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07/18/22 @ 11:10 am EST
Every superstar creator has their breakout story to share with the world, and now beloved artist Shannon Maer is ready to invite fans to Sirens Gate, his first ever creator-owned comic - Sirens Gate! Following in the footsteps of absolute legends like Alex Ross, Shannon Maer is unquestionably one of the comics form's biggest stars when it comes to cover artists. His lush painted pieces have been showcased on countless best-selling top titles across the industry, including countless classics on Dynamite's own Vampirella and others. His unique style captures a level of realism and sensuality that few can match. Fans have been asking for years if and when Shannon might take on the full interior artwork and writing for a comic. Well, they need not wait any longer, as Shannon and Dynamite unveil Sirens Gate. First there were Marvels, Kingdom Come, and Masks by Alex Ross, and other like Vampirella: Blood Lust by Joe Jusko, among others, all chronicled in Dynamite's own The Art of Painted Comics. Sirens Gates continues that legacy in offering readers a premium level of artwork through the entire book, a treat that is rarely seen. "As the pages began coming together, it felt like another level of dimension added to my work," said creator Shannon Maer. "I loved exploring a scene from multiple angles, and still feeling like the entirety of the book was a singular painting." The urban fantasy tale introduces and focuses on Tara, an aspiring writer. She's never thought of herself as anyone special, but all that is about to change. When a mysterious young man extends an unexpected invitation, Tara is awed at the opportunity to meet with her literary idol, Lady Rose. This unique encounter sparks a series of events, forever thrusting her into a world where vampires, werewolves and all manner of supernatural beings become her new normal. What Tara once assumed to be nothing more than the imagined pages of dark fiction, slowly begins to unravel itself as the true reality. Readers shouldn't miss this big splash of one of the industry's brightest stars, as Shannon writes, paints, and letters the entire series. He's aided and abetted by editor and business partner Becky Fuller for this fiendish tale that explores the very nature of what we call reality. "Shannon has poured his heart and soul into this project and I believe that is reflected here," said editor Becky Fuller. "This has become much more than a passion project for us, as it is a story that has been years in the making. We hope you enjoy reading about Tara as much as we’ve enjoyed telling her story!" "We've been incredibly fortunate to work with Shannon for a few years. His covers are magic, and help draw in an audience to some of our best books," said Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. "Shannon helped bring more readers to our critically acclaimed Vampirella series by Christopher Priest. When he approached us about Sirens Gate, and I spoke with the team, everyone was excited. I'm honored that Shannon approached us, and we are working with him on his first creator-owned book where he is fulling painting the interiors to the series, and fans' jaws will drop when they see the book."
   SIRENS GATE #1 is solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ August 2022 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in October 2022. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the issue with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more!
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.  06/22/25 @ 1:53 pm EST
Oscar-winner Russell Crowe has officially joined the upcoming Highlander reboot, stepping into the iconic role of Ramirez — the immortal mentor originally portrayed by Sean Connery in the 1986 cult classic. Crowe will star opposite Henry Cavill, who leads the film as Connor MacLeod, a centuries-old Scottish warrior caught in a secret war among immortals. The film is being helmed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski and is set for a theatrical release under Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists. As Crowe himself cryptically posted on social media: “Yes... it’s true... I shall be returning to the highlands... with a sword... it has been a few centuries... there can be only one”. The reboot aims to reimagine the Highlander mythology for a new generation, blending historical flashbacks with modern-day action. Stahelski has teased a sweeping narrative that spans from the 1500s Highlands to futuristic cities like New York and Hong Kong, promising a mix of martial arts, swordplay, and emotional depth. Production is slated to begin this fall in London, with a release window eyed for 2026.  06/21/25 @ 2:46 pm EST
As production nears completing for DC Studios’ upcoming HBO series Lanterns, director James Hawes is offering fans a glimpse into what’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the new DC Universe. Helming the first two episodes, Hawes describes the show as a genre-bending blend of grounded mystery and cosmic spectacle — a “buddy cop movie” with a distinctly American heart. In recent interviews, Hawes emphasized that while the series begins with a gritty, earthbound tone reminiscent of True Detective, it eventually “goes intergalactic”. “The scripts have so much wit, so much character,” he said, likening the tone to a fusion of Fargo, No Country for Old Men, and yes, True Detective — but with Green Lanterns who can fly. Set in Nebraska, the story follows veteran Lantern Hal Jordan ( Kyle Chandler) and his new recruit John Stewart ( Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a seemingly isolated murder that spirals into a much larger conspiracy. Hawes promises that the show won’t disappoint longtime fans of the Green Lantern mythos, while also inviting in a new audience by introducing the characters in a “rooted way” before launching into the cosmic unknown. The cast is stacked with talent, including Nathan Fillion reprising his role as Guy Gardner, Kelly Macdonald as a small-town sheriff, and Ulrich Thomsen as the iconic rogue Sinestro. The series is co-written by Chris Mundy ( Ozark), Damon Lindelof ( Watchmen), and Tom King, with Hawes praising the writing team for crafting a sophisticated narrative that balances humor, character, and high-stakes drama. Lanterns is slated for an early 2026 premiere on HBO and will consist of eight episodes with filming expected to wrap soon.  06/21/25 @ 2:37 pm EST
