Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 173

Armie Hammer Is Playing a Not-Batman Vigilante in a Film Called THE DARK KNIGHT, Apparently

Armie Hammer is taking on the role of The Dark Knight. No, not that Dark Knight. Apparently he is playing some other vigilante character who is not Batman in a film literally called The Dark Knight. Honestly, we don’t want to see him as Batman and would rather have a R. Patz return. As Variety reports, The Dark Knight film starring Armie Hammer and directed by Uwe Boll will indeed be a vigilante crime thriller that will start filming in Croatia at the end of January. 

Warner Bros/DC Studios

Hammer’s career came to a halt in 2021 after allegations of sexual misconduct, which ended with no actual charges being filed by LA prosecutors. Now, according to Hammer, the phones are ringing off the hook. We won’t get into that but we will get more into this not-Batman The Dark Knight movie. Hammer will play Sanders, a man who takes crimefighting into his own hands. He becomes a hit on social media but the police chief thinks he is annoying and wants to take him down. We wonder if Sanders has a mom named Martha or not… 

For now, there’s no word on the release date for The Dark Knight starring Armie Hammer as not-Batman.

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Here’s How Robert Pattinson Could Become The DCU’s Batman

Could Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader, as we know him from Matt Reeves’ The Batman and its eventual sequel, be our DCU version of the iconic hero? Some rumors making the rounds suggest that James Gunn and DC Studios are at least considering the possibility. Now, we are not advocates for this idea at all. In our humble opinion, the DCU Batman, set to debut in The Brave and the Bold, should be separate from Reeves’ version. Gunn’s new DCU seems to have a totally different tone than what we’ve seen already in Reeves’ world. But let’s say it does happen. Could it work? Yes, maybe it could. Maybe. And there’s precedent for this approach in the pages of DC Comics.

Warner Bros. DC Comics Set the Example for How a Realistic Batman Can Exist in a Fantastical Universe

It’s true, Matt Reeves’ version of Batman lives in a gritty, realistic Gotham City. One that doesn’t seemingly vibe with the world of Creature Commandos, or the upcoming Superman. But the comics were very much like this too once. In Frank Millers seminal Batman: Year One, which reintroduced Batman to the modern era, there wasn’t the slightest hint of anything sci-fi or supernatural. Miller’s Gotham was a real world version. (Ok, aside from one mention of “that guy in Metropolis.”) And yet, readers accepted that outside those panels, a far more fantastical DC universe was taking shape. We’ve only had one Reeves Batman movie so far. Technically, it’s early enough into this franchise that more fantastical elements might not feel totally out of place in a sequel.

DC Comics

There could also be a significant time gap between what we see in The Batman and future DCU projects like Superman. Yes, The Batman seemed to be taking place in the present day, or at the very least the 2020s era. But for all we know, Superman and other future DC projects take place in the near future. Enough time for the majority of costumed heroes to have appeared some years after Pattinson’s Batman hit the scene. Yes, Gunn said that his DCU will have some history, suggesting heroes as far back as WWII. But there could be a time gap between those characters and modern-day superheroes. Batman’s debut could theoretically slip into that window of time.

We’ve Seen This Approach Work Before, in the MCU

There’s precedent for all of this in the MCU. If one walked out of the theater in 2008 after having seen Iron Man, they probably were not aware that this technological hero existed in the same universe as Asgardian gods, ancient sorcerers, and giant purple aliens. But subsequent MCU movies like The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2 instantly let us know that the world was getting bigger. Matt Reeves could do the same in The Batman – Part II. Even if it’s just a mention of wilder goings-on happening outside the frame. Technically, it’s still early enough to retcon The Batman into being the first DCU movie without being too egregious about it, if they really want to.

Some Wanted Christian Bale’s Batman in the DCEU, Just as Many Want Robert Pattinson’s Batman in the New DCUWarner Bros.

