|
01/08/16 @ 9:19 pm EST
Corinna S. Bechko, writer of Vampirella/Aliens #5, talks with writer Ande Parksabout Seduction of the Innocent #2, both in stores now. Cover art by Francisco Francavilla.  CORINNA S. BECHKO: Ande, I’ve been really enjoying the book so far and can’t wait to see where it goes. Part of the appeal for me is the setting. San Francisco plays host to several of my favorite films and novels (Hitchcock’s Vertigo being a prime example), and I’ve set a couple of stories there myself. What is it about this particular city that fascinates writers?ANDE PARKS: I used the city in part because of the atmosphere and connection to things you mentioned (The Maltese Falcon is a big favorite of mine), but also because I have a personal connection to the city. My father was born there. He was orphaned there in his teens. Later, he showed me around the city, so it became a part of my childhood too.So, it’s a relatively under-used setting, one that means a lot to me, and it just has these fabulous places: the Tea Garden, Chinatown, the Wharf, etc. We try to show all of them off in their period glory. CSB: I think comics provide a wonderful medium for telling stories set in the past since they can immediately plunge the reader into their world through the art. That said, the amount of research involved can be daunting, especially when you’re on deadline. How do you and artist Esteve Polls split up this duty? Am I wrong in assuming that you provide pointers on appropriate hats?AP: I try to give cues whenever they occur to me. We have a scene in Chinatown in our third issue, for example, and I mentioned that Esteve could find some period-appropriate reference in the Orson Welles movie Lady From Shanghai. I gave him reference for the Tea Garden in the second issue, and so on. I don’t want to overwhelm the artist with data, but I want to make their job as easy as possible.It’s nice getting to work with the same collaborator over a period of years. Even though Esteve and I speak different languages, we have developed a way of communicating through the scripts in a way that gets us a finished product we’re both happy with. He is really strong at environments … at making the world of the comic convincing. I just drop some cues, and he runs with it.The word “fedora” is definitely mentioned often in these scripts. I don’t think I gave Esteve specific reference, but he nailed the proportions of hats for the era. CSB: The name of your book conjures up a dark time in the history of comics. Are you counting on your readers responding to that context?AP: Once upon a time, the series had a significant tie to the Wertham hearings. We had to lose that aspect, and the title became more of a theme for the book. We are definitely conjuring the vibe of those days with our covers. I asked Franchesco to pay homage to Johnny Craig EC covers, and he’s doing that brilliantly. Overall, though, it’s more of a feeling than a specific subtext. CSB: At the end of issue #1 there was a big reveal that put everything that went before it into a different light. At the end of issue #2 there is a twist of a different sort. When plotting out the arc of a story like this do you know what the cliffhangers will be ahead of time, or do you let them emerge as the script takes shape?AP: I plan that stuff pretty carefully when I write the initial outline. Then, as I go, it all seems to drift a bit. Usually I can keep the big reveals, but not always. I always hate it when writers say pompous crap like “I just let the characters tell me what the story is!” but there is some truth there. In this case, the element of Jennings having “visions” came to me as I was writing, and that afforded me the opportunity to play with reality vs. illusion at the end of the second issue. I try to be open to stuff like that. I never want to be so rigid or protective of my outline that I miss interesting opportunities. CSB: Finally, as a lover of film noir, it seems to me that there are some noir tones to this story. Is that correct? And either way, can you share any of your inspirations?AP: Yeah … I definitely think about noir stories I love as I write this book. I already mentioned Lady From Shanghai. The Third Man is maybe my favorite movie, and I think it qualifies as noir, but I don’t know that much of that film made its way into our story. Another Welles, Touch of Evil, is definitely a big influence. As for specific influences on out comic, I think the dialogue was helped a lot by that whole era of film-making … the era of Mitchum and Bogart, etc.
