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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Battle of Star Wars - Batch#3 Heats (featuring Luke Skywalker, Yoda, Darth Maul & Darth Vader)

Well, as I run this Battle of Star Wars, I somehow managed to not post on Star Wars Day! That was silly, wasn't it?!

Or maybe I'm just in shock. Shock at how Batch 2 went. Han Solo got knocked out, and now we have Kylo Ren joining Princess Leia in the VIP lounge as we start our search for a champion in Batch#3.

16 more characters raise their heads and prep themselves for you to whittle them down to one victor.

This one is a biggie too, some big names coming up against each other early! Let's see...

LUKE SKYWALKER

Our first hero. The first STAR WARS trilogy was very much about Luke Skywalker, as played by Mark Hamill. We saw him trained up under Obi-Wan Kenobi, then trained up further by master Yoda before he took on his own father - Darth Vader. Hamill returned for the new films, and THE LAST JEDI saw Luke die - much to the upset of many fans. Personally, I didn't mind it. Do you think he'll be a blue force ghost in THE RISE OF SKYWALKER?

CASSIAN ANDOR

In ROGUE ONE, Jyn Erso found herself in league with the likes of Cassian Andor, a pesky rebel against the Empire. Diego Luna is expected to reprise his role in a sky thriller for Disney's streaming channel.

CHEWBACCA

Alas, just a couple of days ago Peter Mayhew died. Just before Star Wars Day. Mayhew played Chewbacca, everyone's favourite Wookiee, since A NEW HOPE. Chewie was Han Solo's co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon, and continues on in THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, now played by Joonas Suotama.

PALPATINE

Aka The Emperor. Aka Darth Sidious. He was the shadow lurking behind Anakin's transformation to Darth Vader. Ian McDiarmid played the role (properly) from RETURN OF THE JEDI, in all the prequel movies, and is set to return - somehow - in THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.

OBI-WAN KENOBI

Old Ben, as we first meet him in A NEW HOPE (played by Alec Guiness), is the one that sets Luke on his way to being a Jedi. From THE PHANTOM MENACE, Ewan McGregor played the role, as we watched him rise from young Padawan, to Jedi master himself.

ORSON KRENNIC

Ben Mendelsohn played this villain, working for the Empire, that went after Galen Erso in ROGUE ONE. He was in charge of Advanced Weapons... aka the Death Star.

GALEN ERSO

Jyn Erso's father, and also the creator of … the Death Star. A good man, pressed into villainy. He was played by Mads Mikkelsen in ROGUE ONE.

JANGO FETT

Jango was the man from which all the clones in ATTACK OF THE CLONES came from. He kept one back for himself, to raise as his son - Boba Fett. Jango Fett was played by Temuera Morrison.

QUI-GON JINN

Liam Neeson has played Zues (who is essentially God), Aslan (who is a Lion, but essentially God), R'as Al Ghul - the guy that trained Batman, and here... Qui-Gon Jinn... the guy who trains Obi-Wan Kenobi... and (almost) Anakin Skywalker. Saldy, Qui-Gon didn't make it out of THE PHANTOM MENACE.

VAL

Can't say too much about Val, other than she's the love interest of Tobias Beckett, and they're both thieves - that a young Han Solo gets caught up with. Val was played by Thandie Newton in SOLO.

MAZ KANATA

Lupita Nyong'o played Maz, a friend of Han Solo in THE FORCE AWAKENS, She's over 1000 years old and used to be a smuggler. When we met her, she was looking after Luke Skywalker's lightsaber, and attempts to give it to Rey.

MON MOTHMA

A leader of the Rebel Alliance, she later becomes Chancellor of the New Republic following the fall of The Empire. Initially played by Caroline Blakiston (RETURN OF THE JEDI) and then Genevieve O'Reilly (REVENGE OF THE SITH and ROGUE ONE).

YODA

Luke Skywalker was expecting something different when he was to meet with this great Jedi Master. A fan favourite, the little green guy has switched between puppet to CGI and back again, but always voiced by Frank Oz.

DARTH MAUL

Played by Ray Park, and voiced by Peter Serafinowicz in THE PHANTOM MENACE, Darth Maul was the one responsible for killing Qui-Gon, before Obi-Wan cut him in half. It was a bit of surprise when it turned out Maul was the figure head behind Crimson Dawn in SOLO.

PADME AMIDALA

When we first meet her she's a Queen, but things change and the becomes a senator. She also falls in love with young Jedi Anakin Skywalker. She dies during childbirth of their twin children - Luke and Leia.

ANAKIN SKYWALKER

When we first meet him in A NEW HOPE, we only know him as Darth Vader, the big evil across the galaxy. It is revealed in THE EMPIRE STRIKES back that he is Luke's father,and during the prequel trilogy we get his back story as the young innocent Anakin is seduced by the dark side.

There we have it, your 16 Batch#3 candidates. Only 8 of them can advance to the next round, and there are some tricky pairings. Head over to twitter, follow procrastinalien, and vote for your favourites.

You've got three days. Go!

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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The Battle of Star Wars - Batch#2 Final (Kylo Ren v Mace Windu)

The final two of Batch#2. The Battle of Star Wars is about to find another champ, with Batch#3 just around the corner.

Who will be joining Princess Leia in VIP room?

KYLO REN

Han Solo and Princess Leia's son, who has dedicated himself in following the ways of his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker. Adam Driver will continue to play young Ben Solo in the upcoming THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.

MACE WINDU

Samuel L Jackson's high ranking Jedi, Mace Windu was present throughout the three prequel movies. He was sent to apprehend Palpatine, but was killed for his efforts.

You have just two days to vote, so get over to twitter - add procrastinalien - and then vote your favourite.

Next week we bring out sixteen new characters for you to judge and dismiss. ;-)

#star wars #star wars saga #kylo ren #adam driver #mace windu #samuel l jackson #the rise of skywalker #revenge of the sith #the phantom menace #the force awakens #attack of the clones #the last jedi #Twitter

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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The Battle of Star Wars: Batch#2 Semi-Finals (featuring Kylo Ren, Count Dooku, General Hux & Mace Windu)

So, nobody is more stunned than I.

Han Solo was beaten by General Hux? What's going on people?

Still, here are in the Semi-Finals of Batch#2. Just four characters remain, waiting for you to vote on your favourites. Which two will make it to the final?

KYLO REN

Adam Driver's character was introduced in THE FORCE AWAKENS, revealed to be Ben Solo, the son of Han and Leia. He was trained in the ways of the force by his uncle Luke. He's a conflicted young man, and it'll be interested to see which side he stands come THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.

GENERAL HUX

I quite like General Hux. The character was definitely expanded on between THE FORCE AWAKENS and THE LAST JEDI. Will Domhnall Gleeson's role be expanded again for THE RISE OF SKYWALKER?

