Internets Culture

The upcoming long-awaited follow-up, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For has now given us a first look at its primary star, Josh Brolin in character as aspiring-photog/hired-muscle, Dwight McCarthy.

Co-director, Robert Rodriguez tweeted a set a photos over the weekend, one of which (seen above) is set in the film's proper black & white color scheme, depicting Brolin as Dwight doing a bit of night driving in the rain. (A setting that may very well be the quintessence of Sin City.) According to Rodriguez, the image is not actually a shot from the final film, but rather, is just a set photo that he personally touched-up which he is using to help set the tone of the film for the actors. Nevertheless, by releasing the image, it is a virtual confirmation that this is how Brolin will look in the film.

The image strikes a dramatic contrast to the version of the Dwight character we got in the first Sin City film played by Clive Owen in 2005. (And, thanks to an infamous plastic surgery sequence, may be reprised by Owen later in the film.) Brolin's Dwight is sporting more of a wrinkled brow mean mug, almost akin to a Dick Tracy villain. While this is one tough guy who can easily handle Sin City's meanest, he will come across the most formidable challenge of his life: Resisting libidinous urges towards his manipulative, wicked ex, Ava Lord (Eva Green). Unfortunately, this poor sap is in for a lot trouble.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For hits theaters on October 4. In the meantime, check out the green-screen set photo of Brolin with Robert Rodriguez below.

Read More »

The latest in a series of new character posters for Iron Man 3 has hit. Exclusive to Empire, this one showcases actor, Guy Pearce as geneticist, Aldrich Killian.

Despite the fact that he looks more like a spray-tanned self-help guru, this film version of the Killian character will play a critical part in the film's plot. Along with his colleague, Maya Hansen (Rebecca Hall), Killian creates "Extremis," a technological virus that (in the comics, anyway,) re-writes the genetic code of a potential living subject, endowing enhanced physical abilities and rapid healing. Of course, when it comes to all powerful new toys with the potential to improve the lot of humanity, there always has to be some bitter, belligerent bad guy out there that wants to take nice things and turn it into a weapon of some kind. Indeed, that is what will happen when the sinister Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) arrives on the scene.

For Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark, the course of events will bring his life into a literal upheaval. (You did see what happened to his crib and his armor collection in the trailers, right?) However, while The Mandarin and his nano-powered cronies may have Iron Man in their crosshairs, Killian's potentially-deadly breakthrough could also end up being the beginning of some serious upgrades to Tony's tech in ways even his brilliant mind didn't imagine possible.

Iron Man 3 crashes into theaters on May 3. Check out the full Aldrich Killian poster below and speculate on whether he whitens his teeth.

Read More »

It seems that the mystery of what character confirmed cast member, Peter Dinklage will be playing in the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past may be solved. A report from MTV Geek! claims that the fan fave Game of Thrones star will fill the role of scientist, Bolivar Trask.

This, of course, is contrary to the initial fan-fueled rumors which assumed that his short-stature status sized him for the role of Canadian crusher, Puck. However, an ensuing report from Variety, citing unnamed sources claimed that Dinklage would play the film's "main antagonist." Now, this latest development points to Dinklage playing Trask, the character known from the pages of Marvel Comics as inventor of the giant robot bane of all things mutant, The Sentinels. (Who are definitely a part of this film.) Interestingly enough, Trask was last portrayed by repertory Schwarzenegger film player, Bill Duke in X-Men: The Last Stand. (Consistency, thy name is Fox.)

Trask created the assassin automatons out of fear from the destruction caused by mutantkind, exemplified by the actions of Magneto and his crew. However, the issue hit him close to home, since his two children, Larry and Tanya were also mutants. In the case of Tanya, her powers allow her to travel through time; a power that she uses against her father's anti-mutant cause. (An intriguing thought, considering that this will be a film involving time travel, right?) Yet, at the end of the day, multiple renditions of the Bolivar Trask character in the various comic book and animated storylines ultimately show him to be a character that was well-intentioned and not beyond redemption. Indeed, his own robot creations, led by his progenitive prototype, Master Mold, turn on him, quickly making this "antagonist" into a somewhat sympathetic figure.

At the moment, nothing has been confirmed regarding the identity of Dinklage's role and for all we know, rumors of him playing another character may surface. When it comes to Fox's jumbled canonical mess with the X-Men films, anything is possible.

