cyrus.mortazavi

Arrow is looking to find a formidable physical presence for its season five antagonist.

TVLine reports a casting notice for a character called “Anton Church” is making the rounds. Church is said to be an “apex predator” and described as both Aquaman Jason Momoa in terms of physicality and as The Wire character Stringer Bell in terms of ambition.

It is presumed the name will eventually be discarded, perhaps for an established DC Comics character. While no physically imposing druglords immediately come to mind from the pages of the comics, it is possible the character could be a very loose interpretation of someone like Snowflame, the infamous coke-fueled villain from an issue of the mid-80s New Guardians. It is also possible the character will be a completely new as well.

But after facing off against the Initiative, Slade Wilson, the League of Shadows and H.I.V.E., a drug kingpin seems a less formidable foe for Oliver Queen. But as mayor of Star City, he may not be able to be as directly involved in the fight to save his city as before.

Arrow returns to The CW in the fall.

Arrow Seeking A Jason Momoa Type For Season Five Big Bad

Collider reports Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials actress Rosa Salazar will play the title role in Battle Angel Alita.

Based on the manga by Yukito Kishiro, it centers on “a female cyborg that is discovered in a trash yard by a scientist.” Lacking memories of her previous life except for deadly martial arts training, she becomes a bounty hunter sometime in the 26th Century.

The film was a passion project of director James Cameron, who had been developing it alongside Avatar since the turn of the century. Back in October, Cameron handed directing duties to Robert Rodriguez.

With the reported casting of Salazar, production will likely ramp up soon. The project does not currently have a scheduled release date.

The Scorch Trials’ Rosa Salazar Reportedly Cast As Battle Angel Alita Lead

By now if you haven’t seen the season finale of The Flash, you shouldn’t be reading articles about the show. So last Spoiler warning.

.

.

.

.

Variety talked with John Wesley Shipp about the big reveal at the end of the season and how that will effect things going forward. A lot of fans of the original Flash TV series were excited to see the one time Barry Allen join the new series as Henry Allen, but getting him back into a speedster costume after 25 years was pretty amazing. But it doesn’t seem like he’s going to be off on Earth-3 and out-of-sight.

The actor was asked about what he saw as the fallout from the season finale:

The palette is wide open. The thing they love to do at the end of the season is they introduce so many different elements that could go in so many different directions. For me, personally, as an actor, Henry Allen was rather closed-ended, he was there for a purpose, he served his purpose, it was time for him to die. The fact that I’m now getting to morph into an entirely different character that is so important to the Justice Society of America, which also bleeds into “Legends of Tomorrow,” he’s such an important character to this whole world – it just opens up enormous possibilities for me as an actor going forward, and the challenge for me, having played Henry,  is that I now get to create an entirely different character going forward. And how that affects Barry – because Barry’s going to want to lean on this guy who looks just like his father but is not his father – that can create a whole bunch of psychological conflict too. I’m as excited as you are to see how all of this will play out.

Also, just how will the relationship work between Jay Garrick and Barry Allen:

Jay does not know the emotional minefield that he’s walking into. Of course, Barry’s gonna look at this guy, and when the iron mask first comes off… it’s really heartbreaking, he shrinks himself. It’s really amazing. If I were to lose my father, and then there was someone there who looks just like my father, my impulse would be to want to go and get the same things from this guy that I got from my father. This guy’s not going to know any of that, he’s not going to understand it, so I hope there are those awkward moments where Barry tries to get from Jay what he got from Henry and it’s not gonna be forthcoming, and they’re going to have to make their own peace and form their own relationship based on the reality of what is. That opens itself up for all kinds of psychological possibilities.

And about putting on a the suit after all this time:

I’ve got to tell you, I had a lot of insecurities, a quarter of a century later, putting on another superhero suit, but the entire cast – Tom came and talked to me; at one point Grant brought the camera up and turned the monitor around so I could see the way the scene was lit in the suit, and they were all like “look at this!” Jesse [Martin] was saying, “I’m so glad that you’re doing this.” They really wrapped me in a lot of affirmation and made my insecurities about — a quarter of a century later — playing another superhero a lot easier for me.

It definitely seems like there is a lot in store for Jay Garrick coming up in the next season of the Flash and probably Legends of Tomorrow. I wonder if we will get an episode of Jay Garrick vs the Trickster…

John Wesley Shipp Talks About The Flash Season Finale

During the Star Trek fan event at Paramount Pictures last night, executive producer J.J. Abrams addressed a question about the ongoing litigation Paramount and CBS are pursuing against the makers of the fan films Prelude to Axanar and Star Trek: Axanar. The case has led to interesting moments, like a brief claiming the Klingon language cannot be copyrighted as it is now a live language with dictionaries and other materials in print.

