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

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

Support Leroy on Patreon:

NEWS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEASERS & TRAILERS:

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

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

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

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

MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE (MCU):

Review: Iron Man (2008)

Review: The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Review: Iron Man 2 (2010)

Review: Thor (2011)

Review:  Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Review:  Marvel's The Avengers (2012)

Review: Iron Man 3 (2013)

Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Review:  Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Review: Ant-Man (2015)

Review: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

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

Review:  Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Review: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Review:  Black Panther (2018)

Review:  Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Review:  Captain Marvel (2019)

Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

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

Review: Black Widow (2021)

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

Review: Eternals (2021)

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

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

Review: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Review: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

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

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

Review: The Marvels (2023)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

Review: "THE MARVELS" is a Fun-Filled Marvel

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 49 of 2023 (No. 1938) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Marvels (2023)

Running time:  105 minutes (1 hour, 45 minutes)

MPAA – PG-13 for action/violence and brief language

DIRECTOR:  Nia DaCosta

WRITERS:  Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, and Elissa Karasik

PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Sean Bobbitt (BSC)

EDITORS:  Catrin Hedström and Evan Schiff

COMPOSER:  Laura Karpman

SUPERHERO/SCI-FI/ACTION with elements of comedy

Starring:  Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Park See-joon, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, Leila Farzad, Abraham Popoola, Lashana Lynch, and Samuel L. Jackson, Tessa Thompson, Hailee Steinfeld, and Kelsey Grammer

REVIEW SUMMARY:

• The Marvels is a direct sequel to the film, Captain Marvel (2019), and a continuation of the Disney+ miniseries, “Ms. Marvel” (2022).

• The story brings Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel together to stop a Kree warrior named Dar-Benn from destroying several worlds in a bid to save the Kree home world, Hala.

• The film is short and sweet and is also a quirky and weird science fiction superhero film that is similar in tone to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and to the Marvel film, Thor: Ragnarok (2017).

• The Marvels' plot is a bit scattershot, but the fight and action scenes are highly energetic, resulting in a fun Marvel film full of likable characters.

______________________________________________________________

The Marvels is a 2023 superhero film directed by Nia DaCosta and produced by Marvel Studios.  The film is the 33rd entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is also a direct sequel to 2019's Captain Marvel.  The Marvels is also a continuation of the Disney+/Marvel Studios television miniseries, "Ms. Marvel" (2022).

The film is headlined by the Marvel Comics character, Carol Danvers, who first appeared in the comic book, Marvel Super-Heroes #13 (cover dated: March 1968), and who later became Captain Marvel.  In The Marvels, Captain Marvel gets her powers entangled with two other similarly-powered individuals, forcing the trio to work together to save the universe.

The Marvels opens with a focus on Hala, the capital planet of the Kree Empire.  The collapse of the empire's “Supreme Intelligence” leads to a civil war among the Kree on their home world of Hala.  The result is that the planet is becoming barren as it loses its natural resources and its sun is rapidly going dark.  Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), the new leader of the Kree, retrieves one of two “Quantum Bands.”  She hopes to harness its power and to pair it with her staff, “the Universal Weapon,” as part of her scheme to save Hala.

On Earth, specifically in a home in Jersey City, New Jersey, teenager Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), who is also the superhero, “Ms. Marvel,” is dealing with teenage and family issues.  Kamala also happens to possess the other half of the Quantum Bands.

Meanwhile, above the Earth, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), now residing at the S.A.B.E.R. space station, has detected a “jump point” (which allows for hyperspace travel) anomaly caused by Dar-Benn.  Nick Fury calls in Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), an astronaut who has the ability to manipulate all wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, to investigate the jump point anomaly near S.A.B.E.R.

When Monica touches the jump point at the same time as Captain Marvel, it causes a reaction in which Monica, Carol, and Kamala switch places through teleportation.  Now, this reaction brings the three young women together in order to stop Dar-Benn from destroying several worlds in order to save her home world, Hala.  And Kamala thinks that she, Carol, and Monica can best do this as a team, a super-team she names “The Marvels.

In addition to being a sequel to the 2019 film, Captain Marvel, and being a continuation of the Ms. Marvel TV series, The Marvels includes story elements that appear in the Disney+ Marvel Studios miniseries, “WandaVision” (2021) and “Secret Invasion” (2023).  There are also elements from Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).  At this point, I wonder if watching Marvel movies means having to be familiar with what has happened in too many previous films and television series.  There is also a scene that runs in the middle of the end credits that references other movies based on Marvel Comics characters.