[Source]

Could the kickoff entry to the upcoming Star Wars sequel trilogy, Episode VII see the return of a certain scruffy-looking nerfherder? Well, according to a scoop by Latino Review, that's what the new film just locked-down for itself. Yes, the one and only Harrison Ford is reportedly part of a done deal to reprise his role of the suave, yet seedy smuggler-turned-stalwart of the Rebellion, Han Solo!

If this news proves true, then it would verify recent comments by Ford which seemed to imply that he, along with his Original Trilogy co-stars, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill were open to the idea of returning to THE franchise of sci-fi after a 30+ year break. Although, when it came to Ford, there was a bit of a wild card, since in the past, he has been notoriously dismissive towards his legacy as the smooth pirate of space. In fact, it's been well-documented that he considered the Han Solo role merely as a career stepping-stone, and by the end of the Original Trilogy with 1983's Return of the Jedi, even insisted that Han be killed-off and martyred for a dramatic punch. -- A request that George Lucas did not ultimately oblige.

Fast-forward to 2013 and it seems that Ford, like Han, may have started to wonder what good's a reward if he ain't around to use it. In this case, the "reward" is being forever associated with one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema. (At least one that hasn't used major household appliances for fallout shelters.) Perhaps, the actor has finally come to terms with his character's place in history, looking for a more fitting swan song. (Which could also be accompanied by a spinoff film focusing on Solo's early years.) Of course, Han will be a lot older and, if the critical elements of the Expanded Universe of Star Wars novels and comic books hold true, he and Princess Leia will be parents to a set of Force-sensitive twins who could be central characters in the new films.

Regardless, unless serious concrete proof of this casting emerge, this is something that the franchise's new gatekeepers at Disney will likely sit on for quite a while. Until then, fans will keep riding on the rumor-iffic road to the 2015 release of Star Wars: Episode VII.

[Source]

Next year's prequel-sequel film, X-Men: Days of Future Past may already be an embarrassment of riches in cast members, but now, it lands another feather in its cap: A Lannister! Director, Bryan Singer has revealed via tweet that actor, Peter Dinklage has officially joined the cast.

Best known for his Golden Globe and Emmy-winning role as the diminutive, yet dangerous Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones, Dinklage now joins a cast consisting of Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence and just about ANY top name actor who has been associated with the X-Men film franchise in the past. (Except maybe Halle Berry for some reason.) At the moment, his exact role in the time-bending mutant mega-movie has yet to be confirmed.

However, putting two and two together, fan speculation is already pointing to Dinklage playing Puck, the short-statured slayer of the Marvel Comics Universe. In the comics, Puck was not a mutant, or a real dwarf, for that matter. He was a former mercenary and mountain of a man named Eugene Judd, who, in his quest for power, would turn to a magical artifact that gave him enhanced strength, speed, durability, agility, and lifespan. -- All of which came with the "huge" downside of turning the formerly-full-sized fighter into a dwarf. Puck would become a key member of superhero-team, Alpha Flight, who were essentially Marvel's attempt to recreate the magic of The Avengers for a team based in Canada. The Super-Canucks also hold the distinction of being historically tied to the early crime-fighting career of fellow countryman, Wolverine.

IF, indeed, Dinklage plays Puck, then his character would likely be retconned as a mutant. (Although, ties to Wolverine might still manifest.) However, it's too soon to tell. Despite the speculation that this casting will erupt, it could end up being for a more innocuous role.

X-Men: Days of Future Past may be looking to show that there are other badass Canadians besides Wolverine at theaters on July 18, 2014.

*UPDATE: According to Variety's sources, Dinklage is allegedly playing a role identified as the film's "main antagonist." This intel, however, is far from confirmed.

Iron Man 3 has released a brand new character poster highlighting Don Cheadle as Tony Stark's buddy, Colonel James Rhodes all decked-out in his new Iron Patriot armor.

Indeed, the former "War Machine" has new digs that are powerful enough to make anyone say "America, f**k yeah!" It's a good thing, too, because Tony (Robert Downey Jr.) will need all the help he can possibly get this time around when he faces an array of vile villains, headlined by a mastermind in his signature comic book nemesis, The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley).