The debate over Robert Pattinson’s Batman joining the new DCU is a bit of déjà vu for superhero movie fans. Allegedly, after the massive success of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, executives at Warner Bros. wanted Zack Snyder’s then-upcoming Man of Steel (which Nolan produced) to take place in the same universe as his Batman films. The intent from the folks in charge was that Christian Bale’s Batman and Superman would eventually share the screen together. In hindsight, that likely would have been way more impactful. Not to mention, it would have produced a bigger box office. Allegedly, Nolan put his foot down, and maintained that his Batman’s story was separate (and over). Will Matt Reeves make the same demand for his Bruce Wayne? We’ll all find out soon enough.

The post Here’s How Robert Pattinson Could Become The DCU’s Batman appeared first on Nerdist.

Meta Removes Fact-Checking From Facebook and Instagram, Shifts to Community Notes

It’s a wild world out there on the internet. There’s no denying that. Sometimes, it’s wild in an awesome way, where people’s weird and wacky dreams can come true. But the truth is that determining fact from fiction on the internet has become incredibly difficult. And now, it’s about to get a little bit more tangled. Following on the heels of the model set by Elon Musk’s Twitter (we guess, if there were a time to call it X, it would be now), Meta has announced that it will remove its fact-checking systems from Facebook and Instagram and replace them with Community Notes.

Facebook

According to Mark Zuckerberg, the complicated fact-checking system Facebook had in place, which utilized independent third parties, made “too many mistakes,” had “too much censorship” and was “too politically biased.”

The Community Notes system will be slowly phased into the US over the next months as Fact Checking is phased out of Meta. Meta explains, “We plan to phase in Community Notes in the US first over the next couple of months, and will continue to improve it over the course of the year. As we make the transition, we will get rid of our fact-checking control, stop demoting fact-checked content, and, instead of overlaying full-screen interstitial warnings you have to click through before you can even see the post, we will use a much less obtrusive label indicating that there is additional information for those who want to see it.” Basically, though Community Notes will appear on content, they will not largely feature in a post. And also, the notes will be provided not by independent experts, but… by the community, whomever that might be.

Instagram

Of additional note, a post from Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Meta, shares that in addition to the fact-checking updates, Meta will be “getting rid of a number of restrictions on topics like immigration, gender identity and gender that are the subject of frequent political discourse and debate.” Additionally, Meta’s trust and safety and content moderation teams will now shift from California to Texas, which mirrors Musk’s move of Twitter’s headquarters to the same state.

Make of all this what you will. And spend your time on the internet in places that make you feel safe and happy.

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GHOST OF TSUSHIMA: LEGENDS Anime Coming to Crunchyroll

Sony and Sucker Punch Studios’ Ghost of Tsushima introduced players to the lush and immersive feudal Japanese island that saw as much serene beauty as brutal bloodshed. As a player, I spent hundreds of hours traversing the landscape and finding new secrets. Who wouldn’t want to spend even more time there? Well, thanks to Crunchyroll, fans will get to do just that. Out of Sony Group Corporation’s CES press conference in Las Vegas, we learned an anime series based on Tsushima‘s “Legends” cooperative multiplayer experience inspired by Japanese folktales and mythology will head exclusively to the streamer in 2027.

Sony/Crunchyroll

The Ghost of Tsushima anime will be produced in collaboration with Aniplex, the studio behind globally celebrated series such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Solo Leveling, and Sword Art Online. The press release says the team “will bring Ghost of Tsushima: Legends’ traditional samurai aesthetics to life with cinematic storytelling and striking visuals.” Sony Music will also partner for the show’s soundtrack.

“This project is a testament to the creative synergy within the Sony family, uniting the expertise of PlayStation Studios and PlayStation Productions; the creative team of Sucker Punch Productions and Aniplex; Sony Music’s iconic global artist roster; and Crunchyroll’s fan-first global marketing and distribution footprint,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “The Ghost of Tsushima anime will offer fans an exciting new way to experience the game in an anime style that will be bold and groundbreaking.”