Still, I love The Marvels.  I have not subscribed to Disney+, and I only saw the fifth and sixth episodes of the Ms. Marvels miniseries when it was aired on the ABC broadcast network in early September (2023).  I love The Marvels because I can figure out what is going on without having seen everything else it references.  If I really want to know more, I can read Wikipedia summaries of the Disney+ series that I have not seen.

The Marvels is marvelously enjoyable.  It is a science fiction adventure comedy that makes a comedy of physical errors out of every fight.  It's more like Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017) than it is like any other Marvel film.  Director Nia DaCosta and her co-writers take time to develop the relationship between Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel.  Also, giving so much time to Kamala family:  her mother, Muneeba Khan (Zenobia Shroff); her father, Yusuf Khan (Mohan Kapur); and her older brother, Aamir Khan (Saagar Shaikh), gives the film a human element that keeps the sci-fi, outer space weirdness of The Marvels from entirely taking over the narrative.  Yes, the plot is a bit scattershot, but The Marvels is kinetic and packs a lot energy in its fight and action scenes.

The Marvels also gives us a lighter, funnier side of Nick Fury, and, the delights of Goose, the cat-like “Flerken” alien is multiplied this time.  Dar-Benn turns out to be one of the more ruthless and interesting of the MCU's recent villains.  And if that isn't enough, The Marvels has one of the MCU's best (if not the best) extra credit scenes.  The Marvels is refreshingly short, and while it is more loose than cohesive, it does remind me of one thing.  Every trip to the world of Marvel Studios' films is an out of this world experience.

[The film includes one extra-credits scenes that takes place during the middle of the credits (mid-credits).]

A

8 of 10

★★★★ out of 4 stars

Friday, November 10, 2023

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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

A "Star Wars" Link-o-Rama 2023 by Negromancer - Update #22

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS AND RUMORS:

WILLOW - From Deadline:  Warwick Davis, star of the (maybe) cancelled Disney+ series, "Willow," is embarrassed that the series has been removed from Disney+.  The series is based on the beloved 1988 Ron Howard film, Willow.

FRANCHISE - From Deadline:  In a new licensing deal, all 11 live-action "Star Wars" movies will be available on Disney's linear networks, including ABC (broadcast) and FX nets and Freeform (cable).  Warner Bros. Discovery's Turner networks will also continue to carry the movies.

ROGUE ONE - From THR:  Gareth Edwards, the director of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, says that there is so much inaccuracy on the Internet about its making.  For instance, Edwards says that HE directed the Darth Vader corridor scenes that comes at the end of the film's last act.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Star Wars" comic book solicitations for December 2023

LANDO - From Variety:  The "Lando" TV series that Donald Glover (who played Lando Calrissian in the film, "Solo: A Star Wars Story") and his brother, Stephen Glover, are developing will now be a film.

LUCASFILM - From Variety:  Disney-owned Lucasfilm/ Industrial Light & Magic is to close its VFX and animation facility in Singapore, where more than 300 people are employed.

EMMYS - From StarWars:  At the 2023 / 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, four Disney+ Lucasfilm series received a total of 23 nominations in 21 total categories:  the dramas: "Andor," "Obi-Wan Kenobi," and "The Mandalorian," and the documentary series, "Light & Magic." The winners will be announced Monday, September 18th.

BOBA FETT - From CBR:  According to inside sources, a season two of the Lucasfilm Disney+ series, "The Book of Boba Fett," is not happening.

AHSOKA - From Deadline:  The Lucasfilm series, "Star Wars: Ahsoka," will begin streaming on Disney+ August 23rd.

OBI-WAN - From CBR:  Fellow cast member, Vivien Lyra Blair (young "Princess Leia") says that actor Ewan McGregor is begging for a second season of the Lucasfilm Disney+ series, "Obi-Wan."

SKELETON CREW - From CBR:  The Disney+ series, "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew," will supposedly have 8 episodes.  This series may debut in November or December of 2023.

OBIT - From THR:  There has been a death in the "Star Wars" family.  Irish film and television actor, Ray Stevenson, has died at the age of 58.  He provided the voice of the animated character, "Gar Saxon," in two episodes of Season 3 episodes of "Star Wars: Rebels" (2016-17) and two episodes in Season 7 of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2020). He is scheduled to appear posthumously in the Lucasfilm Disney+ series, "Ahsoka."

ROGUE ONE - From CBR: "Andor" showrunner, Tony Gilroy, says that there is no "director's cut" or alternate version of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."

STAR WARS CELEBRATION - From Deadline:  The "Star Wars Celebration" event hits London with big news, including a new series of films set 15 years after "The Rise of Skywalker" with Daisy Ridley in the lead.

AHSOKA - From THR:  The Disney+/Lucasfilm series, "Ahsoka," has its first trailer.  The series debuts August 2023.

