Marvel Studios Reveals Plans for Phase Four at San Diego-Comic-Con
Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Hall H at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige officially announced the lineup of feature films for the next two years and shared exciting new information on the brand-new Marvel Studios’ series created exclusively for Disney+, Disney’s upcoming streaming service launching in the U.S. on November 12, 2019.
The Eternals—in theaters on November 6, 2020
Chloé Zhao directs the feature, which introduces an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Eternals stars Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh and Don Lee.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier—coming to Disney+ in fall 2020
Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) most popular heroes—Sam Wilson, aka The Falcon, and Bucky Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier—embark on a series of action-filled adventures as they fight together against evil after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Anthony Mackie (The Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) reprise their roles in the new series.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings—in theaters on February 12, 2021
Kevin Feige announced the confirmed casting of Simu Liu in the title role of Shang-Chi. Destin Daniel Cretton directs, and the film also stars celebrated Chinese actor Tony Leung as the real Mandarin, and Awkwafina in a yet-to-be-disclosed role.
WandaVision—coming to Disney+ in spring 2021
Paul Bettany reprises the role of Vision and Elizabeth Olsen returns to her role of Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. They will be joined by MCU newcomer Teyonah Parris, who will be playing the grown-up version of Monica Rambeau, who was introduced to audiences in Captain Marvel.
Loki—coming to Disney+ in spring 2021
Tom Hiddleston returns to his role of the mercurial Loki, the God of Mischief and fan-favorite villain.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness—in theaters on May 7, 2021
The second film in the Doctor Strange franchise will reunite director Scott Derrickson with Benedict Cumberbatch, who returns for the new installment. Elizabeth Olsen will also star, and WandaVision—the Disney+ series that’s also centered around Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch—will connect directly to the feature-film storyline.
What If…?—coming to Disney+ in summer 2021
What If…? marks the first animated series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and features stories that present alternate realities in the Marvel universe. Many actors from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe will reprise their roles, as voice talent; and Jeffrey Wright lends his voice to the popular character The Watcher in the new series.
Hawkeye—coming to Disney+ in fall 2021
In Hall H, Jeremy Renner revealed the previously undisclosed title of the Disney+ original series. Hawkeye will introduce fans to Kate Bishop, a character well-known in the Marvel comics, who will be an integral part of the new series.
Thor: Love and Thunder—in theaters November 5, 2021
In the fourth feature film in the Thor franchise, Jane Foster, played by Natlie Portman, will become the Mighty Thor, the Goddess of Thunder. Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Portman star, with Taika Waititi set to direct.
Black Widow—in theaters May 1, 2020
The first film of Phase Four stars Scarlett Johansson, who reprises her role of Natasha Romanoff, as well as MCU newcomers David Harbour, who plays Alexei aka The Red Guardian; Florence Pugh as Yelena; O-T Fagbenie as Mason and Rachel Weisz as Melina. Cate Shortland directs.
To conclude the presentation, Feige also surprised the enthusiastic Hall H crowd with the announcement that two-time Academy Award® winner Mahershala Ali will star in the new Marvel Studios feature film Blade.
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Monday, July 22, 2019
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Universal Pictures Announces Two "Halloween" Sequels
"HALLOWEEN KILLS" and "HALLOWEEN ENDS" - Release Dates Now Available
The saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode isn't over.
Universal Pictures announced release dates for two new films in the iconic Halloween series.
In response to the global fan enthusiasm for last year's Halloween, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and directed by David Gordon Green, which went on to become the highest-grossing installment in the classic horror franchise at more than $250 million worldwide, Universal Pictures announced release dates for two new films in the iconic Halloween series, from Trancas International Films, Miramax and Blumhouse Productions.
HALLOWEEN KILLS will be released on Friday, October 16, 2020.
Written by David Gordon Green & Danny McBride & Scott Teems, based on characters created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, the film will be directed by David Gordon Green and produced by Malek Akkad, Jason Blum and Bill Block. John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jeanette Volturno, Couper Samuelson, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green and Ryan Freimann are executive producers. Ryan Turek is overseeing the project for Blumhouse.
HALLOWEEN ENDS will be released on Friday, October 15, 2021.
Written by David Gordon Green and Danny McBride, and Paul Brad Logan and Chris Bernier, based on characters created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, the film will be directed by David Gordon Green and produced by Malek Akkad, Jason Blum and Bill Block. John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jeanette Volturno, Couper Samuelson, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green and Ryan Freimann are executive producers. Ryan Turek is overseeing the project for Blumhouse.
------------------------
The saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode isn't over.
Universal Pictures announced release dates for two new films in the iconic Halloween series.
