After Manu Bennett’s performance as Slade Wilson A.K.A. Deathstroke on The CW’s Arrow, it came as no great surprise when the character resurged in DC’s relaunch of its entire line of comics titled “New 52”. Subsequently, the character was then announced as the villain for the upcoming solo Batman film earlier this year when Ben Affleck tweeted out a visual effects test featuring the supervillain.
Not much is known about the film itself other than Affleck is co-writing the film along with DC Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns. Affleck will direct the film as well as reprise his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne, first introduced in this year’s Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Shortly after the reveal of Deathstroke as the film’s villain, actor Joseph Mangianello was announced to play the character.
Recently, Manganiello sat down with former wrestling commentator Mark Madden when Mangianello offered some insight into the upcoming Batman film which is rumored to start filming in the spring of 2017.
When I met Ben we sat down and we talked about, you know, the role. We talked about the movie. His take is a fresh take but I think the audience is going to be surprised. Because it’s a road that no one’s really gone down that’s completely integral to, you know, who Batman is. And I think it’s gonna be refreshing but at the same time completely familiar. But it’s going to take this franchise in a direction that I think A LOT of people are going to be really happy about. It’s going to be gritty and action packed and cerebral and all of those elements that people love about Batman.
Ben’s a great director, man. I mean the last movie that man directed won best picture. He’s got an Oscar for writing. Like, this is all the components to go down as a… everything is lined up for a really really really great movie. Not only a superhero movie but just a great great movie.
A fresh yet familiar take might be just what DC needs to win back audiences who were turned off by BvS. One thing is for sure, the film absolutely needs to address the murders committed by Batman in BvS, after the hero threw out his principles when the core of his foundation was shook by Superman’s arrival on Earth.
A release date has yet to be revealed for solo Batman feature, however. Warner Bros. currently has two release dates set for Untitled DC films. The solo Batman, or The Batman as the film is rumored to be titled, could arrive as early as October 5, 2018 or as late as November 1, 2019.
Last nights episode of The Flash introduced us to an Earth 19 Harrison Wells dubbed “HR”, or as I called him in my review, Tom Cavanaugh. HR seemed equally as humourous as Harry but with without the snarky attitude. While Cisco and Caitlin instantly took a liking to him, Harry was immediately distrusting in what seemed like jealousy but was all too obvious of a misdirect.
Last nights episode of The Flash introduced us to an Earth 19 Harrison Wells dubbed “HR”, or as I called him in my review, Tom Cavanaugh. HR seemed equally as humourous as Harry but with without the snarky attitude. While Cisco and Caitlin instantly took a liking to him, Harry was immediately distrusting in what seemed like jealousy but was all too obvious of a misdirect.
In a promo released by The CW, Cisco has begun to grow suspicious of HR just as a mysterious meta-human monster goes on a rampage in Central City.
The synopsis for the episode also reveals that Dr. Caitlin Snow will reach out to her mother for help after her newfound powers have begun to manifest in unexpected and uncontrollabe ways.
The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.
CAITLIN CALLS ON HER MOTHER FOR HELP WITH HER GROWING META POWERS — Desperate to understand what is happening to her, Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker) visits her mother, Dr. Tannhauser (guest star Susan Walters), a renowned biomedical researcher, in the hopes that her mother can provide some answers about Caitlin’s growing meta-human powers.
However, when Dr. Tannhauser treats her daughter like a test subject, Caitlin grows cold and brings up past wounds causing the two to have a major blowout. Meanwhile, after a mysterious new meta-human attacks Central City, Barry (Grant Gustin) tries to convince Julian (Tom Felton) to let him assist on the case.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Marc revealed that the new district attorney, Adrian Chase A.K.A. Pissed ‘Royally’ Off (Josh Segarra) — who was introduced this past week in the episode titled “A Matter of Trust” would, in fact, become his comic book alter ego “Vigilante”.
Marc Guggenheim is at it again divulging information that for any other show would be considered a spoiler, but in the case of Arrow — spoilers are actually used to promote the show. For comic book fans in the know, it will come as no great surprise, however. General audiences prepare to be enlightened.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Marc confirmed that the new district attorney, Adrian Chase A.K.A. Pissed ‘Royally’ Off (Josh Segarra) — who was introduced this past week in the episode titled “A Matter of Trust” would, in fact, become his comic book alter ego “Vigilante”.
