem to like the film.  The film opens in North America July 6th.

From YahooView:  "Ant-Man and the Wasp" star Evangeline Lilly was on ABC daytime talk show, "The View," to talk about the fim.

BLACK WIDOW - From ThePlaylist: Australian director, Cate Shortland, is reportedly on a shortlist to helm Marvel's possible "Black Widow" film.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From WeGotThisCovered:  Samuel L. Jackson says that Captain Marvel is the most powerful hero in the Marvel Universe.

AVENGERS - From JoBlo:  "Avengers: Infinity War" has crossed the $2 billion dollar mark.

THE BOSS:  From Deadline:  Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige talks about Marvel's success, female directors, and "Infinity War 2."

THE FUTURE - From ComicBook:  Writer-director Jay Chandrasekhar (the "Super Troopers" films) says Marvel Studios has reached out to him to gauge his interest in a future project.

BLACK PANTHER - From QZ:  There is a lawsuit over a music video from Kendrick Lamar related to the Black Panther soundtrack.

SPIDER-MAN - From PopSugar:  Jake Gyllenhaal is in talks to play Spider-Man supervillain, Mysterio, in the follow-up film to "Spider-Man Homecoming."

From WeGotThisCovered:  Tom Holland Tips His Hat To Marvel Legend Stan Lee Following Spidey Praise

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From Nerdist:  Here are new "Captain Marvel" rumors.

BLACK PANTHER - From ComicBook: Marvel Stunt Drivers Describe 'Black Panther' On-Set Experience

THE FUTURE - From TheWrap:  Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, says that the studio will develop a film starring Muslim female superhero, Ms. Marvel, who is 16-year-old Pakistani-American, Kamala Kahn.

AVENGERS - From ComicBook:  "Avengers: Infinity War" is now the highest grossing superhero movie of all time.

THE FUTURE - From CinemaBlend:  Simon Pegg wants to bring "Captain Britain" to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

IRON MAN - From Yahoo: Robert Downey, Jr.'s original "Iron Man" suit was stolen from a prop facility in Pacoima, California.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From SlashFilm:  Annette Bening has a secret role in 2019's Captain Marvel.

THOR - From THR:  "The Boundless Potential of Thor"

AVENGERS - From CNNMoney:  "Infinity War" makes its to $1 billion in worldwide box office in record time, 11 days.

AVENGERS - From Variety:  Box Office: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ to Hit $1 Billion in Record Time

ANT MAN AND THE WASP - From ScreenRant:  There is a new "Ant Man and the Wasp" trailer.

BLACK PANTHER - From BleedingCool:  Black Panther Star Chadwick Boseman Gets Honorary Doctorate, Will Deliver Howard University Commencement Address

SPIDER-MAN - From BritishGQ:  Rising star, Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Homecoming") is the future of the Marvel franchise.

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  "Avengers: Infinity War" may have an opening weekend box office gross ($245 million) that will be second only to the record set by "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

AVENGERS - From TheVillageVoice:  Yes, “Infinity War” Goes on Forever, but Thanos Makes It Worth the Time

AVENGERS - From TheNewYorker:  Complete List of Characters in “Avengers: Infinity War”

AVENGERS - From Variety:  $39 million in Thursday night shows for "Infinity War," the fourth highest total in box office history.

AVENGERS - From Variety:  "Avengers: Infinity War" opens in 21 overseas markets for a total $39 million.

AVENGERS - From Variety:  "Avengers: Infinity War" Heads to Monster $225+ Million Opening Weekend

AVENGERS - From Variety:  First reactions on "Infinity War" are in.  Full reviews are embargoed until 3 pm, Tuesday, April 27, 2018.

PHASE FOUR - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige confirms that "Eternals" is one of the projects in development.

SPIDER-MAN - From SlashFilm:  Spider-Man will travel the globe in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" sequel.

AVENGERS - From YahooGMA:  Chris Evans says "this could be it" for him and a few Marvel stars whose contracts are expiring soon.

BLACK PANTHER - From ShadowandAct:  Unsegregated 'Black Panther' Screening Marks New Age Of Entertainment In Saudi Arabia After Decades-Long Cinema Ban

AVENGERS - From ThePlaylist:  More "Avengers: Infinity War" cameos revealed... accidentally?