In response to the global fan enthusiasm for last year's Halloween, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and directed by David Gordon Green, which went on to become the highest-grossing installment in the classic horror franchise at more than $250 million worldwide, Universal Pictures announced release dates for two new films in the iconic Halloween series, from Trancas International Films, Miramax and Blumhouse Productions.
HALLOWEEN KILLS will be released on Friday, October 16, 2020.
Written by David Gordon Green & Danny McBride & Scott Teems, based on characters created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, the film will be directed by David Gordon Green and produced by Malek Akkad, Jason Blum and Bill Block. John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jeanette Volturno, Couper Samuelson, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green and Ryan Freimann are executive producers. Ryan Turek is overseeing the project for Blumhouse.
HALLOWEEN ENDS will be released on Friday, October 15, 2021.
Written by David Gordon Green and Danny McBride, and Paul Brad Logan and Chris Bernier, based on characters created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, the film will be directed by David Gordon Green and produced by Malek Akkad, Jason Blum and Bill Block. John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jeanette Volturno, Couper Samuelson, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green and Ryan Freimann are executive producers. Ryan Turek is overseeing the project for Blumhouse.
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Saturday, July 20, 2019
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 14th to 20th, 2019 - Update #44
Support Leroy on Patreon:
STAR TREK - From Deadline: British actor David Ajala will join CBS All Access' "Star Trek: Discovery" for Season Three as a new series regular.
------------------------------
SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2019 NEWS:
Marvel Studios "Phase Four" will be comprised of 10 films and series:
Here's the full slate:
Black Widow (May 1, 2020)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+, Fall 2020)
Eternals (November 6, 2020
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Feb. 12, 2021)
WandaVision (Disney+, Spring 2021)
Loki (Disney+, Spring 2021)
Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (May 7, 2021)
What If…? (Disney+, Summer 2021)
Hawkeye (Disney+, Fall 2021)
Thor: Love and Thunder (Nov. 5, 2021)
"Black Panther," "Captain Marvel 2," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," "Fantastic Four," and "Blade" (Mahershala Ali)
----------
From THR: Here it is! Comic-Con gets to see the first full trailer for HBO's "Watchmen" TV series, featuring Oscar-winner Regina King.
From EW: Mark Hamill brings Netflix's "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" to Comic-Con.
From EW: Disney's revived "DuckTales" animated TV series stormed Comic-Con. It's second and upcoming third seasons will continue to introduce characters from classic animated Disney TV series, like "Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers," "TaleSpin," and "Darkwing Duck."
From THR: James Cameron offered a "Terminator: Dark Fate" surprise for Comic-Con attendees. Edward Furlong will return as John Connor, the role he played he played as a child actor in 1991's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." Fans also saw a new trailer for the film.
From THR: Tom Cruise surprises Comic-Con 2019 with a trailer for "Top Gun: Maverick."
From CBR: The upcoming TV series, "His Dark Materials" descends on Comic-Con with actors and executive producers. The series is based on author Philip Pullman's trilogy, which has previously made it to film as "The Golden Compass."
------------------------------------------------
MOVIES - From EW: Via twitter, it was revealed that 2020 and 2021 will see two sequels to the 2018 iteration of "Halloween." First is "Halloween Kills" (2020) and then, "Halloween Ends" (2021).
----------
ANIMATION - From Deadline: A developing story - there has been a suspected arson attack at Kyoto Animation in Kyoto, Japan. Reports say 33 people have died.
----------
DISNEY - From BleedingCool: Rumor is that Oscar-winning actor, Javier Bardeem, is in talks to join Disney's live-action remake "The Little Mermaid."
----------
STAR TREK - From Deadline: In an interview in conjunction with the release of his new film, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," Quentin Tarantino said that his "Star Trek" film, if he directed it, would be like "Pulp Fiction" in space.
From IndieWire: Quentin Tarantino says that if he directs the R-rated "Star Trek" film which he has been developing for a few years now, it would be his last feature film.
----------
MUSIC - From YahooNews: The Iowa director of social services, Jerry Foxhoven, has been ousted because of his obsession with the late rapper and actor, Tupac Shakur, that he insisted on sharing with everyone. [Man, that is one real-ass dude.]
----------
DISNEY - From THR: Harry Styles is in talks to play "Prince Eric" in Disney's live-action remake of its animated classic, "The Little Mermaid." Styles was a member of the British boy-band, One Direction," before launching a solo recording career. He made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk."
----------
STREAMING - YahooNews: A recent user's poll showed that "Orange is the New Black" and "Stranger Things" are Netflix users' two most favorite TV series.
----------
AWARDS - From YahooEntertainment: Here are the 2019 / 71st Annual Emmy Awards nominations. "Game of Thrones" received a leading and record 32 nominations.
