Amazon’s THE BOYS Brings in Jennifer Esposito

Jennifer Esposito

With Amazon’s take on Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s The Boys currently in production, the series has moved to add Jennifer Esposito to its ranks.

Courtesy of Deadline, the NCIS favourite has landed the role of the CIA’s Susan L. Rayner. That character is essentially the person tasked with overseeing the infamous Boys, although it’s Billy Butcher with whom she has the most interesting relationship. For those not familiar with the comic-book The Boys, Susan and Billy absolutely detest each other, yet are involved in a sexual relationship. We’ve all been there, we’re sure you’ll agree. Well, apart from the fact that we likely weren’t tasked with policing superheroes.

Esposito will appear in five episodes of the show’s debut season, and she joins an impressive cast the features the likes of Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, Antony Starr, Karen Fukuhara, Jessie T. Usher, and Elisabeth Shue.

For those not familiar with The Boys, the comic series ran from 2006 up until 2012, focussing on a group who keep superheroes in check when needed. With plenty of R-rated adult-driven action, the series soon became a favourite of many comic book fans, particularly for how it often gave skewed and alternative views on a whole host of superhero staples.

Supernatural’s Eric Kripke has created the series and will serve as showrunner, with Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen previously pegged to direct some episodes. Goldberg and Rogen, of course, having already brilliantly adapted Preacher for the small screen.

The Boys will premiere its eight-episode first season on Amazon Video next year.

Greg Nicotero Joins Todd McFarlane’s SPAWN

Greg Nicotero

Already, Todd McFarlane’s upcoming Spawn reboot is a picture that many a genre fan is hugely looking forward to. And now, to add even further to the excitement, Greg mother-flippin’ Nicotero has joined the fun.

Nicotero is an absolute icon of the genre world, particularly when it comes to his legendary SXF work. In addition to having directed a whole host of The Walking Dead episodes, Nicotero’s famed make-up and SFX work has been seen in the likes of The Walking Dead (duh!), Preacher, the Evil Dead franchise, the Halloween franchise, the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, the Phantasm franchise, the Re-Animator franchise, the Creepshow franchise, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, the Scream franchise, the From Dusk Till Dawn franchise, the Amityville franchise, the Hills Have Eyes franchise, the Hostel franchise, the Predator franchise, the Piranha franchise, the Fright Night franchise, the… you get the idea.

Pretty much any and every franchise in horror has had some sort of involvement from Nicotero, not to mention his work being seen in pretty much every single Quentin Tarantino effort. Greg Nicotero’s CV seriously reads like the stuff of fanboy (or fangirl) dreams.

So, Nicotero joining McFarlane’s Spawn is a big, big deal, and only further amps up the anticipation for this new take on an old favourite.

On this news, the ever-enthusiastic McFarlane, err, enthused, “When I conceived of the story to start with, I never really thought of it as big special effects extravaganza because I knew we weren’t going to have the budget for it. So I knew I was going to rely heavily on practical makeup and costuming, and one of the places that kept popping up was my good pal Greg Nicotero on his KNB Group. And he’s obviously done a tremendous amount of work on dozens and dozens of movies. The sort of serendipitous part of it is that Greg was there at the beginning 20 years ago for the original Spawn movie.”

For Greg Nicotero’s part, he added, “I’ve been friends with Todd since we did the original Spawn, and the guy’s just a genius. I love the way his mind works. He thinks very, very graphically. I know he really loves the idea of Spawn being dark, and I love the animated show. It’s just a really great opportunity for us to get a chance to collaborate again.”

Already on board for Spawn are Jamie Foxx as the titular anti-hero and Jeremy Renner as trusty cop Twitch Williams.

As for Spawn as a character, he first appeared back in 1992 when he headlined McFarlane’s Spawn #1. A dark and brutal character who was so often deemed an antihero, Spawn quickly became a cult favourite and was often cited as one of the poster boys of the darker books of the day. In terms of powers, his Hellspawn abilities allow him to shape-shift, teleport and get all kinds of nasty with a vast array of weapons.

This won’t be the first cinematic outing for Spawn, for Michael Jai White starred as the character in 1997’s dud Spawn; a movie that also actually featured Greg Nicotero on SFX duties. Here’s hoping this next big screen adventure for this hugely popular character is at least far superior to that balls-up. Given Todd McFarlane’s enthusiasm and passion, and Jamie Foxx’s impressive credentials (the god-awful Amazing Spider-Man 2 withstanding!), this could turn out to be something quite special if all goes according to plan.

