Two More PREDATOR Movies Planned

The Predator

While The Predator has yet to actually return to the silver screen just yet, that’s not stopping the powers-that-be looking forward to what could lie in the future for this iconic genre franchise.

Speaking to Variety, producer John Davis has indicated that the current plan is for this September’s The Predator to be the launching point for a new trilogy of movies. The current hope is for director Shane Black to return for these films, although Black himself is taking the logical approach of getting The Predator out of the way first. And on that front, Screen Rant is now reporting that the film has gone back for yet even more reshoots, which may or may not bode well.

To date, The Predator franchise has been involved in five movies to date – Predator, Predator 2, Alien vs Predator, Alien vs Predator 2, and Predators – but let’s face it, only the first of those are actually any good. And some would even argue that Predator 2 isn’t quite as great as some would have you believe. But still, this is a property, an alien race, that genre fans hold up on a high pedestal thanks to continuous adventures in the realms of comic books, books, video games, etc. Make no mistake, the Predator is a major favourite of so, so many. Whether The Predator can recapture what made this character – this property – so special in the first place remains to be seen, but here at Moonbase Alpha we’re certainly rooting for the picture.

The official blurb on Shane Back’s The Predator reads:

From the outer reaches of space to the small-town streets of suburbia, the hunt comes home in Shane Black’s explosive reinvention of the Predator series. Now, the universe’s most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.

At this point, The Predator is set to slay its way to UK screens from September 12th.

HUSH Adaptation Heads Up DC’s Animated Slate for 2019

Batman Hush

Yes! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! As indicated in the headline here, Hush is being adapted as an animated feature.

DC themselves confirmed the news, with Batman: Hush to arrive at some point in 2019. Similarly announced are the already-confirmed Reign of the Supermen – which is the second part of the tale that began with this year’s The Death of Superman – Justice League vs The Fatal Five, and Wonder Woman: Bloodlines.

For those not familiar with the Hush arc, it’s twelve-part 2003 story from the beloved pairing of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee. A who’s who of Batman, the tale features a ridiculous amount of heroes and villains within its pages, and introduces a brand new villain in the form of the mysterious Hush. A rogue who seemingly knows everything there is to know about Batman – including his identity as Bruce Wayne – Hush is forever one step ahead of the Caped Crusader as this story unravels in a truly stunning way. Oh, and then there’s that tease that left readers absolutely shell-shocked!

In terms of modern-day arcs – hell, does 2003 really even count as modern by this point? – Hush is one of the very best, and, in case you hadn’t guessed, your humble scribe counts this as arguably his favourite ever Batman story. Heavy praise indeed, right? So now, let’s just hope the marvellous source material can be successfully translated to a feature film.

As for the other movies mentioned, Reign of the Supermen will introduce Conner Kent, Cyborg Superman, and Steel in the aftermath of the Big Blue Boy Scout’s brutal battle with Doomsday. For Justice League vs The Fatal Five, that will be a completely original story that sees some of DC Comics’ finest heroes battling a nefarious team consisting of Tharok, Emerald Empress, Validus, The Persuader, and Mano. Then there’s Wonder Woman: Bloodlines, which we currently don’t know all that much about bar that it will be another completely original tale and will be released after Wonder Woman 1984’s November 2019 cinema release. In terms of release dates for the other of these features, we have no specifics right now except that Reign of the Supermen will be the first release of 2019.

Expect more on all of these animated DC efforts as we get it.

Production Date Confirmed for GAME OF THRONES Spin-Off

Thrones

Speaking at today’s Television Critics Association event, HBO programming head Casey Bloys has provided a little more detail on just how soon we could be re-visiting Westeros once next year’s 8th and final season of GAME OF THRONES is done and dusted. Seems they’re gearing up to film the pilot for the untitled show early 2019, meaning that if all goes well and it goes to season, we’ll be looking at a 2020 launch proper.