MACE WINDU

The highest ranked Jedi to die in REVENGE OF THE SITH, Master Windu could be distinguished in battle by his purple lightsaber. He was also noted because he was played by Samuel L Jackson. And he's awesome.

COUNT DOOKU

Dooku was once Yoda's Padawan, and then Qui-Gon's master, but still turned to the dark side. But he was played by Christopher Lee, so what did you expect?

You only have a couple of days to pass your vote, so head over to twitter and help decide who makes the final!

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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The Battle of Star Wars - Batch#2 Quarter-Finals (featuring Kylo Ren, BB-8, Mace Windu & Han Solo)

The Battle of Star Wars continues! 7 character have been evicted, as Batch#2 pushes forward to the Quarter-finals!

So, you're probably wondering who is left... well, read on my friends, read on...

WICKET

Everyone loves the Ewoks… right? I mean, they do, right? They're Ewoks. Wicket is the best known one too. He's played by Warwick Davies, and the big WD is a winner. For now.

KYLO REN

Will Ben Solo be the bad guy, or hero in THE RISE OF SKYWALKER? Time will tell. Time will also tell if he's destined to make it to the semi-finals.

HAN SOLO

Everyone's favourite smuggler shot first. Maybe. Well, either way, he's still here and I reckon stands a good chance at making it to the final.

GENERAL HUX

First introduced in THE FORCE AWAKENS, Hux certainly grew in character for THE LAST JEDI. Where will the next movie take him? Who knows, but let's be honest, Hux is currently up against Han Solo in this round so chances are he won't be making it out alive...

BB-8

The little scene-stealing droid stole the scene from Tobias Beckett to reach the quarter-finals. Does the little mite have what it takes to go the distance?

MACE WINDU

The purple lightsabre-wielding Jedi master may have died in REVENGE OF THE SITH, but he survived the first round. He is played by Samuel L Jackson, after all.

JYN ERSO

Felicity Jones was the first female lead in a STAR WARS movie. I've only just realised that. In this case, ROGUE ONE. But you knew that.

WEDGE ANTILLES

Wow, Denis Lawson's rebel pilot survived a Sith Lord, Count Dooku. Who saw that coming? I know I didn't.

COUNT DOOKU

I mean, he's a Sith Lord, played by Christopher Lee, so he wasn't going down without a fight, was he.

Those lot are your Quarter-Finalists, and you now have 3 days to pick your favourites... only 4 can progress! It's up to you, so head over to procrastinalien on twitter and get voting!

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Battle of Star Wars - Batch#2 Heats (featuring Han Solo, BB-8, Kylo Ren and Mace Windu)

We found our champion of Batch#1 and now we must buckle up to find your favourite character from Batch#2!

As usual, you should head over to twitter, following procrastinalien, and get voting on your favourite characters. Below are all 16 characters in Batch#2 of our Battle of Star Wars!

WICKET

Love them or hate them, the Ewoks are iconic, some would even say they're the real heroes of RETURN OF THE JEDI. ;-) None are more iconic than Wicket, the little Ewok played by Warwick Davis.

DJ

Benicio Del Toro played 'DJ' in THE LAST JEDI. Apparently the name is an alias, short for "Don't Join", and the character is a hacker, good at codebreaking.

AMILYN HOLDO

Vice Admiral Holdo is described as an "unconventional" Resistance Officer, assuming command when Leia Organa is injured in THE LAST JEDI. She was played by Laura Dern (famous for JURASSIC PARK)

KYLO REN

Son of Han and Leia, Ben Solo would train in the ways of the force under his uncle, Luke Skywalker. Taking to the dark side, Ren rose to power under Snoke and became obsessed with following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Darth Vader.

AHSOKA TANO

Personally, I've never seen an episode of THE CLONE WARS, but I do know it's popular with some, so I thought it only fair to include a couple of characters. In the series, Tano is the Padawan of future Darth, Anakin Skywalker. She was voiced by Ashley Eckstein.

HAN SOLO

One of the big three, arguably one of the most famous, and recognised characters in STAR WARS. The smuggler, turned General in the Resistence, Han Solo was always something a bit of a reluctant hero, cynical and a fan of making a quick buck with his best bud Chewbacca. He befriended Luke Skywalker, and fell in love with Princess Leia. He was played by Harrison Ford in four Episodes, and recently played by Alden Ehrenreich in a prequel movies SOLO.

ASAJJ VENTRESS

Another character from THE CLONE WARS, Ventress was an assassin trained under Count Dooku, but denied apprentice as a Sith. She was voiced by Nika Futterman.

GENERAL HUX

Armitage Hux is a young officer of the First Order, introduced in THE FORCE AWAKENS, and rising as a villain to watch in THE LAST JEDI. Played by Domhnall Gleeson, he's expected to return in the next episode.

TOBIAS BECKETT

Working for the Crimson Dawn, Tobias was a professional thief, acting as a mentor of sorts to rising smuggler Han Solo. Woody Harrelson played Beckett in SOLO.

BB-8

Is this the droid you're looking for? One of the best loved characters from the new wave of movies, BB-8 initially belonged to Poe Dameron in THE FORCE AWAKENS, but found it's way to accompany Rey. BB-8 is voiced by Bill Hader.

POE DAMERON

Dameron is one of General Organa's most trusted members of the Resistance. Played by Oscar Isaac, Poe was first introduced in THE FORCE AWAKENS.

MACE WINDU

One of the highest members of the Jedi Council to perish REVENGE OF THE SITH. Mace Windu was played by Samuel L Jackson, and wielded a purple lightsaber, distinguishing him onscreen from all other Jedi.

KIT FISTO

One of the Jedi Council send to apprehend the future Emperor, Palpatine, Kit Fisto died along with the majority of the Jedi. He was recognisable because of his green, squid-like, features.

JYN ERSO

Felicity Jones played Erso in ROGUE ONE, where she fought for the Rebel Alliance in an attempt to steal the plans for the deadly Death Star.

WEDGE ANTILLES

Denis Lawson (uncle to Ewan McGregor) played Wedge, a respected pilot of the Rogue Squadron. He was present at both attacks of the two Death Stars. I was present in all three original STAR WARS movies.

COUNT DOOKU

Once a Padawan to Grand Master Yoda, he himself trained Qui-Gon Jinn... however, Dooku was revealed to be Darth Tyranus, a Sith Lord. Christopher Lee played Dooku in ATTACK OF THE CLONES and REVENGE OF THE SITH.

So, there you are, the 16 character in this batch - and I'm sure you'll agree there's a lot of big names in there. I was pretty certain who the final two would be in batch one, but I'm not convinced I could call the final two in this one. Make your votes count for your favourites!

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Battle of Star Wars - Batch#1 Final (R2-D2 v Princess Leia)

Back again? Of course you are. You are because we're now in the Batch#1 final of our Battle of Star Wars!

So far, you've evicted fourteen characters from the competition, and now just two remain in this group. But which one will be the last character standing?