Sony/Sucker Punch Studios

Ghost of Tsushima debuted in summer 2020 as the last major AAA release of the PlayStation 4 generation. The open world adventure puts players in control of Jin Sakai, a samurai prince on the Japanese island of Tsushima after suffering a defeat at the hands of the Mongols. Sakai must then attempt to retake the island using more ninja and guerrilla tactics when his noble samurai teachings prove ineffective. It’s also just a gorgeous looking game. To date, the game has sold over 13 million copies.

A live action film is in development at Sony with Chad Stahelski attached to direct. A sequel game, Ghost of Yotei, will release some time in 2025.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd.

The post GHOST OF TSUSHIMA: LEGENDS Anime Coming to Crunchyroll appeared first on Nerdist.

HELLDIVERS 2 Movie In Development at Sony

It’s a rich time for video game adaptations, especially at Sony. Recently, Sony announced a Horizon Zero Dawn movie is heading to our screens and gave an update on its Until Dawn film as well. In addition, Sony announced that a Helldivers 2 live-action movie is also in development. No real details were shared about the movie yet, but Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Production, shared, “Looking ahead as to what might come next, I’m excited to announce we are working with Sony Pictures on developing a film adaptation of our amazingly popular PlayStation game Helldivers 2.”

PlayStation

Helldivers 2 is exactly as Qizilbash says. In fact, it’s the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game ever. It sold 12 million copies in 12 weeks, which is definitely a whole heck of a lot. Helldivers 2 also recently released a huge update, which added a whole new faction for players to battle in the game, so it’s great timing for this news. A live-action movie set in the Helldivers 2 world will be one fascinating ride for sure.

PlayStation

Helldivers 2 itself takes inspiration from the sci-fi film Starship Troopers. And we’ll be curious to see how that impacts the game in movie form. It’s the true circle of adaptation. According to its developers, Arrowhead, Helldivers 2 “is a 3rd person squad-based shooter that sees the elite forces of the Helldivers battling to win an intergalactic struggle to rid the galaxy of the rising alien threats.” Additionally, “frequent sprays of blood and dismemberment” are quite common in the game. (And we bet a whole lot more.) Like Starship Troopers before it, Helldivers 2 features insectoid/bug-like foes and a satirical bend. And well, we guess that’s something to look forward to. We’ll keep you updated on all the Helldivers 2 live-action movie news as it comes.

The post HELLDIVERS 2 Movie In Development at Sony appeared first on Nerdist.

James Mangold Opens Up About His STAR WARS Movie

After many false starts and canceled projects, Star Wars is finally ready to return to theaters. Lucasfilm announced three new upcoming standalone movies during the opening of Star Wars Celebration 2023. These new Star Wars movies include a story about the founding of the Jedi, a movie that will serve as the finale to this era of interconnected Disney+ shows, and the return of Daisy Ridley’s Rey. Additionally, in January 2024, Lucasfilm also announced a fourth new movie was heading to theaters, The Mandalorian & Grogu, a big-screen adventure starring our favorite Disney+ duo. Additionally, the once-canceled Rogue Squadron may rise to join the line-up (but nothing official has been reported.) Shawn Levy also teased he will direct a Star Wars film. And finally, a whole new trilogy of mysterious Star Wars movies also appears to be in the works.

Lucasfilm

The galaxy far, far away is finally going back to the big screen, and how. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy revealed James Mangold (Logan, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Dave Filoni (The Mandalorian, Ahsoka), Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Ms. Marvel, Saving Face) have all been tapped to direct these new Star Wars movies. Meanwhile, Jon Favreau will take on the Mando movie. Additionally, if what Patty Jenkins says is true, she will direct an upcoming Star Wars movie as well, and it seems that Shawn Levy will also direct a Star Wars movie. Finally, Star Wars: Rebels‘ Simon Kinberg has reportedly been tapped to write a new trilogy that may or may not continue the Skywalker Saga. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rey could play a role “in several movies that are being developed, although which ones remains unclear.”

Variety confirmed on November 15, 2024 that Disney had removed one of its untitled Star Wars movies from its original date of December 18, 2026. While which was not confirmed, it was very likely the Rey movie.

While Lucasfilm shared few official details about the films, the little they tell us says a lot. Here’s what we know about these new Star Wars movies so far.

