Saturday 28 February 2015

Chris Hemsworth discusses Thor and Avengers: Age of Ultron!

Chris Hemsworth discusses Thor and Avengers: Age of Ultron!

Plus he reveals his favourite Avenger

 

With the release of  Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron around two months away, expect a lot of updates from the cast who will start promoting the films any day now. IGN have posted an interesting interview with Chris Hemsworth, he describes Thor's role in the anticipated sequel and offers up a few new tidbits of information, you can check out a few choice parts below and for the full interview head here.


Question: Talk a little bit about your reaction when you first got the script.
Chris Hemsworth: It was awesome. Coming off of Thor 2 and The Avengers, I couldn't wait to read this [script]. And I just loved how it upped it in a way that wasn't just bigger and flashier. I mean everything had been amplified, but in an intelligent way. All the stories are relevant to what's going on in the world as far as the exponential growth of technology, and artificial intelligence, and the questions of the good versus the bad of the AI world. It's obviously heavily influenced by the times and that debate. He [Joss Whedon] has managed to bring all of the Avengers back in and give them a relevant reason to be there. [He's] justified the conflict. It's a tricky balance. I'm glad I'm not the one writing the thing and having to pull that off.


Q: What’s something that Thor gets to do in this film that he hasn't done before?
Hemsworth: He’s loosened up a bit. I think we lost some of the humor and the naïveté and the sort of fish out of water quality of Thor from the first film into the second one. And there were things I loved about what we did in the second one too, tonally. But that sense of fun was -- I would have liked it to be there a bit more. Joss, I think, felt the same way. So there's more humor in Thor and because he's been on Earth, he's a little more accessible now. He's off Asgard now so he doesn't have to be as regal and kingly as he is in that world, which is nice. I enjoy that more. It's sort of a box, which he gets to step out of off Asgard. You know that stuff just looks out of place, whereas here you can have a gag with the guys and he can be at a party scene in civilian clothes, which is nice...There's a party scene and I was in a nice coat and jeans and the guys just kept joking, 'When did Thor go shopping? Did he buy this online or did Jane do it? Or did he actually go shopping?' And so you don't see him go shopping, but the question’s raised because he's not dressed in his own Asgardian attire. Yeah, he's more human in the film definitely.

Q: Can you talk about the fight sequence you’re filming today [featuring Thor battling The Vision]?
Hemsworth: This is their first meeting, really. And it's, as you can see, it's conflicted. It's a big fight scene.


Q: Each time we see Thor his power and abilities keep getting amped up. Are we going to see his abilities manifest in a new way? Will he be more powerful or more trained? 
Hemsworth: Yeah, I mean in this instance you see it's hand-to-hand combat because [that becomes possible] if someone is of his equal strength - or more so than him. He can afford to do that, whereas with the people who were far less capable than him and not as strong I said, 'Let's make sure he's picking up cars, and throwing them, and ripping things in half, and spending a bit more time up in the air and using the elements, as opposed to being stuck kind of in a hand-to-hand fights with the bad guys.' So, yeah, I think it keeps getting kind of amped up and more elaborate. Yeah, we see him fly a bit more.

Q: Other than Thor, who is your favorite Avenger and why?
Hemsworth: I mean, I love the fun Tony gets to have. In sort of the lack of boundaries I think that he's getting. He has room to move so much and so many things and yet always bring it back and be personal and grounded no matter how sort of zany it gets. I just love watching Robert [Downey Jr.] work in this setting. It's pretty special.


Jason Momoa talks Aquaman, Justice League and more!

Jason Momoa talks Aquaman, Justice League and more!

Was that his Whale in Man of Steel?


