Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 339

How JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX Changes Harley Quinn’s Origin Story

Harley Quinn, now played by pop icon Lady Gaga, will return to the big screen in Joker: Folie à Deux. She succeeds Margot Robbie, who played the character in three different DCEU movies. But judging from the first trailer, Harleen Quinzel will be somewhat different in Joker: Folie à Deux from the ones fans have known for over 30 years. Here’s how director Todd Phillips’ version of Harley Quinn differs from the traditional version we’ve come to know since she debuted in Batman: The Animated Series.

The Batman: The Animated Series Origin of Harley QuinnWarner Bros. Animation

Harley Quinn was created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini in 1992, as a sidekick/girlfriend for the Joker on Batman: The Animated Series. Thanks to a wonderful performance from actress Arleen Sorkin, who inspired the character in the first place, she became a fan favorite. By the end of the ’90s, DC incorporated her into the DC Comics universe proper. A year after her debut, Timm and Dini teamed up for the comic book Mad Love. This was the first origin story presented for Harley. It would later serve as the template for a 1999 episode of The New Batman Adventures of the same name.

Warner Bros. Animation

In her origin story, her real name was Harleen Francis Quinzel and she was the Joker’s therapist at Arkham Asylum. The name was a nod to her voice actress, Arleen Francis Sorkin. Harleen had gone to Gotham University under a gymnastics scholarship but also studied psychology. She hoped to write a book about a famous killer and make a name for herself that way. When she became a psychiatric intern at Arkham Asylum, she saw the Joker as her meal ticket. But the Joker manipulated her and told her lies. He made himself seem sympathetic and a victim of circumstance. She fell in love with him and he twisted her mind in the process. Ultimately, she helped him escape Arkham and became his willing accomplice, girlfriend, and literal partner-in-crime. Joker christened her with the name Harley Quinn, since her real name, Harleen Quinzel, reminded him of a harlequin.

DC Comics Adds to Harley Quinn’s BackstoryDC Comics

The writers at DC Comics kept this cartoon backstory largely intact. Later, they added an explanation for her enhanced strength and agility. Those powers were the result of a serum created for her by her sometime girlfriend Poison Ivy. It also made her immune to most toxins and poisons. Eventually, Harley broke free of the Joker’s abuse for good, and became something of an antihero. In DC’s New 52 reboot, DC added in the detail of the Joker pushing Harley into the same vat of chemicals that bleached his skin and drove him mad. The 2016 Suicide Squad movie, featuring Margot Robbie, incorporated this detail into her live-action origin story.

Lady Gaga’s Harley Is an Arkham Inmate, Not Joker’s TherapistWarner Bros/Warner Bros. Animation

For the upcoming Joker: Folie à Deux, it looks like Gaga’s version of Harley Quinn will differ significantly. She’ll be another inmate at Arkham, not a therapist treating Fleck. Although, for all we know, she was a therapist once, just not his. Much like the comics, it looks like she will play a key role in breaking Fleck out of Arkham. Judging from the teaser, it appears she has more of an upper hand in the relationship than he does. She seems to be manipulating him more than the other way around. At least in one scene, Harley will sport her traditional red and black color scheme, which is a clear nod to the comics. We’re not even sure if her real name in this universe is Harleen Quinzel, as the name Arthur Fleck isn’t from the comics.

We’ll know for sure when Joker: Folie à Deux hits theaters on October 4.

The post How JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX Changes Harley Quinn’s Origin Story appeared first on Nerdist.

The ’90s Marvel Cartoon Multiverse Was Confusing

Multiverses might be all the rage in super hero movies right now, but this isn’t the first time Marvel ventured across realities. Kyle Anderson takes you back to the 90s to break down the confusing multiverse of Marvel cartoons.

More Television News: https://nerdist.com/topic/television/
Watch more Nerdist News: http://bit.ly/1qvVVhV

Follow Us:
Facebook https://facebook.com/nerdist
Twitter https://twitter.com/Nerdist
Instagram https://instagram.com/nerdist/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdist

Image: Marvel

The post The ’90s Marvel Cartoon Multiverse Was Confusing appeared first on Nerdist.

Blumhouse to Revive BLAIR WITCH Franchise With New Film

Twenty-five years ago, The Blair Witch Project changed the face of horror forever . Shot on a minuscule budget, it pioneered not only the found footage genre, but also the use of the internet as a marketing tool for film. It captured the mainstream zeitgeist in a way few horror films outside The Exorcist or The Silence of the Lambs had. And now, according to Variety, the Blair Witch is returning for a new reboot, courtesy of Blumhouse Productions and Lionsgate. They made the announcement at this year’s CinemaCon. Jason Blum will team with producer Roy Lee, who previously produced the 2016 Blair Witch reboot.

