The controversial Polish film, 365 Days, is getting two sequels on Netflix. The erotic Polish drama landed on the streaming platform last summer and was a surprising hit as it quickly began drawing comparisons to another popular erotica, the Fifty Shades trilogy. Although, the critical response to 365 Days was perhaps even grimmer than Fifty Shades of Grey’s, as it sits at 0% on the Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. Directed by Barbara Białowąs and Tomasz Mandes, 365 Days is based on the first novel in a trilogy by Blanka Lipińska. The film follows a young sales director named Laura (Anna Maria Sieklucka) from Warsaw. As she is vacationing in Sicily, Laura is kidnapped by a member of the Sicilian Mafia family named Massimo (Michele Morrone) who has been stalking her for years. Massimo soon reveals his plan is to imprison Laura for 365 days and impose himself on her until she falls in love with him. Aside from being slammed as an outright bad movie, 365 Days garnered controversy for romanticizing sexual violence and Stockholm Syndrome, prompting petitioners to urge for the film’s removal from Netflix. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:365 Days: 10 Things About Netflix's New Movie That Don't Make Sense Despite the controversy, 365 Days will be getting not one, but two sequels on Netflix, according to a Deadline exclusive. The film’s main stars, Sieklucka and Morrone, will reprise their roles as Laura and Massimo for the sequels. Białowąs and Mandes will return to direct. Much like Fifty Shades of Grey, 365 Days’ sequels will adapt books two and three in the series by Lipińska. The first sequel will see Laura and Massimo reunited, but according to Deadline, their relationship will be “complicated by Massimo’s family ties and a mysterious man who enters Laura’s life to win her heart and trust at any cost.” Though erotic films like Fifty Shades and 365 Days are often scoffed at and derided by critics, with many valid points being made regarding their glamorization of sexual assault, there is clearly a market out there for these types of films. Despite being a critical failure, the Fifty Shades trilogy was a resounding commercial success, grossing over $1.32 billion worldwide. The popularity of 365 Days cannot be denied either, as it enjoyed ten days as the most-watched movie on Netflix in the United States, the second-longest period in the platform’s history. Thus, the streamer's decision to pick up the sequels seems purely motivated by the prospect of attracting eyeballs to its platform, with less concern for the integrity of the content. Like a trainwreck, it will be difficult for many to look away from the 365 Days sequels when they arrive on Netflix.

Tomb Raider 2's first draft reveals a potential title for the sequel. Iconic action heroine Lara Croft debuted in the first Tomb Raider video game way back in 1996. Croft then became a movie character played by Angelina Jolie in a pair of action-packed films, the first coming in 2001. But of course Tomb Raider has undergone quite a significant evolution over the years since it began life as a PlayStation video game and then a very of-its-time action film. Today’s visually stunning entries in the long-running gaming franchise indeed barely resemble the crude early editions in the series. And ever since 2018’s Tomb Raider reboot, the character of Croft belongs not to Jolie but Alicia Vikander. Despite the 2018 film’s decent worldwide box office take of $274 million, MGM seems in no hurry to make a sequel. However, things are slowly going forward on Tomb Raider 2 as in January it was announced that Lovecraft Country creator Misha Green had been hired to write and direct. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: Why Tomb Raider Is Better As An Animated TV Series Than A Movie Several months after Green tweeted her own confirmation of the news that she’s taking on the task of making Tomb Raider 2, the writer-director again got on social media to tease the project. In the process, Green may have revealed the new movie’s title, though she makes it clear that nothing is decided yet. According to the tweet, the now-finished first draft of Green’s script is entitled Tomb Raider: Obsidian. See the posting in the space below: “Obsidian” may at first glance just seem like a cool-sounding word to put in the title of a movie, but the volcanic glass does have some significance to the Tomb Raider series. Firstly, obsidian blades are an obstacle Lara Croft frequently encounters in the tombs she is raiding. Also, “obsidians” are the collectibles Croft must find in a section of the puzzle-based game Lara Croft GO. Lastly, there’s an obsidian blade that’s an important item in the game Shadow of the Tomb Raider (a game Green herself has professed to be a fan of). It remains to be seen if the presence of the word “obsidian” indicates some direct connection between Green’s script and something from the games. If the word is being used in the title, it’s likely that it does have some significance, even if it doesn’t refer directly to anything gamers would immediately know. For instance, it could be the name of some treasure Lara Croft is trying to find in the story. Or it could be the name of some secret organization she finds herself up again. Or the name of a character or a place. The important takeaway from Green’s tweet of course is that she’s finished the first draft, meaning things are moving along in the process. But Green herself cautions that this process is still a long way from over, meaning fans have a lengthy wait ahead of them to find out what she has in store with Tomb Raider 2.

Knives Out 2 is set to begin filming in summer 2021, following Rian Johnson's fun and star-studded Knives Out from 2019. Johnson himself is set to write, direct, and produce (along with Ram Bergman) the sequel, which will soon get its own separate title. The film will see Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc returning to solve a new mystery, with an entirely new cast of characters to contend with. Netflix is behind Knives Out 2, as well as the already-planned Knives Out 3, after a reported $450 million deal for the rights to the two upcoming films. The original Knives Out film grossed $311 million worldwide and was a not-so-surprising hit, with its clever script and all-star ensemble cast. In the first film, Benoit Blanc uncovers the truth surrounding the death of the wealthy Thrombey family's patriarch, in a plot full of twists, turns, controversies, and surprises. The original cast features an Oscar winner, Christopher Plummer, and three Oscar nominees, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, and LaKeith Stanfield. Also in the cast are Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, and Riki Lindhome. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: Knives Out 2 Is Better For Rian Johnson Than Star Wars Not much is known about Knives Out 2's story other than that it will follow Benoit Blanc's next case. Beyond Craig returning to the role, new cast members Edward Norton and Dave Bautista have been announced, though their characters have not. These two names are just the beginning of what is sure to be an impressive list of veterans and newcomers who will be under a lot of pressure to live up to the first movie. Filming for Knives Out 2 begins in Greece in June 2021 which could set it up for release in 2022. Here are all the cast members who have been confirmed so far. Daniel Craig As Benoit Blanc Craig's Benoit Blanc is "the last of the gentlemen sleuths" and sports a highly specific Southern American accent and a mysterious air. As the centerpiece of the first movie, Craig's return is essential to the sequel and his character is already known. After the first Knives Out, Craig was busy filming his last Bond film, No Time to Die (where we worked again with Ana de Armas). Craig is also already cast in Knives Out 3, launching directly into a new franchise after his time as Bond, though in this case he's originating it. Dave Bautista Bautista was announced as part of the Knives Out 2 cast on May 10, 2021. Nothing is yet known about his character, but he's sure to be right up in the action. Bautista is perhaps best known as Drax in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. He was a WWE World Heavyweight Champion and MMA fighter and has already worked with Craig on Spectre. Edward Norton Norton was announced as part of the Knives Out 2 cast on May 11, 2021, with no details yet released about his character. Norton is a three-time Oscar nominee known for The Grand Budapest Hotel and Birdman, as well as playing the previous Hulk in the 2008 The Incredible Hulk. He's most recently wrapped Wes Anderson's upcoming The French Dispatch, which is set to release in July 2021. Norton's involvement in Knives Out 2 bodes well for the quality of the script, as he's notoriously become more selective with his roles. Janelle Monáe Having released her debut EP in 2007, some four years after her demo album release, Janelle Monáe was initially best-known as a musician before 2016 saw her star in the huge double-header of Hidden Figures and Moonlight. Since then, she's done voice work in Ugly Dolls and Disney+'s Lady & The Tramp, starred in Harriet and Welcome to Marwen, and more recently starred in Antebellum