What’s kind of fun about the way we’re writing Adrian, and the way we’re portraying Josh’s character, is we’re writing with the knowledge that the audience has a certain amount of comic book knowledge. If they don’t, if you’re not a comic book fan, it’ll fly over your head and it’s totally fine; it’s like an adult joke in a Pixar movie. But if you are familiar with the comic, then you’ll probably interpret certain scenes in a very specific way, and that’s fun for us. I don’t think we’ve ever really done it in this fashion before, use what I call their comic book destiny as part of the storytelling.
It sounds good as long as they don’t go too far and alienate general audiences like certain superhero properties have (cough cough, BvS).
In the comics, Adrian Chase was a district attorney who took the law into his own hands as he took on the persona of Vigilante after losing faith in the corrupt criminal justice system. It was clear Adrian was extremely passionate about his job in the few minutes we got of him so far so it should be interesting to watch as he begins his descent into vigilantism. Being that he and Oliver already have a history and that Oliver is at work training Team Arrow 2.0, it seems likely that Vigilante is set to be the next addition to the new team.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman, ‘Justice League’ director Zak Snyder has shared a new photo of Gal Gadot looking incredible as usual as Wonder Woman in the upcoming film.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman, Justice League director Zak Snyder has shared a new photo of Gal Gadot looking incredible as usual as Wonder Woman in the upcoming film.
Justice League hits theaters November 17, 2017.
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
The next episode of Arrow will see how Oliver reacts to learning Diggle is now in prison after he was framed by his corrupt commanding officer for the murder of several officers from his unit when he discovered the CO was going to secure the triggers from Darmien Darhk’s nukes for himself in order to sell to the highest bidder.
The next episode of Arrow will see how Oliver reacts to learning Diggle is now in prison after he was framed by his corrupt commanding officer for the murder of several officers from his unit when he discovered the CO was going to secure the triggers from Darmien Darhk’s nukes for himself in order to sell to the highest bidder.
Arrow airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.
OLIVER STEPS IN FOR DIGGLE — Oliver (Stephen Amell) and Lyla (guest star Audrey Marie Anderson) team up on a secret mission for Diggle (David Ramsey). Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) finds out and disapproves of the plan and opts to stay behind. When Tobias Church (guest star Chad L. Coleman) launches a deadly assault against the city, Felicity must decide if she wants to send the recruits out sans the Green Arrow. Dermott Downs directed the episode written by Brian Ford Sullivan & Oscar Balderrama (#504). Original airdate 10/26/2016.
A matter of trust is a return to form for the series. After last week I was starting to lose faith again but this episode is a step back in the right direction.
A matter of trust is a return to form for the series. After last week I was starting to lose faith again but this episode is a step back in the right direction. Things get started with the Green Arrow back on the rooftops of Star City hunting down a drug dealer who sells “Stardust”— the latest designer drug in circulation on the streets which makes Vertigo look like child’s play. It was a good action scene that got the episode started in the right way to get us interested. I really appreciate when the score kicks in ramping up to the main title card.
The recruits are still in training and continue to prove they still have a long way to go. It’s good to see them getting some experience, even if they are making some pretty bad mistakes. Wild Dog is reckless and shortsighted but after his screw up when he killed (or so he thought he killed) the Stardust supplier, Derek Sampson (Cody Rhodes) — who the District Attorney was working on flipping — he was able to see the error in his ways and was better for it.
Rick Gonzalez as Wild Dog in Arrow. (The CW)
Echo Kellum was hilarious this episode as Curtis Holt/Mr. Fantastic. We even got the backstory for the inspiration behind his super persona. Echo has really started to come into his own on the show. As far as I’m concerned he needs to put Felicity in the backseat and take over for the comic relief full time. He needs to toughen up quickly though otherwise, he’s going to get himself killed.
Ragman was a big surprise for me this week. I absolutely hated him in the previous episode. I think his costume looks like something he pulled out of the trash and I can’t understand a word he says with his mask on, but as Rory Regan, he was actually pretty good. Definitely one of the most reasonable personalities bouncing around the training facility. Felicity coming clean about her decision to redirect one of the missiles on Genesis day to Havenrock — sacrificing thousands in order to save millions — was a good surprise. It’s not often I find myself happy with Felicity these days but telling Rory the truth showed growth and maturity on her part. Let’s just hope she doesn’t scold Oliver in front of his subordinates again (so inappropriate).
