Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 1872

Half Hour Happy Hour #163: #Aliens Are Real

The team is back to chat Aliens, sad Alison stories and MOON BASE!

Follow @HalfHourHappyHr and hosts @alisonhaislip, @alexalbrecht on Twitter

A Word from The Thrilling Adventure Hour!

The Thrilling Adventure Hour’s Nazi-Smashing Benefit is now available for download! Visit https://sellfy.com/thrillingadventurehour and get both parts 1 and 2! Starring Nathan Fillion, Autumn Reeser, Paul F. Tompkins, Paget Brewster, Jameela Jamil, Marc Evan Jackson, and all of your Thrilling Adventure Hour pals.

Proceeds from download benefit the Anti-Defamation League of LA.

Follow The Thrilling Adventure Hour and its creators, Ben Blacker and Ben Acker, on Twitter!

Photo by Liezl Estipona

Cameo Creeps Are Disturbingly Delightful Pieces of Art

Some tables that make you do a double take when you’re walking the floor at cons. It could be distinctive artwork, unique packaging, or it could be a very stately monster looking at you with a noble majestic stare. Cameo Creeps have all three of these elements, and they’ll keep you coming back for more. What started as a quick painting exercise and a way to study classical painting suddenly took on a life of its own when Chris Seaman started turned his hobby into Cameo Creeps. The paintings are his own creation of a world where his unique and distinguished monsters and creatures live.

Seaman has an illustration and painting background. As a fantasy illustrator in hobby games for the last 17 years, he’s worked on Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, Skylanders, Hearthstone, and Harry Potter. His artwork has been nominated for a Chesley award—the highest award in fantasy illustration—and is shown in museums and galleries around the country.

His paintings are highly detailed and each one starts as a small original acrylic painting 2.5 inches wide by 3 inches high. What makes these miniature masterpieces stand out is not only Seaman’s skilled artwork, but the classic tiny frames that accompany each reproduction. Finding ornate frames on such a small scale wasn’t easy. After many trials, Seaman eventually launched a Kickstarter to raise funds to start his own business to begin production including the art and affordable frames. It’s this eye catching packaging that makes these collectibles so unique.

While all monsters are equally stunning, it was Lady Miriam Lillithad that caught my eye and she just happens to be the most popular among Cameo Creep fans. Seaman describes her allure as, “A little bit lady Cthulhu meets squid-girl, with a touch of beauty.”

Along with the distinctive packaging, the names are also a characteristic part of these collectibles. “Growing up in the 80’s I was a huge fan of Garbage Pail Kids, TMNT, Star Wars, He-Man, and Thundercats. The best part of these characters was their names. They were self explanatory. You could read a character’s name and know if he was good or bad, even maybe a little about his/her personality.” Seaman used this childhood memory as inspiration when creating his portraits, “Each name for a Creep represents their character. They can be a bit ‘on-the-nose’ but that’s what makes them fun and breathes life into their existence.”

Cameo Creeps are being collected around the world and Seaman is currently co-authoring a book with full color illustrations about what it’s like to live in the world of the Cameo Creeps. “The world is a spooky place inhabited by noble monsters like zombies, vampire, demons, mutants, sea creatures, ghosts all in the setting of the over the top elegant Elizabethan era. Each group is vying for the crown to rule the land. It’s dark and gloomy but with a touch of whimsy. Each Cameo Creep that I’ve released plays a part in the world and I can’t wait to share the stories, family connections and spooky fun I’ve been writing for fans to sink their teeth into.”

Check out our favorite Cameo Creeps in the gallery below and get your own at Cameo Creeps website. For more artwork check out @ChrisSeamanArt on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Which Cameo Creep speaks to you? Let us know in the comments!

Images: Chris Seaman

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The Significance of the Gold Dice in THE LAST JEDI

Warning: spoilers follow for The Last Jedi. Jump into hyperspace and away from this article if you haven’t seen the film yet.