Expect more on Spawn as it continues to develop.

Alec Baldwin Drops Out of JOKER Movie

Alec Baldwin Thomas Wayne Joker

Alec Baldwin to play a Donald Trump-esque slimy businessman version of Thomas Wayne in Todd Phillips’ Joaquin Phoenix-headlined Joker movie? Yes, that was what we were hearing earlier in the week. But now, Baldwin himself has moved to clarify that he is now not a part of that upcoming picture.

Speaking to USA Today, the actor – currently being seen in Mission: Impossible – Fallout – explained, “I’m no longer doing that movie. I’m sure there are 25 guys who can play that part.” Baldwin would go on to add that it was the ever-familiar scheduling conflicts that caused him to depart the film.

The star also fired this out on his Twitter page:

So, the USA Today story is that Baldwin had to drop out due to scheduling issues, while the actor’s Twitter message seems to suggest he was never hired for the role. Either way, the project is moving forward without any sort of involvement from Alec Baldwin.

Joker is to be set in the ‘80s and will exist separately to the DC Extended Universe. The picture will be the first of Warner Brothers’ new DC Dark/DC Black banner that will look to feature more adult-orientated content.

In addition to Phoenix on headlining duties, Joker has already lined up Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, and Marc Maron for supporting roles. Longtime De Niro collaborator Martin Scorsese is on producing duties, with the film currently being pegged as a mixture of two classic Scorsese efforts – Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy.

At present, Joker is booked in for an October 4th, 2019 release.

GAME OF THRONES Producer Diving into THE SWARM

Swarm

Nope, not the one about the bees. We’re talking fish this time, as in the nasty ones featured in Frank Schätzing’s identically-titled 2004 novel. We say nasty, but given what mankind has put them through over the years – the oil-spills, the murdering, the kidnapping, all the urinating – it’s totally understandable they’d get their own back one day.

A best-selling eco-horror, The Swarm depicts the denizens of our ocean depths (crabs, whales, octopi, plankton, you name it) teaming up to wreak havoc upon us, and the marine biologists who are tasked with stopping the madness. It’s a great premise, so it’s somewhat of a surprise that this has taken so long to be adapted for screen; although Uma Thurman herself (alongside her producing partners) purchased the rights to the source material way back in 2007 with the intention of developing it. There’s naturally a lot of scope for a TV series, and a popular one at that – especially given audiences’ fascination with what lurks beneath the waves (see the recent box-office haul The Meg took, despite it being a toothless Jaws rip-off).

Bringing this upcoming adaptation to our screens is Frank Doelger, whose most recent credit is a little show called Game of Thrones (never heard of it). He’ll executive produce The Swarm also, for German broadcaster ZDF (though it will still be English language), and the series will comprise of an initial 8-episode run. Production isn’t expected to start until next year, so we can probably pencil in a 2020 drop for this one. By which time our fishy brethren could very well have already executed their revolt against our polluting arses!

Original Synopsis (novel):

Whales begin sinking ships. Toxic, eyeless crabs poison Long Island’s water supply. The North Sea shelf collapses, killing thousands in Europe. Around the world, countries are beginning to feel the effects of the ocean’s revenge as the seas and their inhabitants begin a violent revolution against mankind. At stake is the survival of the Earth’s fragile ecology—and ultimately, the survival of the human race itself. The apocalyptic catastrophes of The Day After Tomorrow meet the watery menace of The Abyss in this gripping, scientifically realistic, and utterly imaginative thriller.

THRILLER Resurrected and Heading to IMAX

Thriller

Easily one of the most seminal music videos of all time, John Landis’s Thriller wasn’t just a treat for Michael Jackson fans, it’s also a fabulous horror flick in its own right. A tribute to all things that go bump in the night, the 1983 14-minute short featured zombies crawling from their graves, a wicked werewolf transformation, Vincent Price narration and, most shocking of all, Jackson on a date with an adult woman. While readily available via the YouTubes, audiences will soon be able to see Thriller up on the big-screen for the first time, and in remastered IMAX 3D format to boot!

However, in an interesting move, tickets won’t be available for it individually, as Universal are attaching it to prints of Eli Roth’s upcoming kid-friendly horror flick, The House with a Clock in Its Walls. Whether this indicates a little trepidation on the part of the studio in regards to their confidence in Clock’s potential box-office clout is anybody’s guess. A spooky double-bill could just be a neat way of celebrating the imminent Halloween season after all. Either way, we’re in! The one caveat here is that this release strategy is currently only announced for the US, so us Brits need to keep our fingers crossed the same opportunities are afforded us over on this side of the pond.