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Jon Favreau Brings Us The Mandalorian & Grogu // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

James Mangold’s New Star Wars Movie Tells the Story of the Force

James Mangold’s “will go back to the dawn of the Jedi,” a time set tens of thousands of years earlier than anything we’ve ever seen on screen before. That might mean we’ll meet the figure known as Prime Jedi. That’s the person who founded the Order on Ahch-To 25,000 years before the events of A New Hope. And that is when this film takes place, according to James Mangold’s latest interview with MovieWeb, which you can check out for Star Wars intel in the video below at the 7:30 mark.

Here’s what else Mangold had to say about his upcoming Star Wars film:

“The two aspects that really important are the freedom to make something new, and beau and I have been working on a script in relation to Star Wars and we’ll see what happens, and in relation to Swamp Thing and DC, it’s all about do we find a way on the page to say something original

Part of the reason, the Star Wars movie would be taking place before any known Star Wars movies is because not only its an area and a playground that I was inspired by as a teenager, but also I’m not that interested in being handcuffed by so much lore at this point that it’s almost immovable and you can’t please anybody.”

Fans already know Ahch-To well. They first saw it in The Last Jedi when it served as Luke Skywalker’s hideaway. A release additionally shares, “James Mangold will take audiences deep into the past, telling the tale of the first Jedi to wield the Force and harness it as a liberating power in an era of chaos and oppression.”

Lucasfilm

Mangold further noted to Empire that his new Star Wars movie “takes place 25,000 years before Episode IV, and it’s about the discovery of the Force.” He further shares, “I told Kathy [Kennedy, head of Lucasfilm] I wanted to make a kind of Bible movie, a kind of Ten Commandments of Star Wars – kind of a Cecil B DeMille film about the arrival of the Force, and that’s what I’ve been pecking away at between press events. That’s the idea.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, playwright and screenwriter Beau Willimon will co-write the script with Mangold. In addition to his playwriting career and his Emmy-nominated scripts for House of Cards, Willimon also wrote the prison three-parter in season one of Andor. Writing the best episodes of the best Star Wars show is some real bonafides.

James Mangold’s New Star Wars Movie Connects with Rey’s Next Appearance

Kennedy also recently shared that this movie will help inform the new Star Wars movie featuring the return of Rey. She noted to Total Film, “I think it’s a really nice compliment to what we’re doing with moving into the future with Rey, and then understanding a bit more of where this all came from,” she explains. “Because it will be at the heart of creating the new Jedi Order, so to get a real sense of where that might have began with the dawn of the Jedi could be pretty cool.” 

According to a new official Star Wars eras list revealed by LucasFilm, this movie will most likely take place in the “Dawn of the Jedi” era, but could even take place earlier than that.

Dave Filoni’s Film Will Bring Together Many Current Disney+ Series

The next new Star Wars movie will come from franchise veteran Dave Filoni. His film “will focus on the New Republic and close out the interconnected stories told in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and other Disney+ series.” That’s huge news for both the television and movie side of Lucasfilm. When we get a release date for Filoni’s film, we’ll know just how many more seasons of The Mandalorian we might see. Clearly, there’s already an end in sight to Din Djarin and Grogu’s story. Although, we suppose they could continue on beyond a culminating movie. A release further shares, “Dave Filoni will orchestrate the escalating war between the Imperial Remnant and the fledgling New Republic.”

Lucasfilm

In exciting news, Alien star and all-around icon Sigourney Weaver reveals she’s joined the cast of The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Star Wars Movie

The third and final new Star Wars movie announced will focus on the future. Obaid-Chinoy’s movie will take place after The Rise of Skywalker. It will mark the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey. Set 15 years after the ultimate defeat of the Sith, she will be trying to build a new Jedi Order. Hopefully, that goes a lot better than her mentor Luke Skywalker’s attempts. According to the new list of Star Wars eras, it seems like this movie will take place in the “New Jedi Order” era.

Did Rey’s Star Wars Movie Lose Its Writer?

