More Pics of Booster Gold from Smallville

A couple of more images have been released of the Booster Gold costume. He will appear in the April 22nd episode of Smallville entitled..."Booster." This episode is written by DC fan-favorite (well, at least me) writer Geoff Johns who now is the Chief Creative Officer for the publisher and has been since February of 2010. I have high hopes for this episode, not only to see Booster, but to see the Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle as well. As to the costume...looks great, doesn't it?

Another 80's Classic to be Remade - Time Bandits

Yet another great film from the 1980's "has" to be remade. Cinema Blend is reporting that Guy Collins, Michael Ryan and Fred Hedman are producing a "reboot" of the Terry Gilliam classic and turn it into a “bigscreen kids action franchise.” UGH. I'm sorry, but what is it with all the remakes, especially films that were made in the 1980s? I just don't get it. This will get messed up BIG TIME. Sure the film is quirky, that's part of it's charm and it was a blast to watch. But, that's today's Hollywood - reboots, remakes, and re-imagines. Sigh...

The "Powers" of FX Want Kyle Chandler?

Deadline is reporting that FX is going after Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) sign on to the Powers TV pilot. The comic book (written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Michael Avon Oeming) follows the lives of two detectives, Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim, police officers in a Homicide department devoted to cases that involve "powers" (people with superpowers). Walker himself used to be a costumed superhero named Diamond, but became a police officer after he lost his abilities.

According to the website... "Chandler has not committed to Powers and will not make a decision until he reads the new script. I hear the pilot was already slated to undergo a rewrite, which is now expected to incorporate notes from Chandler." What do you think? Good move?

Voice Casting for Green Lantern Move

Several sites are reporting that Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean, The King's Speech) has signed on to voice Tomar-Re (the main picture) for the upcoming Green Lantern movie. Like in the comics Tomar-Re is a trainer of new members of the GL Corps.

Latino Review has learned that Michael Clarke Duncan is in talks to do the voice of fan favorite Kilowog. He is also a trainer of new recruits of the Corps.

Great choices for both characters. I am getting excited for this movie.

Marvel's Fear Itself Trailer

Superman Anthology on Blu-Ray

Here's a trailer for the Superman Anthology on Blu-Ray coming out later this year. The set includes all of the Christopher Reeve's movies and Superman Returns starring Brandon Routh. The set also includes the two Richard Donner extended cuts and tons of bonus material.

Pics and Videos show Wonder Woman's Costume Changes

Apparently, they listen to us. Pictures and videos have been hitting the internet the last few hours showing the filming of the Wonder Woman pilot - specifically Wonder Woman (Adrianne Palicki) herself. As you can see, the material of the pants has changed and darkened, and they added golden stars. The boots are now red instead of blue. Any other changes (if any) seem to be minor. The Daily Blam has other pics if you want to see them. To be quite honest, these were the changes I wanted, although I didn't ask for the stars to be added. I generally liked the costume before and even more so now. Now let's see if they respond to the fan's response to the premise of the show.

Here's a video of during the filming a chase scene....

The Black Panther Becomes "American Panther?"

Apparently the deposed king of Wakanda is becoming more American by the moment, at least thru the Fear Itself event. Marvel has released this teaser showing the former king, Avenger and current protector of Hell's Kitchen (in Daredevil's absence) wearing a read, white and blue version of his current outfit.


Um, why would he do this? This doesn't make any sense to me. I'm sure there is a perfectly good explanation for this move (snicker - yeah, right)

Joseph Kosinski's "Horizons" Goes Elsewhere

Fearing the PG-13 rating he wants to go for, Disney has allowed Joseph Kosinski to shop his project Horizions (formerly known as Oblivion) to other studios. The director of Tron: Legacy wanted an edgier feel to the movie and apparently Disney didn't want any part of it. The movie is based on a graphic novel he created, but was written by Rex Mundi and illustrated by Andree Wallin. The graphic novel is to be published this summer by Radical Publishing.

From the Variety article:

Book is set in a future where the Earth's surface has been irradiated beyond recognition and the remnants of humanity live above the clouds, safe from the brutal alien Scavengers that stalk the ruins. But when surface drone repairman Jak discovers a mysterious woman in a crash-landed pod, it sets off an unstoppable chain of events that will force him to question everything he knows.