R2-D2

The lovable little white and blue droid is still with, beeping and blooping is way along. Once played by Kenny Baker, and now Jimmy Vee, Artoo has appeared in all 8 episodes of the STAR WARS SAGA, and will appear in Episode IX.

PRINCESS LEIA

Is it any surprise that Leia Organa is still standing strong? Had I put money on any character reaching this final, it'd have been Leia. The late Carrie Fisher's legacy is as strong as the force itself.

In just three days we'll know the winner of the batch, and then we'll bring out the Batch#2 characters to play.

Get yourselves over to twitter - follow Procrastinalien - and vote for your favourite character. The Droid or the Princess. The choice is yours.

#star wars #r2-d2 #artoo #kenny baker #jimmy vee #Princess Leia #leia organa #Carrie Fisher #a new hope #The Empire Strikes Back #the return of the jedi #the force awakens #the last jedi #episode ix #the phantom menace #attack of the clones #revenge of the sith #Twitter #droid

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Battle of Star Wars - Batch#1 Semi-Finals (R2-D2, Qi'ra, Finn & Princess Leia)

Hey there aliens!

We're back, and we find ourselves in the Batch#1 semi-finals for the Battle of Star Wars!

12 characters have already been tossed aside, and now four progress for another round of popularity. Who will venture forth to the final? That's up to you. Here's who's still in it to win it...

R2-D2

The little droid did good, and stands a round further than his golden buddy.

FINN

The former stormtrooper keeps storming on. I'm sure John Boyega is pleased.

QI'RA

Emilia Clarke's character was popular enough to knock out Boba Fett! Who saw that coming?

PRINCESS LEIA

The late, great, Carrie Fisher's most iconic role is still doing her justice, and Leia Organa is surely a favourite to win this batch... right?

Those are your four semi-finalists, but only two can go in the final - so get yourselves over to twitter - be sure to follow procrastinalien - and get voting for your favourites! You have three days!

#star wars #r2-d2 #kenny baker #droid #finn #john boyega #star wars saga #the force awakens #a new hope #emilia clarke #game of thrones #qi'ra #solo #Princess Leia #leia organa #Carrie Fisher #the last jedi #episode ix

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Battle of Star Wars - Batch#1 Quarter-Finals (featuring C-3PO, R2-D2, Finn and Princess Leia)

Batch#1 of our Battle of Star Wars is well underway, with eight characters already banished to the planet of Hoth.

We now find ourselves in the Quarter-Finals, with eight characters still fighting against the dark side.

Who's still in it to win it?

BODHI ROOK

Played by Riz Ahmed in ROGUE ONE, the first spin-off.

R2-D2

One of two characters to featuring in all the main STAR WARS episodes, R2-D2 was played by Kenny Baker, and now Jimmy Vee.

DRYDEN VOS

Paul Bettany appeared in SOLO, as Vos, the face of Crimson Dawn.

FINN

Former Storm Trooper (FN-2187), Finn now fights for the goodies, played by John Boyega.

BOBA FETT

A clone of his 'father', Boba Fett captured the imagination of fans, as well as capturing Han Solo.

QI'RA

GAME OF THRONES actor Emilia Clarke portrayed Han's first love interest Qi'ra in SOLO.

C-3PO

The other character to appear in all of the main STAR WARS SAGA, C-3PO has been played by Anthony Daniels since the beginning.

PRINCESS LEIA

Whether you know her a Princess Leia, Princess Leia in a gold bikini, or General Leia Organa, Carrie Fisher played her in five movies. Despite Fisher's death, Leia is expected to appear in Episode IX.

So these are the survivors, and only four can advance to the semi-finals. But who? That's up to you. Head over to twitter - add procrastinalien - and get voting. You've got 3 days!

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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The ninth season of THE WALKING DEAD has now finished... and what a season it was. Personally I really enjoyed it.

It was billed as Rick Grimes’ final season, and a 6 year time jump followed his exit. We have now met the Whisperers! Already looking forward to season 10... but here are the cast (as billed in the opening titles) that we’ve followed during season nine...

ANDREW LINCOLN (Rick Grimes)

NORMAN REEDUS (Daryl Dixon)

LAUREN COHAN (Maggie Rhee)

DANAI GURIRA (Michonne)

MELISSA MCBRIDE (Carol Peletier)

ALANNA MASTERSON (Tara Chambler)

JOSH MCDERMITT (Eugene Porter)

CHRISTIAN SERRATOS (Rosita Espinosa)

SETH GILLIAM (Father Gabriel Stokes)

ROSS MARQUAND (Aaron)

KATELYN NACON (Enid)

TOM PAYNE (Paul ‘Jesus’ Rovia)

KHARY PAYTON (King Ezekiel)

SAMANTHA MORTON (Alpha)

and JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN (Negan)

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Battle of Star Wars - Batch#1 Heats (featuring Princess Leia, Finn, R2-D2 and Jar Jar Binks)

It's been a while, but we're back with another battle... we've had a Battle of the Superheroes, a Battle of Star Trek, and a Battle of The Walking Dead. Now it's time for... the Battle of Star Wars!

Over the next few weeks we will whittle 64 STAR WARDS characters down to just one winner. Of course, by 'we', that means... you! You kind find the polls for the first of 16 characters over on twitter - add procrastinalien and get voting!

But "who are these 16 characters", I hear you cry! Well, here is a brief breakdown on the characters begging for you vote in Batch#1.

BODHI ROOK

The first character we have is actually from one of the spin-off movies ROGUE ONE, with Bodhi played by Riz Ahmed. Rook is a former Imperial pilot that defects to fight for the Rebellion.

SHMI SKYWALKER

Pernilla August may not have a whole lot of screen time in THE PHANTOM MENACE and ATTACK OF THE CLONES, but she does have a very important role to play in the STAR WARS universe... she's Darth Vader's mother! Of course she didn't know her little Anakin would turn out to be a big bad, did she.

R2-D2

Everyone's favourite little white and blue droid. Is he C-3PO's sidekick, or the real hero of the STAR WARS Saga. I think the latter, personally. So far only 2 characters have appeared in each of the Saga episodes... and R2 is of them. Originally Kenny Baker was inside the beepy dustbin, but is now played by Jimmy Vee.

ADMIRAL ACKBAR

Anyone for calamari? Mon Calamari that is. But be careful "It's a Trap"! Ackbar appears first in RETURN OF THE JEDI, and now reappears in THE FORCE AWAKENS, and THE LAST JEDI. Erik Bauersfeld voices the Admiral, whilst the movement comes from Tim Rose.

JAR JAR BINKS

Is he really the most 'hated' character in the STAR WARS saga? I mean, really? Well, possible. I bet he picks up some votes here though Ahmed Best played the clumsy Gungan throughout the prequel trilogy, his largest role being THE PHANTOM MENACE.