The case was also interesting as it marked a changed in both companies’ stance on fan films. While tolerated in the past, Axanar promises to features veteran Star Trek talent in front of and behind the camera. Excerpts from Prelude to Axanar also indicated a level of special effects sophistication to rival the professionally made Star Trek.

It seems the case troubled Star Trek Beyond director Justin Lin, who shared his concerns with Abrams. “We started talking about and realized it was not an appropriate way to be dealing with the fans,” said Abrams. “Fans of Star Trek are part of this world. So we went to the studio and pushed them to stop this lawsuit. Withing the next few weeks, it will be announced that this is going away.”

According to Buzzfeed’s Adam B. Vary, the companies have offered a statement on the matter:

Statement from CBS & Paramount regarding JJ Abrams’ announcement about the #Axanar lawsuit. pic.twitter.com/ZpMdaBAPQC

— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) May 21, 2016

It also seems that everyone may have been caught off guard by Abrams’ announcement as Vary also posted that Axanar co-writer and producer Alec Peters was unaware Abrams would speak on the matter or what the statement actually means.

Now that Abrams has started the ball rolling, it remains to be seen what the settlement will entail and how the companies will formalize their relationship with fan film producers.

Bill Watters contributed to this story.

J.J. Abrams Announces An End To The Star Trek: Axanar Lawsuit

On the press tour for Spectre, actor Daniel Craig flip-flopped on whether or not the film would be his last. He went as far as to say he would rather slash his wrists than return as Ian Fleming‘s James Bond 007, but later back-peddled that statement citing exhaustion from the shoot.

With the understanding that Spectre was part of a two film deal, the confusion and teasing became more dramatic than some of the situations in the film itself. But now it seems Craig is ready to hand over his license to kill to someone else, according to the Daily Mail. They cite sources claiming the actor is done and turned down a £68 million deal to return for two additional films.

Of course, Craig’s departure is only a rumor. But like Doctor Who, specualtion about changes in casting are part of the fun of being a fan. In recent months, Marvel villain Tom Hiddleston has become a recurring favorite to replace Craig in the hearts of fans, but time will tell if either actor is ready to change their 00 status.

Daniel Craig Reportedly Retiring As 007

One of the big complaints about Star Wars: Battlefront was its lack of substantial options for single players. There was no campaign, instead having just a few little tutorial missions, leaving many fans quite unhappy.

Well, EA have now announced why the game didn’t have a campaign – and it is for the reason you probably guessed. Speaking during an investor broadcast.  EA Studios boss Patrick Soderlund, revealed that a campaign was ‘consciously’ cut to get the game out before The Force Awakens. He said:

We made [the choice] due to time and being able to launch the game side-by-side with the movie that came out to get the strongest possible impact

The silver lining here is that EA seemingly know what they’ve done, and despite selling well, it recognises the critical reception wasn’t entirely positive. Soderland said:

Are we happy with the 75 [Metacritic] rating? No. Is that something we’re going to cure going forward? Absolutely.

I read this as we can expect a sequel in the next campaign. Perhaps a little presumptuous? I don’t think so.

Here Is Why Star Wars: Battlefront Didn’t Have A Campaign – And It’s The Reason You Probably Thought

This is an original sketch by Darwyn Cooke, who died three days ago, from cancer. The artwork is, naturally, spectacular. The crisp, minimal, perfectly judged and weighted lines… unmistakeable.

And this is a trace job being sold as a Darwyn Cooke original on eBay, current for $91 with 19 bids and 4 hours to go.

And this is a letter that Darwyn’s wife Marsha Cooke has sent to the seller.

I have also e-mailed the seller with no response. The listing claims it was made in 2008 at San Diego Comic Con.

I have the feeling that “new” pieces of Darwyn’s art are going to start flooding the market in the same way that those by Michael Turner have done ever since his death.

The Fake Darwyn Cooke Original Art Scams Have Begun

There is still a lot of speculation over what the Nintendo NX will be, largely because the amount of solid information we have on it is close to nil. The idea of it being a home/handheld hybrid has been floated around for a while, but thus far, nothing has turned up.

It does seem once it is announced though, it will be something a little different. Speaking to Asashi Shimbun (as translated by Perfectly Nintendo), CEO Tatsumi Kimishima said that the NX is not a strict successor to the Wii U. or the 3DS. When asked about the affect on Wii U sales when the NX comes out, he said: 

The NX is neither the successor to the Wii U nor to the 3DS. It’s a new way of playing games, which I think will have a larger impact than the Wii U, but I don’t feel it’s a pure replacement for the Wii U.