A week since the first poster revealed Jason Momoa as Aquaman, the actor has now spoken to Entertainment Weekly regarding the role and how the films are progressing. Check out a few choice excerpts here:
It’s a good time for The Red Road’s return because your profile is going to be amplified, especially after that poster of you as Aquaman arrived.
That was a shocker for sure. It was supposed to be a surprise in 2016, so it definitely helps [our show]. I’ve been holding that secret for a long time. Zack Snyder called me up and said, “I’m posting this picture now.” He’s just a genius and I love him to death. He sent it over and we’re in the middle of the editing suite for the thing I’m doing right now, and we all freaked out, man. It was so amazing to see it come out.
I know it’s superficial of me, but one thing I really like about the potential of the DC movies is that its actors are actually pretty imposing. By that I mean, when I see you—who’s 6’5”—or 6’4” Ben Affleck or 6’1” Henry Cavill throw someone through a wall or get thrown through a wall, I feel like there’s really some damage being done. Have you filmed any action sequences with them yet?
No, we haven’t done too much on the action yet. You know, Justice League is still quite a ways away. But I’m looking forward to it. Henry’s a sweetheart, Ben is a badass, so I’m really looking forward to when we all shoot Justice League.
How much can we expect to see you in the Batman v. Superman movie?
Well, it’s Batman and Superman, it’s not my movie. It’s the first time in history to have them both on the screen together, and I’m just excited to see those two up there.
There was actually some speculation that Aquaman was meant to pop up in Man of Steel, in the underwater scenes after Henry Cavillis blasted off the oil rig. Were you ever involved in those discussions? 
Well, you know, I think that’s left for the genius of Snyder to kind of reveal that. There’s definitely a plan in this whole universe that he’s designing, and it’s amazing to be a part of it. I think everything that you see that is building, there’s a purpose behind the whole plan. So I wouldn’t want to take anything away from Zack, because he loves revealing all those things. And… you never know, man.
Aquaman is much different than Conan the Barbarian because with that character, there was so much you had to live up to—because of Arnold more than anything. Aquaman is different because he’s been ignored a bit. But then when the Aquaman poster arrived, there was almost this sense of “Wow! This might be something different than we thought.” Do you sense that optimism towards the character? 
Oh, absolutely. The whole mythology of Aquaman is pretty amazing. There’s so many things to tell, and there’s a whole backstory that’s just amazing. There’s a lot of surprises coming. I think, yeah, he’s been cast aside. But, um [laughs] times are going to change now, buddy.
Conan was really hard, because you have 15 different types of fans and so many things to respect and honor. To do it right it’s got to be bloody-bloody-bloody-bloody-bloody, and not a lot of people go see that anymore. It’s not the ’80s anymore. It’s a really hard format. We busted ass, but there were a lot of cooks in the kitchen on that one. What’s great about this is Zack, man. We don’t want to just reinvent it, but he’s a got a whole idea of what Aquaman should be and I’m really honored to be playing it. I’m excited for the world to see it.


Friday 27 February 2015

Netflix reveal new "Daredevil" Poster!

Netflix reveal new "Daredevil" Poster!

Matt Murdoch is fighting dirty


Netflix and Marvel Entertainment have debuted an all-new poster for their new show "Daredevil". The poster shows the titular heroes alter-ego Matt Murdoch straightening his tie and looking a little worse for wear.


There's also a neat motion poster that has been release, you can check that out in the video below!


Produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios, with executive producers Steven S. DeKnight (“Spartacus”), Jeph Loeb (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) and Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods), the full 13-episode season will be made available globally upon release in all territories where Netflix is available. “Marvel’s Daredevil” will premiere all 13 episodes on Netflix April 10.

Starring Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock), Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page), Elden Henson (Foggy Nelson), Rosario Dawson (Claire Temple), Bob Gunton (Leland Owlsely aka The Owl), Vondie Curtis Hall (Ben Urich), Toby Leonard Moore (Wesley, Wilson Fisk’s right hand man), Ayelet Zurer (Vanessa Fisk), and Vincent D’Onofrio (Wilson Fisk), “Marvel’s Daredevil” follows the journey of Matt Murdock, who was blinded as a young boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, now fighting against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the super hero Daredevil in modern day Hell’s Kitchen, New York City.

Arrow and Flash Spin-off series announced!

Arrow and Flash Spin-off series announced!

Could this be "The Brave and the Bold"?


The expansion of DC Comics on the small screen continues today as Deadline reports that a new series is in the works over at The CW, planned to spin off of “Arrow” and “The Flash.” There’s a few familiar names on the list, but please be aware, one of the names could be a potential major spoiler so prceed with caution!

