Film – Actor Paul Bettany (who has voiced JARVIS in several Marvel Studios films) will be the Vision in Avengers 2. The big question on everyone’s mind now: How does The Vision fit into the plot? It has been rumored Ultron will be the product of Tony Stark… So is The Vision a counter creation? Or possibly a by-product of Ultron’s development? Only Joss Whedon knows– and he ain’t telling. [Screen Rant]
Television – Some unfortunate news for Mob City fans: TNT isn’t picking up a second season. (The plot did move a bit slower than most people would’ve liked– even with the compressed six-episode run.) I enjoyed the series– enough to want a second season to at least tie up some loose ends… But I guess I will have to make up my own finale now. [Collider]
Collectibles – This Iron Man 2: Whiplash Mark II figure has been one of my favourites from Hot Toys since I took over this column. I honestly couldn’t tell you why– since the villain is kind of crappy. But hey, an awesome figure is an awesome figure… No matter how you look at it. [Hot Toys Facebook]
Television – This week has been flooded with casting news for FOX’s Gotham series. The biggest casting choice: Ben McKenzie as James Gordon. Typically, this would be the only casting I would have to talk about in any given week, but FOX has laid it all out there– casting Robin Lord Taylor as the Penguin, Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth, Zabryna Guevara as Captain Essen, Erin Richards as Barbara Kean (aka Barbara Gordon)… And finally, Sons of Anarchy alum Donal Logue as Harvey Bullock. It will be fascinating to see how the series attempts to differentiate itself from The Bat’s cinematic world, and how much it will rely on the classic Gotham Central comic. [THR, The Wrap, ICv2]
Film – Ahhhh, shit… An Akira live action film might still be happening. Admittedly, I arrived late to the popular manga and the anime… But the original film is grand in scope and message– with an amazing story and some of the best animation ever. I’m not necessarily opposed to a live action version… But I definitely hate to hear potential director Jaume Collet-Serra says things like, “[he hopes to] bring strong characters.” He continues, “I don’t think the main characters are the protagonists… That’s part of the Japanese culture, they never have strong characters. They’re used as a way to move the other philosophy forward.” All that sounds like a big FUCK YOU! to Japanese culture. If a live action movie ever does happen, I really hope Collet-Serra has nothing to do with it. [Anime News Network]
Collectibles – This is just too funny not to mention: Check out this custom Mayor of Toronto Rob Ford figure. Unfortunately for you, the auction is already over– with a winning bid of $99. [eBay]
Funny – By now you probably know of my disdain for the film Gravity. Save yourself the trouble of watching it by enjoying this SIXTY SECOND video instead. It’s SO much better… And will save you 90 minutes.
Film – It’s time a movie I really want to see gets made. James Franco’s Rabbit Bandini Productions has acquired the documentary rights to the making of The Room. (AKA: The Worst Movie Ever Made.) If you’ve never heard of The Room, here’s all you need to know: It’s a truly terrible movie which has garnered a cult following. Like all great cult classics, there are actual games you can play if you ever go and watch it in a theater. I am ridiculously curious to discover how Greg Sestero and Tommy Wiseau decided to make this film and how its resulting infamy has affected their lives. [Deadline]
Television – Any other casting news NOT related to FOX’s Gotham could’ve easily been overshadowed this week. But I have even more DC casting news for the CW Network’s Flash pilot (which looks increasingly like it’s just going straight to a full series order). Tom Cavanagh (Ed) has been cast as S.T.A.R. Labs CEO Harrison Wells. The character was mentioned during Arrow’s mid-season finale and is supposed to be a leading role. Plus John Wesley Shipp (The original 1990s TV Flash) will appear in the pilot. The specifics of his role have not been announced, but it’s possible he’s playing a recurring character. Flash fans– are you happy to see the original TV Flash? Sound off in the comments below! [Superhero Hype, Comics Alliance]
Comics – Greg Rucka (Yeah!) returns to Marvel (WTF?! That was a short self-imposed exile!) with a Cyclops ongoing (Uhh… Meh?). This might actually be an X-comic worth checking out though. A bit of a SPOILER WARNING if you read All-New X-Men… (SPOILER NOW!) The new comic will feature Cyclops in space. Why Scott Summers is there is a direct result of events occurring in All-New X-Men #23. With Rucka on board, I’m willing to give the book a chance. [Multiversity Comics]
Collectibles – These Game of Thrones figures are pretty damn sweet! The only problem with them? I don’t see Tyrion Lannister! (Apparently his figure is coming later). [Nerdist]
Film – According to director Zack Snyder, the new Batman vs Superman film is influenced by The Dark Knight Returns comic book mini-series. He says it won’t be a direct adaptation, but it will have similar themes– “having an older, more advised Batman.” It sounds like a bunch of bullshit to me… With Snyder probably trying to calm fanboys by referencing one of the greatest Batman stories ever created. Nothing like creating false hope, eh? Who wants to bet these statements come around to bite him in the ass? (Fanboys have loooong memories.) [IGN]
Film – Actor/Producer Tom Cruise is getting sued over Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol! Crazy right?! Maybe. The plaintiff, Tim McLanahan, is suing Cruise, Paramount Pictures and others for a whopping One Billion Dollars (Insert Dr. Evil joke here.). The suit’s biggest hurdle? It’s reportedly full of holes, timing issues and grammatical mistakes. Needless to say, most Hollywood wags don’t expect McLanahan to win. [I Watch Stuff]
Cool Art – Artist Denis Medri has created some great concept pieces for a Star Wars 1980s High School Redesign. The art album is loaded with incredible shots of iconic Star Wars moments transformed into John Hughes-influenced high school situations. My two favourites are Han Shot First and Breakfast Wars. Which ones do you like? [Deviant Art]
