Review: "BLACK WIDOW" is Dark Drama and Spectacular Action

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 45 of 2021 (No. 1783) by Leroy Douresseaux

Black Widow (2021)
Running time: 133 minutes (2 hours, 13 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence/action, some language and thematic material
DIRECTOR: Cate Shortland
WRITERS:  Eric Pearson; from a story by Jac Schaeffer and Ned Benson (based upon the Marvel Comics character)
PRODUCER: Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Gabriel Beristain
EDITOR: Leigh Folsom Boyd
COMPOSER: Lorne Balfe

SUPERHERO/DRAMA/ACTION

Starring:  Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, Ray Winstone, Ever Anderson, Violet McGraw, O-T Fagbenie,  and William Hurt

Black Widow is a 2021 3D superhero film directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.  It is the 24th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics character, Natalia Alianovna “Natasha” Romanova/Black Widow, that was created by Stan Lee, Don Rico, and artist Don Heck and first appeared in the comic book, Tales of Suspense #52 (cover dated: April 1964).  Black Widow the film finds the title character on the run and forced to confront the conspiracies and people of her past.

Black Widow is largely set between the events depicted in the films, Captain America: Civil War (2016) and Avengers: Infinity Wars (2018).  The film, however, opens in 1995.  Young Natasha Romanoff (Ever Anderson) lives a quiet life in suburban Ohio with her younger sister, Yelena Belova (Violet McGraw), and their parents.  But Natasha and Yelena are not siblings, and their surrogate mother, Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz), is really a Russian scientist/spy, and their father, Alexei Shostkov (David Harbour), is a spy and also the costumed superhero, “Red Guardian,” Russia's super-soldier version of Captain America.  When this “family's” mission suddenly ends, Natasha and Yelena are returned to Russia and sent to the “Red Room” for further training.

Twenty-one years later, in the year 2016, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) is on fugitive, on the run from U.S. Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt).  Fate reunites her with an older Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), who until recently was still a “Widow,” an assassin working for the Red Room.  Now, both women, traumatized by their pasts, set out to find and kill Dreykov (Ray Winstone), the head of the Red Room and the mastermind behind the “Widow” program.  To do so, however, they must mend the broken relationships of their pasts, and Natasha must face the reality that her actions could not only alert her pursuers to her whereabouts, but could also lead to her destruction.

I wondered how Marvel Studios could hope to deliver a superhero movie that would satisfy their audiences in the wake of Avengers: Endgame, which was a special effects extravaganza, which changed the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which was a record-setting box office hit, and which saw some beloved characters die, including the Black Widow.  Black Widow does offer big action sequences: a harrowing opening air plane escape, a battle royale in Budapest, a crazy prison escape, and that final showdown on a giant aerial base.  After waiting two years for a Marvel Studios film (because of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown of movie theaters), the big action of Black Widow is big enough to sate my Marvel needs.

However, I must be honest, it is the action that really makes Black Widow for me.  The drama is good, and the interpersonal relationship conflict and drama are fitting for the story of a character like the Black Widow who past is so very dark and is filled with violence and pain.  The main cast of Black Widow:  Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz gives excellent performances in this tale of betrayal and of secrets of lies.  In a way, these performances only serve to make the drama all the more dark, edgy, and, at times, depressing.  So, that is why I must be honest.  I respected the character drama of Black Widow, which director Cate Shortland delivers in gritty detail.  But while watching the film, I was always anxious for the arrival of the next big, special effects-driven action sequence, and man, Black Widow did not disappoint!

Black Widow has a great adversary in “The Taskmaster,” but the reveal of that villain's identity is a bit of a letdown.  Ray Winstone, an actor I like, was just okay as Dreykov, a promising bad guy the script makes into a shallow character.  Still, the action scenes – I'm crazy about them.  They are both the reason that I am giving Black Widow a high grade and the reason I will watch Black Widow many more times when it starts airing on cable television in a little less than two years from now.

8 of 10
A

Friday, July 9, 2021


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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 20th to 30th, 2021 - Update #33

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

BLM - From VICE:   Robert L. Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and America’s first Black billionaire, wants a reparations check. He wants it from the government. And he wants it to come with an apology for slavery, Jim Crow, and hundreds of years of racism.

SCANDAL - From Variety:   "Smallville" actress Allison Mack was sentenced to three years in federal prison for her part in the NXIVM cult on Wednesday morning in federal court in Brooklyn, NY.

MOVIES - From IndieWire: "F9" star Sung Kang finds its validating that acclaimed director, Christopher Nolan, has a "soft spot" for, "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" (2006), the third entry in the "Fast & Furious" saga and the one that introduced his Kang's character, "Han Lue."

MUSIC - From MJVibe:   According to the site, recent streaming sales data has made the late Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Michael Jackson, the solo artist with the highest sales of recording music.

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  Rian Johnson has alerted us. "Knives Out 2" has started production, as filming begins in Greece.