MARVEL TV - From EW:  Meet the cast of Freeform's "Cloak and Dagger."

BLACK PANTHER - From BleedingCool:  The post-credit scene featuring The Winter Soldier in "Black Panther" was apparently longer than what was scene in theaters.

AVENGERS - From THR:  Carrie Coon will play a villain, "Proxima Midnight," in "Avengers: Infinity War."

AVENGERS - From YahooEntertainment:  Russo Bros. not ready to reveal the title for "Avengers," which is due May 2019.

AVENGERS - From TheWrap:  Co-director Joe Russo is shocked to learn that Indonesia's Film Censorship Institute has cut seven minutes from "Avengers: Infinity War."

AVENGERS - From BleedingCool:  Anthony and Joe Russo says that "Avengers: Infinity War" finishes the story they began in "Captain Marvel: The Winter Soldier" (2014).

PHASE FOUR - From WeGotItCovered:  Rumors say Marvel Studios is set to announce a movie based on the "Eternals" comic book characters created by Jack Kirby.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From CinemaBlend:  Clark Gregg (Agent Coulson from "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD) arrives on the set of "Captain Marvel" and sends a teasing Instagram.

AVENGERS - From YahooVariety:  Fandango tracker record-setting pace for ticket pre-sales on "Avengers: Infinity War."

BLACK PANTHER - From YahooNewsweek:  "Black Panther" will arrive on DVD, Blu-ray, and "Steel Book" editions May 15th with snazzy extras.

AVENGERS - From CBR:  Even the cast has not seen "Avengers: Infinity War."

BLACK PANTHER - From YahooTheWrap:  There is a "Black Panther" toy shortage.

AVENGERS - From Variety:  Marvel release an intense new teaser trailer for "Avengers: Infinity War," entitled "The Chant."  Yibambe!

BLACK PANTHER - From THR:  Marvel's "Black Panther" is the #3 top-grossing film in North American box office (not adjusted for inflation).

MARVEL STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Studios Production Chief Victoria Alonzo talks social change and #TimesUp.

BLACK PANTHER - From Variety:  When Marvel's "Black Panther" (via Disney's Middle East distribution partner, Italia Film) makes its debut in Saudi Arabia on April 18th, it will be first screening of a film since movie theaters were banned in the kingdom in the early 1980s.

AVENGERS - From Variety:  "Avengers: Infinity War" on Track for Massive $200 Million Opening

AVENGERS - From YahooEntertainment: Marvel unleashes 22 poster images for "Avengers: Infinity War."

BLACK PANTHER - From Mashable:  "Black Panther" has passed "Jurassic World" in all-time U.S. box office.  Next up is "Titanic."

DOCTOR STRANGE - From CinemaBlend:  If "Doctor Strange" writer C. Robert Cargill gets to write a sequel to the film, he wants Nightmare to the be the villain.

BLACK PANTHER - From Forbes:  "Black Panther" just set another box office milestone.

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From WeGotThisCovered:  Brie Larson reports for duty as "Captain Marvel" begins filming.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP:  From WeGotThisCovered:  Marvel Studios begins promo "100 Days" campaign for its upcoming film, "Ant-Man and the Wasp."

BLACK PANTHER:  From TheFederalist:  What The Success Of ‘Black Panther’ Says About The American People

BLACK PANTHER:  From SlashFilm:  Marvel's "Black Panther" is now the highest grossing superhero movie ever in the United States with a domestic take of $624 million.

AVENGERS - From ThePlaylist:  Chris Evans says that he is done with Marvel Studios after "Avengers 4."

AVENGERS:  From NerdlyUK:  Disney Channels UK and Ireland launch "Marvel Avengers" channel.

BLACK PANTHER - From CNET:  "Black Panther" beats "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" as most-tweeted-about movie of all time.

BLACK PANTHER - From Forbes:  Why "Black Panther" should terrify every Hollywood studio.

AVENGERS - From WeGotThisCovered:  "Avengers: Infinity War" will apparently have a running time of 156 minutes (2 hours, 36 minutes).

AVENGERS - From YahooEntertainment:  Final riveting "Avengers: Infinity War" trailer debuts.

AVENGERS - From YahooTheWrap:  Who is that guy torturing Doctor Strange in new "Avengers: Infinity War" trailer?

