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06/17/16 @ 1:02 am EST
A Writer’s Commentary: David Avallone talks Twilight Zone: The Shadow #3, on sale now from Dynamite. Cover by Francesco Francavilla, interiors by Dave Acosta.  I knew this would be the hard one: nothing is less visual than watching a guy write a novel… but I wanted to see if I could meet that challenge. The cover.I’m relatively new to comics, and this was the first time I asked if I could suggest a cover idea. I would never want to intrude on the artistry of the great Francavilla, but the concept for this one popped into my head and I really wanted to see what Francesco would do with it. Giant hands and giant props feel like a classic pulp cover trope from the thirties, and I love the way it came out. Page one.Narration. One of my very favorite things about this book is the opportunity to write in Rod Serling’s “voice”. Like most geeks my age, I grew up hearing those Twilight Zone narrations again and again, and loving that vivid style. I hope I captured it here. Page two.Eagle-eyed Twilight Zone fans might recognize Art’s boss from a classic episode. Hint: he’s the actor who appeared in the most TZ episodes. Pages two and three.Dave Acosta is the best, as I will say to anyone, whether they ask me or not. In this sequence, the secretary bringing the martini is all him. I love touches like that: they bring the world to life.  Pages four and five.I knew “Art” would have to spend a lot of this issue talking to himself, so why not his “Shadow?” When I was developing this series, I was caught between two very different styles of storytelling. The Shadow has a lot of action and intrigue. Lots of gunplay and fistfights and cars racing down streets. On the other hand, there are a lot of Twilight Zone episodes mostly made up of two guys stuck in a room talking to one another. Serling (and Matheson and Beaumont) were able to make that kind of thing crackle with tension. I make no such claims for my own talent but I wanted to have some of that Twilight-Zone-claustrophobic-one-act-play feeling in this series as well. Page six.One of the touchstones for this issue was David Cronenberg’s hallucinatory film version of NAKED LUNCH. Like Cronenberg, I have always found manual typewriters to be kind of fascinating things… Page seven.…and maybe a little creepy. Pages eight.Another touchstone for this issue is Chuck Jones’ classic “Duck Amuck” cartoon. Daffy runs around on a blank sheet of paper and has some serious issues with his creator. Hopefully this sequence is a little more chilling than hilarious. I think the rest of the book beautifully demonstrates Dave Acosta’s ability to draw anything I throw at him. Page nine.My colorist, Omi Remalante, did a beautiful job creating a look here that could pass for a blank sheet of paper without just being a wash of white. Everyone rose to the challenge on this issue.  Page ten and eleven.Psychodrama! I’m a big fan of silent panels. I love Kent Allard watching his Id and Superego duke it out in front of him. Page twelve.I’ve been doling out my own take on the Shadow’s origins in this series, and here I go against a lot of the prevailing trope previous versions of the Shadow. It’s such a cliché these days to have your white hero go to Tibet and learn mystic arts. Yawn. I have it on a good authority (Walter Gibson) that the Shadow spent a lot of time among an incredibly obscure Guatemalan culture called the Xinca (or Xinka.) Why not learn the mystic arts from them? Far less is known about the Xinca than is known about Tibetan Buddhism. Page thirteen.The Xinca appear in four panels in this comic book. I don’t want to think about the hours I spent researching them to make sure these four panels had some kind of reality to them. Shout out to my Facebook friend Agathe Rigault whose education in pre-Columbian civilizations came to the rescue when I hit a wall. The illustrations here are based on the few photos I could find on the web of the Xinca. I like the poetic names of their gods, and I like that they laugh in Kent Allard’s face for his cornball pitch. Page fourteen.I wasn’t thinking about it when I wrote this page, but Kent Allard here reminds me a little bit of blissed-out Don Draper in the last episode of Mad Men. Page fifteen-eighteen.I was trying to think of a creepy action bit to end this sequence: something that would metaphorically dramatize the whole struggle. Since Kent is stuck on a piece of paper, the giant typewriter bars smacking down at him was a natural thought. As for the word they’re spelling out… and Kent getting tied down for the final blow… that came courtesy of Franz Kafka’s short story “In The Penal Colony”. It seemed apt to echo that here.  Page seventeen/eighteen.I didn’t want to do a story about the Shadow’s first novel without a cameo by Harry Vincent. Good old Harry. Page nineteen.The first draft is often the story you tell your significant other, when they make the mistake of asking “what are you doing?” Note that there’s a one new word on Art’s sheet of paper. Page twenty.And we’re back to the beginning, now. Dave found the propaganda poster in his research, and added the rat. And we end as we began, with my most sincere attempt to channel the voice of a true genius, a great and moral artist, now lost to us but forever remembered… in the Twilight Zone. 08/17/25 @ 12:13 pm EST
James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios and the creative force behind the 2025 box office hit Superman, has confirmed that a follow-up film is already in motion—and it’s coming fast. In a series of interviews, Gunn revealed that he’s completed an extensive treatment for the next installment, which he’s calling part of the “Superman Saga”. Gunn’s treatment isn’t your average outline. He described it as a 60-page document packed with dialogue and scene breakdowns. “My treatments are incredibly intense,” he told Collider. “They’re not regular treatments. And so, now I’m just turning that into a script. We’re planning out when we’re going to shoot that. It’s going to be much sooner rather than later”. While Gunn hasn’t confirmed whether the film is a direct sequel or a new chapter altogether, he emphasized that it continues the narrative established in Superman, which starred David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. The film grossed $589 million worldwide, making it the seventh highest-grossing film of 2025. Gunn also revealed that the events of Superman will tie directly into Peacemaker Season 2, which premieres this month. “Superman leads directly into Peacemaker,” he said. “Lots of guest stars coming up, lots of characters that are showing up that we’ve already met in Superman”. This interconnected storytelling is part of Gunn’s broader vision for the DC Universe, where each project maintains its own tone and style—ranging from horror ( Clayface) to cosmic adventure ( Lanterns). With the treatment complete and production scheduling underway, the next Superman film could begin shooting within the year. 