BOX OFFICE - From Deadline:  The winner of the 6/25 to 6/27/2021 weekend box office is "F9" with an estimated total of 70 million dollars.

From Variety:  "F9's" 70 million dollar weekend box office debut is the largest opening since the COVID-19 pandemic started affecting movie theaters in the North America.

From Variety:  The stars of "F9" react to its record-breaking box office success.

CELEBRITY - From Deadline:   On that HBO asshole show, writer-director Quentin Tarantino insists he will retire after he directs a tenth film (his next) and that he thought about doing a reboot of his first film, "Reservoir Dogs."

EMMYS - From Deadline:  If you care, here is the full winners list from the 2021 / 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

DISNEY - From WeGotThisCovered:   Set photos from Disney's live-action "The Little Mermaid," reveals film's star, Halle Bailey, with reddish hair.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   "Supernatural" (2005-20) was one of the most important shows in the history of The CW.  Now, one of its stars, Jensen Ackles (Dean Winchester), is joining his wife, Danneel Ackles, are working on a prequel series, "The Winchesters."

From Deadline:  Meanwhile, Jensen Ackles's "Supernatural" co-star, Jared Padalecki, is "bummed" about not being involved in the prequel series.

TELEVISION - From YahooEntertainment:  Courtney Cox was hurt that she was the only one of the six stars of the former NBC sitcom, "Friends," who was never nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award during the series' original run.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Paramount Pictures revealed the title and details about its seventh "Transformers" film, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts."

DISNEY - From Collider:  Scarlett Johansson will star in and produce a film based on Disney's theme park attraction, "Tower of Terror."

DISNEY - From ABCNews:   Actor Harrison Ford, the one and only Indiana Jones, takes a break from filming "Indiana Jones 5" after injuring his shoulder on set.

CELEBRITY - From Deadline:  Tyler Perry and T.D. Jakes got the go-ahead from local authorities Thursday to purchase over 130 acres in Atlanta including a proposed expansion of Tyler Perry Studios for an entertainment district with theaters, retail shops and restaurants.

MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:   "Fast & Furious" actor, Vin Diesel, talks about his feud with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson."

DISNEY - From Variety:    Rachel Zegler has been cast as Snow White in Disney’s upcoming remake of the classic fairytale. Zegler is making her feature film debut as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” which bows later in 2021, and will also appear in the superhero sequel to “Shazam.”

LGBTQ/SPORTS - From OutSports:   Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player in history to announce that he is gay.

SCANDAL - From TheDailyEdge:   A list of Republican and Trump-connected child rapists, sex traffickers, pedophile enablers and child porn offenders

OSCARS - From Deadline:    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday announced its newly elected 2021–2022 Board of Governors.

From WeGotThisCovered:   Warner Bros. reportedly wants Dwayne Johnson to joins its "Mortal Kombat" film franchise.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Mike Epps will play legendary comedian and actor Richard Pryor in Adam McKay's HBO drama series about the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers.  Three others actors have been cast, including Carina Conti as Paula Abdul.

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  Steven Spielberg has entered his Amblin Partners into a Netflix that will find the Amblin producing multiple films each year for Netflix.  Spielberg and Amblin will continue to produce films for Universal Pictures.

BOX OFFICE - From Variety:   The winner of the 6/18 to 6/20/2021 weekend box office is "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" with an estimated take of 11.6 million dollars.

CULTURE - From YahooEntertainment:  Grammy Award-winning singer Macy Gray wrote an op-ed for "Market Watch, in which she called for the U.S. flag to be replaced: "It is tattered, dated, divisive and incorrect."  She has drawn cheers and rage.

 

From MarketWatch:   Opinion: "For Juneteenth, America needs a new flag that all of us can honor" by Macy Gray.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:   Pacific Theatres Exhibition Corporation, which includes Arclight Cinemas, is really not set to reopen anytime soon. The exhibition company released a statement today that they’re filing Chapter 7 in order to liquidate their assets for creditors.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:   Netflix has released a trailer for its African-American cast Western film, "The Harder They Fall," from director Jeymes Samuel which arrives in Fall 2021.

From YouTube:  Here is the trailer to Universal/Illumination's "Sing 2," the sequel to 2016's "Sing."  The film is due December 22, 2021.

From YouTube:  Here is the second trailer for Universal's "Candyman" reboot/re-imagining, which is due August 27th.

From YouTube:  Here is the official trailer for "Halloween Kills," which is due October 15th.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 9th to 15th, 2021 - Update #24

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS: 

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   CBS dramas, "SEAL Team" and "Clarice" will be moving to the Paramount+ streaming service for the 2021-22 TV season.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   ABC has renewed "Black-ish" for an eighth and final season.  The series is currently wrapping up its seventh season.

DISNEY - From Deadline:   Boyd Holbrook and Shaunette Renée Wilson ("The Resident") are set to co-star opposite Harrison Ford in the next installment in the Indiana Jones series at Disney and Lucasfilm.