Adopted from the pages of Marvel Comics' post-Civil War era, the Iron Patriot suit was worn by Norman Osborn, the former original villainous Green Goblin who resurfaced, attempting to reinvent himself as a hero, eventually becoming director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Of course, when it comes to the big screen, Osborn only exists in Sony Pictures' Spider-Man Universe, which has led to the contextual alteration of having James Rhodes suit up in the red, white, and blue badassery.

Not much is known specifically about what role he will play in this action-packed launch of Marvel Studios' "Phase Two" set of films, but it will surely involve A LOT of insanely-explosive ammunition being unleashed on some hapless baddies.

Iron Man 3 crashes into theaters on May 3. Check out the full poster below to see James Rhodes in the armor that's so patriotic, it smells like apple pie and spawns bald eagles.

Read More »

A new trailer has landed for the upcoming sci-fi standout, Oblivion which highlights a vastly ruined Earth of the future...and also Tom Cruise fixing robots.

While this new trailer does not deviate too far from the teaser that hit back in December, it manages to prominently display a gorgeously-ruined version of a future Earth ravaged by war and left to rot. Several examples of iconic imagery are immersed in post-apocalyptic form while managing to capture a kind of sublime beauty as nature has essentially taken it all back. Yet, at the same time, it contrasts with a high-altitude haven of a luxurious and clean future in which Cruise's character lives. It really drives home the full scope of the kind of retro-70's visually bright, almost clinical style of sci-fi that director, Joseph Kosinski is attempting bring back with this project.

Originally Kosinski's brainchild, it would first take the form of a graphic novel of the same name with a would-be film project ruminating in his mind for over five years. However, after landing a career-making gig of helming the 2010 franchise revival, Tron: Legacy, his newly-upgraded status would land him the one and only Tom Cruise for this long-in-the-making pet project. Kosinski takes the director's chair and has collaborated on the script with Karl Gajdusek and scribe of the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII, Michael Arndt.

The film is set to hit theaters on April 19. Check out the new trailer below to see a ruined, yet lush Earth of the future which forces Tom Cruise to finally put in an honest day's work.

Read More »

Recent reports pointing to serious troubles hitting Warner's plans for a Justice League mega-movie seem to have primed the rumor mill pumps. In this case, fan site, Batman On Film is claiming that a possible delay for the beleaguered superhero team-up could lead to a reboot of the Batman movie franchise hitting beforehand.

Of course, this theory should be treated as rumor-iffic as speculative rumors such as this one gets. According to BOF, an unnamed source of theirs close to the behind-the-scenes dealings strongly believes that the alleged troubles with the Justice League script by Will Beall and its apparent scrapping have sent shockwaves of doubt throughout Warner's superhero movie circle. According to the report, the current state of Justice League, which was supposed to introduce a new incarnation of the Caped Crusader to join the team, has worried the brass so much that they fear it may damage the Batman film brand. However, BOF's source attempts to quell what may be fear amongst the fans:

“Don’t worry about the Batman [film] franchise,” he said, “it’s [Warner Bros.’] most valuable [DC Comics-based] asset.” He continued, “I believe that they are now looking at introducing [the rebooted] Batman in a solo film, though that will likely take place later than they initially had planned. They are extremely worried how a [the Batman film franchise] would be affect[ed] if JUSTCE LEAGUE [sic] bombs...and rightfully so."

What could this mean for superhero plans by Warner that fans believed to be sprawling and ambitious?

Read More »

It appears that this fall's 50th anniversary special of television's time-traveling Gallifreyan gallivanter, Doctor Who will be coming at fans...in 3D!

Yes, while not much is known yet about the still-mysterious special celebrating the venerable franchise's golden anniversary, it has been confirmed that the entire episode will be presented in three dimensions. According to head visionary of Who's current incarnation, Steven Moffat, technology has finally reached a level where such a venture could be done to standards appropriate for the good Doctor. The quality will apparently be on such a level that the episode will actually be screened at theaters in the UK.

"Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, said: It’s about time. Technology has finally caught up with Doctor Who and your television is now bigger on the inside. A whole new dimension of adventure for the Doctor to explore."