From Deadline: 2019 Emmy Awards see a major decline in diversity and inclusion.
----------
MOVIES - From THR: Oscar-nominees, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, will write Margot Robbie's "Barbie" (yes, based on the iconic Mattel doll) film. Gerwig ("Lady Bird") may direct.
----------
DISNEY - From YahooNews: Disney heiress, Abigail Disney, goes undercover at the Disneyland theme park to see worker conditions. She also wrote to Disney CEO Bob Iger.
----------
MOVIES - From ThePlaylist: Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle ("La La Land") is prepping a new film, reportedly a Hollywood period piece called "Babylon." Oscar-winning actress, Emma Stone ("La La Land"), is attached.
From Variety: Baz Luhrmann has his Elvis. Actor Austin Butler will play the King of Rock 'n' Roll in Luhrmann's biopic, with Tom Hanks playing Elvis' manager, Col. Tom Parker.
----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 7/12 to 7/14/2019 weekend box office is "Spider-Man: Far From Home" with an estimated take of 45.3 million dollars.
From Patreon: My review of "Spider-Man: Far From Home."
From Deadline: If new movie releases, "Crawl" and "Stuber," were meant to be counter-programming, they have failed, as "Spider-Man: Far From Home" and "Toy Story 4" continue to dominate the weekend box office.
----------
JAMES BOND - From TheDailyMail: According to reports, British actress Lashana Lynch ("Captain Marvel"), will be the new "Agent 007" in the next James Bond film, currently known as "BOND25." She will NOT be James Bond (who will be played again by Daniel Craig), who is in retirement and who will reportedly try seduce the new 007. This change and others are apparently being initiated by writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
----------
MOVIES - From MovieWeb: Jason Reitman reveals the first photo of "the New Family": Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and Mckenna Grace from "Ghostbusters 2020" (also known as "Ghostbusters 3"). The photo includes Jason and his father, Ivan, who directed the original "Ghost Busters" (1984) and "Ghostbusters 2" (1989).
----------
POLITICS - From TheDailyBeast: What has Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone been up to lately? He has been making documentaries that some have described as having a pro-Vladimir Putin bent.
----------
STREAMING - From Variety: Disney is shutting down Fox's "FX Plus" subscription service which will no longer be available after August 20th, 2019. It's content will probably be moved to Hulu.
----------
INTERNATIONAL - From Deadline: Luc Besson is looking to Vine Alternative Investments to save his debt-ridden motion picture company, EuropaCorp (thanks to 2017's "Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets"). Vine already has controlling interest in film producing/financing company, Village Roadshow Productions.
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: New Line/Warner Bros.' "Space Invaders" film (yep, that's actually a thing) has a writer, Greg Russo. Russo wrote Warner's "Mortal Kombat" reboot film which is currently filming. And of course you know that both "Space Invaders" and "Mortal Kombat" are video game properties.
----------
BOND - From Variety: Christoph Waltz will return as "Blofeld" in the currently filming, BOND 25.
TRAILERS AND VIDEO:
From Newsarama: Apple TV+ releases the first trailer for its series, "Snoopy in Space."
From Variety: Disney releases a teaser trailer for the "The King's Man," the prequel to "Kingsman: The Secret Service" (2014) and "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" (2017). It stars Ralph Fiennes and is due Feb. 14th, 2020.
From EW: Here is the first trailer for the "Rabid," a remake of the 1977 David Cronenberg film. The remake, directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska, will premiere at Frightfest in August.
From YouTube: Here is the first official trailer for director Rian Johnson's whodunit, "Knives Out."
OBITS:
From NYTimes: Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has died at the age of 99, Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Appointed by President Gerald R. Ford to the Supreme Court, Justice Stevens was the third longest service Justice (1975 to 2010). During WWII, Justice Stevens was a "code breaker."
From ESPN: Hall of Fame boxer, Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, died at the age of 55, Sunday, July 14, 2019. Whitaker died after being hit by a vehicle. As an amateur, Whitaker won gold at the 1983 Pan American Games and also at the 1984 Olympics. As a pro, he was a world champion in four weight classes: lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight.
STAR TREK - From Deadline: British actor David Ajala will join CBS All Access' "Star Trek: Discovery" for Season Three as a new series regular.