SECRET PROJECT - From Deadline: Lucasfilm’s top-secret Star Wars movie to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has lost its screenwriters Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson.

From Deadline:  Steven Knight is the new screenwriter on Lucasfilm’s top-secret "Star Wars" movie to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, which lost its original screenwriters Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson.

SKELETON CREW - From THR:  Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, who won three Oscars for their film, "Everything Everywhere All at Once," have reportedly directed at least one episode of the Jude Law-led "Star Wars" series, "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  A list and information on all the "Star Wars" comic books coming from Marvel Comics in June 2023.

ORIGINAL TRILOGY - From CBR:  Jon Favreau, executive producer and creator of Disney+/Lucasfilm's "The Mandalorian," says that he believes that there is not enough demand for a theatrical re-release of the original theatrical versions of "Star Wars," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi."

FUTURE - From Variety:  The planned "Star Wars" films by Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, and "Wonder Woman" director, Patty Jenkins, are no longer in active development.

ANDOR - From Variety: Star Diego Luna talks about the final season of the Disney+ series, "Andor, "and about his possible future in the "Star Wars" universe.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Arrving May 2023, "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - Lando #1" is a one-shot that finds Lando Calrissian working for Jabba the Hutt.

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

STAR WARS Movie Reviews:

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars"
From Negromancer:  "The Empire Strikes Back"
From Negromancer:  "Return of the Jedi"

From Negromancer:   "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2008 animated film)
From Negromancer:  "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
From Negromancer:  "Solo: A Star Wars Story" 

I Reads You "Star Wars Central" comics and graphic novel review page is here.

----------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

Review: James Gunn Delivers a Series Best in the Great "GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 20 of 2023 (No. 1909) by Leroy Douresseaux

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Running time:  150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes)

MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, strong language, suggestive/drug references and thematic elements

DIRECTOR:  James Gunn

WRITERS:  James Gunn (based on the Marvel Comics characters)

PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Henry Braham (D.o.P.)

EDITORS:  Fred Raskin and Greg D'Auria

COMPOSER:  John Murphy

SCI-FI/FANTASY and ACTION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY

Starring:  Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Chukwudi Iwuji, Sean Gunn, Will Poulter, Nico Santos, Miriam Shor, Elizabeth Debicki, Sylvester Stallone, Nathan Fillion, Michael Rooker, Gregg Henry, and the voices of Linda Cardellini, Seth Green, Maria Bakalova, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a 2023 science fiction, comedy, and action-adventure film written and directed by James Gunn and produced by Marvel Studios.  It is the third film in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy film series, following 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy and 2017's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.  It is also the 32nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).  Vol. 3 finds the Guardians fighting to save one of their members from his creator, a mission that may destroy the Guardians whether they are successful or not.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opens on Knowhere, the strange space station where the Guardians of the Galaxy have established their headquarters.  Their leader, Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), mourns the loss of his girlfriend, Gamora (Zoe Saldana).  The alien warlord, Thanos, killed Gamora (as seen in Avengers: Infinity War), but an alternate universe version of her appeared (as seen in Avengers: Endgame).  This new Gamora does not love Peter, and she associates with The Ravagers, which was once essentially Peter's surrogate family.

The group has bigger troubles ahead.  The Guardians are being targeted by the “Sovereign” empress Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), someone with a grudge against them (as seen in Vol. 2).  She sends her son, Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), to attack the Guardians, and he grievously wounds Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper).  To save Rocket, Peter and his fellow Guardians:  Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Groot (voice of Vin Diesel), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Nebula (Karen Gillan), and a reluctant Gamora, must confront The High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), the Counter-Earth scientist who created Rocket.

The original Guardians of the Galaxy was one of the surprise hits of 2014, if not the surprise hit of the year.  Vol. 2 was a fun sci-fi-action movie and a surprisingly thoughtful character melodrama.  Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 does everything the first two films did well and amplifies that.  Vol. 3 is the series' funniest film, and I found myself laughing throughout it.  That still surprises me because this movie has some pretty dark moments, especially concerning The High Evolutionary, who is superbly played with volcanic intensity and unremitting cruelty by the most excellent Chuckwudi Iwuji.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is one of Marvel Studios' best films in years.  I think it works for three reasons.  First, the film's production values and special effects are impressive.  The CGI-created environments, backdrops, sets (interiors and exteriors), space-ways, worlds, etc. are so dazzling in scope, color, and imagination that they surpass the impressive work of the first two films, especially the second film.  The entire entire “Orgoscope” sequence is an eye-popping collection of inventiveness.  Even the menagerie of people, creatures, and robots exceeds the first two film, probably combined.