In many ways, The Last Jedi was about saying goodbye to what we know about the Star Wars universe, or at least, letting go of the way things have always been. But in between the beats that say it’s time to move on, there are nods to the past. John Williams‘ themes and character motifs provide a strong connection to the original trilogy, underscoring emotional scenes. And little moments tie the saga together, like Luke Skywalker pulling down the gold dice from the Millennium Falcon cockpit. The spaceship accessory has been part of the hunk of junk since the original trilogy.

Look closely at the middle top of the above photo from A New Hope. The dice are hanging there. They’re not often seen in the films. In fact, they only appear clearly in the above scene and less obviously at a couple of other points in Episode IV; then they’re off-screen until The Last Jedi. But they’re enough a part of the Falcon that J.J. Abrams had them included in The Force Awakens. Reportedly, they went to eBay to find a pair for Episode VII. And Disney Cruise Line made sure to include them in their Millennium Falcon play area. The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary explains the dice were “used in the ‘Corellian Spike’ game of sabacc in which he won the Millennium Falcon from Lando Calrissian.”

They were important to the ship and to Han, so Luke bringing them to Leia as part of his Force projection on Crait is special. And given that we’ve been reminded of their existence, maybe we’ll see Han proudly hang them in the cockpit when Solo is released in five months.

Did you cry when Luke handed the dice to Leia? Do you need a pair of gold fuzzy dice to hang in your Millennium Falcon, a.k.a. your car?

Images: Lucasfilm/Disney

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

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Foo Fighters Decked the Halls of SNL with a Christmas Medley

When you’re a band as well known as the Foo Fighters, an appearance on Saturday Night Live comes with an interesting opportunity: the ability to play something new early in the show and then have some fun with your second performance by playing a classic song everyone would know. It just so happens they went with more than one.

For their second musical performance–introduced by this season’s resident president and guy there so much he likely counts it as a second residence, Alex Baldwin–the Fighter of Foo started out with their classic tune “Everlong.” However, it wasn’t everlong until (That was bad. I should quit writing) the lights turned up and the band flew into a rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love. The Christmas tunes start at around two minutes.

The first tune–most likely more familiar in its Mariah Carey version–would have been enough for any Christmas-loving Foo fan but then they brought it to a whole new level by playing the best damn version of the Peanuts theme you’ll ever hear. Well, maybe just one of the best since, after a search on YouTube, we’re delighted that this one also exists.

Nothing against the Vince Guaraldi Trio, but don’t you think it’s time for a Peanuts reboot with modern music? The same animated special over and over again but with different bands and genres. The Foo Fighters could do one entirely. Maybe have some hip hop artists recreate new beats. Even an EDM version would be pretty neat.

Well, that got off topic. What do you think of the Foo Fighters’ medley? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

Image: NBC

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What Carrie Fisher Taught THE LAST JEDI Cast and Rian Johnson

It’s impossible to think about The Last Jedi and not consider how it is Carrie Fisher‘s final appearance in a Star Wars movie. The story is ending for Leia Organa, rebel, princess, and general. Thinking about saying any sort of good-bye isn’t easy, but the sadness is lessened somewhat when you consider how much of a legacy she left behind. When we spoke to the Episode VIII cast and director Rian Johnson, we asked them what they learned from Carrie Fisher.

You’ll note they don’t cite any particular instances of Fisher dispensing advice, but instead took away lessons from how Fisher behaved. She lived unapologetically and with flair and didn’t care what others thought. It’s her overall behavior that was inspiring. We could all stand to embrace some of that “I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me” spirit.

With Rian Johnson, we asked about Fisher’s contributions to the script. Because as he points out, Fisher was first and foremost a writer. He said, “I sat down with Carrie and we would just spend hours going over her scenes and mostly she threw out one-liners and jokes. It’s so hard talking about a movie you can’t talk about. I’ll be excited after it comes out to talk about some of the scenes where I worked with her and we kind of shaped it and what she contributed to it.”

