|
03/07/16 @ 9:25 am EST
Comic book artist Paul Ryan has passed away at age 66.
His cousin, Chad Callanan, posted on Facebook, saying:
It is with sad news I report the passing of my cousin Paul. Chances are you were touched by him in your lifetime as he was the cartoonist for some of the most well known and beloved characters in the world. From Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, The Phantom to the Fantastic Four, most of which made it to the big screen and Hollywood. He was a true giant and artist, who achieved more success in his short life than any one of us would ever know in ten lifetimes. But he was also my friend and that was good enough.
Paul Ryan worked extensively for Marvel and DC, but in recent years had focused on the daily comic strip The Phantom for King Features Syndicate.
After creating a comic strip Breed, published by eighties publisher Americomics, Bob Layton employed him to work on backgrounds for his Marvel comic work, where he met Marvel editors and staffers. This led to his own work at Marvel, including Iron Man, Squadron Supreme, and the launch of the remarkable New Universe title DP7 with writerMark Gruenwald, and then the series Quasar.
He also drew the classic Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 featuring the wedding of Peter Parker and Mary Jane, and co-created the Marvel 2099 character Ravage with Stan Lee.
But it would be his run on the Fantastic Four through the nineties that would most define his career for readers, working with Tom DeFalco on one of the longest runs on the comic book. After the title was rebooted for Heroes Reborn, Ryan moved to DC Comics for Superman and the Flash comics, including with Grant Morrison and Mark Millar. as well as the Clark Kent/Lois Lane wedding issue.
He also worked on Crossgen titles such as Rose and Crux as well as returning to Marvel and DeFalco for the Fantastic Five title, but for Paul it was drawing the Spider-Man Sunday newspaper strip written by Stan Lee for King Features that might have brought him his largest audience, on the Phantom strip for King Features, an assignment he gained after drawing for the Phantom comic book for Egmont, which he drew for four years, and had drawn on and off since.
DF News offers its sincerest sympothies to Paul Ryan's fans, friends and family. 08/02/25 @ 12:43 pm EST
After two seasons of undercover antics and family drama, Netflix has officially pulled the plug on FUBAR, the action-comedy series starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monica Barbaro. The cancellation, confirmed on August 1, 2025, comes just weeks after the show’s second season premiered to lukewarm reception. FUBAR debuted in May 2023 with strong numbers, thanks in part to Schwarzenegger’s global star power and the novelty of his first leading role in a television series. The show’s premise—a CIA operative discovering his daughter is also an agent—offered a mix of espionage, humor, and family tension. Season 1 racked up over 11 million views during its premiere weekend. But Season 2, released more than two years later in June 2025, failed to recapture that momentum. It peaked at just 3.3 million views in its first full week and quickly dropped out of Netflix’s Top 10. The 73% decline in viewing minutes between seasons was a major factor in the streamer’s decision to cancel. The series featured: Arnold Schwarzenegger as Luke Brunner, a veteran CIA agent, Monica Barbaro as Emma Brunner, his daughter and fellow operative, Carrie-Anne Moss joined in Season 2 as Greta Nelso, a former East German spy with ties to Luke. Supporting cast included Milan Carter, Fortune Feimster, Jay Baruchel, and Travis Van Winkle. Despite the star-studded lineup, critics and fans noted that Season 2 lacked the charm and pacing of its predecessor. Some viewers described the follow-up as “uninspired” and “ridiculously flanderized”. The cancellation leaves several plot threads unresolved: Tina’s mysterious loyalties and ties to the “Grey Division”, The fate of Emma and Aldon’s relationship and the fallout from CIA exposure and Luke’s retirement plans.  08/02/25 @ 12:31 pm EST
Marvel Studios has officially kicked off production on Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the fourth installment in the MCU’s Spider-Man saga, and fans are already buzzing over the fresh developments. Tom Holland unveiled his new Spider-Man suit in a dramatic teaser released on August 2, 2025. The costume features: Bolder colors and a larger spider emblem, echoing classic comic book aesthetics, Raised webbing and a design that blends elements from Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s suits. A short clip where Holland steps into the light and asks, “We ready?”—marking his return since No Way Home The film boasts a stacked cast, blending familiar faces with exciting newcomers: Zendaya (MJ) and Jacob Batalon (Ned) return, though their characters’ memories of Peter remain a mystery. Jon Bernthal makes his big-screen MCU debut as The Punisher. Mark Ruffalo joins the Spider-Verse as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, marking his first appearance in a Spidey film. Michael Mando reprises his role as Mac Gargan/Scorpion, last seen in Homecoming. Sadie Sink and Liza Colón-Zayas have been cast in undisclosed roles, with rumors swirling that Sink may play a variant of Gwen Stacy or Lily Hollister (Menace) Set videos from Glasgow reveal intense action sequences including a stunt involving an armored vehicle crashing through a van, possibly linked to Mr. Negative’s Inner Demons. Speculation about multiple suits being used in the film, hinting at evolving identities or multiverse variants Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton ( Shang-Chi), the film promises a grounded, emotionally rich story. Holland described it as a “fresh start” and likened the production to the vibe of Spider-Man: Homecoming. Filming is underway in London and Glasgow, with a release date set for July 31, 2026.  07/23/25 @ 1:18 pm EST