For more details on The House with a Clock in Its Walls check out our latest issue, on sale now. The actual movie, meanwhile, opens in cinemas around the world on September 21st.

Davros Actor to Perform One-Man Show at Sci-Fi Ball 2019

davros

Doctor Who actor Terry Molloy has been announced as the latest guest to appear at the 25th Annual Sci-Fi Ball as well as performing his sensational one-man cabaret show – The Dave Ross Cabaret – a mix of madcap ukulele fun, stories, dramatic recordings and readings, jokes and, of course, audience participation! Terry will perform his show during the events grand banquet, where as well as this intergalactic cabaret, guests can enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal at a black tie/cosplay ball.

An accomplished broadcaster, Terry has won several prestigious Radio and Audio Drama Awards. In 1973 he joined the cast of BBC Radio 4’s The Archers as Mike Tucker, originally for five weeks. Forty-five years later, and Terry is still a regular in Ambridge! Along with a wide spectrum of television appearances, he is perhaps best well known on the small screen to Doctor Who fans as Davros, creator of the Daleks, playing the Doctor’s nemesis in the classic series from 1983 to 1989, and continuing to voice the character to the present day. Other feted audio work includes the cult paranormal comedy series, The Scarifyers as Prof. Edward Dunning to David Warner’s Harry Crow.

Terry’s recent screen work has included In Love with Alma Cogan, Chick Lit, a new production from Capriol Films, Draw on Sweet Night, a WWII film about a US regiment fighting in Europe titled Lost, and the acclaimed 1st web series of the cult Sci-Fi drama Kosmos, with on-going drama series Humber City.

Terry will be attending the whole weekend, offering attendees the opportunity to have their photograph taken with him, autographs, guest talks and no doubt getting up to mischief with the Sci-Fi Ball’s infamous full-size, roaming Daleks.

Other special guests attending the Sci-Fi weekend include Dino Fetscher who played Stanley the synth in the recent critically acclaimed Channel 4 series Humans with many other guests soon to be announced.

The not-for-profit convention brings together fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy to ensure they have a truly out of this world weekend. It offers activities for the whole family to enjoy during the day and evening, including specially-themed parties every night, a grand banquet with live cabaret, an exclusive cocktail party with enormous chocolate fountains, guest panels with stars of both the small and silver screen, fan-built/actual props and sets, autograph and photography sessions, roaming Daleks, cosplay/fancy Dress competitions, table-top gaming, exhibits and games, out of this world collectable merchandise, a sci-fi pub quiz and so much more to be announced too.

The Sci-Fi Ball takes place from February 8th – 10th, 2019 at the four-star Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The next Ball will see the event celebrate twenty-five years of raising money for charitable causes.

Damon Herriman is ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD’s Charles Manson

Damon Herriman Charles Manson Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

While work is currently underway on Quentin Tarantino’s Manson Family-driven Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, that film has moved to fill its Charles Manson-shaped hole.

Courtesy of The Wrap, Justified and 100 Bloody Acres’ Damon Herriman has laded the key role of the infamous Manson, and he joins an ensemble that is quite simply phenomenal.

Already on board for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood are big-time players such as Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, Kurt Russell, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Timothy Olyphant, Emile Hirsch, Dakota Fanning, James Marsden, Scoot McNairy, Damian Lewis, and former Spider-Man, Nicholas Hammond.

Set in 1969 Los Angeles, Once Upon a Time will have the Manson Family murders as its backdrop, with the main focus being on Pitt’s Cliff Booth and DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton. Dalton is a one-time Western star and Booth is his longtime stunt double, and they both find themselves struggling in the ever-changing Hollywood landscape. Ominously, Rick’s neighbour just so happens to be one Sharon Tate – as played by Margot Robbie.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is currently booked in for a July 26th, 2019 release.

‘First Look’ at IRON FIST’s Typhoid Mary

Typhoid Mary

With the second season of Marvel’s Iron Fist set to introduce the villainous Typhoid Mary, Marvel and Netflix have given us our first look at Alice Eve as the ‘big bad’ of the season.