Sounds interesting, but I was under the impression that his next project was to remake the Disney Sci-Fi movie The Black Hole (which had me excited). There hasn't been any news on that, so it may be shelved for now.

Batman Begins...Again?

Jeff Robinov is making a lot of news today. Shortly after hearing that there will be a Justice League movie, he also indicated that Batman will be rebooted as well. From the LA Times article...

"We have the third Batman, but then we’ll have to reinvent Batman…Chris Nolan and [producing partner and wife] Emma Thomas will be producing it, so it will be a conversation with them about what the next phase is.”

He also says that the Flash and Wonder Woman movies will be out after the JLA film. So, yet another reboot of the Dark Knight, what do you think about that? I guess to have a kinder, gentler Batman that will play nice with the others.

A Justice League Movie in 2013?

The LA Times has a story on Jeff Robinov, who becomes studio president of Warner Brothers this week. The article talks about some of his plans, including a Justice League movie as soon as 2013! What do you think of this? Will the actors from the individual movies be brought over (Reynolds, Cavil)? What about Christian Bale? His contract is up after The Dark Knight Rises. Will he come back? It seems a little too soon for this movie with so many things up in the air.

Another Marvel Character Confirmed in THOR Movie

If this is true this would be cool. At the Cinema Con that is being held this week, new footage from the upcoming Thor movie was shown. Another Marvel character was shown in the footage and apparently has a big role than just a two second cameo. That character is...

HAWKEYE, a member of SHIELD

Cinema Blend is reporting this and I trust them. This is just another link that gets us to the Avengers movie that is due out in the Summer of 2012. So, what do you think? Cool or Uncool?

First Look at Blue Beetle and Booster Gold in Smallville!

TV Guide.com has released an image from the upcoming Smallville episode "Booster," to be aired on April 22nd. The script was written by Geoff Johns - the DC Comics Chief Creative Officer and the guy who has his hands everywhere in the DC universe. And if you are wondering how faithful they be to the source material, just listen to Booster himself, Eric Martsoff...

"The episode takes place in Booster's very early stages where he's at his conceited best, where he believes he can do whatever he wants. He's gonna stay for the photo op and bask in the glory of his heroic efforts."

As for Blue Beetle, this his Jaime Reyes version and the episode serves as his origin story as well. But will we get the "Bwa-ha-has?" According to Johns, yes. "Sometimes you laugh with Booster, sometimes you laugh at him."

Meet the New Lois Lane

Amy Adams has signed on to play Lois Lane in Zach Snyder's reboot of the Superman franchise. She was most recently seen in the movie The Fighter, where she earned an Oscar nomination. She was also played Amelia Earhart in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

She is currently involved in the films The Muppets, and Janis Joplin: Get It While You Can. She joins Henry Cavil as Clark Kent/Superman, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent and Diane Lane as Martha Kent.

So...good move? bad move? What do you think?

Is This Moe and Larry?

Hot on the heels of the signing of Will Sasso to play Curly in the Three Stooges movie by the Farrelly brothers, Deadline is reporting that the frontrunner to play ringleader Moe is Hank Azaria, while James Marsden's name is being linked to Larry.

I can see Hank Azaria big time as Moe. He is extremely funny and can do anything. Marsden is an intriguing choice. The only comedy I'm familiar with is Death at a Funeral. Of course, he's best known as playing Cyclops in the X-Men movies. Thoughts?

Beatty Wins Lawsuit; More Dick Tracy?

A U.S. District Court judge has ruled in favor of actor Warren Beatty in a legal dispute with Tribune Media Services over the rights to famous crime fighter Dick Tracy.

Under the agreement reached in 1985, the studio told Beatty that he had a certain amount of time (some reports say 2008) to make another Dick Tracy project. Beatty began a TV special in November of 2008 and gave Tribune written notice. That wasn't good enough for Tribune so they filed suit to regain the rights. The judge presiding wrote that "Beatty's commencement of principal photography of his television special on November 8, 2008 was sufficient for him to retain the Dick Tracy rights."

So, will we get a sequel? A reboot? Will he star in it again? I liked the movie a lot, but it came out 21 years ago! If he stars in it, will they acknowledge the passage of time? Say, coming out of retirement to battle an old enemy? And who will be the villain? Most (if not all) were killed in the first one. Stay tuned....

