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08/07/14 @ 2:14 pm EST
“Writing Their First Interaction Was Incredibly Delicious” – Del Col And McCreery Talk Sherlock Holmes vs Harry Houdini Posted on August 4, 2014 by Dan Wickline An idea that I’m surprise if no one has ever done before. The great detective Sherlock Holmes meets the escape artist Harry Houdini. The new series from Dynamite is being written by Kill Shakespeare writers Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery, and Byron Brewer sat down to talk to the pair of creators about the project. BYRON BREWER: First, Anthony, what did it feel like to have your work, Kill Shakespeare, nominated for a Harvey Award? Pretty cool.ANTHONY DEL COL: Pretty cool? Actually, pretty freakin’ cool! It was completely unexpected as this was the first series that Conor and I had ever done. The Harveys are voted on by fellow members of the industry so it made us feel that we had been accepted by the community. CONOR MCCREERY: Weirdly enough at that Harvey Awards dinner we sat beside Nick Barrucci. I remember thinking he was a very sarcastically funny guy and that he seemed to have a great head on his shoulders for the business and that it would be great to work with him one day.And they say dreams don’t come true. BB: Can you describe the process of how you and co-writer Conor McCreery work as a team?C: It’s a fluid thing – like for H&H Anthony took it on himself to bring all these amazing ideas to our first story meeting. I didn’t even open my notebook to mention any of the thoughts I had – his were that amazing! After that we worked together on “breaking” the story and figuring out what the five issues will be. Writing-wise what we usually do is one guy is “lead” writer on an issue and the other guy story-edits and does a pass at the end. A: And then if we have any disagreements we resort to Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine whose idea sees the light of day. We both competed in the first-annual World Rock-Paper-Scissors Championships a number of years ago so we’re both good. Okay, alright, we both throw the same moves so it ends up as a stalemate… C: Anthony’s being modest – he actually was a quarterfinalist and lost to the eventual World Champion. So, given THAT skill set I have an excellent incentive to compromise when I’m being stubborn – GRIN. BB: Have you ever written an adventure of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes before?A: I’ve always thought that Holmes was an amazing character but never had the nerve or gumption to tackle writing an adventure with him before. I’m so glad that Dynamite has given us the opportunity – he’s a blast to write for! I feel like I’m getting smarter just by trying to get in his mind. C: See, and writing Holmes just makes me feel dumb… wait… that was all the “research” I did for Holmes’ character flaw. BB: How does our master sleuth become involved with the great performer Houdini?C: Well I’d like to say that Holmes is naturally drawn to other people who display excellence and that he seeks out Houdini as a way to test out another exceptional talent. I’d LIKE to say that, but the truth is, well, Holmes is in a bit of trouble when he first meets Harry. I can’t say anything more though. I don’t want to spoil the fun. A: Writing their first interaction was incredibly delicious. Here we have two accomplished, smart and arrogant men in the same room, trying to test the other person. It really felt like scripting a boxing match but instead of punches they’re throwing verbal jabs and witticisms. And everyone else in the room just stands back and watches these two titans go at it. BB: Can you tell us at what point in Houdini’s career this piece takes place? He was a very different man at different points during his career. A: Our story is set in 1900, which is when Houdini is starting to blow up internationally as the master of escape. It’s his first tour of London (the centre of Europe) and he’s hoping to really draw in huge crowds and become an international superstar. It’s interesting that most people think of him as American (and he pretty much believed it to be true) but he was actually born in Europe. C: We’ve also drawn heavily on a couple of other elements of Houdini’s life and sort of planted the seeds in this story. One is his love of film, and the other was his later-life obsession in “outing” spiritualists – who he felt were at best irresponsible, and at worst out and out crooks, for suggesting that there are powers beyond our understanding at work in the world.It’s that viewpoint that’s going to get HARRY in trouble in our story… BB: And the big-bad is … ?C: Oh you can’t expect we’ll tell you that! For shame, well-oiled Dynamite marketing machine! For shame! A: Conor’s right – trying to get us to reveal the big bad this early would be even harder than escaping from one of Houdini’s tricks. We really wanted to come up with a character that was smart as well as physically imposing, and we think we’ve come up with just the right fit… BB: Are you a student of magical history or a fan of the late performer?A: For myself, it’s only lately that I’ve started to become really intrigued by magic. I had the fortune to meet magician Jon Armstrong (who actually created a comic series, Smoke & Mirrors, with IDW) and see a couple of his shows and left each one shaking my head at how he did it. What’s interesting is that when we went last month I could already guess at some of their techniques because of research for Holmes vs. Houdini. C: Do we count liking Gob from Arrested Development as being a “student of magical history?” Then yes. Yes, I am. BB: What would you say about the art of Carlos Furuzono?A: Well, I was disappointed at first that my original pitch of doing the entire series in my poorly-drawn stick figures wasn’t approved… But seriously, Joe, Nick and the team at Dynamite did a great job finding and recruiting Carlos to work on this series. The early pages that I’ve seen are amazing and I think he’s a real talent ready to make it to the next level. C: I was also disappointed about the stick figures… For more on Sherlock Holmes vs Harry Houdini #1, click here. 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”.  ... |