That is… interesting. This could just be PR speak to try and keep people buying Wii Us until the announcement, but if not, it would seem to suggest that this is something a little outside the handheld and console model. Now it is just a case of when the thing will finally make an appearance.

The NX Will Be ‘A New Way To Play’ Says Nintendo

Blizzard really do have an enormous amount of clout. Fans will eat up what they put out, and for good reason. Most everything they put out is really great.

That’s why it’s not surprising to find out that the Overwatch beta did gangbusters. It hit 9.7 million users across al platforms, making it more popular than Destiny and The Divisions‘ own ones.

And it deserves it. I had a hell of a time in the beta, and I’m very excited for the full release. Give it a look if you missed out. I thought it was brilliant.

Overwatch Beta Had 9.7 Million Players

Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o may become a citizen of Wakanda.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actress is in talks to appear in Marvel‘s Black Panther. Though the site did not name the character, the say she will appear as the title character’s love interest.

Creed‘s Ryan Coogler will write and direct the film with Chadwick Boseman reprising his Captain American: Civil War role as T’Challa, the onetime prince of Wakanda, who is now faced with being the country’s leader and protector. Plot details are also under wraps, but the end of Captain American: Civil War — particularly the mid-credit scene — suggest a direction for the film.

Black Panther is set for release on February 2, 2018.

Lupita Nyong’o In Talks To Join Black Panther

Love it or hate it, Robotech is an important part of anime’s history in the US. The project began as an attempt to faithfully adapt Super Dimension Fortress Macross for the American market, but got sidetracked when it needed additional episodes for syndication. The eventual eighty-five episode epic merged Macross with two other Japanese animated programs and created a brief television sensation that some children of the 80s cherish.

And others curse its very existence.

But according to Deadline, the series and its sequel film, Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles will anchor Crackle‘s new Crackle Anime channel starting May 15th. The deal appears to only include the existing episodes and the one film, so a new Robotech series continues to be a long-shot.

The original series followed three generations of Earthlings as they battled, and eventually befriend, three alien races in pursuit of a fantastical power source. The Shadow Chronicles intended to introduce a fourth — though that race might be familiar to fans who read the Robotech novels — but the film failed to generate further installments.

A live action film has been in the works for years. Most recently, Sony, the owners of Crackle, has been said to be developing the film with James Wan in line to direct. But that deal is not yet finalized.

While broadcast on Crackle may bring the series new fans, it seems the whereabouts of Admiral Hunter, at least in his animated form, will continue to be a mystery.

Robotech To Air On Crackle Starting May 15th

Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot posted a video to her Facebook page to announce the conclusion of the film’s principle photography (via Heroic Hollywood):

She called the production an “amazing, exciting, dreamy, happy and fascinating experience.” Of course, she’s far from done playing Diana as she’ll be heading to the set of Justice League soon enough.

Meanwhile, X-Men producer Simon Kinberg tells Collider Wolverine 3 has begin filming. He also confirmed a few details making the rounds on the Internet. “It takes place in the future,” he said. “It is an R-rated movie. It’s violent, it’s kind of like a western in its tone. It’s just a very cool, different film.”

Both films are set for 2017 released, with Wolverine opening on March 3rd and Wonder Woman making her solo film debut on June 2nd.

Wonder Woman Ends Production; Wolverine 3 Begins

harness the power of a non-sexual utility erection.

if effects last longer than eighteen hours, see your doctor

The Wrap reports that the future of Supergirl is still in doubt ahead of CBS‘s upfront presentation in two weeks.

At issue: CBS pays nearly $3 million per episode in licensee fees to broadcast the series. With the show’s steady ratings decline over the course of the season, CBS may now feel that price is just too high. According to the report, it’s led to a “stare-down” between CBS’s Leslie Moonves and Warner Bros. Television boss Peter Roth.

Moonves previously announced that all of the networks 2015 freshman shows would likely be renewed. But with the upfronts on the horizon, the issue has come to a head and could see Supergirl move to Warner and CBS’s co-owned CW or eliminated all together. A move to The CW would likely lead to a slashing on the show’s budget.

Of course, all will be made clear when the upfronts begin and should Supergirl disappear from the air, one imagines there will be a place for star Melissa Benoist to guest star as the character in other show.

Supergirl’s Future In Jeopardy Over Rumored Budget Concerns

Jessica Jones is a smash hit. Everyone loves it. It’s coming back, no question.

However, the journey was not exactly a smooth one.

