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11/21/13 @ 2:39 pm EST
Michael Uslan is probably best known as one of the producers of the Batman movies and a regular on all of the Comic Book documentaries. Some may know that he was the first to teach an accredited course in comic book folklore. But did you know that Uslan’s first attempt at comic book writing was back in 1975 on the Shadow for DC Comics? So it has to be an amazing trip to end up back on the Shadow almost four decades later. Uslan chatted with Jai Nitz about the Dark Nights series and more. JAI NITZ: Michael Uslan is writing The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Knights. Michael, what was your first attempt to write a comic script? The trustworthy Internet says it was for The Shadow in 1975 when you were trying to produce a film adaptation.
MICHAEL USLAN: I was fortunate to be at the right place at the right time (Unabashed Stan Lee-type plug: For the full story, read my auto-biography, THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN, published by Chronicle Books) and became the alternating writer on the mid-1970′s DC Comics “Shadow” classic series under the mentorship of the legendary Denny O’Neil. My first ever pro script was The Shadow #9 (cover by Joe Kubert!) followed by The Shadow #11 (cover by Mike Kaluta) which featured the one and only meeting of The Shadow and The Avenger. From there, I wrote a plethora of DC mystery comics, the most notable being “Hopping Down The Bunny Trail” for The Unexpected. This story has since been named: One of the top nine horror comic book stories of all time;
One of the scariest comic book stories ever;
The Best Easter comic book story ever; and maybe
One of the Sickest comic book stories ever!
Then, I created the DC Comics version of BEOWULF (recently revived in the pages of both Wonder Woman and Sword of Sorcery) and got to write BATMAN… my dream come true since age 8! I was also honored to be the first person to write “The Question” after creator Steve Ditko’s departure… AND… I got to work with artist Alex Toth! JN: You’re known for producing all the Batman films and for being a famous comic book fan before it was cool. But The Shadow and Green Hornet are radio/pulp characters. Did you love radio serials and pulps as much as comics?
MU: They are all intertwined along with the movie serials of the 1930′s to 50′s. Superman aside, it was almost impossible to get comic book super-heroes on screen or on TV in the years following the demise of the movie serials. When WJRZ in Newark, NJ began re-broadcasting old-time dramatic radio show on Sunday afternoons, it lit up my imagination and gave me the closest thing to super-heroes outside of Zorro on TV. I’ve always loved the fedora-clad men of mystery. I attended the world’s first ever ComiCon when I was in 7th grade, and the night cosplay was born there, I was dressed as DC’s 1940 Sandman… fedora, cape, and gas mask in place! Additionally, my comic book writing has included The Shadow, The Green Hornet, The Sprit (both in color and in black & white), The Question, and a pulp-version of Batman I created in my hardback graphic novel in 2004, DETECTIVE #27. All fedoras! JN: Did you approach Dynamite with the idea for Dark Knights, or did they come to you?
MU: Nick and I had been talking for years about finding some ways to work together. He liked the notion of the guy who wrote the one and only meeting between The Shadow and The Avenger back in The Shadow #11 in the mid-70′s, being the guy to write the first meeting of The Shadow and The Green Hornet. And I totally wanted to write The Shadow again after some 35 years! I was also friendly with The Shadow’s driving creative force, Walter Gibson, and had the advantage of having spent time with Walter talking Shadow, learning many things that I could inject into my writing. JN: What’s Dark Knights about? Can you give me the Hollywood pitch?
MU: A threat so titanic that it forces The Shadow to team-up with The Green Hornet! A plot so deadly that it involves real events in history and such famous and infamous people as Woodrow Wilson, Rasputin, J. Edgar Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Nikola Tesla! An unstoppable power will plunge the world into darkness… and no one but our two crime-fighting icons can stop it! JN: Is it time for a new Shadow movie? Or should we just be happy that Orson Welles was the best who ever lived and his radio Shadow will always be the best in our mind’s eye?
MU: The Shadow is such a classic character! His prose novels are being reprinted two per month and Dynamite has several Shadow comic book series underway. He’s as relevant today as at any time. I wrote DARK NIGHTS, cinematically in three acts. That, to me, is written as a movie. Sure, be it feature films or a quality television series, The Shadow belongs in the eye of the global public. JN: What’s next for you at Dynamite? What other projects do you have upcoming?