James Gunn says almost all the characters in The Suicide Squad will die. This is not the first time Gunn has teased the massive amount of carnage that will ensue in The Suicide Squad. Last month, in response to a Screen Rant article theorizing 7 characters who will die in The Suicide Squad, Gunn tweeted, "This is overly optimistic to say the least," suggesting that the film's total death toll might exceed seven. This is not to mention the film’s tagline, "Don't Get Too Attached," indicating that any character could die at any time. While only a few members of the Suicide Squad team died in David Ayer’s 2017 film, such as Slipknot, Gunn seems to have different plans for his version. Since The Suicide Squad is a soft reboot, it features a standalone story with no connection to its predecessor other than a few characters from the old squad. Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), and Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney) will return to form Task Force X. Gunn’s follow-up will also introduce a slew of nutty newcomers, including John Cena's Peacemaker, Idris Elba's Bloodsport, Michael Rooker's Savant, and Sylvester Stallone's King Shark. But as Gunn has warned countless times, not all of these characters will be making it out alive. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:The Suicide Squad Secretly Just Made DCEU Harley Quinn More Like Batman During a Q&A on Instagram, The Suicide Squad director, James Gunn, was asked how many characters are going to die in the film. Though no one would expect him to give a completely honest and accurate answer, he replied, “Almost all of them.” While he could very well be joking, his answer is in line with the film’s marketing so far and with comments he has made in the past. Check out a screenshot of the interaction below: Harley Quinn is one character who is likely safe in Gunn’s Suicide Squad. Even though Gunn was given the creative freedom to kill off any character he wants, Quinn seems integral to the series and the DCEU at large, both of which Warner Bros. will want to continue. DC also surely has plans for more Harley Quinn movies after her first solo outing, Birds of Prey, came in 2020. Robbie even has hopes of sharing the screen with Poison Ivy someday. Regarding Peacemaker’s fate, Warner Bros. seems to be banking on the popularity of John Cena’s “douchey Captain America” as he already has his own HBO Max series on the way. While many assume he won't be killed off so soon, the upcoming Peacemaker series seems to be a prequel, so him making it out of Gunn’s upcoming film alive is not a guarantee. This is The Suicide Squad, after all.

James Gunn doesn't want to direct a Thunderbolts movie after making Suicide Squad 2. Releasing this August, Gunn's take on DC's band of misfits is highly anticipated after David Ayer's 2017 version was widely disliked by fans and critics. Since all of Gunn's work on The Suicide Squad is finished, he has shifted to the subsequent Peacemaker series for HBO Max centered on John Cena's character who has been described as a "douchey Captain America.” At the end of the year, Gunn will pivot back to the MCU for Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3, which is expected to be his last in the series, although he left the possibility of a fourth installment open. Other than that, it is unclear what Gunn's next feature film project will be. During an interview in 2014, Gunn expressed interest in a Thunderbolts movie, and with Phase 4 of the MCU introducing a plethora of new heroes, villains, and storylines, that is very much a real possibility. While many fans expected Falcon and The Winter Soldier to introduce the Thunderbolts since the villainous group was originally conceived by Baron Zemo, Marvel opted not to include them in the Disney+ series. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:Zemo Can Make Thunderbolts The Suicide Squad Of MCU's Phase 4 While it is still uncertain when or if the Thunderbolts will make their first appearance in the MCU, Gunn seems to have changed his mind since 2014. During a quick Instagram Q&A before heading out to shoot the Peacemaker series, Gunn was asked if he’s still interested in directing a Thunderbolts movie for Marvel. Gunn responded, saying that making The Suicide Squad “scratched that itch” for him. Check out a screenshot of the full interaction on Instagram below: Very much like DC’s Suicide Squad, the Thunderbolts are a team of criminals and super-villains who are sent out on dangerous missions to eliminate deadly threats. As opposed to the Suicide Squad’s governmental leader in Amanda Waller, Marvel’s team is originally led by villain Baron Zemo, whose plan is to pose as superheroes for the sole purpose of gaining the public's trust. Nevertheless, there are many similarities between the two teams, and after directing The Suicide Squad, perhaps Gunn thinks they are too similar to still be interested in making a Thunderbolts movie. While Marvel fans will likely be disappointed by Gunn’s response, it is probably for the best. Gunn plans to step away from the MCU after Guardians 3 and seek opportunities elsewhere, allowing Marvel to bring in some new talent with fresh ideas. While it is still a mystery if the Thunderbolts will get their own Marvel movie, don’t expect Gunn to helm the project.

James Gunn confirms that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 takes place after Thor: Love and Thunder in the MCU timeline. Ever since the events of Avengers: Infinity War, the God of Thunder has had a close relationship with the ragtag team of cosmic adventurers. After being left to float through space by Thanos, the Guardians picked up Thor and were roped into helping stop the Titan from destroying the universe. Thor spent the bulk of his time in Infinity War with Rocket and Groot as the pair helped him craft a new axe at Nidavellir. In Avengers: Endgame, Rocket went back in time with Thor to the events of Thor: The Dark World as part of the Time Heist. The journey proved emotional for Thor and helped the God of Thunder feel as if he was worthy once again. While both Infinity War and Endgame were praised for their character dynamics, Thor's rapport with the Guardians was a highlight for many and that relationship is set to continue in Thor: Love and Thunder. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:Thor 4: Every Character Confirmed For Love & Thunder Whether or not Thor will make an appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 remains a mystery, but Gunn took to Instagram and confirmed that his third film in the series will take place after the God of Thunder's fourth solo feature. GOTG3 Set After Thor 4 Thor and the Guardians were last seen departing New Asgard together, setting up their adventures in Thor: Love and Thunder. Right now, nearly the entire Guardians squad is slated to appear in the film except for Gamora. Evidence points to their role being relatively minimal as they weren't in Australia for very long, but that makes sense considering how packed the plot seems to be. Gunn's comments do clear up the timeline of Phase 4 a little bit, though, making it clear that there is a trajectory for the MCU's cosmic side of things this time around. With production on Thor: Love and Thunder winding down, details have emerged about the film, but Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 largely remains a mystery. Common sense indicates that it will have something to do with the search for Gamora, seeing as she's absent from the fourth Thor film and left earth without telling anyone in Endgame. How the two will be connected remains to be seen, but one thing is sure: the MCU's cosmic side of things is looking very exciting with both Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 giving fans plenty of humor and adventure

Marvel Studios may be returning to the movies in 2021 but Eternals and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings may not be released in Chinese cinemas. After being forced to delay all of their films due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marvel Studios is set to have a big return to the movies in 2021 with four films. Marvel is looking to introduce two new franchises based on relatively obscure Marvel characters: Shang-Chi and The Eternals. Part of the MCU's ever-growing success is their films' ability to play not just in the United States but overseas as well, specifically China. Avengers: Endgame is currently the sixth highest-grossing film of all time at the Chinese box office. For a film to play in China they need approval by the Chinese government, and the number of films that can play is limited due to them wanting to keep a balance between domestic and imported films. Some films, like Christopher Robin, can be denied release and while every film in the MCU has so far been released in China that streak may come to an end soon. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: 2021 Is The First Year Since 2011 With TWO New Marvel Franchises In a report from Variety, CCTV6 China Movie Channel ran a report on the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 4 films and listed eight of the ten scheduled titles in their report but left out both Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Eternals. While not an official confirmation that the films will not play in China, this adds fuel to the fire of speculation in the wake of recent reports on both films. Giving weight to this rumor is the fact that CCTV6 is under the jurisdiction of China's propaganda department which approves which films get released. Each film faces different backlash, with Eternals being the biggest. China recently blocked all mentions of Eternals director Chloé Zhao's recent film Nomadland from Chinese social media sites due to past comments Zhao has made about China. Nomadland was set to open in China on April 23 but was pulled from the schedule and no date has been set. When Zhao won the Academy Award for Best Director, the first woman from China to win the honor, no mention was made on government-sponsored news outlets or websites. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' controversy lies in the casting and perception of the film. In the original comics, Shang-Chi was the son of the pulp villain and racial caricature Fu Manchu. While the comics have removed that part of his origins and the film has updated him to be the son of Wenwu, aka The Mandarin, many see The Mandarin and Fu Manchu as one and the same. Other criticism claims the movie shows a stereotypical view of China while some have criticized the casting of Simu Liu and Awkwafina saying they don't fit the standards of Chinese beauty. There seems to be a possibility that Tony Leung, who plays the Mandarin, might have been blacklisted due to him taking on the role as two of his films having completed production but are unable to secure release dates. There is still time for Marvel and Disney to get these films release dates in China. If they don't, it could have an interesting impact on the MCU as any future Marvel movies that feature these characters could face similar problems. Shang-Chi and the Eternals are set to have a big role in the MCU moving forward, so one can only hope this won't impact their future too much.