The DC Universe is expanding once again, and this time it’s giving center stage to one of its quirkiest and most beloved underdogs: Booster Gold. After years of fan speculation and stalled attempts, the time-traveling hero from the 25th century is finally getting his own live-action television series on HBO Max. Booster Gold, real name Michael Jon Carter, is a former Gotham City college football star who fell from grace due to a gambling scandal. Disgraced but ambitious, he steals advanced technology and a time machine from a museum and travels back to the present day. His goal? To become a famous superhero—not out of altruism, but for fame and fortune. Despite his self-serving motives, Booster often ends up doing the right thing, earning a complicated but endearing reputation among DC’s pantheon of heroes. The show was first announced as part of DC Studios’ “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters” slate, but progress was slow until recently. Now, David Jenkins, creator of Our Flag Means Death, has been tapped to write the pilot and potentially serve as showrunner. Jenkins’ knack for blending humor, heart, and genre storytelling makes him a promising fit for Booster’s offbeat tone.  07/21/25 @ 5:11 pm EST
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has officially confirmed that Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier will helm the highly anticipated X-Men reboot, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Feige made the announcement during a press roundtable promoting The Fantastic Four: First Steps, stating, “It’s official, Jake Schreier is doing X-Men for us, and we’re very, very lucky to have him”. The script is currently underway, with screenwriter Michael Lesslie ( The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) attached to the project. Schreier’s appointment follows his critically praised work on Thunderbolts, which showcased his ability to handle ensemble casts and emotionally grounded storytelling. Feige emphasized Schreier’s connection to younger audiences, noting that the X-Men film will be “a very youth-oriented, focused and cast movie”. Feige also promised a more comic-accurate portrayal of the X-Men, a departure from previous cinematic iterations. “We want to embrace that which was not embraced 25 years ago… those comic-accurate looks,” he said, referencing costumes and character dynamics that fans have long hoped to see on screen. The reboot is being positioned as a franchise reset, not a multiverse continuation. Feige clarified, “Reboot is a scary word… Reset, singular timeline—we’re thinking along those lines”. This approach aims to reintroduce the X-Men with fresh faces and stories, while honoring the core themes of identity, adolescence, and belonging that define the mutant mythos. The film is expected to arrive in 2028, following the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga with Avengers: Secret Wars.  07/21/25 @ 5:04 pm EST
DC Studios has officially tapped Ana Nogueira, the rising screenwriting talent behind Supergirl, to write the script for its upcoming Wonder Woman reboot—a major step forward for the studio’s evolving cinematic universe. Nogueira’s selection marks her third major project with DC Studios, following her work on the Supergirl film (set to release June 26, 2026) and the in-development Teen Titans live-action movie. James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has emphasized that Wonder Woman is a priority, though not fast-tracked. “Nothing is going to be shot unless we’re as sure as we can be that the script is good,” Gunn stated, underscoring the studio’s commitment to quality over speed. Gal Gadot, who previously portrayed Diana Prince in two solo films and several ensemble appearances, will not return in the role. The reboot aims to introduce a fresh take on the Amazonian warrior, aligning with the studio’s broader narrative overhaul. In addition to the film, DC Studios has been developing Paradise Lost, a television series set on Themyscira. While its status remains uncertain, the show was initially pitched as a Game of Thrones-style prequel exploring the political intrigue of Wonder Woman’s homeland.  07/20/25 @ 2:48 pm EST
James Gunn’s Superman has proven to be more than just a reboot—it’s a box office revival for DC Studios. In its first 10 days, the film has soared past expectations, delivering impressive numbers both in the U.S. and abroad. It has earned $235 million domestically, holding strong in its second weekend, dropping only 54% to bring in $57.2 million, a better-than-expected hold for a superhero film. The film now ranks as the biggest domestic hit for DC since Aquaman in 2018. It has already surpassed the lifetime domestic total of Justice League ($230M) and Thunderbolts ($189M). Overseas, Superman brought in $171.8 million, bringing its global total to $406.8 million all while the film faced challenges in some international markets due to Superman’s strong American identity, but still managed solid numbers in Latin America and parts of Europe. Top international markets include: UK: $9.8M, Mexico: $8.8M, Brazil: $5.9M, Australia: $5.3M and France: $4.2M. With a reported $225 million production budget, the film is on track to recoup costs and potentially reach $600–700 million globally. It has already outgrossed Marvel’s Thunderbolts ($383M) and is closing in on Captain America: Brave New World ($415M). Studio insiders project a domestic finish between $350M and $400M, with international markets expected to contribute further as word-of-mouth spreads. The film’s success has reignited interest in Superman across platforms: Man of Steel viewership surged on HBO Max. Christopher Reeve’s Superman: The Movie and the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story saw massive streaming spikes. Even Peacemaker Season 1 got a boost, showing the ripple effect across DC content. In just 10 days, Superman has not only proven its box office muscle but also reestablished the character as a global icon. With strong legs and a clear runway before Fantastic Four arrives, the Man of Steel is flying high—and the future of DC looks brighter than ever.  ...