Marvel Studios has officially announced that Jake Schreier, known for his work on the film Thunderbolts, has been tapped to direct the highly anticipated X-Men reboot. Schreier's appointment comes after months of speculation and rumors. His previous work on Thunderbolts received critical acclaim, despite the film's mixed box office performance. The decision to bring Schreier on board signals Marvel's commitment to revitalizing the X-Men franchise with fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling. The X-Men have a rich history in both comics and film, and fans are eager to see how Schreier will interpret these iconic characters. The director's vision for the X-Men is expected to blend the classic elements that fans love with new and exciting twists. One of the key challenges Schreier will face is balancing the expectations of long-time X-men fans with the need to attract new audiences. The X-Men films have a dedicated fan base, and any changes to the beloved characters and storylines will be closely scrutinized. In addition to directing, Schreier will be working closely with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and screenwriter Michael Lesslie on the script. As the MCU continues to expand, the introduction of the X-Men is a significant milestone. The mutants' arrival in the MCU opens up a wealth of storytelling possibilities and potential crossovers with other Marvel characters. The release date for the X-Men reboot has not yet been announced.  06/21/25 @ 2:28 pm EST
Jon Bernthal is officially bringing Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, into the cinematic orbit of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. The upcoming film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026, marks a gritty new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) — and a long-awaited crossover that promises fireworks. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton ( Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), the film picks up after the reality-altering events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Doctor Strange’s spell erased Peter Parker’s identity from the world’s memory. With Peter now navigating a lonelier, more grounded existence, the arrival of The Punisher hints at a darker, street-level tone for the franchise. Bernthal’s return as Castle is a major moment for fans of Marvel’s Netflix era. After debuting in Daredevil and headlining two seasons of The Punisher, Bernthal reprised the role in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. Now, he’s stepping into the big leagues of the MCU film slate — and he’s not coming quietly. Joining Holland and Bernthal are returning cast members Zendaya (MJ) and Jacob Batalon (Ned), though it remains to be seen how — or if — their characters will reconnect with Peter. Also joining the ensemble is Stranger Things star Sadie Sink in a mysterious new role. And here’s a fun twist of fate: Bernthal and Holland actually helped each other land their Marvel roles while filming the 2017 movie Pilgrimage. According to Bernthal, he even encouraged Holland to throw in a backflip during his Spider-Man audition — a move that may have sealed the deal. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Marvel seems poised to blend the emotional weight of Peter Parker’s journey with the raw intensity of Frank Castle’s crusade. One thing’s for sure: the neighborhood just got a lot more dangerous.  ...
06/18/25 @ 4:18 am EST
DC Studios has officially found its Clayface. Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries has been cast as the titular character in the upcoming standalone film. The announcement was made by DC Studios co-head James Gunn, who praised Harries’ performance as “blowing us away” after what he described as a long and exhaustive search. The film, slated for release on September 11, 2026, will be directed by James Watkins and penned by horror maestro Mike Flanagan, with additional script work by Oscar-nominated writer Hossein Amini. Rather than a traditional superhero flick, Clayface is being developed as a psychological horror tale. The story centers on a struggling B-movie actor who injects himself with a mysterious substance in a desperate bid to stay relevant—only to transform into a shape-shifting creature made entirely of clay. Harries, best known for roles in Suspicion, White Lines, and The Gentlemen, beat out a competitive shortlist of British talent including Jack O’Connell and George MacKay. This marks his first major lead in a blockbuster franchise. While Clayface has traditionally been a Batman villain—first introduced as Basil Karlo in Detective Comics #40 in 1940—this film will reportedly stand apart from the Caped Crusader’s storyline. Gunn has confirmed that Clayface will not appear in The Batman Part II, despite early speculation. Production is set to begin this fall in the UK at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios. With Superman launching the new DCU this summer and Supergirl following in 2026, Clayface will be the third film in the studio’s ambitious reboot of its cinematic universe.  |