Recent rumors speculated that the Rey movie might have been delayed indefinitely due to creative differences between Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and writer Steven Knight. However, according to Gizmodo, Lucasfilm confirmed in January the movie is still moving forward without issue. According to the publication, a source at Lucasfilm noted at the time, “Knight continues to write and be a part of the process. In fact, the company is waiting on his latest draft as you read this.”

However, the latest reports, which we saw on Variety, seem to indicate that Rey’s Star Wars movie may have lost its writer. According to Variety, Knight is out as the writer of the Star Wars film and has now departed from the project.

A Release Date for Rey’s New Star Wars Movie

According to Productionlist.com, which tracks production updates for the Film & Television Industry Alliance, the Rey movie was reportedly meant to start shooting on April 7, 2024 in London. But that does not seem like it came to pass.

Disney had announced two upcoming release dates for Star Wars movies: December 18, 2026 and December 17, 2027. Rey’s Star Wars outing will likely not debut in 2026. This was later all but confirmed as Disney removed the Star Wars movie from the December 18 date, replacing it with—is this right?—Ice Age 6.

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Jon Favreau Brings Us The Mandalorian & Grogu // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

The Plot of Rey’s Upcoming Star Wars Movie

Kathleen Kennedy shared more about the movie with Variety. She noted:

Well, we’re 15 years out from ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ so we’re post-war, post-First Order, and the Jedi are in disarray. There’s a lot of discussion around, ‘Who are the Jedi? What are they doing? What’s the state of the galaxy?’ She’s attempting to rebuild the Jedi Order, based on the books, based on what she promised Luke, so that’s where we’re going.”

Speaking to Empire, Kennedy added, “The First Order has fallen, the Jedi are in chaos – there’s even a question of how many exist anymore – and Rey’s building the New Jedi Order, based on the text that she was given and that Luke imparted on her.” She also offers, “Rey has made a promise to Luke, and that’s really the core of where we’re going and what this story will be. And I think it offers just tremendous opportunity to introduce new characters and start with something fresh, because we culminated with what George [Lucas] was creating, and now we take all of that and move it to the next chapter.” 

Lucasfilm

On the topic of a possible Luke Skywalker presence in the new Star Wars movie, Kennedy said: “I don’t know if we’ll spend a lot of time in flashbacks or [on] Force ghosts or things like that, but certainly, the spirit of what he represents to her is going to be significant.”

Ridley previously noted, “I know bits and bobs… I know there’s an introduction of new characters… I don’t know about previous characters.” But she also didn’t rule out anyone’s return. When asked about the popular idea of John Boyega’s Finn returning as a Jedi in the new Star Wars movie, Ridley responded, “That is above my pay grade. [Laughs] I would love to see that, but that is not a decision for me.” She also recently told The Hollywood Reporter that it feels like she and Boyega should reunite in the movie, noting, “Absolutely, of course…It feels like we should, yeah.”

But Ridley does have some information, according to Empire, “she knows the story beats for what the new film will be.” And, as of May 2024, she notes that she still hasn’t read a script “but it is imminently about to change.”

A Jedi Academy Is in Rey’s Future

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy further noted about the new Star Wars movie, “At the heart of it, for me, is Rey Skywalker, Daisy Ridley, and her story, and taking her on an adventure to a Jedi Academy and sort of creating a world that is a natural dovetail to the story that we’ve seen her go through in the last three episodes.”

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy says she's had conversations with J.J. Abrams and George Lucas and speaks with Filoni "very often."

And the team is "really taking time to make sure that we do justice to telling the story of Daisy."#StarWars pic.twitter.com/3K5HXA6GpU

— Pedro (@pedrolms20) June 20, 2024

Obaid-Chinoy additionally adds, “I’ve had conversations with JJ Abrams. I’ve had conversations with George Lucas and, of course, Dave Filoni, who is a big part of the Star Wars universe now. We speak very often, and Kathy Kennedy, Carrie Beck, and Simon Emanuel – I think the team is really taking time to make sure that we do justice to telling the story of Daisy.”

