|
05/05/22 @ 2:23 pm EST
 DF Interview: Zack Kaplan unleashes a sci-fi techno thriller about grad students who put mind control into an app, in ‘Mindset’By Byron BrewerWhen an introverted tech geek accidentally discovers mind control, he and his friends do something unexpected – they put the science into an app to help users break their technology addiction. But as their Mindset app achieves a dangerous cult following, lies, conspiracies, and murder come to light. Are they helping people or controlling them? From Vault Comics comes Mindset by writer Zack Kaplan and artist John Pearson. The storyline pulled me in immediately, so I paid another visit to friend and scribe Zack Kaplan to chat up this new series. Byron Brewer: Zack, before we begin talking about Mindset, how does it feel to be doing your very FIRST comic for Vault? Zack Kaplan: Vault Comics has impressed me ever since I first met Adrian and Damian and the whole clan at SDCC 2016, which was both my first professional con and theirs. I instantly became an avid Vault reader as they put out one amazing book after the next. Vault has a real special slate of comics, and I’ve been talking with them for years about wanting to do something together, but this was finally the moment when the algorithms synced up. And I think it’s really a perfect match and well worth the wait, especially with the exciting creative team of John Pearson and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. Byron: As you have said, I do not believe this mag could be more timely. Starting not that many years ago, the situation has grown by leaps and bounds: our own dependency on technology. We even make jokes about it, but it’s true now more than ever. Talk a little as you can about how this is addressed through Mindset? Zack Kaplan: Let me just check my phone first. Yes, the devices are controlling us, but we’re totally okay with it, because we know it’s happening. This seems to be the new phase of humanity response to danger: as long as we know it’s there, it’s okay. What an odd sociological phase! But in fact, the technology is changing who we are and the way we interact with each other, and Mindset explores all of that. How we’ve become obsessed with our own online relevance, how we cannot define ourselves without social media and how we are okay manipulating others for influence. I think that’s what makes it resonant so much, because modern technology is mind control. I can say it’s a sci-fi idea, but it’s actually happening now. How many likes did that answer get? Byron: Haha!… Give readers a kind of overview of the book, or at least this first arc. Zack Kaplan: In 140 characters or less, right? Mindset is a sci-fi techno thriller about a group of grad students who accidentally discover mind control and try to do something good with it by putting it in a meditation app, which goes viral to a billion-user following and results in a twisted power struggle, murder and mayhem, and a dangerous question amongst the group – just who is controlling who? It’s really everything you’d want in a dark thriller about mind control, from a riveting character drama, a modern romance story and a lot of twists and turns. I would just say strap in and get ready! Byron: Introduce us to your protagonists. Zack Kaplan: Ben Sharp is really meant to be all of us who grew up in the shadow of social media, and watched as technology slowly boiled our lives. He kind of started life as a child with this idealism and optimism, but then found his dreams falling flat and his direction in life floundering. It’s juxtaposed with seeing others achieve success without substance through a social media lens, and so really, it’s looking at how technology makes us feel about each other and ourselves. And what do those feelings push us to do? Ben teams up with his two geeky friends Kushal and Josiah, as well as an enigmatic student named Eitan Moses and together they launch their mind control app: Mindset. It’s a very tight knit crew that has some major soul searching to do as they navigate the world of tech start-ups and their rags to riches success story. I’m also excited for readers to meet our love interest, Atlanta Hanna, who is this really strong, authentic vivacious young woman surviving in the world of elite Silicon Valley phonies. Lastly, there’s a VC named Winfield, a billionaire with some secrets, but I’ll leave it there. Byron: The chaos catalyst in Mindset is the discovery of mind control and its placement into an app, ironically designed to help users break their tech addictions. But is there any behind-the-scenes corporation or boogeymen? Or are the featured geek squad their own worst enemies? Zack