You never really know someone until you see both sides. #IronFist

A post shared by Danny Rand (@marvelironfist) on

That tagline of “You never really know someone until you see both sides” is a nod to one of Typhoid Mary’s main traits. You see, the comic book take on the character not only has telekinesis-esque psionic powers, but she also has dissociative identity disorder.

The official blurb on Iron Fist’s second year reads:

In the second season of Marvel’s Iron Fist, Danny Rand, The Immortal Iron Fist and Colleen Wing set off on a new adventure as the protectors of Chinatown in NYC – where death, action and surprises await them around every corner.

With Raven Metzner having replaced Scott Buck as showrunner on the series, Marvel’s Iron Fist returns to Netflix on September 7th.

Premiere Date Set for Netflix’s THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

The Haunting of Hill House

With Netflix having been at work on The Haunting of Hill House, a premiere date has been set for the upcoming series.

In a press release from the on-demand streaming service, an October 12th premiere has been confirmed for the ten-episode series. Not only that, but we’ve been given our ‘first look’ at the series, including a look at the ominous Hill House itself:

The Haunting of Hill House The Haunting of Hill House The Haunting of Hill House The Haunting of Hill House The Haunting of Hill House

The official blurb on The Haunting of Hill House reads:

A modern reimagining of Shirley Jackson’s iconic novel, The Haunting of Hill House explores a group of siblings who, as children, grew up in what would go on to become the most famous haunted house in the country. Now adults, and forced back together in the face of tragedy, the family must finally confront the ghosts of their past — some of which still lurk in their minds while others may actually be stalking the shadows of Hill House. Created, directed and executive-produced by horror mastermind Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, Gerald’s Game), The Haunting of Hill House is a complex family drama wrapped in a chilling horror story. Trevor Macy serves as executive producer alongside Flanagan. Meredith Averill acts as co-showrunner and executive producer. Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank executive produce, as well.

In addition to being created the ever-impressive Mike Flanagan, The Haunting of Hill House will star Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, Victoria Pedretti, Lulu Wilson, McKenna Grace, Paxton Singleton, Violet McGraw, and Julian Hilliard.

STAR WARS EPISODE IX Adds Eleventh Doctor

Further to last weekend’s news that Dominic Monaghan (LOST) had joined the currently-filming Star Wars: Episode IX cast at a late stage, now comes reports that another genre alum has signed on in the form of fan fave Matt Smith (Doctor Who)!

As is par for the course, no information has been revealed yet as to whom Smith might be playing, but sources have indicated that this is no mere cameo ala Tom Hardy (Stormtrooper in TLJ) or Daniel Craig (Stormtrooper in TFA). Expect more news as to Smith’s involvement as we endure the 16-month wait until Star Wars: Episode IX’s release.

To tied us over until then, in addition to the myriad of comic books and novels few can keep up with, come two (possibly three) new Star Wars TV shows. Resistance hits first on October 7th, and just recently dropped this colourful new poster:

Resistance

This will be followed by the SDCC-announced surprise new season of The Clone Wars sometime next year that will debut on Disney Play, the company’s essential new streaming service. The third in development might not hit until 2020 realistically, but for the benefit of doubt we’ll include it here anyway – Jon Favreau’s still-untitled live-action series (also exclusive to Disney Play) is strongly rumoured to revolve around the Mandalorian culture, and given Favs’s relationship with The Clone Wars (he voices Pre Visla in several Mandalore-centric episodes), we’re kind of inclined to believe them!

More information from the galaxy far, far away as we get it….

STAR WARS: EPISODE IX opens December 2019.

Source: Variety

Original STAR WARS – EPISODE IX Press Release:

Star Wars: Episode IX will begin filming at London’s Pinewood Studios on August 1, 2018. J.J. Abrams returns to direct the final installment of the Skywalker saga. Abrams co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Terrio.

Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.

The role of Leia Organa will once again be played by Carrie Fisher, using previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. “We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” says Abrams. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”

Composer John Williams, who has scored every chapter in the Star Wars saga since 1977’s A New Hope, will return to a galaxy far, far away with Episode IX.

Star Wars: Episode IX will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Michelle Rejwan, and executive produced by Callum Greene and Jason McGatlin. The crew includes Dan Mindel (Director of Photography), Rick Carter and Kevin Jenkins (Co-Production Designers), Michael Kaplan (Costume Designer), Neal Scanlan (Creature and Droid FX), Maryann Brandon and Stefan Grube (Editors), Roger Guyett (VFX Supervisor), Tommy Gormley (1st AD), and Victoria Mahoney (2nd Unit Director).