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07/18/22 @ 11:05 am EST
Fire and Ice returns! The beloved sword and sorcery masterpiece of artwork, animation, and storytelling is making its way back to the hearts and hands of fans thanks to a new partnership between Dynamite Entertainment, the Frazetta Girls brand, and Bakshi Productions for both new comic books and tabletop games. With the coming 2023 marking 40 years since the 1983 release of the original film, now more than ever is the time to celebrate and continue the legacy of this innovative and memorable film. Dynamite is working alongside the Frazetta family and Bakshi Productions with talented creators to craft a truly special set of follow ups that will delight fans new and old. “My grandpa introduced me to his film, Fire and Ice when I was in grade school," said Sara Frazetta. "Watching movies together, especially Fire and Ice, bonded our relationship. We felt the intensity of the scenes together. We were transported into the world he created. It was magical. Fire and Ice has remained in my top favorite films of all time and to be able to reignite the property with the Bakshi family and Dynamite is incredibly exciting!” "Bakshi Productions is excited to work with the Frazetta Girls and Dynamite Comics to create new Fire & Ice media," shared Eddie Bakshi. "It is an honor to again explore the fantastic world that Frank Frazetta and Ralph Bakshi created. I know that Bakshi fans have been waiting a long time for more Fire & Ice material, and that’s what we plan to give them." Dynamite CEO and Publisher Nick Barrucci added, " Fire and Ice is a seminal classic animated feature that is beloved by fans and creators alike. In having discussions with Sara Frazetta, and having brought up my love of the movie, she stated that we could have further conversations with Joe Weber, Sara Frazetta, and Eddie Bakshi to see if we could work on a creative direction that everyone would be happy with to expand on the series. It was important to all of us that we bring something new and grew the fantastic tapestry that came before. Fortunately we all agreed on the direction of the series, and are bringing the fans the back story of these incredible characters that will build on the movie. Then when the opportunity came to release a game based on the movie, that was just icing on the cake. I speak for myself and the team at Dynamite when I say that we are honored to work with the Frazetta family who are comic book royalty, and the legacy of the Bakshi family. We can't wait for fans and retailers to see the series as it's released." A comic book series is set to debut that will serve as a prequel and continue the themes and ideas of the original film. That ended with the barbarian hero Larn and his beloved Princess Teegra embracing in their victory and survival against the fearsome evil queen Juliana and her demented son Nekron. While their mysterious ertswhile ally Darkwolf looked on from afar. Could fans get to see these characters again, or be introduced to a barbaric and fantastical cast of newcomers? These secrets will be revealed in time as the projects come to fruition. Further creative team information will be revealed soon, but the comic series will feature a cover presenting Frank Frazetta's original masterpiece painting created for the development and eventual poster for the movie. Superstar artists with a love of the mythos will be announced closer to the solicitation date. In addition to a thrilling comic book prequel, Fire and Ice will also be coming to gamers' tabletops! The expansive fantasy mythos and memorable characters will translate perfectly to the roleplaying sphere where these tropes are beloved by gamers who play the likes of Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder as more, with many games taking inspiration from Fire and Ice and Bakshi's other fantasy films. The exact format and design of the game is to be revealed. Fire and Ice was the match made in heaven collaboration between Bakshi and Frazetta. The two developed the concept together and the film's art style was based on Frazetta's work, brought to life through Bakshi's animation. They then called in comics scribes and Conan the Barbarian veterans Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway to handle the script. Frazetta was then also closely involved in production, from casting to the rotoscoping filming sessions. In its day the film was heralded as if a comic book was brought to the big screen, and now Dynamite is bringing it back to some of its major inspirations in other media. The original Fire and Ice film was directed by the master animation director Ralph Bakshi. Beyond innovative for his time, Bakshi revolutionized adult animation and techniques like rotoscoping and unique mixes of animation with live action photography. Breaking out in 1972 with his adaptation of Robert Crumb's raunchy comic feature Fritz the Cat, Bakshi would go on to create a trio of beloved sword and sorcery films in Fire and Ice, Wizards, and his adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Frank Frazetta is considered the Godfather of fantasy art and continues to influence countless painters and illustrators to this day. Early in his career he worked in traditional comic book and strip illustration in the "Golden Age", such as a string of Shining Knight features for DC Comics. As his career progressed, he moved to a focus on painting and creating covers for classic novels, film posters, and some comic books as well. Within comics he was associated with Warren Publishing's Creepy, Eerie, and the now published by Dynamite Vampirella. His paintings on subjects like his "Death Dealer" have become iconic across merchandising and the original paintings are some of the most sought after art pieces in the world. “I’m tremendously excited to see the return of Fire and Ice, and while I know this project will evoke powerful feelings of nostalgia to longtime Frazetta and comics fans, this world fits perfectly with the realms of fantasy that are incredibly popular right now," said editor Matt Idelson. "Really, it’s a perfect marriage." More details will be revealed soon! 08/24/25 @ 1:40 pm EST