Kaplan: The story really has a lot of layers to it, and a lot of things are viewed through a very subjective lens. John, Hassan and I really set out to explore a narrative that allowed the readers to dive deeper, to perhaps go back and read it again, and have a thought-provoking experience with the series. I say all of this because I don’t think that anything in the series is black or white, boogeymen or villains. The antagonist is technology and society and the question is how can you use mind control and technological influence in a positive way, or is it destined to lead to manipulative outcomes? My hope is that readers will come for the thriller, stay for the character drama and sleep with the themes. Byron: Elephant in the room: Zack, talk about enslavement (like us all) to today’s tech. Was there any one instance (I can relate several about myself) of tech addiction for you that led to this comic? Zack Kaplan: I don’t think so. There are so many micro experiences, and I think the short-term picture is confusing. Obviously, social media is very talked about right now, and which platforms might be most conducive to the truth or for comfort amongst peers. But take a step back from which platform we’re on. Ten years ago, you could describe yourself as a professional or creative, without the question “Where can people find you?” Now, we must define ourselves by our platforms and the historical record of our posts. I think one thing we explore in Mindset is our predilection to scroll and our need to return to our phones. I try not to check my phone in the morning or right before bed, but it’s a struggle. How many of you go to sleep without your devices? Who do you say good night to last? What is driving that behavior? Byron: Talk about working with Eisner-winning artist John Pearson. Zack Kaplan: He might deserve to win again. His work in this book is that good. I think I had read series like Department of Truth and Blue in Green, and I wanted to play with this level of diversity and duality in comics. I was drawn to John’s work in Blue in Green, and reached out with this idea, and we both had an appetite to really do something in an elevated way that used the themes of mind control and technology’s influence on us. And Hassan on letters and Adrian Wassel on editorial and Tim Daniel on design, we all approached the story to ask how can we identify the emotionality of a moment and really enhance that. John and I especially put together a collaborative approach to the scripts and layouts, going back and forth at both stages to make sure our visions aligned. John is using a digital painting style with texture and a mix of realism and surrealism to really give readers a breath-taking experience. There’s a lot of motifs going throughout the book and levels as to how characters are seen and experienced. Hassan and Tim deserve recognition for some amazing lettering and design as well. I’m very proud of the art work in this series, and I think readers are in for something special. Byron: Zack, you are currently on a roll with your comics series! What else current or coming in the near future of your projects can you tell readers about? Zack Kaplan: I’ll be announcing another series soon which will be my fourth series for the year, and I’m already deep into a lot of exciting things for 2023. It’s crazy that we’re already doing stuff for next year, but you know how comics is. But if readers want to stay in the loop on Mindset and on all my new series, they can find the social media me at @zackkaps and the real me at my newsletter Zack Kaplan’s Technobabble on Substack or my website www.zackkaps.com Dynamic Forces would like to thank Zack Kaplan for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Mindset #1 from Vault Comics is slated to be on sale June 29th! 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. 12/20/25 @ 12:26 pm EST
James Gunn took to social media this morning to welcome Lars Eidinger to the DCU and Man of Tomorrow in the role of Brainiac. Eidinger, while not a household name, is best known for his roles in Clouds of Sils Maria and Personal Shopper but also appeared in the recent Netflix film Jay Kelly. Gunn talked about a worldwide search for the iconic Superman villain led to Eidinger rising to the top. He will join David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan as the film is expected to begin shooting in the spring of 2026 for a release in July of 2027. There have been multiple attempts to use Brainiac in a Superman film, but each attempt has fallen to the wayside, and his only live-action appearance so far was in the short-lived SciFi series Krypton where he was played by Blake Ritson. 