08/17/25 @ 12:00 pm EST
Terence Stamp, the magnetic British actor whose piercing gaze and commanding presence defined a generation of cinema, has died at the age of 87. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 17, leaving behind a legacy that spans more than six decades of film, television, and voice work. Stamp made an unforgettable debut in 1962’s Billy Budd, earning an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the angelic sailor. He quickly became a fixture of the 1960s cinematic revolution, starring in The Collector (1965), Far From the Madding Crowd (1967), and Teorema (1968). But it was his turn as General Zod in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980) that etched him into pop culture history. With the chilling command “Kneel before Zod,” Stamp became one of cinema’s most memorable supervillains. Stamp’s career was marked by fearless genre-hopping. He played Chancellor Valorum in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, voiced characters in Halo 3 and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and portrayed the elegant drag queen Bernadette in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, earning a BAFTA nomination. Later roles included appearances in Wall Street, The Limey, Big Eyes, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and Last Night in Soho. He even voiced Jor-El in the TV series Smallville, a poetic twist on his earlier villainous role in the Superman franchise. Born in London’s East End in 1938, Stamp grew up during the WWII bombings and found solace in cinema from an early age. He studied at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and became close friends with fellow actors Michael Caine and Peter O’Toole. Offscreen, he was known for his romantic entanglements with Julie Christie and Jean Shrimpton, and for his spiritual journey through India following heartbreak. He also authored several books, blending memoir with philosophical musings. In a statement, Stamp’s family said: “He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come. We ask for privacy at this sad time.”  ...
08/16/25 @ 3:03 pm EST
Marvel fans are in a frenzy after Ryan Reynolds posted a mysterious image to Instagram that may hint at Deadpool’s involvement in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The post featured a white Avengers logo defaced with a red graffiti-style anarchy symbol—eerily reminiscent of Deadpool’s chaotic aesthetic. Reynolds offered no caption, just a side-eye emoji, leaving fans to decode the meaning for themselves. What’s Fueling the Speculation? The graffiti-tagged Avengers logo was previously seen in Deadpool & Wolverine as a flag in a dystopian alternate universe. Reynolds’ new version, however, is red and stylized differently—reportedly created by a fan and reposted by Reynolds himself. The post dropped just as filming for Avengers: Doomsday ramps up in London, and Marvel has teased that more cast announcements are coming. Reynolds was notably absent from the initial cast list, which already includes legacy X-Men actors like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Kelsey Grammer. Trade outlets are split. The Hollywood Reporter claims Deadpool will appear in Doomsday, though not as a full-fledged Avenger. Meanwhile, Deadline reports that Reynolds hasn’t been seen on set and isn’t scheduled to appear. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that discussions with Reynolds are ongoing. “There absolutely have been discussions. We're in touch with Ryan a lot. So the answer is yes,” Feige said when asked about Deadpool’s future in the MCU. Given the multiverse-heavy plot of Avengers: Doomsday, a cameo or surprise appearance by Deadpool seems plausible—even if he’s not part of the main lineup. Reynolds himself has said he prefers Deadpool to be a supporting character, which aligns with the idea of a brief but memorable role. Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, with the Russo Brothers returning to direct.  08/16/25 @ 2:53 pm EST
Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts—the gritty, antihero ensemble film that redefined the MCU’s tone—will officially begin streaming on Disney+ on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. After its theatrical debut in May and a digital release in July, fans can now revisit the explosive team-up from the comfort of their homes. Directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, Thunderbolts follows a ragtag group of morally complex characters pulled from previous MCU entries: Yelena Belova ( Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes ( Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian ( David Harbour), Ghost ( Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster ( Olga Kurylenko) and John Walker ( Wyatt Russell). These disillusioned antiheroes are recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine ( Julia Louis-Dreyfus) for a covert mission—only to discover they’ve been ensnared in a deadly trap. The film explores themes of redemption, trauma, and reluctant camaraderie as the team confronts their pasts and battles for a shot at heroism. Despite underwhelming box office numbers ($382 million worldwide on a $180 million budget), Thunderbolts was a critical success, earning an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its emotional depth, dark humor, and fresh take on the superhero genre. Starting August 27, Thunderbolts will be available to stream on Disney+ at 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET.  08/13/25 @ 2:16 pm EST