06/28/25 @ 2:09 pm EST
In a move that blends personal branding with practical necessity, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star and co-creator Rob McElhenney has officially filed to change his name to Rob Mac. The decision, confirmed by McElhenney himself, marks a significant shift for the actor, writer, and entrepreneur whose surname has long been a source of confusion—and comedy. McElhenney, whose last name has famously stumped fans and media alike (despite Ryan Reynolds’ musical pronunciation tutorial), cited global business expansion as the primary reason. As his company, More Better Industries, continues to invest internationally—including ventures in Colombia and Mexico—he found that “McElhenney” was often mispronounced or misunderstood. “As our business and our storytelling is expanding into other regions of the world and other languages in which my name is even harder to pronounce, I’m just going by Rob Mac,” he told Variety. Interestingly, the name “Mac” isn’t just a simplification—it’s also a nod to his iconic Always Sunny character, known simply as Mac. It’s a full-circle moment that blends his personal identity with his pop culture persona. The name change is already being reflected in FX press materials for both It’s Always Sunny and Welcome to Wrexham, the Emmy-winning docuseries chronicling McElhenney and Reynolds’ ownership of Wrexham AFC.  06/28/25 @ 1:59 pm EST
ABC has officially pulled the plug on Doctor Odyssey, the high-concept medical drama from prolific creator Ryan Murphy, after just one season. The show, which followed a team of doctors navigating emergencies aboard a luxury cruise ship, will not return for a second voyage. Premiering in fall 2024, Doctor Odyssey starred Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman, alongside Phillipa Soo, Sean Teale, and Don Johnson. The series blended medical drama with high-seas spectacle, drawing comparisons to The Love Boat with a modern, campy twist. Its trailer broke records with 77.8 million views in 48 hours, and the premiere drew 13.6 million cross-platform viewers. Despite the flashy debut and a loyal cult following, the show struggled to maintain momentum. Ratings dipped over the season, and its linear performance lagged behind other ABC dramas. While ABC has yet to issue a formal cancellation statement, the cast contracts are expiring on Monday with no sign of renewal and the sets are being dismantled. And while the ship has sailed on ABC, Ryan Murphy retains creative control and could potentially revive the series elsewhere, such as Hulu, where it performed well on streaming platforms.  06/27/25 @ 2:45 pm EST
Is The Batman Part II script finally done? It appears so. Writer/Director Matt Reeves just posted to social media a blurry picture of himself and co-writer Mattson Tomlin that shows the title page for a script with the logo from The Batman and appears to have the title "The Batman: Part II". Co-head of DC Studios James Gunn said recently that he was expecting to get the script soon but denied that the deadline had already passed. If the script is complete and ready to move forward, it is still in plenty of time to make the current release date of October 2027. This should be good news to fans of the director and franchise and also to actor Robert Pattinson who had commented recently that he was worrying he was going to age out of the role if it took too much longer.  06/26/25 @ 3:35 pm EST
Prime Video’s hit action-thriller Reacher is shaking things up for its fourth season, and one of the most notable changes is the addition of Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette to the cast. The Barry actor steps into the role of Jacob Merrick, a small-town policeman, in a recasting that follows the departure of Jay Baruchel due to personal reasons. Rodriguez-Marquette’s casting came together at lightning speed—he was reportedly selected the same day the role breakdown was released and flown to set within days. His character, Merrick, is said to play a significant role in the upcoming season, which adapts Lee Child’s 13th Jack Reacher novel, Gone Tomorrow. The story kicks off with a tense encounter on a train that spirals into a deadly conspiracy involving powerful enemies. Season 4 also welcomes a host of new faces, including Sydelle Noel, Agnez Mo, Anggun, Kevin Corrigan, Kevin Weisman, Marc Blucas, and Kathleen Robertson. Alan Ritchson returns as the titular Jack Reacher, with Maria Sten reprising her role as Frances Neagley. Rodriguez-Marquette brings a diverse résumé to the series, with recent appearances in Barry, Mozart in the Jungle, and indie films like Grind and Fear, Inc..  06/26/25 @ 3:28 pm EST
In a move that’s sending ripples through both Hollywood and Her Majesty’s Secret Service, acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has officially been named the director of the next James Bond movie. This marks the first 007 installment under Amazon MGM Studios’ creative leadership, following their acquisition of the franchise’s rights in 2022. Villeneuve, the visionary behind Dune, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049, brings a reputation for cerebral storytelling and breathtaking visuals. His appointment signals a bold new chapter for the Bond saga—one that may blend the franchise’s signature espionage thrills with a deeper, more atmospheric tone. “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” Villeneuve said in a statement. “I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come”. The film will be produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman, with Villeneuve also serving as executive producer alongside Tanya Lapointe. While no release date has been announced, production is expected to begin after Villeneuve completes work on Dune: Part Three, slated for release in late 2026. As for who will don the tuxedo next, speculation continues to swirl. Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains a frontrunner, but no official casting has been confirmed.  06/22/25 @ 1:53 pm EST
Oscar-winner Russell Crowe has officially joined the upcoming Highlander reboot, stepping into the iconic role of Ramirez — the immortal mentor originally portrayed by Sean Connery in the 1986 cult classic. Crowe will star opposite Henry Cavill, who leads the film as Connor MacLeod, a centuries-old Scottish warrior caught in a secret war among immortals. The film is being helmed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski and is set for a theatrical release under Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists. As Crowe himself cryptically posted on social media: “Yes... it’s true... I shall be returning to the highlands... with a sword... it has been a few centuries... there can be only one”. The reboot aims to reimagine the Highlander mythology for a new generation, blending historical flashbacks with modern-day action. Stahelski has teased a sweeping narrative that spans from the 1500s Highlands to futuristic cities like New York and Hong Kong, promising a mix of martial arts, swordplay, and emotional depth. Production is slated to begin this fall in London, with a release window eyed for 2026.  06/21/25 @ 2:46 pm EST