ANIMATION - From BleedingCool:   There are new images from "Monsters at Work," the Disney+ sequel TV series to Pixar's "Monsters, Inc."

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Actress Kathryn Hahn ("WandaVision") has joined the cast of director Rian Johnson's "Knives Out 2"

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  The CW is expanding to primetime Saturday night with new programming, starring this Fall with the 2021-22 television season.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Actor Robert De Niro has apparently suffered a leg injury while in Oklahoma to film "Killers of the Flower Moon."  The injury is apparently not related to the film's production, but the extent of the injury is not known.

MOVIES - From WeGotThisCovered:   In 1996, Michael Jordan starred in the live-action/animation hybrid, "Space Jam."  Now, comes word that Jordan will appear in the LeBron James-led sequel, "Space Jam: A New Legacy," which is due in August.

STREAMING - From Variety:  The "Friends" reunion special, which will reunite the leads of NBC's late sitcom, "Friends," will debut on HBO Max May 27th.  The special also has a teaser trailer.

MOVIES - From EW:  "Entertainment Weekly" has a first-look at Henry Golding in the upcoming "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins."  The film is due in theaters July 23rd, 2021.

ANIMATION - From WeGotThisCovered:   The first photos from Netflix's upcoming animated series, "Masters of the Universe: Revelation," have emerged.  Although it is a reboot, "Revelation" will apparently follow the continuity of the 1983-85 "Masters of the Universe" animated series.

MUSIC - From RollingStone:   The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has officially announced this year’s inductees: Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Jay-Z, Carole King, Todd Rundgren, and Tina Turner will join the class of 2021 in the Performers category.

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  HBCU Howard University is reestablishing its College of Fine Arts, and its new dean will be beloved actress Phylicia Rashad, most famously of NBC's former series, "The Cosby Show" (1984-92).  Rashad is an alumna of the Howard (1970).

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   "2020-21 TV Cancellations & Renewals For Broadcast, Cable & Streaming":  Here is Deadline’s list of renewals and cancellations for TV series on broadcast, cable and streaming services from August 2020 to present (excluding syndicated shows), with new series in bold.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Oscar-nominated actor Edward Norton has been cast in the "Knives Out" sequel, which is due from writer-director Rian Johnson and Netflix.

TELEVISION - From Variety:   Fox has cancelled its crime drama series, "Prodigal Son," starring Tom Payne and Michael Sheen, after two seasons.  The May 18th season finale will now also be the series finale.

CELEBRITY - From PopSugar:  Are Bennifer (Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck) a thing again?

STREAMING - From Deadline:   Leonardo DiCaprio has revealed a first-look at his next film, "Killers of the Flower Moon," from Apple Original Films and directed by Martin Scorsese.  The film, which also stars Robert De Niro, has begun production.

BOX OFFICE - From Variety:  The winner of the 5/7 to 5/9/2021 weekend box office is Guy Ritchie's "Wrath of Man" (starring Jason Statham) with an estimated gross of 8.1 million dollars.

OSCARS - From YahooEntertainment:  When she did not win in the "Best Song" Oscar category at the recent 93rd Academy Awards, songwriter Diane Warren became the woman with the most nominations without a win in Oscar history.  Warren is 0-for-12, but she is taking that in stride.  And she might get a another nomination next year.

GOLDEN GLOBES - From Variety: "Black Widow" star and Oscar-nominated and Tony Award-winning actress Scarlett Johansson speaks out against the HFPA, the organization with hands out the Golden Globes awards.

From Deadline:  Netflix becomes the latest media organization to shun the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) over its attempts to ... change.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  The actor, director, and producer, Norman Lloyd, has died at the age of 106, Tuesday, May 11, 2021.  Lloyd worked in every facet of the entertainment industry, including theater, radio, television, and film.  He worked with such luminaries as Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, and Alfred Hitchcock.  He may be best known for his role on the former NBC television series, "St. Elsewhere (1982-88), as "Dr. Daniel Auschlander."  Lloyd was also a two-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee.

From YahooSports:  Former college and professional football player, Cole Brennan, has died at the age of 37, Tuesday, May 11, 2021.  Brennan was the record-setting quarterback at the University of Hawaii from 2005 to 2007.  He had a brief NFL career with the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders from 2008-2010.

From YahooLife:  The former White House dog, Bo, has died at the age of 12, Saturday, May 8, 2021.  A Portuguese water dog, Bo was the family dog of President Barack Obama and his family and was the White House dog from 2009-2017.  Bo joined the family and entered the White House in April 2009.

Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama - 2020 - Update #110

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

Support Leroy on Patreon:

TRAILERS, TEASES, and TV SPOTS:

From Marvel:   A first look at Disney+ series, "Loki" (Thurs., Dec. 10th, 2020)

From Marvel:   A first look at "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" (Thurs., Dec. 10th, 2020)

From Marvel:   A first look at Marvel Studios' "What If ... ?" (Thurs., Dec. 10th, 2020)

From YouTube:  The official trailer for the Disney+ series, "WandaVision." (released, Sun., Sept. 20, 2020)

From YouTube:  The "final trailer" for "Black Widow" (released Mon., March 9, 2020).

From Newsarama:  This Disney+ Super Bowl TV spot focuses on the upcoming Marvel Studios TV series, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," "WandaVision," and "Loki."

From Newsarama:  Here is the 30-second TV spot for "Black Widow" that was shown during Super Bowl LIV (Sun., Feb. 2nd, 2020).

From EW:  Here is the special look at "Black Widow" shown during the "College Football Playoff" Championship game between LSU (winner) and Clemson (Mon., Jan. 13th, 2020).

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

FRANCHISE - From WeGotThisCovered:   Rumors suggest that Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige wants most Marvel heroes to be women and people of color going forward.

WHAT IF...? - From YahooEntertainment:   Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has confirmed that the late actor, Chadwick Boseman ("Black Panther") recorded a number of voice performances for Marvel's upcoming animated series, "What If...?"

DAREDEVIL - From WeGotThisCovered:   Rumors suggest that Marvel Studios will produce a "Daredevil" TV series in the vein of the one that streamed on Netflix - meaning it will be adult oriented.  Actor Charlie Cox, who played Matt Murdoch/Daredevil on the Netflix series, would return to the role.

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER - From Marvel:  Oscar-winning actor, Christian Bale, is joining "Thor: Love and Thunder" as "Gorr the God Butcher."  The film is due May 6, 2022.

HAWKEYE - From Marvel:  Marvel Studios has announced that Oscar-nominated actress, Hailee Steinfeld, is joining the Disney+ series, "Hawkeye," as the character "Kate Bishop."

BLACK PANTHER 2 - From TheVerge:   Marvel Studios will not recast the role of T'Challa in the wake of the death of Chadwick Boseman who played T'Challa/Black Panther.  The sequel, "Black Panther 2," will begin shooting next year for a July 2022 release date.  It will focus on the other characters in the world of Wakanda.

FANTASTIC FOUR - From io9:   Marvel Studios makes it official and are rebooting the "Fantastic Four," with Jon Watts (Marvel's "Spider-Man" films) will direct.

CAPTAIN MARVEL 2 - From WeGotThisCovered:  According to an (alleged) Marvel Studios insider, actress Brie Larson is set to make a minimum of 15 million dollars for starring in "Captain Marvel 2."

SPIDER-MAN 3 - From MurphysMultiverse:   Reportedly, actor Charlie Cox, who played Matt Murdoch/Daredevil in Netflix/Marvel's "Daredevil" series will reprise the role in Sony/Marvel's third "Spider-Man" film.

SPIDER-MAN 3 - From Variety:   Actor Alfred Molina is apparently reprising his role as "Dr. Octopus" from "Spider-Man 2" (2004) for the third Sony/Marvel Studios "Spider-Man" film.

BLACK PANTHER - From BET:   To honor Chadwick Boseman, Disney has added new opening credits to the Disney+ streaming version of the Oscar-winning, 2018 film, "Black Panther."

BLACK PANTHER 2 - From THR:   "Black Panther 2" will begin shooting in July 2021, with the character "Shuri" (Black Panther's sister) having a larger role.  The actor Tenoch Huerta will reportedly play one of the film's villains.

DEADPOOL 3 - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios and Deadpool star, Ryan Reynolds, have chosen the Emmy-winning sisters, Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Loeglin ("Bob's Burgers"), to pen the script for "Deadpool 3."  The film is in early development and will be Marvel's first shot at the character since the Disney-Fox merger brought the character to Marvel.

WANDAVISION - From GamesRadar:   "WandaVision" is currently scheduled to hit Disney+ January 15, 2021.

WANDAVISION - From IndieWire:   "WandaVision" filmed in front of a live audience and director Matt Shakman and Marvel boss Kevin Feige even consulted classic sitcom actor, Dick Van Dyke ("The Dick Van Dyke Show") - in order to capture the feel of a TV situation comedy (sitcom).

SPIDER-MAN 3 - From TheWrap:   First set photo from the third Sony/Marvel "Spider Man" movie reveals Tom Holland wearing two masks.

MOON KNIGHT - From Deadline:  Oscar Isaac (Star Wars' "Poe Dameron") is reportedly in negotiations to play the title character in Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Moon Knight," based on the comic book character.

BLADE - From THR:   In this article about studios hiring "diverse voices" in their filmmaking process, there is some "Blade" news.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 -From Deadline:  Actress Xochitl Gomez ("The Baby-Sitters Club") will reportedly join Marvel Studios' sequel film, "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

MARVEL SPIDER-MAN 3 - From THR:  Sources tell the news site that Benedict Cumberbatch will appear as "Doctor Strange" in Sony/Marvel's third "Spider-Man" film.