When Marvel Studios tapped Terry Matalas to helm Vision Quest, the upcoming Disney+ series centered on the synthezoid Avenger, it wasn’t just a smart hire—it was a signal. A signal that Marvel is ready to embrace deeper storytelling, character introspection, and genre-bending ambition. Matalas, best known for revitalizing Star Trek: Picard with its critically acclaimed third season, brings a unique blend of emotional intelligence, sci-fi pedigree, and serialized storytelling expertise that makes him the ideal architect for Vision’s next chapter. Vision’s arc has always been about identity. Created by Ultron, powered by the Mind Stone, and shaped by love and loss, Vision is a being caught between machine and man. After WandaVision, the original Vision was gone, and the “White Vision”—a blank-slate version with restored memories but no emotional context—was left to wander in search of purpose. This existential journey echoes the themes Matalas explored in Picard, where legacy, memory, and humanity were central. In fact, Matalas has openly stated that Vision’s arc in Vision Quest will mirror Spock’s journey in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, where the Vulcan grapples with his own resurrection and fragmented identity. It’s a bold, cerebral approach that fits Vision perfectly. Before Picard, Matalas created and ran 12 Monkeys, a time-travel series praised for its intricate plotting and emotional depth. He’s a showrunner who understands how to balance high-concept science fiction with grounded character drama. That’s exactly what Vision needs—a story that can explore artificial intelligence, memory, and morality without losing sight of the heart. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige reportedly sought Matalas out after watching Picard Season 3, calling it “incredible” and wanting to find the person responsible. That kind of endorsement speaks volumes, especially in an era where Marvel is scaling back its Disney+ output to focus on quality over quantity. Matalas isn’t just continuing Vision’s story—he’s expanding it. Vision Quest will introduce new characters like Paladin (played by Picard alum Todd Stashwick) and a reimagined F.R.I.D.A.Y. AI (played by Orla Brady). James Spader returns as Ultron, promising a “unique” role that could redefine the character’s legacy. These additions suggest a layered narrative that blends Marvel lore with fresh sci-fi ideas. And Matalas is bringing his Star Trek crew with him. The production team is reportedly full of Trek veterans, creating a shorthand that allows for ambitious storytelling and thematic depth. It’s a fusion of Marvel’s superhero ethos with the philosophical weight of classic science fiction. Marvel’s early Disney+ shows often felt like extended films. But with Vision Quest, Marvel is embracing a more traditional TV model—complete with a dedicated showrunner, longer development cycles, and serialized arcs. Matalas thrives in this format. His ability to weave long-term character development with episodic intrigue makes him the perfect fit for a series that needs to rebuild Vision from the ground up. Set to premiere in 2026, Vision Quest marks Marvel’s first new live-action series pickup in nearly two years. It’s part of Phase Six of the MCU and represents a shift toward more thoughtful, character-driven storytelling. With Matalas at the helm, Vision’s journey promises to be more than just a superhero tale—it’s a philosophical odyssey through memory, identity, and what it means to be alive. In a universe filled with gods, monsters, and multiverses, Terry Matalas is the rare showrunner who can make us care about a synthetic soul searching for meaning. And that’s exactly what Vision—and Marvel—needs right now.  ... 08/24/25 @ 1:24 pm EST
Peacemaker Season 2 has officially kicked off with a bang—and a surprise. Among the new faces in James Gunn’s irreverent DC series is David Denman, best known for his role as Roy in The Office. But this time, Denman isn’t playing a hot-headed warehouse worker—he’s suiting up as a superhero. And not just any hero: Denman plays Captain Triumph, a name that might ring a bell only for the most die-hard comic book historians. Captain Triumph first appeared in Crack Comics #27 back in 1943, created by Alfred Andriola. The original character was a pair of twin brothers—Michael and Lance Gallant—who shared a mystical bond. After Michael’s death, his spirit merged with Lance, granting him powers like flight, invisibility, and near invulnerability. The character was later absorbed into DC Comics but remained largely obscure, popping up occasionally in titles like Animal Man, Titans, and Harley Quinn. In Peacemaker Season 2, Gunn reimagines Captain Triumph entirely. Denman plays Keith Smith, Peacemaker’s long-lost brother, who was tragically killed in Season 1 due to their abusive father’s twisted games. But in the Season 2 premiere, “The Ties That Grind,” Peacemaker stumbles into an alternate reality where Keith is alive—and a superhero. Denman’s Keith is part of a crime-fighting trio with Peacemaker and their father Auggie, forming the “Top Trio” in this alternate dimension. Unlike the original Captain Triumph, Gunn’s version doesn’t involve ghostly twins or mystical birthmarks. Denman confirmed in an interview that Gunn opted for a fresh take: “I actually went to James and was like, ‘Is there any of that?’ and he goes, ‘No. This is a whole new character’”. This twist adds a poignant layer to the show’s emotional core. Peacemaker, haunted by guilt over Keith’s death, now faces a world where his brother thrives—and where their family is functional. It’s a dreamscape that forces Chris Smith to confront what he’s lost and what he might still become. Denman’s performance as Keith/Captain Triumph is already being praised for its emotional resonance. The character’s presence could reshape Peacemaker’s arc, offering a glimpse into the life he might have had—and perhaps a path toward healing.  ...