The Farrelly Brothers Have Their Curly

Will Sasso has signed on to play Curly Howard in the Farrelly Brother's Three Stooges movie. He can currently be seen on $#*! My Dad Says, but may be best remembered for being on MadTV and Less Than Perfect. The movie is not a biopic, but three vignettes that tell an overall story. No word on who will play the other two. Johnny Knoxville turned down the role of Moe Howard and Larry David's name has been rumored for Larry Fine. The word is the tone of the script is more in line of the traditional Three Stooges shorts.

What do you think? Great casting to me!

Whether You Are Ready or Not, Plan 9 Remake is Filming

Shock Til You Drop is reporting (via a link from an ABC affiliated in Virgina) that the remake of 1959 "Sci-Fi classic" will start shooting this weekend. This has been in the works since 2008. Plan 9 from Outer Space was often cited by critics as the worst film ever made.

OK guys, you know my stance on remakes. They are pretty much the same as yours."Why remake a good movie? Go remake a bad one!" Well, this is a BAD one, but I'm not sure this should be remade either.

If you want to check out the official website, here it is.

Washington and Smith in an "Uptown Saturday Night" Remake?

From the "Yet Another Remake" Department, Warner Brothers is moving ahead with an update to the 1974 comedy that starred Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier. Will Smith had acquired the rights in 2002 with hopes of a vehicle starring him and Denzel Washington. David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers) has signed on to direct.

The premise of the original was two guys sneak out of their houses to visit a high-class but illegal nightclub. During their visit, however, the place is robbed and they are forced to hand over their wallets. One of the guy's wallet turns out to have contained a winning lottery ticket, and together they must recover their stolen property.

I remember the original, but don't remember if I ever saw it. The pairing of Smith and Washington is intriguing and might be fun. We shall see...

The World's Finest Team Unite(?) in B:TBATB

Superman makes his first (I believe) appearance in this week's Batman:The Brave and the Bold episode "Battle of the Superheroes!" Here are a couple of clips...enjoy!

Showtime Takes a Bite on "Chew"

OK, bad pun, but not unexpected. Deadline is reporting that Showtime has bought the pilot script to the Image title created by John Layman and Rob Guillory. The script was written by "Eureka" writers Terri Hughes Burton and Ron Milbauer.

"Chew" tells the story of special agent Tony Chu – a cibopath who can see the past life and eventual death of anything he eats who lives in a world where poultry is outlawed thanks to a sweeping bird flu pandemic.

I have not read the comic, but find the premise interesting. The first 15 issues have been collected into trades and I might pick one up. Have you read it? Please let me know!

The Full Captain America Trailer

Get a Marvel Comic With Your Esspreso

Starbucks announced that, in partnership, with Yahoo! it’s expanding its Starbucks Digital Network, which offers customers access to free online content its nearly 6,800 locations in the United States starting April 23d.



This is a smart move on both parties. It will be interesting to see how this works.

Here is the full press release...

Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo!, Debuts New Content Providers: The Economist, ESPN Insider and Mediabistro with Marvel Digital Comics Coming Soon

Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders Serves as Stage to Introduce Four New Content Providers Bringing Global News, Sports, Comics and Job Tools to the Network

SEATTLE–Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) introduced the newest additions to the Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO), as The Economist, ESPN Insider Rumor Central, Marvel Digital Comics and Mediabistro were revealed on stage at the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Building on the Oct. 2010 launch, the network continues to serve up a collection of hand-picked premium news, entertainment and lifestyle content along with local insights and events. Powered by free Wi-Fi, it’s accessible via laptops, tablets and smartphones in nearly 6800 U.S. company-operated Starbucks stores. Today’s line-up gives free access to premium content covering global news, sports, comics and careers.

“Following the fall launch, we’ve continued to seek feedback from our customers so we can continue to shape and grow the Starbucks Digital Network in a way that is authentic to the Starbucks Experience, inspires conversation and invites new customers to experience our content offering when they visit their neighborhood Starbucks,” said Stephen Gillett, Starbucks chief information officer, executive vice president Digital Ventures. “Today we’re broadening the offering and will continue to develop the network’s channels with a spectrum of new content.”

NEWS & SPORTS CHANNEL

As the new content providers join the network, the News Channel broadens to become the News & Sports Channel, offering the latest breaking developments from around the world, nation or locker room. The Economist online and ESPN Insider Rumor Central are opening up their premium online content to the Starbucks Digital Network, so customers have free access while in their local Starbucks store.