I look forward to learning more specifics about what she added to The Last Jedi in the coming weeks and months.

Did you learn anything from Carrie Fisher or Leia Organa? Share your favorite bits of wisdom in the comments or come tell me on Twitter.

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

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Joseph Kahn Shares Gorgeous JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK Movie Concept Art

As part of the New 52 reboot in 2011, DC Comics brought together several of its supernatural heroes in Justice League Dark to face off against otherworldly threat no other heroes could handle. Since the debut of that team, Warner Bros. Pictures has tried to find a way to bring Justice League Dark to the big screen as several notable directors attempted to make that happen. Now, concept art from director Joseph Kahn’s Justice League Dark pitch has emerged online and offered a glimpse of what could have been.

Over the weekend, Kahn shared some of the Justice League Dark designs made by the team at Ironklad Studios, starting with Swamp Thing. He followed that up with an animation test that captured the way that Swamp Thing would move on screen.

I pitched on JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK two years ago. Here are some designs. First, Swamp Thing. pic.twitter.com/lkPODPLCXG

— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) December 16, 2017

A few of the other pieces of concept art included Kahn’s dream cast for the movie, including Legion star Dan Stevens as John Constantine.

Some of these have my wishlist for actors at the time. Here’s Constantine. pic.twitter.com/byFjYlhSus

— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) December 16, 2017

Khan envisioned Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer as Zatanna, although the costume he choose for her makes Zatanna look more like Black Alice.

Zatanna. She does wear a top hat with this. pic.twitter.com/v61rsS6QOM

— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) December 16, 2017

Before Chiwetel Ejiofor was cast in Doctor Strange as Baron Mordo, Khan wanted him for Jason Blood, the human alter ego of Etrigan the Demon.

And Jason Blood. pic.twitter.com/wvdpjU0eNu

— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) December 16, 2017

Finally, here’s a look at Boston Brand, the hero better known as Deadman.

Deadman. pic.twitter.com/EDQJSxD2rd

— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) December 16, 2017

Guillermo del Toro‏, one of the directors previously attached to Justice League Dark, tweeted out that designs seen here were not from his take on the film. But he did reiterate his feelings about the project.

Not my designs. I never got to that phase. But was mighty proud of the script we developed! https://t.co/FAG0vSaTol

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) December 17, 2017

Justice League Dark was eventually adapted as an animated movie that was released earlier this year. The live-action version remains in development at WB, but there’s no word on when it may finally enter production.

What do you think about these designs from Justice League Dark? Let us know in the comment section below!

Featured Image: DC Comics

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Comic Book Artist Shares His THE LAST JEDI Fan Fiction Comic

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is out this weekend, and its story shapes the future of the Jedi through the current trilogy and possibly beyond. For months, Luke Skwalker‘s line from the trailers, “I only know one truth: It’s time for the Jedi to end” has left fans wondering about its meaning and intent. Now that we’ve finally seen the film, we have a better idea about why Luke feels that way.

In response to the new movie, Pere Pérez, the artist of Marvel’s upcoming Rogue & Gambit miniseries, has shared a four-page fan fiction comic based upon The Last Jedi. The story, “…There is No Try,” takes place within the film as a frustrated Rey attempts to get Luke to train her in the ways of the Force. Although Pérez’s introduction for the story says it has no spoilers, the final page of his story does touch upon a surprise that is better left to be discovered by watching the actual movie. So consider this your real spoiler warning before diving into his tale.

Pérez’s take on Luke doesn’t fully line up with the movie’s portrayal of the character, but it does offer an interesting perspective on the perpetual struggle between the light side and the dark side of the Force. As depicted in this short, Luke no longer believes that there is a correct path for the Force. However, Rey, and Luke’s conscience, would beg to differ.