The acting is quite good, and that makes me want to engage the characters even more.  Chris Pratt gives his best tern as Peter Quill/Star-Lord – drama, pathos, big emotions, and the sarcasm and quips are still here – but with edginess.  This is the first time that I really hoped that Star-Lord would be a long term MCU character.  It is so shocking that Zoe Saldana can convince me that she is a different Gamora.  Karen Gillan as Nebula and Pom Klementieff as Mantis do superb work with the character arcs that the story gives them.  As Drax the Destroyer, Dave Bautista makes the character seem not extraneous for the first time.  Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper as always are winning in their voice roles as Groot and Rocket, respectively, with Diesel bringing some extra to Groot this time.

The third reason Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is so damn good is writer-director James Gunn.  This is Gunn at the peak of his powers.  Honestly, I liked Vol. 2 so much that I didn't think he could top himself, but he does with this third film.  I did find Vol. 3 a little dry and too dark in the beginning, but once it grabbed me, it would not let go.

This film has a heart – a center that is about the struggle to help a friend or family member no matter how bad his or her troubles might be or even if he or she resists and rejects the help.  In Vol. 3, Gunn makes all the characters unique individuals with wants, needs, goals, conflicts, and melodrama.  However, the best thing that Gunn does is accept that even the most intense relationships change, so he lets some of the characters move on.  The result is a last act for the ages and a closing sequence that recalls the beginning of the original film and leaves the viewer with the warmest feelings.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opens in the U.S. today, May 5, 2023.  That is 15 years and a few days after the release of the first MCU film, Iron Man (2008).  Vol. 3 exemplifies something that I just realize runs throughout Marvel Studios' film.  In almost all of them, a dominant theme is the formation of surrogate families.  Friends, enemies, heroes, and sometimes even the villains come together in a unit that is more than just a group of friends; they are family.  In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, James Gunn gives us the end of one version of the family as it evolves into something larger.  What makes Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 an amazing film is that it is as heartwarming as it is exciting and thrilling.  Yes, there are big, mesmerizing action set pieces, but by the end, I really believe that these guys love one another.  I could watch it forever.

9 of 10

A+

★★★★+ out of 4 stars

Friday, May 5, 2023

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

Review: "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" Takes Us on a Fantastic Voyage

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 8 of 2023 (No. 1897) by Leroy Douresseaux

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Running time:  125 minutes (2 hours, 5 minutes)

MPAA – PG-13 for violence/action, and language

DIRECTOR:  Peyton Reed

WRITER:  Jeff Loveness (based on the Marvel Comics characters)

PRODUCERS:  Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Bill Pope

EDITORS:  Adam Gerstel and Laura Jennings

COMPOSER:  Christophe Beck

SUPERHERO/SCI-FI and ACTION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY

Starring:  Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonathan Majors, Kathryn Newton, Bill Murray, Katy M. O'Brian, William Jackson Harper, James Cutler, David Dastmalchian, Randall Park, and Corey Stoll

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is a 2023 superhero and sci-fi action film directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Marvel Studios.  It is the 31st film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is also the third entry in the Ant-Man film series.  The film and the series are based on the Marvel Comics character, Ant-Man, who first appeared in Tales to Astonish #27 (cover date: September 1962) and was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby.  Quantumania finds Ant-Man and the Wasp on an incredible adventure in a strange universe where they face a dangerous new foe.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania finds Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) living his best life after his most recent adventures with the Avengers (as seen in Avengers: Endgame).  He is a successful author and is happily living with his girlfriend, Hope van Dyne/The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly).  However, there is some trouble at home.  Scott's daughter, Cassie (Kathryn Newton), has become an activist and has been recently arrested during a protest.

While they are visiting Hope's parents, her father, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), the scientist who was the original Ant-Man; and her mother, Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), who was the original Wasp, Cassie reveals that she has created a device that can map the “Quantum Realm,” a subatomic dimension of the Multiverse.  However, the device can also send messages to the Quantum Realm, which freaks out Janet, who was trapped there for 30 years.  Before Janet can do shut it down, a portal appears and pulls Scott, Hope, Cassie, Hank, and Janet into the Quantum Realm, separating Scott and Cassie from Hope, Hank, and Janet.

Once the two groups begin to explore the Quantum Realm, they interact with strange creatures and embark on an adventure that goes beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.  There is also a dark side.  Janet fears they are all headed for an encounter with someone she met when she was first trapped in the Quantum Realm – a despot named “Kang” (Jonathan Majors).