Martin Freeman has heard Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's full story, and he admits it has some odd parts. As the sequel to 2018's Black Panther, which was the first Marvel movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, Wakanda Forever was already going to be hit with high expectations. However, there's an extra layer of poignancy surrounding the 2022 film because of franchise star Chadwick Boseman's passing last August. Boseman was set to return for Black Panther 2, but now the movie will be positioned as the ultimate tribute to his legacy. Writer-director Ryan Coogler has reshaped the story for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in order to respect Boseman's loss. The specific plot details for the film are still being kept under wraps, though a general synopsis said Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will further explore the titular country and the many characters introduced in the first movie. That so far seems to include Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), Shuri (Letitia Wright), Ramonda (Angela Bassett), M'Baku (Winston Duke), and Everett K. Ross (Freeman). Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: Wakanda Forever: Black Panther 2'S New Title Explained (& Why It's Perfect) Tuesday night, Freeman appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden and had an interesting tease to share about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. As per usual with Marvel productions, Freeman couldn't say anything specific about the film's plot. However, he did reveal he knows the story after speaking to Coogler, and that he actually found parts of it to be rather strange. Freeman said: "I had a Zoom call with Ryan Coogler, the director and co-writer, about seven or eight weeks ago, I suppose, and he took me through... he sort of meticulously took me through all of my character's beats in the film. He took me through the film, but incorporating my character's beats. And some of it was really [laughs], some of it was very odd. And I think he could see by the reaction on my face, some of the things he was saying... He kept sort of stopping and going, 'Stay with me, but this is going to work.' People are in for a real [treat]. I mean we've not done it yet. Who knows? We might make it awful. But no, I'm hoping we won't, and I hope people are going to be in for a treat." Freeman's surprised reaction to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's story shows just how little people can predict about this film. Already, the script had to be changed drastically following Boseman's passing, and in the interview Freeman reiterated he initially believed Black Panther 2 wouldn't actually happen. Changing the story in light of losing Boseman could not have been a simple task, but Coogler appears to have something truly unique up his sleeve. Freeman describing the story as odd might throw some fans off. It sounds as though Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has a lot of twists and turns in store, which could perhaps be a good thing. Superhero movies frequently get criticized for following the same plot beats over and over, but that might not be the case this time. Coogler is a talented storyteller, and it will be interesting to see what he has in store for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Freeman is still on board despite his initial surprise, so that has to bode well for what lies ahead. Hopefully, Marvel will see fit to share more about the plot soon.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Venture Bros., and Metalocalypse are all getting new original movies from Adult Swim for HBO Max. The three shows are some of Adult Swim’s oldest original animated series, and while none of them are still on the air, they’ve retained strong fan followings through the years. Now, those fans are finally getting some new feature-length stories for their favorite shows. For longtime fans of Adult Swim, the three shows being resurrected represent the network’s early days. Aqua Teen Hunger Force premiered in 2001 when Cartoon Network first introduced the Adult Swim nighttime broadcasts, quickly gaining a loyal viewership and foreshadowing the kind of oddball, irreverent animated content that would soon be Adult Swim’s trademark. The Venture Bros. and Metalocalypse followed just a couple of years later, and both ran for years as pillars of the network’s late-night programming. In many ways, the shows opened the door for future hits like Rick and Morty and the modern era of adult-oriented cartoons. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: The Venture Bros.: Every DC Comics Reference Now, after years off the air, all three series are returning with new original movies from Adult Swim. Each film will release initially on Blu-ray, DVD, and video-on-demand services, where they will remain exclusively for 90 days. Following that premiere window, the films will debut on Adult Swim and HBO Max. The release model is similar to that of the DC Universe animated films that Warner Bros. has produced in recent years and, hopefully, all fans will have at least one way to see the new movies for themselves. Some story details for the new movies have also been released by Adult Swim. The Metalocalypse film will see the return of the deadly Doomstar, providing a new crisis for the members of Dethklok to face. The film is being led by series creators Brendon Small and Tommy Blancha, and an official soundtrack release has been promised as well. The Venture Bros. return teases a bizarre new invention from Doc, and the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie will continue the story of the original show with Frylock, Meatwad, and Master Shake. As with Metalocalypse, the original series creators are reportedly returning for both films. As HBO Max continues to flesh out its content library, working with Adult Swim to bring back such beloved series is a great move. There’s no official word yet on whether or not all of the original voice actors will return, but it seems like a safe bet for at least the majority. After some extended hiatuses, Aqua teen Hunger Force, Venture Bros., and Metalocalypse are back.

Actor Harish Patel discusses his role as a cameraman in Marvel's Eternals. The MCU film will feature the debut of the titular cosmic race, awakened after the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, Eternals has been one of the most anticipated upcoming Marvel entries, partly because of the mystery surrounding it. Little is known about the film's plot save for what characters will be involved and what information could be gleaned from their roles. One actor in particular caught fans' eyes, though, when the first footage from Eternals debuted in a Marvel Phase 4 sizzle reel. Seen in only two shots, many thought his presence was a fluke. When the cast of Eternals gathers in what looks to be a wooded area, a cameraman can be seen lugging equipment beside the group. Some thought this was a case of unedited footage. That cameraman is played by Patel, though, and he can also be seen in another shot holding a camcorder next to Nanjiani's Kingo. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:MCU's Eternals Footage Suggests A Major Comic Book Story Change Now, Patel has opened up about his mysterious role in the film. In an interview with Pink Villa, Patel says that what was seen of him in the teaser amounts to the entirety of his presence in the film. In fact, Patel says, that's where his role "starts and ends." Whatever little you have seen of me in the teaser that's where my role starts and ends. If Patel is telling the truth, it seems he will have little impact on the film. On the other hand, if Patel does have a larger role in the film, he certainly wouldn't be allowed to give away the details of said role. Right now, it looks as if Patel is somehow involved with Kingo, a Bollywood movie star, quite possibly documenting his journey with the rest of the Eternals. What that would mean for the rest of the plot is interesting - does the world know about the Eternals? Does Kingo want Patel's character documenting the events of the film? It would certainly add a meta aspect to Eternals to have the cameraman documenting the journey. At this point in the MCU, the world is more than aware of super-powered beings both earthbound and cosmic so this could provide an interesting outlet for the titular group to get their story out there for whatever reason. Unfortunately, Patel didn't give too much information and it's all but guaranteed that he isn't allowed to. Fans will have to wait until Eternals comes out in November to find out the true extent of his role in the film

Venom: Let There Be Carnage Director Andy Serkis has just explained some of Carnage's powers. The forthcoming movie is a sequel to 2018's Venom, a film that stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, a journalist whose body gets infused with an alien symbiote named Venom. In the first film, Brock works with Venom to save the day, and for the sequel, they'll have to test their working relationship again as they now have to fight against a villain with super powers. In the sequel, Woody Harrelson plays the role of Cletus Kasady, who first appeared in a Venom post-credits scene. He's a deranged killer who also gets infused with an alien symbiote. Together, they become Carnage, a classic villain from the Spider-Man comic book franchise. Carnage has been around for years, but this will be the first time he's been depicted on the big screen. The trailer for Venom: Let There Be Carnage has just premiered, so now, fans have their first glimpse at the character in action. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: Why Tom Hardy's Venom Voice Is Different In Let There Be Carnage Speaking to IGN, Serkis let loose some details about the movie. In the interview, he explained some of Carnage's powers. He says: He can turn to mist. He can turn to all manner of tendrils. He can take different forms. He can weaponize, he can do all of these different things. With all symbiotes, they reflect the person who is their host. So the darkness of Carnage, the playfulness, the wit, the strangeness. Cletus has a real intelligence and… a real sense of humor, and we wanted to reflect that in the symbiote that is linked to him. For those who have followed Carnage's history, a lot of those abilities sound familiar. In those stories, Carnage can mold himself into a variety of shapes and shoot out a web-like substance from his body like Spider-Man. It should be noted that Spider-Man has not been mentioned in this franchise yet, and this film is not in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What will be interesting is the chance to see how they look on the big screen. That should only give fans more incentive to see the film when Venom: Let There Be Carnage releases this September. Elsewhere in the interview, Serkis explains the differences in the fundamental makeup of Carnage and Venom's powers. He points out that Venom is more about brute force, while Carnage uses his opponent's energy against them while using psychological manipulation and his slimy physiology to his advantage. Serkis also explains that because of their similar upbringings has led Cletus to see Brock as a kindred spirit. Because of this, Brock is the only person that Cletus will speak to. With this in mind, authorities ask Brock to try to get information on where to find the bodies of Cletus' victims. The outcome of that conversation is unclear, but, in the trailer, we do see Cletus survive his execution, seemingly by bonding with the symbiote. Venom was a surprise mega success when it was released three years ago, with the film grossing $856 million at the box office. From the looks of the trailer, it appears that Venom: Let There Be Carnage will double down on the gory action of its predecessor, and pairing talents like Harrelson and Hardy should only lead to more electricity on screen. While the COVID-19 pandemic will likely prevent it from making as much money as Venom, electric performances and dynamic action scenes could mean this film should still do well at the box office.