As production nears completing for DC Studios’ upcoming HBO series Lanterns, director James Hawes is offering fans a glimpse into what’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the new DC Universe. Helming the first two episodes, Hawes describes the show as a genre-bending blend of grounded mystery and cosmic spectacle — a “buddy cop movie” with a distinctly American heart. In recent interviews, Hawes emphasized that while the series begins with a gritty, earthbound tone reminiscent of True Detective, it eventually “goes intergalactic”. “The scripts have so much wit, so much character,” he said, likening the tone to a fusion of Fargo, No Country for Old Men, and yes, True Detective — but with Green Lanterns who can fly. Set in Nebraska, the story follows veteran Lantern Hal Jordan ( Kyle Chandler) and his new recruit John Stewart ( Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a seemingly isolated murder that spirals into a much larger conspiracy. Hawes promises that the show won’t disappoint longtime fans of the Green Lantern mythos, while also inviting in a new audience by introducing the characters in a “rooted way” before launching into the cosmic unknown. The cast is stacked with talent, including Nathan Fillion reprising his role as Guy Gardner, Kelly Macdonald as a small-town sheriff, and Ulrich Thomsen as the iconic rogue Sinestro. The series is co-written by Chris Mundy ( Ozark), Damon Lindelof ( Watchmen), and Tom King, with Hawes praising the writing team for crafting a sophisticated narrative that balances humor, character, and high-stakes drama. Lanterns is slated for an early 2026 premiere on HBO and will consist of eight episodes with filming expected to wrap soon.  06/21/25 @ 2:37 pm EST
Marvel Studios has officially announced that Jake Schreier, known for his work on the film Thunderbolts, has been tapped to direct the highly anticipated X-Men reboot. Schreier's appointment comes after months of speculation and rumors. His previous work on Thunderbolts received critical acclaim, despite the film's mixed box office performance. The decision to bring Schreier on board signals Marvel's commitment to revitalizing the X-Men franchise with fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling. The X-Men have a rich history in both comics and film, and fans are eager to see how Schreier will interpret these iconic characters. The director's vision for the X-Men is expected to blend the classic elements that fans love with new and exciting twists. One of the key challenges Schreier will face is balancing the expectations of long-time X-men fans with the need to attract new audiences. The X-Men films have a dedicated fan base, and any changes to the beloved characters and storylines will be closely scrutinized. In addition to directing, Schreier will be working closely with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and screenwriter Michael Lesslie on the script. As the MCU continues to expand, the introduction of the X-Men is a significant milestone. The mutants' arrival in the MCU opens up a wealth of storytelling possibilities and potential crossovers with other Marvel characters. The release date for the X-Men reboot has not yet been announced.  06/21/25 @ 2:28 pm EST
Jon Bernthal is officially bringing Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, into the cinematic orbit of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. The upcoming film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026, marks a gritty new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) — and a long-awaited crossover that promises fireworks. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton ( Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), the film picks up after the reality-altering events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Doctor Strange’s spell erased Peter Parker’s identity from the world’s memory. With Peter now navigating a lonelier, more grounded existence, the arrival of The Punisher hints at a darker, street-level tone for the franchise. Bernthal’s return as Castle is a major moment for fans of Marvel’s Netflix era. After debuting in Daredevil and headlining two seasons of The Punisher, Bernthal reprised the role in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. Now, he’s stepping into the big leagues of the MCU film slate — and he’s not coming quietly. Joining Holland and Bernthal are returning cast members Zendaya (MJ) and Jacob Batalon (Ned), though it remains to be seen how — or if — their characters will reconnect with Peter. Also joining the ensemble is Stranger Things star Sadie Sink in a mysterious new role. And here’s a fun twist of fate: Bernthal and Holland actually helped each other land their Marvel roles while filming the 2017 movie Pilgrimage. According to Bernthal, he even encouraged Holland to throw in a backflip during his Spider-Man audition — a move that may have sealed the deal. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Marvel seems poised to blend the emotional weight of Peter Parker’s journey with the raw intensity of Frank Castle’s crusade. One thing’s for sure: the neighborhood just got a lot more dangerous.  ...
06/18/25 @ 4:18 am EST
DC Studios has officially found its Clayface. Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries has been cast as the titular character in the upcoming standalone film. The announcement was made by DC Studios co-head James Gunn, who praised Harries’ performance as “blowing us away” after what he described as a long and exhaustive search. The film, slated for release on September 11, 2026, will be directed by James Watkins and penned by horror maestro Mike Flanagan, with additional script work by Oscar-nominated writer Hossein Amini. Rather than a traditional superhero flick, Clayface is being developed as a psychological horror tale. The story centers on a struggling B-movie actor who injects himself with a mysterious substance in a desperate bid to stay relevant—only to transform into a shape-shifting creature made entirely of clay. Harries, best known for roles in Suspicion, White Lines, and The Gentlemen, beat out a competitive shortlist of British talent including Jack O’Connell and George MacKay. This marks his first major lead in a blockbuster franchise. While Clayface has traditionally been a Batman villain—first introduced as Basil Karlo in Detective Comics #40 in 1940—this film will reportedly stand apart from the Caped Crusader’s storyline. Gunn has confirmed that Clayface will not appear in The Batman Part II, despite early speculation. Production is set to begin this fall in the UK at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios. With Superman launching the new DCU this summer and Supergirl following in 2026, Clayface will be the third film in the studio’s ambitious reboot of its cinematic universe.  |