Known for its in-depth coverage of world politics, business and finance, science and technology and culture, The Economist which provides its readers with global perspective and insight each week, is sharing the online version of its weekly print edition and a weekly digital-only feature with Starbucks customers.

For sport fans looking for the news and rumors from across the sporting world, ESPN Insider content portal joins the line-up on the Starbucks Digital Network and offers access to Rumor Central, a behind-the-scenes sports source sharing insider tips, speculation and analysis on sports teams and athletes before it’s news. The ESPN Insider covers a roster of 28 sports and leagues including college and professional sports in the US and abroad.

ENTERTAINMENT CHANNEL

On the Entertainment Channel, watch for the upcoming arrival of the Marvel Universe as Super Heroes, mutants, aliens, armor-clad super-geniuses and thunder gods join forces with the Starbucks Digital Network on Apr. 23, 2011. Known for engrossing stories and a library of more than 8,000 characters, Marvel Comics gives Starbucks customers unlimited, free access to its full library of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited. Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine and others await to captivate as customers explore the comic realm and imagine fighting villains with a cup of coffee in hand.

BUSINESS & CAREERS CHANNEL

For customers looking to conduct a job search in the media field or plot a career move, Mediabistro brings new resources to the network. It joins the Business & Careers channel to provide complimentary access to its library of how-to career training videos. With topics ranging from how to “Create a Job Search Strategy” to “How to Make Your Resume Work Harder for You,” the instructional videos offer relevance for job seekers and entrepreneurs in all fields.

THE CHANNELS & CONTENT PROVIDERS

The six channels on the Starbucks Digital Network are created to inform, entertain and connect customers with what is most important to them. Content continues to be offered in a snackable format so the network is easy to explore whether customer have a few minutes or an hour. Since launch, most customer log-ins to the network are for a few minutes. Following is a rundown of all network content providers.

* News & Sports: Digits (WSJ technology blog), WSJ.com, The Economist, GOOD, New York Times Reader 2.0, USA TODAY eEdition, ESPN Insider Rumor Central and Yahoo! News.
* Entertainment: iTunes, Bookish Reading Club, Marvel Comics, New Word City, Nick Jr. Boost, SnagFilms, Starbucks Entertainment and Yahoo! entertainment offerings.
* Wellness: Rodale with Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Prevention, Organic Gardening, TrainingPeaks, Eat This, Not That! and Rodale Books.
* Business & Careers: LinkedIn, Mediabistro, Starbucks Careers and Yahoo! Finance.
* My Neighborhood: DonorsChoose.org, Flickr, Foursquare, Patch, and Zagat.
* Starbucks: MyStarbucksIdea, Starbucks Coffee Blog, Starbucks Nutrition, Starbucks™ Shared Planet™, Starbucks Card and My Starbucks Rewards.
* Landing page and other featured content: The Weather Channel, Foursquare check-in, Starbucks Card log-in, a social media dashboard highlighting Facebook, Twitter, My Starbucks Idea and YouTube, and the Yahoo! search bar.

Customers gain access to the Starbucks Digital Network when they connect to free Wi-Fi at company-operated Starbucks in the U.S. The Starbucks Digital Network content can be accessed with devices on the AT&T network in store by typing the URL starbucks.yahoo.com in browser.

DC Nation Finds a Home on Cartoon Network

In a press release that came out yesterday, Cartoon Network announced a new project with Warner Brothers/DC Entertainment called "DC Nation." From the press release...

DC Nation: A multi-platform, branded block of original programming and exclusive content based on the DC Comics library of legendary character properties, DC Nation is developed in partnership with Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment. The all-new venture will harness the publishing, theatrical and television assets together for one powerful on-air block on Cartoon Network with exclusive online content.

In addition to DC Nation, Cartoon Network reminded us of the upcoming Green Lantern animated series...

Green Lantern: The Animated Series: Based upon the DC Comics super hero, the series is an all-new CG animated action series from Warner Bros. As Earth’s Green Lantern, Hal Jordan is used to being in dangerous situations—but he’s never faced anything like this! Set at the farthest reaches of deep space, Hal must face down an invasion from the Red Lantern Corps. Hal is soon joined by an all-new group of heroes on a mission to protect Guardian Space —and the Green Lantern Corps itself!

The Network also announced that it has renewed Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Young Justice for another season.

