Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 326

FALLOUT 5 Will Be Set in the United States, Confirms Bethesda’s Todd Howard

The location of any Fallout game is always its defining feature. So, of course, there’s a lot of conversation surrounding where Fallout 5 might take place. Some fans would like to see the Fallout franchise head abroad, as all of its games (and its TV series adaptation) to date have been set in the United States. However, Bethesda’s Todd Howard has confirmed Fallout probably won’t leave the United States any time soon.

Here’s what he had to say (time stamp of 56:42 in the above video):

My view is part of the Fallout schtick is on the Americana naivete and part of that. And so, for us right now, it’s OK to acknowledge some of those other areas. But our plan is to predominantly keep it in the U.S.

I also like in any sort of world, I don’t feel the need to answer. It’s OK to leave mystery or questions: what is happening here? What is happening here? I think those are good things. In Elder Scrolls everybody wants to go to these other, mysterious lands. The worst thing you could do to mysterious lands is remove the mysteriousness. Keep mysterious lands mysterious!

Prime Video

Howard makes a fair point. Some questions just don’t need answers. And we can understand how the history and present of the United States are deeply embedded into the Fallout games and series.

Obsidian Entertainment

With his comments, Howard not only confirms integral information about the Fallout series but also narrows the possible location of Fallout 5.

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What Do These Clues Mean for X-MEN’97’s Big Finale?

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We only have two episodes of X-Men ’97 left in season one, and speculation about what might happen is running wild. Magneto is clearly back to his old ways, and Charles Xavier is finally back on Earth. This is going to lead to one hell of a confrontation. So far, the series has been remixing tons of lore from the comics, creating its own unique take on the X-Men. Former X-Men ’97 showrunner Beau DeMayo has been active on social media lately, dropping hints as to what takes place in the last few episodes, and what classic episodes fans should revisit. Here’s what he’s shared so far:

Finale prep recommended episodes:

– One Man’s Worth, Pt 1 and 2
– Sanctuary, Pt 1 and 2
– Descent
– The Final Decision #xmen #xmen97

— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) April 28, 2024

So what could these references to classic X-Men: The Animated Series episodes mean? We have some ideas.

“One Man’s Worth, Pt. I and II” X-Men: The Animated Series Season 4, Episodes 9-10

Bastion’s Mama (“One Man’s Worth”) #xmen97 pic.twitter.com/tjzciD5Akk

— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) May 1, 2024

We know what one of these was hinting at already. The episode “One Man’s Worth” showed an alternate Wolverine and Storm heading to 1959 to prevent the assassination of a young Charles Xavier. In that episode we met a racist bully in the past, one we now know was infected by a future Nimrod Sentinel, and fathered Bastion. His mother appeared in that episode as well.

“Sanctuary Pt. I and II” X-Men: The Animated Series Season 4, Episodes 3 -4Marvel

“Sanctuary Pt. I and II” featured Magneto attempting to create a mutant-only nation in orbit around the world with Asteroid M. Might he attempt such a thing again? That was also a part of the comics, in the storyline “Fatal Attractions.” (More on that story in a moment). That story ended when Magneto ripped the adamantium off Logan’s bones.

“Descent” X-Men: The Animated Series Season 5, Episode 9Marvel

“Descent” focused on the backstory of Mister Sinister, focusing on his days as a 19th-century scientist named Nathaniel Essex. This suggests we’ll see more flashbacks to Sinister’s younger days before the season is over. Maybe the show will finally explain what Sinister’s ultimate goals are in working with Bastion, besides just doing experiments on more mutant DNA. Mister Sinister always has plans within plans.

“The Final Decision” X-Men: The Animated Series Season 1 Episode 13Marvel

“The Final Decision” was the season one finale of X-Men: The Animated Series. That episode featured the X-Men teaming up with Magneto to stop the Sentinel Master Mold from replacing the minds of world leaders with Sentinel-controlled brains. We could see a repeat of those events in X-Men ’97, only now with the threat of Bastion’s human-looking Prime Sentinels.