DRYDEN VOS

Vos is described as the public face of the syndicate Crimson Dawn. He tries to kill Han Solo in SOLO, the second STAR WARS spin-off, and I have to say Paul Bettany cuts a decent villain.

BOSS NASS

The leader of the Gungan's, appearing in THE PHANTOM MENACE, and voiced by the unmistakable tones of Brian Blessed. In fact, he sort of looks like him too... but more toadlike.

FINN

John Boyega was one of the new generation of STAR WARS actors announced when we found out we were getting a new sequel trilogy. Finn starts off a stormtrooper (FN-2187) for the First Order, but realises that's not what he wants and becomes one our heroes.

BOBA FETT

Originally played Jeremy Bulloch, Boba Fett quickly became a fan favourite after the bounty hunter turned up in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. We got a little backstory to the character in the prequel trilogy, when we discover that Boba is actually a clone from his father Jango.

KI-ADI MUNDI

One of the characters played by Silas Carson, Mundi is one of the Jedi Council in the prequel trilogy - and therefore becomes one of the more prominent deaths come REVENGE OF THE SITH.

CAPTAIN PHASMA

Gwendoline Christie (GAMES OF THRONES) is a fancy Stormtrooper type (shiny silver armour no less) who takes a particular dislike to Finn following his defection in THE FORCE AWAKENS.

QI-RA

Before Han Solo fell for a certain princess, and before he fell for a certain heap of flying junk, he had another love - Qi-ra. They lived on the streets together before both of them making off. Whilst Han became a smuggler, Qi-ra began working for Crimson Dawn. She was played by Emilia Clarke (another actor from GAME OF THRONES).

WILHUFF TARKIN

Peter Cushing portrayed Grand Moff Tarkin in the first STAR WARS movie, overseeing command of the Death Star, 'ruling through fear of force'. He's one of the first villains we meet in the universe... and had popped up in other movies played by Wayne Pygram (REVENGE OF THE SITH) and Guy Henry (ROGUE ONE).

C-3PO

Like R2-D2, C-3PO has appeared in all STAR WARS Saga movies, in various stages of construction. The neurotic droid had been played by Anthony Daniels since the beginning, and is expected to appear in the next movie out this year.

SIO BIBBLE

Bibble is described as the governor of Naboo, and a member of the Royal Advisory Council towards the end of the Galactic Republic, and start of the Galactic Empire. He was played by Oliver Ford Davies, and his inclusion isn't at all to fill a gap...

PRINCESS LEIA

So here we have the first of the 'big three' (Luke, Han and Leia) from the original trilogy. I have purposely separated them into different batches so they can't meet too early. Leia Organa, is Luke Skywalker's twin sister, and daughter to Darth Vader... with her lover Han Solo, they have a son - Kylo Ren. Carrie Fisher, played Leia in the first three movies, returning for THE FORCE AWAKENS and THE LAST JEDI. Despite the actress' death, Leia will return for EPISODE IX.

So there you have it. Those are your first 16 characters... now get yourselves to twitter and vote for your favourites in each pairing. In three days the remaining 8 will face each other in the Batch#1 Quarter-Finals.

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Casting The Batman: Allies and Villains

Last week I started suggesting actors to replace Ben Affleck as Batman, for Matt Reeves' upcoming THE BATMAN. I offered 12 suggestions, of which my personal favourite remains Karl Urban (from the new STAR TREK films, and DREDD).

Now, however, I turn my attention to the supporting cast... starting with characters that already exist within the DCEU (remembering, we don't actually know for certain if this movie is included within that).

ALFRED PENNYWORTH

Alfred is (officially) Bruce Wayne's butler, but he also runs the Batcave, and help makes Batman's suits, and some of his weapons. For a long while, he's the only person that knows Bruce's big secret, and has cared for the young Wayne boy ever since the death of his parents.

Jeremy Irons plays Alfred so far in the shared universe, playing him in both BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE and JUSTICE LEAGUE. The character has previously be played by Alan Napier (60s TV series), Michael Gough (Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's movies) and Michael Caine (THE DARK KNIGHT Trilogy).

But who could take on the role in THE BATMAN? Here are some suggestions...

PATRICK STEWART

Well, why not? I mean, I may be suggesting him because I'm a Trek fan, and the actor may feel playing Bruce Wayne's butler and bit of a come down from playing Professor X, leader of the X-MEN... still, he's English, could totally play a butler, and would be believable in bossing Batman around as he gets himself into some dangerous situations.

At 78, Stewart's getting on a bit (8years older than Irons), and if Reeves' decides on a younger Batman, he may go with a younger Alfred too...

COLIN FIRTH

Yep, you heard me, Colin Firth. He's edging towards 60, which sets him as a good age for Batman in his 30s. Firth is your typical stiff-upper Englishman, and just in case Alfred needs to get involved in fist-cuffs he proved he can manage a bit of action here and there when he took the part of Galahad in KINGSMAN. Originally I was going to suggest Hugh Grant, but then immediately switched to Firth and am actually starting to really like the idea.

COMMISSIONER JAMES GORDON

To many, JK Simmons will always be J Jonah Jameson from the SPIDER-MAN movies, but Simmons also happens to be James Gordon in the DCEU. He's only had one appearance as yet (JUSTICE LEAGUE) so it's always possible he and Irons will continue over to Reeves' Batflick. But just in case, I'll make a couple of suggestions for the future Batgirl's father, to join the ranks of Neil Hamilton (60s), Pat Hingle (80s/90s) and Gary Oldman (Nolan's movies).

TOM SELLECK

I like Tom Selleck, always have. Not seem him in that much though. It was cool in MAGNUM PI, and one of my favourite guest stars in FRIENDS. For me, I think Selleck has the spot on look for Gordon. Well, an elderly Gordon. Selleck is 74 now. Which actually would place him nicely with my suggestion of Stewart for Alfred. I could see Selleck as a police Commissioner.

Looking for someone a little younger?

JOSH BROLIN

Brolin's in his 50s and that would place him nicely opposite Firth's Alfred. Also, Brolin's collecting comic book characters right now. He's played Cable in DEADPOOL 2, and famously decimated half of existence in AVENGERS: ENDGAME. Fighting crime on the streets might be a little low key for him now. Still, I reckon he'd rock the 'tache.

Now moving on to the villains. But who the villains? Originally the villain that had been announced was Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke - to be played by Joe Manganiello. That was when Affleck was in line to write and direct though, and explains the post-credit scene with Deathstroke and Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). Matt Reeves has apparently suggested that he'd like to include the following rogue...

THE PENGUIN

Oswald Cobblepot was played by Burgess Meredith in the 60s and the (somewhat iconic) turn Danny DeVito in the 90s. I have only one suggestion for the role here...

TOBY JONES

This isn't the first time I've suggested him, and I will continue to suggest him until he (or someone else) is cast. Jones is a good actor, and think has a Penguin-esque vibe about him. So much so, I'm not even going to suggest anyone else.

