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04/17/23 @ 12:37 pm EST
 DF Interview: Sean Phillips’ art brings to life a Jekyll-and-Hyde noir thriller in the ‘Night Fever’ graphic novel By Byron BrewerWho are you, really? Are you the things you do, or are you the person inside your mind? In Europe on a business trip, Jonathan Webb can't sleep. Instead, he finds himself wandering the night in a strange foreign city with his new friend, the mysterious and violent Rainer, as his guide. Rainer shows Jonathan the hidden world of the night, a world without rules or limits. But when the fun turns dangerous, Jonathan may find himself trapped in the dark. The question is, what will he do to get home? Night Fever is a pulse-pounding Jekyll-and-Hyde noir thriller about a man facing the darkness inside himself. This riveting tour of the night is a must-have for all Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips fans. I sat down with artist and buddy Sean Phillips to do more of a deep dive into this epic graphic novel. Byron Brewer: Sean, first: thanks as always for doing this interview. I don’t think I have missed you for a Brubaker/Phillips graphic novel adventure yet! And, as Ed has said, this IS “a weird one”. Second: For your tried-and-true fans, a little from my high school teachers: Compare and contrast your coming Night Fever with the B/P OGN it is closest to in style and tone (if there is one close to it). Sean Phillips: I’m always too close to these books to be that objective about them, but with a few weeks’ hindsight after finishing drawing Night Fever, I think it might be closest to Incognito in feel. Some of the parts definitely remind me of that. Not in the plot or characters but just in the weirdness. Otherwise, it’s just another of our books about a confused middle-aged man. Byron: Ed has said that this book contains “the best art of Sean’s entire career, which feels almost unbelievable. But it’s true.” Modesty accepted, your response or reaction? Sean Phillips: Well, hopefully I get better with each project but I’m never sure I accomplish what I set out to do. With this book, I had some things I wanted to try. As it is set in Europe in the 1970s, I thought I’d take some things from some of my favorite French comics from back then. A lot of French comics including Blueberry were drawn in two halves, with a horizontal gutter on every page. I thought that might be a subtle thing to work with, instead of the three tier grid I always use on my creator-owned books with Ed. I found it made for some interesting page layouts but Ed found it too different to write for that rhythm so we’re back to our usual grid on the next book. Because each page was drawn in two halves, I could draw them bigger too. Usually I work at 125% of print size but these are 200%. That means I could draw more detail while keeping to my usual pens and brushes. Byron: Talk about the world you are building here with Ed. What canvas will you be setting the readers down in when the graphic novel goes on-sale in the summer of 2023? Sean Phillips: Ed set the story in an unnamed Western European country so I decided to base it on the town of Angouleme in France as I’ve been there a few times for the comic festival and I thought it offered all the things the story needed visually. Also doesn’t hurt it’s chances of being published in France too! Byron: Introduce us to Jonathan Webb and his new friend, Rainer. Who are these men, and what is/will be the relationship between the two? Sean Phillips: Jonathan is an American editor at a book fair in France. When he can’t sleep because of jet lag, he goes out into the night where Rainer offers him a glimpse of all nocturnal treasures the city has to offer. It doesn’t go well for either of them… Byron: If my info is correct, this tale’s scribe was inspired by old Black Lizard noir novels and weird [that word again!] and sexy European comics from the ‘70s. What has been your muse, your inspiration for this new book? Sean Phillips: I looked at a few of my favorite European artists. Moebius, Bilal and Toppi all influenced me a little, but I’m way out of their league obviously. Mostly drawing this book was a great excuse to look at a lot of French comics. Byron: Can you give readers an overview of this novel, what it’s all about without spoilers? Sean Phillips: It’s about an uptight American middle-aged man who gets seduced by the bright lights of an exotic foreign city and gets in way over his head. Byron: Was there a character design or a set piece that you either really loved in the OGN or that presented unexpected difficulty? I know each of these characters is special, but was there one you could not wait to render? Sean Phillips: None of the characters were more difficult to draw than in other books but mostly I enjoyed drawing the old buildings of a French town rather than the American streets I usually have to draw. It always takes a lot of research whatever it is though. Byron: Sean, what other projects are set to rise from your artistic horizon soon? Sean Phillips: Ed and I are already deep into our next book, out in December. Apart from that, nothing else planned. Dynamic Forces would like to thank Sean Phillips for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Night Fever from Image Comics is slated to be on sale June 14th! For more news and up-to-date announcements, join us here at Dynamic Forces, www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/, “LIKE” us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/dynamicforcesinc, and follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/dynamicforces. 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”.  07/05/25 @ 1:29 pm EST