------------------------------
SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2019 NEWS:
Marvel Studios "Phase Four" will be comprised of 10 films and series:
Here's the full slate:
Black Widow (May 1, 2020)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+, Fall 2020)
Eternals (November 6, 2020
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Feb. 12, 2021)
WandaVision (Disney+, Spring 2021)
Loki (Disney+, Spring 2021)
Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (May 7, 2021)
What If…? (Disney+, Summer 2021)
Hawkeye (Disney+, Fall 2021)
Thor: Love and Thunder (Nov. 5, 2021)
"Black Panther," "Captain Marvel 2," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," "Fantastic Four," and "Blade" (Mahershala Ali)
----------
From THR: Here it is! Comic-Con gets to see the first full trailer for HBO's "Watchmen" TV series, featuring Oscar-winner Regina King.
From EW: Mark Hamill brings Netflix's "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" to Comic-Con.
From EW: Disney's revived "DuckTales" animated TV series stormed Comic-Con. It's second and upcoming third seasons will continue to introduce characters from classic animated Disney TV series, like "Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers," "TaleSpin," and "Darkwing Duck."
From THR: James Cameron offered a "Terminator: Dark Fate" surprise for Comic-Con attendees. Edward Furlong will return as John Connor, the role he played he played as a child actor in 1991's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." Fans also saw a new trailer for the film.
From THR: Tom Cruise surprises Comic-Con 2019 with a trailer for "Top Gun: Maverick."
From CBR: The upcoming TV series, "His Dark Materials" descends on Comic-Con with actors and executive producers. The series is based on author Philip Pullman's trilogy, which has previously made it to film as "The Golden Compass."
------------------------------------------------
MOVIES - From EW: Via twitter, it was revealed that 2020 and 2021 will see two sequels to the 2018 iteration of "Halloween." First is "Halloween Kills" (2020) and then, "Halloween Ends" (2021).
----------
ANIMATION - From Deadline: A developing story - there has been a suspected arson attack at Kyoto Animation in Kyoto, Japan. Reports say 33 people have died.
----------
DISNEY - From BleedingCool: Rumor is that Oscar-winning actor, Javier Bardeem, is in talks to join Disney's live-action remake "The Little Mermaid."
----------
STAR TREK - From Deadline: In an interview in conjunction with the release of his new film, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," Quentin Tarantino said that his "Star Trek" film, if he directed it, would be like "Pulp Fiction" in space.
From IndieWire: Quentin Tarantino says that if he directs the R-rated "Star Trek" film which he has been developing for a few years now, it would be his last feature film.
----------
MUSIC - From YahooNews: The Iowa director of social services, Jerry Foxhoven, has been ousted because of his obsession with the late rapper and actor, Tupac Shakur, that he insisted on sharing with everyone. [Man, that is one real-ass dude.]
----------
DISNEY - From THR: Harry Styles is in talks to play "Prince Eric" in Disney's live-action remake of its animated classic, "The Little Mermaid." Styles was a member of the British boy-band, One Direction," before launching a solo recording career. He made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk."
----------
STREAMING - YahooNews: A recent user's poll showed that "Orange is the New Black" and "Stranger Things" are Netflix users' two most favorite TV series.
----------
AWARDS - From YahooEntertainment: Here are the 2019 / 71st Annual Emmy Awards nominations. "Game of Thrones" received a leading and record 32 nominations.
From Deadline: 2019 Emmy Awards see a major decline in diversity and inclusion.
----------
MOVIES - From THR: Oscar-nominees, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, will write Margot Robbie's "Barbie" (yes, based on the iconic Mattel doll) film. Gerwig ("Lady Bird") may direct.
----------
DISNEY - From YahooNews: Disney heiress, Abigail Disney, goes undercover at the Disneyland theme park to see worker conditions. She also wrote to Disney CEO Bob Iger.
----------
MOVIES - From ThePlaylist: Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle ("La La Land") is prepping a new film, reportedly a Hollywood period piece called "Babylon." Oscar-winning actress, Emma Stone ("La La Land"), is attached.
From Variety: Baz Luhrmann has his Elvis. Actor Austin Butler will play the King of Rock 'n' Roll in Luhrmann's biopic, with Tom Hanks playing Elvis' manager, Col. Tom Parker.
----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 7/12 to 7/14/2019 weekend box office is "Spider-Man: Far From Home" with an estimated take of 45.3 million dollars.
From Patreon: My review of "Spider-Man: Far From Home."
From Deadline: If new movie releases, "Crawl" and "Stuber," were meant to be counter-programming, they have failed, as "Spider-Man: Far From Home" and "Toy Story 4" continue to dominate the weekend box office.