Uncanny X-Men #304, “…For What I Have Done”

This week’s homework assignment #XMen97 pic.twitter.com/6Nnlk8ac7B

— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) May 2, 2024

We also have a comic book-related bit of homework. DeMayo shared the cover of 1993’s Uncanny X-Men #304, part of the “Fatal Attractions” storyline. In this issue, all of the X-Men and their adjacent teams gathered at the X-Mansion grounds for Illyana Rasputin’s funeral. Magneto crashed the funeral, declaring himself the new mutant savior. And he convinced Colossus, Illyana’s grieving brother, to abandon Xavier’s dream and join him. Colossus isn’t a regular member of the team in X-Men ’97, but this sure indicates that at least one stalwart X-Men is defecting to Magneto’s side before the season is over. Maybe even more than one.

We’ll discover what it all means when the last two episodes of X-Men ’97 season one, “Tolerance is Extinction” parts 2-3, drop on Disney+ on May 8 and May 15.

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STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Returns to Movie Theaters for 25th Anniversary

The movie that started the Star Wars saga, at least from a chronological story standpoint, is returning to movie theaters for its 25th anniversary. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace returns to cinema screens everywhere starting on May 3. Or, as we like to call it, “May the Fourth Eve.” To coincide with the re-release, artist Matt Ferguson illustrated a gorgeous new poster, which features our main characters. We love the piercing eyes of the Sith Lord Darth Maul looming over everyone. The Phantom Menace won’t be arriving in movie theaters alone, though; it will also bring with it a special first-look at the new Star Wars series, The Acolyte.

You can check out this 25th anniversary poster, via the Star Wars official site, right here—and learn more about the screening below.

Lucasfilm Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Returns to Movie Theaters

AMC shares of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace‘s return to movie theaters:

Experience the heroic action and unforgettable adventures of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. See the first fateful steps in the journey of Anakin Skywalker. Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn discover nine-year-old Anakin, who is unusually strong in the Force. Anakin wins a thrilling Podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home to be trained as a Jedi. The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces while the two Jedi contend with a deadly foe named Darth Maul. Only then do they realize the invasion is merely the first step in a sinister scheme by the re-emergent forces of darkness known as the Sith.

After the feature, fans will also get a special first look at Star Wars: The Acolyte series coming to Disney+ June 2024.

Catch a Glimpse of Star Wars: The AcolyteLucasfilm

For now, all AMC reveals is that at after The Phantom Menace airs in theaters, “fans will also get a special first look at Star Wars: The Acolyte series coming to Disney+ June 2024.” The first trailer for the series recently released, and the new Star Wars chapter looks exciting. We can’t wait to see what will be teased on the big screen.

The R2-D2 Popcorn Bucket Is Back for The Phantom Menace in Theaters AMC

In addition to seeing the movie in theaters, you can also snag an adorable R2-D2 Popcorn Bucket at screenings of The Phantom Menace. A release shares, “The new R2-D2 popcorn, complete with a shiny blue chrome upgrade, will go on sale May 3 at select theatres, one day ahead of the May the 4th (be with you) Star Wars “holiday.” The combo R2-D2 vessel is priced at $49.99 and comes with Large Drink & Popcorn.”

Make sure to snag this little guy early if you want him.

25 Years of The Phantom Menace

Every generation has a legend…#ThePhantomMenace returns to theaters May 3rd. pic.twitter.com/X1t5GTP8OM

— Star Wars (@starwars) April 23, 2024

If you weren’t around for it, it’s hard to describe the hype levels leading up to the theater release of The Phantom Menace in 1999. It’s fair to say it was the most anticipated film of all time up to that point. The original Star Wars trilogy had changed popular culture, and for years, George Lucas promised prequels to Episodes IV-VI. As the 10-year anniversary of Return of the Jedi came and went, fans began to believe the prequels would remain in Lucas’ head. We’d have to do with just Star Wars novels and toys only, forever. When the sixteen-year wait for a new Star Wars film was finally over, fans everywhere lined up outside theaters. Sometimes, for days.

When it finally arrived, The Phantom Menace broke all box office records, but it was divisive among critics and fans. However, the children who grew up with the movie have nothing but love for it today as adults. We imagine many will be taking their children to see Anakin Skywalker pod race on the big screen. Maybe this theatrical release will contain a preview of something new in the Star Wars galaxy coming down the pipeline. We’ll have to catch The Phantom Menace when it returns to movie theaters on May 3 to find out for certain.

Originally published on March 19, 2024.