The crew – and some of the cast – of the Marvel/Netflix show Jessica Jones based on the comic book Alias were rather put out at the behaviour of star Krysten Ritter during its production and made many accusations of rather diva-ish behaviour on set – when she turned up, that is. With plenty of shouting and screaming at the little guys, texting inbetween takes and phoning it in when the cameras started rolling.

To the extent that crew members were quite happy to complain openly about her behaviour in the out-of-hours bars upon which a certain amountof Bleeding Cool’s coverage depends.

So how did things turn around? Well, I was told that whenever co-star David Tennant, cast as the villainous Kilgrave was on set, her behaviour dramatically altered, she was much easier to get along with, was far sweeter to the rest of the cast and crew, was on time and – more importantly – acted better too. Almost as if it was worth keeping David Tennant in the building, even if he hadn’t got any scenes that day.

Which is exactly what happened.

Shame he won’t be back for season two…

Trouble On The Set Of Jessica Jones Season One Was Calmed By David Tennant

The television rights to Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series have been sorted out and according to his widow, Harriet McDougal, the novels will adapted for television.

The previous rights holders, Red Eagle Entertainment, attempted to hang on to the property by airing a hastily thrown together pilot called Winter Dragon that aired in the wee hours of the morning on FXX. Whether this attempt failed to meet the legal requirements or a deal has been worked out. Only the parties involved know which at this point.

But here is what was posted to the Wheel of Time Google + account:

The following is a press statement that has been approved by the studio involved in contract negotiations:

Update: Wanted to share with you exciting news about The Wheel of Time. Legal issues have been resolved. The Wheel of Time will become a cutting edge TV series! I couldn’t be more pleased. Look for the official announcement coming soon from a major studio —Harriet

We will post more details as they become available…

Robert Jordan’s Wheel Of Time Headed To Television

Things are starting to move ahead for the Flash movie according to Heroic Hollywood. The film which stars Ezra Miller as Barry Allen is slated to be released March 16th, 2018. But Miller has already appeared as the Flash in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in both in one of Bruce Wayne’s dream sequence and in Lex Luthor’s surveillance video footage.

Now the film is moving forward with casting of these five roles.

Iris West: described as a cross between Christiane Amanpour and Carry Bradshaw

Eobard Thawne: described as Central City’s Bill Gates with a degenerative disease.

Fred Chyre: described as a gruff cop and the closest thing Barry has to a friend.

Len Snart: described as ex-military and working for Thawne.

Jay Garrick: described as a former professor who was working on the speed force. Most likely a cameo.

The descriptions are very loose and not necessarily a good indication of what the film will be. But we can see that we’re likely to have Reverse-Flash and Captain Cold as our villains.

The Flash Film Is Casting These Characters

There was talk not long before the current generation of consoles launched, that these might be the last home ones ever to be made. It was expected sales would be a little low, but obviously we know that is not how it shook out. The PlayStation 4 has blown away everyone’s expectations in the sales department.

However, that doesn’t mean that PlayStation 5 is a guarantee. Talking to GameInformer (via MCV), Oddworld‘s Lorne Lanning says that during a dinner with Sony boss Shuhei Yoshida, he planted some doubt over the certainty of a new console.

I interviewed Shu on stage at DICE 2015 and I asked Shu a question – I didn’t have time to ask it on stage but I asked him this at dinner a few nights before. I said ‘what does the PlayStation 5 look like?’ and he said ‘you mean if?’. And I was like ‘whoa, are you going to say that on the stage?’ and he goes ‘yeah, it’s an if’.

He didn’t give me a clear answer but he’s hinting at needing to be more agile. None of us know what the future will really look like so how do we adapt to it faster? To me that’s the way he was thinking about it, which I think is the right way to think about it.

It’s an interesting proposition, and with news of the PlayStation Neo acting as an upgrade for the PlayStation 4, is it possible we just have iterative consoles? There are a lot of questions the console market are going to need answered in the near future.

Sony Boss Says The PlayStation 5 Is No Guarantee

Entertainment Weekly reports that HBO has officially renewed Game of Thrones for a seventh season.

That renewal seemed inevitable. But the real question of whether or not the premium cable outlet is amenable to executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss‘s wish to end the series with abbreviated seventh and eighth seasons remains.

As reported last week, Benioff said the team was contemplating winnowing down the show’s final act into thirteen episodes stretched across two seasons in order to preserve the show’s quality. It is entirely possible they have been talked down from the idea and will continue with the traditional ten episode season for its seventh year, but as HBO does not typically announce how many episodes come with a renewal order, it joins the list of mysteries yet to play out for the series.

Game Of Thrones Renewed For Season Seven; Finale Plans Unclear