----------
JAMES BOND - From TheDailyMail: According to reports, British actress Lashana Lynch ("Captain Marvel"), will be the new "Agent 007" in the next James Bond film, currently known as "BOND25." She will NOT be James Bond (who will be played again by Daniel Craig), who is in retirement and who will reportedly try seduce the new 007. This change and others are apparently being initiated by writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
----------
MOVIES - From MovieWeb: Jason Reitman reveals the first photo of "the New Family": Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and Mckenna Grace from "Ghostbusters 2020" (also known as "Ghostbusters 3"). The photo includes Jason and his father, Ivan, who directed the original "Ghost Busters" (1984) and "Ghostbusters 2" (1989).
----------
POLITICS - From TheDailyBeast: What has Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone been up to lately? He has been making documentaries that some have described as having a pro-Vladimir Putin bent.
----------
STREAMING - From Variety: Disney is shutting down Fox's "FX Plus" subscription service which will no longer be available after August 20th, 2019. It's content will probably be moved to Hulu.
----------
INTERNATIONAL - From Deadline: Luc Besson is looking to Vine Alternative Investments to save his debt-ridden motion picture company, EuropaCorp (thanks to 2017's "Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets"). Vine already has controlling interest in film producing/financing company, Village Roadshow Productions.
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: New Line/Warner Bros.' "Space Invaders" film (yep, that's actually a thing) has a writer, Greg Russo. Russo wrote Warner's "Mortal Kombat" reboot film which is currently filming. And of course you know that both "Space Invaders" and "Mortal Kombat" are video game properties.
----------
BOND - From Variety: Christoph Waltz will return as "Blofeld" in the currently filming, BOND 25.
TRAILERS AND VIDEO:
From Newsarama: Apple TV+ releases the first trailer for its series, "Snoopy in Space."
From Variety: Disney releases a teaser trailer for the "The King's Man," the prequel to "Kingsman: The Secret Service" (2014) and "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" (2017). It stars Ralph Fiennes and is due Feb. 14th, 2020.
From EW: Here is the first trailer for the "Rabid," a remake of the 1977 David Cronenberg film. The remake, directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska, will premiere at Frightfest in August.
From YouTube: Here is the first official trailer for director Rian Johnson's whodunit, "Knives Out."
OBITS:
From NYTimes: Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has died at the age of 99, Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Appointed by President Gerald R. Ford to the Supreme Court, Justice Stevens was the third longest service Justice (1975 to 2010). During WWII, Justice Stevens was a "code breaker."
From ESPN: Hall of Fame boxer, Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, died at the age of 55, Sunday, July 14, 2019. Whitaker died after being hit by a vehicle. As an amateur, Whitaker won gold at the 1983 Pan American Games and also at the 1984 Olympics. As a pro, he was a world champion in four weight classes: lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight.
"The Lion King" Takes Pride in Strong Thursday Previews
‘The Lion King’ Gets Off to a Roaring Start
The Lion King is set to reign over the box office as it debuts around the world this weekend. The film posted a huge $23 million in Thursday evening previews at the domestic box office, where it opens in over 4,700 theaters today.
Internationally, the film opens in most major territories this weekend after rolling out in China on July 12, 2019 with a powerful $54.1 million debut. Over the last week, that has risen to $76.6 million, and combined with the first two days of play in newly opened territories, the international gross through July 19 is an estimated $130.5 million. It was the second biggest industry opening day ever in Brazil and the second biggest opening day for a Walt Disney Studios live-action film in France (in both cases, behind only Avengers: Endgame), and the biggest opening day for a Disney-branded live-action film of all time in Australia and Korea. In Russia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, it was the third biggest opening day of all time. It was the second biggest opening day of the year (also behind only Avengers: Endgame) in several markets, including France, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.
Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.
--------------------------
The Lion King is set to reign over the box office as it debuts around the world this weekend. The film posted a huge $23 million in Thursday evening previews at the domestic box office, where it opens in over 4,700 theaters today.
Internationally, the film opens in most major territories this weekend after rolling out in China on July 12, 2019 with a powerful $54.1 million debut. Over the last week, that has risen to $76.6 million, and combined with the first two days of play in newly opened territories, the international gross through July 19 is an estimated $130.5 million. It was the second biggest industry opening day ever in Brazil and the second biggest opening day for a Walt Disney Studios live-action film in France (in both cases, behind only Avengers: Endgame), and the biggest opening day for a Disney-branded live-action film of all time in Australia and Korea. In Russia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, it was the third biggest opening day of all time. It was the second biggest opening day of the year (also behind only Avengers: Endgame) in several markets, including France, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.
Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.
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Friday, July 19, 2019
Nickelodeon Renews "SpongeBob SquarePants" for a 13th Season
NICKELODEON’S SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS GETS SEASON 13 PICK UP, AS ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL SCORES DOUBLE-DIGIT GAINS BRINGING IN MORE THAN 2 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS
Share it: @Nickelodeon @SpongeBob #SpongeBob
As Nickelodeon brings SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom to life at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019, the network has announced the pick up for a 13th season of the hit animated series (of 13 episodes).
