Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 1813

Breaking Down Space Army, Space Travel, and More Strange Science News

The great theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking passed away last night, the president is talking about building a military “space force,” and Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are still competing to see who will dominate space travel. Talk about a big day for science. This is why we dedicated today’s Nerdist News Talks Back to breaking it all down.

Today’s guest host Hector Navarro was joined by Nerdist editors Alicia Lutes and Kyle Hill, as well as Nerdist News writer Aliza Pearl. They start with the sad news that the great Stephen Hawking, one of the most important scientists and thinkers in the history of mankind, passed away at the age of 76. But rather than dwell on this immeasurable loss we wanted to celebrate everything he gave us, so they discuss what made him so special and important.

While we normally prefer to avoid politics on the show, it’s hard to ignore when the president says he wants to start a military-style “space force.” No, not NASA, think like the Navy but for space. Um, could this actually happen? If so, there are a number of sci-franchises to model it on. But we’re way more intrigued by the fact that a year in space changed seven percent of astronaut Scott Kelly’s DNA.

Finally, definitely-not-supervillains Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos continue to ramp up their investments in space travel. Who do we think has the edge in the future of space exploration? And just in case these two mega-rich guys are intent on world domination, which one would make for a better supreme leader?

Nerdist News Talks Back airs every Monday through Thursday at 1 p.m. PT live on our YouTube and Alpha channels, and we end the week with our all new show Nerdist News What the Fridays at 1 p.m. PT, only at Alpha. We’re here for all of your pop culture needs, as well as all of your science ones too.

We want to hear from you now, so talk back to us in the comments below.

Images: HBO, Lucasfilm

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A METAL GEAR Orchestra is Coming to America This Year

Twenty years ago, Hideo Kojima‘s Metal Gear Solid brought Konami’s stealth action game to a higher echelon with incredible game play and an unforgettable soundtrack. That musical legacy continued through each of the game’s sequels and eventually spawned a Metal Gear orchestra concert series in Japan. Now, fans in America will finally get a chance to experience Metal Gear‘s best musical moments in a pair of concerts.

The Metal Gear orchestra concert series will make its U.S. debut in Los Angeles on October 10. The concert will utilize HD footage from the games projected on giant screens which will be in sync with the performance of 70 musicians live on stage, re-interpreting the most memorable moments and musical themes from each of the Metal Gear Solid games, including the most recent title, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

Additionally, Metal Gear Solid V voice actress and singer Donna Burke will cover the classic themes like “The Best is Yet to Come” and “Snake Eater,” as well as the two songs she performed for Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker and The Phantom Pain: “Heavens Divide” and “Sins of the Father.”

Following the concert in Los Angeles, the Metal Gear orchestra will have a show on October 13 in New York, with an additional concert in Paris, France on October 27. Pre-sale tickets for the American concerts will begin on March 17 at Wildfaery’s site, before the rest of the advance tickets go on sale April 4 on TicketFly.

Are you excited about the chance to hear Metal Gear‘s music in a live performance? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Stephen Hawking Once Held a Party for Time Travelers and No One Came

We’ve all thrown parties (probably) where we’ve been scared to death no one would show up. You can plan all the cool mix tapes and make all the seven-layer dip you want, but if nobody comes over, you’re just a sad person with sixteen bags of tortilla chips and cans of ever-warming soda and beer. But if you’re a literal genius, maybe nobody showing up is exactly what you want. As the world mourns the death of legendary thinker Stephen Hawking, Mashable reminded us that back in 2009, the professor threw a party for time travelers, and he was super stoked when nobody came.

The party was a stunt to prove backwards time travel was not possible. He held the gathering on June 28, 2009, at a specific location at Cambridge University. A precise date and time was listed on the invitation and there were even GPS coordinates, so you’d think people could get there… Oh, also he didn’t send the invitations until AFTER the party. You know, so people could travel back in time to it. But nobody came. Poor Dr. Hawking.

He says in the above video from a documentary for the Discovery Channel:

“I am hoping copies of it, in one form or another, will survive for many thousands of years. Maybe one day someone living in the future will find the information and use a wormhole time machine to come back to my party, proving that time travel will one day be possible.”

