MOON QUEST Heads to Kickstarter

quest

Sci-fi comedy play Moon Quest, which recently debuted at the Greater Manchester Fringe and Buxton Festival Fringe is set to return in 2019 with a bigger and better show. But they need you to help them achieve it.

The producers have taken to Kickstarter to raise funds to expand the look of the production with props, effects, and better staging.

Moon Quest is a sci-fi comedy play in the tradition of classic 60’s and 70’s sci-fi fantasies, including Barbarella, Star Trek, Flash Gordon, Star Wars, Star Crash, and  Hammer Film’s venture into sci-fi, Moon Zero Two. Moon Quest is a fun show which hopefully provides some food for thought.

For as little as £20 you can essentially pre-book your ticket now and help the show get bigger and better. The plan is to stage the revamped show at the Salford Arts Theatre near Manchester for a short run, but even if you can’t make it to the show it’s still great to help out the independent arts.

Head over to the Moon Quest Kickstarter page now and help a retro sci-fi comedy get bigger!

moon quest

De Niro in Talks for Joaquin Phoenix’s JOKER Picture

Robert De Niro

Fresh off the news that Zazie Beetz may join the Joaquin Phoenix-headlined Joker, now comes word that none other than Robert De Niro is in talks for the picture.

Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, De Niro is in negotiations to play a talk show host who is key to the Joker becoming, well, the Joker.

If you remember, Martin Scorsese is on producing duties on Joker, and Scorsese and De Niro famously have a longstanding relationship. The duo have worked together on the likes of Mean Streets Taxi Driver, and Raging Bull.

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, Scorsese is involved in a producing capacity.

Joker is being developed, as alluded to, 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.

JAY AND SILENT BOB REBOOT Set for November Start

Jay and Silent Bob

With San Diego Comic Con now done and dusted for another year, fans have been left with their jaws agape at some of the awesome footage and news that’s come out of this annual extravaganza. And now, we have an update on Kevin Smith’s upcoming Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.

Speaking during his An Evening with Kevin Smith panel at SDCC (courtesy of ComingSoon), Smith confirmed that the current plan is for Jay and Silent Bob Reboot to start shooting in November. In some news that will put a smile on the face of many a genre fan, Kev revealed that we can expect cameos from The Flash stars Grant Gustin, Carlos Valdes, and Tom Cavanagh. Smith, of course, has directed several episodes of The Flash and in turn has become friends with the trio. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, with plentiful other cameos expected to be announced before all is said and done.

Plot-wise, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot will see the titular duo discovering that the original movie made about them – 2001’s Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back – is getting the redo treatment from Hollywood. Much like Strike Back, Jason Mewes’ Jay and Smith’s Silent Bob will head across country to do all that they can to get the reboot stopped.

Expect more on Jay and Silent Bob Reboot as we get it.

Huge Update on the ARROWVERSE’s New Additions

Nicole Maines Dreamer Supergirl

San Diego Comic Con, eh? One of the greatest events in the genre calendar, and now comes a little bit of casting news for The CW’s Arrowverse.

We’ve already brought you the first trailers for the brand-new seasons of Arrow, The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl, but now it’s time to take a proper look at some of the new additions being brought in by these hugely popular shows.

First up, Supergirl has again shown how progressive and all-encompassing it continues to be, with the Melissa Benoist-starrer having brought in Nicole Maines as Nia Nal. This new addition to the CatCo team is described as “a soulful young transgender woman with a fierce drive to protect others.” As the new season plays out, we’ll see the character become the superhero Dreamer. In addition to Maines joining the show, Doctor Who’s David Ajala is to play Manchester Black; a battle-hardened sort who has a sense of humour and a dark past.

While Supergirl introducing the first transgender superhero is clearly a hugely welcome move, some will find some of Arrow’s new additions to be similarly pleasing. As the Stephen Amell-headlined genre fave closed its sixth season, Oliver Queen went public with being the Green Arrow – in turn being locked up for his vigilante crimes against Star City. Similarly, we then saw Kirk Acevado’s Ricardo Diaz tease bringing in the infamous Longbow Hunters. And now, we’ve found out that Whistler’s Holly Elissa will be playing the lethal Red Dart, Van Helsing’s Michael Jonsson will be playing the hulking Kodiak, and Orphan Black’s Miranda Edwards will be playing the sneaky, stealth-heavy Silencer. In the comics, the Longbow Hunters are a major, major deal, and they should prove the Emerald Archer with yet another stern test in addition to him having to survive in prison. And on that front, Michael Jai White, Vinnie Jones, and Cody Runnels will be reprising their villainous roles of Bronze Tiger, Brick, and Derek Sampson during Ollie’s time locked up – which should make for some fun TV given that, y’know, all three are in prison thanks to the Green Arrow.