According to the outlet, the new series is designed to serve as an ongoing team-up of superheroes with Brandon Routh, Victor Garber, Wentworth Miller and Caity Lotz all planned to star. Lotz’s name is the one that may be a huge spoiler. She previously played Sarah Lance, “Arrow’s” first Canary, but was killed off at the beginning of the current, third season. So doe this mean Sarah is not really dead? Hmm could be but who knows? The new show may feature flashbacks and the original report even suggests that she may even be playing a new character altogether.

Could Caity Lotz return as The Canary?
Although the new show has not yet revealed a title, the approach sounds like it could be a live-action adaptation of the popular team-up comic book series, “The Brave and the Bold.” Launched in 1955, the book jumped around the DC Universe, teaming up heroes (and villains) on all sorts of adventures. 

Will Brandon Roth's "Atom" lead this new superhero team?
The outlet also notes that the series will introduce at least three DC Comics characters that have never before appeared on live-action television,

Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, Marc Guggenheim and Sarah Schechter are set to executive produce the new show, which could get a straight-to-series pickup and air as early as next midseason.

Thursday 26 February 2015

Hulk Character Poster for Avengers: Age of Ultron

Hulk Character Poster revealed!

Second character poster in as many days


Marvel have revealed another character poster, this time showcasing The Hulk which you can check out below. Mark Ruffalo stars as the not-so-jolly green giant in the Avengers sequel, you can check out the Iron man poster here.

Check back tomorrow, they are bound to release another by then!



Wednesday 25 February 2015

Melissa Benoist talks playing "Supergirl"

Melissa Benoist talks playing Supergirl!

Plus Superman may make an appearance after all...


DC Entertainment is knocking superhero TV shows out of the park recently, one of their new projects is the highly anticipated “Supergirl.” Last month DC announced that “Glee” star Melissa Benoist will take on the role of Superman's kryptonian cousin. Speaking with CBR, Benoist opened up about the project and how she can't wait to don the red cape.

“What’s so wonderful about her is that she is such a relatable character, amongst her powers. What I’m the most excited about is telling a story about a human being really realising their potential and their strength, and I think that’s something that everyone will root for and want in their own lives – I’m really excited about that.”

When quizzed how she felt about wearing the iconic costume, she said: “It’s a little daunting. It’s daunting, but that’s good. I like being pushed. I work well under pressure.”

Benoist won the role against some really tough competition
 In another interesting development A new listing on Project Casting reveals an interesting detail  – Superman will be making some sort of appearance in the show. The post asks for a “body double for a DC Comic Superhero” who should be “5’11 or taller, Square Jawed and have a ripped physique.” It also asks for those applying to list “Superman” in their e-mail subject. Seems like more of a cameo than a series regular role, as soon as more details emerge we'll be sure to bring it to you!

The Man of Steel will be returning to TV
Hailing from Warner Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions (who also produce the hit DC Comics series “Arrow” and “The Flash” for The CW), “Supergirl” is based on the characters from DC Comics and centres on Kara Zor-El, who comes to Earth after escaping the destruction of Krypton. After many years hiding her abilities, she joins the ranks of her cousin Superman to become the hero she was meant to be.

It remains to be seen whether "Supergirl" will connect to the shared universe that "Arrow" and "The Flash" currently inhabit, Producer Greg Berlanti has told fans to not rule anything out in the meantime. Time will tell, and Cape and Cowl will let you know, keep it locked here guys and gals.
 

Iron Man Character poster for Avengers: Age of Ultron

Iron Man Character Poster revealed!

Robert Downey Jr. reveals new one sheet 


Check out this new poster, featuring Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Downey Jr. revealed the new poster, which you can view below, along with an exciting quote, the actor said: "And don't tell 'em I told you, but there's a big announcement coming in the 8 days... Shhhhhhh... #getexcited" With the film set for release here in the UK in April expect more posters and reveals very soon.


 

New Official Arkham Knight Trailer - "Gotham is mine"

New Official "Batman: Arkham Knight" Trailer!

The Scarecrow is back...  
 

Rocksteady have released another trailer for "Batman: Arkham Knight" and it comes with a whole lot of evil. Poison Ivy, Two-Face, and Scarecrow are just some of the Villains that appear in the footage. These guys are seriously intent on ending the caped crusaders life this time around. You can check out the trailer in the video below.


