Monday, October 24, 2016
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Michael B. Jordan Signs Development Deal with Skydance Media
Studio and Jordan’s Outlier Productions Set Television Series Apollo Park as First Project
SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skydance, a diversified media company that creates event-level entertainment for global audiences, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive, multi-year first-look agreement for both television and feature film production with Michael B. Jordan and his newly formed production company Outlier Productions. The first project under the agreement between Skydance and Outlier is an original scripted television series Apollo Park, the story of a young basketball player’s rapid rise to professional fame and the effects of his success on his family and community back in inner-city Detroit.
.@Skydance forms exclusive first look with @michaelb4jordan
Eric Amadio (After Sex, Stuntmen), whose new series Snowfall just received a 10-episode order at FX, co-created Apollo Park together with Jordan. Amadio is also set to write the series. Michael B. Jordan will serve as executive producer alongside Amadio, Evan Silverberg, Kenny Goodman, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Marcy Ross.
Jordan has named Wynn Wygal as his Vice President at Outlier. Wynn comes from Mad Chance Productions, where she served as Director of Development.
“Michael is an incredibly gifted actor and storyteller whose proven track record on both the big and small screen together with his boundless ambitions make him an ideal partner for us at Skydance,” said David Ellison, Chief Executive Officer of Skydance Media. “We are so excited to team up with Michael and Eric on Apollo Park, a riveting sports drama about courage, perseverance, and family.”
“I love telling true, modern stories and Apollo Park – an underdog tale about a very real and very heroic hustler who defies stereotypes and thrives against great odds – has long been a passion project of mine. Eric and I are excited to join forces with the incredible creative team at Skydance to share it with the world,” added Jordan.
“I’m also very eager to start this new chapter in my career by launching my production company and I am thrilled to have Wynn join my team.”
Jordan, whose film credits include lead roles in Creed and the critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station, is best-known on television for his roles in Friday Night Lights and The Wire. He will next star as the villain Erik Killmonger in Marvel Studios’ 2018 film Black Panther.
While at Mad Chance, Wynn championed projects It’s What I Do, the Lynsey Addario autobiography starring Jennifer Lawrence and directed by Steven Spielberg, Queen of the Air with Margot Robbie and the Afghan war drama Wynne’s War adapted by Ben August. She also oversaw the English adaptation of the famed Japanese manga Akira along with Fellini: Black and White directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, among others.
Today, Skydance is a leading producer of major Hollywood studio films and television shows. Since its inception in 2010, Skydance has produced 11 feature films, which have cumulatively grossed approximately $4.2 billion in worldwide box office receipts. The Company's current film slate includes Jack Reacher: Never Go Back with Paramount on October 21, 2016, Life with Sony on May 26, 2017, and Geostorm with Warner Brothers on October 20, 2017. Skydance Television was launched in 2013 and is currently slated to produce six original series across multiple networks. Skydance has over the past twelve months significantly expanded its business operations by increasing the production of both feature films and television series as well as launching Skydance International and Skydance Interactive.
Jordan and Outlier Productions are repped by WME, MGMT, and Bloom Hergott Diemer Rosenthal Laviolette Feldman Schenkman & Goodman, LLP. Amadio is repped by CAA, Management 360, and Bloom Hergott Diemer Rosenthal Laviolette Feldman Schenkman & Goodman, LLP.
About Skydance Media
Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across platforms, including feature film, television, and interactive. Its feature films include Star Trek Beyond, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Terminator Genisys, World War Z, Star Trek Into Darkness, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Jack Reacher, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, and True Grit. Skydance’s upcoming film slate includes Jack Reacher: Never Go Back on October 21, 2016, Life on May 26, 2017, and Geostorm on October 20, 2017. Skydance Television launched in 2013. Its current slate includes Emmy-nominated Grace and Frankie on Netflix, Altered Carbon on Netflix, Red Mars on Spike TV, Jack Ryan on Amazon, Condor on DirecTV, and Ten Days in the Valley on ABC. Skydance Interactive launched in 2016, following the acquisition of leading game developer The Workshop Entertainment, to create and publish original and IP-based virtual reality experiences and video games.
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Wonder Woman is Now a United Nations' Honorary Ambassador
Wonder Woman Named the United Nations’ Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls
Secretary-General Designates the Iconic Super Hero to Champion Gender Equality
#WithWonderWoman #WonderWoman75 #WonderWoman
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wonder Woman has long been recognized as the global icon representing justice, peace and equality, and now, the United Nations makes the DC Super Hero an Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls.