BLACK PANTHER - From Truthout:  Wakanda in Schools: The "Black Panther" Curriculum Makes Its Debut

THE FUTURE - From WeGotThisCovered:  If the X-Men do make it into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (via the Disney's planned acquisition of Fox), British actor, Tom Payne, "Paul 'Jesus' Rovia" of "The Walking Dead," want to play Wolverine.

LUKE CAGE - From Variety:  Marvel/Netflix's "Luke Cage" Season 2 debuts June 22, 2018.

MCU - From WeGotThisCovered:  Beyond Black Panther: 8 Black Marvel Heroes Who Should Join The MCU Next

TRAILERS/VIDEO:

From YouTube:  Watch the recent "Cloak and Dagger" promo trailer, "Powers."  The TV series, based on the Marvel Comics title, debuts on Freeform, June 7th.

From TheVerge:  Watch the first trailer for season 2 of Marvel’s Luke Cage


"Aquaman" Swims to Half-Billion in Global Box Office

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Aquaman” to Hit a High Watermark of Half a Billion Dollars at the Global Box Office

At Number 1 in the world, James Wan’s spectacular underwater adventure has captivated moviegoers from sea to shining sea and beyond

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Aquaman” is a worldwide box office hero, set to take in more than $500 million by the end of the day. The announcement was made today by Ron Sanders, President of Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures Group and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

    “We look forward to ‘Aquaman’ riding this wave of success through the holiday window and well into the new year. Congratulations to the entire team behind this film.”

“Aquaman” began its remarkable run earlier this month in China when, on the heels of an appearance by director James Wan and stars Jason Momoa and Amber Heard, the film celebrated an almost $95 million opening weekend, the highest-ever opening for a Warner Bros. film in that market, where it currently stands at more than $230 million. The stop was just one in a global tour that hit cities across four continents, from London to New York City to Manila, Australia and beyond, capping off a strategic campaign that kicked off last summer with Momoa diving off a cliff to preview the trailer launch ahead of the cast’s arrival at San Diego International Comic-Con.

Number 1 internationally for the third consecutive weekend, the film opened this past Friday in North America, where it has an impressive cume of $72.7 million and counting, with approximately 14 percent of the gross coming from IMAX screens. In the 70 markets now in release, including Brazil ($17.1 million), Mexico ($16.1 million), Russia ($12.8 million) and the UK ($12.8 million), the international cume to date now stands at $415.5 million, with Australia set to open on December 26, Italy on January 1, and Japan on February 8. “Aquaman” is presently en route to becoming the highest grossing Warner Bros. film ever in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan, among other markets.

“James Wan has created a terrific movie that is clearly connecting with audiences around the world,” said Sanders. “We look forward to ‘Aquaman’ riding this wave of success through the holiday window and well into the new year. Congratulations to the entire team behind this film.”

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes “Aquaman,” the origin story of half-surface dweller, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry that takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be…a king. The action-packed adventure spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, and stars Jason Momoa in the title role.

The film also stars Amber Heard as Mera, a fierce warrior and Aquaman’s ally throughout his journey; Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe (“The Florida Project”) as Vulko, council to the Atlantean throne; Patrick Wilson as Orm, the present King of Atlantis; Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, King of the Atlantean tribe Xebel; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the revenge-seeking Black Manta; and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman (“The Hours”) as Arthur’s mom, Atlanna. Also featured are Ludi Lin as Captain Murk, an Atlantean Commando, and Temuera Morrison as Arthur’s dad, Tom Curry.

Wan directed from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall, story by Geoff Johns & James Wan and Will Beall, based on characters created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger for DC. The film was produced by Peter Safran and Rob Cowan, with Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns and Walter Hamada serving as executive producers.

Wan’s team behind the scenes included such frequent collaborators as Oscar-nominated director of photography Don Burgess (“Forrest Gump”), Wan’s five-time editor Kirk Morri, production designer Bill Brzeski, and visual effects supervisor Kelvin McIlwain. They were joined by costume designer Kym Barrett and composer Rupert Gregson-Williams.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Peter Safran Production, a James Wan Film, “Aquaman.” The film has been released in 3D and 2D and IMAX, and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

“Aquaman” is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language.

www.aquamanmovie.com

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