"Batman: Arkham Knight" is available on PS4, XBox One and PC on June 2nd, 2015

"Eastenders" Ben Hardy joins cast of "X-Men: Apocalypse"

X-Men: Apocalypse - Ben Hardy joins cast!

Newcomer swaps Albert Square for Wolverine and Magneto


British newcomer Ben Hardy has landed a key role in 20th Century Fox’s “X-Men: Apocalypse.” Hardy is best known here in the UK for his role on the BBC soap “EastEnders.” He featured prominently in recent year long storyline but is leaving the show at the end of his contract.

Hardy’s role is unknown at this time but sources say the part is significant to the “X-Men” universe. Early rumours suggest the he's set to play either Cable or Angel (pictured below l to r), both characters in the comics have close ties to the films main villain Apocalypse.



He joins returning actors James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Fassbender along with Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan and Alexandra Shipp who are also new to the cast, playing younger versions of Jean Grey, Cyclops and Storm respectively.

Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan and Alexandra Shipp
Bryan Singer is directing. Plot details are scarce at the moment but Apocalypse is practically the most powerful mutant the X-Men have ever faced. Expectations are high after the franchise's recent return to from.

The Film is set for release May 27th, 2016, keep it locked to Cape and Cowl for further updates.


Batman: Arkham Knight, Sefton Hill Interview!

Batman: Arkham Knight Interview!

The darkest, most violent Supehero Game yet? Rocksteady's Sefton Hill talks! 


 Batman: Arkham Knight has been given an "M for Mature" rating stateside, while it's still a "16 plus" for us here in the UK it does indicate a change in tone for Rocksteady Studios final Batman game, as it's the first in the series to recieve such a high rating. Founder of Rocksteady, Sefton Hill has spoken about the news and what it means for the story and violent content in the game.

"From our point of view, we never wrote it or made it with a rating in mind. We never did that in the previous two games... We just felt that this is the story that we really wanted to tell. In terms of creating the story, with such strong characters, sometimes they lead you in interesting directions. They lead you because you know who they are and you build the world around that."

Could this be the last  time Bruce Wayne dons the Bat-Suit?
Hill also spoke about how the stakes are higher now than in the previous games, The Dark Knight will be pushed to absolute breaking point and while not mentioning anything specific that could be an indication to why the rating rose to a mature player.

"As the end of the trilogy, we have every villain in Gotham working together to destroy Batman," Hill said. "It's unavoidable that some bad stuff is going to happen. But that doesn't mean we changed our approach. We're not including gratuitous blood or swearing. We want to deliver a true end with no compromises, and it takes us to some dark places."

The game will feature the largest open world in the series
 He continued, 'Themes are more mature to some extent. At the same time it's balanced as it's always been. This isn't the case of stripped back Batman. In the case of Arkham Knight, Batman is at his peak and most powerful. That's why they also have to push him harder than before. You still get the power fantasy of being the Batman. But to counter that strength, the super villains are going to fight dirty and take him to dark places."

Batman's relationship with his allies will also be tested
WB did a ratings analysis on Arkham Knight early in the games development and sent an email alerting Hill to the fact that a few key scenes that would cause the rating to be higher.

"I was really freaked out because the solution was to lose the scenes," Hill said. "But they were key scenes! We couldn't lose them! I got the email. I'm freaked out. I thought this was going to destroy the game, everything I'm passionate about... I was building myself up for this big argument. I didn't get much sleep..."

"I got on the phone the next day with Ames Kirshen, the VP of Production at Warner Bros. Interactive," Hill continued. "The first thing he asked me was what I wanted to do." So Hill told him, and that was that.

The mysterious Arkham Knight will push Batman to his limits
With a higher rating and multi million dollar game being developed, suddenly a certain demographic is lost as they may not be able to purchase the game, Hill also elaborated on this.

 "I'm not blind to the fact that [the M rating] does mean some fans will miss out... I don't want to be oblivious to that fact. It would have been wrong to water down the game and deliver a story we didn't believe in to keep the game "mass market" or enable it for more people. We feel that's the wrong way to go about it. We said we love the story and we don't want to jepoardize that."



Batman: Arkham Knight comes to PS4, Xbox One, and PC on June 2 and I for one cannot wait!

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Official Avengers: Age of Ultron Poster revealed!

Official Poster for Avengers: Age of Ultron revealed! 