12/20/25 @ 11:25 am EST
After having begun production in August of this year, director Destin Daniel Cretton revealed that Spider-Man: Brand New Day has wrapped filming as of Friday. The film, which is set to premiere July 31st, 2026, features the return of Tom Holland as Peter Parker and is the first in the MCU franchise to not be directed by Jon Watts. Cretton wrote on Instagram, “I’m so deeply grateful for the people who walked with me through the biggest, most rewarding film I’ve ever been a part of. To our amazing cast, for breathing so much life into these beloved characters and moving us every day. To our unbelievable crew, who worked tirelessly with unmatched creativity and craftsmanship, who made me laugh so hard my stomach never stopped hurting. I love you all so much and can’t wait for the world to see your stunning work on the big screen. And of course, to @tomholland2013, for your kind, generous leadership on and off screen, for your relentless work ethic, your fearless performances, and for your friendship. That’s a wrap on Spider-Man: Brand New Day!” This is Cretton’s second MCU film after having helmed Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He has also produced the Wonder Man series set to debut on Disney+ next month.  12/06/25 @ 2:03 pm EST
Scarlett Johansson is said to be in negotiations to join the cast of the highly anticipated sequel, The Batman Part 2. While Warner Bros. has not officially revealed which character Johansson would portray, speculation is rife across social media and film forums. Many fans are hoping she will take on the role of a major antagonist or perhaps bring a new dimension to an existing character from the Batman lore. Johansson’s acclaimed work in action and drama—especially her iconic run as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—positions her as a compelling choice for a complex role in Gotham’s shadowy streets. The Batman Part 2 is currently in pre-production, with filming scheduled to commence in May of next year. The film is targeted for a theatrical release in 2026, although official dates may be subject to change. Director Matt Reeves returns to helm the sequel, ensuring continuity in the vision and tone that made the first installment a critical and box office success. Johansson’s addition is expected to boost the already stellar lineup led by Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Within hours of the announcement, social media platforms lit up with enthusiastic posts and trending hashtags. Speculation is running rampant with guesses of her role ranging from villains like Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn to love interests like Silver St. Cloud and Vickie Vale. One of the more popular suggestions is that Johansson could be playing Andrea Beaumont, a love interest and antagonist from the hit animated film Mask of the Phantasm. The casting has not been confirmed and neither the studio nor Reeves has commented since the story broke. 
12/06/25 @ 1:50 pm EST
In a dramatic shift for the entertainment industry, Netflix has announced its acquisition of Warner Bros, one of Hollywood's most iconic studios. This unprecedented deal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of media and streaming services. Netflix, already a leader in streaming content, has been searching for ways to expand its library and production capabilities. Warner Bros, with its vast catalog of beloved films and television franchises—including the Harry Potter, DC, and Looney Tunes properties—represents a treasure trove of content and creative resources. The acquisition signals Netflix's commitment to not only dominating streaming but also to strengthening its influence in theatrical releases and television programming. Though Netflix has been against theatrical releases in the past, in a recent statement they said they planned to continue them for Warner Bros films just with a shorter release window. By purchasing Warner Bros, Netflix gains access to a library of classic and highly profitable intellectual properties. This move allows Netflix to offer exclusive streaming rights to blockbuster franchises, while also leveraging Warner Bros’ production infrastructure. The deal also positions Netflix to compete more directly with other major studios and streaming platforms, such as Disney and Amazon. Industry analysts predict that this acquisition will accelerate the consolidation trend within the entertainment sector. Other studios and streaming services may seek mergers or partnerships to remain competitive. Audiences can likely expect a surge in new content, including reboots, spin-offs, and original productions drawing from Warner Bros' legacy. For Netflix subscribers, the platform could soon become the go-to destination for both new releases and classic favorites. While some industry veterans express concern about further consolidation of media power, others see this as an opportunity for innovation and greater investment in high-quality storytelling. Only time will tell how this landmark deal reshapes Hollywood and the global entertainment landscape.  ... 11/29/25 @ 11:47 am EST
If you’re of a certain age, then you realize that Peter Hammond was not the first live-action Spider-Man to appear on television screens. That honor goes to Jim Hensen puppeteer Danny Seagren who was a regular on both Sesame Street and The Electric Company. Seagren was both a puppeteer and puppet maker and was the right hand of Ernie along with putting on the Big Bird suit on several occasions including an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. He was also the web slinger on the show that started the careers of Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman as both shows fell under the Children’s Television Workshop. He went on to create puppets for other series like Curiosity Shop, Captain Kangaroo and Who’s Afraid of Opera. “Danny will be greatly missed by his family, friends and those throughout the community he loved living in,” his family said in his obituary. Seagren died on November 10th at the age of 81.  11/29/25 @ 11:31 am EST