Now, typically, we can usually expect a second villain in a Batman movie, and everything is pointing to one of my favourites....

THE RIDDLER

What Reeves has described his Batflick as being, certainly points to The Riddler. I certainly have my fingers crossed. I'm still frustrated that Nolan didn't bring the character in for his trilogy. Before that, Edward Nygma appearing in the 90s as played by Jim Carrey, and in the 60s, played by Frank Gorshin.

This isn't the first time I've suggested actors for the part...but here's two I've never thought of, until recently...

JAMES MCAVOY

McAvoy has actually suggested himself for the part. He likes how DC do their villains, and might be setting his sights on the upcoming movie, now that it looks like his role as Charles Xavier is coming to and end (thanks to the Fox/Disney merger). McAvoy is a fantastic actor, as demonstrated in SPLIT and GLASS where he tackles multiple personalities in a masterclass. If Warner Bros. grabs JM for The Riddler, that would pretty exciting.

Alternatively...

DAN STEVENS

I was originally going to suggest Stevens as potential (out of the box) option for Bruce Wayne, but then immediately switched to him playing Nygma. He's also a good actor... and I think, if you want an example of how he suits the role just look at his lead role in the mind-bending LEGION series (another X-MEN property, it so happens).

So there you go, these are my suggestion for the characters that could pop up in THE BATMAN. I could go further, and try my hand at casting Vicki Vale or Lucius Fox, either of whom could turn up. Maybe I will, but for now, let me know what you think of these suggestions!

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Casting The Batman

Director Matt Reeves said in a Q&A that he expects THE BATMAN to start production at the end of this year. Now that's still quite a way off, but for that to happen a few things need to happen... like casting.

It's be confirmed that Ben Affleck has stepped away from the Batcave, and we're now looking at a new actor putting on the cowl.

Firstly, we need to asses... is Reeves' Batflick part of the DCEU, or does it stand aside, like the upcoming JOKER movie starring Joaquin Phoenix, despite the fact Jared Leto is expected to carry on as the Clown Prince of Crime within the shared universe.

Why is this important? Well, Whilst Affleck is going off, that doesn't mean the supporting characters have to change cast, especially if it's in the shared universe. Particular roles are in place. Jeremy Irons as played Alfred in two movies now, and JK Simmons popped up in the JUSTICE LEAGUE as Commissioner James Gordon. Either of those actors could continue. Even if this movie is in the past. Sure a younger actor in either part may make sense, but CAPTAIN MARVEL just proved you can do a whole film with nifty de-aging effects (Samuel L Jackson's Nick Fury).

Whilst I will, naturally, look towards who could be cast in supporting (and villainous) roles, right now we're going to focus on the big issue. Who should play Batman?

Below are a list of different actors who I've seen suggested, or am suggesting myself, that could end up as the next Dark Knight. I've included a variety of ages too... just covering the bases.

KARL URBAN

This one was an obvious inclusion. Before Affleck was announced, Urban was my (and seemingly half the internet) top choice. Probably best known currently as Dr McCoy in the new age STAR TREK movies, he also appeared as DREDD, and more recently played Skurge in THOR: RAGNAROK over in the MCU. He's around the same age as Affleck (both born in 1972), so this would be more of a direct recast, but a popular one I believe.

ROBERT PATTINSON

Urg. No. This would annoy me... but a major rumour recently was that the TWILIGHT star was in talks for Bruce Wayne and his alter ego. To be honest, it wouldn't be the WORST casting in the DCEU (Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, anyone?) and I would still give the guy a go. It's just not a casting I'd be excited about. With Pattinson we'd have a Batman in his early 30s.

ARMIE HAMMER

The funny thing with this one... it was basically reported that Hammer had got the job. The actor had to debunk the casting himself. There's quite a fanbase for the actor to get this role, and to be fair, he had once been attached to a Batman role in the past, when he was cast as Bruce Wayne in a defunct JUSTICE LEAGUE movie. Still, whilst the actor said nobody (in power) had talked to him, the media buzz may have brought him to the attention of Reeves... so I wouldn't rule out this casting entirely. I'd certainly prefer it to Pattinson. Both actors are the same actor as 32.

AIDAN TURNER

This Irish actor is very popular with the ladies (good for Bruce Wayne) and was a sheer highlight as vampire Mitchell in BEING HUMAN (the UK series)… He's currently the heartthrob lead in POLDARK, and was the heartthrob dwarf Kili in THE HOBBIT trilogy. And whilst there probably has been a lot of onus on his looks, he just happens to be a really good actor, and in his mid 30s, I believe shouldn't be dismissed as a potential Batman (or Bond!).

TARON EGERTON

Now, this wouldn't be an ideal choice, but I'm throwing it in there. Egerton's currently 29, so the youngest on my list at this point, and he's making quite a name for himself. I think his best qualification for Batman is his role in the KINGSMAN franchise, but he also recently played ROBIN HOOD. He's possibly a little on the short side for Batman, and whilst he has the physicality for the role, I don't think he's the best fit for Bruce Wayne. However, I would definitely put him near the top of a NIGHTWING list. As Dick Grayson does become Batman at some point, I thought it'd be fair to include him on here.

K J APA

Apa's the youngest person on this list at 21. If I'm honest, I'm not sure he quite has the charisma for Bruce Wayne, and he feels a little young for Bats, but that might be what Reeves is looking for. Apa is Archie, the lead character in RIVERDALE, and he does get to play detective - which plays into comments Reeves has made.

KIT HARINGTON

Funnily enough, I was actually going to include Harington's onscreen brother Richard Madden, from GAME OF THRONES but I've switched it. Harington certainly has the broody look down. We all know how Batman likes to brood, and with GoT coming to an end, Kit's probably looking for a new high-profile acting gig. THE BATMAN wouldn't be a bad way to go. Not sure how people would take to this casting though, I'm not sure how the actor is perceived in the public eye. Agewise, he's inline with the likes of Pattinson and Hammer.

LIAM NEESON

I said, I'd be cover all the bases, and this one's going the other way, with an older actor. Liam Neeson is 66. He's already been a part of the Batworld, featuring in THE DARK KNIGHT trilogy as villain R'as Al Ghul. But what if we turned that around and made him the big man himself. Casting Zeus, Aslan and Qui-Gon Jinn as Batman works for me!

JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN

Okay, so this is not a clear-cut choice... but I'm throwing it out there anyway. Morgan played Thomas Wayne in the opening scenes of BATMAN V SUPERMAN. We know that there's an upcoming move (supposedly) based on FLASHPOINT, and in that, rather than Bruce becoming Batman, his father does instead. What if the DCEU are clever and tie this alternative reality into the cast change... handing the cowl over to Morgan. Personally I like it. Recasting Batman without recasting Bruce Wayne. Morgan is in his 50s, and currently plays the violent Negan in THE WALKING DEAD.