While this all seems like a slam dunk, it’s worth remembering that the original GAME OF THRONES pilot did not exactly go to plan for HBO, resulting in the studio having to entirely scrap it and start over. Word has it (according to acclaimed screenwriter/podcaster Craig Mazin anyway, as very few actually got to see the thing) it was a “complete piece of sh*t”. Credit to HBO for sticking to their guns and giving it a second chance, otherwise we wouldn’t have the characters that we all know and love. Which brings us to our second concern… will the public get behind a spin-off if it features precisely zero of those aforementioned fan-favourites? Set thousands of years before the events of the hit show, the only recognisable character will be Westeros itself (and a whole slew of dragons, to be fair), resulting in a harder sell than first thought.

The very fact the untitled spin-off is still at the mercy of testing the waters means that HBO are very away of the latter situation coming to pass. But we’d wager that even if more episodes aren’t booked, it will be repurposed as a movie marketed straight to the real fans (basically anybody who clicked on this new story) via VOD, etc. HBO wouldn’t flush that kind of cash down the drain!

The pilot has been written by GOT godfather George R.R. Martin, and the prolific UK screenwriter Jane Goldman, who has enjoyed a slew of successes over her career, including X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, KICK-ASS, and most recently, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE. As for the director, the search is currently on for somebody to take the Iron Throne and call the shots…

While we wait for more developments, it has also been revealed today that GAME OF THRONES Season 8 will now premiere in “the first half of 2019”. Not long to go now, GOTers!

WONDER WOMAN 1984 Adds Second SNL Star

Wonder

Though filming begun quite some time ago, the casting of the hugely anticipated WONDER WOMAN 1984 continues, with the latest addition being another veteran of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (joining Kristen Wiig), Natasha Rothwell.

Wonder

Since leaving the popular comedy variety show in 2017, Rothwell will be recognisable to audiences (though most likely non-STARBURST readers) as Kelli in the TV show INSECURE. She was a voice in BOJACK HORSEMAN one time though, so she’s earnt some extra geek cred there! No further details on who Rothwell will be playing, but stay tuned for more details…

Starring Gal Gadot, a mysteriously returning Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig as villain the Cheetah, and GAME OF THRONES’ Oberyn Martell himself, Pedro Pascal, WONDER WOMAN 1984 opens November 1st 2019. (We’re still confused as to why they skipped WONDER WOMAN sequels 2 through 1983 though…)

David Leitch in Talks for ENTER THE DRAGON Remake

Enter the Dragon

In a world of remakes, reboots, reimaginings, and recalibratings, now comes word of an Enter the Dragon remake.

As per Deadline, John Wick, Atomic Blonde, and Deadpool 2’s David Leitch is in early talks to direct the redo of the iconic 1973 Bruce Lee-starrer. The original movie is viewed as one of – if not the – greatest martial arts film ever made. Unfortunately, Enter the Dragon’s initial release came just a matter of days after the tragic death of Lee at the age of just 32.

For those not familiar with this true classic, the official blub on Enter the Dragon reads:

Bruce Lee plays a martial-arts expert determined to help capture the narcotics dealer whose gang was responsible for the death of his sister. Lee enters a kung fu competition in an attempt to fight his way to the dealer’s headquarters with the help of some friends.

Warner Brothers has been attempting to remake Enter the Dragon for years now, because, y’know, new ideas ‘n’ all that. Previously, both Spike Lee and Brett Ratner were names in the frame to direct the redo.

Does Enter the Dragon need a remake? No, not at all. But one’s happening regardless – so, expect more on this as it continues to develop.

Season 4 of LEGENDS Won’t Feature Arthur Darvill

Arthur Darvill Rip Hunter Legends of Tomorrow

Just how much fun is DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, right? It’s a show that is at times left in the shadow of the bigger-name Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl when it comes to the Arrowverse, but Legends has been an absolute blast for the past several years. For fans of this genre fave, we’ve got some bad news regarding one of your favourite characters, though.

The Season 3 finale saw Arthur Darvill’s Rip Hunter sacrifice himself in order to help save the day for the Legends team, and now we’ve heard that Rip definitely won’t be back for the impending fourth season.

In most shows, death is pretty much a permanent arrangement. Where Legends is concerned, however, that’s not always the case due to, y’know, time travel being such a prevalent part of the series. Seemingly they’ll be no time-travelling chicanery used to bring Rip back from the dead – for this season, at least.