Lionsgate

The original film changed the game, landing young directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez on the cover of TIME Magazine. Yet none of its sequels have ever been able to capture that lightning in a bottle again. A more traditional horror sequel came out just a year later in 2000, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. It failed to make much of a splash, and many thought of it as a cash grab. Sixteen years later, after the found footage genre became hot again, we got a new installment, with 2016’s Blair Witch. Critics liked it overall, but it found little love at the box office. There have also been games. Can Blumhouse turn things around for this franchise?

The Blair Witch Project was about three college students who went into the Maryland woods to film a documentary on a local legend. They disappeared, and the terrifying footage they left behind became the basis for the film. Audiences in 1999 absolutely believed the movie was an actual documentary, leaving movie theaters totally shaken. Filmed on a budget of $200,000, it made micro-budget horror a trend, one which Blumhouse later capitalized on with Paranormal Activity. So in many ways, this partnership makes perfect sense. No word yet on who will write or direct this reboot. Hopefully, the movie will come out this year during the franchise’s 25th anniversary.

The post Blumhouse to Revive BLAIR WITCH Franchise With New Film appeared first on Nerdist.

Margot Robbie Is Making a Live-Action MONOPOLY Movie

It’s time to say “Hi, Barbie!” to the Monopoly Man. We bet Margot Robbie is collecting much more than $200 as she passes through to producing her next movie, an adaptation of the Monopoly board game. Few details on the Monopoly movie are available at present, but with Margot Robbie at the helm, we’re sure it will be just weird and fun enough. Robbie, who saw great success with Barbie, and her company LuckyChap seem to be making strange movies based on unexpected gaming IP into their brand. First, we got news of a Sims movie on the horizon, and now there’s Monopoly. What will Robbie think of next? We guess we’ll have to roll the dice to find out.

Warner Bros./Hasbro

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson shared at CinemaCon that LuckyChap had “a clear point of view” for the Monopoly movie. But, of course, he did not offer more about what we might expect. We bet someone will be buying Park Place, though. And someone else will probably head to jail. Will the fierce family-rending aspect of the Monopoly game be front and center in Margot Robbie’s movie? We hope so. And we also vote for Ryan Gosling to bring the Monopoly Man to life. You know you want to see it.

Meanwhile, LuckyChap noted, “Monopoly is a top property — pun fully intended. Like all of the best IP, this game has resonated worldwide for generations, and we are so excited to bring this game to life alongside the wonderful teams involved at Lionsgate and Hasbro.”

Mostly, we just hope the popcorn buckets for the Monopoly movie will be shaped like the game pieces. The thimble has always been my favorite. We also can’t wait to see just what existential crisis this Margot Robbie film will bring us as we enter this new realm of game-based cinema.

The post Margot Robbie Is Making a Live-Action MONOPOLY Movie appeared first on Nerdist.

CIVIL WAR Is a Vapid, Apolitical Mess with Little Meaning

Writer-director Alex Garland’s Civil War is a nightmare, but not because it takes place in a dystopian war-torn United States. He has made a film about modern day America that has absolutely zero interest in modern-day America. He’s told a political story devoid of almost all politics. The movie is a warning about a possible future that has no interest in how or why the present might lead us to violence. Civil War is so desperate to stay above the proverbial fray of partisanship—the very thing driving modern-day American to a possible schism—that it simply pretends partisanship doesn’t exist. The result is a vapid and largely incoherent movie that it has absolutely nothing of merit to say.

Civil War opens during what we’re told is likely the final month of brutal battle that has nearly destroyed the United States. It’s only a matter of time before secessionist forces reach the White House and depose the President. How did the country get to this point? The only reason the film provides is that Nick Offerman’s Commander-in-Chief is a de facto dictator. We’re told he’s been elected to at least three terms (and likely more). Also at some point he dissolved the FBI. It’s not much, but it’s enough to let us fill in the blanks.

His manner of speaking in grand, provably false absolutes also makes clear he’s at least partly inspired by Donald Trump. That is essentially the only real political commentary the film even hints at, which is also why it is the movie’s only interesting idea. What if, instead of a ridiculous goon, the next would-be fascist is a smart political animal right out central casting? How susceptible would this country be to such a figure and what horrors would follow his ascension?

