‘Marvel’s The Defenders’: S.J. Clarkson to Direct First Two Episodes

Announced by Marvel today, Director S.J. Clarkson (Jessica Jones, Orange is the New Black) is to direct the first two episodes of the 2017 Marvel and Netflix series Marvel’s The Defenders. Once more directing for two of the featured characters of the upcoming 8-episode limited series, Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) herself, and Luke Cage (Mike Colter),(‘AKA Crush Syndrome,’ AKA Ladies Night’), having the characters of Daredevil (Charlie Cox), and Iron Fist (Finn Jones) along for the initial ride can only mean familiar flow with the promise of new excitement. Acting powerhouse Sigourney Weaver will also join as an as-yet-unnamed villainess.

With Jessica Jones featuring a roster of exclusively women directors in its soon to start shooting second season, it seems that Marvel’s recent agenda leaning towards gender equality  also supports the return of its stellar directing alumni. Both of the episodes Clarkson directed were incredibly human, intimate, and gut wrenching in their own rights. I’m sure more of the same macabre street magic is to come as The Defenders work together to protect New York City.

The story will revolve around four loner heroes that will pull their resources to become stronger as a whole. For those who’ve seen Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Daredevil (which have their first – and where Daredevil is concerned, also second – season available to watch in full on Netflix), imagining these solitary heroic souls working together for the wellbeing of all might sound like a bit of a challenge.

Marvel’s Head of Television, Jeff Loeb seems confident in the choice of Clarkson.

“S.J.’s take on the material is outstanding. …We loved her work on ‘Marvel’s Jessica Jones’ and couldn’t think of a more talented and accomplished person to helm the first two episodes of ‘Marvel’s The Defenders.’”

The Defenders will hit Netflix sometime in 2017. 

SOURCE: MARVEL (via CBR)

Kevin Feige Talks ‘Infinity War,’ The 2019-2020 MCU, Spider-Man, and ‘Doctor Strange’

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige sat down with Collider recently to discuss the plethora of projects that are currently underway and quickly approaching on the horizon. With candor and a palpable sense of excitement, Feige talked at length about what is and what’s to come, having nearly a decade of time at the helm of the studio behind him.

Fans have been clamoring to have Spider-Man back on the Marvel roster on the regular more than in just a battle royale from time-to-time. Feige was optimistic while discussing the upcoming Spidey film, Spider-Man: Homecoming, which will bring star Tom Holland back into the webbing, as well as what has been viewed as an icy relationship between Marvel and Sony, especially where the shared characters between the two have been concerned.

“We’re figuring it out. I mean, it was really the specifics for Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming. Spider-Man: Homecoming just wrapped as you know and we’re just getting into cutting that movie, so that’s the primary focus but we are…that iceberg is thawed and is non existent. So we talk to them all the time about what could be fun for the future.”

As to whether or not Spider-Man is going to appear in Infinity War:

“I would say that is part of the surprise. I don’t want to spoil anything one way or another.”

Speculation on whether or not there will ever be ongoing or even one-shot crossovers between the growing ensemble of incredible characters in the Netflix MCU has driven a lot of hot topics. To answer those particular lines of thought at this moment:

“I think it’s extremely impressive what Netflix has done and it will be the same answer I always give, which is, “It all depends on timing.” It all depends on how to do it because I don’t think what anybody wants to do is have such important characters show up for one second.”

There are varying thoughts about how many characters will actually appear on-screen in Avengers:Infinity War and the more ardent researchers have even surmised that there will be over 60. Feige’s thoughts on this are humored and delightfully vague.

“There are a lot of characters in [the first[ Captain America; there are a lot of characters in The Winter Soldier, and of course Civil War has as many as we’ve ever had, so it’s in very capable hands [when] it comes to divvying up the storylines in a way that services a primary narrative but [also] showcases many characters. How many times will all 30, 50, 60 whatever it is be in the frame at the same time that is the hard part. And not much.”

Moving ahead, as far as the years 2019, and 2020, Feige ruminates on the projects up ahead, while pulling from the successes in the rear view mirror.

“We know what we’d like them to be for 2020. Over the years, where we’re aiming we’ve been lucky enough that it’s usually been the same thing but we always leave ourselves the opportunity to bob and weave and adapt if we have to. But we know where we’re headed for 2020 and we have ideas and were beginning to solidify the years beyond that.”

With the imminent release of Doctor Strange looming large for November 4th, 2016, Feige also talks about introducing an entirely ‘new’ character into the MCU fold.

“Whenever we introduce a new character or a new conceit, it’s another tool in the storytelling story box for future movies. I think with all of those tools there are great examples in the comics of how to utilize them in really fun and amazing ways. There are [also] examples of how the whole thing could collapse in on itself—if you’re not careful. So I think we’re well aware of that and want to always try to use new conceits sparingly and in a way that enhances the story we’re telling versus making it unwieldy and confusing to people who haven’t followed along the whole journey.”