This is more or less empirical evidence backward time travel isn’t possible. OR, as might also be possible, paper doesn’t last thousands of years and nobody with a backward time machine ever found his invitation. OR even still, maybe time travelers from thousands of years in the future have better things to do than go to a party in 2009. In any case, I love the little glint in Hawking’s eye at the end of the clip, like he knows he’s been a cheeky scientist.

The world is better for Stephen Hawking having been part of it for 76 years.

Featured Image: Paul Souza/White House Photostream

Kyle Anderson is the Associate Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Twitter!

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Watch THE LAST JEDI’s Laura Dern Say “Pew” While Firing Her Blaster in the Movie

If someone puts a lightsaber or a blaster from Star Wars in your hand, how high are the odds that you’ll make the appropriate sound effect?

Laura Dern grappled with this while filming The Last Jedi. She appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last August and told the host she was so excited about being in Star Wars that she couldn’t stop herself from making “pew pew” noises when her character, Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo, wielded a blaster to stop Poe’s mutiny. And it turns out you can see her do so in the final cut of the movie.

In his audio commentary for Episode VIII, director Rian Johnson pointed out you can see Dern say “pew” when she fires the blaster, “which she could never not do every time she shot it.” You don’t hear the audio, obviously, but this is enough. This reaction to getting to fire a blaster is ridiculously sweet, and as far as I’m concerned, makes Dern an even cooler human being–even topping that time she rubbed BB-8’s belly.

I mean, come on. It’s the definition of charming.

If you were in Dern’s shoes on the set of The Last Jedi, do you think you would be able to refrain from adding your own sound effects to blasters and weaponry? Tell us in the comments.

Images: Disney/Lucasfilm, Tumblr/RoseFinnRey

Amy Ratcliffe is an Associate Editor for Nerdist. She likes Star Wars a little. Follow her on Twitter.

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Stephen Hawking Dies at 76 After a Lifetime of Giving Us the Impossible

The most remarkable thing about Stephen Hawking—a pioneer of new insight into black holes, the theory of relativity, and quantum mechanics overall; an academic decorated with a Royal Society Fellowship, a Fundamental Physics Prize, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and countless additional honors; a man who battled through the physical and psychological limitations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and came out the other end one of the most important figures in scientific history—was perhaps not any one of these accomplishments, nor even the lot en masse. It was his spirit.

Yes, Hawking—who died early Wednesday morning at the age of 76—would undoubtedly be regarded with no deficit of esteem were his reputation to be narrowed exclusively to the parameters of his scientific work. Just as miraculous as his efforts within the fields of physics and cosmology, however, were Hawking’s achievements in couriering such wonders to the outside world, and vice versa. By way of the notability that surrounded his black hole theory, the popularity of his book A Brief History of Time, and his evermore ubiquitous presence not just as a figure of academia but one of international culture, Hawking brought what had always been alienating prospects within reach of the common mind. As eagerly as he educated did he encourage, for as long as he was a fixture of our planet.

Born in Oxford on Jan. 8, 1942, Hawking was gifted a family that championed education, a trait he’d come to inherit over time. University College, Oxford, welcomed Hawking in 1959, where he established himself not only as a force of intellect but a cherished campus personality; graduate studies at Trinity Hall, Cambridge followed, ultimately directing Hawking to a career among general relativity and cosmology. Over the span of the 1970s, Hawking managed to break new ground in the study of black hole dynamics, first introducing, for instance, the theory that black holes emit radiation. Endeavors to follow included Hawking’s undertaking of inflation theory, entropy, quantum gravity, and countless other corners of the scientific world.

And all the while, especially as time carried forward, Hawking seemed to place just as much importance on the communication of his studies to the public, and what’s more the celebration of both his findings and the hunt therefor. It may seem disjointed to place Hawking’s role as a proverbial cheerleader for the sciences on par with the sort of achievements that he managed by the grace of a mind most of us could only ever dream of occupying. But it’d be foolish to discount the gift that Hawking gave so many of us as anything less than his greatest accomplishment: the hope and belief that the impossible just might not be.

