Literal Trophy Wives & Photograph-Eating, The ROAR Trailer Has It All

Apple TV+ anthology series dark comedy Roar trailer

The first Roar trailer establishes this anthology series as the new weirdo in town. Courtesy of Apple TV+ and the creative team behind Netflix’s wrestling comedy Glow, Roar is a star-studded series of darkly comic, feminist fables based on book of short stories by Irish novelist Cecelia Ahern.

With eight episodes each telling a freestanding story, the trailer runs through several vignettes: Nicole Kidman likes to eat photographs; Daniel Dae Kim builds a shelf for his literal trophy wife Betty Gilpin; Issa Rae can’t be heard by men; Meera Syal returns her husband to the store; Merritt Weaver falls in love with a duck…

Apple TV+ anthology series Roar trailer

Also aboard are Cynthia Erivo, Alison Brie, Fivel Stewart and Kara Hayward who each have to deal with their own weird happenings in the ROAR trailer.

The show is set to offer “an insightful, poignant and sometimes hilarious portrait of what it means to be a woman today.” Featuring a blend of magical realism, familiar domestic and professional scenarios, and futuristic worlds, these eight stories mirror the dilemmas of ordinary women today.

The series also features Nick Kroll, Judy Davis, Alfred Molina, Jake Johnson, Jason Mantzoukas, Chris Lowell, Ego Nwodim, Griffin Matthews, Peter Facinelli, Simon Baker, Hugh Dancy, Jillian Bell, Bernard White, Justin Kirk and more.

Roar debuts April 15th. Watch the trailer below:

MANDY Director Panos Cosmatos Sets “Fantasy Nightmare” As Next Project

Mandy director Panos Cosmatos sets next project as Nekrokosm

Mandy filmmaker Panos Cosmatos is back with a new sci-fi fantasy project, reuniting with producer XYZ Films and working with A24 for Nekrokosm. Maegan Houang (Counterpart) writes the script from a story by her and Cosmatos, with the latter directing.

Nekrokosm  is being described as a “phantasmagorical fantasy nightmare” as per The Hollywood Reporter, set deep within a strange galaxy where two lovers are torn apart as they try to survive a malevolent invasion. Aside from this however, nothing else is known about the screenplay.

Prior to directing the Nicolas Cage-starring Mandy, Cosmatos wrote and directed the 2010 sci-fi horror Beyond the Black Rainbow. And if Mandy’s success is anything to go by, then a new genre project from the Italian-Canadian filmmaker is cause for excitement.

Stay tuned for more info regarding Nekrokosm and in the meantime, read STARBURST’s interview with Panos Cosmatos here.

NOVA Looks To Be Joining The MCU’s Ranks

Nova Marvel superhero

Richard Rider, better known as the cosmic superhero Nova, looks to be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Deadline reports that Marvel Studios are developing a project based on the character with Moon Knight writer Sabir Pirzada.

Rider first debuted in the Marvel canon in September 1976. He was a member of the intergalactic police force known as the Nova Corps, for which he gained superhuman abilities including enhanced strength, flight and resistance to injury – that is, until the Annihilation Wave destroyed them all and left him imbued with their combined power, guided by the super-intelligent Worldmind computer.

Nova was almost introduced into the MCU in earlier drafts of the original Guardians of the Galaxy screenplay, but his involvement ended up getting cut.

No information as to whether this will be developed as a feature film or limited series, though our bet’s on the latter.

In the meantime, don’t forget that Moon Knight premieres on March 30th on Disney+. 

 

 

STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE 4K Director’s Cut Trailer Releases

Star Trek: The Motion Picture restoration director's cut

After a long, long wait, Paramount has released the trailer for its rerelease of Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition. 

The 1979 Robert Wise-directed classic has been given a special effects makeover, and a stunning upgrade to 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos sound. It’s what the film has deserved all along.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture was the first instalment in the long-running Star Trek film series, starring the cast of the original television series. Set in the 2270s, it sees a mysterious alien cloud of energy known as V’Ger approach Earth, destroying everything in its path. Assuming command of the recently refitted USS Enterprise, Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) leads a mission to save the planet and determine V’Ger’s origins.

