Tag: cobie-smulders

  • Watch the Marvel Movies in Story Order

    Watch the Marvel Movies in Story Order

    Marvel Studios' Marvel Cinematic Universe. Photo: Marvels Studio.
    Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe. Photo: Marvels Studio.

    It’s fair to say that the Marvel movies, specifically the Marvel Cinematic Universe releases, have reached “cultural event” status.  And there’s a strong case to be made that the MCU is a currently a pop culture juggernaut, the likes of which we haven’t since the original ‘Star Wars‘ trilogy hit theaters for the first time.

    Now the MCU saga is continuing on TV, starting with ‘WandaVision‘ and continuing  with ‘Loki,’ ‘The Falcon and the Winter Solider,’ ‘Ms. Marvel,’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,’ ‘Hawkeye,’ ‘Moon Knight,’ ‘Secret Invasion‘, ‘Echo‘, ‘Agatha All Along‘, and ‘Daredevil: Born Again‘.

    Not to mention the new “Special Presentation” movies that Marvel has debuted on Disney+ including ‘Werewolf by Night‘ and ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.’

    It is a great time to watch the Marvel movies in order now and you can watch them all on Disney Plus in 4K format. You can even plan virtual Marvel movie nights with your friends using Disney+ GroupWatch feature.


    Captain America: The First Avenger

    (L to R) Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan in 'Captain America: The First Avenger'. Photo: Marvel Studios.
    (L to R) Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’. Photo: Marvel Studios.

    During World War II, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is a sickly man from Brooklyn who’s transformed into super-soldier Captain America to aid in the war effort. Rogers must stop the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) – Adolf Hitler’s ruthless head of weaponry, and the leader of an organization that intends to use a mysterious device of untold powers for world domination.

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    Captain Marvel

    The story follows Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. Set in the 1990s, Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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    Iron Man

    After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.

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    The Incredible Hulk

    Scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) scours the planet for an antidote to the unbridled force of rage within him: the Hulk. But when the military masterminds who dream of exploiting his powers force him back to civilization, he finds himself coming face to face with a new, deadly foe.

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    Iron Man 2

    With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, must forge new alliances – and confront powerful enemies.

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    Thor

    Against his father Odin’s (Anthony Hopkins) will, The Mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) – a powerful but arrogant warrior god – recklessly reignites an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

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    The Avengers

    When an unexpected enemy emerges and threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins!

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    Iron Man 3

    When Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

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    Thor: The Dark World

    Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos… but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

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    Captain America: The Winter Soldier

    (L to R) Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier'. Photo: Marvel Studios.
    (L to R) Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’. Photo: Marvel Studios.

    After the cataclysmic events in New York with ‘The Avengers’, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), aka Captain America is living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon (Anthony Mackie). However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier.

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    Guardians of the Galaxy

    Light years from Earth, 26 years after being abducted, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) finds himself the prime target of a manhunt after discovering an orb wanted by Ronan the Accuser.

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    Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

    The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) true parentage.

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    Avengers: Age of Ultron

    When Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron (James Spader) emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

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    Ant-Man

    Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Doctor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

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    Captain America: Civil War

    Following the events of ‘Age of Ultron’, the collective governments of the world pass an act designed to regulate all superhuman activity. This polarizes opinion amongst the Avengers, causing two factions to side with Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) or Captain America (Chris Evans), which causes an epic battle between former allies.

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    Black Widow

    Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) aka Black Widow confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

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    Spider-Man: Homecoming

    Following the events of ‘Captain America: Civil War’, Peter Parker (Tom Holland), with the help of his mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens, New York City, with fighting crime as his superhero alter ego Spider-Man as a new threat, the Vulture (Michael Keaton), emerges.

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    Black Panther

    Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa / Black Panther in 2018's 'Black Panther.'
    Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa / Black Panther in 2018’s ‘Black Panther.’

    King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, T’Challa assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with ex-girlfriend Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), the queen-mother, his princess-kid sister, members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan ‘special forces’) and an American secret agent, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.

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    Doctor Strange

    After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon (Benedict Cumberbatch) gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under her wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.

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    Thor: Ragnarok

    Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his home-world and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of a powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett).

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    Ant-Man and the Wasp

    Just when his time under house arrest is about to end, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) once again puts his freedom at risk to help Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) dive into the quantum realm and try to accomplish, against time and any chance of success, a very dangerous rescue mission.

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    Avengers: Infinity War

    As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos (Josh Brolin). A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment – the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

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    Avengers: Endgame

    After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos (Josh Brolin). With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.

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    Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

    Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization and his father, Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung).

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    Spider-Man: Far From Home

    Peter Parker (Tom Holland) and his friends go on a summer trip to Europe. However, they will hardly be able to rest – Peter will have to agree to help Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) uncover the mystery of creatures that cause natural disasters and destruction throughout the continent.