That's a lot of superheroes!

 


Marvel have just released the first poster for their highly anticipated superhero sequel. The jam-packed poster features the original members but also a few new faces including Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. Oh, and check out the silhouette in front of the sun, do I spy Vision? Check out the poster in all it's glory below.

Click to enlarge

Batman Top 6 - Part 2

Ranking Batman - Part 2

Who did it best?

 

  

So here's Part 2 of my weekly Op-Ed counting down the best performances of Batman from the most popular films, George Clooney took the number 6 spot in Part 1. So which actor makes number 5 on the list. When deciding I've taken a few things into consideration;

  • All aspects of the character - There are many sides to Bruce Wayne, who made him real?
  • Action - Which actor could bring the smackdown on criminals and handle the Batmobile best?
  • Script - Sometimes you can only be as good as the lines you are given.
  • Supporting Cast - Hugely important in helping an audience believe in a world with a Batman.
  • Overall Performance - Finally, just how does the actor bring of of this together within the final film?
 Okay, got it? Let the games begin!

#5 Val Kilmer - "Batman Forever" 1995


Alright, lets get this out the way, this film gets alot of hate but I gotta say I have a huge soft spot for this flick. This was the first Batman film I was able to see at the cinema, I remember being 4 years old and my parents had me under the illusion we were going to see Casper, my mind was literally blown when the Warner Bros Logo morphed into the Bat-Signal. Everything goes crazy, all the actor's names start flying across the screen and then boom we're in the Bat-Cave, the Batmobile is rising up from under ground and then walking out of the darkness there's Val Kilmer, in the suit, standing tall, that guy IS Batman to me. Alfred asks if wants dinner, but come on the Batman gets "drive-thru"! Kilmer is rocking that low gravelly whisper in his voice. we're only 30 seconds in, 4 year old me is SOLD.

So far, so Batman!
This film came along after the deep dark gothic Burton films and straight from the off there was a lighter tone with this film. Warner Bros wanted a change after their disappointment in the "Batman Returns" box office returns, at least for the first 30 minutes Director Joel Schumacher more or less nails it. The whole opening of the movie is probably one of the best action sequences in a Batman film, really James Bond episodic adventure type stuff, Val Kilmer is kung fu kicking and chucking crazy high tech gadgets around the place. This is one of the most agile Batmen we'd seen on screen and although the suit was still a big heavy black onesie, it's at least seemed more flexible and functional. Val Kilmer also seems to benefit from better direction in choreography as well.


These guys...
Batman Forever was a hit but it wasn't without it's mistakes, Joel Schumacher directs a fun family action picture but managed to inject some bizarre set designs and somehow add nipples to the bat suit. His chosen cast also distracts, Tommy Lee Jones is camping it up to dangerous levels in his performance of Two-Face, and Jim Carrey is hit and miss, he was still a bit marmite for a lot of people back then. Nicole Kidman was definitely my first crush based on her appearance in the film alone but to be honest her character's a tad boring, her profession as a psychologist was a clever twist in that she might understand Bruce Wayne and his Batman alter ego more than most. Although there are some decent exchanges between the two, overall it's undercooked and underdeveloped.

Her finger is on his nipple... awkward or happy accident?
Val Kilmer makes a handsome Bruce Wayne but doesn't really nail the Playboy aspect of the character appearing more as a stoic legitimate businessman, heck he even wears glasses in some scenes because you know in movies if you wear glasses, you're smart! Warner Bros. pulled off quite the coup in getting him for the role as he was a hot property after his appearance in the "Tombstone". Kilmer's Batman is certainly more talkative in costume than others and given fairly decent dialogue plus he got himself into great shape for the role, all this helps make the performance feel more than just a caricature. 

The film does try to communicate the father and son dynamic between Bruce and Dick
In one of the films numerous sub plots, Bruce Wayne takes in an orphaned Dick Grayson who goes on to become Robin. Chris O'Donnell was a solid choice for the role and I actually applaud the decision to make the character older so people don't question why Batman would put a child in danger. The scenes between Bruce, Dick and Alfred are the best interactions in the film and Kilmer and O'Donnell have a great chemistry, their discussions about revenge and murder are simplified but insightful at least. Val Kilmer got a lot more to do with the character than other actors and it shows.