MU: I just did a fun Batman story with artist Dave Bullock for BATMAN BLACK & WHITE #2. If you haven’t seen the cool trailer for it, go to youtube and search: Batman black and white silent knight. We’ve had almost 51,000 views so far on youtube alone! Next up for me will be a graphic novel/comic book story of historic proportions. From the guy who brought you “Archie Gets Married,” here comes… “FAREWELL BETTY & VERONICA!” Riverdale and its inhabitants will never be the same! For Dynamite? I’ll just have to wait and see if Nick calls. He has an inkling there are a couple of Shadow team-ups I would love to do when the time is right… a great villain I would like to have The Shadow battle… and even a property that was a favorite of mine as a kid that I think he just may have the rights to now… Who knows? But it has been a blast working with everyone at Dynamite! They were supportive, helpful, and real pros. www.bleedingcool.com/2013/11/18/the-shadow-and-the-green-hornet-through-the-eyes-of-batman-producer-michael-uslan/ <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]-->
06/14/25 @ 12:24 pm EST
Amazon Prime Video’s hit action-thriller Reacher is officially returning for a fourth season, and fans are eager to see what’s next for Jack Reacher. Based on Lee Child’s bestselling novel series, the show has captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and gripping action sequences. Season 4 will adapt Gone Tomorrow, the 13th book in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. The story follows Reacher as he gets caught in a deadly conspiracy after a chance encounter with a stranger on a train. While the novel is set in New York City, early reports suggest the show’s adaptation may shift the setting to Philadelphia. Alan Ritchson returns as Jack Reacher, leading a cast that includes several new faces: Sydelle Noel as Philadelphia PD detective Tamara Green, Jay Baruchel as small-town policeman Jacob Merrick, Kevin Weisman as journalist Russell Plum, Marc Blucas as U.S. Congressman John Samson, Kathleen Robertson as Elsbeth Samson, Kevin Corrigan as Detective Docherty, Anggun as Amisha Hoth and Agnez Mo as Lila Hoth. Filming for Season 4 is set to begin in mid-2025, with a projected release in early to mid-2026.  06/14/25 @ 12:14 pm EST
Fans of Minecraft can soon enjoy its blockbuster film adaptation from the comfort of their homes. Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that A Minecraft Movie will begin streaming on Max on June 20 and will also air on HBO on June 21 at 8:00 PM EST. Directed by Jared Hess and starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, A Minecraft Movie has been a massive hit, grossing over $951 million worldwide. The film follows a group of misfits who find themselves transported into the cubic world of Minecraft, where they must navigate its challenges and uncover its secrets. With its impressive box office performance, discussions about a sequel are already underway. Director Hess has hinted at exciting possibilities for expanding the Minecraft universe in future films.  06/14/25 @ 11:54 am EST
Matthew McConaughey is stepping into the shoes of one of literature’s most iconic detectives—Mike Hammer. The Oscar-winning actor is set to star in a new film adaptation of Mickey Spillane’s hard-boiled detective series. Hammer is a tough-as-nails private investigator with a penchant for justice—often delivered with his fists. McConaughey’s previous work in True Detective showcased his talent for playing gritty, introspective roles, making his transition into classic noir feel like a natural evolution. Mike Hammer first appeared in Spillane’s 1947 novel I, the Jury, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable figures in detective fiction. His brutal, no-nonsense approach to crime-solving set him apart from other private eyes of the era. Over the years, Hammer has been portrayed by various actors, including Darren McGavin, Armand Assante and Stacy Keach. The film is being developed by Skydance, with Nic Pizzolatto—creator of True Detective—penning the screenplay. Pizzolatto’s knack for weaving psychological tension and moral ambiguity into his stories promises a fresh yet faithful take on Hammer’s legacy. The production team includes industry heavyweights such as David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, alongside Max Allan Collins, a key figure in the Mike Hammer literary canon. 