The show itself prepares a return on March 30 on BBC and BBC America for its seventh series, rejuvenated with a new companion (whose superpower seems to be that she dies a lot) played by Jenna-Louise Coleman. The 50th Anniversary special, however is quite a while away, set to premiere in the UK on November 23, the date of Who's original premiere back in 1963. Accompanying it sometime within the anniversary tent-pole will be the annual Christmas special and a recently-announced TV movie in which David "Argus Filch" Bradley plays the First Doctor actor, William Hartnell in a biographical drama spotlighting the genesis of Doctor Who called An Adventure in Space and Time.

For now, speculation continues to run rampant on what will be in store for Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith in the upcoming thrill ride of a special; especially considering that it will be such a spectacle that it will require the use of...well, spectacles. Whatever it is, it will surely be reflective of the show's vast history, mixed with the brand of deep, yet accessible quirkiness that now fuels the show's current widespread success.

[Source]

Upcoming sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness has released a set of new photos exclusive to Entertainment Weekly's current cover story on the film.

While the film's release is quickly approaching in just a few short months on May 17, very little is still known about the specifics of the plot and whether or not there is more to the film's new villain, John Harrison, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. (Shown in one of the new photos in "Red Shirt" custody.) However, what is known at this point is that he is a former Starfleet officer who, after some horrific event, has taken up a cause; something he is willing to destroy Earth to achieve. Yet, if you were to listen to Cumberbatch in interviews, while still necessarily evasive on details, the actor does seem to imply that his character will ultimately prove to be a tragic figure. *Check below for a major breaking update on this subject!

With the entire crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise from 2009's Star Trek returning for this sophomore space epic, we will see the continued development of the relationships between this rebooted rank of recruits in more layman-friendly accessible drama, mixed with balls-to-walls apocalyptic action that this new J.J. Abrams-injected Star Trek franchise will be expected to bring.

Check out the new photos below!

Read More »

After Disney confirmed that those rumors about Star Wars spinoff movies were anything but Bantha poodoo, Entertainment Weekly is now reporting that two of these films will focus on the seedy dealings of the callous, cloned bounty hunter, Boba Fett and the youthful exploits of the handsome smuggler, gambler, and Kessel Run conqueror, Han Solo.

In what is sounding like an old-school Star Wars fan's wet dream come to life, these new films will flesh out what will apparently be pivotal events in the lives of these proverbial faves, also providing us a method to possibly see some other old friends return to the big screen.

The Han Solo film will reportedly take place in between the chronological events of Prequel Trilogy finale, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and the first film of the Original Trilogy, Episode IV: A New Hope. Looking to cast a younger Harrison Ford-esque actor, we will likely see the events that shape the course of Han's life, taking him from a love-struck washout cadet at the Imperial Academy, to an "always shoot first" smuggler, free-riding across the galaxy, accompanied by a Wookie companion named Chewbacca whose life he saved.

So, what's in store for our favorite unmodified Mandalorian clone who collects Carbonite statues?

Read More »

The upcoming sequel that fans have been calling The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has officially revealed that it will be called...wait for it...The Amazing Spider-Man 2!

In an official press release by Columbia Pictures confirming the film has begun production in New York, the not-so-creative, but necessarily-straightforward title was announced. Additionally, it drops a brief (albeit vague,) synopsis of the plot. The details, while bare bones, are still the most substantive info that has been released thus far.

"In The Amazing Spider-Man™ 2, for Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), life is busy – between taking out the bad guys as Spider-Man and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen (Emma Stone), high school graduation can’t come quickly enough.  Peter hasn’t forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen’s father to protect her by staying away – but that’s a promise he just can’t keep.  Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx), emerges, an old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past."

Indeed, it looks like Peter's put himself in an awkward position, seeing as Captain Stacy, in his dying act, managed to c-block him from his daughter, Gwen. Of course, he won't have much time to think about that with the arrival a new electrically-charged villain who wants to tell Spider-Man, "I like the way you die, boy."

Besides the mention of our new villain, Jamie Foxx and the returning cast members, the presence of Shailene Woodley and Paul Giamatti are also confirmed, although it fails to say whether they will play, respectively, Mary Jane Watson and Rhino. (Even though we know they will.) However, perhaps the most intriguing bit of news to come out of this presser is the naming of actor, Colm Feore to the cast. The 54 year-old actor, a regular on The Borgias, has also notably played Frost Giant King Laufey in Thor. While nothing was revealed about his role, it is quite possible that he could be our new incarnation of ominous villain and would-be Green Goblin, Norman Osborn.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in 3D will shoot an Electro shock that will make your lips swell like Wanda from In Living Color at theaters on May 2, 2014.