“The Sustainable Development Goals are among the most ambitious adopted by the UN and require the widest awareness and support not only among governments”
The appointment was announced by the United Nations at a ceremony also attended by Lynda Carter, who played Wonder Woman in the beloved 1970s television series, and Gal Gadot, who will star in next year’s feature film, “Wonder Woman.” Joining them were Diane Nelson, president of DC Entertainment, part of Warner Bros. Entertainment, and “Wonder Woman” film director Patty Jenkins.
“While the world has achieved progress towards gender equality, in many parts of the world, women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but also a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world,” said UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, Cristina Gallach, “…and Wonder Woman will be another valuable partner for us to achieve such a world by inspiring her millions of fans worldwide to stand up for gender equality.”
In this new role, the Super Hero, who celebrates her 75th anniversary today, will move beyond battling Super-Villains and help promote the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal #5, which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as a critical component of a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
“The Sustainable Development Goals are among the most ambitious adopted by the UN and require the widest awareness and support not only among governments,” continued Ms. Gallach, “but also among peoples of the world. Wonder Woman will help us reach a broad audience to stand up for action on improving gender equality."
Whether they know her from comic books, television, video games, animation or film, people around the world have come to recognize Wonder Woman as much more than just a powerful daughter of the gods.
“The greatest honor and responsibility of playing Wonder Woman was serving as a role model for fans around the world, particularly girls,” said Carter. “I’ve seen first-hand how a powerful yet compassionate superhero can inspire women to believe in themselves and men to support equality.”
Despite many gains made in the fight for equality, one in three women still experience gender-based violence and 60% of the world’s illiterate are female. In collaboration with the U.N., DC and Warner Bros. will use multiple media platforms to spread awareness about the challenge and the steps both men and women can take to support a more just world that lives up to the ideals of Wonder Woman.
“Supporting the United Nations’ campaign for female empowerment is a weighty responsibility and one that all of us at DC and Warner Bros. are proud to take on,” said Nelson. “Wonder Woman has always been a trailblazer for women’s rights and we believe she can continue that legacy by expanding and deepening the dialogue around these critical issues.”
In support of this campaign, DC will publish a special comic book in 2017 with Wonder Woman carrying forth the positive message of empowering women and girls. In a first for the company, the comic book will simultaneously be published in the six official languages of the U.N.: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
DC and Warner Bros. will develop special messaging supporting the U.N.’s initiative across a variety of studio platforms, channels and activities, including their “DC Super Hero Girls” graphic novels, television movie and toys.
The studio will also produce a special PSA featuring Gal Gadot in support of Sustainable Development Goal #5.
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$107.5 Per Share; AT&T to Buy Time Warner
AT&T to Acquire Time Warner
- New company with complementary strengths to lead the next wave of innovation in converging media and communications industry
- Combination unlike any other — the world’s best premium content with the networks to deliver it to every screen, however customers want it
- The future of video is mobile and the future of mobile is video
- Time Warner is a global leader in creating premium content, has the largest film/TV studio in world and an unrivaled library of entertainment
- AT&T has unmatched direct-to-customer distribution across TV, mobile and broadband in the U.S., mobile in Mexico and TV in Latin America.
- Combined company positioned to create new customer choices — from content creation and distribution to a mobile-first experience that’s personal and social
- Goal is to give customers unmatched choice, quality, value and experiences that will define the future of media and communications
- Customer insights across TV, mobile and broadband will allow new company to: offer more relevant and valuable addressable advertising; innovate with ad-supported content models; better inform content creation; and make OTT and TV Everywhere products smarter and more personalized
- Acquisition provides significant financial benefits
- Accretive to AT&T in the first year after close on adjusted EPS & free cash flow per share basis
- Improves AT&T’s dividend coverage
- Improves AT&T’s revenue and earnings growth profile
- Diversifies AT&T’s revenue mix and lowers capital intensity
- Committed to strong balance sheet and maintaining investment-grade credit metrics
- Delivers significant benefits for customers
- Stronger competitive alternative to cable & other video providers
- Provides better value, more choices, enhanced customer experience for over-the-top and mobile viewing
- More innovation with ad-supported models that shift more cost of content creation from customers to advertisers
DALLAS & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AT&T will acquire Time Warner in a stock-and-cash transaction valued at $107.50 per share. The agreement has been approved unanimously by the boards of directors of both companies.