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    Spider-Man: No Way Home

    Tom Holland in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home.' Photo: Marvel Studios.
    Tom Holland in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home.’ Photo: Marvel Studios.

    Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a super-hero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man. Teaming with other Multiverse Spider-Men (Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield), they must now work together to take out the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), Electro (Jamie Foxx) and other Spider-Man villains from around the multiverse.

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    Eternals

    The Eternals are a team of ancient aliens who have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. When an unexpected tragedy forces them out of the shadows, they are forced to reunite against mankind’s most ancient enemy, the Deviants.

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    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

    Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

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    Thor: Love and Thunder

    After his retirement is interrupted by Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), a galactic killer who seeks the extinction of the gods, Thor Odinson (Chris Hemsworth) enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg, and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who now wields Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor. Together they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

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    Werewolf by Night

    On a dark and somber night, a secret cabal of monster hunters emerge from the shadows and gather at the foreboding Bloodstone Temple following the death of their leader. In a strange and macabre memorial to the leader’s life, the attendees are thrust into a mysterious and deadly competition for a powerful relic—a hunt that will ultimately bring them face to face with a dangerous monster.

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    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

    Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

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    The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

    On a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), the Guardians head to Earth in search of the perfect present. The special follows Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) as they set out to give Quill the best Christmas ever, after discovering that Yondu (Michael Rooker) ruined the holiday for him as a child.

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    Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3

    Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

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    Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

    (L to R) Kathryn Newton as Cassandra "Cassie" Lang and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in Marvel Studios' 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.' Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2022 Marvel.
    (L to R) Kathryn Newton as Cassandra “Cassie” Lang and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in Marvel Studios’ ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.’ Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2022 Marvel.

    Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), along with with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) , and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), find themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible and pits them against Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors).

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    The Marvels

    (L to R) Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan, Brie Larson as Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers, and Teyonah Parris as Captain Monica Rambeau in Marvel Studios' 'The Marvels.' Photo by Laura Radford. © 2023 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan, Brie Larson as Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers, and Teyonah Parris as Captain Monica Rambeau in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Marvels.’ Photo by Laura Radford. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), aka Captain Marvel, has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris). Together, this unlikely trio must team up and learn to work in concert to save the universe.

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    Captain America: Brave New World

    Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' 'Captain America: Brave New World'. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.
    Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.

    After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), Sam (Anthony Mackie) finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.

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    Thunderbolts*’

    (L to R) Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Bob (Lewis Pullman), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)in Marvel Studios' 'Thunderbolts*'. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 Marvel.
    (L to R) Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Bob (Lewis Pullman), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)in Marvel Studios’ ‘Thunderbolts*’. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 Marvel.

    After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, seven disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

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    The Fantastic Four: First Steps

    (L to R) Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios' 'Fantastic Four: First Steps'. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 Marvel.
    (L to R) Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 Marvel.

    Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel’s First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

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    Deadpool & Wolverine

    (L to R) Hugh Jackman, Wesley Snipes, Channing Tatum, Dafne Keen, Ryan Reynolds and Jennifer Garner in 'Deadpool & Wolverine'. Photo: Marvel Studios.
    (L to R) Hugh Jackman, Wesley Snipes, Channing Tatum, Dafne Keen, Ryan Reynolds and Jennifer Garner in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Photo: Marvel Studios.

    Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ delivers the ultimate, iconic, cinematic team-up throw-down on July 26.

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    Check out our post where we also ranked all of the Marvel movies from worst to best.

  • Cobie Smulders Joins ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Season 4

    Actor Cobie Smulders attends the premiere of the Netflix Series 'Friends From College', held at the AMC Loews 34th Street. Photo: Marion Curtis.
    Actor Cobie Smulders attends the premiere of the Netflix Series ‘Friends From College’, held at the AMC Loews 34th Street. Photo: Marion Curtis.

    Preview:

    • Cobie Smulders has scored a role on ‘The Lincoln Lawyer.’
    • She’ll appear alongside stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Becki Newton.
    • The Netflix show is filming its fourth season.

    It might not get the attention of, say, a ‘Wednesday’ or behemoth viewing figures like ‘Stranger Things,’ but ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ –– adapted from Michael Connelly’s books has been a consistent (and consistently entertaining) performer for Netflix.

    And with production on the fourth season already underway, a new name has been added to the cast list: Cobie Smulders.

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    The actor, still best known for her TV role in sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and as Maria Hill in several of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies starting with 2012’s ‘The Avengers,’ has, according to Variety, joined the show in an undisclosed role.

    Related Article: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Ted Humphrey Talk ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Season 3

    What’s the story of ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’?

    Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in 'The Lincoln Lawyer' season 3. Photo: Netflix.
    Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ season 3. Photo: Netflix.

