Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 2317

The Todd Glass Show #265: An After Show

Its another Todd Glass after show with Eric Ohlsen and Nick Lepa!

Use the offer code Todd to get $5 off you ticket for the LA Podcast Festival!

Like The Todd Glass Show on Facebook, follow @ToddGlass, Eric Ohlsen and Lyricist Joe on Twitter, buy his album Thin Pig and buy his book The Todd Glass Situation!

STAR WARS: GO ROGUE Episode 3 Gives the Rebels Some Backup

We may have to wait until December for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, but the third episode of the fan-created Star Wars: Go Rogue stop-motion animated series is here!

In the previous episode of Go Rogue, Jyn Erso. Cassian Andor, K-2SO, Chirrut Îmwe, and Baze Malbus proved to be a formidable team as they managed to get away with one half of the Death Star plans. But getting the second half won’t be easy. This episode introduced Pao, one of the Rebels’ non-human members. It also proved that AT-ACT just doesn’t roll off the tongue very well. Although we do like the idea of controlling the Imperial Walkers by using an app.

This installment also has some meta fun with the recasting of Director Orson Krennic, who is now portrayed by his standard action figure instead of his Funko figure with the ridiculously huge head. Cassian and K-2SO had some fun comedic moments, even though things looked grim for one of them by the end of the episode. And what Star Wars fan film would be complete without a THX-1138 shout out?

Remember, this is the third part of a four-part adventure. The remaining installment will be released later this month before the first round of Rogue One toys hit the shelves on September 30. Also on the 30th, fans can submit their own original Rogue One shorts at StarWars.com/GoRogue; while children ages 8 through 12 will have their own category of shorts at Disney.com/MyRogueStory. The shorts will be judged by a panel including Rogue One director Gareth Edwards, and the winners will be invited to a special Lucasfilm screening in San Francisco to watch Rogue One and their animated shorts on the big screen.

What did you think about the third episode of Star Wars: Go Rogue? Assemble your thoughts in the comment section below!

We’re still talking about Rogue One‘s latest trailer!

Image: Lucasfilm

Adventure with INDIANA JONES, STRANGER THINGS, and More in Fan Art Friday

Most of the fan art I highlight has an element of cute because that’s my jam. The world is rough and, you know what? Every ounce of adorableness helps counter it. However, art styled in a more realistic way helps too, and Jeff Herndon’s work reminded me of that. A freelance illustrator based in Colorado, Jeff draws inspiration from pop culture and creates poster style pieces with bold lines, interesting shading techniques, and heroic poses. You can see what I mean in this Indiana Jones and Stranger Things art:

In addition to putting together images with multiple characters and elements from a given franchise, Jeff also does more intimate character portraits-you can see one of Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman in the gallery below. He takes commissions too, so you can ask him about drawing your favorite character.

Speaking of the gallery below, head there to see more of Jeff’s art, including Star Wars pieces from Rogue One, The Force Awakens, and more. Then, if you’d like to view more examples, follow Jeff on Instagram. You can also purchase prints from his website (uh, there’s a Doc Holliday one from Tombstone) and scroll through his blog to see time lapse videos and behind-the-scenes processes.

Have fan art of your own you’d like to see highlighted in a future edition of Fan Art Friday? Awesome, because I’m always on the lookout for new artists to feature. Email me at alratcliffe@yahoo.com with examples of your work, and we’ll go from there.

Images: Jeff Herndon

Breaking Down JUSTICE LEAGUE’s Tactical Batsuit

DC Comics fans would almost assuredly be Blue Lanterns in Geoff Johns‘ lantern spectrum introduced in the pre-Blackest Night comics, because the Blue Lanterns’ power comes from hope. Despite the three films in the DC Extended Universe so far being problematic at best, we still wait on tenterhooks for the next movie, with the possibility of it being good and finally lifting the stigma on the franchise. And maybe our hope is paying off! Zack Snyder himself tweeted out a highly intriguing photograph of Batman‘s new Tactical Batsuit from Justice League and we’re breaking it down on today’s Nerdist News!