Plot of "Wrath of the Titans" Revealed

Warner Brothers issued a press release for the sequel to the Clash of the Titans remake...


Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' epic action adventure sequel to "Clash of the Titans," being directed by Jonathan Liebesman ("Battle: Los Angeles"). Returning to star in the film are Sam Worthington ("Avatar") as Perseus, and Academy Award® nominees Ralph Fiennes ("The English Patient," the "Harry Potter" films) as Hades and Liam Neeson ("Schindler's List," "Unknown") as Zeus.

A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus—the demigod son of Zeus—is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius.

Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity's lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon. The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld.

Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus' godly son, Ares (Edgar Ramírez), switch loyalty and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans' strength grows stronger as Zeus' remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth.

Enlisting the help of the warrior Queen Andromeda (Rosamund Pike), Poseidon's demigod son, Argenor (Toby Kebbell), and fallen god Hephaestus (Bill Nighy), Perseus bravely embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, overthrow the Titans and save mankind.

Jonathan Liebesman directs the film from a screenplay by Dan Mazeau & David Leslie Johnson and Steven Knight, story Greg Berlanti & David Leslie Johnson & Dan Mazeau, based on the 2010 hit "Clash of the Titans" and the 1981 film of the same name, written by the late Beverley Cross.

The film is produced by Basil Iwanyk ("The Town"), who also produced the previous "Clash of the Titans," and Polly Cohen Johnsen ("Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore"). The executive producers are Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, William Fay, Callum McDougall, Kevin De La Noy and Louis Leterrier.

Joining Worthington, Fiennes and Neeson in the international cast are Danny Huston ("Robin Hood"), reprising his role as Poseidon, god of the sea; Edgar Ramírez ("The Bourne Ultimatum," TV miniseries "Carlos") as the traitorous god of war, Ares; Bill Nighy ("Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1") as Hephaestus, whose twisted, lame figure belies his Olympian origins; Toby Kebbell ("Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time") as Agenor, imprisoned thief and son of Poseidon who joins Perseus on his journey to Tartarus; and Rosamund Pike ("Barney's Version") as Andromeda, the princess whose life Perseus once saved, and who now, as a queen, follows Perseus into battle.

The behind-the-scenes team bringing this mythical epic to life includes director of photography Ben Davis ("The Rite," "Kick Ass"); production designer Charles Wood ("The Italian Job," "The A-Team"); Academy Award®-winning editor Martin Walsh ("Chicago," "V for Vendetta"); and costume designer Jany Temime (the "Harry Potter" films). "Clash of the Titans 2" also reunites several talents from the previous film, including Oscar®-nominated visual effects supervisor Nick Davis ("The Dark Knight,"); Oscar®-nominated prosthetics supervisor Conor O'Sullivan ("The Dark Knight," "Saving Private Ryan"); and Academy Award®-winning special effects and animatronics supervisor Neil Corbould ("Gladiator"). Also on board are Oscar®-nominated makeup designer Paul Engelen ("Frankenstein," "Robin Hood") and hair designer Kevin Alexander ("Robin Hood," "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian").

"Clash of the Titans 2" will be filming in studios outside London and will later shoot on location in Surrey, South Wales and in the Spanish Canary Islands on the island of Tenerife. The film is currently scheduled for release in March 2012.

I didn't see the remake, but wanted to. The reviews from friends were not kind, but some of their other opinions makes me question it. I should check it out. Did you guys see it? What did you think? Should there be a sequel???

Rise of the Apes Moved Again!!!!

Once again, 20th Century Fox has moved the release date of "Rise of the Apes." Originally, the movie was to be released July, then it was moved to Thanksgiving. Now, the studio has shifted the release date to August 5! I can see the move from summer to Thanksgiving, but what movie(s) have been shifted to November made 20th Century Fox to re-think their move and place it toward the end of the summer movie season? Gonna have to look into this....

Good-bye Spider-Girl

Marvel announced through their June solicitations that Spider-Girl # 8 would be the final issue. According to comichron.com, Spider-Girl debuted at # 74 with 23,926 copies sold and has declined since. The February's issue, #4, ranked at #125 with 14,804 copies being sold.

This is a shame. If you have read my reviews on CleanDallas.com, you know that I have been enjoying this series since the start. This series really didn't get any publicity and maybe that is what Marvel wanted. I feel the way that they are going, the company will publish nothing but Spider-Man, Wolverine and Deadpool comics as well as teams that star those three characters. Unfortunate.