The news comes on the heels of Nickelodeon’s original live-action and animated special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout” (Friday, July 12, at 7p.m. [ET/PT]), which drew 2.2 million total viewers in its simulcast across Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nicktoons.
“SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout” ranks as the number-one kids’ program for the year and posted high triple and double-digit gains year over year with Kids 2-11 (3.3/797K, up +57%), Kids 6-11 (4.0/589K, up +82%), Tweens 9-14 (3.1/476K, up +94%) and Teens 12-17 (2.1/342K, up +133%).
The special is also the net’s highest-rated premiere with Kids 6-11 since October 2017 (SpongeBob SquarePants “The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom”) and the highest-rated premiere with K2-11 since February 2018.
It also drew a broad audience, posting high double-digit, year-over-year gains with Adults 18-49 (.60/478K, up +50%).
The special ranked as the top co-viewed animated program for the day--33% of Adults 18-49 viewed the show with a Kid 2-11.
The anniversary special delivered the highest time shifted lifts ever for SpongeBob SquarePants with Kids 2-11, rising +51% to 1.2 million K2-11 viewers in Live +3. The broad appeal of the special was evidenced by the double digit lifts seen with Kids 6-11 (+45%), Tweens 9-14 (+36%), Teens 12-17 (+29%) and Adults 18-49 (+51%).
SpongeBob SquarePants season 13 will reunite original voice cast members Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), and current show runners Vince Waller and Marc Ceccarelli. SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number-one kids’ animated series on TV for the last 17 years.
“SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout” kicked off the 20th anniversary celebration of one of the most iconic and TV series and characters ever created. The mixed live-action and animated special, featured for the first time the celebrated voice talent behind SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward and Plankton playing live-action doppelgänger versions of the animated characters they voice. SpongeBob SquarePants is created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif.
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
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Share it: @Nickelodeon @SpongeBob #SpongeBob
As Nickelodeon brings SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom to life at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019, the network has announced the pick up for a 13th season of the hit animated series (of 13 episodes).
The news comes on the heels of Nickelodeon’s original live-action and animated special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout” (Friday, July 12, at 7p.m. [ET/PT]), which drew 2.2 million total viewers in its simulcast across Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nicktoons.
“SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout” ranks as the number-one kids’ program for the year and posted high triple and double-digit gains year over year with Kids 2-11 (3.3/797K, up +57%), Kids 6-11 (4.0/589K, up +82%), Tweens 9-14 (3.1/476K, up +94%) and Teens 12-17 (2.1/342K, up +133%).
The special is also the net’s highest-rated premiere with Kids 6-11 since October 2017 (SpongeBob SquarePants “The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom”) and the highest-rated premiere with K2-11 since February 2018.
It also drew a broad audience, posting high double-digit, year-over-year gains with Adults 18-49 (.60/478K, up +50%).
The special ranked as the top co-viewed animated program for the day--33% of Adults 18-49 viewed the show with a Kid 2-11.
The anniversary special delivered the highest time shifted lifts ever for SpongeBob SquarePants with Kids 2-11, rising +51% to 1.2 million K2-11 viewers in Live +3. The broad appeal of the special was evidenced by the double digit lifts seen with Kids 6-11 (+45%), Tweens 9-14 (+36%), Teens 12-17 (+29%) and Adults 18-49 (+51%).
SpongeBob SquarePants season 13 will reunite original voice cast members Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), and current show runners Vince Waller and Marc Ceccarelli. SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number-one kids’ animated series on TV for the last 17 years.
“SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout” kicked off the 20th anniversary celebration of one of the most iconic and TV series and characters ever created. The mixed live-action and animated special, featured for the first time the celebrated voice talent behind SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward and Plankton playing live-action doppelgänger versions of the animated characters they voice. SpongeBob SquarePants is created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif.
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
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Wednesday, July 17, 2019
"SpongeBoB SquarePants" Brings "Bikini Bottom" to San Diego Comic Con 2019
Nickelodeon Brings SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom to Life at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019
Nick’s 1800 Square-Foot Booth Commemorates 20 Years of the Iconic Series with Immersive Experience featuring The Krusty Krab, The Chum Bucket and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School
Share it: @nickelodeon @SpongeBob #SpongeBob #NickSDCC
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants by inviting fans to enter into the world of Bikini Bottom at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019. Headquartered at its 1,800 square-foot booth (#4113) on the convention floor, Nickelodeon will pay tribute to incurably optimistic SpongeBob SquarePants and his undersea friends with activations, panels, talent signings and interactive design elements featuring: The Krusty Krab, The Chum Bucket and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School.