MARVEL SPIDER-MAN 3 - From THR:   Sources say that Jamie Foxx, who played "Electro," a villain in 2014's "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," is in negotiations to return as the character in the third Sony/Marvel Studios "Spider-Man" film.

MS. MARVEL - From Deadline:   According to sources, Marvel Studios has chosen newcomer Iman Vellani to play "Ms. Marvel"/"Kamala Kahn" in the "Ms. Marvel" Disney+ series.

NICK FURY - From Variety:  Sources have told the venerable Hollywood news site that Disney is developing a "Nick Fury" TV series with Samuel L. Jackson for Disney+.

WANDAVISION - From Deadline:   Disney+/Marvel's "WandaVision" trailer draws 53 million views online in the 24 hours afters its debut during the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards.

BLACK PANTHER - From Variety:   Disneyland unveils a "Black Panther" mural featuring the late actor Chadwick Boseman in its "Downtown Disney" shopping district.

SHE-HULK - From Deadline:  Sources tell the site that Tatiana Maslany ("Orphan Black") will star in Marvel's "She-Hulk" series for Disney+.

WANDAVISION - From ComicBook:  Apparently, Marvel Studios' "WandaVision" will make it to Disney+ this year.

ANT-MAN 3 - From Deadline:  Actor Jonathan Majors ("Lovecraft Country," "The Last Black Man in San Francisco") will play the super-villain "Kang the Conqueror" in the next "Ant-Man" movie... according to sources.

CHADWICK BOSEMAN - From Variety:  The actor Chadwick Boseman has died at the age of 43, Friday, August 27, 2020, after a four-year battle with cancel.  Boseman was best known for playing T'Challa/Black Panther in Marvel Studios' 2018, Oscar-winning, recording-setting film, "Black Panther."  Boseman also appeared in a number of biopics:  Jackie Robinson in "42" (2013); James Brown in "Get on Up" (2014), and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in "Marshall" (2017).

From THR:   Disney Grapples With How to Proceed on "Black Panther" Without Chadwick Boseman

From BET:   Chadwick Boseman's "Black Panther" co-stars react to his passing.

From Variety:  What Chadwick Boseman's "Black Panther" legacy mean.

From YahooEntertainment:  The Future of ‘Black Panther': What Can Disney Do to Continue the Franchise.
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BLACK PANTHER 2 - From YahooEntertainment:  The delays in film production caused by COVID-19 might decide who will be the cinematographer on "Black Panther 2."

CAPTAIN MARVEL 2 - From Deadline:  The site reports that it is "hearing" that Nia DaCosta, who directed the new "Candyman" film that COVID-19 is keeping out of theaters, will be the director of Marvel Studio's sequel to its 2019 billion-dollar hit, "Captain Marvel."  Disney and Marvel Studios had no comment on that for Deadline.

HAWKEYE - From YahooEntertainment: Andy Park, director of visual development at Marvel Studios, shared artwork on Twitter from the Disney+ series, "Hawkeye," featuring the character, "Kate Bishop."

DOCTOR STRANGE - From MarvelEntertainment:  "Doctor Strange" star, Benedict Cumberbatch, wanders into a comic book store... dressed as Doctor Strange!

FUTURE - From Epicstream:  A rumor:  Marvel is considering Emmy-nominated actor, Giancarlo Esposito (Moff Gideon of "The Mandalorian") to play the iconic Marvel Comics villain, Doctor Doom.

HELSTROM - From BleedingCool:  Cast and creatives of the new Hulu/Marvel Studios' series, "Hellstrom," talk about the show, which is due to debut October 16th, 2020.  There is also a new teaser trailer.

SPIDER-MAN - From Deadline:  Sony Pictures moves its sequel to "Spider-Man: Far From Home" (a co-production with Disney/Marvel) to December 17, 2021.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From Variety:  Marvel Studios/Disney+'s "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will not make its August 2020 release date.  The production remains shutdown because of COVID-19.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From YahooEntertainment:  Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, who played "Karl Mordo" in the film, "Doctor Strange," says that Sam Raimi is perfect to direct the planned sequel.

ANTHONY MACKIE - From CinemaBlend:  Anthony Mackie ("Falcon") gives his honest (and blunt) assessment on Marvel Studios' lack of diversity.

ANTHONY MACKIE - From YahooEntertainment:  Twitter loves the interview MCU star, Anthony Mackie, gave when he appeared in "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," Thurs., June 11th.

WANDAVISION - From MurphysMultiverse:  Evan Peters, who played "Quicksilver" in Fox's "X-Men" movies signed on to play a mystery role in "WandaVision," and he has apparently already filmed his scenes.  Could he be playing Quicksilver again?

SPIDER-MAN - From EW:  J.K. Simmons says that he has signed on to reprise the role of "Spider-Man" character, "J. Jonah Jameson," hot-tempered editor of "The Daily Bugle."  When and where will he appear? Time will tell.