BRAD PITT

No, really. Like Morgan, Pitt is in his 50's, but he's still got that good-looking, swagger (perfect for an aging Bruce), and he'd be a pretty commercial choice I think. Plus, Pitt is a pretty decent actor. He'd be able to display a few different facets for the caped crusader, and might be able to channel that dark SEVEN vibe, tying in with Matt Reeves' noir detective tale.

Now, I should probably start wrapping this list up. I've already listed 10, but there's still two more I think deserve a mention. One positive, one negative.

JAKE GYLLENHAAL

Now, you're probably expecting Jake to be the positive, but no. I do not like the idea of him playing Batman. He's not right for the role. So why am I including him now? Gyllenhaal was a possible casting way back when Christian Bale was cast. As were Joshua Jackson and Wes Bentley. I'd actually rather Bentley get given the shot of any of them, but Jake gets the mention because apparently Matt Reeves may have his eye on him. I'm not against JG as an actor, in fact I'm looking forward to his turn as Mysterio in SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME over at the MCU. I just don't think he'd be *my* Batman if he were to be cast.

Which leaves us with...

OSCAR ISAAC

I saw Isaac's name pop up on another list, and you know what... I wouldn't mind it. I wouldn't have thought of him myself, He's half Guatemalan, half Cuban, which would add ethnicity to the character that had typically been played by straight up white American or Brits, with being as controversial as, say casting Idris Elba (who, incidentally has joined the DCEU as Deadshot, replacing Will Smith). Isaac is suave enough to play Bruce, and intense enough to play Batman. He's a good actor, and now has quite a following thanks to his part in the current STAR WARS trilogy. Of the twelve candidates listed here, he's definitely up the top end for me.

It would have been quite easy to fall in with listing every dark-haired furrow-browed actor in Hollywood, but I tried to streamline the list a little. Personally for me, my tick rests near Urban still, although I accept it's unlikely. It's going to be interesting to see who they do go with in the end. There was a lot of negativity against Affleck's casting, but I think most can agree he's been a highlight of the DCEU.

Whoever get's cast, will be filling the shoes of Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale and Affleck. Soon, I'll also be looking at the supporting cast - including an actor I almost included here as a potential Batman, but then realised I'd love to see him as a Riddler...

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 has a Director! Um... James Gunn!

Yesterday we were given the awesome gift of a new trailer and poster for AVENGERS: ENDGAME... and today we are treated once again...

Disney have reinstated James Gunn as the director of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3.

If you're a fan of the GOTG movies, then this is awesome news. Disney had fired Gunn from the project due to historic offensive tweets. A lot of fans argued this, as Gunn had already apologised for these, and they were before he'd started working for Marvel. The cast were also quite vocal, Dave Bautista in particular (he threatened to walk - contract or non contract - if they didn't at least use Gunn's script for the third movie)… and now, some time later things have calmed down and Gunn is back.

A lot of other directors had also spoken out stating they thought he should be allowed to continue - and other companies expressed interest in the director if Disney didn't want him. In fact, Gunn's now working on THE SUICIDE SQUAD for Warner Brothers, as part of the DCEU. It's actually possible Disney have had to backtrack a little, as it's quite possible they couldn't find anyone wishing to take on the project.

Whatever the real reason, Gunn's return is good news. Whilst guided by Marvel, the two previous GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY movies were very much his vision, his tone... and it makes sense to allow him to close out the trilogy with this cast.

It had previously been noted by Marvel visionary Kevin Feige that Vol 3 had really paved the way for a cosmic side to the MCU going forward.

Gunn will now complete his work on THE SUICIDE SQUAD, with the likes of Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, and Idris Elba taking from Will Smith as Deadshot… and then move on to GOTG Vol 3. Originally the third movie was expected to be released early 2020, and whilst that's now unlikely, it probably won't be too far off. Maybe 2021 at the latest.

All the surviving cast members from the last film are expected to return: Chris Pratt (Star-Lord), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Vin Diesel (Groot), Bradley Cooper (Rocket), Karen Gillan (Nebula), Pom Klementieff (Mantis) and Sean Gunn (Kraglin).

Of course, we will have to see how AVENGERS: ENDGAME pans out, as it's possible not all those characters will still be present (Nebula is a full on Avenger now judging by the looks of the trailer) and most of the team were dusted by Thanos' finger snap. But that's going to be undone... right? I mean, right??? Either way, I would also expect a sneaky flashback cameo for Michael Rooker's Yondu in there somewhere too ;-)

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Avengers: Endgame - Who got credited

Earlier today Marvel dropped us a little nugget of joy... the AVENGERS: ENDGAME, along with a new poster.

This meant a lot of fans going drippy over new shots of various characters... especially the (semi) controversial scene showing the gang in their quantum suits... showing us that Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and Nebula (Karen Gillan) make it to Earth in time to suit up - strolling out with rest of the team. But for me, I get excited over the credits... finding out which actors appear in the credit block at the bottom of the poster. A big wonder this time around was whether those characters we saw dusted from Thanos' powerful finger snap would be featured at all. They certainly don't appear in the trailer... and now we know none of the actors playing them are featured in the credit block. Chris Pratt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland etc... they're all absent.

For now.

Why am I saying 'for now'? Well, the MCU have a slight history of making changes to those credits... to explain this better, the best film I can reference is AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON.

When we received our first official credit listing we got 14 actors billed. A week or so later, the poster showed a further 3 actors inserted. That seemed to be it, but Marvel were keeping secrets and held back the casting of Linda Cardellini, who played Hawkeye's wife. When AGE OF ULTRON was later released on DVD etc, Cardellini had now also been included on the list... meaning that film ended up with 18 actors.

So, back to ENDGAME.... the poster gives us 16 actors listed. I strongly believe this number to rise... possibly before the film is released, but I can almost guarantee the DVDs will have a much larger ensemble. Once all the secrets out of the way. Apart from straight up intuition, there's two little clues in there too.

Let me list the actors now:

Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Benedict Wong, Jon Favreau, Bradley Cooper as Rocket with Gwyneth Paltrow with Josh Brolin as Thanos.

Obviously, Renner (Hawk-Eye), Rudd (Ant-Man), Larson (Captain Marvel) and Favreau (Happy) were all absent in INFINITY WAR so are new additions, but the rest are all expected. So what are the clues? Well the little clue first... Cooper's credit. This is the first time we've had Rocket as a credited character with out his Ent sidekick, Groot. As it happens, in both GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY movies and INFINITY WAR, Vin Diesel has been credited before Cooper, and in a very particular way.... 'featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket'. I would've imagined Cooper to receive a 'featuring' before his name, but it's oddly absent. As I say though, that's only a little clue, the bigger clue is...

'with Josh Brolin as Thanos'.

Never, in the previous 21 movies has the credit block ended on a 'with', ALWAYS climaxing with a good, sought after, 'and'. So, this is also more than a little odd. IF this is truly the final credit order.