Every day of the convention, Nick’s booth will feature: an interactive game inside The Krusty Krab, where fans will go head to head to complete food orders in a race against the clock; a photo opportunity with a replica of Mrs. Puff’s Boating School; The Chum Bucket towering 22 feet tall over the retail area, where attendees can purchase a variety of exclusive Nick gear and one-of-a-kind collectables; costumed character appearances; autograph signings with SpongeBob SquarePants cast members and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creator and executive producers; and more special appearances to be announced in the coming weeks.
Nickelodeon will present two panels during the convention: “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” a deep dive into the series, celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants; and “To Shell and Back,” an exclusive history-making TMNT creator panel, comprised of three generations of Turtle creators.
The following is a full rundown of the panels and booth activity:
PANELS
SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!
Drop on the deck and flop like a fish because Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants! Dive deep down into the making of the brand-new special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!” with co-executive producers Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli. Voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) and Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) will discuss what it was like to portray their characters in front of the camera for the first time in this live action-animation hybrid special. Moderated by: David Canfield (Entertainment Weekly).
To Shell and Back: An exclusive TMNT creator panel
It’s creator COWABUNGA time! Three generations of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creators will take the stage to celebrate the history, fandom, and success of the Heroes in a Half -Shell. This exclusive history-making event will give fans rare access to co-executive producers Andy Suriano and Ant Ward (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), executive producer Ciro Nieli (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and legendary TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman. United for the first time, these award-winning creators will answer fan questions, share audience giveaways and unveil never-before-seen original TMNT art. Moderated by Mike Cecchini (Den of Geek).
DAILY BOOTH ACTIVITY
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
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Nick’s 1800 Square-Foot Booth Commemorates 20 Years of the Iconic Series with Immersive Experience featuring The Krusty Krab, The Chum Bucket and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School
Share it: @nickelodeon @SpongeBob #SpongeBob #NickSDCC
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants by inviting fans to enter into the world of Bikini Bottom at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019. Headquartered at its 1,800 square-foot booth (#4113) on the convention floor, Nickelodeon will pay tribute to incurably optimistic SpongeBob SquarePants and his undersea friends with activations, panels, talent signings and interactive design elements featuring: The Krusty Krab, The Chum Bucket and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School.
Every day of the convention, Nick’s booth will feature: an interactive game inside The Krusty Krab, where fans will go head to head to complete food orders in a race against the clock; a photo opportunity with a replica of Mrs. Puff’s Boating School; The Chum Bucket towering 22 feet tall over the retail area, where attendees can purchase a variety of exclusive Nick gear and one-of-a-kind collectables; costumed character appearances; autograph signings with SpongeBob SquarePants cast members and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creator and executive producers; and more special appearances to be announced in the coming weeks.
Nickelodeon will present two panels during the convention: “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” a deep dive into the series, celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants; and “To Shell and Back,” an exclusive history-making TMNT creator panel, comprised of three generations of Turtle creators.
The following is a full rundown of the panels and booth activity:
PANELS
SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!
Drop on the deck and flop like a fish because Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants! Dive deep down into the making of the brand-new special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!” with co-executive producers Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli. Voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) and Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) will discuss what it was like to portray their characters in front of the camera for the first time in this live action-animation hybrid special. Moderated by: David Canfield (Entertainment Weekly).
To Shell and Back: An exclusive TMNT creator panel
It’s creator COWABUNGA time! Three generations of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creators will take the stage to celebrate the history, fandom, and success of the Heroes in a Half -Shell. This exclusive history-making event will give fans rare access to co-executive producers Andy Suriano and Ant Ward (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), executive producer Ciro Nieli (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and legendary TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman. United for the first time, these award-winning creators will answer fan questions, share audience giveaways and unveil never-before-seen original TMNT art. Moderated by Mike Cecchini (Den of Geek).
DAILY BOOTH ACTIVITY
- Customized T-Shirt Station: Fans can purchase a t-shirt from the retail shop and customize it on the spot with characters and art from their choice of eight fan-favorite Nick shows: All That, SpongeBob SquarePants, Hey Arnold!, Rugrats, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Loud House, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.
- Autograph Signings: Signing opportunities with: SpongeBob SquarePants voice talent and executive producers; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ creator Kevin Eastman and executive producers.
- Costumed-Character Appearances: SpongeBob SquarePants and Bikini Bottom friends--Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks, Squidward, Mr. Krabs and Pearl--will make appearances at Nick’s booth at select times during the convention.
- Retail: Attendees can purchase Comic-Con exclusive figures and collectibles, the winter edition of the Nick Box, t-shirts, and more.