Straightforward, and getting to the heart of the matter as always, Feige is definitely comfortable hefting the mantle of the MCU as studio President, and anticipating the astounding journeys we all have ahead of us is going to be just as fun as striding up to the comic book racks of old and summoning our heroes to inspire us as we join them on their journeys.

SOURCE: COLLIDER

‘Doctor Strange’: Mads Mikkelson Discusses the Villain’s Path

Mads Mikkelson is an actor that casts a brilliant light upon each and every role he assumes – though most if not all of these roles have encompassed the archetype of the villain. He was utterly bone-chilling as the character of Hannibal in the NBC drama by Executive Producer, Steve Lightfoot who is also helming the upcoming Marvel Netflix series The Punisher, which will debut in 2017.

In a recent interview with Screenrant, Mikkelson touched upon inhabiting the mystical minon of Dormammu, Kaecilius.

“Obviously, he’s trying to make the world a better place, where there’s no suffering and there’s eternal life, which is a valid point. 

There was also something to be said about the impressive collection of antagonists in the Marvel MCU. The hero’s journey wouldn’t be quite complete without some opposition along the way.

“I think they’re all serving their purpose of having a mirror reflection of our hero. There’s something that our hero recognizes in the villain, and that is something he hates. And that’s his internal fight, and journey. So I think they have more in common than they have that separates them.”

For the full interview, head on over to Screenrant but keep in mind, it contains spoilers for the end of Doctor Strange!

SOURCE: SCREENRANT

Marvel’s Agenda Supports Gender Equality Says Exec VP

Marvel has long presented characters that have pushed the boundaries of all creation, suffered the indignity of discrimination, and fought for their rights on every battle field available, side-by-side, a mighty conglomerate front for change. Now, outside the pages of our beloved comic books, avatars for equality are rallying together. Gender inequality in Hollywood is still a real, live entity, and thankfully (speaking as a woman in the industry, myself) these issues are continuously being brought into the light to be discussed publicly.

Monday, at the Women in Technology luncheon provided by the Hollywood Professional Association’s Women in Post and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Marvel Productions’ Executive Vice President of Physical Production, Victoria Alonso, spoke about Marvel’s role in influencing Hollywood towards gender equality.

“We have had gender inequality for some time. It wasn’t always talked about ….  In the past year, it bubbled up and it’s no longer acceptable to women and some men. …Change is needed and hopefully we can make a balanced Hollywood for the next generation.”

With the recent, strong showing of female presence in the Marvel projects of late including the efforts of its Netflix show, Jessica Jones, which will feature an all women line up of directors for its second season, and Captain Marvel, the first Marvel film to feature a female lead, it seems gender equality is becoming reality sooner than later.

Other studios, such as Warner Bros. are also answering the call to action in Wonder Woman, due out June 2nd, 2017 as well as Justice League due out November 17, 2017.

“I don’t want to be the only [woman]  in the room,” Alonso added. “Our rooms should be 50/50. If any of you — men or women — can lift [women] up, we’ll all be better for it.”

Alonso was also careful to mention the men who were in attendance at the luncheon:

“You are important change makers. When you wonderful men say ‘balance is necessary.’ …You open that door and the product is going to be better [with varied perspectives].”

With continuing discussions revolving around the need for gender equality in the movie industry receiving much deserved attention, and the efforts of Marvel being so warmly received with the many successes of its heroines behind and before the cameras, I’m anticipating the kind of change that will lend an abundance of success for us all to share.

SOURCE: THR

‘Logan’: Scar Tissue Coats New Image

James Mangold uploads yet another picture revealing Hugh Jackman as Logan staring wearily into what appears to be a bathroom mirror. As previously discussed by Mangold when Logan‘s current timeline was broached in a recent interview, it’s now very obvious that Logan is losing his ability to heal immediately as he was once able to.

Taken w/ Leica S 007 Vario Elmar 90mm, ISO 3200 1/25 ƒ11 — JM pic.twitter.com/oVBdzkrqeU

— Mangold (@mang0ld) October 26, 2016

Seeing the character of Logan in the throes of action has been supported by the safety net of his healing factor; now, possibly letting it sink in that he has to be a little bit more cautious with his physical body than he has been used to, how will Logan restrain himself from using his mutant form as a deadly Weapon?

Logan hits theaters March 3, 2017 

SOURCE: Twitter 

‘The Punisher’: 5 New Cast Members Join Netflix Drama

One of three Marvel series set to debut on Netflix in 2017 (the others being Iron Fist, and The Defenders), Marvel’s The Punisher is gearing up to adorn itself with both allies and aggressors. No one here at AR was more excited than I was today to hear Marvel’s announcement about the most recent additions to the upcoming Punisher Netflix series.