What do you think about this Last Jedi fan fiction comic? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Featured Image: Lucasfilm

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5 Holiday Cards Your Non-Geeky Family Definitely Won’t Understand

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, a time to send warm holiday wishes to friends and family via something called the post office. For just a few cents, you drop a card into a letter box and miraculously it appears at its destination to bring joy to the recipient. Magical!

This fun, festive tradition is made all the better with hilarious pop culture cards that are holiday classics. What could be better than sending Grandma a joyful image of John McClane fighting off Hans Gruber at Nakatomi Plaza? While some acquaintances won’t understand these references, these are the holiday cards that make this time of year special. Check out these five geeky holiday cards that your family definitely won’t understand. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!

Die Hard Christmas Card by Karen Flannery

There may be a debate over whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie (it is) but there’s no debate over the fact that a holiday card with Bruce Willis’ face is a delight. Yippee-Ki-Yay, it’s Christmas!

Gremlins Holiday Cards by Mirana Dressler

To me, nothing says Christmas like Gremlins. It is the quintessential holiday movie because everyone looks forward to getting gifts, especially when they’re cute, little, furry creatures. As long as you follow the rules, everything should go smoothly with your new pet…in theory.

Darth Vader Holiday Card by Holly Go Lightning

When you think festive holidays you think Darth Vader. If Vader is coming to town, you better be on your best behavior, or else everyone is getting Force chokes for Christmas.

Negan Christmas Card by Freckle and Specs

The Walking Dead may not be what comes to mind when you think of the holidays, but just look at how jolly Negan looks while carrying a decorated Lucille. Why you’d almost think he has a softer side. If you send this card to your grandma and she doesn’t watch The Walking Dead, she may just think a red scarf wearing baseball player really likes the holidays.

Home Alone Christmas Card by My Little Shop of Wonder

Featuring the classic line from Home Alone—referencing the film, Angels with Filthy Souls—the simplicity of this card is what’s so inviting. The festive red, the sleek, modern design, it all makes for the ideal holiday card, even if the recipients will wonder why you’d call them filthy animals…

Images: Karen Flannery, Miranda Dressler, Holly Go Lightning, Freckle and Specs, My Little Shop of Wonder

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EXCLUSIVE: First Look at PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING Series 2 Action Figures

It’s time to be a stone-cold Jaeger meister again. Pacific Rim toys have always been hot sellers, as we saw when previous license-holder NECA kept cranking out new figures long after the movie had left theaters. Diamond Select Toys, who are making the figures for the sequel, are clearly quite confident as well, as they’re already announcing a second series of Jaegers to cancel the apocalyptic lack of giant robot figures currently.

Standing around 7 inches tall, which will allow them to play pretty well with your existing toys from the prior film, this line-up includes Guardian Bravo (the red and white one), Obsidian Fury (chainsaw arms) and Titan Redeemer (Go Go Yubari from Kill Bill, but as a male robot). No Kaiju have been announced yet, but early clips from Pacific Rim: Uprising make it look as though the Jaegers may be bigger threats to each other this time around.

With the rise of the Titanfall game franchise since the last movie came out, fan affinity for people in cool robotic suits controlling even cooler monstrous metal men ought to be at an all-time high. You probably won’t ever own a real-scale Jaeger, since drift technology hasn’t even been invented yet, but with these figures, you can pretend you’re controlling them, as you trash the objects on your desk, and activate the power of procrastination.

Is it just us, or does Titan Redeemer look a bit like the Iron Giant if he in fact were a gun?

Series 1, featuring Gipsy Avenger, Saber Athena, and Bracer Phoenix come out in spring; series 2 follows in the summer, with specialty outlets like comic shops getting extra bonus accessories packed in. Will you be hitting up toy stores next year to grab your own anti-apocalypse army at $24.99 each (or $14.99 for accesory-less versions)? Tell us in comments below.

Images: Diamond Select

Editor’s note: Nerdist Industries is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.

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