Details on the Bonus Features that will be on the "Green Lantern: Emerald Knights" DVD

Warner Brothers have released information on what bonus content will be attached to the 'Green Lantern: Emerald Knights' blue-ray when it is released on June 7th.

Here is the list...

- Featurette:“Only the Bravest: Tales of The Green Lantern Corps”
- Featurette: “Why Green Lantern Matters: The Talent of Geoff Johns"
- Feature Film Commentary with Dan DiDio and Geoff Johns
- Pod: “From Comic Book to Screen: Abin Sur”
- Pod: “From Comic Book to Screen: Laira Omoto“
This short pod will take a peek into Geoff John’s Green Lantern: Secret Origin book, which for the first time, showed fans what really happened to Abin Sur before he crashed landed on Earth, and passed on his ring to Hal Jordan.
- Bruce Timm’s Picks: Excerpt from “The Siege of Starro! Part One” from Batman: - - The Brave and The Bold, “Revenge of The Reach!” from Batman: The Brave and The Bold
- Digital Comic: Green Lantern
- Sneak Peek at upcoming DC Universe animated movie
- Sneak Peek at All-Star Superman

More Casting for "Dark Knight Rises"

Juno Temple (Year One, Cracks, The Other Boleyn Girl) is being considered for a supporting role as a "street-smart Gotham girl" in the upcoming Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises. The first thing I thought of was "Holly Robinson?" For those who don't know who that is, Holly is a frequent ally and sidekick of Catwoman. She was first introduced in Frank Miller's Batman: Year One.

It makes sense, but we'll see....

First Look at the New Wonder Woman??

This is hitting a couple of sites, but Entertainment Weekly got the exclusive. Seems a little photoshopped to me, but they are filming the TV series now, so at some point we have to see Adrianne Palicki in the uniform. It looks a lot like the version that was introduced about eight months ago in the comics except the black pants and boots are now blue. It's not bad. Better than most of the costumes that the cosplayers wear of the traditional uniform. What do you think?

UPDATE: DC The Source has also posted this, so I guess this is legit.

Aronofsky Leaves the Wolverine Film

20th Century Fox has announced that Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, The Wrestler, The Fountain) has left the director's chair for the next Wolverine movie entitled..."The Wolverine." Quotes from Bleeding Cool...

Stated Aronofsky: “As I talked more about the film with my collaborators at Fox, it became clear that the production of ‘The Wolverine’ would keep me out of the country for almost a year. I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time. I am sad that I won’t be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend, Hugh Jackman, again.”

Stated Twentieth Century Fox: “While we are of course disappointed that Darren can’t do ‘The Wolverine’, we also understand and respect his reasons. Having done both ‘The Wrestler’ and ‘Black Swan’ with Darren, we know he is an extraordinary talent and we look forward to working with him on other projects in the future. Hugh Jackman and Fox both remain fully committed to making ‘The Wolverine’. We will regroup and move forward aggressively.”

I applaud Aronofsky's reasons. To put family over career is commendable. But it saddens me on what version of Logan we will never see...

Simmons to Continue Playing J.J.J., However For the Cartoon

While he won't be in the Amazing Spider-Man movie, J.K. Simmons has confirmed that he will reprise the character J. Jonah Jameson for the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series...

"Yeah, I just started doing that. I don't know when the show's gonna be out, but yeah, J.J.J. lives on in my career at least (Laughs) for a while with the new cartoon show, yeah."

Thanks to Comic Book Movie for the quote. Simmons was awesome as J.J.J., talk about someone who nailed a character, he did. If they decide to introduce Jameson in this new franchise, his replacement will have some tough shoes to fill.

White Lantern Exclusives @ C2E2 & WonderCon

Who wouldn't want these? The Source announced that they are exclusive to this year's C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) and WonderCon. There are only 1000 of these so it's one per person. So, any guesses on how much these will fetch on EBay?

R.I.P. Michael Gough

The Fellowship is saddened at the news that Michael Gough has passed away at the age of 94. No cause has been sited at this time. He is best known for playing Alfred in the Tim Burton and later Joel Schumacher Batman films, but his acting career started back in the 1940s. He mostly did TV work for the BBC, but I remember him in the Hammer film The Horror of Dracula and more recently in Sleepy Hollow (also a Tim Burton film). His last role was doing voice work for The DC Animated DVD All Star Superman where he played Parasite. The Fellowship sends there condolences to his family, friends and other fans of this great actor. He will be missed.