“It’s a great fit, and it creates immediate and long-term value for our shareholders.”
The deal combines Time Warner's vast library of content and ability to create new premium content that connects with audiences around the world, with AT&T's extensive customer relationships, world’s largest pay TV subscriber base and leading scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution.
“This is a perfect match of two companies with complementary strengths who can bring a fresh approach to how the media and communications industry works for customers, content creators, distributors and advertisers,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. “Premium content always wins. It has been true on the big screen, the TV screen and now it’s proving true on the mobile screen. We’ll have the world’s best premium content with the networks to deliver it to every screen. A big customer pain point is paying for content once but not being able to access it on any device, anywhere. Our goal is to solve that. We intend to give customers unmatched choice, quality, value and experiences that will define the future of media and communications.
“With great content, you can build truly differentiated video services, whether it’s traditional TV, OTT or mobile. Our TV, mobile and broadband distribution and direct customer relationships provide unique insights from which we can offer addressable advertising and better tailor content,” Stephenson said. “It’s an integrated approach and we believe it’s the model that wins over time.
“Time Warner’s leadership, creative talent and content are second to none. Combine that with 100 million plus customers who subscribe to our TV, mobile and broadband services – and you have something really special,” said Stephenson. “It’s a great fit, and it creates immediate and long-term value for our shareholders.”
Time Warner Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “This is a great day for Time Warner and its shareholders. Combining with AT&T dramatically accelerates our ability to deliver our great brands and premium content to consumers on a multiplatform basis and to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities created by the growing demand for video content. That’s been one of our most important strategic priorities and we’re already making great progress — both in partnership with our distributors, and on our own by connecting directly with consumers. Joining forces with AT&T will allow us to innovate even more quickly and create more value for consumers along with all our distribution and marketing partners, and allow us to build on a track record of creative and financial excellence that is second to none in our industry. In fact, when we announce our 3Q earnings, we will report revenue and operating income growth at each of our divisions, as well as double-digit earnings growth.
Bewkes continued, “This is a natural fit between two companies with great legacies of innovation that have shaped the modern media and communications landscape, and my senior management team and I are looking forward to working closely with Randall and our new colleagues as we begin to capture the tremendous opportunities this creates to make our content even more powerful, engaging and valuable for global audiences.”
Time Warner is a global leader in media and entertainment with a great portfolio of content creation and aggregation, and iconic brands across video programming and TV/film production. Each of Time Warner’s three divisions is an industry leader: Turner consists of U.S. and international basic cable networks, including TNT, TBS, CNN and Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, and has sports right that include the National Basketball Association, NCAA Men’s Championship Basketball Tournament, and Major League Baseball; HBO, which consists of domestic premium pay television and streaming services (HBO Now, HBO Go) featuring such original series as Game of Thrones, VEEP, and Silicon Valley, as well as international premium & basic pay television and streaming services; and Warner Bros. Entertainment, which consists of television, feature film, home video and videogame production and distribution. Film franchises include Harry Potter, DC Entertainment, and LEGO; TV series produced include The Big Bang Theory, The Voice, and Gotham. Time Warner also has invested in over-the-top and digital media properties such as Bleacher Report, Hulu and Machinima.
Customer Benefits
The new company will deliver what customers want — enhanced access to premium content on all their devices, new choices for mobile and streaming video services and a stronger competitive alternative to cable TV companies.
With a mobile network that covers more than 315 million people in the United States, the combined company will strive to become the first U.S. mobile provider to compete nationwide with cable companies in the provision of bundled mobile broadband and video. It will disrupt the traditional entertainment model and push the boundaries on mobile content availability for the benefit of customers. And it will deliver more innovation with new forms of original content built for mobile and social, which builds on Time Warner’s HBO Now and the upcoming launch of AT&T’s OTT offering DIRECTV NOW.
Owning content will help AT&T innovate on new advertising options, which, combined with subscriptions, will help pay for the cost of content creation. This two-sided business model — advertising- and subscription-based — gives customers the largest amount of premium content at the best value.