Avengers: Endgame's cool moment between Spider-Man and Valkyrie has a subtle but significant error. It's been two years since the Joe and Anthony Russo blockbuster hit theaters but since cinemas have been mainly closed in the last several months, many have been revisiting the movie. This results in new details that were previously missed coming out now including a VFX mistake during the final battle. Unlike Avengers: Infinity War, Endgame had a more complicated narrative. It picked up after the tragic loss of the heroes to Thanos who successfully collected all six Infinity Stones and snapped out half of life in the universe. It took the Avengers five years and a risky time-traveling mission to undo the damage that the Mad Titan did through the time heist and the reverse snap. But the wait was worth it as all active players in the MCU come together during the third-act fight through the iconic portals scene, resulting in some character team-ups that have not happened in the franchise until then. RELATED: Sam's Captain America Makes Spider-Man The New Iron Man - Theory Explained That includes Spider-Man hopping on Valkyrie's pegasus as they attempted to get the Infinity Gauntlet with all six gems away from Thanos. It was unexpected to see the heroes who hadn't met before work together for the same cause. However, as cool as the moment was, it wasn't flawless. As spotted by Reddit user u/Besaad14, Peter Parker's hand was just hovering over Valkyrie's shoulder instead of properly hanging on. Check out the clip below: Endgame's final act battle is arguably the most satisfying ending in any MCU film. Aside from being the ending of the film itself, it's also the culmination of the Infinity Saga as it featured almost all heroes who have been introduced in the universe throughout its first three Phases. Understandably, the focus was on the original Avengers, particularly Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America and most of the memorable parts of the set-piece involved them. But given the sheer amount of moving pieces in it, there are several other elements the aren't talked about as often they should including this team-up between Spider-Man and Valkyrie. While Avengers: Endgame was mostly a satisfying film, it's not without flaws. There are controversial narrative choices that remain a favorite topic of discussion including the death of Black Widow. The aforementioned VFX lapse isn't the only editing mistake in the final battle scene. However, since they are barely recognizable and do not impact the story of the blockbuster, fans are more forgiving with regard to these issues.

Writer/director Brian Helgeland has revealed that the David Bowie song used in A Knight's Tale's memorable dance scene was chosen by star Heath Ledger. Named after the first entry in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the story centers on a peasant who has dreamt of becoming a knight since he was a kid and poses as a noble in order to compete in jousting tournaments. Alongside Ledger, the ensemble cast for the film included Alan Tudyk, Shannyn Sossamon, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, and Paul Bettany. Despite its setting in the Middle Ages, the film became notable for its deliberate usage of classic rock songs in its soundtrack and the film itself, including Queen's "We Will Rock You." Released in May 2001, the film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success, grossing over $117 million against its $65 million budget. A Knight's Tale was also at the center of a scandal from Columbia Pictures as it was revealed the studio concocted glowing comments from a fake film reviewer to use in print marketing, which it also did with other films including Hollow Man, The Animal, and Vertical Limit. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: Every Actor Who Almost Played Will Turner In Pirates Of The Caribbean In an interview with Vulture to discuss the film's 20th anniversary, Helgeland revealed that the original plan for the dance scene was to utilize KC and the Sunshine's Band "Get Down Tonight" and the cast had even begun rehearsing choreography for the sequence. However, during this rehearsal, Ledger approached the director with a pitch for Bowie's "Golden Years," even noting it keeps the same tempo as the disco funk track and was better in tune with the journey of his character. Read Helgeland's comments below: “When Heath wanted to sell you on something, you could tell in a second. He would assume this kind of boyishness to him; he’d become nine years old, like out of a Dickens story, like the Artful Dodger. Heath got this big grin on his face. He goes, ‘It’s the same tempo. It’s going to work.’ He said, ‘Don’t come to rehearsal today. Let us get it right and then come down. We’ll do both of them and you decide.’ He was like, ‘It’s so inescapable that it should be ‘Golden Years’ that there’s no way you can disagree with me.’ He just laid it all out like a legal case.” Ledger's pitch for a musical change extended to more than A Knight's Tale, with the late star also having put the idea out to have his character in 10 Things I Hate About You sing "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" instead of "I Touch Myself." The late Oscar winner frequently showed his creative potential in every genre he worked in, but his aptitude as a music video director several years later was clearly predicted by how well he utilized songs in his films. While some might still argue about whether the anachronistic use of music in the film was a great or terrible choice, there's no denying Bowie's "Golden Years" was an excellent choice for the dance sequence. 20 years later and A Knight's Tale still proves to be one of the more intriguing historical fiction efforts put to film. From the real jousting shot in the film to deliberate anachronisms and a fast-paced four-month shoot, it may not have received the best reviews from real critics but it remains a fan favorite from Ledger's filmography. It can also be credited with helping Resident Alien's Alan Tudyk and WandaVision's Paul Bettany break out into the mainstream world.

Actress Janelle Monae has been cast in Knives Out 2. The Rian Johnson directed sequel has been fleshing out its cast ahead of a summer shoot in Greece with Daniel Craig returning as investigator Benoit Blanc. Craig is the only original cast member set to return. While a sequel to the original film was all but guaranteed after its success, Netflix scored the rights to Knives Out 2 and Knives Out 3 in a deal worth upwards of $450 million. Johnson and his co-writer Ram Bergman retained the rights to the characters and story of the original film, giving them plenty of room to negotiate the deal. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW At this point, little is known about the plot of the film, but Johnson has already added some big names to the cast. Both Edward Norton and Dave Bautista were cast in Knives Out 2 and more are expected. The original film's expansive cast each had their own role to play in the murder mystery at the center of the film and it seems like the sequel will be following suit with an equally star-studded cast if this latest addition is any indication. RELATED:Knives Out 2 Is Better For Rian Johnson Than Star Wars THR reports that Grammy nominated singer Monae has been cast in the film. Netflix declined to comment on the casting and details around Monae's role are being kept under wraps. For many, the news that the Thrombey's wouldn't return in Knives Out 2 was immediately disappointing. Each actor brought their own characteristics and quirks to their roles that helped make the original film as successful as it was. Still, all of the casting decisions made so far points to another expansive ensemble that has the potential to outdo the first. Bautista is arguably at the peak of his career right now with starring roles in the MCU, Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead, and various other blockbusters. Norton, too, has spent his career moving between blockbuster films and more dramatic roles. Still, the addition of Monae is arguably even more exciting. The actress has earned acclaim for her supporting roles in Best Picture winner Moonlight and Oscar nominated film Hidden Figures. It seems like this trio may only be the beginning, though. As Knives Out 2 continues to add to its cast, Netflix and Johnson are sure to keep bringing in A-listers that will light up the screen. The streamer is betting big on the pair of sequels and although there's no doubt that they will be hits, having such a stellar cast doesn't hurt either.