Ant-Man was a D-list character as far as Marvel Comics superheroes go, especially where familiarity with the general entertainment-consuming public was concerned.  Marvel Studios chose the right actor to play Ant-Man, the irresistibly likable, Paul Rudd.  The addition of Hollywood legends like Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer and television star Evangeline Lilly as a new female superhero made Ant-Man A-list box office.  The result was two lovable, loopy, and imaginative superhero films, Ant-Man (2015) and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), that seemed aimed at young viewers even more so than adult audiences.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is just as loopy, but is bigger than the previous two films.  If French film director, Luc Besson (The Fifth Element), made a Star Wars film, it would probably look like Quantumania.  This film's menagerie of people, beings, creatures, machines, tech, etc. are almost on the level of Avatar: The Way of Water.  Quantumania is a dazzling spectacle, and it is nothing like what I expected based on the earlier films.  Everyone from director Peyton Reed and writer Jeff Loveness to the craft and visual effects people did the damn thing and the results are mind-blowing.

The performances are excellent.  As usual, Paul Rudd comes across as the actor most perfect to be Scott Lang and Ant-Man.  Michael Douglas plays Hank Pym with a mix of spry comedy and pitch-perfect drama.  However, I must make way for the women in this film.  Quantumania allows Michelle Pfeiffer to let the dog in her out to play Janet van Dyne, in a way that she probably has not done since White Oleander (2002).  She left me wanting more of Janet.

Evangeline Lilly is once again great as The Wasp, and in Quantumania, she makes me believe that it is time for the Wasp to have a solo outing.  Also, Kathryn Newton makes it impossible to leave Cassie down on the superhero farm (so to speak).  Katy O'Brian also gives a fierce turn as the Quantum Realm freedom fighter, Jentorra.

Finally, I'm not sure that I have words to quite describe Jonathan Major's brilliant turn as Kang.  It is as if Majors has given flesh to James Earl Jones' Darth Vader voice.  He makes Kang own Quantumania, and I think it will be a blast going forward to watch Majors play this character.

You may have heard bad things about Quantumania, from film critics and reviewers and others.  But fuck 'em.  Quantumania is one of Marvel Studios' best films of the past few years, and I heartily recommend it to you, dear readers.  With its sense of the unexpected and of the future known, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is the perfect start to what is called “Phase 5” of the MCU.

9 of 10

A+

★★★★+ out of 4 stars

Friday, February 17, 2023

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint syndication rights and fees.

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama 2022 - Update #94

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

Support Leroy on Patreon:

TRAILERS AND TEASERS:

From THR:   New "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" trailer with more Namor and a closer look at a new Black Panther.

From Marvel:  New trailer (5/24/2022) and poster for "Thor: Love & Thunder."

From MovieWeb:   Here is the first teaser trailer for "Thor: Love & Thunder" (4/18/2022).

From YouTube:  The first official trailer for "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" (2/13/2022)

From YouTube:  First official trailer for Disney+/Marvel's "Moon Knight."

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

MARVEL NEWS:

WAKANDA FOREVER - From NBCNews:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" actor Tenoch Huerta has been named as one of nine "breakthrough entertainers" of 2022 by the Associated Press.  Huerta plays the character "Namor."

From GeeksofColor:  Actors Tenoch Huerta and Mabel Cadena talk "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," representation and their hopes for a Namor movie in an interview with "Geeks of Color."  Huerta plays "Namor" in the film, while Cadena plays "Namora."

BLADE - From THR:  Yenn Demange, who directed the pilot for HBO's "Lovecraft Country," will reportedly direct Marvel Studios' "Blade" film.  Emmy-nominated writer, Michael Starrbury ("When They See Us"), is reportedly the film's screenwriter.

WAKANDA FOREVER - From Variety:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" leads the domestic box office with an $180 million opening and a $300 million global opening.

From EW:   Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o says that it was a dream come true to speak Spanish in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

From IndieWire:  Director Ryan Coogler says that Warner Bros.' "Aquaman" paved the way for Namor in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

From Variety:  Director Ryan Coogler talks about his future with Marvel and with the world of "Black Panther."  Marvel boss Kevin Feige also talks about Coogler's future.

From Deadline:  "Wakanda Forever" ticket pre-sales are 20 percent behind "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

IRONHEART - From CBR:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" will lead directly into the Disney+ series, "Ironheart," which act as a sequel to Wakanda Forever, according to writer-producer Nate Moore.

WAKANDA FOREVER - From Inverse:  Director Ryan Coogler talks about what was in the script for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" before the death of star Chadwick Boseman. For one thing, Coogler says it was "Endgame-centric."

WONDER MAN - From Variety:   Emmy-winner Yahya Adbul-Mateen II (HBO's "Watchmen") is reportedly going to play the lead, "Simon Williams/Wonder Man" in Marvel Studios' Disney+ series, "Wonder Man."