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THE FANTASTIC FOUR Adds Paul Walter Hauser to Cast

When Disney purchased 20th Century Fox, lo those many years ago, that immediately meant all the X-Men characters could appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It also meant Fox’s other (and let’s face it, far less successful) Marvel property, the Fantastic Four, was joining the fray. However, aside from a Reed Richards cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the Fantastic Four have been MIA. But, hope is on the horizon! The Fantastic Four will be part of the MCU’s Phase Six.

In the latest piece of exciting news to do with the movie, according to Deadline, Paul Walter Hauser has joined the cast of The Fantastic Four in an undisclosed role. We speculate it’s probably as Mole Man, but only time will tell.

Marvel Studios

Here’s everything we know about the MCU’s The Fantastic Four movie.

Title

All the initial branding from Marvel indicated the movie’s title would be Fantastic Four. Of the three previous Fantastic Four movies, two of them were just called Fantastic Four—despite the ill-fated 2015 movie’s logo making people call it “Fant-4-stic.”

Now we know that to slightly stand out, the MCU’s Fantastic Four movie will be called The Fantastic Four.

The Fantastic Four‘s Plot

Zero idea currently what the plot of the movie will be. Not a sausage. Bugger-all.

Marvel ComicsBehind the Scenes

The Fantastic Four is possibly the most in-flux title in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe slate. Marvel Studios president and primary producer Kevin Feige announced the movie at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. Marvel then named Jon Watts, who directed the three Tom Holland Spider-Man films for Sony and Marvel, in December 2020. Watts then stepped away from the project in April 2022, stating he was taking a break from superhero movies.

Then, in August 2022, Marvel named Matt Shakman—who had directed WandaVision for Disney+—as Watts’ successor. Feige confirmed this at the D23 Expo in September of that same year.

Later in September, Marvel said Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer were writing the script for The Fantastic Four. By March 2023, Terminator franchise and Avatar: The Way of Water screenwriter Josh Friedman was at work rewriting the script. In October 2023, Cameron Squires’ name was added as co-writer.

The movie has a scheduled start of production for early 2024.

The Fantastic Four‘s Cast

The MCU’s Fantastic Four team has officially set its cast. Pedro Pascal will play Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mister Fantastic. Vanessa Kirby will play Sue Storm, a.k.a. the Invisible Woman. Ebon Moss-Bachrach will play The Thing. Finally, Joseph Quinn will play Johnny Storm, a.k.a. the Human Torch.

Netflix/Marvel Comics

Recently Deadline reported Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna) will play the Shalla-Bal version of Silver Surfer. In the comics, Shalla-Bal appeared as Norrin Radd’s partner, but at one point, she received the same powers as the Silver Surfer and they were both Galactus’ heralds.

Paul Walter Hauser has also joined the cast.

The Fantastic Four‘s Release Date

The Fantastic Four will release on July 25, 2025.

Originally published on December 22, 2023.

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Josh Brolin Will Not Cameo as Cable in DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE (But He ‘So Wanted’ to Appear)

After years of speculating, in 2022, Marvel Studios confirmed that Deadpool would officially join the MCU for a third installment of the R-rated comic book franchise at the start of Phase Six. This would mark the first official character of the Fox X-Men universe joining the MCU (although Patrick Stewart as a variant Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness kinda counts too, we suppose).

Marvel Studios

Although we know there will be an enormous amount of cool cameos in Deadpool & Wolverine, one character we won’t see on our screens is Josh Brolin’s Cable. Brolin jokingly told The Playlist, “Am I? Yeeeesssss! I so wanted to be in that movie.” And then seemed to suggest Marvel had never gotten in touch about the movie. He shared, “[Marvel] is a more complex labyrinth than ‘Outer Range’ will ever be, my friend. And I will never know where that went or what that is or what I’m involved with or what I’m not involved with—the MCU being involved now. Cable was a lot of fun. I really liked doing that role. That was a lot of fun.” All that being said, Brolin expressed excitement for the movie and admiration for its actors. So, even though Cable won’t appear, he’s cheering on his Marvel-mates.

Although we’re sad Cable won’t appear, we’re certainly cheered by this new photo of Deadpool & Wolverine sniping at one another and a fun new look at Wolverine.