[Source]

Marvel's upcoming cosmic super-team epic, Guardians of the Galaxy has apparently found its lead. Beating out a long list of potential candidates with names far bigger than him, it is being reported that Chris Pratt has landed the role of Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord.

Pratt, a regular on Parks and Recreation, has been carving out quite a resume on the side in films like Moneyball and The Five-Year Engagement. However, his recent outing as a buffed-up U.S. Navy SEAL in Zero Dark Thirty has swung momentum his way like never before. The actor now nabs his first big-screen moment in the spotlight and does so in a major way with this Marvel movie tentpole.

With its apparent star, Pratt still far from a household name, Marvel will likely look for star power to serve in a supporting capacity. With Star-Lord only being the first official casting decision, it could be the case that roles for other team members who will be portrayed in a live-action capacity like Drax the Destroyer and Gamora will be filled by more recognizable names. In fact, a recent rumor which has comedy icons, Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler in the running to voice furry fellow, Rocket Raccoon still seems to hold water. -- Plus, rumors point to events in this May's Iron Man 3 leading to Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark showing up in Guardians in some capacity, which is definitely some major supporting star power.

So, who is Star-Lord, anyway? Let's take a quick look below.

Read More »

It appears that this fall's film follow-up, Sin City: A Dame To Kill For has another formidable finagler to add to its ever-growing ensemble. Actor, Stacy Keach has been tapped to take the role of Wallenquist, aka "The Kraut."

Describing the character, the original comic creator and film's co-director, Frank Miller referred to Wallenquist as "the one man who can't be redeemed in Sin City. He is pure evil." While confirmed details about the film, based on Miller's original graphic novel of the same name were sporadic, it did seem likely to feature the rapacious racketeer, who, while rarely seen, maintains a presence throughout the various Sin City stories. Now, the on-screen representation of this pernicious puppet master behind most of Sin City's major marks of malfeasance will, ironically enough, be portrayed by Keach, an actor famously known for playing a heroic detective on television as Mike Hammer.

Likely to carry a German accent, Keach's Wallenquist will probably have his tentacles in most, if not all of the stories in this film. It also appears likely that he will be the main antagonist in an original story entitled "The Long Bad Night" in which a cocky gambler named Johnny, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, takes his swindling act a bit too far. According to co-director, Robert Rodriguez in a recent interview with MTV, the hopeless huckster "tries to beat the biggest villain in Sin City at his own game." So, Johnny's life is pretty much going to suck from that point on and it won't just be a dream within a dream.

With the gorgeous Eva Green recently cast as the film's sinister seductress, Ava Lord and now Keach as Wallenquist, it appears that Sin City: A Dame To Kill For will have no shortage of villains who are sure to be memorable for much different reasons when it hits theaters on October 4.

[Source]

According to Aint It Cool News, Yoda, the ancient, wise, and backward-speaking Jedi Master of Star Wars is heading back to the big screen. -- Whoa, hold on a second, NOT for the upcoming J.J. Abrams-directed Episode VII, but rather, for what would prospectively be the first Star Wars stand alone film.

Indeed, fans knew that last fall's acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney would be the catalyst for some changes, but when rumors started to swirl about the possibility of spinoff films set in the Star Wars Universe, it was clear that we could be looking at a radical change in approach to how this movie canon manifested. Once previously held onto tightly by George Lucas, the proverbial Pandora's Box has been opened.

At this point, no details are available on exactly when in Yoda's long, long life the film is set to take place. There are numerous possibilities ranging from the story of a young Yoda getting his first lessons in the Jedi arts, to a bittersweet tale of how Yoda's apprentice, Count Dooku descended to the Dark Side, or even a post-Jedi Purge story documenting events taking place in Yoda's early days exiled on the "slimy mudhole" of Dagobah. There may even be some strategy to make the film more relevant to the new material by basing it on a storyline that will ultimately connect with the Abrams-christened sequel films.

Should the report prove true, it sets things up for other popular characters to get their own solo outings on the big screen like Boba Fett, Darth Maul, Jabba The Hutt...or maybe even the Rebellion's portly pilot, Jek Porkins. (jk) -- It's a Star Wars universe, we're just pretending to live in it.

[Source]