VISION QUEST - From Deadline:   The site is reporting that Marvel Studios is developing another "WandaVision" spinoff for Disney+.  "Vision Quest" would focus on the Vision's quest to regain his memory and humanity and will star Paul Bettany.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From THR:  The teaser trailer for "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special" features a surprise appearance by Kevin Bacon.  The special, which arrives on Disney+ November 25th, will close out "Phase 4" of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

HARRISON FORD - From Deadline:   It is apparently official that Harrison Ford will replace the late William Hurt in the Marvel Cinematic Universe role of "General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross."  He is scheduled to debut in the role in the 2024 film, "Captain America: The New World Order."

BLADE - From THR:   Marvel Studios has delayed the release of its "Blade" film from Nov. 2023 to Sept. 2024 in order to find a director and to develop the screenplay.

WAKANDA FOREVER - From Deadline:   "Black Panther" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"" director Ryan Coogler says he almost quit "Wakanda Forever" and filmmaking after the death of "Black Panther" star, Chadwick Boseman.

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  "Loki" and "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness writer, Michael Waldron, will writer "Avengers: Secret Wars."

ARMOR WARS - From Variety:  Marvel Studios' planned Disney+ series, "Armor Wars," is being redeveloped as a movie.  Don Cheadle will remain as the film's leading, playing the character James "Rhodey" Rhodes a.k.a. "War Machine."

BLADE - From Variety:  Bassam Tariq has quit as director of Marvel's planned 2023 "Blade" film.  He will remain as an "executive producer."

WAKANDA FOREVER - From THR:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" will have a running time of two hours and 41 minutes, 26 minutes longer than the original film.  That will make it the second longest Marvel Studios film, behind "Avengers: Endgame" (2019), which was three hours and 1 minute long.

BLACK PANTHER - From Empire:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige explains why they did not recast the role of T'Challa/Black Panther in the wake of star Chadwick Boseman's death.  "It just felt like it was much too son to recast."

FANTASTIC FOUR - From Deadline:  Sources tell "Deadline" that Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer are writing Marvel Studios' "Fantastic Four" film, which is scheduled for release late in 2024.

AVENGERS - From Deadline:  Jeff Loveness, who recently wrote "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," will reportedly write "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty," which is due May 2, 2025.

THUNDERBOLTS - From Variety:  At D23, Marvel Studios reveals cast members of its July 2024 film, "Thunderbolts," which include Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, to name a few.

CHADWICK BOSEMAN - From THR:  At Saturday's "Creative Arts Emmy," the late actor Chadwick Boseman posthumously won an Emmy Award.  The late "Black Panther" star won in the "outstanding character voice-over performance" for his role as "Star-Lord T’Challa" in the “What If… T’Challa Became a Star-Lord?” episode of the Disney+ Marvel Studios animated series, "What If...?"  This is Boseman's first Emmy nomination and win.

WONDER MAN - From Deadline:  Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley played a character called "The Mandarin" in "Iron Man 3" (2013), but he turned out to be an actor named "Trevor Slattery," who appeared in "Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." Slattery is slated to return in the Marvel Studios Disney+ series, "Wonder Man."

FANTASTIC FOUR - From THR:  The site is reporting that according to sources, Matt Shakman, the veteran TV director who directed "WandaVision" is in early talks to direct Marvel Studios' "Fantastic Four" film, which is due in late 2024.

MARK RUFFALO - From Variety:  Mark Ruffalo Defends Marvel Output: ‘You Get the Same Version’ of ‘Star Wars’ Every Time, But Not the MCU

AVENGERS - From THR:  The site is reporting that Marvel Studios' "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty" will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who also directed "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

SDCC - From IGN:  This article has "everything announced at the Marvel Studios San Diego Comic-Con 2022 Panel."

SDCC - From Marvel:  At Comic-Con, "Marvel Studios Animation Panel" reveals four upcoming Disnty+ animated series, "What If...?" (Season 2), "Marvel Zombies," "X-Men 97," and the surprise, "Spider-Man: Freshman Year."  Plus, there was some info on the "I Am Groot" shorts.

From Polygon:  What to expect from Marvel Studios' Saturday, July 23rd Comic-Con panel.

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

BLACK PANTHER - From Deadline:  Actor Daniel Kaluuya won't reprise his "Black Panther" role as "W'Kabi" in the sequel, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

PRIMETIME EMMYS - From Variety:  Marvel Studios series:  "Hawkeye," "Loki," "Moon Knight," and "What If..." pick up multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations.  Eligible shows aired between June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022.

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER - From THR:  "Thor: Love and Thunder" director Taika Waititi says that there won't be a "director's cut" of the film because he says that scenes are cut because "they suck."