New look at ‘DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE’

(Source: https://t.co/TyoMBvpXZt) pic.twitter.com/df1NfdMECt

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 2, 2024

New look at Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in ‘DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE’

(Source: https://t.co/8x5jlOstoA) pic.twitter.com/4SMuLa5yNC

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 2, 2024

Here is everything we know so far about Deadpool & Wolverine.

TitleMarvel Studios

Thanks to a Super Bowl trailer (check it out below!), we know that this film, formerly called Deadpool 3, is actually Deadpool & Wolverine.

Deadpool & Wolverine‘s Plot

The plot of Deadpool & Wolverine remains a mystery. All we know is that Hugh Jackman is returning as Wolverine, and that it takes place before the feral X-Man’s death in Logan. In fact, Jackman has confirmed that time travel will be involved in the threequel in a big way.

While originally, Deadpool & Wolverine was called Deadpool 3, director Shawn Levy wants to make sure fans understand that the title change is not just cosmetic. Levy notes to Screen Rant:

As far as crafting the Deadpool & Wolverine story, I just felt privileged every day because you’re talking about two massive movie stars in their most iconic roles. It also gave me an opportunity. It’s the third Deadpool movie, but it’s not Deadpool 3. It’s a different thing that’s very much Deadpool and Wolverine. And it’s not trying to copycat anything from the first two movies. They were awesome, but this is a two-hander character adventure.

As most folks know by now, Deadpool’s third solo film will reunite him with his X-Men Origins: Wolverine co-star. Deadpool and Wolverine will work together, although they have made it very clear that these two characters “hate each other.” It will not be a love-fest in this story. But the fact that Deadpool & Wolverine is smack in the middle of the Multiverse Saga should give us all a clue as to what’s going to go down, and probable multiversal shenanigans will ensue.

Dogpool, of course, will also star.

Make sure to follow him on Instagram.

We also now know what Deadpool & Wolverine‘s new official logo looks like thanks to a fun poster.

Marvel StudiosDeadpool & Wolverine‘s Cast20th Century Studios

We know Hugh Jackman will return, along with the very obvious Ryan Reynolds. Here’s who else we know about: Karan Soni, cab driver Dopinder, Leslie Uggams, Emma Corrin, and Matthew Macfadyen. In exciting news, Morena Baccarin and Stefan Kapicic are reprising their roles as Vanessa and Colossus in Deadpool & Wolverine. So are Rob Delaney’s Peter, Brianna Hildebrand (Negasonic Teenage Warhead), and Shioli Kutsuna (Yukio). Jennifer Garner’s Elektra from the 2003 Daredevil Marvel Fox movie is also reported to reprise her role in this MCU film.

20th Century StudiosBehind the Scenes

Deadpool & Wolverine‘s director for this third outing will be Shawn Levy, most recently known for his work on Stranger Things. This would be a reunion for Levy and Reynolds, as the pair previously worked together on the movie Free Guy. Levy is also known for the time travel movie The Adam Project.

On the writing side of things are Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, writers for the popular animated series Bob’s Burgers. The writers for the first two Deadpool films, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, are also contributing to movie number three’s screenplay, as is Ryan Reynolds himself.

Deadpool & Wolverine Release DateMarvel Studios

Deadpool & Wolverine will arrive on July 26, 2024.

Originally published on January 4, 2023.

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Zack Snyder Reveals What His Ultimate Plans for Superman Were

As most DC fans know, director Zack Snyder once had grand plans for his big-screen Superman saga starring Henry Cavill. Snyder designed Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Justice League as just the start of something. For well-documented reasons, all of those plans got derailed. Now, the DC universe on screen is rebooting. But while promoting his newest Rebel Moon film, Zack Snyder opened up about his plans for Kal-El had he continued. Here’s what he had to say while speaking with GQ, via Collider:

He was going to have to succumb to the Anti-life, be destroyed, turn the clock back, and then get his chance for this battle against Darkseid. If you will… that would have finished his trilogy of becoming this guardian, and sort of, return him to his humanity.

Warner Bros.

The “Anti-Life” of which Snyder speaks is the Anti-Life Equation, a formula dreamed up by the late, great Jack Kirby for DC Comics in the ’70s. This formula sapped all living things of their will, and finding it was the villain Darkseid’s singular obsession. Superman would have succumbed to Anti-Life in the films, becoming a puppet of the Lord of Apokolips. So it makes sense that it would factor into Snyder’s ultimate plans, if Darkseid was going to be the final “Big Bad” of the saga. It also means Snyder would have probably shown a giant Darkseid vs. Superman brawl before it was all said and done.