06/08/25 @ 12:47 pm EST
Marvel Comics has taken a surprising turn with its latest storyline in Marvel Knights: The World to Come, introducing a new Black Panther who is—unexpectedly—white. This revelation has sparked intense debate among fans, as the character of Black Panther has long been synonymous with Wakanda’s rich African heritage. The new Black Panther, named Ketema, is introduced in a six-issue limited series written by Christopher Priest and illustrated by Joe Quesada. The story begins with the death of T’Challa, the longtime ruler of Wakanda, setting the stage for a battle over his legacy. Ketema, who claims to be T’Challa’s son, challenges him for the throne and ultimately defeats him. However, the shocking twist comes when Ketema removes his mask—revealing that he is white. The revelation of Ketema’s identity has left many readers questioning how a white character could be the biological son of T’Challa. One theory suggests that Ketema may not actually be the son of Monica Lynne, T’Challa’s former love interest, but rather Nicole Adams, another past romantic connection of the Wakandan king. Some speculate that genetic engineering, cloning, or alternate realities could play a role in this unexpected lineage. Christopher Priest, the writer behind the series, has remained tight-lipped about the deeper implications of Ketema’s introduction, stating that the story is more about how Wakanda arrived at this point rather than the immediate controversy surrounding the new Black Panther.  06/08/25 @ 12:37 pm EST
In a surprising turn of events, Amazon Prime Video has decided to cancel Étoile after just one season, despite its initial two-season order. The ballet drama, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, followed the lives of dancers and artistic staff from two prestigious ballet companies in New York and Paris. The series was envisioned as a love letter to the art of ballet, but its journey was cut short due to a combination of performance metrics and production costs. The show was filmed on location in New York and Paris, featuring elaborate choreography and a cast of top-tier ballet dancers. Despite its artistic ambition and an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Étoile struggled to gain traction with audiences. The decision to cancel Étoile was largely driven by its performance versus cost. While the series had a dedicated fan base, it failed to chart on Nielsen’s weekly Top 10 for Originals and quickly dropped from Prime Video’s own rankings. The show's expensive production—filming in historic locations and creating an original ballet company—made it a costly endeavor.  06/08/25 @ 12:20 pm EST
There’s a lot of buzz for the new Netflix series Dept. Q, based on the Danish-noir novel series by Jussi Adler-Olsen. With an 83% critics’ score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the question of a second season is already being asked by fans and even the cast. Star Matthew Goode, previously known for Downton Abbey and The Watchmen, talked with Deadline about being the only English person in an almost all Scottish cast and if he would be interested in returning to the character of DCI Carl Morck. “This is such a wonderful company of actors. Even though I was the only English one, and they could have easily hated me, obviously with that lovely Scottish-English situation, it wasn’t the case. And such great personalities, such great talent. And obviously I’m central to the story, so I get to work with everyone. I’d wanted to work with Shirley Henderson—‘ Shenderson’—for years. And Kelly Mcdonald, and then this fairly relatively new actress, Leah Byrne, who is a revelation in this show. It’s very difficult to be talking about some of the things that she has to talk about and make them hilarious. It’s quite a staggering… Well, it’s writing and talent, where they meet, I suppose. I love them all. That’s why we’re desperate to do a second season.” When asked about how many seasons he would be willing to do, Goode said: “I don’t know. There’s 10 books now. It is quite a modern phenomenon, really, as an actor, that you would get to sit in something for time. And now I think I’m at the right age that I’d like to have a character that I can come back to that has great, exciting, dark, hopefully funny stuff happening within the story, but also, how’s this man going to change? Is he going to change? What will be something that will change him? Even if it’s by minutia, there will be certain changes. Even if it’s just my hair color or the girth of my beard.” The beard may be the only downside to the character as Goode explained, “My wife didn’t come near me for six months because she hates beards. Absolutely hates them.” Dept. Q season one is available now on Netflix.  ... 06/07/25 @ 1:07 pm EST
The Merc with a Mouth is making his way into virtual reality, and this time, he’s voiced by none other than Neil Patrick Harris. Marvel’s Deadpool VR, developed by Twisted Pixel Games and Oculus Studios, is set to launch exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S in late 2025. The game promises an original storyline packed with Deadpool’s signature humor, fourth-wall-breaking antics, and over-the-top action. Unlike previous Deadpool games, this VR experience throws players directly into Wade Wilson’s chaotic world. The story kicks off when Deadpool is pulled through a portal into Mojoworld, a twisted media-centric universe ruled by the villain Mojo. After signing a shady contract (without reading the fine print, of course), Deadpool embarks on a multiverse-hopping quest for riches, battling classic Marvel villains along the way. Players will step into Deadpool’s shoes—literally—using dual pistols, katanas, kunai, and parkour-style movement to navigate the game’s action-packed environments. The combat system is designed to reflect Deadpool’s unpredictable personality, allowing for absurd and exaggerated attacks. Expect to punch enemies while holding grenades, throw severed limbs as weapons, and even shove heads into propellers. While Ryan Reynolds has become synonymous with the character, Neil Patrick Harris is bringing his own spin to the wisecracking antihero. Harris, known for his voice work in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, delivers a portrayal that is said to capture Deadpool’s manic energy, self-awareness, and comedic timing, making the VR experience even more immersive. Marvel’s Deadpool VR is slated for release in late 2025, exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.  06/07/25 @ 12:59 pm EST
Dakota Johnson is setting the record straight on the disappointing box office performance of Madame Web. The Fifty Shades star, who played Cassandra Webb in Sony’s Marvel spinoff, has opened up about why the film failed to connect with audiences—and she’s placing the blame on studio interference. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Johnson explained that Madame Web started as one thing but ultimately became something else due to executive meddling. "It wasn’t my fault," she stated. "There’s this thing that happens now where a lot of creative decisions are made by committee. Or made by people who don’t have a creative bone in their body. And it’s really hard to make art that way". She noted that Madame Web underwent drastic changes after she signed on, leaving her "just sort of along for the ride". Released in early 2024, Madame Web was expected to be a fresh addition to Sony’s Marvel universe. However, the film grossed only $100 million worldwide against a rumored budget of $80–100 million, making it a financial disappointment. It also received overwhelmingly negative reviews, earning a 11% Rotten Tomatoes score and sweeping the Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Actress for Johnson. Despite the backlash, Johnson remains unfazed. "Bigger-budget movies fail all the time," she said, adding that she doesn’t regret taking on the role but probably won’t return to the superhero genre anytime soon. 