Top Gun star Rick Rossovich trusts Tom Cruise to deliver with the sequel Top Gun: Maverick. While the long-awaited follow-up to the classic flight film was originally scheduled to be released in the summer of 2019, it was first postponed to give production more time to work on the film's complex dogfight scenes. Since then, the Top Gun sequel has dealt with an endless series of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paramount's most recent changes to its release schedule set the sequel's debut back to November 19. Released in 1986, Top Gun helped launch Tom Cruise into stardom. At the time, he was still known for the teen sex comedy Risky Business, and Top Gun presented Cruise as a likable and reckless protagonist in Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a young naval aviator. Though the film is known for its high-flying action sequences, it also presents an emotional story that sees the death of his right-hand man Goose (Anthony Edwards). The original also features characters played by Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, and Rick Rossovich as Slider. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:Why Tom Cruise Needs Top Gun 2 To Succeed More Than Mission: Impossible 7 While Top Gun: Maverick has faced numerous obstacles in its release, leading some to question if the sequel might flop, one of Cruise’s original Top Gun co-stars has no doubt he will deliver. In an interview with Screen Rant ahead of the original movie's re-release in Dolby theaters, Rick Rossovich discussed why it took 35 years to make a sequel to the beloved ‘80s classic: “For a long time, we all said, 'We don't need to have another one. Don't mess with that.' Franchises work, and then sometimes they really go haywire.” However, Rossovich eventually came around because he trusts Cruise’s creative judgment and believes he will deliver when Top Gun: Maverick is finally seen by audiences. Read the rest of Rossovich’s comments below: I knew, and everyone really knew, that Tom wouldn't do something unless it was right. So, he waited. I mean, how many Mission Impossibles has he done? Seven is a lucky number. But I think with Top Gun, there's a special place in his heart for that movie. So, he wasn't gonna do anything that was half-measured, and he was really going to get it right. I think he's putting all the pieces of the puzzle together. And why not wait 35 years? This guy has some of Dick Clark's blood or something. He looks as good as he's ever looked, so I'm a little jealous there. He's held it together. While the sequel will not bring back many characters from the original (barring Cruise’s and Kilmer’s) it will feature Miles Teller as Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, Goose’s son. This will force Maverick to confront his past, as he was partially responsible for his partner’s death. Top Gun: Maverick will also feature new characters played by Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, and Ed Harris. Since Cruise is almost 60 years of age and still going strong filming numerous stunts for Mission: Impossible 7, Rossovich certainly isn’t the only one marveling at the action star’s impressive stamina and audacity. Cruise is perhaps a bigger box office draw today than he was in 1986, and many will likely flock to theaters this November to see Cruise’s signature death-defying stunts and experience the film’s high-octane action. According to Rossovich, Top Gun: Maverick is guaranteed to deliver.

Emily Blunt says Edge of Tomorrow 2 might be too expensive to make. Blunt starred alongside Tom Cruise in the original 2014 film based on the manga All You Need Is Kill. In the film, Cruise plays Major William Cage, a soldier sent to fight against alien creatures (called "Mimics") in the hopes of stopping the slaughter of the human race. Along the way, Cage discovers that every time he dies, he must relive the same day over and over again, convincing Blunt's superstar soldier Rita Vrataski to help in the process. Edge of Tomorrow 2's script is reportedly finished and Blunt has remained vocal about her desire to make the film. Similarly, director Doug Liman has said that the film getting made depends entirely on the stars at its center and whether or not they are available. Both Blunt and Cruise have remained rather busy in the years since Edge of Tomorrow's release and it seems no movement has happened on the film for quite some time. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:Edge Of Tomorrow Is Tom Cruise's Best Chance At Another Mission: Impossible Now, Blunt has said that she's not sure if Edge of Tomorrow 2 will ever get made. Speaking on The Howard Stern Show, the actress said that she's not sure how they could pull off making the film. One of the reasons, she says, is that because it could be too expensive to make. Honestly, I think the movie is too expensive. I just don’t know how we’re going to do it. While Edge of Tomorrow has garnered quite the following since it was released in theaters, it's easy to forget that the blockbuster wasn't a big hit right out of the gate. The film went on to gross $370 million worldwide against a $178 million production budget. Both stars' salaries would be a huge addition to the sequel's budget and their schedules could also be hard to navigate, especially Cruise's - the actor is about embark on a global press tour for Top Gun: Maverick, leading to the delay of that film and production on Mission: Impossible 8. Still, despite all of this, Edge of Tomorrow 2 is an enticing prospect and one that seems ready to go if the stars can align. A budget may not necessarily be a huge concern either - Liman has said that Edge of Tomorrow 2 would be smaller and more character driven than the first. Smart sci-fi is hard to come by and the Groundhog Day meets alien invasion plot of the first film made for an exciting adventure. Edge of Tomorrow 2 could add to that premise in interesting ways, but as Blunt seems to hint, it may never get made.

The trailer for The Forever Purge has arrived. The horror franchise began with 2013's The Purge. Starring Ethan Hawke and Lena Heady, the film follows a suburban family who is beset by masked attackers during a 12-hour government sanctioned Purge period wherein any crime is legal. Despite mixed reviews, The Purge went on to gross nearly $90 million at the box office on a $3 million budget. Three sequels have been released, in addition to a television show that aired for two seasons from 2018 to 2019. Set to be the fifth and final film in the franchise, The Forever Purge's story will be moving away from the metropolitan setting of the last three films to take place in the Texas countryside. The film will pick up after the annual Purge has ended. Some don't want it to end, though, and they continue to terrorize a Texas a town in the hopes of inspiring a nationwide movement where the Purge never ends. The people in this Texas town must make it through the night and survive with no help in sight. RELATED:Every Horror Movie Coming In Summer 2021 Now, a trailer has finally been released for The Forever Purge ahead of its release on July 2. In the clip, glimpses of the cleanup after the Purge are seen, but just when the citizens of a Texas town think it's safe, a group of masked Purgers rises again. This unsanctioned Purge spreads across the Texas town, ensnaring innocents along the way and they must fight to get to the Mexican border if they have want to have any chance at surviving. Check out the clip below: The unique setting certainly adds something new to The Purge franchise, breaking from the city blocks and skyscrapers usually seen in the films for something much larger in scale. Along with it comes the typical masked vigilantes seen in the franchise, this time with a southern flair that adds an eerie new context to the terrifying proceedings. The Purge films have aimed for political commentary when it comes to class violence and it looks like that will continue in this new setting, as one of the masked killers says, "You rich can't hid behind your steel walls no more." As the last film in the franchise, The Forever Purge looks to be upping the ante in several ways to go out with a bang. Dialogue throughout the trailer indicates that these vigilantes aren't just isolated to Texas - they want to take over the country and have a "Forever Purge" everywhere. This leads to the opening of the Mexican border as the protagonists of the film must cross in the hopes of making it out of the US alive.The Forever Purge looks to be putting a cap on the franchise in a big way, but seeing as no film series is truly dead these days, this could be the beginning of a new and terrifying world for the franchise.

Army of the Dead's Ana de la Reguera shares some of the film's relationship dynamics that didn't make the cut. Releasing in select theaters this Friday, May 14, before heading to Netflix a week later on May 21, Army of the Dead is Zack Snyder's highly-anticipated zombie epic As its official release date nears, reviews have begun rolling in. While many are praising the film's zombie action and stunning visuals, some are pointing to its poor execution and deeming it "a shallow zombie flick" that fails to offer any social or political commentary, like many said it would. Although Army of the Dead's early reviews have mostly been positive, sitting in the 70% range on the Tomatometer. This will only serve to increase anticipation for Snyder's return to the zombie genre after his directorial Dawn of the Dead came in 2004. Since then, Snyder has amassed a loyal legion of fans from his time working on the DCEU (see the enthusiasm of the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut and #RestoreTheSnyderVerse campaigns on social media) who will likely tune into Army of the Dead because the director’s name is on it and to see some zombie gore. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:Everything We Learned On The Set Of Zack Snyder's Army Of The Dead Army of the Dead features a team of mercenaries, such as Dave Bautista's Scott Ward and his daughter Kate (Ella Purnell), who are tasked with recovering a heap of money from a vault inside a Las Vegas casino. Ward calls in some old friends for help, one of them being Ana de la Reguera's Cruz. In a recent interview, de la Reguera discussed some of the heist crew’s relationship dynamics, especially between Scott and Cruz. Though, she says some of this won’t make it into the movie and will be seen instead in the animated prequel, Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas: There's things that we shot that are not in the movie, unfortunately. But I think you'll see them in the prequel. You'll get a lot of that information in the animated prequel. I think in the past, I saw [Scott] as a leader and as someone I look up to. But at the same time, I think we have great chemistry, and that I think we are kind of soulmates and are perfect for each other. But I think I'm kind of bummed about it. I think Scott is not good with his feelings; he's not great at communicating. In the rest, he's great. But emotionally, he is a little traumatized. De la Reguera also discussed the state that Scott is in after the death of his ex-wife and the effect this has on his relationships with his daughter Kate, as well as Cruz: He's having problems with his daughter, and with the death of his ex-wife, so he's not open. After a long time, when I see him again, I feel like this is the right time; the perfect timing for us right now. She hasn't been waiting to be with him, but I think she feels that he probably has changed and that time has healed him. But no, he didn't work on that. He's been such a man, just being very closed. Based on de la Reguera's comments, there is a lot of ripe relationship dynamics between Scott, Kate, and Cruz that is ready to be explored. Though, these backstories will likely not be fully fleshed out in Army of the Dead’s 2 hour-28 minute runtime. Just as de la Reguera teased, the animated Army of the Dead prequel will be an opportune time to delve into the heist crew’s various backstories and relationship dynamics. While much of the cast for Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas has been revealed (including Anya Chalotra, Vanessa Hudgens, Joe Manganiello, and Christian Slater), Bautista, Purnell, and de la Reguera are expected to return and reprise their respective roles from Zack Snyder’s awaited Army of the Dead for a chance to explore their origin stories during the initial zombie outbreak. Hopefully, Army of the Dead introduces complex and thoughtful characters that are worth exploring further.