Joining the killing grounds with series lead actor Jon Bernthal is Daniel Webber (11.22.63), Jason R. Moore (A Lonely Place For Dying), Paul Shulz (Nurse Jackie), Jaime Ray Newman (Bates Motel), and Michael Nathanson (The Knick, Wolf of Wallstreet). Webber will play Lewis Walcott, a young veteran re-acclimating to society, Moore has been cast as an old friend of Frank Castle, Shulz plays Rawlins, a member of the CIA that has ties to Castle’s days in Afghanistan, Newman will join as Sarah Lieberman, Micro’s wife (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Nathanson will play Sam Stein, a Homeland agent partnered with Dinah (Amber Rose Revah).

I was also more than amped that Steve Lightfoot, who absolutely blew me away with his work as Executive Producer on NBC’s Hannibal is taking the helm in the same role on The Punisher as well as becoming the showrunner and penning its maiden season’s first two episodes. He had warm things to say about those about to join him.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more talented group of actors to round out the cast of Marvel’s The Punisher. …It’s a thrill to watch them each bring their characters to life with such layered, nuanced performances.”

Even thinking about the gritty, raw, yet openly vulnerable offering from Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle aka The Punisher, I get goosebumps. Having initially seen the character for pages upon comic book pages in my first fragile glances upon more violence-forward areas of the Marvel spectrum, I couldn’t have asked for a better fit in an actor. He absolutely wowed me in the first season of The Walking Dead as the two-timing Shane Walsh. It’s tantamount that Bernthal’s supporting cast can go steel toe-to-steel toe with him, which seems likely to happen. Executive Producer Jeph Loeb had glowing things to add regarding the stellar lineup.

“Marvel TV is very proud of the cast of The Punisher. Each actor brings a special promise who surround Jon Bernthal’s exceptional performance.”

The promise of a gloriously glossy, stylistic and well-acted presentation seems to be rapidly approaching on the horizon for ex-military vigilante Frank Castle’s chilling foray into his own thrilling Netflix drama.

SOURCE: MARVEL

‘Infinity War’: Benedict Cumberbatch Speaks About Strange Role

In recent interviews, it comes as no surprise that Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch has expressed how whole-heartedly ecstatic he is to be playing the role of the astral projecting protector Stephen Strange from the pages of the Marvel comic books.

Speaking at length with Screenrant, the actor happily discussed his experience on that project, and his upcoming appearance in Avengers:Infinity War slated to be released on May 4th, 2018. Cumberbatch has his own ideas about the man dubbed ‘Strange’ by artist and Marvel legend Steve Ditko.

“I was intrigued by this man. He was complex, he was supremely arrogant, to a point where I was like, ‘okay yeah, I get it, I get it.’ …I wanna see him fail, I wanna see the humor of someone struggling to understand this ludicrous, extraordinary world that he’s been asked to accept. And also, you know, the real drama of a man whose every inch of his life, every aspect of his life is through what he’s capable of with his hands, and losing that, and what would result is a breakdown physically and mentally from that. So all of those flavors were just mixed in with the great comics of old.”

The transition from eager audience member to polished participant behind the cameras was a journey as well, as the character of Doctor Strange will be putting the ‘can’ in ‘incantation’ alongside the Avengers.

“I’m gonna be in the Avengers films, which is a phenomenally exciting thing for me. I mean, I came to comics through the film, so I’ve been buying my ticket for the last eight years, and now I’m on the other side of the screen. It’s very, very exciting. And I can’t wait to see who I get to jam with. It’s gonna be great.”

With Cumberbatch on board for at least one more Doctor Strange film via his contract, the actor seems on point with connecting to the arrogant yet open-minded neurosurgeon as he metamorphoses through the motions.

“…The possibilities are endless. It’s not just what he brings to the universe, it’s also what he gets to do in it.”

Doctor Strange hits theaters November 4th, 2016

SOURCE: SCREENRANT

‘Doctor Strange’: Director and Cast Talk Pushing the Boundaries of Superhero Films

In a recent press junket, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, the director of Doctor Strange Scott Derrickson and the film’s stars, Benedict Cumberbatch and Mads Mikkelson discussed Doctor Strange’s impact on the MCU at large. The spark that Feige speaks about the character’s unique mystical experience with is truly refreshing, given the movie’s more etherial nature.

We always say we have to push the boundaries, we have to keep surprising people, and we have to keep making them unique and different, and certainly, this movie and this character fits all of that. And also, tapping into other dimensions and tapping into that supernatural realm of the Marvel Comic Universe is going to come in handy, as we move forward throughout the Cinematic Universe. So, the timing was perfect.