William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley in Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Wise had initially revisited the film in 2001 and oversaw a director’s cut for a special DVD release of the film, with remastered audio, recut and added scenes, and new special effects. Though he passed away four years later, producer David C. Fein, preservationist Mike Matessino, special effects expert Daren Dochterman and their team have since worked to recreate Wise’s director’s cut in Ultra HD for this latest rerelease.

“I couldn’t be prouder and more thrilled to have completed the film in 4K,” said Fein. “Paramount offered unprecedented access to the original elements and exceptional support, and the results are stunning. Utilizing the latest discoveries and innovations of modern film production, the Director’s Edition delivers so much more today than was previously possible.  It’s an adventure you’ll never forget!”

Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition will debut on Paramount+ April 5 and will arrive on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in September. Check out the trailer below:

Hasbro Launches Classic Transformers, Marvel and GI-Joe Figures

Hasbro has launched new takes on some of their classic lines, giving a new spin to their iconic toys, in a move sure to delight nostalgia addicts and new fans alike. All of these pieces are available to pre-order now via the Hasbro Pulse pre-order service.

The Transformers R.E.D. range take  Transformers characters from throughout the Transformers universe and turn them into non-transforming action figures. The ‘Robot Enhanced Design’ feature 24 points of articulation, multiple accessories and various ways to customise you figures. The R.E.D. Galvatron looks like he’s walked straightout of the 1986 movie. In addition to Galvatron, other transformers such has Shockwave,  Nightprowler, Buzzsaw and Sandstorm have also been given the R.E.D. treatment.

GI Joe are also getting the Hasbro love.  The G.I. Joe Classified Series are 6-inch sized figures that are packaged with a classic blister pack with amazing art. These highly articulated, finely detailed action figures look great in their packaging  and fantastic unboxed. Each model comes fully accessorized .  Models include Destro, Gung-Ho, Baroness and Lady Jane.

Finally Marvel Legends collectors will be delighted to learn that Asgard’s finest warror (or so he say),  Ulik the Troll King is available for pre-order. This model will help complete many a Legends collection.

Misha Collins Is Harvey Dent In GOTHAM KNIGHTS

Supernatural star Misha Collins cast in Gotham Knights at the CW

The CW news start coming and they don’t stop coming – Supernatural alum Misha Collins has been tapped to play Harvey Dent, aka Two-Face, in the CW’s DC universe-set Gotham Knights pilot.

Dent is, as any self-respecting DC fan will know, Gotham City’s idealistic and charismatic District Attorney. Ironically, his rigid sense of right and wrong will transform Harvey Dent into one of Batman’s most feared nemeses, the supervillain Two-Face.

In Gotham Knights however, the story picks up in the aftermath of Bruce Wayne’s murder, with his rebellious adopted son (Oscar Morgan as Turner Heyes) forging an unlikely alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies when they are all framed for killing the Dark Knight. The misfit band of fugitives must fight to clear their names, and save their city from the chaos that the Caped Crusader’s disappearance brings.

Misha Collins to play Harvey Dent aka Two-Face in Gotham Knights pilot

Collins announced his casting on Twitter: “I’ve asked if my version of the character could be wearing a beige trench coat over the grey suit. (I’m just not sure I’ll be comfortable in front of a camera without one.),” he wrote, referring to his signature outfit as the angel Castiel on Supernatural.

Misha Collins joins series regulars Fallon Smythe as Harper Row aka Bluebird, Tyler DiChiara as her brother Cullen Row, Olivia Rose Keegan as Duela, and Navia Robinson as Carrie Kelley. Batwoman trio Chad Fiveash, James Stoteraux and Natalie Abrams write the pilot.

 

 

The ARROWVERSE Continues With CW Renewals

The Flash renewed for season 9, becomes longest-running Arrowverse series at The CW

In news that’s barely news, the CW has handed early renewals to a generous batch of its shows, including Arrowverse shows The Flash and Superman & Lois. Also saved from the chopping block are sport drama All American, martial arts-action Kung Fu, supernatural horror/mystery Nancy Drew, western remake Walker and (God help us) the indefinable Riverdale. 

The renewal of The Flash for a ninth season now makes it the network’s longest-running Arrowverse series, taking the title over from Arrow, which ended after eight seasons in early 2020. Lots to look forward there for fans of 90s-quality CGI and questionable costumes (you could at least give your flagship show a bigger budget, CW execs!).

