Netflix Buys Comic Book Company Millarworld

By Armando


Netflix is following the footsteps of Disney and is delving deep into the world of comic-book franchises. Streaming giant Netflix has bought Millarworld, marking the company’s first acquisition, this according to the company’s press release.

“This is only the third time in history a major comic book company has been purchased at this level,” said Millar. “I’m so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans. Netflix is the future and Millarworld couldn’t have a better home.”

There is obvious reason for Netflix to be inspired by this purchase. In 2009, Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion, which proved to be an artistic and financial success.

Netflix has been more focused on TV series the past few years, funding original shows and acquiring original content for it’s library such as House of Cards. Though the company has picked up streaming rights for various smaller films, it started its venture into big-budget blockbusters such as later this year’s “Bright” starring Will Smith which reportedly cost $90 million to produce.

Millarworld was launched by Scottish comic book writer Mark Millar who once worked for both DC and Marvel Comics. The company has published Wanted and Kick-Ass, both of which were adapted into film. 2014’s spy-action comedy Kingsman: The Secret Service was also based on Millar’s work.

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Aliens, Shakespeare, and Diversity: An Interview with Sci-Fi Star, Cas Anvar

Eric Gasa

THE STRAIN — Season Four – Pictured: Cas Anvar as Sanjay Desai. CR: Russ Martin/FX


Cas Anvar’s career is part occupation, part dream come true. Not very often does a Sci-Fi nerd grow up to become a Sci-Fi actor but for the rising Anvar, he enjoys the best of both worlds. Anvar can be found in a number of roles in big titles, from Argo and the Oscar-nominated ROOM, to the galaxy’s top fighter pilot in SyFy’s, The Expanse.

I had the opportunity to chat with Anvar one afternoon in preparation of the latest episode of his FX show, The Strain, where he plays the part of the nefarious Sanjay Desai. The Strain airs this Sunday, August 6, at 10 pm EP. Though our time was brief, Anvar spared none of it when sharing his excitement for his work and what lies on the road ahead.

EG: How did you get into acting?

Cas Anvar: I’ve been doing it my whole life since I was in high school. I was introduced to acting through Shakespeare actually. Started in theatre. Went to the National Theatre School of Canada. Started my own Shakespeare company after that and have been acting ever since.

Who were some of your inspirations as a young actor?

That’s an interesting question. I really admire Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman, and Robert Downey Jr.

Was starring in a Sci-Fi program always a dream of yours? Were you a huge Sci-Fi fan growing up?

I’ve always been a huge nerd. I grew up with sci-fi, fantasy, and horror games, comic books, and all that stuff. I went to Comic Con as a kid and never imagined that I would be on the other side of that table signing autographs one day. Playing in something like The Expanse where I get to play a Han Solo character with wisecracks and one-liners, is a huge thrill for me.

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From Russia With Love: BUBBLE STUDIOS at the Comic-Con festival in San Diego

By Creative Media Times

BUBBLE STUDIOS


Russian film company Bubble Studios were at San Diego Comic-Con a couple of weeks ago. The team premiered their short film “Major Grom” and it looks like they have a hit as the film was very well received.

The SDCC screening was followed by a Q&A where the film’s creators answered questions from attendees. Present during the exhibition was Artyom Gabrelyanov, founder of BUBBLE comic book publishing house, as well as chief editor Roman Kotkov, artist Natalia Zaidova, and the head of the studio, Vladimir Besedin.

From the press release: “The plot is centered around the story of an experienced detective from St. Petersburg named Igor Grom, who, by chance, happens to witness a bank robbery. In spite of possible danger, Igor Grom decides to stop the criminals on his own.”

Early this year, “Major Grom” held its international premiere at Berlinale on February 11, 2017, followed shortly after by a Russian premiere on February 19, 2017.

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“Ant-Man & The Wasp” Starts Production

By Creative Media Times

Marvel Studios


Its the beginning of production on “Ant-Man and the Wasp” and Marvel announced it via a 14-second video which fittingly includes two miniature production chairs with the names “Ant-Man” and “Wasp” on them. The video then ends with the announcement ‘Now In Production’.

A sequel to 2015’s hit film “Ant-Man” and produced by Kevin Feige, “Ant-Man & The Wasp” brings back director Peyton Reed (who tweeted the production start and the logo), as well as Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man. Also returning are Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, and Michael Douglas reprising their roles in the 2015 film. Joining the original cast are Michelle Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne, and Walton Goggins which were announced during last month’s Comic-Con in San Diego.

“Ant-Man and the Wasp” is slated to be released next summer on July 6, 2018, a couple of months after Avengers: Infinity War which Ant-Man will also be a part of.

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First Look At Domino in “Deadpool 2”

By Creative Media Times

Deadpool 2
20th Century Fox


Ryan Reynolds today shared on twitter a first look of Zazie Beetz as Domino in Deadpool 2.

The image recalls Ryan Reynold’s first photo as Deadpool, with the character lying near a fireplace, only here Domino is lying on a deflated Deadpool suit instead of a bear rug. “Some people just know how to work a red carpet,” Reynolds tweeted along with the photo.