Derrickson marvels on the attention lore of the material at hand as well.

“I remember, in some of my early meetings, saying that my goal was for every set piece in the movie to be the weirdest set piece in any other movie, but each one of them would be uniquely odd and unusual and refreshing. And that comes out of movie fandom, more than anything else, because that’s what I want to see. I want to see event movies that use visual effects and visual effect sequences for more than just mass destruction.”

The leading men of the project also have a little bit of starshine in their eyes regarding their otherworldly roles.

Cumberbatch muses excitedly over donning the garb of Doctor Strange for the first time:

“I was giddy, like a child at Halloween. When I saw it, for the first time, Alex Byrne, our brilliant costume designer, who’s done a few of these films went, ‘Oh, you’re having as superhero moment, aren’t you?’ And I went, “Yeah, I think I am.”

Mikkelson remembers his journey from fanboy to zen flyboy:

“Basically, for half of my life, I was reading comic books, and the other half, I was watching Bruce Lee. So, when Scott was pitching this story to me, 10 minutes into the pitch, he said, ‘There’s a lot of Kung Fu and flying stuff.’ And I said, ‘Whoa, rewind to the Kung Fu bit. I’m on!’ It’s a childhood dream coming through. It’s just amazing that at the age of 108, I get the chance to fly around.”

To enjoy the full interview, head on over to Collider.

 

Doctor Strange hits theaters November 4th, 2016

SOURCE: COLLIDER

‘Doctor Strange 2’: Sequel in the Wings

The impossibilities are still endless awaiting the rapidly approaching release of ‘Doctor Strange,’ and director Scott Derrickson is already envisioning the future.

Derrickson told Den of Geek recently that should he have the opportunity to make the sequel, that he has plans to lean towards a darker lining regarding the dramatic personæ:

“What made The Dark Knight so great was that the origin story of Batman had been well-told, and then it was time to bring in a villain where you really got to go deep. And not just the Joker, also Two-Face. It was a more visceral experience, I’d love to be able to do that for Doctor Strange.”

I have no doubt that Doctor Strange as a first outing will be a visual stunner. Hopefully, the film will also establish Stephen Strange as Benedict Cumberbatch sinks fully into the role. The Dark Knight was not only a visceral experience but a writing tour de force by screenplay writer/director Christopher Nolan. As a writer, I can only dream, visualize, and hone myself in pursuit of such mastery presenting a sequel (or any movie) of that caliber.

It’s a healthy thing, and great practice to open up your visions of a character’s future when putting ‘pen to paper’ to any project to get a taste of potential outcomes today’s story may birth. I’m comfortable calling these musings ‘illusions’ and not ‘delusions of grandeur’ for the time being.

Doctor Strange hits theaters on November 4th, 2016

SOURCES: DEN OF GEEK, CBR

Deadpool Fans Unite for Change…and Quentin Tarantino?

After the rather drama-free departure of Tim Miller from ‘Deadpool 2’ Friday, it’s obvious there’s an empty seat that needs to be filled on this satire-saturated feature film. Fox has no doubt been mining for the perfect successor for the fan admired director. Some fan’s however, have decided to actively take matters into their own rapidly typing hands.

Sunday on Change.org, a petition-organizing site for the masses, fans assembled to gather votes to have directing tour de force Quentin Tarantino take to the set for our beloved merc-with-a-mouth. Carl Champion Jr., the creator of the petition is quite confident in the success that having the Academy Award winning Tarantino on the project would bring:

“If there was ever a chance to see Tarantino do a project almost guaranteed to make a billion dollars, this is it. We got a great taste of what this could be like in Kill Bill, but imagine having a guy like Tarantino write dialogue for The Merc with the Mouth! It would be so glorious. Join me!”

Having Tarantino’s spin on our favorite fourth wall-breaking badass would no doubt be something to see, but whether Fox takes the sway of potentially 2500 max dedicated Deadpool supporters is extremely unlikely. The sound of the cash registers at the box office is far too deafening for the clicking of keyboards to be heard over, and it’s the producer’s call on the creative end most of the time.

Thus far, with only 554 votes left to reach the petition goal, at least some of us agree with Champion Jr. Personally, I love Tarantino’s body of work, but I’m not feeling the feels about him potentially taking the directorial reins of the project. I’d rather see Tarantino do his own thing on his own projects, where he so often shines in full effect. With Deadpool having such an ardent protector and producer in star Ryan Reynolds, who’s vision of the character is so razor-focused it pushes any occluding visions completely out of the way, the next director will no doubt be a handpicked accompaniment to his dyed in the sites dedication. 

SOURCES: CHANGE.ORG, CBR.COM