06/07/25 @ 12:47 pm EST
The Star Wars universe is expanding once again, and this time, it’s bringing in a fresh face to the galaxy far, far away. Acclaimed actress Mia Goth, known for her standout performances in Pearl, X, and MaXXXine, has officially joined the cast of Star Wars: Starfighter, the upcoming film directed by Shawn Levy. Goth will take on the role of the movie’s primary villain, facing off against Ryan Gosling’s lead character. Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo earlier this year, Star Wars: Starfighter is set five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. Unlike previous entries, this film will not be connected to the Skywalker Saga, instead introducing a brand-new adventure with original characters. Director Levy, best known for Deadpool & Wolverine, has been developing the project since 2022 alongside screenwriter Jonathan Tropper. The film promises to explore uncharted territory in the Star Wars timeline, offering fans a fresh perspective on the galaxy’s post-Skywalker era. While details about Goth’s character remain scarce, reports indicate that she will play one of the antagonists pursuing Gosling’s character and his young nephew. The role was initially offered to Oscar winner Mikey Madison, who reportedly passed on the opportunity due to salary negotiations. Goth’s casting marks another major milestone in her career, as she continues to take on high-profile roles. In addition to Star Wars: Starfighter, she is set to appear in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein adaptation alongside Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. Filming for Star Wars: Starfighter is expected to begin later this year, with a theatrical release scheduled for May 28, 2027.  06/04/25 @ 2:56 pm EST
Scrooge McDuck is starring in all-new adventures from Marvel Comics! Following last year’s acclaimed Uncle Scrooge & the Infinity Dime one-shot, the first-ever Uncle Scrooge Marvel comic, the legendary adventurer is back to take things to the level with a solo four issue limited series this August—UNCLE SCROOGE: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST DUCK! Uncle Scrooge & the Infinity Dime scribe and superstar Marvel writer Jason Aaron returns to craft another fantastic Uncle Scrooge saga that expertly blends the wonderful world of Uncle Scrooge with epic Marvel Comics super hero storytelling. Aaron will be joined by an extravagance of all-star artists including Giuseppe Camuncoli, Mahmud Asrar, and Ciro Cangialosi. UNCLE SCROOGE: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST DUCK kicks off in August and today, fans can behold the covers for the first two issues. The covers see how some of industry’s biggest talents—from Gabriele Dell’Otto to Mark Brooks—bring this beloved comic book icon to life Marvel style! In UNCLE SCROOGE: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST DUCK, the planet has been conquered by alien invaders known as the Connoisseurs, nefarious hoarders of the rarest antiquities from throughout the cosmos. As they tear the Earth apart, pillaging its fabled treasures, only the world’s greatest adventurer can possibly stop them. But Scrooge McDuck is facing a battle unlike any he’s ever fought, trapped inside his own mind, fighting to preserve his most precious memories. “Scrooge McDuck is one of the greatest heroes in the history of comics, bar none,” Aaron said. “It was a thrill to get to write him in the pages of Uncle Scrooge & the Infinity Dime, as we took him on a journey across the multiverse. With this new series, I knew we'd have to go bigger, not just by incorporating more Marvel artists into the mix, but by sending Scrooge on the most epic story of his career, as he fights to save the one thing more precious to him than gold or any exotic treasure: his own memories of a life of adventure.” Check out the covers for the first two issues of UNCLE SCROOGE: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST DUCK and preorder the series at your local comic shop today!        
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