Speaking to Digital Spy, showrunner Phil Klemmer explained, “I believe he’s done, for this season. But, I mean, Arthur Darvill is the greatest. We’ve got a terrible habit of killing the greatest people. It’s totally stupid.”

Throughout Legends’ three seasons to date, the Rip Hunter character has had quite the rollercoaster of a ride. From the all-out leader and creator of the Legends team, to a thorough bastard of a bad guy, to sporadic appearances to help out the group, to now giving his own life to help the ‘hero’ cause. From what Klemmer has said, it seems as if a return for Arthur Darvill isn’t being completely ruled out at some point down the line. Just don’t expect to see him in the upcoming Season 4.

Frances Conroy in Talks to Join Joaquin Phoenix’s JOKER

Frances Conroy

With Zazie Beetz and Robert De Niro already reported to be in talks to join Joaquin Phoenix in Joker, now comes word on another possible addition for the movie.

Courtesy of TheWrap, American Horror Story’s Frances Conroy is now believed to be in negotiations to play the mother of Phoenix’s Clown Prince of Crime. Conroy is no stranger to the world of DC Comics, having lent her vocals to Martha Kent in the animated All-Star Superman and Superman: Unbound movies.

The early blurb on the effort reads:

Under the director of Todd Phillips (The Hangover franchise), the new film centres around the iconic arch nemesis and is a standalone story not seen before on the big screen. Phillips’ exploration of a man disregarded by society is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.

Phillips has put the screenplay together along with The Fighter’s Scott Silver, with Martin Scorsese is involved in a producing capacity.

Joker is being developed away from the DC Extended Universe banner in which we have seen Jared Leto parading as the Clown Prince of Crime. Instead, Joker will be the first of a new banner of movie, believed to be labelled DC Black or DC Dark. Those pictures will exist away from the DCEU and tell more adult-orientated, darker tales.

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

New MEN IN BLACK Movie to Bring Back Emma Thompson

Men in Black Emma Thompson Agent O

With Sony’s upcoming Men in Black spinoff-cum-reboot having begun to assemble its key cast, now comes word that Emma Thompson will be returning to the franchise.

Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, Thompson will be back to play the Agent O role that she played in Men in Black 3. Thompson joins Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neeson, Rafe Spall, Kumail Nanjiani, Laurent Nicolas, and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois in the picture.

Right now, known plot details are minimal on this latest Men in Black effort bar the fact that it will reportedly be set in London, will feature a new batch of characters to what we’ve seen in the franchise so far, and it seemingly will be more of an ensemble piece this time out rather than largely just focussing on a headlining duo. Neither Will Smith nor Tommy Lee Jones will be returning.

To be directed by Straight Outta Compton and The Fate of the Furious’ F. Gary Gray, this to-be-titled MiB movie is currently booked in for a June 2019 release.

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES Getting New, Crammed Blu-ray Box Set Release

Batman: The Animated Series

Take our money. Take it all. Take it now!

Yes, as the headline suggest, the iconic Batman: The Animated Series is getting a new Blu-ray box set. And boy, does it look marvellous!

As revealed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Batman: The Animated Series – Deluxe Limited Edition is to be released October 16th.

Batman: The Animated Series

Pulling its inspiration from Tim Burton’s Batman and Batman Returns, B:TAS debuted in 1992. From a creative team that included the likes of Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Andrea Romano, and Mitch Brian, the series has gone down as one of the very best genre shows in history – animated or not.

With Kevin Conroy voicing the Caped Crusader, the series gave a spotlight to a whole slew of comic book characters in a way rarely seen before. Then, of course, there’s Mark Hamill lending his vocals to the Clown Prince of Crime and giving a Joker portrayal that still stands out to this day. And speaking of that, so stunning and memorable are Conroy’s dulcet tones, many still hear his voice when reading the Batman comics of today. Putting a more adult spin on the adventures of the World’s Greatest Detective, the dark palette and rich storytelling saw Batman: The Animated Series win a vast number of awards in addition to the constant fan and critical acclaim the show received.