Image: Lwp Kommunikáció/Flickr

LEGO’s New FANTASTIC BEASTS 2 Set Shows How Grindelwald Escapes

The first trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald revealed a lot more about the movie than we were expecting, but one question we had has now been answered thanks to a new LEGO set for the movie. It reveals how Grindelwald will break free from MACUSA and will let you recreate the infamous Dark Wizard’s daring escape anytime you want.

The new 132-piece set, Grindelwald’s Escape, features mini-figures of Gellert Grindelwald and MACUSA president Seraphina Picquery; they both come with shooting spell accessories for their hands. The package also features a figure of one of our favorite, mysterious magical animals: a Thestral, complete with poseable wings. The deathly-looking flying horse is needed to pull the set’s main piece, an articulated carriage with a removable roof and working doors.

When we broke down the entire trailer we weren’t sure what to make of the masked men driving a thestral-led carriage, but now we know Grindelwald is inside there, and he makes his dash for freedom during the ride. Since we didn’t see President Picquery in the trailer, we’re worried about whether she survives this armed encounter with Grindelwald. But that’s the best thing about LEGO sets. If we don’t like the version of the scene we get in the movie, we can just create our own.

Grindelwald’s Escape will apparate into stores this summer on August 1 and will retail for $19.99.

What do you think this set tells us about the film? Build your best argument in our comments below.

Images: LEGO

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How Wakanda is Essential To Surviving INFINITY WAR

Warning: There are massive spoilers ahead for Avengers: Infinity War !

The latest TV spot for Avengers: Infinity War warned us that “the end is near.” Thanos is coming for the Infinity Stones, and the world has only one last hope…and we don’t mean the Avengers! During Nerdist’s Infinity War set visit, we picked up some info which sheds some light on Black Panther‘s role in the film. More importantly, we know why a major battle is coming to Wakanda. Today’s Nerdist News is using the Time Stone to peek ahead at the fate of the MCU!

Join guest host and herald of Galactus, Amy Vorpahl, as she explains why Thanos and his children are descending upon Wakanda. We’ve previously assumed the Soul Stone was hidden in Wakanda’s vibranium mountain, especially since it has yet to show up. However, our intel suggests Captain America brought an Infinity Stone to Wakanda for safekeeping.

Why are the Avengers looking to make humanity’s last stand in Wakanda? Because T’Challa’s homeland will truly prove to be the most technically advanced nation during the fight against Thanos. No other country can compare with the alien armada at Thanos’ command, and Black Panther’s armory of vibranium weapons may turn the tide of the war.

Did you think it was a coincidence when both Bucky and Cap received vibranium upgrades in the trailers? Other members of the Avengers may also get vibranium weapons. It looks like almost everyone will converge upon Wakanda in the third act, but it’s still unclear who will walk away from the fight in triumph.

Are you excited to see Wakanda and Black Panther play major roles in Avengers: Infinity War? Let us know in the comment section below!

Images: Marvel Studios

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SAMURAI JACK Goes Back To the Past with New Board Game

Last year, Genndy Tartakovsky returned to Samurai Jack and gave his time lost warrior a long overdue ending. But later this year, fans will have the opportunity to revisit Jack and a few of his friends in a brand new board game: Samurai Jack: Back To the Past.

USAopoly’s Back To the Past allows players to step into the role of Jack, the Scotsman, Ashi, Monkey Man, Sir Rothchild, and Max as they take on the forces of the evil demon Aku. While the game is not designed as a cooperative experience, every player will have to maintain Jack’s sanity or else the adventure will come to a premature end. And no matter which character is chosen, the goal is always to return Jack to the time before Aku rose to power.

The game comes with figurines of Aku and the six heroic characters, and the scenarios and locations will echo some of the events depicted in the series. Jack and his allies will compete to defeat their mutual foes and finish the game “with the most honor.” All of the players will also have the opportunity to pick up allies, weapons, and traits as they prepare for the final battle with Aku. There may even be a few familiar foes who pop up along the way.

 

Samurai Jack: Back to the Past is expected to be released this summer, with a retail price of $34.95.

Are you excited to play the Samurai Jack board game? Let us know in the comment section below!