Rey’s Future in the New Star Wars MovieLucasfilm

But will Rey’s upcoming Star Wars movie continue the common franchise trend of introducing new characters that are somehow related to other characters in the world? Daisy Ridley doesn’t really think so. Speaking to Deadline, Ridley noted it seemed unlikely that Rey would have kids in the new Star Wars film. She shared, “I would say she probably doesn’t have children seeing she’s a Jedi.” Of course, we know hypothetically Rey still could have children, like Anakin before her, but it sounds like this won’t be the path of the movie.

Daisy Ridley also notes that Rey will take a different approach to teaching the next generation of Jedi than Luke Skywalker did. Speaking to Den of Geek, she says about Rey’s tactics diverging from Luke’s, “I would say, from what I understand, yes. Short answer.”

Daisy Ridley and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Give Updates on the New Film

Daisy Ridley noted to Collider, “I’m very excited. The story is really cool. I’m waiting to read a script because, obviously, I don’t have any other updates. It’s not what I expected, but I’m very excited.” And additionally told The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m genuinely really excited about the next one [Star Wars movie]. I haven’t read anything, but I know the story. It’s really worth telling, worth exploring, and I think people will be excited.”

Daisy Ridley on Returning as Rey

The actress also offered a bit of a further tease about the film to AlloCiné. She said of the upcoming Rey Star Wars movie, “Once I knew what the story was and everything, I knew that it was something I really wanted to do. I think it’s a really fantastic exploration of the Star Wars world. It’s a really cool way of taking the story on in a bit of a different direction.” In conclusion, as Ridley noted to Variety, the story of this Star Wars movie is “cool as sh*t.”

Ridley also recently shared that this time around, she feels more ready to be Rey. “I suppose I feel more like I’m owning it. I suppose I owned it the first time. Basically, I’m an adult now. I certainly did not feel like an adult at the time. Obviously, personally, things have changed, and professionally, I’ve had lots of other experiences, and so I definitely feel like it’s a different thing this time. There’s just a lot of joy with me and these films. Honestly, if I wasn’t excited, I wouldn’t have done it. It feels like a great thing to be a part of.” However, the actress also expressed reprising the role could be a strange experience, saying, “I honestly have had moments where I’m like, ‘I don’t know if I remember what I did [as Rey]… It’s really strange. I think the whole thing will feel so different anyway, with a totally different team. I’m in a very different place than I was. I’m probably going to be one of the adults, and initially, I was the youngest person on set, which is a weird feeling.”

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on Tackling a Star Wars Story

Meanwhile, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy noted to CNN, “I’m very thrilled about the project because I feel what we’re about to create is something very special… We’re in 2024 now, and it’s about time that we had a woman come forward to shape a story in a galaxy far, far away.

We couldn’t agree more. But something tells us it won’t be smooth sailing for Rey. The dark side of the Force has a way of always creating shadows over the galaxy far, far away, especially in theaters.

The director also added, “The story that interests me most is in Rey’s journey as a female Jedi. That’s how I can best bring my experiences to it.”

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Jon Favreau Brings Us The Mandalorian & Grogu // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

Jon Favreau Takes Our Favorite Duo to the Big Screen in The Mandalorian & Grogu Walt Disney Studios

In addition to joining Dave Filoni’s big group Star Wars movie, the Mandalorian and Grogu will also star in a new Star Wars movie of their own (aptly titled, The Mandalorian & Grogu). Few details are known about it for now, but it will go into production in 2024.

As previously noted, this movie is expected to start shooting in April 2024.

At D23, Filoni and Favreau revealed that Zeb will be in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. They also showed a teaser trailer for the movie which revealed what looked like a battle on Hoth, complete with AT-ATs and Snow Troopers. It also showed Grogu in a tiny ship with Anzellans.

Patty Jenkins Returns to Direct the Once Canceled Star Wars Movie Rogue SquadronLucasfilm

In 2020, Lucasfilm announced Patty Jenkins would direct a new Star Wars movie, Rogue Squadron. But the movie was removed from the company’s lineup in 2022. Now, Jenkins has revealed she’s back to work on the film, and she’ll take on the roles of writer and director. You can see what she had to say in full, here.