The film works best when these guys are together.
One of the best parts of Kilmer's performance was actually deleted from the original release and it's a shame because it was something similar to what people loved so much about Nolan's Dark Knight films, a look into the psyche of Bruce Wayne and how Batman is more than just a costume, it's an extention of himself, a manifestation of his guilt and rage at being unable to save his parents. The red book storyline featured in the film but we were never given the resolution it deserved. Check out the scene below, it's a little rough as it wasn't completed for the film but it's symbolism is fantastic and Kilmer is committed to it and that's part of why it works so well. Check out a remastered version in the vid below 


Thankfully this deleted scene and more have since been made available in a Director's Cut version available on the Batman Anthology re-releases for the film. You can get your hands on that here.

Even these dudes can't find a reason why the scene was deleted.
Val Kilmer ultimately suffered from some of the same directorial hiccups that George Clooney endured but he got more to work with in terms of character and action, part of that I have a feeling was more to do with how difficult Kilmer was rumoured to be on set, the guys a bit Hollywood but he might have got himself more screen time and lines because of it and despite all the crazy supporting cast he wasn't completely lost in the film. Add in a willingness to throw himself into the role and he made a decent and more importantly, not embarrassing, Batman.

Good job Kilmer, good job. 
So Val Kilmer takes number 5 on the list, check back next week to see who makes number 4!

Sunday 22 February 2015

"Arrow" 3.14 - Preview and Promo

"Arrow" Preview and Promo!

Season 3 Episode 14 - "The Return" 

 


Check out the Preview and the CW Promo for this weeks new episode of "Arrow" titled "The Return". Manu Bennett returns as fan-favourite Deathstroke as well as Colin Donnell making another appearance this season as Tommy.


“Malcolm puts Oliver and Thea in a dangerous situation that lands them on Lian Yu with Oliver’s former enemy, Deathstroke (guest star Manu Bennett). A flashback reveals when Oliver and Maseo (guest star Karl Yune) returned to Starling City to retrieve the Omega bio weapon, and despite being under strict orders from Amanda Waller (guest star Cynthia Addai-Robinson) not to reveal himself to anyone, Oliver looks in on his family, Laurel and Tommy (guest star Colin Donnell).”

 
Directed by Dermott Downs and written by Marc Guggenheim & Erik Oleson, new episode “The Return’ is set to air March 12th. “Arrow” airs Thursdays 8PM on Sky 1.


"The Flash" 1.12 - Preview and Promo

"The Flash" Preview and Promo!

Season 1 Episode 12 - "Crazy For You" 



Check out the Preview and the CW Promo for this Tuesdays new episode of "The Flash" titled "Crazy For You". This weeks episode introduces guest star Malese Jow as Linda Park who comic fans will know as the wife of the third Flash, Wally West, in the TV show however she will serve as a love interest to Barry Allen.


“Caitlin decides that she and Barry need to move on from Ronnie (guest star Robbie Amell) and Iris and find new loves so she takes him for a night out at the local karaoke bar. Caitlin doesn’t have any luck making a love connection but Barry meets Linda Park (guest star Malese Jow), a sports reporter for the Central City Picture News, and asks her out on a date. When Barry tells Iris he has a date, Iris is surprised by her reaction. Meanwhile, Cisco considers Hartley’s (guest star Andy Mientus) dangerous offer and the team searches for Shawna (guest star Britne Oldford), a meta-human with teleportation powers, who just busted her boyfriend Clay (guest star Micah Parker) out of Iron Heights. When Henry (guest star John Wesley Shipps) snoops around in an attempt to help Joe and Barry solve the crime, he ends up in the infirmary after getting roughed up by inmates.”


Directed by Rob Hardy and written by Aaron Helbing & Todd Helbing, “Crazy For You” is set to air February 24th. “The Flash” airs Tuesdays on Sky 1.

Saturday 21 February 2015

Joss Whedon talks Avengers 2!

Joss Whedon talks Avengers 2! 

What's up with Ultron's Powers and the origins of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch.


Avengers: Age of Ultron is one of the most anticipated films of the year, Director Joss Whedon has offered up some information as to how we can expect some elements of the film to play out on screen.