The official word on Batman: The Animated Series – Deluxe Limited Edition, which also includes two movies and a truly ridiculous amount of bonus material, reads:

Batman: The Animated Series set the standard for superhero animation for decades to come, and we’re proud to present this remastered box set to allow new generations – and the series’ vast, avid fanbase – to enjoy this landmark entertainment in the highest quality possible,” Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing, said. “This is truly a box set for the ages with an array of bonus features to perfectly complement all 109 episodic masterpieces – plus the full-length, remastered films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero.

The box set, which will cost $113, includes 10 Blu-ray discs featuring all 85 episodes, as well as two bonus discs featuring the films Mask of the Phantasm and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero, and features hours of special features and additional entertainment, as well as three exclusive Funko mini-figurines of Batman, Harley Quinn and The Joker and seven lenticular art cards. Only 30,000 copies of the box set are being produced, 2,000 of which were pre-ordered on Amazon within 24 hours of availability.

The special features are listed below:

  • The Heart of Batman (All-New Documentary) – A rare gathering of talent defined Batman for a generation. Twenty-five years later, Batman: The Animated Series continues to inspire fans and myth makers all over the world. This hour-long documentary takes an in-depth look at the renowned storytellers behind the landmark series.
  • Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (Feature-Length Film) – When the city’s most feared gangsters are systematically eliminated, the Caped Crusader is blamed. But prowling the Gotham night is a shadowy new villain, the Phantasm, a sinister figure with some link to Batman’s past. Can the Dark Knight elude the police, capture the Phantasm and clear his own name? Unmasking the Phantasm is just one of the twists in this dazzling animated feature. Discover revelations about Batman’s past, his archrival the Joker, and Batman’s most grueling battle ever — the choice between his love for a beautiful woman and his vow to be the defender of right. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is “a mystery that is genuinely absorbing, suspenseful and moving” (The Cincinnati Enquirer).
  • Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero (Feature-Length Film) – Batman faces his coolest case ever when Mr. Freeze returns to Gotham City and kidnaps Batgirl. While unraveling the mystery of Batgirl’s disappearance, Batman and Robin discover that she is part of Mr. Freeze’s frigid plan to save his dying wife – no matter what the cost. With time running out, Batman and Robin must find Gotham’s most cold-blooded villain and prevent him from putting Batgirl “on ice” forever. Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero includes all of the special features included on the original release: All four episodes of the animated “Mr. Freeze Saga” – Heart of Ice (Batman: The Animated Series), Deep Freeze (Batman: The Animated Series), Cold Comfort (The New Batman Adventures) and Meltdown (Batman Beyond); Art of Batman: Music Montage (Featurette); Get the Picture: How to Draw Batman (Featurette); Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes (Featurette); and an Audio Commentary featuring Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Glen Murakami and James Tucker.
  • The Dark Knight’s First Night Pilot Promo: Hosted by Bruce Timm (Featurette) – Witness the 1991 Batman promo reel as producers Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski discuss the origins of Batman: The Animated Series.
  • Robin Rising: How the Boy Wonder’s Character Evolved (Featurette) – The evolution of Dick Grayson from young ward to crime fighter.
  • Batman: The Legacy Continues Retrospective (Featurette) – DC luminaries join BTAS creators as they explore the combination of exquisite design and in-depth storytelling that helped create a once in a generation show.
  • Gotham’s Guardians: The Stalwart Supporting Characters (Featurette) – Batman is not the only hero safeguarding Gotham City. This documentary focuses on the importance of the Dark Knight’s allies in the Batman mythology.
  • Voices of the Knight (Featurette) – Actors Mark Hamill, Kevin Conroy, Adriene Barbeau, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., and Andrea Romano discuss the process of bringing their iconic characters to life.
  • Gotham’s New Knight (Featurette) – Barbara Gordon swings into focus in this exciting look at Batman’s trusted ally and equal, Batgirl.
  • Video Commentary: “House and Garden” – Watch along as Producer Bruce Timm, Director Boyd Kirkland and writer Paul Dini take viewers behind the scenes of an exciting episode of Batman: The Animated Series.
  • In-Movie Experience – Watch along as Producer Bruce Timm, Director Boyd Kirkland and writer Paul Dini take viewers behind the scenes of an exciting episode of Batman: The Animated Series.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Introduction (Featurette) – Bruce Timm, Dan Riba, James Tucker, Paul Dini, Alan Burnett and Andrea Romano discuss Gotham’s most popular rogues.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Clayface (Featurette)– Clayface personnel file revealed by Bruce Timm, Dan Riba and James Tucker.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Harley Quinn (Featurette) – Alan Burnett, Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, Paul Dini and James Tucker discuss bringing Harley Quinn to life.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: The Joker (Featurette) – Alan Burnett, Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, Paul Dini, Andrea Romano and Dan Riba discuss Mark Hamill’s inimitable Joker.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Mr. Freeze (Featurette) – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Andrea Romano and Dan Riba discuss MR. Freeze and the Heart and Ice Origin story.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: The Penquin (Featurette) – Bruce Timm, Andrea Romano, Alan Burnett, James Tucker, Dan Riba and Eric Radomski discuss The Penguin.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Poison Ivy (Featurette) – Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Andrea Romano, Alan Burnett, Dan Riba and Eric Radomski discuss designing Poison Ivy.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Ra’s Al Ghul (Featurette) – Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, and Dan Riba discuss why Ra’s Al Ghul is such an exciting villain.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: The Riddler (Featurette) – This file discusses The Riddler and how creators differentiated him from the Batman ‘66 Riddler with: Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Andrea Romano, Eric Radomski and Dan Riba.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Scarecrow (Featurette) – Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Andrea Romano and Dan Riba discuss the various iterations of the Scarecrow.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Two Face (Featurette) – Discussing Batman’s key nemesis are Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, James Tucker, and Dan Riba.
  • Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Ventriloquist & Scarface (Featurette) – Lively discussion about one of Batman’s most unique villains with creators Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Eric Radomski, Andrea Romano, and Dan Riba
  • “Concepting Harley Quinn” (Featurette) – Producer Paul Dini discusses how Harley Quinn was incorporated into the series.
  • Tour of the Batcave (Featurettes):