Will Superman vs. Darkseid ever be a thing in live-action films now? Who knows. James Gunn is a huge classic DC fan, and he might have his own ideas for the Jack Kirby New Gods characters. We’ll have to wait and see as his plans for the new DCU continue to unfold. We certainly wouldn’t mind a New Gods series in the style of Game of Thrones. The possibilities with those characters, and their relationship to Superman, would provide fodder for endless stories.

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FURIOSA Will Have a Mad Max Cameo (Which Could Lead to Another Prequel Movie)

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is taking us back in time to tell the prequel story of Furiosa. But, of course, though this movie will focus on Furiosa, the character of Mad Max is still lurking somewhere in the world. But will we see Max Rockatansky, a.k.a. Mad Max, appear in the Furiosa film? The answer, according to director George Miller, is yes. But there’s more to the story than that. Here’s what we know.

Mad Max Will Cameo in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Prequel MovieWarner Bros. Pictures

When asked about Max Rockatansky’s appearance in Furiosa, George Miller shared the following with Entertainment Weekly. He noted, “In doing what we did in the preparation of Mad Max: Fury Road, we also wrote what happened to Max in the year before we encounter him in [that film]. And as we get towards the end of this movie, the chronology… Basically, we had to see that Mad Max was lurking around somewhere because we do know what happened.”

Both Mad Max and his iconic car, The Interceptor, will appear in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. However, Entertainment Weekly notes that this appearance will be “a humorously appropriate blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo.” Though Mad Max will appear in Furiosa, it does not sound like Tom Hardy will return to play him. But, we guess you never know.

The Mad Max Appearance in Furiosa Could Lead Into Another Mad Max Saga Prequel MovieWarner Bros.

Mad Max’s momentary cameo in Furiosa could lead to something even bigger, though. Miller goes onto say, “The writers know what happened to Mad Max in that year before, and we have a whole story of that, which I would like to do sometime if I get the chance.” Sounds like another Mad Max Saga prequel is already cooking and Furiosa could lead right into it.

We certainly wouldn’t say no to more of our favorite dusty world.

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THE WHEEL OF TIME Season 3 Teases ‘Absolutely Bonkers’ Opening

The Wheel of Time only recently wrapped season two. The exciting finale took fans further into Robert Jordan’s fantasy book series of the same name. And the story will continue in season three, which Prime Video greenlit in summer 2022. While we don’t know a ton about what’s ahead, The Wheel of Time showrunner Rafe Judkins has teased some information.

Most recently, Judkins revealed that “The first 15 minutes of Season 3 is one of the most bonkers set pieces I’ve ever seen on television. I was just watching it this week and it is absolutely bananas what our team pulled off … just a bunch of women in their 40s and 50s shredding each other, and it is wonderful to behold.” The phrase “shredding each other” sure does paint some fascinating pictures. We guess we’ll have to wait and see what mayhem is in store for us in the first minutes of The Wheel of Time‘s third season.

Here’s everything we know about season three of The Wheel of Time so far.

The Wheel of Time Season 3’s PlotJan Thijs/Prime Video

The Wheel of Time season three will pull mostly from The Shadow Rising, book four of the series. Judkins appeared at New York Comic Con in October 2023 mentioning that and also that the season will bring in elements from book five, The Fires of Heaven, too. Judkins noted the season will have more Forsaken and an exploration of Dreamwalking, which we saw a little of in season two. Additionally, the next season will focus more on Rand or Perrin.

Judkins said, “Every season, we sit down in the writers room and one of the things that we do at the very beginning is pick out a couple of the stories that we have to carve out a space to make a whole episode for. We think it’s worth it because those stories will really stand out to an audience, especially that didn’t read the books. They’re given that time, and it’s carved out, so they can really follow that character on that journey.”

Season three will return to the Two Rivers, visit the Aiel Waste and Rhuidean, and go to Tanchicho and bring in the Sea Folk.