Murray Close/A24

That terrifying thought is a classic basis for a dystopian story, and its connection to the America of today couldn’t be more obvious. Only Civil War does nothing with it. Instead, the film uses that foundation to tell an insipid story so completely removed from reality that the film renders itself meaningless. Because apparently that would-be dictator could gain unimaginable power without help from anyone! He’d just either rewrite or ignore the Constitution all on his own without support! And when he did, California and Texas—the film’s conquering Western Forces—would unite to fight him. As would Florida. And also some other unnamed states. Some parts of the country would sit the whole thing out, as though that would even be an option.

Which states in Garland’s country—where context, division, and politics doesn’t exist—would fight for such a President? Who is—and you’d think this would be a very important answer to give—the other side of the civil war? The movie doesn’t tell us, because if it did it that would be a political statement and we can’t have that. Civil War isn’t about blue and red places! It’s about how Americans are all equally good and we all equally hate fascism. Clearly. It’s not like actual people and politicians are leading us on a path to the very war Garland is so worried about. No, fascism will just sort of happen and then we’ll all be really upset about the one person who did it all on their own. Texas and California will both definitely and equally hate that guy.

A24

It’s really easy to see what Alex Garland is saying with this film, which is exactly why it feels like a witless disaster. There’s no nuance. There’s no anything. He merely is saying that if fascism comes to this country, it won’t matter who is responsible. Republicans and Democrats alike will all bleed when the shooting starts. At that point who cares who started it? All that would matter then is uniting against it. To say that Garland not only ignores what might really cause such a war, he pretends America is something it is not. He’s trying to talk about society while talking about an America that doesn’t exist. Civil War is dystopian story that has no political thoughts, analysis, or philosophies. It’s also void of any logic or ties to reality.

As a result, its only actual idea boils down to nothing more than, “War is bad and war could easily come to America.” Yeah, obviously.

A24

If that’s all you have to say about America in the year 2024, then you have nothing to say about America in the year 2024. You aren’t even interested in America as a real place worth thinking about. You just want to pontificate about where we’re headed without doing the real work of addressing who is leading us there and why. Civil War is like a person who says, “Both sides are just as bad,” without explaining what they dislike about either side. If Civil War could vote it wouldn’t, yet it would always complain about partisanship while calling itself a centrist.

It would also publicly proclaim how important the free press is while also posting on Facebook every journalists sucks. Because whether intentional or not Civil War presents the media as totally useless.

A24

The film follows a group of journalists trying to make their way to Washington D.C. before the Western Forces get there. Somehow, in the middle of an American civil war, everyone suddenly loves the media— another laughable component of a film totally disconnected to current reality—even though the media does nothing. Wagner Moura’s Joel never writes down a single note or records any interviews. He just loves seeing people blown up.

Meanwhile, Kirsten Dunst’s Lee is a celebrated veteran photojournalist who realizes her entire career and life has been completely pointless. She wanders the wasteland in an existential haze, in a film that argues journalists can do nothing to shape the world with their coverage. They can only document its demise. (Not that anyone ever files a single report or image.) It’s a bleak, underdeveloped idea.

Murray Close/A24

The only saving grace of the movie is the performances of its four leads. In addition to Moura’s fun, unhinged Joel, Dunst is terrific in an understated starring performance. Cailee Spaeny is also great as a young photojournalist learning from her hero. And the always fantastic Stephen McKinley Henderson provides a gravitas the film desperately needs. All four are far, far better than the script. (As is Jesse Plemons who shows up for the film’s best sequence, a terrifying moment that takes place in a totally different, much better movie where fascist Americans actually exist.) The four main characters all have depth in a movie that is otherwise completely shallow.

Civil War has one other thing going for it besides its cast. During its last 30 minutes it stops being a thoughtless, puerile movie of apolitical nonsense and becomes a traditional, competently-made, boring war film. Who is shooting at whom and why? And what’s at stake? Who cares. Civil War definitely doesn’t, and neither should you.