Terry Moore Announces His New Series

From Terry Moore's blog...

"Rachel Beck wakes on damp, soft dirt. Sitting up, she sees a foot sticking up from the ground in front of her. She is sitting on somebody. She is sitting on a shallow grave. Rolling onto her knees she claws the dirt away. It is the body of a woman much like her. The clothes are like hers. The face… it’s her. Dead.

This is the beginning of my new series, RACHEL RISING.

I’ve been a life long fan of horror stories. Not the slasher type, but the scary kind. The kind that gives you a chill on a hot night. I wrote my first short story at age 11, and it was a horror story. With two series in different genres behind me, I think I’m finally ready to go back to my first love and have fun with it.

RACHEL RISING will be an ongoing series. I have a strong cast of new characters that live in Rachel’s town and I think you’re going to get a kick out of meeting them. My stories come from scenes in my head, like a movie. When I can picture scenes I’ve never seen before in any medium, I get very excited. That’s how STRANGERS IN PARADISE and ECHO began, and that’s what happened with this new story. When I thought about ideas for the next series, this is the story that kept me up at night. The scenes in my head are incredible, and I can’t wait to get started!

Of course, there is the not too small matter of one last issue to go in ECHO—issue #30. That final issue will ship in April.

RACHEL RISING #1 will be in stores this July. You heard it here first. Please spread the word for me. I think this is going to be a blast!"

If you have not read Terry Moore's work you should. He created the great series Strangers in Paradise and Echo, as well as done work for DC an Marvel. Man, I will have to it down and figure out which books I'll be getting. My list is getting bigger again! LOL

Punisher and Daredevil Creative Teams to be Announced at C2E2

Marvel has released teasers announcing that the creative teams will be announced this weekend at the C2E2 convention (that's Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo if you didn't know). The announcements will be made during Joe Quesada's "Cup O' Joe" panel. Bleeding cool is reporting that the creative team for Daredevil will be Mark Waid (DC's Kingdom Come, BOOM!'s Irredeemable, Incorruptible) and Paolo Rivera (Mythos one-shots, Spider-Man). The Punisher creative team will be Greg Rucka (Detective Comics, Gotham Central, Wonder Woman, Wolverine) and Marco Checchetto (Spider-Man, Daredevil).

This has me excited. These books along with the Moon Knight written by Brian Michael Bendis and art by Alex Maleev should do well. That is, if these reports are accurate. Rich Johnston doesn't get his facts wrong, nor falls for some of the rumor traps that others (including myself) have been victims of. We'll find out for sure this weekend!

New Daredevil Movie on the Way; David Slade to Direct

Variety is reporting that David Slade is set to direct the next film featuring The Man Without Fear. The article states that is a continuation, so I'm assuming that it would be handled the way Universal handled the Hulk franchise.

Slade was up for the directing duties for Wolverine, but it went to Darren Aronofsky. Films that Slade has to his resume includes: 30 Days of Night, Twilight: Eclipse, and Hard Candy. He is in pre-production for The Last Voyage of Demeter, which chronicles the crew of the merchant ship that was slaughtered by Dracula on his voyage from Transylvania to England.

This ends the possibility of the rights of the horned one (and others) to return to Marvel Studios as I discussed about before. The contract was for seven years - the Daredevil film came out in 2003 and made a cameo in the 2005 film Elektra. Let's hope for the best here. What do you guys think? Who should be the new DD?

UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter is saying that the followup would be based off the classic Frank Miller story "Born Again." The story details Daredevil's fall to insanity and destitution at the hands of the Kingpin, as well as his subsequent struggle to build a new life for himself. I'm taking this with a grain of salt, hope am hopeful.

Johns says Sandman TV Series Still a Go - With Gaiman's Help

Contrary to reports that came out over the weekend, Geoff Johns says that the Sandman TV series is still a go. He tweeted: "Correction to world: The Sandman is AWAKE! :) Psyched to be working with @NeilHimself (meaning Neil Gaiman) on developing one of the greatest series ever!"

He also added, "Sandman in any form - comics to live action - doesn't work without @NeilHimself."