new Dragon Ball Super movie is on the way. It has been over five years since Dragon Ball's revival. Taking place after the defeat of Majin Buu, Dragon Ball Super follows Goku and friends as they battle new foes. The last arc of the anime, the Tournament of Power, garnered much attention. In the end, a tag team of Goku and Frieza triumphed over Jiren by sacrificing themselves. The Tournament of Power wasn't the last Dragon Ball Super on the screen, however. The same year the anime finished, Toei released Dragon Ball Super: Broly, a cinematic spectacle re-imagining the title villain from his older film appearance. The 2018 film saw Goku and Vegeta battle Broly, a powerful Saiyan manipulated to fight against Earth's protectors. To say the film was a hit would be an understatement. Since then, the Dragon Ball Super anime has been absent, although the manga has continued. The manga has gone full steam ahead after the Tournament of Power, completing the next arc. This has led fans to wonder what's next for the anime. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:Dragon Ball: Every Z-Warrior Who Has Won A Tournament (& Which Ones) Next year will be a good time for a Dragon Ball fans. Toei has announced a new Dragon Ball Super movie is in development for release in 2022. Like Dragon Ball Super: Broly, franchise creator Akira Toriyama is heavily involved in the making. Interestingly, he teases an "unexpected" character may appear. Check out Toriyama's full comment on the new movie below. "An all-new movie since "Dragon Ball Super: Broly" is currently in the making! Just like the previous movie, I'm heavily leading the story and dialogue production for another amazing film. I really shouldn't talk too much about the plot yet, but be prepared for some extreme and entertaining bouts, which may feature an unexpected character. We'll be charting through some unexplored territory in terms of the visual aesthetics to give the audience an amazing ride, so I hope everybody will look forward to the new movie!" It's hard to say what Toriyama means by "unexpected character." Given Broly and Frieza appeared in the previous movie, they wouldn't be considered unexpected. A character like Cell, or someone like Hirudegarn from Wrath of the Dragon, would certainly fit the bill since they haven't been seen in quite awhile. With nothing to go on, it's speculation until Toei begins the movie's marketing campaign. Perhaps the character will be a wholly original creation. The film has been in the works for a little while now, as a new movie was revealed in 2019. In fact, Toei says the film was being planned even before the release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly in 2018, with the goal of "telling a large-scale story," and to expect a "Dragon Ball movie unlike any other in its history." It's certainly good to know Dragon Ball Super is returning. It's interesting to note Toriyama teases new "visual aesthetics." The visuals of Dragon Ball Super: Broly were a highlight, so if the new film matches it, fans should be in for a treat. Story-wise, some may wonder if the film will adapt the Moro arc, like how Demon Slayer: Mugen Train adapted an arc instead of the traditional season format. However, at 25 chapters with 45 pages each, it could be very challenging adapting all the material in one movie. It would be interesting if the film re-imagined another old school movie villain, such as Cooler or Android 13. Hopefully, Toei will release some plot details later this year for the new Dragon Ball Super feature.

Early reviews for Spiral: From the Book of Saw are up, and while some of them praise the new film’s attempts at changing up the franchise formula, the consensus is that the film ultimately falls short. Spiral stars Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson alongside Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols, Zoie Palmer, and Genelle Williams. The film is directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and releases in theaters on May 14. Though the Saw series claimed it would end in 2010 with the release of Saw 3D: The Final Chapter, the Jigsaw Killer returned to the big screen in 2017 with the aptly titled Jigsaw – a soft reboot that ultimately failed to gain the franchise any serious new acclaim. With Spiral, Lionsgate has taken a more complete reboot approach, distancing the film’s storyline further from the events of the original movies and introducing a number of new characters. So is this the revitalization Saw fans have been waiting for? Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: The Saw Franchise Needs To Evolve Beyond John Kramer According to early reviews, not exactly. While Spiral makes a valiant attempt at introducing some fresh ideas and slightly loftier themes to the body horror series, it ultimately falls short of giving Saw the major boost it needed to regain relevance. Still, it sounds like fans of the franchise will enjoy what the new movie has in store. Check out what the critics are saying below. Jacob Oller, Paste Magazine “Rock isn’t good, but he’s interesting. Jackson is a welcome addition, as he and Minghella chew what little scenery they can find in the bare warehouses and sewers of Spiral. But the film is, fittingly, a trap. A sick game, luring those of us intrigued by Rock’s performance in Fargo into the same ol’ bear trap we should’ve expected from the start. Spiral might have rhetorical wrinkles that set it apart from its predecessors, but this franchise is still going around in circles.” Rob Leane, Radio Times “With a new villain established and a grownup theme explored, by the time the credits roll on Spiral – with a very unique track playing over the closing credits – you may well feel like you’d want to return to this world for more. Hopefully, if a sequel is forthcoming, it can up the horror ante somewhat whilst continuing to cover fresh topics. Spiral is a strong start and the games, hopefully, are not over.” Owen Gleiberman, Variety “Yes, these are life lessons! And no, the “Saw” series hasn’t really changed. So depending on whether you’re a fan or not, eat up…or throw up.” David Ehrlich, IndieWire “But if the basic feel of the franchise hasn’t changed — it’s still ugly and cheap and thoroughly uninterested in getting branded as “elevated horror” — the idea to extrapolate Jigsaw’s schtick toward societal problems is a smart one. If nothing else, “Spiral” is the first “Saw” movie in a very long time that might leave people open to the idea of seeing another one.” Siddhant Adlakha, IGN “A sequel that hopes to court Saw fans and mainstream audiences alike, Spiral: From the Book of Saw is likely to alienate them both. It’s a hollow imitation of the series, unable to meet its most basic visual and narrative expectations. It’s also a bad film in general, which tries to tell a socially relevant story that it can’t seem to handle.” Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy “But these flashes of inspiration only serve to make the whole more disappointing, especially when Spiral tries the classic Saw ending and lacks the wow factor. (If you're a Saw fan, it's probably best not to think about the inevitable twist as you'll likely see it coming a mile off.)” Nicolás Delgadillo, Discussing Film “Still, for every stumble, the film manages to take two more steps forward. Scenes have a much better rhythm than before, and everything feels more significant and cinematic thanks to strong direction from Bousman and camera work from cinematographer Jordan Oram.” Meagan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting “Spiral brings style and substance, with a few chuckles to balance the gore. For this standalone entry, Bousman subverts familiarity and reinvigorates the franchise by substantially expanding and evolving the Saw universe. Perhaps it’s Rock that surprises the most, who enters the Saw franchise and leads it with ease.” Nick Allen, The Playlist “There turns out to be no actual book in “Spiral: From the Book of Saw,” but it does define what makes an intricately bad movie, with flaws that can sometimes be earnest, unintentionally hilarious, or disappointing. Watching “Spiral: From the Book of Saw” I was thinking about the franchise’s fans, whose taste for soap-copera and over-the-top torture has been gravely underestimated. They’ll want to throw the book at Rock and Bousman.” Matt Goldberg, Collider “I leave it to the die-hard fans to argue over where Spiral ranks in the pantheon of Saw movies, but for a guy who was one-and-done with this franchise, I didn’t mind this return to the game.” Several of the reviews reference Spiral’s attempts at dealing with more substantive social themes than past Saw films. Per the critics, the film makes an attempt at addressing anti-Black police bias and brutality, telling that story primarily through its two Black police officer main characters played by Rock and Jackson. However, the general consensus seems to be that the movie falls short of addressing those issues in any truly impactful way. Overall, the Spiral reviews are pretty thoroughly mixed. One thing seems certain at the very least – it’s a much better and more interesting installment than 2017’s Jigsaw, and it marks some notable movement towards actual revitalization of the franchise. Whether you’re a Saw fan, a campy horror fan, or just someone interested in Chris Rock’s next step down the dramatic acting path, it sounds like Spiral: From the Book of Saw may be worth checking out.