07/19/25 @ 2:18 pm EST
HBO Max’s The Penguin has officially cemented its place as one of the year’s most celebrated limited series, earning 24 Emmy nominations—the most in its category and second only to Severance across all shows. The gritty Batman spinoff, starring Colin Farrell as Gotham’s infamous crime lord Oz Cobb, has captivated critics and audiences alike with its noir aesthetic, powerhouse performances, and meticulous production design. In the acting categories, Colin Farrell received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, adding to his Golden Globe and SAG wins for the role. Cristin Milioti, who plays Sofia Falcone, earned a nod for Outstanding Lead Actress. Deirdre O’Connell was recognized for her supporting role as Oz’s mother, Francis Cobb. Behind-the-scenes the show also scored with nominations across technical categories, including: Outstanding Writing for Lauren LeFranc’s episode “A Great or Little Thing”, Outstanding Directing for episodes helmed by Helen Shaver and Jennifer Getzinger, Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup, honoring the transformative work that turned Farrell into the scarred and bloated Penguin, Outstanding Music Composition, with Mick Giacchino’s haunting score earning its own spotlight. The Penguin was recognized for: Production Design, Casting, Cinematography, Hairstyling Title Design, Sound Editing and Mixing, and Stunt Coordination and Performance. With 24 nominations, The Penguin now holds the second-highest Emmy nod count for a comic book series, trailing only HBO’s Watchmen (26 nominations in 2019).  07/19/25 @ 2:09 pm EST
With all the coverage for Superman, James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, seems to be everywhere being asked everything. In a recent set of interviews, he has offered fresh insights into the future of several iconic heroes in the evolving DC Universe. Gunn confirmed that a new Wonder Woman film is actively in development, with a script currently being written. He expressed strong enthusiasm for the project, calling it “a very distinct take” that will differ significantly from the Gal Gadot-led version in the previous DCEU continuity. The DCU’s Batman reboot, The Brave and the Bold, is also in the scripting phase. Gunn emphasized that production won’t begin until the screenplay meets his high standards, stating, “I’d rather wait a year than go too soon”. This film will introduce a new Batman and explore his relationship with Damian Wayne. However, Gunn is mindful of overlapping timelines with Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II, which is set for October 2027, and has hinted that the two films won’t release in the same calendar year. Fans hoping to see The Flash and Aquaman in the near future may be disappointed. Gunn revealed that neither character is expected to appear in the DCU for at least the next two years, pushing their potential returns to 2028 or later. This strategic delay allows DC Studios to rethink their approach after mixed receptions to their last solo outings.  07/19/25 @ 1:58 pm EST
Sony Pictures Animation has officially shifted the release date of Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, the highly anticipated conclusion to its animated trilogy, from June 4 to June 25, 2027. While the delay is a modest three weeks, it marks yet another adjustment in the film’s long and winding journey to theaters. Studio insiders revealed that the new date was chosen to better align with summer break schedules—by June 25, all U.S. schools will be out, compared to only 65% on the original date. This strategic timing is expected to boost attendance among younger audiences and improve performance in international markets. Beyond the Spider-Verse picks up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of Across the Spider-Verse (2023), with Miles Morales on the run in an alternate universe. Directors Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson return, while the screenplay is penned by franchise architects Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham. The trilogy began with Into the Spider-Verse (2018), which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and grossed $384 million globally. Its sequel, Across the Spider-Verse, earned a staggering $690 million and cemented the franchise’s reputation for bold storytelling and groundbreaking animation.  07/05/25 @ 1:54 pm EST
In a twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Ryan Coogler’s breakout horror film Sinners—a 2025 box office juggernaut—owes part of its haunting aesthetic to a Marvel movie that never made it to set. The film’s eerie, period-perfect costumes were originally designed for Marvel Studios’ long-delayed Blade reboot, which remains in production limbo. According to Sinners producer Sev Ohanian, the film’s costume designer, Oscar-winner Ruth E. Carter ( Black Panther), had been working on Blade when the project was shelved indefinitely. That version of Blade, starring Mahershala Ali, was once envisioned as a 1920s-set vampire thriller—eerily similar in tone and era to Sinners. When Sinners was greenlit on a tight schedule, Carter had a warehouse full of unused, period-appropriate costumes. Marvel, in a rare behind-the-scenes collaboration, allowed Coogler’s team to purchase the wardrobe “at price”. While the main cast including Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and others wore custom-designed costumes tailored specifically for their characters, many of the extras in Sinners were dressed in the repurposed Blade costumes, giving the film a rich, textured authenticity without the usual prep time. First announced in 2019, Marvel’s Blade reboot has faced repeated delays due to creative changes, director exits, and industry strikes. The film was removed from Disney’s release calendar in 2024 and remains without a confirmed production date. Despite the setbacks, Mahershala Ali has expressed continued interest in the role, recently telling reporters, “Call Marvel. I’m ready”.  |