Homestretch. Last day filming Batman in the new Tactical Batsuit.#JusticeLeague #Batman pic.twitter.com/GMJ9aoYVKJ

— ZackSnyder (@ZackSnyder) September 14, 2016

Ben Affleck‘s portrayal of Batman was one of the few true highlights of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and his search for new heroes is at the center of Justice League and the footage we’ve seen so far. But he’s not just the Nick Fury of this team; he also will have some action to take care of, some tactical stuff evidently. The Tactical Batsuit makes its debut in this universe and in this image. While the suit itself looks mostly similar to his regular suit, save for some more defined padding — actually hearkening back a bit more to The Dark Knight trilogy — it’s the helmet and goggles that stand out here. In that they look almost exactly like those worn by Nite Owl in Snyder’s film version of Watchmen.

Here is visual proof:

Nite Owl is a character based on Blue Beetle, who was himself a Batmanish character, in Alan Moore’s revisionist history of superheroes, so it’s not all that strange a concept. However, it’s definitely curious as to why they’d pick such a similar design for a similar character. Is it a reference to his own 2009 film? Does he even understand the irony of basing a Batman suit on a suit worn by a character that sort of skewers the old regime of superheroes? With Snyder there’s really no telling.

And yet, I remain optimistic, because I love the characters, I love the casting, and I love the prospect of GOOD DC Comics movies. I am, at heart, a Blue Lantern. Are you a Blue Lantern, or have you gone full Red Lantern on this pic? Let us know in the comments below!

Did you hear? Deathstroke is Batman’s new film villain!

Images: Warner Bros

Kyle Anderson is the Associate Editor for Nerdist. He writes the weekly look at weird or obscure films in Schlock & Awe. Follow him on Twitter!

Watch the Trailer for Billie Joe Armstrong’s First Leading Film Role

Turns out acting and singing aren’t so different after all. Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong is making his debut as a lead in a new film. That’s not the only musician getting some extra spotlight. Michael C. Hall debuted some Lazarus work at the Mercury Prize ceremony this past Thursday, Luke from Gilmore Girls has a secret band, Warpaint dropped a charming video, and Sampha released a dark, brooding music video.

It seems a new album isn’t the only thing on Billie Joe Armstrong‘s plate. The frontman of Green Day was hard at work prepping and filming his first-ever lead role in a film in the last year or two. Ordinary World, a film about a father whose abandoned punk rocker dreams get to be revived, sees Armstrong cast as the main character, a dad named Perry who sees plenty of craziness ensue on his 40th birthday. He penned an original song for the film (which dawns the title of the film) and, by the looks of its first trailer, does pretty well acting in the film, too. It will be released as a DVD and digital download on October 17th. [Rolling Stone]

This past Thursday, Michael C. Hall gave us a look at what we can expect from Lazarus, one of David Bowie‘s final projects before his death. The two worked together on the musical and Hall was (and still is) set to star in the off-Broadway New York production’s leading role. During the 2016 Hyundai Mercury Prize ceremony, Michael C. Hall paid his respects while performing “Lazarus” with help from a backing band. It was an emotional rendition, to say the least, and one that will likely give you goosebumps for the entire day. The original version of the song, which Bowie released at the start of this year, can be heard above. [Nerdist]

Anyone who has seen Gilmore Girls knows there’s another side to Luke. There had to be, right? Turns out Scott Patterson, the actor who played everyone’s favorite semi-grumpy dude on the show, has been fronting a ’70s blues-inspired rock act called GORDON. The band promises “big beats” and “passionate vocals,” both of which he contributes to. Give a listen to “Kristina” above, an original song uploaded to the band’s page. If you’re ready for heavier rock, check it out on their site (or book a live event if you so please). [Consequence of Sound]

We’ve been noticeably excited about Warpaint‘s upcoming album, Heads Up, which drops September 23. Now we have even more reason to be. The indie rock quartet shared a video for “New Song” that sees them waltzing through New York City. Of course, they make it all look fun: hugging, chomping on pizza, dancing on street corners, and singing their own magical pop single. Can we join their band? Please? Maybe we should just watch this video on loop instead since joining the group may prove to be a tad hard. [Rolling Stone]

After a long career of guest appearances, Sampha is finally ready to take the spotlight as the primary artist. The British R&B crooner has a voice of gold, and with his debut LP inching closer every day, he’s released a video for single “Blood on Me.” The clip sees his paranoid lyrics come to life. The three-part video, which was directed by Alex Lill, sees Sampha running in a wheat field, running alongside wild dogs, and impaled by branches after a car crash. Dramatic? Yes, but it’s equally moving, both of which can be said for his music. Check it out above. [Rolling Stone]

See you back here on Monday for another Music Dispatch!