- Giveaways: Enter for a chance to win special prizes over the course of the convention.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
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Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Review: "Shazam!" Makes a Joyful Noise
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
Shazam! (2019)
Running time: 132 minutes (2 hours, 12 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material
DIRECTOR: David F. Sandberg
WRITERS: Henry Gayden; from a story by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke (based on the characters created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck)
PRODUCER: Peter Safran
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Maxime Alexandre
EDITOR: Michel Aller
COMPOSER: Benjamin Wallfisch
SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION/COMEDY
Starring: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Mark Strong, Jack Dylan Glazer, Marta Milans, Cooper Andrews, Grace Fulton, Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, Jovan Armand, Meagan Good, Andi Osho, John Glover, and Djimon Hounsou
Shazam! is a 2019 superhero and fantasy film from director David F. Sandberg. The film is based on the DC Comics character now called “Shazam.” In the movie Shazam!, a 14-year-old foster kid becomes a superhero merely by uttering one magic word, SHAZAM!
Shazam! introduces a mysterious wizard named, Shazam (Djimon Hounsou), who lives in the cave where rests the “Rock of Eternity,” a place that is the home of all magic. Shazam is looking for a worthy human, who will utter his name and become a champion who also bears the name, Shazam. After finding so many humans who failed to live up to his standards, Shazam is running out of time. Now, he hopes that Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a 14-year-old foster kid with a history of petty crime and of running away from foster homes, is his champion.
When Billy shouts SHAZAM!, he becomes an adult (Zachary Levi), a grown man wearing a red superhero costume and possessing incredible powers that Billy cannot imagine. Now, with the help of his foster brother, Freddie Freeman (Jack Dylan Glazer), Billy will try to learn what powers he has and the extent of those powers. Meanwhile, Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong), who failed Shazam's test of worthiness when he was a child over four decades ago, now possesses the dark powers against which the wizard fought. Sivana is determined to discover the identity of the new champion and then, to steal that champion's powers for himself.
First a note: the DC Comics character, Shazam, was the first comic book character to have the name “Captain Marvel.” A boy named Billy Batson became Captain Marvel by uttering the word, “Shazam!” Captain Marvel was created by comic book artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker. He first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 (cover-dated: February 1940) which was published by Fawcett Comics. A legal dispute caused Fawcett to stop publishing Captain Marvel comic books in 1953. DC Comics revived the character in 1972, but by then, Marvel Comics owned the trademark to the name “Captain Marvel.” Thus, the original Captain Marvel is now called Shazam.
Marvel Studios released a film starring Marvel Comics' Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019. Perhaps, it is a coincidence that in the same year Warner Bros. releases a movie starring Shazam. And I have to be honest. I like Marvel's Captain Marvel film, and I like Warner's Shazam just as much.
Shazam is a hugely enjoyable film that is part energetic superhero movie, part charming comedy, and part heartwarming family film. The superhero action is not as intense as that found in most superhero films. Much of the superhero action revolves around Zachary Levi's adult hero and Jack Dylan Glazer's Freddie Freeman executing a number of often humorous experiments to learn about Shazam's powers. The charm comes from the attitude of the film. Much of Shazam is about teenagers learning not only how to be good people, but also about learning how to be good to the people in their lives. Shazam probably presents one of the most favorable views of foster parents and of the foster home in recent memory. And I found that quite heartwarming. Shazam is at heart an unabashed family film about the joys, comfort, and love of having a family.
One element that makes this film so surprisingly delightful are the performances. Mark Strong as Dr. Sivana does what he can do so well – be really good at being a really bad guy. In playing a kid who is suddenly in an adult body, Zachary Levi recalls Tom Hanks' performance in the 1988 film, Big. Sixteen-year-old Asher Angel shows adult acting chops playing teenage Billy Batson. Jack Dylan Glazer is uncannily good as Freddie Freeman, and he practically steals every scene in which he is featured. If there is a children's version of the Oscars, then, Glazer...
Truthfully, every actor who appears in Shazam turns in a good performance or at least tries pretty hard to do so. So I send a shout out to Faithe Herman in her winning turn as Darley Dudley.
The film is well-written and tightly-directed, both of which is required of comedy films. I have to give a shout-out to the film editor, Michel Aller, because I think the editing contributed a lot to this film's engaging tone and practically perfect pace.
I think that this review cannot totally convey how surprised – delightfully surprised – I am at how much I like this movie. I once thought that Shazam! would be a disaster, but I end up having such a good time watching it that I want to see it again. I even want a sequel. And I heartily recommend Shazam!, a superhero film for the entire family.
8 of 10
A
Saturday, April 6, 2019
The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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