CAPTAIN AMERICA - From THR:  While promoting his Apple+ miniseries, "Defending Jacob," Chris Evan stated that he initially kept saying "No!" to the part of Steve Rogers/Captain America.

OBIT - From Variety:  Leslie A. Pope, the set decorator for "Avengers: Endgame," has died at the age of 65, Wednesday, May 6, 2020.  Pope had received an Oscar nomination for her work on 2003's "Seabiscuit" ("Best Art Direction," which she shared with Jeannine Oppewall).

IRON MAN 2 - From YahooUK:  What went wrong with "Iron Man 2" (2010), Marvel Studios most troubled production?

FALCON-WINTER SOLDIER - From THR:  Sebastian Stan talks about his latest film, "Endings, Beginnings," and his role as Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier in Marvel Studios' "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From Variety:  "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" gets another release date change, March 25, 2022.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From ComingSoon:  Director Sam Raimi seems to officially confirm that he is directing the Marvel Studios film, "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

THOR 4 - From Deadline:  Director Taika Waititi and star Tessa Thompson tease the upcoming "Thor" sequel, "Thor: Love & Thunder."

GUARDIAN GALAXY 3 - From GamesRadar:  Director James Gunn teases that "Rocket" is a big part of what happens next for the "Guardians of the Galaxy."

ANT-MAN 3 - From THR:  Writer Jeff Loveness has been hired to write a draft of "Ant-Man 3."  Loveness is known for being a writer and producer on Cartoon Network's popular "Rick and Morty" animated series.  Loveness has also written issues of Marvel Comics' "Groot" and "Nova" comic book series.  Peyton Reed, the director of the first two "Ant-Man" films, has been signed to return for the third film.

FUTURE - From Variety:  Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, Walt Disney has changed the release dates of several of its films, including a big shift for all Marvel Studios films through 2022.

BLACK WIDOW - From FilmMusicReporter:  Lorne Balfe is composing music for the "Black Widow" film.  There isn't any word on the music already composed for the film by Oscar-winner Alexandre Desplat.

COVID-19 - From BusinessInsider:  In an opinion piece, the article says that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) faces a big test as shifting movie release dates challenges its meticulous story planning.  The release of "Black Widow" has already been postponed indefinitely because of the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD - From IndieWire:  Director Patty Jenkins explains why she left "Thor: The Dark World."  [It wasn't a big loss - Ed.]

LOKI - From DiscussingFilm:  Actor Richard E. Grant, who recently appeared in "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," has joined Disney+/Marvel Studios TV series, "Loki," in a secret role.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From Deadline:  Shooting on Disney+'s "The Falcon & the Winter Soldier" in the city of Prague has shut down over coronavirus concerns.  The series is due to debut August 2020.

WHAT IF - From Variety:  Marvel Studios has picked the Quebec, Canada-based animation studio, "Squeeze," to create five episodes of its "What If...?" series.

BLACK WIDOW - From EW:  Scarlett Johansson talks about the "closure" of appearing in the standalone "Black Widow" film.  This article includes a video interview.

THOR 4 - From ETOnline:  Tessa Thompson ("Valkyrie") says that Christina Bale will play the villain in 2021's "Thor: Love & Thunder."

From CinemaBlend:  Vin Diesel says that the "Guardians of the Galaxy" will appear in "Thor: Love & Thunder."  Diesel voices the GotG character, "Groot."

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From Newsarama:  "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" star Anthony Mackie says the Disney+ shows are shot completely differently from the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

HAWKEYE - From BleedingCool:  Jeremy Renner talks about working out for the Disney+ "Hawkeye" series.  This suggests that the rumors that the series was being cancelled or that Renner was being replaced are not true...

ETERNALS - From Newsarama:  Kumail Nanjiani says that the character he plays in Marvel's "The Eternals" is the "biggest Bollywood star."

SHE-HULK - From ComicBook:  Mark Ruffalo says that he has had some preliminary talks to reprise his role as Bruce Banner/Hulk in the planned Disney+ series, "She-Hulk."

FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER - From Deadline:  Actor Carl Lumbly ("Supergirl") has reportedly joined the cast of Disney+'s "The Falcon & the Winter Soldier."

ETERNALS - From NewNowNext:  Actor Haaz Sleiman says that he will be the husband of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first openly gay superhero in "The Eternals."  He says that the film will feature the first "gay kiss."

LOKI - From Variety:  The actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw has been cast in Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Loki."

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER - From Variety:  Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is reportedly joining recent Oscar winner, Taika Waititi, to writer "Thor: Love and Thunder."

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From Variety:   Sam Raimi is in talks to direct "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."  Raimi previously directed Sony's original "Spider-Man" trilogy.

FUTURE - From THR:  Including the upcoming "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," "WandaVision," and "Loki," Disney CEO Bob Iger says that there are seven other Marvel TV series in various stages of development.