-Batman

-Utility Belt

-Bat-Vehicles

-Alfred

  • Audio Commentaries:

“On Leather Wings” – Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski.

“Heart of Ice” – Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, and Eric Radomski.

“Robin’s Reckoning, Part One” – Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski

“Heart of Steel, Part Two” – Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and Kevin Altieri

“Almost Got ‘Im” – Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and Paul Dini

“Harley and Ivy” – Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and Boyd Kirkland

“Read My Lips” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Michael Reaves, Boyd Kirkland and Shirley Walker.

“Harlequinade” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Shirley Walker and Eric Radomski

“Over The Edge” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Glen Murakami, and James Tucker.

“Critters” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Dan Riba, Glen Murakami, and James Tucker.

“Legends of the Dark Knight” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Dan Riba, Glen Murakami, and James Tucker.

Right, so now we just need to wait to hear about a UK release for this box set. Because let’s face it, this set sounds absolutely phenomenal.

THE PURGE Inherits Former WALKING DEAD Star

walking purge

Fans of The Purge franchise will soon be enjoying a weekly dose of purging courtesy of Syfy’s The Purge. The ten-part series has added former Walking Dead actor Sabrina Gennarino, who played Tamiel, to its roster. Gennarino will play a character named Madelyn, and she seems quite excited by the prospect as she revealed to The Hollywood Reporter.

“I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of this television series,” says Gennarino. “The films of The Purge franchise are a tremendous success, and it is an honour now to be a part of the series with such an amazing and talented cast and crew.“

The Purge’s Executive Producer James DeMonaco recently explained the premise of the television version of the hit movies. “We follow four what-seem-to-be separate storylines of people going out on the evening and experiencing the Purge. The real estate of the 10 hours of the TV allows us to use flashback, where we flashback out of the Purge world, into the regular lives, the non-Purge days, of this future America.”

DeMonaco concluded, “We get to see who these people are when it’s not Purge Night and the events that led them to where they are on the particular Purge Night that we are following. I think it’s a great device.“

Watch this space for more information on the series but in the meantime, check out the trailer.