Civil War ⭐ (0.5 of 5)

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist who thinks Alex Garland’s Ex Machina is a perfect movie. You can follow him on Twitter and Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

.youtube-embed{padding-bottom:56.25%!important;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.youtube-embed a,.youtube-embed iframe{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute}.youtube-embed iframe{border:0}.youtube-embed img.youtube-cover{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;height:100%;width:100%;cursor:pointer}.youtube-embed img.play-button{width:66px;position:absolute;left:46%;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;cursor:pointer}@media only screen and (max-width:499px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:45%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:425px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:44%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:375px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:43%;width:56px}}@media only screen and (max-width:345px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:42%;width:50px}}.youtube-embed .progressive-img{-webkit-filter:blur(10px);filter:blur(10px)}.youtube-embed .progressive-img.loaded{-webkit-filter:none;filter:none;-webkit-transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;-o-transition:filter 1s ease-out;-moz-transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out,-webkit-filter 1s ease-out}.youtube-embed .kskdDiv{display:none!important}

The post CIVIL WAR Is a Vapid, Apolitical Mess with Little Meaning appeared first on Nerdist.

All the Major FALLOUT Factions, Explained

Fallout has long been characterized by complex political tensions sparked by even more complex ideologies. The ripple effect of these competing ways and their resulting wars touch every corner of post-apocalyptic America. These events are bound to be a core component of the much-anticipated Prime Video adaptation. For the newbies to this universe, this could get overwhelming fast. So here’s everything you need to know about Fallout‘s many factions and the ideologies of the wasteland’s biggest players.

The Brotherhood of SteelBethesda Game Studios

Popping up very shortly before the bombs fell in 2077, the Brotherhood of Steel was comprised originally of the American soldiers assigned to the Mariposa Military Base in central California. Roger Maxson, the group’s founder, focused the order on locating, collecting, and protecting technology. He did this to save the progress of mankind and to safeguard powerful technology against being used for another armageddon. That ethos, over time, evolved into “People are little babies, and we’re taking away their toys, probably forever.” (Think post-apocalyptic helicopter parent.) Or, to quote the Brotherhood’s own Codex, “We do not help them, or let them in. We keep knowledge they may never have.” 

Roger Maxson envisioned a future where the Brotherhood recruited from outside its ranks and worked to guard humanity and its future. Unfortunately, in the two hundred years following the Brotherhood’s creation, that ideal has been twisted into a role of gatekeeping versus guarding. The modern Brotherhood Scribes, Knights, and Paladins treat outsiders with open suspicion, and sometimes hostility. 

We will see what form this faction takes in the Fallout TV series. Whether we see a Brotherhood looking to protect and progress humanity, one looking to hoard its greatest power at any cost, or something in between, it’ll make for a fascinating ride.

The New California Republic (NCR)Bethesda Game Studios

The NCR is, debatably, the most powerful political and military force in the post-war US. Or at least, that’s how they are when you start Fallout: New Vegas. (Depending on your choices, they might’ve seen severe losses in the Mojave or tremendous gains.) It’s unclear how the Second Battle of Hoover Dam turned out for the NCR. (Hopefully we’ll find out soon!) But with the NCR flag in the show’s most recent trailer, we know that, at the very least, the NCR is still alive in one of its original five states.

Modeled after the pre-war American government, the NCR is the continuation of the spirit of the American dream—for better and for worse. The NCR reintroduced lots of un-fun pre-war things, like taxes and imperialism, but also fun pre-war things, like laws. With much of the wasteland being an irradiated wild west, the NCR is a breath of fresh air for people who want to go to someone and say, “Hey, this guy shot my dog and stole my stuff,” and have that someone actually care versus shooting their wife and stealing whatever the other guy left behind.

During the events of Fallout 1, the player character met potential-companion Tandi and her father Aredesh. The latter was the leader of Shady Sands, one of the largest settlements in post-war California—which, by the events of Fallout 2, had blossomed into the New California Republic. Aredesh served as the NCR’s first president with Tandi eventually becoming his successor. The show is taking place in and around Los Angeles, so Lucy (Ella Purnell) will almost certainly run into them.

The EnclavePrime Video

This faction doesn’t have a confirmed appearance in the series like the NCR and the Brotherhood. However, the Enclave are one of Fallout’s go-to antagonists. The remnants of a paramilitary pre-war shadow government, the Enclave are one of the most unambiguous villains in the Fallout world.

When the bombs fell, the Enclave slaughtered all non-Enclave government survivors. They promptly declared themselves the inheritors of the United States, with all its various power structures (minus the democracy bit). The Enclave, as it appears in the new era, is an authoritarian faction that apparently didn’t learn from the Nazis that eugenics and social Darwinism aren’t the best move. The Enclave’s favorite pastimes are human experimentation, trying to turn Deathclaws into super soldiers, and genocide of all non-Enclave humans (as the Enclave are, of course, the only “true” humans). 