DISNEY+ - From Newsarama:  There are new synopses for Disney+/Marvel Studios' TV series, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," "WandaVision," and "Loki."

BLACK WIDOW - From Newsarama:  There are new character posters for "Black Widow," and a new story synopsis.

LOKI - From ComicBook:  Actor Owen Wilson has signed on for a major, but unknown role in Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Loki."

CAPTAIN MARVEL - From ShowbizCheatSheet:  Rumors suggest that "Captain Marvel" might lead two super-teams.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From Deadline:  Actor Noah Mills (NBC's "The Enemy Within") is joining "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" in an unnamed role.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From GamesRadar:  An alleged leaked photo from the set of "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" Disney+ series may include a reference to the world of the "X-Men" comic books.

THE ETERNALS - From GamesRadar:  Leaked set photos from "The Eternals" shows what is supposed to be the character, "Ikaris," in flight.

CAPTAIN MARVEL 2 - From THR:  A sequel to the billion-dollar film, "Captain Marvel," is apparently in the works.  Megan McDonnell, writer of Disney+/Marvel's "WandaVision," is in talks to pen the script.

FUTURE - From GamesRadar:  Sir Patrick Stewart, who played Professor X in several of Fox's "X-Men" movies, says that he has he recently met with Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, to "talk shop."  Stewart said that Professor X came up in the conversation, but also said that he is through with the character.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLIDER - From TheWrap:  Here is a first look at actor Wyatt Russell as "John Walker/U.S. Agent" in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

RED SKULL - From YahooMoviesUK:  Hugo Weaving said that he did not reprise his role as "the Red Skull" in "Avengers: Endgame" because Marvel was impossible to deal with.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From Newsarama:  The film industry site, "Backsgate," may have the synopsis for "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

BLACK WIDOW - From Newsarama:  There is a video "featurette" that delves into Black Widow's history.

ETERNALS - From Newsarama:  A new synopsis of Marvel's "The Eternals" reveals story details.  The film also ties into "Avengers: Endgame" and seems to borrow plot elements from Neil Gaiman's 2008 "Eternals" comic book series.

FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER - From Variety:  Production has been delayed on "Falcon & Winter Soldier" due to the Jan. 7th and Jan. 11th earthquakes in Puerto Rico.

KEVIN FEIGE - From ScreenRant:  Managing Marvel Comics may prove to be quite a challenge for Marvel Studios' boss, Kevin Feige.

SHANG-CHI - From Newsarama:  Who is Shang-Chi? And what are the "10 rings?"

NEW MUTANTS? - From Newsarama:  D23, the official Disney fan club, seems to think that, "The New Mutants," the X-Men film that Disney inherited after buying 20th Century Fox, is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  The MCU is comprised of films produced by Marvel Studios.

FRANCHISE - From YahooMovies:  Why you'll never see James Dean (or any other dead actor) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

DOCTOR STRANGE - From Deadline:   Director Scott Derrickson has left "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" due to "creative differences."  Derrickson directed the 2016 original film.

ABC - From Deadline:  The ABC Network is in talks with Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige about Marvel developing a new TV series for the network.  The net's long-running "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." is coming to an end.

BLADE - From Newsarama:  Stephen Dorff played the villain, "Deacon Frost," in the original "Blade" film from 1998.  He said that he wouldn't mind reprising the role in the planned new Blade films starring his pal, Mahershala Ali."

THOR: LOVE & THUNDER - From THR:  Oscar-winner Christian Bale ("The Fighter) is in talks to join "Thor: Love & Thunder."

THOR: LOVE & THUNDER - From Gamespot:  Director Taika Watiti says that "Thor: Love & Thunder" is scheduled to begin shooting in Australia in August 2020.

SHANG-CHI - From THR:  Director Destin Daniel Cretton talks about moving from directing his current drama, "Just Mercy," to his next film, "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

THE ETERNALS - From YahooEntertainment:   Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has revealed that Marvel's first transgender character will appear in "The Eternals," which is due November 2020.

WANDAVISION - From Newsarama:  Disney has moved the release date for the Disney+/Marvel Studios' series, "WandaVision" to 2020 from 2021.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From Collider:  Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige says that "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" is not "exactly a horror movie," although it will have scary scenes.

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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."

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 1st to 7th, 2019 - Update #27

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STREAMING - From THR:  Patty Jenkins signs a TV deal with Netflix.

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MOVIES - From BlackFilm:  Michael Ealy talks executive producing and starring in the soon to be released remake of the 1990 film, "Jacob's Ladder."

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MOVIES - From THR:  Here is a list of Fall 2019 horror films.

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TELEVISION - From Variety:  Gabrielle Union will produce a drama-comedy for cable giant, Spectrum.  Union is already starring in the "Spectrum Originals" series, "L.A. Finest."