Director Shawn Levy has officially hired renowned composer Thomas Newman to craft the score for his upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter film. The collaboration marks a significant moment for the celebrated sci-fi franchise, as Newman steps into a universe long defined by the iconic music of John Williams. His distinguished career includes memorable scores for films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Finding Nemo, and 1917, brings a fresh perspective to the Star Wars saga. Over the years, Newman has earned an impressive 15 Oscar nominations, a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the film industry. Levy, celebrated for his work on blockbusters like Free Guy and Deadpool and Wolverine, and the hit series Stranger Things, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. He highlighted Newman's ability to blend sweeping orchestral moments with subtle, character-driven motifs—a style well-suited to the expansive and adventurous spirit of Star Wars. While plot details remain under wraps, Levy and Newman’s collaboration promises a thrilling and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.  11/16/25 @ 12:48 pm EST
While most of the focus over at Marvel Studios is currently on the pair of upcoming Avengers films, Ryan Coogler is ready to return to Wakanda for a third Black Panther film. We’d heard of the possibility of the film originally from Denzel Washington who, while speaking of his potential retirement, mentioned the film as one of his future projects and then when Nate Moore left Marvel last year, he said he would be back producing the third Black Panther film. Now, Coogler himself said while on stage talking about his film Sinners, that Black Panther 3 would be his next movie. The series kicked off with Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, king of the African Nation of Wakanda and while he reprised the role in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, he sadly passed away shortly after. The sequel dealt with the characters death and passed the mantle on to his sister Shuri played by Letitia Wright who is expected to reprise the role in the upcoming Avenger films, but with talks of a potential soft reboot of the MCU, it’s unclear who will be wearing the mask for the third film.  11/16/25 @ 12:31 pm EST
The most recent news on the DCU has to do with Jimmy Olsen. Variety is reporting that Skyler Gisondo will reprise his role from Superman in a true-crime docuseries style show that focuses on villains in the universe starting with the Flash rogue, Gorilla Grodd. Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault are set to write and showrun with James Gunn and Peter Safran joining them as executive producers. The show is planned for HBO Max and will be a mockumentary style similar to Yacenda and Perrault’s previous series like American Vandal and Players. In the original report, Variety claimed the series would be called DC Crime, something Gunn took to social media to debunk, saying there had never been any project in production called DC Crime, he then added that his saying that doesn’t mean that the rest of the report is false. This sounds like a pretty good confirmation to me.  11/15/25 @ 12:49 pm EST
A new Star Trek film is in the works and Paramount is tapping the team of Jonathan Goldstein and John Frances Daley to write, produce and direct. This news comes shortly after David Ellison, founder of Skydance who recently purchased the studio, told investors that the next Star Trek film would not be a sequel to the Chris Pine/ Zachary Quinto lead series of films. While this hasn’t been 100% confirmed, word is that the new film will be focused on new characters and not directly tied to any previous film or television series. Goldstein and Daley have a good track record when it comes to revitalizing franchises having written Spider-Man: Homecoming for Marvel Studios and wrote and directed Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves which was very well received by fans and critics.  11/15/25 @ 12:32 pm EST
With The Fantastic Four: First Steps having moved to Disney+, the Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby lead team is now first in fans minds. But one person still thinks about the First Family of Marvel presented a decade ago and what went wrong. Miles Teller, who played Reed Richards in Josh Trank’s 2015 version of the property, still thinks about the project and how he believes the problems all came down to one person. Teller was on Sirius XM’s Radio Andy show said, “You saw the movie, right? Your eyes were working during that time? I think it’s unfortunate because so many people worked so hard on that movie. And, honestly, maybe there was one really important person who kind of f***ed it all up.” While Teller didn’t say who that was, he was referring to the person who made the final cut on the film, which was not director Trank. Teller said that he wanted a superhero film on his resume to help show him as a serious leading man, but after seeing the final cut recalled, “I remember talking to one of the studio heads, and I was like, ‘I think we’re in trouble.'” The 2015 version made $167 million worldwide compared to this year’s version which made $521 million. He stopped short of calling for a director’s cut of the film.  |