Nearly 50 years after One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest became a cinematic landmark, a new television spinoff is in the works—this time told through the eyes of the character who saw everything but said very little: Chief Bromden. Producer Paul Zaentz, nephew of the original film’s producer Saul Zaentz, revealed on the CK Café podcast that he has signed an agreement with the widow of author Ken Kesey to develop a TV series based on the 1962 novel. The first season will be told entirely from the perspective of Chief Bromden, the towering half-Native American patient who pretended to be deaf and mute in the original story. Zaentz explained that the series will begin within the psychiatric hospital, as in the original, but will then follow Chief’s journey after his dramatic escape—territory the original film never explored. While Milos Forman’s 1975 film adaptation won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Jack Nicholson, it famously diverged from Kesey’s novel by shifting the narrative focus from Chief Bromden to Randle McMurphy. Kesey was openly critical of this change. The upcoming series aims to restore the novel’s original point of view and delve deeper into the Chief’s inner world. Chief Bromden’s character—played by Will Sampson in the film—was a symbol of silent resistance and eventual emancipation. The new series promises to explore his backstory, his psychological trauma, and his life beyond the institution. It’s a chance to reframe the narrative around Indigenous identity, mental health, and the long shadow of institutionalization.  07/05/25 @ 1:20 pm EST
Julian McMahon, the charismatic Australian actor known for his iconic roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and the Fantastic Four films, has passed away at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed that he died peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon. He began his career as a model before transitioning to acting in Australian soaps like The Power, The Passion and Home and Away. His move to Hollywood led to breakout roles in Profiler and Charmed, where he played the complex and seductive demon Cole Turner. But it was his portrayal of Dr. Christian Troy in FX’s Nip/Tuck that cemented his status as a television icon. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and showcased his ability to balance charm, darkness, and vulnerability. He later brought gravitas to the role of Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four films, becoming one of Marvel’s earliest cinematic villains. McMahon’s career spanned decades and genres. He starred in FBI: Most Wanted as Jess LaCroix, appeared in Hulu’s Runaways, and most recently played the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix’s The Residence—a poignant nod to his real-life heritage. McMahon is survived by his wife Kelly and his daughter Madison, whom he shared with ex-wife Brooke Burns. In her statement, Kelly described him as a man who “loved life… and whose deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible”.  07/01/25 @ 3:12 pm EST
Jim Shooter was a towering figure in the comic book industry—both literally and professionally. He began his career at just 14 years old, writing for DC Comics, where he made a splash with stories for the Legion of Super-Heroes. His early creations included characters like Karate Kid, Ferro Lad, and Princess Projectra, as well as the villain group Fatal Five. Here’s a snapshot of his legacy: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> DC Comics: Started as a teenage writer, contributing to Adventure Comics and Action Comics. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Marvel Comics: Rose to become Editor-in-Chief from 1978 to 1987. Under his leadership: <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Oversaw iconic runs like Uncanny X-Men by Claremont & Byrne, Daredevil by Frank Miller, and Thor by Walt Simonson. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Introduced creator royalties and launched the Epic imprint for creator-owned work. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Created the first major crossover event: Secret Wars. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Valiant Comics: Co-founded the publisher in the early '90s, bringing characters like Solar: Man of the Atom and Harbinger to life. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Also founded Defiant Comics and Broadway Comics, though both were short-lived. Shooter was known for his strict editorial style, which helped Marvel stay on schedule but also led to clashes with many creators. Despite the friction, his tenure is credited with revitalizing Marvel during a critical period. Jim Shooter passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 73. His influence on comics—both in storytelling and industry practices—remains profound. 
07/01/25 @ 2:50 pm EST
In the ever-watchful world of fandom sleuthing, even a simple Instagram follow can ignite a firestorm of speculation. That’s exactly what happened when filmmaker and DC Studios co-head James Gunn followed actress Adria Arjona on Instagram—a move that fans quickly interpreted as a hint she might be cast as the next Wonder Woman. But Gunn was quick to clarify: “ I followed Adria on Instagram, but everybody came out, ‘He just followed her, that means she’s Wonder Woman!’” he said in a recent interview with Extra. “ She’d be a great Wonder Woman, by the way. But she was in a movie that I made seven years ago. We’ve been friends and have known each other since that time. I followed her then, I didn’t just follow her.” The film Gunn referred to is The Belko Experiment (2016), which he produced and in which Arjona appeared. Their professional relationship and friendship date back to that project, making the social media follow less of a casting clue and more of a long-standing connection. Still, Gunn’s comment that Arjona “ would be a great Wonder Woman” has only fueled fan enthusiasm. With a new Wonder Woman film currently in development and the DC Universe undergoing a major reboot, speculation remains high—even if Gunn insists fans shouldn’t read too much into his Instagram activity.  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.  |