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AWARDS - From THR:  The 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival has come to a close.  The "Golden Lion" went to director Todd Phillps and his film, "Joker."  The "Silver Lion" went to director Roman Polanski and his film, "An Officer and a Spy."

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Haley Atwell is joining the next "Mission: Impossible" film.  Atwell is best known for her appearances in "Captain America: The First Avenger" and its ABC TV spinoff, "Agent Carter."

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STREAMING - From Deadline:   Darren Criss will star in and executive produce Ryan Murphy's Netflix drama series, "Hollywood."  Criss won an Emmy and several other awards for playing spree killer Andrew Cunanan in Murphy's "The Assassination Gianni Versace."

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CULTURE - From YahooHuffPost:  "Barbie Death Camp," the Burning Man festival - go, read.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooEntertainment:  Actor Sean Connery reports that he and his wife rode out Hurricane Dorian from his mansion in the Bahamas.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Isaiah Mustafa talks about the transition from professional football to acting, including a role in "It: Chapter Two."

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TELEVISION - From THR: Milo Ventimiglia ("This is Us") will portray motorcycle daredevil, the late Evel Knievel for a USA Network miniseries.

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STREAMING - From THR:  Hulu and MGM have the screen rights to the "The Testaments," the upcoming book sequel to Margaret Atwood's novel, "The Handmaid's Tale" (1985).  Hulu is currently streaming an Emmy-winning TV adaptation of "The Handmaid's Tale."

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STREAMING - From TVGuide:  Netflix is ending its comedy series, "Grace and Frankie" (starring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda), after its upcoming seventh season.  By reaching a seventh season, "Grace and Frankie" will become Netflix's longest-running series to date.

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CELEBRITY - From Deadline:  Eddie Murphy is reportedly planning to return to stand-up comedy in 2020, via a tour.

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STREAMING - From THR:  Will Poulter ("We're the Millers") has been named one of the leads in Amazon's "Lord of the Rings" series.

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AWARDS - From THR:  The nominations for the 2019 E! People's Choice Awards have been announced.

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CELEBRITY - From THR:  In a wide-ranging interview with "The Hollywood Reporter," Scarlett Johansson talks about a lot of things.  But this interview may be remembered for her support of #MeToo casualty, director Woody Allen.

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OBAMA - From THR:  President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are having trademark issues of their company's name, "Higher Ground Productions."

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STREAMING - From Deadline:  Television series mastermind, Ryan Murphy, is planning an impressive slate of programs as part of his Netflix deal.  That includes a TV adaptation of the Broadway musical, "A Chorus Line" and a biography of iconic designer, Halston, with Ewan McGregor in the lead role.

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STREAMING - From TheWrap:  AppleTV has scrapped plans to produce the Richard Gere drama, "Bastards."

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 8/3 to 9/1/2019 weekend box office (the Labor Day weekend and the final weekend of Summer 2019) is "Angel Has Fallen" with an estimated take of 11.57 million dollars.

From Deadline:  After Disney slaughtered its rivals at the summer box office, they ask, "what is theatrical."

From Variety:  Even with big hits like "The Lion King" and "Avengers: Endgame," the North American box office experienced a two percent decline in Summer 2019 (4.32 billion dollars) from Summer 2018 (4.41 billion dollars).

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CELEBRITY - From Deadline:  Actor-comedian Kevin Hart reportedly suffers "major back injuries" in a car accident in Calabasas, CA early Sunday morning, Sept. 1st.

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MOVIES - From TheDailyBeast:  At the Venice Film Festival, Spike Lee defends Nate Parker, who is at the festival screening his latest, "American Skin."

From Variety:  Director Nate Parker apologizes for being tone-deaf about the resurfacing of rape allegations against him in 2016 during the promotion of his film, "The Birth of a Nation."

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FILM FESTIVAL - From YahooNews:  At the Venice Festival, controversy swirls around the film, "An Officer and a Spy," and its director Oscar-winner Roman Polanski.  Polanski was convicted for the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl in 1978, and he has been a fugitive from the U.S. since then.  Some believe his inclusion is out of touch in the #MeToo era.

OBITS:

From Variety:   The actress Carol Lynley has died at the age of 77, Tuesday, September 3, 2019.  She is best known for her appearances in "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972) and Blue Denim, both the original play in 1958 and its 1959 film adaptation.  She also appeared in the 1972 TV movie, "The Night Stalker," which led to the short-lived ABC series, "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" (1974-75).

From YahooMusic:  The Grammy-winning songwriter, LaShawn Daniels, has died at the age of 41, Tuesday, September 3, 2019.  Daniels was a frequent collaborator of Grammy-winner, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and wrote or co-wrote songs for Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga.  Daniels won the "Grammy Award for Best R&B Song" for Destiny Child's "Say My Name" in 2001.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  The first trailer for "Bad Boys for Life" the third film in the "Bad Boys" film franchise.  The film is due January 17, 2020.

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