MS MARVEL - From THR:   "Ms. Marvel" director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy talks about the big twist in the next-to-last episode and about the part the real-world "partition of India" played in recent episodes.

CAPTAIN AMERICA 4 - From THR:  Nigerian-American filmmaker, Julius Onah, will direct "Captain America 4," which will star Anthony Mackie as Captain America.

ECHO - From THR:  Two actors from Netflix/Marvel's "Daredevil" will appear in the Disney+ Marvel Studios series, "Echo."  Charlie Cox ("Matt Murdoch/Daredevil") and Vincent D'Onofrio ("Wilson Fisk/Kingpin") will join the series that is due in 2023.

FUTURE - From THR:  Actor Taron Egerton has met with Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige, and Taron wants to be the new Wolverine.

THOR LOVE AND THUNDER - From Variety:  Early reviews and reactions are in for "Thor: Love & Thunder," which is due July 8th.

KEVIN FEIGE - From GamesRadar:  In an interview with "Total Film" magazine, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige says that the fate of "Phase 4" will be revealed in the "coming months."

WONDER MAN - From THR:  Destin Daniel Cretton, the director of "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," and Andrew Guest, a writer-producer of sitcoms "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "Community," are developing a TV series based on the Marvel Comics' character, "Wonder Man."

IRONHEART - From Deadline:  The Disney+ Marvel Studios series, "Ironheart," has begun filming and Manny Montana ("Good Girls") has joined the cast a series regular opposite the series star, Dominique Thorne.  

THUNDERBOLTS - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios has chosen Jake Schreier as the director for its top secret "Thunderbolts" movie project.

GotG VOL 3 - From Deadline:  Daniela Melchior, who was a breakout star in director James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad" will have a small role in Gunn's "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3."

DAREDEVIL - From Variety:  The site is reporting that Marvel Studios is moving forward with a Disney+ "Daredevil" series by hiring Matt Corman and Chris Ord to write and executive produce.

ECHO - From Marvel:  Production has begun on the 2023 Disney+ Marvel Studios series, "Echo."

DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS:

From ComicBook:  Michael Waldron, the writer of "Doctor Strange 2," talks about the future of Stephen Strange.

From Variety:  An article about why "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" should have been rated "R" by the MPA (formerly MPAA) instead of the "PG-13" rating it does have. [I'm not interested in this conversation, but you might be, dear readers.]

From THR:  "Doctor Strange 2" has a $185 million domestic opening weekend and a $450 global opening at the box office.

From Variety:  Every shocking cameo in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

From Variety:  "Doctor Strange" star Elizabeth Olsen says that fellow Marvel star, Scarlett Johansson ("Black Widow"), taught her how to be a superhero.

From THR:  Actors Benedict Wong ('Wong") and Xochitl Gomez ("America Chavez") discuss their onscreen partnership and off screen friendship in "Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness."

From Marvel:  Marvel.com interviews "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" actress, Xochitl Gomez ("America Chavez").

From ComicBook:  Marvel Studios executive, Victoria Alonso, speaks out about LGBTQ+ character, "America Chavez," from "Doctor Strange" in the wake of the film being banned in some backwards nations.

From WeGotThisCovered:  Actress Xochitl Gomez reveals her shock at being cast as "America Chavez" in the upcoming "Doctor Strange" sequel.

From THR:  Marvel Studios' upcoming blockbuster, "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," has been banned in Saudi Arabia.  Speculation is that it is because of the inclusion of an LGBTQ+ character, "America Chavez."

From WeGotThisCovered:  Director Sam Raimi, best known for his "Spider-Man" trilogy and for his "Evil Dead" trilogy, says that "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" has "flavors of horror."

FUTURE - From Variety:  Marvel Studios' "The Marvels" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" have switched release dates.  The "Ant-Man" sequel will now move up to Feb. 17, 2023 and "The Marvels" will move back to July 28, 2023.

KEVIN FEIGE - From IGN:   Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige says that Marvel's leadership will have its first retreat in three years in order to plan out the next 10 years of Marvel films.

THOR LOVE & THUNDER - From TheDirect:  Chris Hemsworth kicks off the promotion for "Thor: Love & Thunder" ahead of a trailer release.

DOCTOR STRANGE - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios has released four new images from "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

NOVA - From Deadline:  The site exclusively reports that Marvel Studios is developing a project involving the character, Nova, with "Moon Knight" writer, Sabir Pirzada.

SECRET INVASION - From ThePlaylist:  "Secret Invasion" star Samuel L. Jackson has apparently confirmed that Don Cheadle as "War Machine" and Martin Freeman as "Everett Ross" will appear in the series.