Margot Robbie is reportedly attached to both a Terminator and a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot, but why would the former be a more fitting franchise for the actor than the latter? Released in 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was an unanticipated hit from director Gore Verbinski and Disney. After the then relatively recent failure of Renny Harlin's flop Cutthroat Island, Hollywood had all but accepted the box office potential of swashbuckling action movies had sunk without a trace. Despite this perceived wisdom, the first Pirates of the Caribbean proved them wrong with a massive $650 million haul. According to critics and fans alike, the movie succeeded thanks to its stellar cast, fast-paced action, witty script, and surprise breakout character Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow. While the sequels failed to recapture the critical success of the original, they were massively popular nonetheless, with each movie earning over a billion save for the fifth installment Dead Men Tell No Tales (which still netted a more-than-respectable $800 million). Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: Why John Cena Would Be A Better New Terminator Than The Rock In contrast, sci-fi horror franchise The Terminator has struggled to recapture the favor of both critics and audiences since its second outing Judgment Day. Since that 1991 landmark, the reviews and box office receipts of each sequel have grown gradually weaker. Now, leading lady du jour Margot Robbie is rumored to be attached to the upcoming reboots of both high-profile franchises. So, why is the Terminator franchise actually a better bet for Robbie’s impressive career going forward than a proposed Pirates of the Caribbean reboot? Robbie Already Has A Jack Sparrow-Style Antihero Since her 2016 debut, Robbie’s Harley Quinn was roundly acknowledged as the breakout star of Suicide Squad. The film may have been deeply flawed, but one thing even its harshest critics agreed on was that Robbie stole the show as the unhinged antiheroine. As of 2021, Robbie’s Harley Quinn is the actor’s signature blockbuster role thanks to her Birds of Prey spin-off movie. This could prove problematic, as the character shares enough DNA with Depp’s Sparrow for Robbie’s Pirates of the Caribbean character to potentially end up being seen as a retread that amounts to “Harley Quinn at sea.” Both Birds of Prey and Pirates of the Caribbean (particularly the more recent, Jack-centric sequels On Stranger Tides and Dead Men Tell No Tales) are action-comedies that follow an amoral antihero playing both sides off one another in a convoluted plot, whilst also winking at the audience and escaping scrapes through quick wit and guile rather than physical strength. While the conceit of Birds of Prey only shares some similarities with the franchise, the sight of a wisecracking, cunning Robbie heroine will still be familiar for fans of the DCEU spin-off. The character’s comedic lunacy and unhinged attitude are not copied from Jack, but a Sparrow-style heroine for the Pirates of the Caribbean reboot would likely touch on similar territory to the underperforming Birds of Prey. Meanwhile, the fact Robbie is revisiting the role in the upcoming The Suicide Squad means audiences will have seen even more of Quinn by the time the Pirates reboot actually arrives in cinemas. Terminator Needs A Successful Reboot More The latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie made “only” $800 million, a sum that was considered a disappointment only because of the incredible success of earlier outings. The three installments preceding Dead Men Tell No Tales made over a billion apiece, a staggering sum that proves the franchise is not in dire straits. In contrast, almost twenty years ago the third Terminator outing Rise of the Machines made $430 million the same year that the original Pirates earned $650 million, and this was only the beginning of the franchise’s gradually worsening financial woes. Since then, 2009’s Terminator Salvation earned only $370 million, the ill-fated reboot Terminator: Genisys made $440 million and, despite bringing back Arnie (as a retired, drape-selling Terminator named Carl), Terminator: Dark Fate earned a paltry 260 million on a budget of over $180 million. RELATED: POTC: Why Jack Sparrow Is The Series’ Worst Sword Fighter It is clear after not one, not two, but three failed reboots in ten years that the Terminator franchise seriously needs help at the box office. As a bonafide box office draw in the era of streaming services, Margot Robbie doesn’t come cheap, and the money spent securing her as a star for the Pirates of the Caribbean reboot would be better spent on fleshing out the lore of the fictional universe. Fans may love Depp’s Jack Sparrow, but the superior critical reception of Verbinski’s Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End compared to the later, lesser On Stranger Tides or Dead Men Tell No Tales proves reviewers want more insight into the mythology of the Pirates franchise. With no trouble earning box office returns, the series can now afford to go after a better critical reception where, in contrast, the Terminator franchise needs to prove it can still appeal to audiences, let alone critics. Robbie’s Star Power Elevates Terminator More This is arguably more subjective, but Margot Robbie’s statue as a major star would be a first for the Terminator franchise that tends to cast smaller actors in lead roles. Admittedly, Salvation starred Christian Bale at the height of his Batman fame, but that outing also suffered an infamously messy production thanks to casting the star and rewriting the story to prioritize his role. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, meanwhile, did not rely on star power as a general rule outside of Depp (and, at a push, Orlando Bloom, who was known from Lord of the Rings at the time). The series doesn’t need to start now and would be better off ignoring big names and focusing on its story as outlined above. In contrast, the failure of Genisys could be down to TV’s Emilia Clarke being its most notable star, and the fact that Hamilton and Schwarzenegger were the only notable stars in Terminator: Dark Fate can’t have helped the movie's disastrous box office showing. Robbie’s status could elevate the appeal of a Terminator reboot even more than the rumored casting of John Cena or Dwayne Johnson in the title role as she would be playing a heroic, rather than villainous character, whereas her presence is not as urgently required for Pirates of the Caribbean to win back critical favor.

Dave Bautista gave a glowing review of the highly anticipated sci-fi epic Dune. The film, in which Bautista plays an antagonist, was set to premiere at the end of last year but was pushed back because of the pandemic. Now, Dune is slated to premiere on October 1 in both theaters and on HBO Max. Dune is the first installment of a planned two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel saga of the same name. Dune follows Paul Atreides, the gifted son of a noble family in an interstellar feudal society, as he travels to the galaxy’s most dangerous planet, Dune, to protect the most precious resource and most valuable asset in existence. Meanwhile, Paul and his family must deal with war, treachery, dangerous creatures, and family feuds fueled by greed. The film was directed by Denis Villeneuve, who is also known for directing visually stunning sci-fi films such as Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival. In the film, Dave Bautista portrays Glossu Rabban, a violent and sadistic warlord. The film also features a laundry list of other big names, including Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, and Zendaya. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:Matrix 4 Vs. Dune: Which Film Will Win 2021’S Sci-Fi Movie Battle In a recent interview with /Film to promote his upcoming film Army of the Dead, Dave Bautista called Dune “one of the most beautiful films that people have ever seen.” Bautista spoke about being in awe of Villeneuve’s ability to create such expansive worlds without detracting from his attention to the performances. In comparison to Bautista’s own directing capabilities, he remarks that Villeneuve’s talents aren’t even comprehensible. [The] world that he’s created is so far over my head. It’s so beautiful and different, and a lot of times dark and strange. But it’s something I never could have imagined. I just don’t have that mind. When I think about things, and when I think about directing, it’s all very contained, based on simple stories, a lot of times very simple and inspiring stories. And for someone to see something and create a world this big, a galaxy, a universe this big, it’s something that doesn’t comprehend, doesn’t compute in my brain. But it’s weird that he can do both. [Denis Villeneuve] can create these huge epic worlds and scenes, but at the same time just focus on the most simple things about a performance. He’s just a special guy, he’s got a special focus, and man, he’s a brilliant storyteller. Dune is special. I think people are going to be blown away. It’s going to be one of the most beautiful films that people have ever seen. But I think that people who are just diehard fans of Dune, of the novels, they’re going to be blown away. Because they don’t have anything, really, to reference in relation to the books. Now they will. They’ll have that visual reference. He took these characters, he took this world, and he’s taken them off the page and put them on screen. It’s epic. The former pro-wrestler and bodybuilder has also worked with Villeneuve on Blade Runner 2049, which released in 2017. Though Bautista only played a small role, a Nexus-8 replicant named Sapper Morton, he received a lot of love and recognition for his performance. Bautista credits his role in Blade Runner 2049 with opening lots of doors for him, doors that wouldn’t have been opened if it weren’t for Villeneuve’s dedication to Bautista’s performance and character. Bautista fondly remembered having deep conversations about simple things like how his Blade Runner character put on his glasses—that’s the kind of attention to detail that Bautista claims sets Villeneuve, and Dune, apart from his peers. Though the delay in Dune’s premiere is one of the big negatives for film lovers to come from the pandemic, it is certainly not without its upsides. The delay has given Villeneuve more time to make sure the film is perfect and audiences more places to access the film. Although, most would say that, if it’s feasible, making a trip to the theater later this year is the best way to watch what may be the most beautiful films people have ever seen.