Speeding over to Central City, and the fifth season of The Flash has revealed its ‘big bad’. We’d previously heard rumblings that the main villain could well be Cicada, and that it is indeed the case – with American Pie’s Chris Klein having signed on to play the season-long rogue. This take on the character has him pegged as “a grizzled, blue-collar everyman whose family has been torn apart by metahumans.” Which, of course, means that he’s now on his own personal mission to wipe out each and every metahuman he can find.

Over with the ragtag Legends team, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow has brought in Santa Clarita Diet’s Ramona Young to play a new series regular called Alaska Yu. The early word on the character has her down as “a typical twentysomething easily swept up by romantic notions and fantasy novels, she’s something of an expert in the world of the magical creatures that the Legends encounter.” And along with those magical creatures that will make up such a large part of the series’ fourth season, we already know that Matt Ryan’s John Constantine will become a full-time member of the Legends group. Elsewhere, Tom Wilson will be back to play Hank Heywood, the father of Nick Zano’s Nate Heywood… and yes, Beebo will also be back at some point in Season 4! In one final interesting Legends twist, Maisie Richardson-Sellers will be back to play a completely new character. The actress has previously played the Amaya Jiwe version of Vixen in the past two seasons of the show, but Amaya was last seen deciding to settle in 1942 Zambesi in order to live out her own destiny. In this new season, Richardson-Sellers is to play a British character called Charlie. Described as a rebel without a cause, Charlie will have ties to the magical portal that the Legends have opened.

Right, we think that just about covers all of the recent Arrowverse casting news, but then this is Comic Con after all. That means that there could well be more announcements still to come as the aftermath of SDCC plays out. As ever though, expect more on all of these shows as we get it.

Lobo to be the Villain of KRYPTON’s Second Season

Lobo

Here in the UK, we’ve yet to actually see Krypton on our screens. The series is confirmed to be airing on E4 at some point later this year, but let’s be honest, we’re not all that fussed about seeing the stories of Superman’s grandad play out. But now, there’s certainly a huge hook to get us excited for the show’s second season!

Straight from San Diego Comic Con, SYFY and DC Entertainment have announced that the villain of Krypton’s second year will be the hugely popular Lobo.

For those unfamiliar with the Lobo character, he began life back in 1984 as a creation of Roger Slifer and Keith Giffen. An intergalactic Czarnian bounty hunter who rides through the stars on his badass motorcycle, Lobo has battled and bested some of the most powerful superheroes on DC’s roster, including Superman, Green Lantern, and the Martian Manhunter.

For years now, a Lobo movie has been mooted, with the latest on that project coming earlier this year when Michael Bay was eying a big-screen outing for this no-nonsense sort. Whether that still happens, we’ll have to wait and see. We do know, however, that this massively popular character will be heading to Krypton, though.

Samantha Morton is THE WALKING DEAD’s Alpha

Alpha Samantha Morton The Walking Dead

With the recent trailer for The Walking Dead’s upcoming ninth season having impressed many, now comes word on a big-name addition to the genre juggernaut.

As per The Wrap, Samantha Morton is set to play Alpha in the new season of the show. For those of you familiar with the comic-book Walking Dead, you’ll know Alpha to be a big, big deal. For those of you who haven’t read the funny books, the character is the leader of the nefarious Whisperers; a group who wear walker skin in order to fly under the radar of the shuffling hordes of the undead. The group also make uber-villain Negan look like a pussycat. Well, initially…

Additionally, Nadia Hiker has landed the role of Magna, “a tough as nails survivor who has been living on the road,” while there are also new additions in the form of Eleanor Matsuura, Zach McGowen, Rhys Coiro, Brett Butler, John Finn, and Dan Fogler.

The Walking Dead returns on October 7th.

SP//dr and Spider-Ham Confirmed for INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE

SP//dr Peni Parker Spider-Man Peter Porker Spider-Man

Not content with adding Spider-Gwen and Spider-Man Noir to the action, now comes word on two other Spider-sorts who’ll be a part of Sony’s upcoming Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Fresh from San Diego Comic Con, Sony confirmed that Orange is the New Black’s Kimiko Glenn will be voicing Peni Parker, aka SP//dr, and comedian John Mulaney will be lending his vocals to none other than Spider-Ham, aka Peter Porker. This, of course, comes on the back of Nicolas Cage being confirmed to voice Spider-Man Noir in the film.

The main focus of Into the Spider-Verse will be the Miles Morales incarnation of Spidey, although a slew of familiar faces will be along for the ride.

The official blurb on the movie reads:

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask.

To be directed by Bob Persichetti, the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is currently booked in for a December 14th release.