It’s not all positive for the recruits, though. Evelyn Sharp wasn’t bad but she has a long, long way to go. While she had an awesome moment jumping off the wall onto the stairs and taking down a goon, most of her action was pretty sloppy. I just don’t buy her as a crime fighter yet. Her young age doesn’t help very much either.
Continuing with the negative, the flashbacks are still pretty half-baked. If the last we saw from them wasn’t what seemed to be the final test in Oliver’s initiation into the Bratva, they would have been totally worthless in this episode. But I guess anything is better than chopping up a scene and doling beat after beat in flashback after flashback throughout the episode like the past two seasons.
Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen in Arrow. (The CW)
Diggles’s storyline was a major improvement from last week. He’s now in jail and working through his demons. Literally. When it was revealed his cellmate Deadshot was a figment of his own imagination I was shocked. I was really excited thinking Floyd Lawton was back after the big wigs at D.C. wrongly forced the producers to exit the character from the show because of the Suicide Squad film. Will Smith was an alright Deadshot but he wasn’t able to bring the depth to the character that makes you care about him while still being a really bad guy like Michael Rowe is able to.
Now for Stardust. Everybody give Cody Rhodes a round of applause. The former WWE superstar obviously cut his acting teeth in the ring over the last ten years but never has he been involved in a Hollywood production. I thought his performance in this episode bested Chadwick Boseman’s performance as Tobias Church in this season so far. The action was great and exceeded my expectations for the rematch I had hoped to see between Amell and Rhodes in the ring. It’s a shame the producers didn’t cast him as something more than a throwaway villain. But death isn’t enough to stop some people in the Arrowverse from returning so I have hope a couple of sliced tendons won’t be enough to keep Derek Sampson down.
Cody Rhodes as Derek Sampson in Arrow. (The CW)
Overall, I think Gregory Smith did a fantastic job directing this episode. Smith directed season three’s episode titled “Nanda Parbat”, one of my favorite episodes in the series to date (just before things went completely off the rails). Smith fell in love with the show in it’s early days and was definitely the right guy to help steer it back to how great the show used to be. Arrow still has a long way to go but this episode had the style and tone that made the show great but also felt fresh as it balanced Oliver as the Mayor while he also continued to train the new recruits.
Quick Thoughts:
-The new D.A. is totally sketchy and I don’t trust him, however. I do appreciate his sense of urgency.
-Quentin is definitely still drinking.
-Shut up Felicity. Just shut up.
-Hey, wait. We didn’t actually see anyone under the effects of Stardust…
Last night Dr. Harrison Wells and his daughter Jesse traveled through a breach from Earth-2 to Earth-1 to seek Barry’s help in order to train Jesse as the latest speedster. At the end of the episode, we got a glimpse of the suit Cisco made for Jesse but it won’t be until next week when we see her don it in full glory. Jesse can be seen in the costume in the preview for the episode titled “The New Rogues” but thanks to CBR we now have our first look at some official photos from the episode released by The CW.
Last night Dr. Harrison Wells and his daughter Jesse traveled through a breach from Earth-2 to Earth-1 to seek Barry’s help in order to train Jesse as the latest speedster. At the end of the episode, we got a glimpse of the suit Cisco made for Jesse but it won’t be until next week when we see her don it in full glory. Jesse can be seen in the costume in the preview for the episode titled “The New Rogues” but thanks to CBR we now have our first look at some official photos from the episode released by The CW.
The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.
Violet Beane as Jesse Quick in The Flash. (The CW)Violet Beane as Jesse Quick in The Flash. (The CW)Grant Gustin as The Flash and Violet Beane as Jesse Quick in The Flash. (The CW)
WENTWORTH MILLER RETURNS AS CAPTAIN COLD; MIRROR MASTER AND THE TOP BATTLE WITH THE FLASH — Barry (Grant Gustin) continues to train Jesse (guest star Violett Beane) and when a new meta human, Mirror Master (guest star Grey Damon), appears on the scene he lets her tag along. Mirror Master has teamed up with his old partner, Top (guest star Ashley Rickards), and is looking for Snart (Wentworth Miller) to even a score. Jesse is quick to join the chase but defies one of Barry’s orders which results in disastrous consequences. Stefan Pleszczynski directed the episode written by Benjamin Raab & Deric A. Hughes (#304). Original airdate 10/25/2016.
Ahead of Rhodes’ debut on tonight’s episode Arrow, CBR spoke exclusively with the now former WWE superstar on how his exit from the world of wrestling lead to his opportunity to guest star on the show.