One could spend hours debating about fascism as it relates to the Brotherhood of Steel. (At least I have, and I’m a perfectly normal person.) But it’s clear with the Enclave. These guys are big fascist meanies who embody the absolute worst of the American government. At least we have a judicial branch that isn’t just a plasma rifle. 

Vault-Tec CorporationPrime Video/Bethesda Studios

This faction doesn’t actually exist by the time any of the Fallout games roll around, much less the show. However, Vault-Tec’s influence is pervasive. It even extends into real life as the center of branding across the board for Fallout as an intellectual property. It is also central to Bethesda Game Studios’ logo.

Most Fallout protagonists emerge from Vaults. These Vaults were, shockingly, created by Vault-Tec as part of Operation Safehouse, which is exactly what it sounds like. They are large scale underground bunkers made to preserve a small portion of humanity in the face of the end of the world. At least, on the surface, that was the advertised goal.

Vault-Tec, a subdivision of defense contractor FutureTech, won the contracts to help the US craft their vision for the height of survival technology. But the end result was as morbid as any Fallout fan might imagine. Of the 122 Vaults ultimately built by Vault-Tec, only seventeen were the promised “control Vaults” intended to actually be, you know… conducive to human survival. Why isn’t that all of them, you ask? Because Vault-Tec is super-duper evil, that’s why!

The remaining 105 Vaults were essentially fronts for depraved human experimentation and psychological torture. Here are a few examples to give you a taste of how bad these places are. There’s a tiny cramped Vault stuffed with tons of high-powered weaponry to see how long it would take everyone to kill each other and a Vault that was set to never reopen no matter how much time passed. And, there’s a Vault that wasn’t sealed completely to research the effects of intense radiation on humans. (It kills them, next question!) Another Vault pumps psychosis-inducing drugs into the air supply just to see what would happen. All of this is genuinely only the tip of the iceberg.

The men behind Vault-Tec are all dead now. But that doesn’t change the fact that Vault-Tec is woven deep into the fabric of the Fallout franchise.

In Fallout, the world is torn between humanity’s past, the reflections of that past in the present, and how to shed that past and forge a way forward. While some factions cling to a tattered history, others reject it wholesale. Let’s see how the Amazon Prime series brings this complicated, compelling world to life.

Jess is a writer, musician, and self-professed obsessive. They have many loves, but they are particularly haunted by Supernatural, House MD, Good Omens, Fallout, and Naruto.

The post All the Major FALLOUT Factions, Explained appeared first on Nerdist.

Post-Ash POKÉMON HORIZONS Series Releases on Netflix in the US, Shares Theme Song

Every good thing must eventually come to an end. And on Pokémon, that means saying goodbye to the beloved hero Ash. After 25 years, Ash left the world of Pokémon. But that doesn’t mean the show is ending. On the contrary, a new story is beginning. And we still don’t know how Ash will play into it, if at all. Maybe someday, we’ll see our favorite protagonist again, but for now, Pokémon Horizons: The Series, a “new animated Pokémon series” is dawning. Meet Liko, Roy, their Pokémon, and the rest of the gang that will step in as Pokémon’s new heroes. Those are bigger sneakers to fill, but we’re excited to see what happens next. Especially since this new Pokémon show has now released in the US.

What Is Pokémon Horizons US Release Date, and Where Will It Stream?The Pokémon Company

Pokémon Horizons: The Series has officially arrived in the United States. This new Pokémon series premiered in the US on March 7, 2024, and is streaming exclusively on Netflix. A release shares, “As the first new mainline Pokémon animated series released in more than 25 years, “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” features an all-new storyline that follows dual protagonists Liko and Roy — and their partner Pokémon, Sprigatito and Fuecoco, respectively — as they set off on action-packed adventures, encounter unique characters and uncover the mysteries of the Pokémon world.

A new batch of episodes will arrive on Netflix on May 10. You can check out a sneak peek at the episodes below.

Additionally, Pokémon Horizons: The Series has set some international release dates as well. The series “will be releasing in Canada on Cartoon Network and Télétoon beginning March 2, 2024, and in Australia on 9Go! beginning Feb. 27, 2024.” 

The Pokémon Company

That’s very exciting for all the Pokémon trainers out there.

Pokémon Horizons: The Series‘ Theme Song

“I wanna be the very best… Like no one ever was.” What could ever top those iconic lyrics? Well, probably nothing. But Pokémon Horizons: The Series does also have a catchy theme song and we’re glad to hear it. As you get ready to dive into the new series, you can enjoy Pokémon‘s latest opening theme below.