Image: Ordinary World/Zero Media

You Can 3D Print Your Own Mr. Meeseeks from RICK AND MORTY

It’s a shrill and irritating phrase, but it’s also one of the most existentially rich of any in modern comedy: “I’m Mr. Meeseeks. Look at me.” It’s a life form blinked into existence and then immediately becoming self-aware. “Existence is pain to a Meeseeks, Jerry.” What sad and horrifying beings are the Misters Meeseeks from Rick and Morty, and yet they are right in keeping with the other absurdly tragic characters from the series. (Mr. Poopybutthole is a metaphor for us all.) Anyway, now you can 3D print two versions of Mr. Meeseeks thanks to YouTuber 3D Print Guy.

While the video doesn’t really tell you how to do it, it does offer printable versions of the parameters needed for his two designs — one is the friendly Meeseeks, just after being “birthed” and the other is the angry suicidal Meeseeks who would sooner see a restaurant full of people dead than have to endure Jerry not managing to succeed in his seemingly very simple goal of shaving two swings off his golf game. We get to watch sped up shots of the creation of the 3D figures mixed with scenes and music from Rick and Morty. Perhaps strangely, it’s scored to “Goodbye Moonman” sung by Jemaine Clement, a/k/a Fart.

The 3D printed figures look pretty great and would make a tremendous addition to any desk or shelf. I won’t get in to the possible ethical dilemma of owning a being created for the sole purpose of decorating a mantelpiece; that’s for someone else to talk about, and perhaps even a Rick and Morty episode to deal with. “I’m Mr. Meeseeks! LOOK AT ME!!” We are, friend. We are.

Talk about whatever you want in the comments below!

The one Rick and Morty scientific theory you should understand.

Image: Adult Swim

Kyle Anderson is the Associate Editor for Nerdist. Follow him on Twitter!

In WESTWORLD, the Gamification of Life and Artifice Shows Us Ourselves (Review)

Want. It’s maybe the strongest drive in the human system—engineering all our actions and instincts, both primal and manufactured. The limitlessness of the human spirit makes this an endless pool from which our animalistic nature can choose, effectively constructing the emotional world in which we all individually live. This possibility lends itself to flights of fantasy in the name of fulfillment of desires, from basic to wild—the dangers of which are ruminated on in HBO’s Westworld. When given an inch, how many miles will humanity take? Even (or, perhaps, especially) when their playthings blur the line between machine and human.

In its original iteration, Westworld was a 1973 sci-fi western written and directed by novelist Michael Crichton, its main focus was the Gunslinger android (played by Yul Brenner), tasked with instigating fights. While there is a Gunslinger in this TV iteration (played with deft cruelty by Ed Harris), his role is quite different—he’s definitely not an android, and certainly not the central focus of the show. His instigation skills, though? Brutal and echoing underneath the story’s bubbling surface.

That central role belongs to Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood): a longstanding android who’s played a myriad of parts across her tenure at Westworld. Programmed to be the eternal optimist, girl-next-door type, Dolores’ reality is linked to Teddy Flood (James Marsden), the Wild West-y Romeo to her Frontierland Juliet. In their journey, you cannot help but feel as though we’ve crossed a line in the mere creation of these incredible miracles of engineering.