08/23/25 @ 12:54 pm EST
Paramount has made a dramatic pivot in its handling of the Dexter franchise, leaving fans both stunned and intrigued. After initially greenlighting two new series— Dexter: Original Sin and Dexter: Resurrection—the studio has reversed course, canceling the prequel while doubling down on the sequel. Originally announced as a deep-dive into Dexter Morgan’s formative years, Dexter: Original Sin premiered in December 2024 and wrapped its 10-episode run in February 2025. The series starred Patrick Gibson as a teenage Dexter, with Christian Slater portraying his father Harry Morgan, the architect of Dexter’s infamous code. Michael C. Hall lent his voice as narrator, tying the prequel to the original series. Despite a season 2 renewal announced in April, Paramount quietly pulled the plug on Original Sin, citing a lack of scheduled production and shifting priorities following its merger with Skydance. In contrast, Dexter: Resurrection—the sequel series starring Michael C. Hall—has become a breakout hit. Picking up after the events of Dexter: New Blood, the show sees Dexter surviving his apparent death and relocating to New York, where he reconnects with his son Harrison and crosses paths with a billionaire serial killer enthusiast played by Peter Dinklage. The series has earned rave reviews, boasting a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and drawing 4.4 million viewers in its first week. Paramount is now opening a writers’ room for a potential second season, signaling strong confidence in the show’s future—even though an official renewal hasn’t yet been announced. The decision reflects a broader strategic shift at Paramount Television Studios, now under the leadership of Matt Thunell. Following the Skydance merger, the studio is prioritizing established hits and recognizable IP, with Dexter: Resurrection leading the charge.  08/23/25 @ 12:48 pm EST
In a recent interview, Margot Robbie revealed that Birds of Prey almost featured a very different villain: Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin. The actress, who famously portrayed Harley Quinn in the 2020 film, shared that the original script by Christina Hodson had Penguin as the main antagonist—until Matt Reeves stepped in with his own plans for the character. While promoting her upcoming fantasy romance A Big Bold Beautiful Journey alongside Colin Farrell—who plays the Penguin in The Batman and its HBO spinoff—Robbie casually dropped the bombshell during their joint interview with Entertainment Weekly. “The first draft that Christina [Hodson] wrote of Birds of Prey, the villain was the Penguin,” Robbie said, prompting a visibly shocked reaction from Farrell. According to Robbie, Hodson’s version of the Penguin was “amazing,” and the character was set to stalk Harley Quinn and her newly formed team throughout Gotham. Robbie even teased that she still has a copy of the original draft on her computer and offered to share it with Farrell. The reason for the switch? Matt Reeves, director of The Batman, had already earmarked the Penguin for his own gritty crime saga. “Matt Reeves said, ‘Don’t use the Penguin. I’m going to use him in my thing,’” Robbie explained. To avoid overlap between DC’s cinematic universes, the Birds of Prey team pivoted to Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, played by Ewan McGregor. This change gave the film a darker, more flamboyant crime-lord vibe, while preserving Penguin for Reeves’ noir vision.  08/23/25 @ 12:20 pm EST
James Gunn, the architect of the DC Universe, has once again stirred fan speculation—this time by teasing a “really, really, really big cameo” in the final episodes of Peacemaker Season 2. As the series continues to bridge the tonal gap between irreverent comedy and emotional depth, Gunn’s cryptic comments have fans buzzing about who might show up—and what it could mean for the future of the DCU. Season 2 of Peacemaker marks a clear shift from its DCEU roots into Gunn and Peter Safran’s newly minted DCU. The show now follows the events of Superman (2025), and features updated references to the Justice Gang instead of the Justice League. This recontextualization sets the stage for deeper integration with the broader DCU, and Gunn has confirmed that characters from Superman—including Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Maxwell Lord—already appear in the season. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn hinted at a major surprise waiting near the end of the season: “There might even be one really, really, really big cameo near the end of the show.” While he didn’t name names, the emphasis on scale and significance suggests this won’t be a throwaway gag or minor character. Given the DCU’s interconnected design, many fans suspect the cameo could be David Corenswet’s Superman himself, reinforcing Peacemaker’s relevance in the franchise’s future. This could also be an opportunity for Gunn to bring one of the Creature Commandos into live action such as David Harbour’s Frankenstein or Alay Tudyk’s Dr. Phosphorus. Gunn also mentioned the Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC), a piece of tech introduced in Season 1 and expanded upon in Superman. The QUC is central to Season 2’s plot, potentially opening doors—literally and figuratively—for cross-dimensional or multiversal appearances. This could allow for unexpected character returns or even alternate versions of familiar heroes. Whether it’s Superman, another Justice Gang member, or a surprise villain, Gunn’s promise of a “really big” moment suggests that Peacemaker Season 2 will end not with a whimper, but with a bang.  ... 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”.  ... |