More about Pokémon Horizons: The Series

In a trailer for the new iteration of Pokémon, fans learned the official name for the post-Ash adventures. The new Pokémon series is called Pokémon Horizons: The Series, and it’s teasing mysterious adventures linked to a special pendant that shares a bond with our new heroes.

The official synopsis for the show shares:

A new adventure is beginning within the wide world of Pokémon! Arriving at Indigo Academy, a girl named Liko receives her first partner Pokémon, Sprigatito. But she soon finds herself pursued by the Explorers, a mysterious group that’s determined to take the pendant necklace she wears. Liko isn’t on her own, though, as Friede, Captain Pikachu, and the other Rising Volt Tacklers offer her protection aboard their airship. Meanwhile, a boy named Roy dreams of becoming a Pokémon Trainer, unaware of the secret hiding within the Ancient Poké Ball he carries. As Liko, Roy, and the Rising Volt Tacklers set sail for new horizons, what kind of discoveries await?

Pokémon Horizons‘ New Heroes

We also know a little bit more about who we’ll meet in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, thanks to a different trailer for the new Pokémon show. There’s Liko, “the girl with the awe-inspiring pendent.” We bet evil will be trying to snag that. And Roy, “the boy with the mysterious Poké Ball.” Surely, a match made in heaven. These two will be our new Pokémon protagonists in the series.

Joining them are Friede and Captain Pikachu. Friede, we learn, is a Pokémon professor. Captain Pikachu is clearly a boss. We also see a lot of the Gen. 9 starters we met in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet in this new series trailer. Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly were instant fan favorites, so we’re not surprised they show up. And we’re excited to see them in action. Liko, whose partner Pokémon appears to be Sprigatito, and Roy, whose partner Pokémon is Fuecoc, may have a more traditional start to their Pokémon journey than Ash did, but we know we have twists in store. We wonder, for instance, what role Quaxly will have to play.

Additional new characters for Pokémon Horizons have also been revealed.

◢◤#アニポケ 表情イラスト公開◢◤
フリードと共に飛行船で旅をする
ライジングボルテッカーズのメンバーたち🎊

メカ好きなオリオ、料理が得意なマードック、
治療のスペシャリスト・モリー、そして謎の釣り人・ランドウ

個性豊かなメンバーの活躍に、ご期待ください！ pic.twitter.com/wMSw0S7b3s

— アニメ「ポケットモンスター」公式 (@anipoke_PR) March 29, 2023

Per Comicbook, these images include Orla and her Metagross, Murdock and his Rockruff, Mollie and her Chansey, and Ludlow.

We may even meet some mysterious new Pokémon on the journey.

#アニポケ 新シリーズがついに放送スタート！

本日の初回1時間スペシャルで、不思議な光に包まれたリコと #ニャオハ が見たものは一体…⁉

今後の放送もお楽しみに🌟 pic.twitter.com/UUfA9Gbvbh

— アニメ「ポケットモンスター」公式 (@anipoke_PR) April 14, 2023

And it seems like they’ll cross over into the Pokémon games, like the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC expansion The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.

A newly discovered Pokémon appears in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet!

Its splendid aura is reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos, but this Pokémon’s name and true nature are shrouded in mystery.

❤️💜 #PokemonScarletViolet pic.twitter.com/rOkwI8sFuv

— Pokémon (@Pokemon) April 17, 2023

Pokémon‘s New Villains

Okay, so we can’t say for sure these are the villains, but they certainly do seem villainesque. According to Crunchyroll, this new post-Ash Pokémon trailer introduces us to Amethyo and his Pokémon Ceruledge, as well as Zir, whose Pokémon is Rhydon and Conia, whose Pokémon is Golduck. It sounds like these three belong to a new organization called “The Explorers.” Since Team Rocket has officially waved goodbye to Pokémon, we will need someone to stir up trouble.

There’s also a fourth mysterious Pokémon character called Gurumin, who wears a Nidorina kigurumi. Makes total sense to us!

If these are Pokémon’s newest villains, we can’t wait to learn more about them soon. We’ll have to wait to learn their identities and goals.

But for now, time has come to set off on new Pokémon adventures, and we couldn’t be more ready.

Originally published March 3, 2023.