The series (created by Gaiman) focused on the entity Dream, who is both lord and personification of all dreams and stories, all that is not in reality. This should be cool, but what do you think?

"THE MAN" Gets More Screen Time.

From the Twitter account of Stan Lee ...

"Cameo time approacheth! First, my classic cameo in the new Spider-Man cinematic triumph! Then cometh Captain America and others--"

So he'll be in The Amazing Spider-Man, we kinda knew that. The Captain America cameo surprises me. Up to this point, he has done cameos in movies where he has created the characters (Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Hulk, X-Men), but not in the Marvel movies where he had no involvement in the creation of the character (Punisher, Ghost Rider, Wolverine). Granted, he brought Captain America back into the forefront by adding him to the Avengers, but he didn't create the character. And why no mention of a cameo for one of the two living creators of the character....Joe Simon? Doesn't seem right, but hey - no one asked me. So will he have a cameo in the Ghost Rider sequel?

After the Blackest Night and Brightest Day, Comes "The Search"

From DC: The Source

Following the exciting conclusion to Brightest Day, the new protector of Earth has been chosen - but one reluctant hero makes a return to try and convince Batman, Superman and the rest of the DC Universe’s heroes that this may not be a good thing at all.

BRIGHTEST DAY AFTERMATH: THE SEARCH will be a three-part miniseries written by Jonathan Vankin and drawn by Marco Castiello chronicling the fallout of Brightest Day. We can’t give away too much about it now, but keep reading Brightest Day and keep an eye on The Source for more clues.

OK...anybody got a clue? Is anybody still reading Brightest Day? I am and I think I'm more confused now that I was before.

THE SEARCH begins in June.

When in Taiwan, stay at the Bat-suite

Apparently at the Eden Hotel in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, they have a Batman suite. Complete with a Bat-bed, Bat-TV and Bat-memorabilia.

The cost to rent this suite? $50 for three hours. Hmm....you can draw your own conclusions there. You can see more pics over at Bleeding Cool's website.

Even More Flashpoint Titles and CreativeTeams

DC's The Source released even more images and creative teams for the tie-ins for the Flashpoint event...

FLASHPOINT: THE CANTERBURY CRICKET #1
Cover: Rags Morales
Writer: Mike Carlin
Art: Rags Morales

FLASHPOINT: REVERSE FLASH #1

Cover: Ardian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes
Writer: Scott Kolins
Art: Joel Gomez

FLASHPOINT: GRODD OF WAR #1
Cover: Francis Manapul
Writer: Sean Ryan
Art: Ig Guara

FLASHPOINT: SECRET SEVEN #1
Covers: George Perez
Writer Peter Milligan
Art: George Perez and Scott Koblish

FLASHPOINT: THE OUTSIDER #1

Covers: Kevin Nowlan
Writer: James Robinson
Art: Javi Fernandez

FLASHPOINT: GREEN ARROW INDUSTRIES #1

Cover: Viktor Kalvachev
Writer: Pornsak Pichetshote
Art: Mark Castiello

FLASHPOINT: ABIN SUR – THE GREEN LANTERN #1
Covers: Felipe Massafera
Writer: Adam Schlagman
Art: Felipe Massafera

Additional Flashpoint Teams and Titles Released

DC The Source has released additional titles and creative teams for the Flashpoint event. I had already covered the previous titles here. Here's what we have...

FLASHPOINT: PROJECT SUPERMAN #1

Covers: Gene Ha
Plot by: Scott Snyder
Script: Lowell Francis
Art: Gene Ha

FLASHPOINT: LOIS LANE AND THE RESISTANCE #1
Covers: Eddy Nunez and Sandra Hope
Writer: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Art: Eddy Nunez

FLASHPOINT: FRANKENSTEIN AND THE CREATURES OF THE UNKNOWN #1
Covers: Doug Mahnke
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Art: Ibraim Roberson

FLASHPOINT: WONDER WOMAN AND THE FURIES #1
Covers: Ed Benes
Writer: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Art: Scott Clark and David BeatyFLASHPOINT: KID FLASH LOST STARRING BART ALLEN #1
Covers: Francis Manapul
Writer: Sterling Gates
Art: Oliver Nome

The event begins in May. I still like the potential. I just hope there isn't a million tie-ins and expect EVERYBODY to get them to understand the storyline. What do you guys think?