A Halloween Kills image reveals a new look at Michael Myers. After countless sequels, reboots, and spinoffs, the long-running slasher franchise went back to square one with 2018's Halloween. The latest installment basically disregarded almost everything that came before, and instead acted as a direct sequel to the original film from 1978, directed by John Carpenter and starring Jamie Lee Curtis. The original, along with many other films in the franchise, primarily focus on Michael Myers who was committed to a sanitarium at a young age for the murder of his older sister, Judith Myers. Years later, Myers escapes and slashes up the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois with a kitchen knife. Though his killing sprees only occur on the holiday of Halloween, the same day he killed his sister. Eight sequels followed 1978’s Halloween before Rob Zombie remade the original in 2007, which he followed up in 2009. The franchise returned to its roots with a direct sequel to the original in 2018, and a year later, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends were announced as the next two installments to come in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:Halloween: Why Doesn't Michael Ever Try To Kill Loomis? Halloween Kills is currently set for an October release and its promotional campaign is in full swing. A recent set photo of Myer’s car teased a flashback to the original film, and now fans have a look at the iconic slasher himself in Halloween Kills, courtesy of Empire (via DiscussingFilm): While Myers doesn’t look any different here than in the past film, fans are likely excited to see he is still alive after being locked in the basement of a burning house. But given Myer’s uncanny ability to survive absolutely anything, this is not surprising in the slightest. Those who stuck around for Halloween's post-credits scene could hear Michael’s heavy breathing, indicating he escaped the burning basement and survived. Like its predecessor, Halloween Kills looks like it will continue to tie in with the original movie and instead of ignoring it like past installments. Jamie Lee Curtis will return again as Laurie Strode, the sole survivor of Michael Myers’ first slash fest who is now suffering from post-traumatic stress. Two more characters from the 1978 film will be returning in Lindsey Wallace (played by original actress Kyle Richards) and Tommy Doyle, though he will be portrayed by Anthony Michael Hall. While Carpenter has warned Halloween Kills may be sent straight to streaming, it is currently slated for a theatrical release on October 15.

Ultraman is getting an animated movie at Netflix with an all-new story. The world's greatest giant superhero has seen something of a surge in international stardom. An anime was successfully launched on Netflix, and Marvel is currently publishing a second comic book based on the franchise. The company behind Ultraman, Tsuburaya Productions, will soon be releasing the highly-anticipated Shin Ultraman, which is being produced by Neon Genesis Evangelion's Hideaki Anno. Sadly, the film was delayed from its summer 2021 release. In 1966, Ultraman aired on television, forever impacting Japanese popular culture. The concept of a giant hero from outer space bonding with a human to fight evil monsters and aliens was a winning formula. Following the original show came Ultraseven, a more serious installment introducing the idea that Ultraman could take the form of a human to blend in with the inhabitants. Ultraman has received over 25 series. The latest show, Ultraman Trigger, was announced in April 2021. With a new series, season 2 of the Netflix anime in development, and Shin Ultraman coming, the franchise has never been bigger. On top of all that, there's now another new project to anticipate. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED: Is Netflix's Lupin Based On The Anime? (Link Explained) Tsuburaya has announced a CG-animated Ultraman movie is in development at Netflix. It is not related to the anime series, but will tell an original story. Shannon Tindle, who has worked on films such as Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, is directing. John Aoshima, who directed a number of Gravity Falls episodes, is co-directing. Alongside Tindle, Marc Haimes wrote the script. Check out the official plot synopsis and some concept art below. Baseball superstar Ken Sato returns to his home country of Japan to pick up the mantle of Earth-defending superhero Ultraman, but quickly finds more than he bargained for when he’s forced to raise the offspring of his greatest foe, a newborn Kaiju. Struggling to balance the roles of teammate and new father, Ken must confront his own ego, his estranged father, and the conniving Kaiju Defense Force to rise up and discover what it truly means to be Ultraman. Alongside Tsuburaya, Industrial Light and Magic is the production company of the film. According to Tindle, the project "began as an original story" inspired by his "love for Eiji Tsuburaya’s Ultraman," but "became an actual Ultraman film" thanks to Tsuburaya and Netflix. The director teases a "unique take on Ultraman." Sadly, no release window was revealed. The image above provides a look at the animation, with an Ultraman design clearly based off the original. Tsuburaya CEO Takayuki Tsukagoshi is looking forward to "families around the world" fostering "feelings of courage, hope and kindness" as they watch the film. According to Variety, the film plans to cast both western and Japanese stars. Although there's no footage yet, the CG-animated Ultraman film certainly looks promising. The idea of Ultraman raising a baby Kaiju is unique, so it will be interesting seeing how that storyline develops over the course of the film. It's not known if the plot will utilize established foes or create new ones. Either way, the new Ultraman movie sounds like a worthy addition to the long-running series.

The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It won’t feature any other characters from the series, confirms director Michael Chaves. The third installment is set to hit theaters soon and will feature Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. The horror franchise began with The Conjuring (2013) and was followed by the sequel, The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Case (2016). It has so far proven a big hit, with the films relying on old-school paranormal chills. The third Conjuring is another case from the Warren files, this time focusing on the murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson. The film borrows its title from the “Devil Made Me Do It" defense used in the case, famously known as the first time demonic possession was sought to prove innocence. The film will move away from the haunted house genre that defined the first two installments and will instead use the "Satanic Panic" as its backdrop. The movie has been teased as the darkest yet in the franchise, which grew to include The Nun and the Annabelle movies. Continue Scrolling To Keep ReadingClick the button below to start this article in quick view. START NOW RELATED:The Conjuring Universe Complete Timeline In an interview with Digital Spy, director Michael Chaves said The Conjuring 3 won’t feature characters from the previous films. The villain Ed and Lorraine are set to encounter is one they have “never faced” before, says the director, signaling a “very different and new direction” for the series. “It’s totally new,” said the director. “There’s no surprise returns.” Read his full quote below: It's totally new. There's no surprise returns. I think that was honestly what I was most excited about with this... They've never faced this kind of villain before. This is a very different and new direction [for the series]. Previous characters in the Conjuring films have included the Perron family, who served the central storyline of the first film. As the matriarch of the family, Carolyn Perron was possessed by the Bathsheba entity which sought to kill her children. The second film featured the scrappy Hodgson family, making ends meet in '70s London. The villains of the Conjuring franchise have become even more iconic. The first Conjuring briefly introduced the haunted doll, Annabelle, who went on to serve as the central antagonist in three spin-off films. Father Perez appeared in the first Annabelle movie and connects The Curse of La Llorona to the Conjuring franchise. Valak made her first appearance in The Conjuring 2 as a ghostly nun, before inspiring the titular spin-off, The Nun, with a sequel expected soon. Fans of the Conjuring films will have a mixed response to the news that no characters will return in the latest movie. The expansive Conjuring universe has given horror fans a whole host of frights, but the spin-offs have produced diminishing returns. The Nun received a paltry critical score, with audiences questioning its inconsistent logic. The Curse of La Llorona became the lowest-grossing film in the Conjuring franchise, with criticism aimed at its reliance on jump scares. The Conjuring 2 introduced “The Crooked Man”, which is expected to receive its own standalone spin-off soon, though some audiences complained about the character’s CGI-like look at the time. The chemistry between Ed and Lorraine Warren has always carried the Conjuring films and will likely be at the heart of The Conjuring 3. As long as those two remain central to the story, many fans can take or leave additional character returns.