.youtube-embed{padding-bottom:56.25%!important;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.youtube-embed a,.youtube-embed iframe{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute}.youtube-embed iframe{border:0}.youtube-embed img.youtube-cover{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;height:100%;width:100%;cursor:pointer}.youtube-embed img.play-button{width:66px;position:absolute;left:46%;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;cursor:pointer}@media only screen and (max-width:499px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:45%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:425px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:44%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:375px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:43%;width:56px}}@media only screen and (max-width:345px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:42%;width:50px}}.youtube-embed .progressive-img{-webkit-filter:blur(10px);filter:blur(10px)}.youtube-embed .progressive-img.loaded{-webkit-filter:none;filter:none;-webkit-transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;-o-transition:filter 1s ease-out;-moz-transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out,-webkit-filter 1s ease-out}.youtube-embed .kskdDiv{display:none!important}

The post Post-Ash POKÉMON HORIZONS Series Releases on Netflix in the US, Shares Theme Song appeared first on Nerdist.

DC Comics Releasing Retro-Style José Luis García-López Variant Covers this Summer

Younger comic book fans might not know the name José Luis García-López. Rest assured, they do recognize his art. The Spanish-Argentine artist drew many iconic comics back in the day, like Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk, The New Teen Titans, and more. However, it’s one project that has cemented him as the DC Comics artist, and no fan could ever actually purchase it. In 1982, the publisher commissioned him to illustrate all their major heroes and villains for their in-house Style Guide. It was the reference book other artists were meant to use to get characters’ costumes right, especially in merchandise. Now, DC Comics is honoring JLGL with a series of variant covers using his original DC Comics Style Guide art.

Click To View Gallery DC Comics DC Comics DC Comics DC Comics DC Comics DC Comics DC Comics

This July, the key character turnarounds from the legendary DC Comics Style Guide are set to be featured for the first time on a set of Artist Spotlight variant covers honoring the DC Comics legend. Look for Artist Spotlight variant covers on Batman #150, Green Arrow #14, Green Lantern #13, Shazam! #13, Superman #16, The Flash #11 and Wonder Woman #11. The Justice League of America has never looked so good. You can check each of them out in our gallery above.

José Luis García-López Artist Spotlight Variant Covers (based on the 1982 DC Comics Style Guide) coming from DC in July! https://t.co/guBbw49Mow pic.twitter.com/Mf36oUu1DD

— clark bull — fanning the green flame (@drinkpinkink) April 9, 2024

DC Comics

DC uses many of these José Luis García-López illustrations in products for the Super Powers action figure line in the ’80s, and even on t-shirts, mugs, and other merchandise still today. Even with many costume changes at DC over the decades, these Bronze Age versions of the characters remain the most iconic. For years, fans have clamored for DC to release the entire Style Guide to fans, as before it was for internal use only (images have all been online for years). Here’s hoping this is the first step towards actually seeing that in print.

The post DC Comics Releasing Retro-Style José Luis García-López Variant Covers this Summer appeared first on Nerdist.

Coca-Cola Reveals Limited-Edition Marvel Cans and a Cool Ad Celebrating ‘The Heroes’ Team-Up

Two of the most well-known brands in the world are coming together for a truly Marvelous promotion this year. The Walt Disney Company and Coca-Cola have announced Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes. This is a new collaboration between the 85-year-old comic book publisher and the 132-year-old soft drink juggernaut (no pun intended). For this limited-time campaign, Marvel’s heroes come to life with a brand-new experience featuring limited-edition Coca-Cola can and bottle designs with 38 different character illustrations. You can check out the fun new commercial, as well as some of the Marvel Coca-Cola cans and bottles, below.

Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes Ad Brings the X-Men and Avengers Together

The first commercial is very inventive, showcasing something Marvel fans have wanted to see on screen for years — X-Men and Avengers interacting together. After decades of formerly Fox-owned characters being forbidden from meeting other Marvel heroes, even on t-shirts, this ad is a true joy. The fact that it takes place in a comic book store is just the cherry on top. It’s nice they remember where these big-screen heroes originated from. Without the comics, there is simply no MCU. Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes offers fans a chance to win prizes from both Disney and Marvel. Among them are an Ultimate Fan Experience, a Disney Cruise, Marvel Studios movie screenings, and more.

Coca-Cola/Marvel

Of course, some limited-edition Coca-Cola Marvel fans are on offer. They will surely catch the eye of Marvel and Coke superfans.

The Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes’ Limited Edition Coke Can and Bottles Available for You to AssembleCoca-Cola/Marvel

Coca-Cola cans will feature Blade, Cable, Colossus, Daredevil, Deadpool, Elektra, Juggernaut, Kingpin, Loki, Moon Knight, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Wolverine, Nick Fury, Storm (US Only), Super Skrull, and War Machine. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Coke bottles and cans will showcase Ant-Man, Black Panther, Black Widow, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange, Groot, Hulk, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk, Rocket, Scarlet Witch, Shang-Chi, Star-Lord, Thanos, and Thor. You can view all the character illustrations here.

Coca-Cola/Marvel

Interestingly enough, despite having cans with most of the Marvel headliners, there are no Spider-Man or Fantastic Four heroes on these Coke creations. Their licenses must currently be with another soda company. Hopefully, we get a second wave of limited-edition Coca Cola fun, one where every Avenger gets to assemble on a Coke can.

.youtube-embed{padding-bottom:56.25%!important;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.youtube-embed a,.youtube-embed iframe{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute}.youtube-embed iframe{border:0}.youtube-embed img.youtube-cover{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;height:100%;width:100%;cursor:pointer}.youtube-embed img.play-button{width:66px;position:absolute;left:46%;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;cursor:pointer}@media only screen and (max-width:499px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:45%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:425px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:44%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:375px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:43%;width:56px}}@media only screen and (max-width:345px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:42%;width:50px}}.youtube-embed .progressive-img{-webkit-filter:blur(10px);filter:blur(10px)}.youtube-embed .progressive-img.loaded{-webkit-filter:none;filter:none;-webkit-transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;-o-transition:filter 1s ease-out;-moz-transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out,-webkit-filter 1s ease-out}.youtube-embed .kskdDiv{display:none!important}

The post Coca-Cola Reveals Limited-Edition Marvel Cans and a Cool Ad Celebrating ‘The Heroes’ Team-Up appeared first on Nerdist.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS UK Musical Heads to the US in July

Get ready The Lord of the Rings fans; it’s time to pack your bags for the UK. (Unless you already happen to live there.) Because a The Lord of the Rings musical is heading to the stage of The Watermill Theatre. And, in even more exciting news, this The Lord of the Rings musical has immersive portions. Even more exciting than that, the musical will take place in a gorgeous, open-air setting. That makes it absolutely perfect for the content and our current life and times.

Update: The Lord of the Rings musical is coming to the US in July 2024. According to Deadline, performances will be at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater from July 19 through September 1. It is not clear when tickets will go on sale but this run will precede an international tour for The Lord of the Rings fans to enjoy worldwide.

Previous: Here’s what we know about this The Lord of the Rings musical so far.

The Watermill Theatre

The official description of the musical reveals more about what we can expect. It notes:

Venture into the otherworldly depths of Middle-earth with a brand-new intimate production based on the classic trilogy The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien featuring the music of A.R. Rahman (Bombay Dreams, Slumdog Millionaire), Värttinä and Tony Award winner and Grammy nominated Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical).

As the Hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday, he gifts his nephew Frodo his inheritance – including his most precious belonging – a gold ring. Little does he know that his legacy will confront Frodo with an immense and impossible task; a perilous journey across the darkest realms of Mordor to foil the Dark Lord’s quest for total dominion.

Bursting out of the theatre and into the Watermill gardens, be immersed in the magical landscape of Tolkien and join an ensemble cast and large-scale puppets on an epic journey celebrating the power of friendship and common goodness to conquer unimaginable evil.

New Line Cinema

Okay, basically, we feel obsessed with this The Lord of the Rings musical. And we have always wanted to attend Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday. ”We’re going to give audiences a very visceral experience in that they’ll be arriving into The Shire” for Bilbo Baggins’ ‘eleventy first’ [111st] birthday ‘on our lawn,'” Paul Hart, Watermill’s artistic director, tells Deadline. Hart promises immersive portions of The Lord of the Rings musical at the beginning and the end of the show. And the whole musical will have the backdrop of the River Lambourn, giving a very Middle-earth feel to the production.

Tickets for The Lord of the Rings musical go on sale for theater supporters on March 15. Email subscribers will have the ability to purchase on March 21. And the general sale begins on March 22. If you’ve ever wanted to go to Middle-earth, this is your chance. But if you can’t make it to the UK, content yourself with magical screenings of Return of the King in theaters instead.

Originally published March 3, 2023.

The post THE LORD OF THE RINGS UK Musical Heads to the US in July appeared first on Nerdist.