Prime VideoBehind the Scenes

Prime Video hasn’t officially shared a director list or anything for season three of The Wheel of Time. We know the season has been filming for months. Executive producer Marigo Kehoe told The Hollywood Reporter they had scripts in place before they began filming, so the WGA strike didn’t cause delays. The cast is on Equity contracts rather than SAG-AFTRA, so that strike hasn’t pushed production either.

It sounds like season three will have eight episodes, following seasons one and two.

The Wheel of Time Season 3’s Cast

The cast for The Wheel of Time season three hasn’t been confirmed yet. We expect to see all existing characters return, obviously. Even if someone has died in the series, you shouldn’t count them out. We expect to see some new faces from the books, too, including Elaida, an Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. Judkins has also said we’ll see more members of the Forsaken. He said, “I can confirm that we have cast and put on set a Forsaken you have not seen in the show as of yet.”

Prime VideoThe Wheel of Time Season 3’s Release Date

The Wheel of Time season three doesn’t have a release date yet.

Originally published on October 16, 2023.

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All the Marvel Cameos in X-MEN ’97 Episode 8

The latest episode of X-Men ’97, “Tolerance is Extinction Part I,” was chock-full of Marvel Comics cameos. Some have never even appeared in the X-Men: The Animated Series universe before now. Let’s break down each of them, and what we think they mean for the future of the series.

[image error]Rachel SummersMarvel Animation

The most important cameo came early on. As Cable tells the X-Men the history of his future, he explains how Bastion’s plan resulted in his timeline. In one of the images we see, we witness how the surviving mutants in Bastion’s future are used as slaves to humanity. Among them is a telekinetic/telepathic young woman named Rachel Summers. She’s the (as yet) unborn daughter of Cyclops and Jean Grey. Raised in the dystopian Days of Future Past timeline, she was one of the remaining mutants who were reconditioned by Sentinels to be mutant hunters called Hounds. The tattoos on her face are the signature of the Hound program.

In the comics, Rachel breaks free of her programming, goes back in time to our present, and becomes an X-Man. She even absorbs part of the Phoenix force, taking after her mother. Eventually, she goes thousands of years to the future, where she founds the Clan Askani. This is the same group that took in baby Nathan Summers. When Cable says a rebel from his time sent him back, we have a hunch he means his half-sister Rachel. We doubt this cameo is the last time Rachel Summer appears in X-Men ’97. Especially with all the hints of the Phoenix returning in the show’s credits.

Polaris (Lorna Dane)Marvel Animation

Also in the same dystopian future is an older version of the magnetically-powered Polaris. She’s being used as slave labor by humans just like Rachel. In the X-Men: TAS continuity, Lorna Dane was a former member of the X-Men in the early years. She had a romantic relationship with Iceman/Bobby Drake. We later see her as part of the government organization X-Factor in the episode “Cold Comfort.” Although not touched on in the series, she is the daughter of Magneto, half-sibling of Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch.

William StrykerMarvel Animation

One of the X-Men’s deadliest human enemies, Reverend William Stryker, appears in a “blink and ya miss him” cameo. We see him on a TV news show, predicting a war between humanity and mutants. In the comics, Stryker was an anti-mutant televangelist, who was the primary villain in the 1982 graphic novel God Loves, Man Kills.

That story was adapted into live-action in 2003’s X2: X-Men United. In that film, Stryker was reimagined as a military general, not a preacher. Actor Brian Cox portrayed him in the film. Stryker as a younger military man appeared in X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse played by Josh Helman.

Doctor DoomMarvel Animation

The next big cameo is the first official appearance by Doctor Victor Von Doom in a Marvel Studios project. He appears on a monitor talking to Bastion, presumably from his castle in Latveria. He admits to his complicity in the Genoshan attack, however, the level of war crimes committed by Bastion disgusts him. Doom seems to regret allying himself with him, before cutting off the feed. To Victor Von Doom, someone like Bastion is quite beneath him.

Baron Helmut ZemoMarvel Animation

Baron Helmut Zemo, sporting his classic comic book-accurate face mask, also pops up on one of the monitors talking to Bastion. He seems far less remorseful than Doom about what’s been happening. This minor cameo could be hinting that Zemo and his Masters of Evil, usually Captain America and Avengers villains, might be fighting the X-Men in the future. Or maybe the Avengers and the X-Men team up against Zemo? Our heads are spinning at the thought.