Summary Terms of Transaction
Time Warner shareholders will receive $107.50 per share under the terms of the merger, comprised of $53.75 per share in cash and $53.75 per share in AT&T stock. The stock portion will be subject to a collar such that Time Warner shareholders will receive 1.437 AT&T shares if AT&T’s average stock price is below $37.411 at closing and 1.3 AT&T shares if AT&T’s average stock price is above $41.349 at closing.
This purchase price implies a total equity value of $85.4 billion and a total transaction value of $108.7 billion, including Time Warner’s net debt. Post-transaction, Time Warner shareholders will own between 14.4% and 15.7% of AT&T shares on a fully-diluted basis based on the number of AT&T shares outstanding today.
The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed with new debt and cash on AT&T’s balance sheet. AT&T has an 18-month commitment for an unsecured bridge term facility for $40 billion.
Transaction Will Result in Significant Financial Benefits
AT&T expects the deal to be accretive in the first year after close on both an adjusted EPS and free cash flow per share basis.
AT&T expects $1 billion in annual run rate cost synergies within 3 years of the deal closing. The expected cost synergies are primarily driven by corporate and procurement expenditures. In addition, over time, AT&T expects to achieve incremental revenue opportunities that neither company could obtain on a standalone basis.
Given the structure of this transaction, which includes AT&T stock consideration as part of the deal, AT&T expects to continue to maintain a strong balance sheet following the transaction close and is committed to maintaining strong investment-grade credit metrics.
By the end of the first year after close, AT&T expects net debt to adjusted EBITDA to be in the 2.5x range.
Additionally, AT&T expects the deal to improve its dividend coverage and enhance its revenue and earnings growth profile.
Time Warner provides AT&T with significant diversification benefits:
Diversified revenue mix — Time Warner will represent about 15% of the combined company’s revenues, offering diversification from content and from outside the United States, including Latin America, where Time Warner owns a majority stake in HBO Latin America, an OTT service available in 24 countries, and AT&T is the leading pay TV distributor.
Lower capital intensity — Time Warner’s business requires little in capital expenditures, which helps balance the higher capital intensity of AT&T’s existing business.
Regulation — Time Warner’s business is lightly regulated compared to much of AT&T’s existing operations.
The merger is subject to approval by Time Warner Inc. shareholders and review by the U.S. Department of Justice. AT&T and Time Warner are currently determining which FCC licenses, if any, will be transferred to AT&T in connection with the transaction. To the extent that one or more licenses are to be transferred, those transfers are subject to FCC review. The transaction is expected to close before year-end 2017.
Conference Call/Webcast
On Monday, October 24, 2016 at 8:30 am ET, AT&T and Time Warner will host a webcast presentation to discuss the transaction and AT&T’s 3Q earnings. Links to the webcast and accompanying documents will be available on both AT&T’s and Time Warner’s Investor Relations websites. AT&T has cancelled its previously scheduled call to discuss earnings, which had been set for Tuesday, October 25, 2016.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, mobile, high-speed Internet and voice services. We’re the world’s largest provider of pay TV. We have TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. We offer the best global coverage of any U.S. mobile provider*. And we help businesses worldwide serve their customers better with our mobility and highly secure cloud solutions.
About Time Warner Inc.
Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) is a global leader in media and entertainment with a great portfolio of content creation and aggregation, and iconic brands across video programming and TV/film production. Each of Time Warner’s three divisions is an industry leader: Turner consists of U.S. and international basic cable networks, including TNT, TBS, CNN and Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, and has sports right that include the National Basketball Association, NCAA Men’s Championship Basketball Tournament, and Major League Baseball; HBO, which consists of domestic premium pay television and streaming services (HBO Now, HBO Go) featuring such original series as Game of Thrones, VEEP, and Silicon Valley, as well as international premium & basic pay television and streaming services; and Warner Bros. Entertainment, which consists of television, feature film, home video and videogame production and distribution. Film franchises include Harry Potter, DC Entertainment, and LEGO; TV series produced include The Big Bang Theory, The Voice, and Gotham. Time Warner also has invested in over-the-top and digital media properties such as Bleacher Report, Hulu and Machinima.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this communication, including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed merger between AT&T and Time Warner, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger, including future financial and operating results, the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of AT&T and Time Warner and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control.
Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements are the following: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, (2) the risk that TIME WARNER stockholders may not adopt the merger agreement, (3) the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated, (4) risks that any of the closing conditions to the proposed merger may not be satisfied in a timely manner, (5) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed merger, (6) failure to realize the benefits expected from the proposed merger and (7) the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on the ability of TIME WARNER and AT&T to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers, and on their operating results and businesses generally. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in AT&T’s and TIME WARNER’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither AT&T nor TIME WARNER is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Persons reading this announcement are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger between AT&T and TIME WARNER. In connection with the proposed merger, AT&T intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4, containing a proxy statement/prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). STOCKHOLDERS OF TIME WARNER ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain copies of the proxy statement/prospectus as well as other filings containing information about AT&T and TIME WARNER, without charge, at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by AT&T will be made available free of charge on AT&T’s Investor Relations Website. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by TIME WARNER will be made available free of charge on TIME WARNER’s Investor Relations Website.
Participants in Solicitation
AT&T and its directors and executive officers, and TIME WARNER and its directors and executive officers, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the holders of TIME WARNER common stock in respect to the proposed merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of AT&T is set forth in the proxy statement for AT&T’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 11, 2016. Information about the directors and executive officers of TIME WARNER is set forth in the proxy statement for TIME WARNER’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on May 19, 2016. Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interest of such participants by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available.
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Saturday, October 22, 2016
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from October 16th to 22th, 2016 - Update #24
Support Leroy on Patreon.
MEDIA - From TheWrap: AT&T has bought Time Warner for 85 billion dollars.
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OBIT - From BleedingCool: The comic book artist, Steve Dillon, has died at the age of 54, Saturday, October 22, 2016. A Brit, his best known work to American fans includes Preacher (co-created with Garth Ennis) and The Punisher.
From BleedingCool: The comic book community remembers Steve Dillon, acclaimed comic book artist and creator.
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STAR WARS - From YahooMovies: Donald Glover will be Lando Calrissian in "Young Han Solo" movie.
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COMICS-FILM - From Variety: "Deadpool" director Tim Miller has left the "Deadpool 2" sequel over creative differences with star Ryan Reynolds.
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OBIT - From YahooTV: The actor and comedian, Kevin Meaney, has died at the age of 60, Friday, October 21, 2016.
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ANIMATION - From THR: Tom Hiddleston joins Aardman's animated film, "Early Man," which is to be directed by multiple Oscar winner, Nick Park.
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SPORTS - From YahooSports: The Los Angeles Sparks win the 2016 WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) championship title.
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MOVIES - From Variety: Gugu Mbatha-Raw joins Avu DuVernay's "A Wrinkle in Time."
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COMICS-FILM - From CinemaBlend: Early reviews for Marvel Studio's "Doctor Strange" are in.
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MOVIES - From Variety: Colin Firth in talks to star in Disney's "Mary Poppins Returns."
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MOVIES - From TheGuardian: Leonardo DiCaprio looking to star in real-life tale of Jim Crow and Black children used as circus freak.
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MUSIC - From YahooMusic: Eminem releases an 8-minute diss track of Donald Trump.
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MOVIES - From YahooMovies: Warner Bros. is working on a new Willy Wonka movie. Even with all the praising of Gene Wilder following his recent passing, I knew someone was plotting to revive Wilder's signature role (according to some) in a new movie.
----------
MOVIES - From THR: Michael Moore has apparently revealed a surprise Donald Trump film.
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MOVIES - From Deadline: Disney is producing a live-action version of its 1998 animated film, Mulan. Sony is producing a competing live-action version of the tale of Mulan, and they have hired, Alex Graves, who has directed episodes of "Games of Thrones."
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BOX OFFICE - From Variety: Thanks to billion dollar hits like "Captain America: Civil War" and "Finding Dory," Disney sets a record for international box office, which they already held from 2015.
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The #1 movie at the 10/14 to 10/16/2016 weekend box office is "The Accountant" (starring Ben Affleck) with an estimated take of $24.7 million.
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OBIT - From ESPN: The former NFL player, Dennis Byrd, has died at the age of 50, Saturday, October 15, 2016. Byrd broke his neck in a 1992 game and despite odds learned to walk again.
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MOVIES - From BleedingCool: "Jurassic World 2" will be "scarier and darker." Better would be good, too.
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COMICS-FILM - From Variety: The new Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Tom Holland, dishes on "Spider-Man: Homecoming."
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MOVIES - From EW: There will be a "Ride Along 3" with Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, says director.