Other CW shows will have to wait longer to hear about their fate, though all renewal decisions will typically be locked in by May. Among these are the recently-debuted 4400, Naomi and All American: Homecoming, all of which will be hoping for second seasons; more established shows including Legends of Tomorrow, Dynasty, Charmed, Legacies and Batwoman are also in limbo.

Stay tuned for further updates!

 

 

League of Legends Novel To Launch

Cult genre publishing powerhouse Orbit has teamed up Riot Games to produce novels based on the popular League of Legends universe.

The first book, Ruination, will come out in September 2022 and is to be written by Riot Games Principal Writer, Anthony Reynolds. If that name is familiar, chances are that you’re a fan of Games Workshop’s Black Library, as Anthony is known amongst the Warhammer fandom for his work on the Horus Heresy and Chaos Space Marine books.

Ruination tells the story of Kalista, military general to King Viego, as she searches for a legendary realm that may have access to ancient magic—the only way to cure the poisoned Queen Isolde.

Orbit UK Publisher Anna Jackson said, “League of Legends has taken the world by storm, and we’re so excited to be working with the highly innovative team behind this global sensation. The universe they’ve created is so rich with detail, and we can’t wait to help bring it to life in new ways.”

“Stories play such an important role in exploring our world and champions in deep and meaningful ways,” said Ashley Maidy, Head of Consumer Products for Riot Games. “This is a foundational story for Runeterra, and will shed new light on the events that shape some of its most pivotal characters. We are thrilled that Orbit will be bringing this to life for our fans.”

SUPERNATURAL Prequel THE WINCHESTERS Pilot Casts Leads

The Winchesters: Mary and John in Supernatural portrayed by Samantha Smith and Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Meg Donnelly and Drake Rodger have been cast in the lead roles of CW’s The Winchesters drama pilot, intended as a prequel series to Supernatural centring on Mary Campbell and John Winchester, aka Sam and Dean’s parents.

Donnelly and Rodger will respectively star as Mary and John; The Winchesters is the epic, mostly-untold love story of how the two met, and how they put everything on the line to not only save their love but the entire world. The two characters appeared in various forms throughout Supernatural’s 15-season run: Mary was previously portrayed by both Samantha Smith and Amy Gumenick, and John by Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Matt Cohen.

 The Winchesters: John and Mary Campbell in Supernatural, played by Matt Cohen and Amy Gumenick

In The Winchesters, at just 19 years old, Mary Campbell has been fighting the forces of darkness since she was a child. After losing someone close to her, the hardened hunter considers quitting the family business — until her father Samuel’s disappearance and the arrival of newcomer John Winchester forces her to lead a new team. John, meanwhile, is recently returned from Vietnam. He finds a new mission back home, where traces of his own father Henry’s past lead him to a secret organisation and a whole new war as a hunter.

The series will be told from the perspective of narrator Dean Winchester, voiced by Jensen Ackles. The project also hails from him, Robbie Thompson and Danneel Ackles. Supergirl’s Glen Winter will direct and executive produce the pilot.

Donnelly is a former Disney star best known for leading the comedy series American Housewife, while Rodger was last seen in Paramount’s The In Between.

 

 

Christina Ricci Makes Addams Family Return In WEDNESDAY

It’s been a while since we’ve received an update on Netflix’s Wednesday , but this latest titbit has made the wait worth it: Addams Family OG Christina Ricci has been confirmed as a major part of Tim Burton’s upcoming live-action series.

Ricci of course, starred as the fan-favourite and unforgettable Wednesday Addams in the Barry Sonnenfeld’s ’90s film  Addams Family, so it’s only right that the actress would be involved in a spin-off show based on her character. Deadline reports that she is listed as a series regular, but the nature of the role is being kept top secret.

Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams in original Addams Family film

Ricci will star opposite Jenna Ortega (who is having a great year with turns in Scream, X and Studio 666) in the title role, as well as stars Catherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia Addams and Luis Guzmán as Gomez Addams.

The project has been described as a coming-of-age comedy and a sleuthing, supernaturally infused mystery, and hails from Smallville creators Al Gough and Miles Millar. Burton directs and executive produces the eight-part series.

Filming on Wednesday is slated to wrap at the end of the month, which likely means the series will release towards the end of 2022. Perhaps we can expect a spooky Halloween gift?