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY Spin-Off Shorts Announced

Rainn Wilson Harry Mudd

Fresh off debuting the first trailer for the second season of Star Trek: Discovery, now comes word on a Discovery spin-off of sorts.

As announced by CBS All Access at San Diego Comic Con, a short-form spin-off miniseries titled Short Treks will debut later this year. This miniseries will be made up of just four episodes, all running between ten and fifteen minutes in length. Each episode will be used for deeper exploration of key characters and themes seen in Star Trek: Discovery and the greater Star Trek universe as a whole.

It’s already been confirmed that one of the episodes will focus on Rainn Wilson’s Harry Mudd, with Wilson directing that episode, too. Aldis Hodge’s Craft will take centre-stage in another episode, with him being the only human on a deserted ship. Doug Jones’ Saru will have his backstory fleshed out in one episode, with that effort looking at him being the first Kelpien to become a part of Starfleet. And finally, Mary Wiseman’s Tilly will be the focus of one of these shorts.

On this news, Discovery showrunner Kurtzman enthused, “There is no shortage of compelling stories to tell in the Star Trek universe that inspire, entertain, and either challenge our preconceived ideas or affirm long held beliefs, and we are excited to broaden the universe already with Short Treks. Each episode will deliver closed-ended stories while revealing clues about what’s to come in future Star Trek: Discovery episodes. They’ll also introduce audiences to new characters who may inhabit the larger world of Star Trek.”

That all sounds absolutely cracking to us!

MARVEL’S CLOAK & DAGGER Renewed for a Second Season

cloak dagger

With Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger having impressed many with its debut season, now comes word that the series has been renewed for a second year.

Freeform used San Diego Comic Con to break the news, and they even released a brief announcement video:

The official blurb on Cloak & Dagger reads:

Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger is the story of Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) and Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph) – two teenagers from very different backgrounds, who find themselves burdened by and awakened to newly-discovered superpowers which are mysteriously linked to one another.

Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger can be found on Amazon here in the UK.

Expect more on this second season as we get it.

Director James Gunn Fired From GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3

James Gunn

Wow. Well, that escalated quickly. Yes, as the headline suggests, Disney has fired James Gunn from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Over the past day or so, a whole slew of old social media messages from Gunn have resurfaced. Some may say the tweets were in bad taste, others may say misjudged humour, and others may simply say that they were absolutely horrendous. When the content includes topics such as rape and paedophilia, you seriously have to ask questions as to why this was ever deemed a good idea by Gunn, regardless of how long ago it was.

Gunn himself immediately took ownership of his old comments, explaining, “Many people who have followed my career know when I started, I viewed myself as a provocateur, making movies and telling jokes that were outrageous and taboo. As I have discussed publicly many times, as I’ve developed as a person, so has my work and my humor.”

In addition to this, Gunn had actually discussed these comments way back in 2012, pretty much reiterating the above statement – that this was him stupidly trying to get himself noticed by being outrageous and controversial. And now, the House of Mouse has decided to axe the Guardians helmer.

In an official statement, Walt Disney Studios’ Alan Horn said, ““The offensive attitudes and statements discovered on James’ Twitter feed are indefensible and inconsistent with our studio’s values, and we have severed our business relationship with him.” 

While Gunn has proven himself to be a ridiculously likeable, funny, and intelligent fella over the years, you have to say that Disney really didn’t have much of a choice on this matter – particularly if you’ve happened to see the tweets for yourself. We’re not going to post them here, but if you just have a quick search in that Google machine then we’re sure you’ll find said comments.

Since Disney made their decision, Gunn has a further statement:

“My words of nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative. I have regretted them for many years since — not just because they were stupid, not at all funny, wildly insensitive, and certainly not provocative like I had hoped, but also because they don’t reflect the person I am today or have been for some time.

Regardless of how much time has passed, I understand and accept the business decisions taken today. Even these many years later, I take full responsibility for the way I conducted myself then. All I can do now, beyond offering my sincere and heartfelt regret, is to be the best human being I can be: accepting, understanding, committed to equality, and far more thoughtful about my public statements and my obligations to our public discourse. To everyone inside my industry and beyond, I again offer my deepest apologies. Love to all.”

The last we’d heard on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was that the threequel would start shooting later this year ahead of a 2020 release. Gunn himself had stated that this would be the last movie for this particular Guardians line-up, although he didn’t rule out further films with a rotating roster of characters. For his part, Guardians Vol. 3 was to be his last Guardians film as director, but he was going to be hands-on in a creative capacity with what’s being dubbed the Marvel Cosmic Universe – basically, further exploring the Marvel Cinematic Universe up in the stars.

Expect more on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and this situation as it develops further.