OBIT - From Deadline:  Oscar-winning actor William Hurt has died at the age of 71.  Hurt played Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Thaddeus Ross, in five films, beginning with "The Incredible Hulk" (2008) and most recently in "Black Widow" (2021).  Hurt won a "Best Actor" Oscar for his performance in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" (1985).

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL - From THR:  Oscar-winning film composer Michael Giacchino is directing Marvel Studios' untitled Halloween special for Disney+.

DEADPOOL 3 - From Deadline:  Shawn Levy is reportedly in negotiations to direct "Deadpool 3," which reunite him with his "Free Guy" star, Ryan Reynolds.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From ComicBook:  Marvel Studios has revealed the "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" covers for "Empire Magazine."

BLACK PANTHER - From Deadline:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" director Ryan Coogler was handcuffed and briefly detained by Atlanta police at a bank on January 7, 2022 after a bank employee mistook his written request for a $12,000 cash withdrawal as a robbery attempt.

THE FUTURE - From GQUK:  British "GQ" takes a look at upcoming Marvel Studios film and TV projects.

BLACK PANTHER - From BlackEnterprise:  The 53rd NAACP Image Awards honored Ruth E. Carter with the Vanguard Award for Costume Design.  This is the first time that the Image Awards have honored a costume designer.  Carter is was Oscar-nominated for her work on "Malcolm X" (1992) and "Amistad" (1997). Carter on an "Best Costume Design" Oscar in 2019 for "Black Panther" (2018), the first African-American to win the award.

BLADE - From Deadline:  The site is reporting that actor Aaron Pierre, who played rapper "Mid-Sized Sedan" in last year's "Old," will co-star in Marvel Studios' "Blade" film with star, Mahershala Ali.

LOKI - From Deadline:   The site is reporting that Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead will direct a six-episode second season of the Disney+/Marvel Studios hit streaming series, "Loki."

SPIDER-MAN - From Deadline:  "Spider-Man: No Way Home" passes "Avatar" at the all-time domestic box office.

MOON KNIGHT - From EmpireOnline:  When it comes to the depiction of brutality in the Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "Moon Knight," Marvel president Kevin Feige says that they did not pull back.

IRONHEART - From Deadline:  Sources say that actor Anthony Ramos ("In the Heights") is set for a key role in the Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "Ironheart," which will star Dominique Thorne as "Riri Williams/Ironheart." His character will reportedly appear in other Marvel productions.

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - From THR:  In an interview about his upcoming film, "Uncharted," and about "Spider-Man: No Way Home," Tom Holland also talks about the scene in "No Way Home" that made him, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire cry.

From THR:  Charlie Cox, who played Matt Murdoch/Daredevil on Netflix/Marvel's "Daredevil," spills the secrets about his return in "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and about a dinner with Andrew Garfield.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Deadline:   Writer-director James Gunn says that "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3" will be the last time the current Guardians team is seen.  The film is due May 5, 2023.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From Variety:  Sam Raimi, director of "Doctor Strange in the Madness of the Multiverse," says that "Marvel's been a great team to work with" and "I've been super-supported by the whole Marvel operations..."

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - From Deadline:  This link will take you to complete and revised final script for "Spider-Man: No Way Home" in PDF form.  The title page reads "Serenity Now."

From Deadline:  Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield unite again to talk about playing Spider-Man and why "No Way Home" was such an emotional experience.

From Variety:  Jon Watts, director of "Spider-Man: No Way Home," talks more secrets about the film in an article that pushed for the film to get Oscar nominations.

MOON KNIGHT - EW:  Gaspard Ulliel, the French actor who was set to star as "Anton Mogart / Midnight Man" in the Disney+ series, "Moon Knight," has died at the age of 37 after "suffering serious brain trauma" following a ski accident.

BLACK PANTHER 2 - From THR:  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" is ready to resume film because actress Letitia Wright ("Shuri") has recovered from the injury she suffered on set last August (2021).

From WeGotThisCovered:  Actor Winston Duke has reportedly negotiated a "hefty" pay raise because his "Black Panther" character, "M'Baku," has a much expanded role in the sequel film, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

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

MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE (MCU):

Review: Iron Man (2008)

Review: The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Review: Iron Man 2 (2010)

Review: Thor (2011)

Review:  Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Review:  Marvel's The Avengers (2012)

Review: Iron Man 3 (2013)

Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Review:  Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Review: Ant-Man (2015)

Review: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

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

Review:  Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Review: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Review:  Black Panther (2018)

Review:  Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Review:  Captain Marvel (2019)

Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

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

Review: Black Widow (2021)

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

Review: Eternals (2021)

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

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

Review: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Review: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).