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ECO - From RSN: Actor Mark Ruffalo and rocker Neil Young were arrested during protests to free a journalist.
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MOVIES - From TheGuardian: Oliver Stone says the U.S. government lies all the time.
TRAILERS:
From YouTube: The first official trailer for the third Wolverine movies, "Logan," which is due March 3rd.
From YouTube: First trailer for "The Boss Baby," from DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox.
MEDIA - From TheWrap: AT&T has bought Time Warner for 85 billion dollars.
----------
OBIT - From BleedingCool: The comic book artist, Steve Dillon, has died at the age of 54, Saturday, October 22, 2016. A Brit, his best known work to American fans includes Preacher (co-created with Garth Ennis) and The Punisher.
From BleedingCool: The comic book community remembers Steve Dillon, acclaimed comic book artist and creator.
----------
STAR WARS - From YahooMovies: Donald Glover will be Lando Calrissian in "Young Han Solo" movie.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From Variety: "Deadpool" director Tim Miller has left the "Deadpool 2" sequel over creative differences with star Ryan Reynolds.
----------
OBIT - From YahooTV: The actor and comedian, Kevin Meaney, has died at the age of 60, Friday, October 21, 2016.
----------
ANIMATION - From THR: Tom Hiddleston joins Aardman's animated film, "Early Man," which is to be directed by multiple Oscar winner, Nick Park.
----------
SPORTS - From YahooSports: The Los Angeles Sparks win the 2016 WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) championship title.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: Gugu Mbatha-Raw joins Avu DuVernay's "A Wrinkle in Time."
----------
COMICS-FILM - From CinemaBlend: Early reviews for Marvel Studio's "Doctor Strange" are in.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: Colin Firth in talks to star in Disney's "Mary Poppins Returns."
----------
MOVIES - From TheGuardian: Leonardo DiCaprio looking to star in real-life tale of Jim Crow and Black children used as circus freak.
----------
MUSIC - From YahooMusic: Eminem releases an 8-minute diss track of Donald Trump.
----------
MOVIES - From YahooMovies: Warner Bros. is working on a new Willy Wonka movie. Even with all the praising of Gene Wilder following his recent passing, I knew someone was plotting to revive Wilder's signature role (according to some) in a new movie.
----------
MOVIES - From THR: Michael Moore has apparently revealed a surprise Donald Trump film.
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: Disney is producing a live-action version of its 1998 animated film, Mulan. Sony is producing a competing live-action version of the tale of Mulan, and they have hired, Alex Graves, who has directed episodes of "Games of Thrones."
----------
BOX OFFICE - From Variety: Thanks to billion dollar hits like "Captain America: Civil War" and "Finding Dory," Disney sets a record for international box office, which they already held from 2015.
----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The #1 movie at the 10/14 to 10/16/2016 weekend box office is "The Accountant" (starring Ben Affleck) with an estimated take of $24.7 million.
----------
OBIT - From ESPN: The former NFL player, Dennis Byrd, has died at the age of 50, Saturday, October 15, 2016. Byrd broke his neck in a 1992 game and despite odds learned to walk again.
----------
MOVIES - From BleedingCool: "Jurassic World 2" will be "scarier and darker." Better would be good, too.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From Variety: The new Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Tom Holland, dishes on "Spider-Man: Homecoming."
----------
MOVIES - From EW: There will be a "Ride Along 3" with Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, says director.
----------
ECO - From RSN: Actor Mark Ruffalo and rocker Neil Young were arrested during protests to free a journalist.
----------
MOVIES - From TheGuardian: Oliver Stone says the U.S. government lies all the time.
TRAILERS:
From YouTube: The first official trailer for the third Wolverine movies, "Logan," which is due March 3rd.
From YouTube: First trailer for "The Boss Baby," from DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox.
I Reads You Review: POWER MAN AND IRONFIST #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
WRITER: David Walker
ARTIST: Sanford Greene
COLORS: Lee Loughridge
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Sanford Greene
VARIANT COVERS: Kalman Andrasofszky; John Tyler Christopher; Sanford Greene; Theotis Jones; Chris Visions; Trevor Von Eeden with Rachelle Rosenberg; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2016)
Rated T+
“The Boys are Back”
Luke Cage, also known as “Power Man,” is a Marvel Comics superhero. He was created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., and first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 (cover dated: June 1972). Cage was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, but he eventually gains superpowers in the form of durability, unbreakable skin, and superhuman strength.