Shawn Levy Is Reportedly Set to Direct a Star Wars MovieLucasfilm/Marvel Studios

Deadline reports that Shawn Levy is set to direct a Star Wars movie of his own. The publication notes that the movie will be written by Jonathan Tropper. Levy’s Star Wars movie has not yet been officially announced, and no further details are available.

Levy briefly spoke on that movie during a Happy Sad Confused podcast appearance in August. Fresh off of Deadpool & Wolverine, the director didn’t give up too many details. But Shawn Levy did say that his Star Wars movie would not be redundant and that he and writer Jonathan Tropper have a fresh concept in mind.

“…there’s only so many times that Star Wars movies can revisit the same section of the timeline, and so it’s really forced me—because I don’t want to do a Star Wars movie that is redundant to others, nor am I interested in doing one that has to serve another movie,” he said. He hopes that his ideas will continue to thrill the powers that be at Lucasfilm and they can move forward with this film.

A New Trilogy of Star Wars Movies Is on the Way From Simon KinbergLucasfilm

Recent reports also indicate that Lucasfilm has hired Simon Kinberg to write and produce a new trilogy of Star Wars movies. Some sources indicate these movies may actually be Episodes 10-12 of the Skywalker Saga, while others note they will be wholly original. You can check out more details about this potential trilogy, here.

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Jon Favreau Brings Us The Mandalorian & Grogu // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

Originally published on April 7, 2023.

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Disney+ Orders HOLES TV Show Pilot for Potential Series

If you were a teen or pre-teen in the mid-2000s (shoutout to us Millennials!) then you probably remember Holes. The 2003 comedy, based on the 1998 book of the same name, starred Shia LaBeouf as a teenager who is wrongfully accused of theft and ends up doing 18 months of hard time at a juvie detention center where he, well, has to dig holes. And let’s just say some weird stuff happens throughout the movie. It holds a special place in many folks hearts and now a new generation will get to experience this adventure. Variety reports that Disney+ has picked up the pilot for a gestating Holes TV series. 

Walt Disney Pictures

Here’s the logline for the show for now: 

“In this reimagining of the beloved 1998 book from Louis Sachar, a teenage girl is sent to a detention camp where the ruthless Warden forces the campers to dig holes for a mysterious purpose.”

Outside of a gender swap with the main character, it seems this Holes Disney+ TV show will mostly follow the same beats. But we can expect some twists to keep things fresh… if the show actually happens. Ordering a show’s pilot certainly doesn’t mean that a series is absolutely greenlit. We will have to see if Disney+ makes the final call to bring Holes to the small screen. For now, let’s hold off any fan casting and hope that we get to see Camp Green Lake once again.

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THE PENGUIN Showrunner Addresses Whether One of the Show’s Characters Is Really Scarecrow

A very popular fan theory during the run of The Penguin on HBO was that Sofia Falcone’s psychiatrist at Arkham, Dr. Julian Rush (Theo Rossi), was actually going to turn out to be Batman villain the Scarecrow. After all, in the comics, Dr. Jonathan Crane worked at Arkham before using his fear toxin to become a supervillain, and one of the Dark Knight’s most iconic foes. Maybe Julian Rush was really an alias of Jonathan Crane’s? Well, The Penguin showrunner, Lauren LeFranc, just threw some cold ice on that theory. This was during an interview on the Golden Globes red carpet (via Screen Rant). Here’s what she had to say, and she didn’t mince words:

Well, I can say he’s not the Scarecrow.

DC Comics

So much for that theory. Fans were hoping that Dr. Rush would be the Matt Reeves’ Batman universe’s iteration of the iconic DC Comics villain. But if he eventually appears, it will be someone else. The Scarecrow first appeared in World’s Finest Comics #3, way back in 1941, a mere two years after Batman’s debut. He disappeared from the pages of Batman and Detective Comics for decades, before returning in 1967. Since then, he’s been a mainstay of Batman’s iconic rogues gallery. He appeared regularly in animated form in shows like Super Friends and Batman: The Animated Series. In fact, a 1985 episode of Super Friends featuring Scarecrow was the first presentation of Batman’s now overdone origin story outside of comics.