In a blockbuster move that reshapes the future of one of cinema’s most iconic spy franchises, NBCUniversal has officially acquired all rights—excluding publishing—to Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne and Treadstone book series in perpetuity. The deal, finalized after a fiercely competitive bidding war, ensures the Bourne universe will remain under the Universal umbrella, opening the door for new films, television projects, and cross-platform storytelling. Earlier this year, the Ludlum estate reclaimed the rights and initiated an auction led by WME. The process attracted seven major offers, including bids from streaming giants and rival studios. Ultimately, Universal matched the top proposal with what insiders describe as a “very large deal,” securing the franchise’s future at its longtime home. Since its cinematic debut in 2002 with The Bourne Identity, the franchise has redefined the spy genre with its gritty realism and kinetic action. Matt Damon’s portrayal of the amnesiac operative Jason Bourne, coupled with direction from Doug Liman and Paul Greengrass, set a new standard for espionage thrillers. The series has spawned five films, grossing over $1.64 billion globally, and includes a spinoff ( The Bourne Legacy starring Jeremy Renner), a short-lived TV series ( Treadstone), and even a theme park attraction ( The Bourne Stuntacular) at Universal Studios Orlando. With the rights secured, Universal is already laying groundwork for future installments. Producer Frank Marshall, who has been with the franchise since its inception, will continue to oversee development alongside Captivate Entertainment’s Jeffrey Weiner and Ben Smith. A new film is reportedly in development with director Edward Berger ( All Quiet on the Western Front) and a script by Joe Barton. While not yet greenlit, speculation is swirling about Matt Damon’s potential return to the role that made him a global star. NBCUniversal plans to leverage the Bourne IP across its vast media ecosystem, including film, television, streaming, and interactive experiences. “We’re energized to continue expanding the Bourne universe into the future with exciting new stories for global audiences,” said Peter Cramer, President of Universal Pictures. Jeffrey Weiner, executor of Ludlum’s estate, echoed the sentiment: “We are thrilled that the Bourne franchise will remain at Universal. We look forward to working with the Universal team to expand the Bourne franchise across Universal’s varied platforms”.  ... 08/10/25 @ 2:42 pm EST
After nearly two decades away from the visor, James Marsden is officially returning as Scott Summers—aka Cyclops—in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, and he’s calling the experience “a nice little homecoming” to the role that first put him on the map. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Marsden reflected on the long journey back to the X-Men leader, joking, “I’m getting a little long in the tooth to put on the superhero costume.” He added, “I’ve spent 20 years listening to people say, ‘When are you coming back?’ I’m dead. Well, maybe not”. Cyclops was famously killed off in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), but Marvel’s multiverse antics—especially after Deadpool & Wolverine and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness—have paved the way for legacy characters to return. Marsden’s Cyclops is expected to play a key role in the battle against Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., in the Russo Brothers-directed crossover epic. Marsden won’t be alone. Avengers: Doomsday is stacking its cast with X-Men veterans, including: Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler) and Channing Tatum (Gambit). Marsden first donned the ruby-quartz visor in X-Men (2000), followed by X2 (2003) and The Last Stand (2006). He briefly returned in Days of Future Past (2014), but Doomsday marks his first full-fledged return to the role in over a decade. “It was the first real event project I was ever a part of,” Marsden said. “And a very beloved character, this icon from the comics. So to step back into that role was pretty special”. Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, as part of Marvel’s Phase Six.  08/10/25 @ 2:14 pm EST