Iron Fist/Daniel “Danny” Rand is a Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Gil Kane, and first appeared in Marvel Premiere #15 (cover dated: May 1974). An orphan and martial artist, Danny earned the power of a mystical force called the Iron Fist in the also mystical city of K'un Lun.
Both characters have starred in their own comic books series, but Luke Cage and Iron Fist have also been a duo and a team called Heroes for Hire. There was also a long-running comic book series entitled Power Man and Iron Fist. Thanks to the All-New, All-Different Marvel, Power Man and Iron Fist the comic book is back. It is written by David Walker; drawn by Sanford Greene; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.
Power Man and Iron Fist #1 (“The Boys are Back”) opens with Luke and Danny on their way to meet Jennie Royce. The former office manager of Heroes for Hire, Jennie has finished serving a prison sentence for murdering her abusive ex-boyfriend, Eugene Mason. Jennie asks Luke and Danny to retrieve a family heirloom currently in the possession of a criminal, Lonnie Lincoln a.k.a. “Tombstone.” Luke is adamant that he is not re-teaming with Danny Rand and that this mission to retrieve Jennie's heirloom is just a favor for a friend-who-is-like-family in need. But, of course, it is not the easy.
One look at Sanford Greene's cover art for this new Power Man and Iron Fist #1, I knew that I would not like what was behind the cover. I was wrong. I really liked this first issue, and I am genuinely suspicious or ambivalent about first issues.
David Walker's story and script is off-beat in a way that makes this comic book stand out from the Marvel pack, in a way that Matt Fraction and David Aja's Hawkeye did. Sanford Greene's visual language for this comic book balances superhero action against an edgy kind of street-comedy and gritty drama that pushes back on easy classification.
I like this comic book, and I look forward to future issues. Besides, David Walker and Sanford Greene are the Black/African-American creative team I have been demanding, so I gots to keep it real and read this comic book for several issues, at least. So far, it looks like their work will help to choke the Jim Crow out of the American comic book industry
A-
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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"Naruto: Itachi's Story - Daylight" Novel Arrives November 1st
New Novel Focuses On The Loyal Shinobi Of The Konoha Clan From Masashi Kishimoto’s Smash Hit Series NARUTO
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, continues to expand its library of popular NARUTO novels with the release of NARUTO: ITACHI’S STORY – DAYLIGHT on November 1st, 2016.
Naruto’s allies and enemies take center stage in these fast-paced adventures with each book focusing on a particular clan mate, ally, team…or villain. NARUTO: ITACHI’S STORY – DAYLIGHT will be available in print and digital editions. The novel was written by Takashi Yano and features original cover art by NARUTO creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
NARUTO: ITACHI’S STORY – DAYLIGHT
MSRP: $10.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN / $6.99 Digital · Available November 1st
Uchiha Itachi, four years of age. With the hell of war burned into his eyes, the boy makes a resolution: he will rid this world of all violence. The birth of Sasuke, meeting his friend Shisui, the academy, genin, chunin, and then the Anbu – Itachi races down the path of glory toward his dream of becoming the first Uchiha Hokage, unaware of the darkness that lies ahead…
Also don’t miss the first three books in the series of NARUTO novels – NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY, NARUTO: SHIKAMARU’S STORY and NARUTO: SAKURA’S STORY, available now in print and digital editions.
Manga author/artist Masashi Kishimoto was born in 1974 in rural Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Like many kids, he was first inspired to become a manga artist in elementary school when he read Dragon Ball. After spending time in art school, he won the Hop Step Award for new manga artists with his story, Karakuri. After considering various genres for his next project, Kishimoto decided on a story steeped in traditional Japanese culture. His first version of NARUTO, drawn in 1997, was a one-shot story about fox spirits; his final version, which debuted in Japan in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, quickly became the most popular ninja manga in the world. The series would also spawn multiple anime series, movies, novels, video games and more. Having concluded the series in late 2014, Masashi Kishimoto has kept himself busy this year with the side story, Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring, and writing the story for the latest NARUTO movie, Boruto: Naruto the Movie, both of which focus on the title character's son, Boruto.
VIZ Media is the North American master licensor for NARUTO and publishes the bestselling NARUTO manga series in print and digitally and also distributes the NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series and feature films. Additional information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.
For additional information on other manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.
Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at www.VIZ.com.
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