Just over a year ago, Stephen Amell entered the ring at WWE Summerslam with his tag team partner Neville as the two faced off against Stardust(Cody Rhodes) and Wade Barrett. After months of an on-going feud which included several appearances on Monday Night Raw by Amell as well as numerous trash talking videos via social media, things culminated in spectacular fashion when Amell jumped from the top rope taking out both Barrett and Stardust. Amell tossed Barrett back into the ring for Neville to hit his high-flying signature finisher and secure the win.
Ahead of Rhodes’ debut on tonight’s episode Arrow, CBR spoke exclusively with the now former WWE superstar on how his exit from the world of wrestling lead to his opportunity to guest star on the show.
Selfishly, in my mind, when we did the initial crossover, I always thought, “That would be cool if Stardust made his way to ‘Arrow.’” As time went by, Stephen and I became buds. I thought that ship had maybe sailed. Then, in a dramatic fashion, I left WWE. When that happened, I had more time on my hands. I decided, “Why not? Why not read for it? I’m not asking for anything.” I went through the proper channels. “Let’s go read. Let’s get in the room.”
I have a tremendous amount of respect for Rhodes knowing he didn’t exploit his position as a celebrity as well as the humility he brought when approaching his audition for the show.
Tonight’s rematch between Amell and Rhodes feels like a dream come true knowing Amell will be in full Arrow gear with Black Neely’s rousing score behind them as they duke it out.
WRESTLING STAR CODY RHODES BRINGS THE SMACK DOWN TO STAR CITY —Now that Oliver (Stephen Amell) has his new team, they are ready to hit the streets but Oliver doesn’t feel they are ready. Headstrong Wild Dog (guest star Rick Gonzalez) defies the Green Arrow’s orders and sets out on his own after a new drug dealer, Derek Sampson (guest star Cody Rhodes), who is terrorizing Star City. Sampson proves more powerful than Wild Dog and it is up to the Green Arrow to go head to head with Sampson to save his teammate.
Former WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes A.K.A. Stardust is set to make his debut on tonight’s episode of Arrow. Rhodes will play a new drug dealer pushing a drug called “Stardust” around Star City. The preview gives us a taste of the fight scenes to come and echo the style and tone of the earlier seasons. Clips like this showcase exactly why I love this show.
Former WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes A.K.A. Stardust is set to make his debut on tonight’s episode of Arrow. Rhodes will play a new drug dealer pushing a drug called “Stardust” around Star City. The preview gives us a taste of the fight scenes to come and echo the style and tone of the earlier seasons. Clips like this showcase exactly why I love this show.
Arrow airs tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.
WRESTLING STAR CODY RHODES BRINGS THE SMACK DOWN TO STAR CITY —Now that Oliver (Stephen Amell) has his new team, they are ready to hit the streets but Oliver doesn’t feel they are ready. Headstrong Wild Dog (guest star Rick Gonzalez) defies the Green Arrow’s orders and sets out on his own after a new drug dealer, Derek Sampson (guest star Cody Rhodes), who is terrorizing Star City. Sampson proves more powerful than Wild Dog and it is up to the Green Arrow to go head to head with Sampson to save his teammate.
Barry gets trapped in the mirror world next week on The Flash as the iconic rogue Mirror Master makes his long-awaited debut.
Barry gets trapped in the mirror world next week on The Flash as the iconic rogue Mirror Master makes his long-awaited debut.
Rather than using technology for his abilities like he did in the comics, Mirror Master is the latest meta-human who was affected by the particle accelerator explosion. The episode will feature the return of Wentworth Miller as Captain Cold although he is not present in the preview but we do get our first look at Jesse Quick looking awesome in her full costume as she begins her training with Barry.
WENTWORTH MILLER RETURNS AS CAPTAIN COLD; MIRROR MASTER AND THE TOP BATTLE WITH THE FLASH — Barry (Grant Gustin) continues to train Jesse (guest star Violett Beane) and when a new meta-human, Mirror Master (guest star Grey Damon), appears on the scene he lets her tag along. Mirror Master has teamed up with his old partner, Top (guest star Ashley Rickards), and is looking for Snart (Wentworth Miller) to even a score. Jesse is quick to join the chase but defies one of Barry’s orders which results in disastrous consequences. Stefan Pleszczynski directed the episode written by Benjamin Raab & Deric A. Hughes.
Alternate World 