In an interview with Empire, Whedon revealed how Ultron's abilities in the film will differ from the comic books saying, “The powers in comic books – they’re always like, ‘And then I can reverse the polarity of your ions!’ – well, we have to ground things a lot more. With Ultron, we have to make him slightly less omnipotent because he’d win. Bottom line."

He continued, "Also, having weaknesses and needs and foibles and alliances and actually caring what people think of him, all these things, are what make him a character and not just a tidal wave. A movie about a tidal wave can be great, but it’s different than a conflict between one side and the other. When Ultron speaks, he has a point. He is really not on top of the fact that the point he’s making has nothing to do with the fact that he’s banoonoos. And that he hates the Avengers for bringing him into this world, and he can’t really articulate that or even understand how much he hates humanity. He thinks he’s all that. That guy is very fun to write. He combines all the iconic stuff. The powers he has are slightly different – he can control certain things, he’s not just firing repulsors.”

(leftt to right) Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson)
 Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch will be making their debuts in the sequel. The filmmaker went on to explain the origins of the characters and how they're unique powers will translate into the already established Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“[Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch] have an origin but it’s largely described. They’re already good to go by the time we’re up and running. You don’t want to fall into Spider-Man 3 territory – and I say that as a guy who actually thinks pretty well of that movie, there’s some great stuff in that movie – but there comes a point where you’re overloaded with frontstory, backstory, origin story and it becomes very hard to juggle," Whedon said. "My instinct is always, ‘Don’t put in more, work with what you have.’ But I insisted on putting in more in this movie because I felt I needed more villains. I needed someone for Ultron to talk to, and I need more trouble for the Avengers. As powerful as Ultron is, if he builds more Ultrons, they’re Ultrons. There’s no reason for him to ever to talk to them because they’re him. ‘I need you to – I KNOW! I AM TOTALLY YOU! I DID IT EARLIER! I know that because I am also me.’ That’s not a good conversation. Actually, it sounded pretty good there. I think I’m onto something.”

Some interesting points there, Avengers: Age of Ultron will be released in the UK on April 24th 2015. For more info on the film keep it locked here at Cape and Cowl in the meantime check out the latest trailer below.



Friday 20 February 2015

Jason Momoa revealed as Aquaman

Jason Momoa revealed as Aquaman!

First Look at the character in upcoming Batman vs. Superman Film


Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice director Zack Snyder has revealed a first look at Jason Momoa as Aquaman.


The popular "Game of Thrones" actor is covered in tattoos and is wielding a mean looking trident. What will be interesting to fans are the words "Unite the Seven" emblazoned over the image. Let the speculation begin on what that means, seven seas perhaps?

Jason Momoa will first appear in "Batman vs. Superman" on March 25, 2016, then he will feature in "Justice League Part One" in 2017, before starring in his own stand-alone film, "Aquaman" in 2018.

Tuesday 17 February 2015

New 52 Nightwing Statue - ArtFX

New 52 Nightwing Statue

DC Comics - Kotobukiya ArtFX+

Check it out!



This is the first in a series of special collection pieces that I'll be posting, it basically offers and up close look at some of the more sought after collectibles comic fans may be contemplating picking up.

First up is the Kotobukiya ArtFX Nightwing statue. DC have been giving the ArtFX treatment to dozens of their most popular characters since the launch of the New 52. This statue features Dick Grayson sporting his New 52 redesign, it keeps the basic look we all know and love but replaces the blue chest symbol with a large blood red logo and adds some Batman-esque Scallops to the forearms.


The Statue is plastic and incredibly lightweight, the paint job is great and there wasn't a mark or scratch visible after unboxing. Like all the ArtFX DC range the statue comes with a magnetic stand and two magnetic pads, one in each foot of the satue. These are super sturdy and I've had no instances where the statue has wobbled away or fallen over.

If you're a Nightwing fan then this is a must buy, even if you prefer the classic blue and black look this may very well convert you. The pose really communicates the characters athleticism and agility also the face and floppy hair style really capture Dick Grayson's more realxed character really well.The black and red paint job has a great shine to it and once you attach Nightwing's signature Escrima staff (there's only one though), the statue really comes to life.


Nightwing makes a great addition to your comic collection and won't break the bank, there's a great reduced price on Forbidden Planet right now at £39.99 check it out here.