I would think it much more likely that the finished article will have 'featuring Vin Diesel' and have at least one more name added after Brolin's credit. In the first two event movies, Samuel L Jackson received the 'and' credit, but in the third (and in Jackson's absence) it was given to Chris Pratt.

I wouldn't like to say which of these actors will get the and, but in theory both could featuring after Thanos. If Jackson doesn't receive a credit at all then it'll belong to Pratt, but I would guess... maybe... if both actors end up credited, Pratt will find a place further up the credits, near the top, and Jackson will receive his standard 'and Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury' moniker.

I do believe by the time you can buy a physical copy of this movie, Cumberbatch, Holland, Diesel, Hiddleston, Pratt etc... they'll all be there. Hopefully, when that happens, you'll think back to this blog and remember me! :-)

One thing I do love about the credits... Evans has moved back up to second spot, and place he hasn't had since THE AVENGERS, Hemsworth getting it for the last two outings.

Whatever happens with the credits, the trailer and poster was a lovely surprise and brings hype what will be the closer to 11 years of these movies.

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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A Few Thoughts for Avengers: Endgame

*SPOILERS FOR AHEAD FOR CAPTAIN MARVEL*

In the post-credits scene in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, audiences saw Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) get out a pager, sending out a signal just before he became dust thanks to Thanos' finger snap. We then saw a symbol on the pager and fans recognised the emblem as belonging to Captain Marvel.

In CAPTAIN MARVEL (set in the 90s), we see Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) give this same pager to Fury with the order to only contact her in case of an emergency.

Mid-credits we find a scene from AVENGERS: ENDGAME... and that same pager is the focus. This time hooked up to a computer, being monitored by the likes of Rogers (Chris Evans), Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) - they don't know what signal it's been sending, with Black Widow stating she wants to know who's on the other end. Right at that moment Danvers appears behind them asking where Fury is.

This has made me (and many other fans around the globe) think about this scene's position in the movie... here are a few of the thoughts (some of my own, some I read elsewhere).

FAKE?

Is this an actual scene from ENDGAME? Some think it won't be, that this won't exactly be how Captain Marvel meet the Avengers. Or that the scene is altered in some way. Possibly it's not even a scene from ENDGAME at all and is just for CAPTAIN MARVEL. Personally I think it IS a scene from the event movie, and I agree with the others at when this scene appears...

EARLY DAYS

The scene feels like it's going to pop up very early in ENDGAME. The finger snap seems quite fresh and the Avengers are still working things out, trying to secure info on who disappeared in the tragic finger snap. We could be talking as early as the opening ten minutes... and if that is the case that could solve a little mystery...

THE MISSING AVENGER

After the last trailer for ENDGAME aired fans pointed out there were some odd gaps in some scenes, suggesting a character may have been edited out to avoid spoilers. Lots of suggestions... but it now seems most likely to be Captain Marvel. It would make a lot of sense... Marvel not wanting to show us their new character before her own movie (she had been rumoured back for AGE OF ULTRON, with Joss Whedon planning her to be part of the team right at the end), and with INFINITY WAR and ENDGAME shooting back to back, Danvers may have missed out on 'part one' but we'll get plenty of her in 'part two', bringing her in right from the get-go.

END OF THE BEGINNING, BEGINNING OF THE END

Now this is a thought I've had - nothing I've read - and it goes back to that post-credit scene from INFINITY WAR. We know that originally the directors weren't sure about including any scenes following the main movie. Additionally the original plan was to have that movie end literally with the finger snap, leaving the audience guessing which heroes would disappear.

Whilst mid and post credit scenes are a nice touch for the fans, and often just a little nugget of a future instalment, they're not often vital viewing. To that end, that scene with Nick Fury and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) seems a little too important slotted in a place where not every viewer will have seen... quite a few audience members walk out as soon as the credits roll. I believe that scene was actually from ENDGAME, and I believe may even be the first scene - putting us right in the middle of the action following the Thanos (Josh Brolin) victory. The scene might not feel isolated either. There may be other scenes showing known characters turning to dust... possibilities including Clint Barton (Hawkeye) watching his family disintegrate (that's got to happen, right?) and maybe wherever Danvers is 25 years after the events of her movie.

With CAPTAIN MARVEL out in cinemas now, we're just that much closer to AVENGERS: ENDGAME. Tickets will be going on sale soon, and normally we get a trailer and posters around that time. Posters that will include the credit block that unlocks a lot of secrets (for example, if the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, and Chadwick Boseman are featured in the credit block that would surely be deemed quite a spoiler). The coming weeks are going to be very exciting to be a fan of the MCU.

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Superhero Movie News Roundup - New Mutants, Black Widow, Morbius and The Suicide Squad.

Hey Earthlings! Back with a quick round up of recent superhero movie news. So without obstacle, let's get stuck in.

NEW MUTANTS

This film, set in the X-MEN universe, has had something of a rocky road to get to the big screen... and that road keeps getting rockier. It was due in cinemas back in early 2018, pushed back to early 2019, and then a further knockback to later in the year. It's also doubtful it'll even get to the 'big screen', possibly settling down on streaming channel instead. Before it can get that landing, there'll be some reshoots, with the plan to add a new character to the movie.

So here's the news... those reshoots haven't happened yet, in fact there doesn't even seem to be a plan for them. What's making it harder is getting the existing cast back together, with word on the street being Anya Taylor-Joy has no interest in returning to set, having not had the best time the first around. This might just be speculation, of course, but it doesn't seem like the planned August release will happen. With Disney buying Fox, it'll be interesting to see how this movie fits into the grand scheme of things.

Personally, I feel that Marvel will draw a line across the X-MEN universe as we know it, wiping the slate (almost) clean for the mutants to enter the MCU. What's the 'almost'? Deadpool. The very nature of the character means Wade Wilson (and actor Ryan Reynolds) could enter the shared universe without a recast. These NEW MUTANTS though, might be done before they've started.

MORBIUS

Over at Sony, following their first release in the Spiderverse - that doesn't actually involve Spider-Man - VENOM, pace is picking up at the next entry... MORBIUS, the Living Vampire. Actor Jared Leto was confirmed to play the title character, and now we have a few more names to add.

Adria Arjona has been added as Martine Bancroft, Morbius' fiancé. Former Time Lord, Matt Smith has signed up as Loxias Crown and most recently we have news that Jared Harris and Tyrese Gibson have joined the cast in unknown roles.

I'm not sure what I think of Sony's shared Marvel Universe. I didn't mind VENOM though, and I will certainly give MORBIUS a go, especially with the likes of Smith and Harris added to the mix. The question is, does this mean those actors now can't appear in the MCU itself?

BLACK WIDOW

This week sees the release of the 21st MCU entry, CAPTAIN MARVEL, and then it really is just a short wait (less than two months) before the mega-event AVENGERS: ENDGAME. What comes after the phase three finale? Well, phase four (or whatever it's going to be called) starts with SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME, but really after that very little is known.