On the other side of the equation lies the team that created them. In this distant-future, Dr. Robert Ford plays god alongside a team of capable and constantly evolving engineers Bernard Lowe and Elsie Hughes (played by Jeffrey Wright and Shannon Woodwood, respectively). Obsessed with perfecting the humanistic properties and the AI’s ability to improv the pre-written, constantly evolving storylines at play (over 100 at a time, allegedly), the trio word diligently to hone increasingly lifelike androids. Of course, not everyone agrees that they should be all that indistinguishable—and the battle between the sides is certainly something that’s churning and evolving (as are people’s opinions on the matter). In addition, a new update to the droids has possibly crossed a line—or threshold, so to speak—though whether that was an accident or not is yet to be seen. Needless to say, the Pandora’s Box of it all is where the real, unnerving, dystopian thrill comes into play.

Playing out as if Deadwood and Black Mirror 3D-printed a living baby, Westworld is meticulously plotted to lay out the delicate intricacies of the story it’s telling, but it doesn’t move slowly or without an inherent tension. This show does demand you pay attention, but you don’t need to be pre-versed in the universe or theoretical physics in order to understand what’s going on. There’s a nuance to the performances of the robots and their different states—and even to those who are tasked with their creation and evolution.

In that regard, the standout of the series is Wood’s Dolores, upon whose shoulders our own empathy and entry into the world is lofted. Her ability to switch from character to droid is subtle but incredibly evocative—allowing us to truly see the humans as the ones who’ve done a Very Bad Thing. Of course there are layers to all of this, like any good prestige drama worth its meddle, and it becomes increasingly clear throughout the episodes that the grey area is not exclusive to just creations or the creators.The ruthlessness of Sidse Babett Knudsen’s Theresa Cullen, the operations manager, feels ripe with potential—particularly going up against Hopkins’ layered Ford. Actors Thandie Newton and Jimmi Simpson are also sympathetic standouts in the early episodes, showing the full effect of the Westworld domino game that feels poised to fall at any moment, as are players like the aforementioned Wright and Woodward, who bring another emotional level to the work happening behind the scenes. (It’s really great to see Shannon Woodward get her due in something like this, and we’re excited to see more of her and actress Tessa Thompson, as well.)

We’re overdue for a series that explores the idea of reality and what constitutes something as “real” in this way: the labyrinthine nature of desire and excess and creation and morality, when thrown into the frontier (both literally and metaphorically) challenges the audience to see themselves—and the human race—for what we maybe are or could be. (We’d LOVE to sit in a room and watch this one with Werner Herzog and Elon Musk, for example.) The realities of our consequences as we continue to mine the land of our own want in the face of increasingly volatile technical world is heady shit to put it mildly, but Westworld does not feel patronizing or tedious—its scares come from how close to reality this all could be. Co-creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy Nolan have created something riveting, evocative, thrilling, and effective in furthering the social morality conversation currently playing out so beautifully on TV. Get ready for your next great HBO obsession.

5 out of 5 sentient, pleasure-giving burritos:

Westworld premieres on Sunday, October 2. Are you going to tune in? Let us know in the comments below.

Images: HBO

Alicia Lutes is the Managing Editor of Nerdist, creator/co-host of Fangirling, and very worried about artificial intelligence. Find her freaking out on Twitter.

A Writer Acted Out His BLUES BROTHERS Spec Pilot on Twitter

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Dan Aykroyd and Judy Belushi are producing a potential Blues Brothers animated series that will once again follow the musical exploits of Jake and Elwood Blues, whom the late John Belushi and Aykroyd originally portrayed on Saturday Night Live and the classic Blues Brothers movie in 1980. If the show goes forward, it’s gonna need some writers. And one intrepid screenwriter is throwing his hat in early!

Via AVClub, Keith Saltojanes created a twitter page for his Blues Brothers animated spec pilot and he proceeded to act out all of the parts with multiple accounts over the course of seven days. It’s a unique approach to getting his script read, although it’s one that’s bound to be imitated several times over. Within the story, Jake and Elwood are roped into a musical mission from God, with appearances by the almighty himself; in addition to the the shape changing seemingly supernatural nun, Sister Mary Stigmata; and Johnny Cash. Along the way, there’s a signature Blues Brothers car chase and a few appearances by the band. We should also mention that the script was set in 1976, a few years before the original film.

Here’s a brief sample:

[The group yells and throws a lit torch into the back seat of the Bluesmobile, which Jake puts out.]