HBO

The original Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher Batman movies never got around to using the Scarecrow. However, a third Schumacher Batman movie would have featured him as a lead villain. He finally got his cinematic debut in 2005’s Batman Begins, played by Cillian Murphy. He later reprised the role in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Still, he’s never been the primary villain of a live-action Batman project. So maybe Julian Rush on The Penguin wasn’t allowed to be Scarecrow, because Matt Reeves has plans for him. After giving us incredible versions of both Penguin and Riddler, we’d love to see a Matt Reeves take on Gotham City’s master of fear.

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ANYTHING Can Be a Popcorn Bucket with the ‘Bring Your Own Bucket’ Promo From Cinemark

Popcorn never tastes better than when you’re eating a whole lot of it in a dark auditorium with a big movie screen in front of you. And while there are times when it makes sense to get a medium (though never a small), getting the biggest bucket you can is always the most satisfying option. Or at least that’s usually the case. This year, on National Popcorn Day, Cinemark is letting you go even bigger. And they’re letting you do it however you like. The theater chain is celebrating by letting you bring your own oversized DIY popcorn bucket so you can fill it up for just $5. Yes, just five dollars.

Is a “Bring Your Own Bucket” promotion a genius popcorn scheme, or just plain madness? We don’t know, but here are the details.

Cinemark

Cinemark has announced (in news we first heard at FoodBeast) that its theaters will be cooking up an amazing promo on January 19, National Popcorn Day. On that beloved, very famous holiday customers can BYOBucket with “literally anything” that can hold that iconic movie snack. Cinemark will then fill it “to the brim with buttery popcorn.” Those potential buckets include any kind of “container, tote, or bag” you like. It just needs to be clean and sanitized. If it’s not safe to use, Cinemark will refuse to fill it. It’s been a wild time for popcorn buckets, so inspiration shouldn’t be very hard to find. We expect to see a lot of popcorn creativity from all of you out there. (Especially those who have scoffed at what brands have on offer in the last year.)

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New Bat-signal Popcorn Bucket Celebrates 85 Years of Batman

Don’t go buy a Christmas tree bag, though. There is a size limit on your DIY popcorn bucket. It can’t exceed 400 ounces, which is still a whole lot of popcorn. That’s the equivalent of two extra large popcorns Cinemark normally sells. Yet, this tasty promo will only run you five bucks. You can only participate once per theater and there are no refills, but how much more could you possibly eat anyway?

Sorry, that sounded rhetorical. We actually want you to find out and tell us.

Cinemark

Even if you don’t like movie popcorn (yes, we’re judging you), you can also celebrate National Popcorn Day by nabbing Cinemark gift cards online for 10% off. And the company will also be giving away free large popcorns on Instagram and X(nee Twitter).

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Cinemark’s DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Popcorn Bucket Is Here

Until January 19, start looking for your bucket of choice. Our only suggestion is that the bigger your bucket, the longer the movie you should see. You’ll enjoy those 400 ounces of popcorn the most while in the theater.

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A HORIZON ZERO DAWN Movie Is Coming From PlayStation Studios and Columbia Pictures

Sony is bringing yet another gaming world to the big screen. According to a report by IGN, Horizon Zero Dawn will get a movie in the near (or maybe distant) future. It is a collaboration with PlayStation Studios and Columbia Pictures to take this infamous post-apocalyptic world to theaters. The announcement was made at CES 2025 and, for now, things are in the very early stages of development. 

Sony/PlayStation

As we all know, just because companies say something is going to happen doesn’t 100% guarantee that it is happening. We’ve seen completed movies and shows get a last-minute ax for various reasons. But Aloy’s machine hunting adventures are so beloved that perhaps that won’t be the fate for this Horizon Zero Dawn movie.

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