2020 was obviously meant to kick of with GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3, but then James Gunn got the boot from Disney, and the project hurtled into limbo. Word is Gunn's script will still be used and all the cast are onboard... there's just no director right now. We also have rumblings that THE ETERNALS will fall in 2020, which would make sense considering one of the characters will be Thanos' bro Starfox… but right now all the interest is on BLACK WIDOW.

Scarlett Johansson's debut was way back in 2010, in IRON MAN 2, and could be seen as the leading lady of the MCU, with appearances in CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR and all four AVENGERS movies. The fact we know this movie is coming doesn't spoil anything for the character in ENDGAME, as word is the film will take us through Natasha Romanoff's past, watching her train and go on missions as an assassin.

With a director (Cate Shortland) and writers in place, it's now time to look a potential casting - other than Johansson - and ignoring the rumours that either Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye or Sebastian Stan's Winter Soldier could play a part in the movie - we now know that producers are looking for a female character, as close to 'Black Widow' type as possible to play second lead.

What's interesting here is we've got a rumour on who the front runner is for this character. Whilst Alice Englert, Dar Zuzovsky and Florence Pugh are supposedly up for the part, the name that leads the pack is... Emma Watson? Yep, it looks like HARRY POTTER'S Hermione Granger could be joining the MCU as a kick-ass assassin.

Not sure what I think of that, but I'll take it over the ridiculous rumour that Daniel Radcliffe could play Wolverine (luckily, just a joke the actor started)… but Watson isn't someone I'd have thought of. Still, I have faith in Marvel and their choices, so if she does indeed sign on, I'll assume she's the best person for the job.

THE SUICIDE SQUAD.

I've already mentioned James Gunn being given the push from Disney, now unable to complete his GOTG trilogy. Warner Brothers have welcomed him with open arms though, and he's be drafted in to roll out the Suicide Squad for another adventure. As we know though, the DCEU is all over the place. Ben Affleck is no longer Batman (can we please dispel those rumours that Robert Pattinson is taking on the cowl?!), and Amy Adams thinks she's done as Lois Lane. Well, now we have another actor out of the mix... Will Smith will not be returning as Deadshot.

It's a bit of a shame really, as I thought he was one of the best bits in the first film, right behind Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn - but scheduling conflicts mean Smith has bowed out... and we already have a new actor stepping into his shoes... Idris Elba.

I'm a big Elba fan, and whilst I'd rather the continuity of Smith's return, if we have to have a replacement, I'm more than happy with Elba's casting. It sounds like Gunn is doing something of a soft reboot, rather than a direct sequel, bringing in a new batch of characters, Robbie will be back as Harley, and I should imagine (but don't know for certain) Joel Kinnaman will be returning as Rick Flagg. I'm looking forward to seeing Elba join Robbie in Gunn's take on volatile group... but I do have a big question... will The Joker be back? If so, will it still be Jared Leto? I mean, considering we've got a JOKER film starring Joaquin Phoenix coming, surely they can't do a recast and gives a third actor portraying the killer clown? Time will tell on that one.

That's it for now. I'm watching CAPTAIN MARVEL on Saturday. Fingers crossed it's a good one!

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theprocrastinatingalien · 5 years

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Star Trek: Discovery - Who is the Red Angel?

We're half way through the second season of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, and right at the heart of this year's mystery is the 'Red Angel'.

Firstly, which side is the Red Angel on? Is it good, is it a villain? What we do know is that this character seems to be going through time, and either changing it for the good or the bad. We also know it's a humanoid in a mechanical suit. Which immediately offers up the question... who is the Red Angel?

It's a good question, and we'll probably not find out until the last episode of this season. I mean, it's entirely possible the Red Angel is a brand new character, and even once they're unmasked, we won't have a clue... but my money is on an established character? But which one?

These are the options, as I see it...

MICHAEL BURNHAM

I'm not saying I want Burnham to be the Red Angel, but it would certain fit with the series' tendency to put her at the centre of everything. She's the series' lead character, and that instantly makes it a possibility. She's probably at the top of most lists... but it'd also be a little naff. I would prefer it not to be Burnham, especially considering the mysterious character has come to her. Mind you, it wouldn't be the first time a character has travelled back in time to save themselves (Michael's adopted bro Spock did just that in an episode of THE ANIMATED SERIES). I would just like it to be ANY other character than Michael... Some fans are keen to point out that that 'Michael' is the name of an angel. I'd like to point out we have had another angelic name in the show...

GABRIEL LORCA

Lorca was the commanding officer of the USS Discovery for the first season, until it was revealed he was from the Mirror Universe, and a little bit nasty. And then he died. BUT (big but), there's a Prime Universe version of Lorca still out there. There seems to have been an intention to get actor Jason Isaacs' on the show, and this may have been a sneaky way to do it. Revealing him the last episode of the season, ready for a proper return for season three (which has now been greenlit). I don't know how likely this is - or why Prime Lorca would be doing what the Red Angel is - but I like it.

SPOCK

This season had given us a new actor in the iconic role, with Ethan Peck taking over from Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto. The first half of the season was very much a 'search for Spock, but we've now found him, and we have to clear his name (he's a fugitive, wanted for murder in case you didn't know), and we have found out that he had visions of this Red Angel since he was a young boy. As I've already noted, in TAS, Spock goes back and saves his younger self, but I'm not sure writers would have him as the Red Angel, messing with his own mentality as it seems to be. It's certainly possible though, so I thought I'd include it here. Just in case. This season is all about Spock.

AIRIAM

This season has been making an effort to include their ensemble characters. Owosekun got to go on an away mission, with Detmer, Rhys and Bryce all getting more lines throughout the episodes... one character they have just been given more is Lt. Commander Airiam. Viewers have been quite interested in the augmented character and the most recent episode saw something interesting occur. It seems, by a strange red glow in her eyes, that something has possessed her. Could it be that Airiam becomes the Red Angel? I'm not sure why she'd do that, but we can leave that plot detail to the writers. ;-)

CRAFT

Before this season started we were treated to four mini episodes called SHORT TREKS, one of which was set in the distant future on an empty Discovery, featuring a character called Craft - played by Aldis Hodge. Whilst this a was billed as a stand alone, I'm sure it will connect somehow, and I have the theory that Hodge will return as Craft... so whilst I don't have a reason for why he'd be the Red Angel, I put forward that he could be.

Realistically, the writers could come up with a reason for ANY character to be the Red Angel - Tilly, Stamets, Culber, Pike, Georgiou, Saru, L'Rell, Leland, Tyler, Sarek, Amanda, Cornwell... even Harry Mudd, all possibilities... But I believe The five characters I've written about are the most likely.

I mean, some think it's going to be Picard, leading into his own series, but I don't think that's at all likely - but what do you guys thinks? Let me know in the comments!

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