— Blues Brothers TV (@BluesBrothersTV) September 8, 2016

Who are these guys, I wish there was some kind of warning.

— Elwood Blues (@ElwoodBluesTV) September 3, 2016

The Americans Against Music. — Breaking News (@RadioNewsReport) September 3, 2016

Oh. — Elwood Blues (@ElwoodBluesTV) September 3, 2016

[Just then the Bikers come up and surround the AAM group who are surrounding the Blue Brothers.] — Blues Brothers TV (@BluesBrothersTV) September 8, 2016

And I’d say those are the Hell’s Angels… — Elwood Blues (@ElwoodBluesTV) September 3, 2016

You can read the entire script here, but just remember to scroll all the way down the bottom for the first post. If the Blues Brothers animated series finds a home, we think that the theme song should be their rendition of “Soul Man.”

What did you think about the Blues Brothers spec script? You’re on a mission from God, so leave a comment below!

Image: Universal Pictures

The Dark Lord of the Sith’s Solo Adventures End in DARTH VADER #25 (Preview)

For two years, Marvel Comics has chronicled Darth Vader‘s adventures after the original Star Wars in a monthly comic book series. Next month, it all comes to a head as the final issue of Darth Vader arrives!

In the aftermath of the first Death Star’s destruction, Vader was essentially demoted by the Emperor and forced to find his way back into the Empire’s favor. During his quest, the man formerly known as Anakin Skywalker discovered that his Sith mentor had lied to him about the existence of his son, Luke. More pressingly, Vader also learned that the Emperor had already made contingency plans to potentially replace him with a new breed of warriors created by the cyborg known as Cylo.

Darth Vader #25 will bring Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca’s story to a close, as Vader faces Cylo’s creations and continues to plot against his master. The fan favorite character, Doctor Aphra, may still be the series’ wild card. But we’re hoping that she and her murderous droids, BT-1 and 0-0-0, make it out of this finale intact.

Marvel has released the first few unlettered pages of Darth Vader #25, which includes an intriguing scene with Vader and Aphra in the throne room of the Emperor.

You can find the rest of the preview pages in our gallery below, along with covers by Joe Quesada, Chris Samnee, Michael Cho, Sara Pichelli, Adi Granov, Kamome Shirahama, Jamie McKelvie, John Tyler Christopher, and series artist Salvador Larroca. For the final issue, Gillen and artist Max Fiumara are teaming up for the back up story.

Darth Vader #25 will be released on Wednesday, October 12.

What do you think will happen in the final issue? Share your theories in the comment section below!

Images: Marvel Comics/Lucasfilm

See How SOUTH PARK’s Opening Credits Have Changed Over 20 Seasons

It really is crazy to think that we’ve been invited to come on down to South Park for almost two decades now. From the very first time way back on August 13th, 1997, to the recent season 20 premiere, we’ve had ourselves a time and did a lot of unwinding with Matt Stone and Trey Parker‘s animation institution. And during all that, there have been many iterations of those welcoming opening credits—did you know that? We certainly didn’t, not until this montage highlighting exactly how it has changed over the years.

We first saw the GameSpot video breakdown on Entertainment Weekly, and we have to say: they did some real yeoman’s work in here, taking years and years of opening credits and boiling them down into a three-minute video, analyzing changes both big and small. Like how—during different sequences—characters or events are added on a near-constant basis, changing the opening credits on a small scale.

On a macro scale, though, there are distinct eras—like when during the 11th episode of season four the boys went to fourth grade and the intro was dramatically changed, including a techno-style song. And seasons 6 through 11 were the “arts and crafts” credits, which were followed by the old clips-based intro of seasons 12-16 (until the 3D-style credits used from season 17 until today. They also included a couple of single episode special credits, like the first Halloween episode, the Game of Thrones parody credits, and when the Goth kids took over with new lyrics.

After twenty seasons changes both minor and significant are to be expected for any opening credits, but at least we know that no matter when we go down to South Park there’s always ample parking, day or night.

Which South Park opening sequence is your favorite? Go on down into our comments section and tell us yours.

Image: Comedy Central