This makes it a parody of a parody, as Ryan Reynolds’ original photo itself is a hilarious nod to a famous 1972 Cosmopolitan photo of Reynolds…Burt Reynolds that is.

Domino is a mercenary mutant with the ability to manipulate luck through telekinetics. She is also a member of the mutant team X-Force, and a love interest of Cable, also appearing in the movie as played by Josh Brolin. Well, in case you don’t know, Brolin himself has recently been sharing his epic transformation on Instagram.

Directed by David Leitch, from a script by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, Deadpool 2 also stars Morena Baccarin, T. J. Miller, Leslie Uggams, Brianna Hildebrand and Jack Kesy.

Deadpool 2 has been filming in Vancouver and is set for release in theater on next year’s summer on June 1st, 2018.

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“THE LAIKA EXPERIENCE” In San Diego Draws Enormous Crowds, Scores Record Merchandise Sales And Heartfelt Fan Kudos

Oscar®-winning Animation Studio, Creators of Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and Kubo and the Two Strings, Judges First Pop-Up Exhibit During Comic-Con and PRIDE Celebrations A Huge Success

[San Diego, CA; July 25, 2017] — 48 LAIKA puppets are packed up in protective wrapping, sets and props from all four Oscar®-nominated LAIKA films are en route back to the studio in Oregon, and the LAIKA brand ambassadors who guided over 7,000 fans on detail-laden tours of The LAIKA Experience from July 14-23 in San Diego are relaxing their strained vocal chords. And for the fans who lined up for hours to get a close-up look at the artistry and magic of their favorite animation studio, favorite moments from The LAIKA Experience continue to excite the imagination.

Atop the bespoke storefront that was converted into the pop-up exhibit for the Oregon-based animation studio, nine-foot tall cutouts of its cinematic heroes, Coraline, Norman, Eggs and Kubo, beckoned visitors as they strolled in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The LAIKA Experience, located at 520 Fifth Avenue, featured an up-close look at the artistic detail and imagination behind LAIKA’s groundbreaking films, all of which have been nominated for Academy Awards® and numerous other honors. The exhibit showcased the evolution of the studio’s unique blend of handcrafted stop-motion animation and visual effects magic in four imaginatively themed rooms inspired by each of LAIKA’s films. The extensive display of original sets, puppets and props immersed guests in LAIKA’s fantastical worlds.
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Great Moments From San Diego Comic-Con 2017

By Armando

Every year, geeks around the world converge at Comic-Con, the 4-day event of all things about comicbooks and pop culture held every summer in San Diego. And this year is just as big and fun, not to mention hot and very sweaty as ever.

The big offerings from Marvel and DC did dominate the conversations. But with so many things happening every day all in and around the convention center, there is always something for everyone.

From trailers for upcoming studio blockbusters and tv shows, to exciting gaming announcements, to extravagant cosplays, and of course, some of the world’s most talented comic artists, Comic-Con continues to surprise and delight attendees.

Here’s some of the most memorable moments of from this year’s San Diego Comic-Con:

Blade Runner: Warner Bros unveiled a new trailer for Blade Runner 2049″ and brought with them the cast and the director Denis Villeneuve. Warner Bros. sensational SDCC presentation at Hall H’s 180-degree gigantic screens featured the upcoming “Blade Runner 2049” then later showed on stage a virtual hologram of Jared Leto.

Stranger Things Season 2 Trailer: The lively and hilarious cast and creators of “Stranger Things” were in Hall H. The very entertaining group talked about the series then later unveiled a very well received a new trailer. With a touch of nostalgia to the tune of Michael Jackson’s Thriller with Vincent Price’s voiceover, Watching the trailer in that gigantic screen was spectacular.

Black Panther: Marvel brought in the cast of Black Panther and previewed an exclusive action-packed footage, and it was a big hit. The intense footage received immediate standing ovation from audience while cast gathered for a group hug and impressed by what they saw. I can’t really blame them. Footage was fantastic!

Thor: Ragnarok: Cast of the movie stormed Hall H at Comic-Con and talked about the film and revealed new details. The cast brought with them some brand new spectacular action-packed trailer and footage. Also present was New Zealand director Taika Waititi and producer Kevin Feige, who was presented with Comic-Con’s Inkpot Award for his contributions to the world of comic books and everything comics fandom.

Charlize Theron: The statuesque Academy Award winner took the stage for Entertainment Weekly’s “Women Who Kick Ass”, and talked about her butt-kicking new character in Atomic Blonde, and the need for more female directors following the success of Wonder Woman, which was directed by Patty Jenkins who directed Theron in her Oscar-winning performance in “Monster”.

Jason Momoa runs to Hall H stage carrying Aquaman’s trident, shortly before the cast of Justice League arrived on stage. The guy sure knows how to entertain, pumped up the loud and excited crowd. Momoa also unveiled a short clip from the upcoming highly anticipated James Wan film “Aquaman”.