Images: USAopoly

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Will BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Be the Next TV Show to Come Back From the Dead?

Could Buffy the Vampire Slayer be the next show to come back from the dead? We discussed that killer rumor on today’s Nerdist News Talks Back, along with the first trailer for Fantastic Beasts 2, the new Westworld mobile game, and if we have any interested in a Die Hard movie without Bruce Willis.

Guest host Amy Vorpahl was joined today by Nerdist editors Amy Ratcliffe and Kyle Anderson, as well as Bizarre States’ Andrew Bowser. They started with the newest visit to the wizarding world of Harry Potter, the first trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. What did we think of it? Are we still excited for this franchise? Are we bummed out it already undid some of the most emotional moments from the first film? Did we like the original? What do we hope they keep from it? What do we hope they change? And as Harry Potter fans are we happy with the new story being told?

Speaking of old franchises getting new stories, could Buffy the Vampire Slayer be the next TV series to get a revival? Fox’s head of television Gary Newman says it’s discussed “frequently,” but it all depends on Joss Whedon. But with the controversy surrounding him lately, are we surprised they have no qualms about working with him right now? Would Buffy be the network’s latest successful revival after Prison Break and The X-Files? And would a reboot with a new cast be a better idea than a revival?

We’re also getting a new Westworld mobile game where players can run their own park that will be similar to Fallout 4‘s mobile companion game. Will we be playing it? How interested will we be in it while the show is off the air? Would we prefer this on a console instead? And What do we most look for in a mobile game?

Finally, Die Hard 6 looks like a go after The Conjuring writers were hired to pen the script. However, it will apparently be a prequel John McClane origin story. But isn’t the first film his origin story? Do we have any interest in a Die Hard without him?

Don’t forget Nerdist News Talks Back airs live on our YouTube and Alpha channels Monday through Thursday at 1 p.m. PT, and we end the week with Nerdist News What the Fridays live every Friday at 1 p.m. PT, exclusively at Alpha. When you don’t join us live it’s like you’ve put a wooden dagger through our hearts, which is only cool when Buffy does it.

We still want to hear from you about today’s show, so talk back to us in the comments below.

Images: 20th Century Fox, HBO/Warner Bros. Interactive

Sean Bean Reveals What Ned Stark Muttered Before His Death in GAME OF THRONES

Daenerys Targaryen will be reunited with Khal Drogo “when the sun rises in the west and sets in the east,” which should happen a few Long Nights before I get over the death of Ned Stark. While it will never get easier to watch Ser Ilyn Payne carry out Joffrey’s fateful order to end the life of the greatest man who ever lived, Sean Bean has finally put to rest one of the great mysteries about the Lord of Winterfell’s final moments on Game of Thrones. He revealed what it was he muttered under his breath before Ned was executed.



While there have been plenty of theories over the years about Ned’s final words (the one I’ve always heard was “I kept my promise,” in reference to keeping his sister Lyanna’s secret about Jon Snow), Bean had never actually addressed it until recently when he spoke to The Huffington Post. Don’t expect to be blown away or learn some unknown secret about the Seven Kingdoms, because it turns out he was merely saying some vague, non-Westerosi prayer.

“I couldn’t be too specific, because I don’t know if religion [like that] was around in those days, whatever they were. I just thought, ‘What would you do if this were really gonna happen?’ You probably would pray. You probably would murmur some words and you’d keep it quiet. You’d keep it to yourself.”

Seven years of anticipation and countless attempts at trying to read his lips like I was Bart Simpson in Shelbyville (I wish I were exaggerating) all for that. I have no one to blame but myself.

At least Bean put to rest one of the silliest fan theories of them all, by saying he is not coming back to the show. Theories like the one that says the “Ned Stark” we saw killed was really a Faceless Man who took his spot.

“And yeah, I’ve heard rumors, but not from very good sources that I might be back. But I think I’ve done my time there, and I created a good character. It’d be rather strange to see him resurrected.”

The only thing stranger than that would be seeing the sun rise in the west–or me getting over Ned’s death.

Are you disappointed by what Ned muttered to himself? Or is this always what you thought he said? Speak up with your thoughts in our comments below.

Images: HBO

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