The Silver SamuraiMarvel Animation

When Magneto unleashes his power and shifts the polarity of the Earth, we see electricity go out all over the world. In Japan, we get a quick look at a long-time Wolverine enemy. Looking out of a high-rise window is the mutant gang leader Silver Samurai, whose real name is Keniuchio Harada. Silver Samurai appeared in the classic X-Men: The Animated Series episode “The Lotus and the Steel.”

Omega RedMarvel Animation

In Russia, we see a government facility that looks like a nuclear power plant. As Magneto’s wave cuts the power across the world, we see that held in suspended animation in this scientific research base is the mutant operative Omega Red. With the power out, Omega Red awakens, and will probably break out of the lab looking for Wolverine soon. Omega Red appeared in four X-Men: The Animated Series episodes over the course of five seasons.

Spider-ManMarvel Animation

Oh yeah, then there’s this guy. You might have heard of him. Yes, the amazing Spider-Man himself appears in a silent cameo as the power shuts down in New York City. Former X-Men ’97 showrunner Beau Demayo confirms via social media this is the very same wallcrawler who starred in Spider-Man: The Animated Series in the ‘90s, which crossed over with X-Men: TAS. Could this be leading to a revival of that show too? We have our suspicions.

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KRAVEN THE HUNTER Movie Delayed a Third Time to December 2024

Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man Universe is ever-expanding. Coming up very soon is Kraven the Hunter. Sony’s Kraven the Hunter film has been in the works for some time now, but it has finally turned a corner. With Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven, suiting up for his third different superhero project, we know we’re in for… something.

Alas, we’ll have to wait a while longer to know exactly what though. Kraven the Hunter has been delayed for a third time. The movie was originally meant to be released in January 2023 and was then moved to October 2023. After that Kraven shifted its release date to August 2024. Now Kraven the Hunter is slated to release on December 13, 2024. Hopefully this release date takes.

Marvel_Comics

Here’s everything we know about Sony’s Kraven the Hunter movie.

Title

The film is named Kraven the Hunter, after its central character.

Kraven the Hunter’s Plot

In the original Marvel Comics, Sergei Kravinoff is born into an aristocratic Russian family. He becomes a world-famous international big-game hunter, who tries to catch the ultimate and elusive prize: Spider-Man. The villain first shows up in The Amazing Spider-Man #15 (1964). The Stan Lee/Steve Ditko creation is a founding member of the Sinister Six. Later stories show witch doctor Calypso giving Kravinoff an herbal potion, granting him enhanced speed and senses that match those of a wild jungle cat.

In Kraven the Hunter, it seems like we’ll get an origin story for the Spider-Man villain. Take a look at the movie’s official trailer below.

Unlike Venom, the character of Kraven has never had a shelf life outside of being a Spider-Man villain. So it’s hard to see how they are going to create a narrative around the character that doesn’t involve the wall-crawler in some form. There is no news of Tom Holland appearing in the movie so far.

Marvel_Comics

Kraven the Hunter will unsurprisingly be Sony’s first R-rated Marvel movie. As Aaron Taylor-Johnson eloquently noted at Sony’s panel at CinemaCon 2023, “Will it be rated-R? F**k yes, it will be rated R.”

Behind the Scenes

A Most Violent Year’s J.C. Chandor is directing a script from Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, and Richard Wenk, with Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and David Householter producing.

Kraven the Hunter’s CastSony Pictures

The upcoming film is anchored by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is playing Kraven the Hunter. Joining him are Russell Crowe, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, and Alessandro Nivola. Crowe will play Kraven’s father. Meanwhile, Nivola will play classic Spider-Man villain Rhino, and Hechinger will act as Kraven’s brother, Chameleon. DeBose will play Calypso.

Additionally, Deadline reports that Christopher Abbott will join Kraven the Hunter. Although unconfirmed, the publication shares that Abbot will play the film’s main villain, the Foreigner. In the comics, Foreigner is a Spider-Man villain with the ability to induce hypnotic trances. Otherwise, it is his skills in martial arts and mastery of weaponry that makes him a threat. As we learn more about Kraven the Hunter‘s plot, we will see how this character comes to exist on the screen.

Kraven the Hunter ’s Release Date

Kraven the Hunter will now arrive in theaters on December 13, 2024.

Originally published on May 26, 2021.

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