Justice League: Clearly one of the highlights of Comic-Con 2017, especially after the record breaking box-office run of Wonder Woman this summer, the Justice League cast Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Ezra Miller and Jason Momoa, who was already on stage by the time the cast arrived, electrified the full house of 6,000 hyperactive fans at Hall H. There was, however no talk of Wonder Woman sequel, while Henry Cavill was not in attendance.

Cosplay: There is no shortage of cool cosplay in Comic-Con as one might expect, and this year is no exception. Even with the painful summer heat and crowded long lines, San Diego brought it this year with some really cool costumes. They were all there, from Star Wars to Pennywise the Clown, from the most recognizable to hilarious, from high priced couture to home sewn, and those that just make you go hmmmmm (guys in Wonder Woman costumes were surprisingly plenty this year). And hey, its always fun to see a Darth Vader struggling to eat a cheeseburger.

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Comic-Con 2017 Week: Justice League Trailer Teases Possible Return Of Superman

By Armando

Justice League panel
Photo: Armando AIPhotoImaging.com


There was a lot of excitement at Comic-Con Saturday morning with fans anticipating what Warner Bros has in store.

Those who waited long lines were rewarded when Warner Bros. brought out the highlight of the studio’s Hall H lineup: cast of Justice League, and a new action-packed trailer presented on the venue’s massively gigantic wrap-around screens.

First up was an animated Jason Momoa (Aquaman), running from the back of a packed 6,000-capacity room and up to the stage which pumped the fans into hysterics. He was shortly followed by the rest of the cast members Ben Affleck (Batman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Ray Fisher (Cyborg) arriving to screaming fans and standing ovation. Missing on the event was Henry Cavill, though the end of the trailer seem to suggest he may be back from the dead.

Also absent from the panel is the film’s new director Joss Whedon and its original director Zack Snyder. But that didn’t stop the cast from showering praises to Snyder. “None of us will be here without him,” says Fisher.

The trailer shows just the right tone fans should expect from a movie helmed by two major comic-book giants. There is of course plenty of comicbook slugfest, while also looking fun, definitely suggesting a slight pivot from where Man of Steel started and continued on to Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad. The trailer is also fully aware of Wonder Woman’s new-found level of popularity, but just enough character build where each character shined.

Justice League will be in theaters Nov. 17.

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New “Marvel’s Inhumans” Trailer Revealed At San Diego Comic-Con

‘MARVEL’S INHUMANS’
ABC


Marvel’s New Television Series “Marvel’s Inhumans” Will Premiere On ABC On Friday, September 29

A new “Marvel’s Inhumans” trailer was revealed today at SDCC. The highly anticipated new Marvel television series will bring the fan-favorite comic book series and a new kind of family drama to the small screen this fall on ABC. The network series premiere, including the first two episodes of “Marvel’s Inhumans,” will air FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network.

The legendary comic book series will be brought to life in a way that has never been done before, as a version of the first two episodes will be shown globally in IMAX theatres for a two-week period, beginning September 1, 2017. ABC will then air the entirety of the series throughout this fall on the network, with additional exclusive content that can only been seen on ABC.

“Marvel’s Inhumans” explores the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family including Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city. After the Royal Family of Inhumans is splintered by a military coup, they barely escape to Hawaii where they are greeted with surprising interactions with the lush world and humanity around them. Now they must find a way to reunite with each other and return to their home before their way of life is destroyed forever.

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Comic-Con Week: Nickelodeon’s Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Nickelodeon’s Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teams Up with Usagi Yojimbo Creator Stan Sakai and TMNT Co-Creator Kevin Eastman on Original Specials for Season Five of the Animated Series

All-New Episode and Character Art Revealed During San Diego Comic-Con 2017

Turtles fans turned out for Nickelodeon’s Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at San Diego Comic-Con 2017 on Friday, July 21, where Andre Meadows (Black Nerd Comedy) moderated a panel featuring executive producer Ciro Nieli, legendary creators and collaborators Kevin Eastman and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Yuki Matsuzaki (voice of Miyamoto Usagi), along with series voice cast members: Rob Paulsen (Donatello), Greg Cipes (Michelangelo) and Eric Bauza (Tiger Claw).

The panel’s sneak peeks included: the world premiere of a full-length episode, “Lone Rat and Cubs,” written and presented by TMNT co-creator, Kevin Eastman; a clip from new episode, “Yojimbo,” from the upcoming Samurai story arc; and concept art by Ciro Nieli showcasing new characters and designs of Usagi and the villains the Turtles will face this season.

The three-part Samurai arc begins Sunday, July 23, at 9:00 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Fans can visit the Nick App, Nick.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Episodes of TMNT are available Nick.com and the Nick App, along with platforms including iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu and Nick On Demand.

Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned numerous blockbuster theatrical releases. Since its launch in 2012, Nickelodeon’s all-new CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has re-energized these iconic characters of this wildly popular franchise. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is seen in over 170 countries and territories and translated in 45+ languages.

@Nickelodeon @TMNT

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