This weekend at the Star Trek Las Vegas convention, VisionQuest showrunner Terry Matalas dropped major news about the upcoming Marvel miniseries, confirming the casting of two Star Trek: Picard alumni— Todd Stashwick and Orla Brady—in pivotal roles for the 2026 Disney+ series. Stashwick, known for his role as Captain Liam Shaw in Picard, will portray Paladin, a morally ambiguous mercenary from Marvel Comics. First introduced in Daredevil #150 (1978), Paladin is a skilled operative whose allegiance often hinges on the highest bidder. In VisionQuest, he’s described as an assassin tracking down White Vision— Paul Bettany’s reawakened android who gained sentience at the end of WandaVision. Matalas confirmed that Paladin will be a central antagonist, bringing a grounded, tactical threat to the otherwise AI-heavy narrative. Brady, who played Laris and Tallinn in Picard, will take over the role of F.R.I.D.A.Y., Tony Stark’s AI assistant previously voiced by Kerry Condon in the MCU films. Unlike her purely digital predecessor, Brady’s version of F.R.I.D.A.Y. is rumored to appear in humanoid form—possibly as a Life Model Decoy or holographic avatar. This recasting marks a shift in how Marvel is portraying its artificial intelligences, with several—including Emily Hampshire’s E.D.I.T.H. and T’Nia Miller’s Jocasta—expected to have physical embodiments. Matalas emphasized Brady’s emotional range and intelligence as key reasons for her casting, calling the collaboration with Marvel “wonderfully collaborative”. Paul Bettany returns as Vision, navigating a post-Wanda existence with fragmented memories and existential questions. Matalas likened Vision’s arc to Spock’s journey in Star Trek IV, suggesting a cerebral and emotional quest for identity. James Spader is also confirmed to reprise his role as Ultron, with Matalas teasing a “unique” use of the character—possibly involving a human avatar or holographic projection. The series will also feature Faran Tahir reprising Raza from Iron Man and Ruaridh Mollica in a mystery role, speculated to be Tommy Maximoff. Filming wrapped in July 2025, and VisionQuest is slated to premiere on Disney+ in 2026.  ... 08/09/25 @ 12:56 pm EST
Disney Junior is expanding its superhero lineup with a fresh animated series aimed at younger audiences: Marvel's Avengers: Mightiest Friends. The show promises to deliver bite-sized action, heartwarming friendships, and age-appropriate heroics featuring beloved characters from the Marvel Universe. The series reimagines Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in a format tailored for preschoolers, blending Marvel’s iconic action with Disney Jr’s signature warmth and accessibility. The series will feature kid-friendly versions of fan-favorite characters like: Captain America – the brave leader with a shield and a heart of gold, Iron Man – the tech-savvy genius with a flair for invention, Black Panther – the noble protector of Wakanda, Ms. Marvel – the energetic shapeshifter with a passion for helping others, Hulk – the gentle giant learning to manage his strength and Spider-Man – the friendly neighborhood hero with sticky situations. Each episode will center around teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving, with the Avengers tackling challenges that resonate with young viewers—like sharing, cooperation, and standing up for what's right. Storylines will be episodic, with self-contained adventures that emphasize emotional intelligence and moral lessons. Whether it’s rescuing a lost pet or helping a friend overcome fear, the Avengers will model positive behavior while still delivering superhero thrills. The series is slated to premiere in 2026, joining Disney Jr’s growing roster of educational and entertaining content. It follows in the footsteps of Spidey and His Amazing Friends, which proved that Marvel heroes can thrive in the preschool space without losing their heroic edge.  08/09/25 @ 12:39 pm EST
New rumors have been swirling about The Batman Part II and James Gunn had taken to social media to set things straight. The upcoming Matt Reeves film along with the newly launched DCU have both been popular targets of “scoopers” and so far most of their insider information has turned out to be false. A chorus of reports that the second Robert Pattinson led Batman film had been cancelled or given to a different writer/director blood social media and even Gunn posting that none of them were true didn’t stop them. The only thing that finally killed that narrative was a post by Reeves showing the completed script. And even then scoopers claimed that the film would be delayed again… which is not true so far as the film has begun pre-production and is scheduled to start shooting in early 2026, plenty of time for an October 2027 release. This hasn’t deterred the insiders from more attention grabbing posts, now claiming that Robin will appear in the upcoming sequel and the DCU Batman will make his debut in Clayface. These rumors make no sense at all as Gunn has said that the DCU Batman will debut in The Brave and the Bold film where they will introduce Damian Wayne as Robin. It’s hard to believe that they would let Reeves introduce Robin right before the main universe is going to do the same. Well, Gunn has hit social media again about the Robin rumors and said, “Guys please stop believing this nonsense. I think six of us have read the script. No one knows anything about The Batman 2.” Remember that these insiders make money off of views and are never held accountable for completely wrong information. There’s a difference between speculation on what the film might include and presenting yourself as someone in the know and make statements that have no truth to them.  ... 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.  |