    The show adapts various Connelly tomes, particularly “The Brass Verdict.” It focuses on Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), a charming and unconventional defense attorney in Los Angeles who operates out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car instead of a traditional office (though he does also have one of those).

    After a long hiatus due to personal struggles, Mickey inherits a high-profile murder case from a deceased colleague, thrusting him back into the fast-paced world of criminal defense. As he navigates the complexities of the legal system, he also grapples with his personal demons, strained family relationships, and the lingering danger surrounding the case.

    With each episode, the series explores gripping courtroom battles, intricate investigations, and Mickey’s moral balancing act between justice and the law.

    (L to R) Neve Campbell and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in Netflix's 'The Lincoln Lawyer.'
    (L to R) Neve Campbell and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in Netflix’s ‘The Lincoln Lawyer.’

    The show also stars Neve Campbell as Maggie McPherson, Mickey’s ex-wife and a dedicated prosecutor who still shares a strong connection with him and Becki Newton as Lorna Crane, Mickey’s loyal and resourceful legal assistant (who, er, is also his second ex-wife), who keeps his practice running smoothly.

    Then there’s Angus Sampson as Cisco, Mickey’s investigator and Lorna’s husband, a former biker with a complicated past and Jazz Raycole as Izzy Letts, Mickey’s former client turned driver (who these days has worked in the legal practice and opened her own dance studio), who plays a key role in helping him rebuild his life.

    The character of Mickey, while fictional, was inspired by two real-life lawyers: the late David Ogden, who was known for working out of his Lincoln, and Florida-based attorney Dan Daly.

    Where will the story go for Season 4?

    (L to R) Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson, Becki Newton and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in 'The Lincoln Lawyer' season 3. Photo: Netflix.
    (L to R) Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson, Becki Newton and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ season 3. Photo: Netflix.

    In the Season 3 finale, investigator Bishop (Holt McCallany) took the stand and revealed that DEA Agent DeMarco (Michael Irby) killed Gloria Dayton (Fiona Rene); she’d planted a gun in drug trafficker Hector Moya’s (Arturo Del Puerto) room on his orders and had been subpoenaed.

    After his testimony, Bishop shocked everyone in the courtroom by revealing he had another gun (the judge had the bailiff take his primary weapon) and shooting himself, dying by suicide. Mickey’s client Julian La Cosse (Devon Graye) was free.

    Then, as the season concluded, Mickey was looking forward to a vacation when he was pulled over for a missing license plate –– and during the stop, the police officer found the body of another client, Sam Scales (Christopher Thornton) in the trunk… Cue a cliffhanger and Mickey facing murder charges.

    Here’s showrunner co-showrunner Ted Humphrey talking to TV Insider about the twist:

    “We just thought, ‘What could top this?’ Well, what tops it is obviously Mickey is now the client, the jeopardy that his clients have been in up until now, now he’s in, and it’s truly the toughest case of all. And if you think back over the course of three seasons, what is the mantra that his father taught him and that Legal Siegel [Elliott Gould] has reminded him of? There’s no worse client than an innocent man. Well, what happens when you’re that innocent man and how do you handle that? And how do you deal with the fact that traditionally a lawyer who represents himself is a fool for a client? So we’ll see.”

    That all sets up the fourth season, which will adapt 2020 tome “The Law of Innocence.” Sadly, while it features fellow Connelly character (and Mickey’s half-brother) Harry Bosch –– who has been played on screen for years by Titus Welliver –– the fact that Bosch is on Prime Video and Mickey is on Netflix mean they can’t share the screen. Objection, your honor!

    Smulders joins some previously announced guest cast members. Constance Zimmer will play Dana Berg, also known as “Death Row Dana,” a ruthless prosecutor and a colleague of Maggie’s from her days in the L.A. district attorney’s office.

    Zimmer will be on the show for a 10-episode arc, while Sasha Alexander plays the no-nonsense and intimidating FBI Agent Dawn Ruth.

    Kyle Richards will appear as Celeste Baker, a Beverly Hills woman looking for a divorce lawyer, while Scott Lawrence will play former prosecutor Judge Stone. Other stars confirmed to appear are Jason Butler Harner, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Jason O’Mara and Javon Johnson, while celebrity chef Nancy Silverton will also make a cameo as herself.

    Where else have we seen Cobie Smulders?

    Cobie Smulders in the Netflix series 'Friends from College.' Photo: Barbara Nitke/Netflix.
    Cobie Smulders in the Netflix series ‘Friends from College.’ Photo: Barbara Nitke/Netflix.

    As mentioned, Smulders is still most recognizable for the roles of Robin Scherbatsky on ‘How I Met Your Mother’ (she was one of the main cast members for the series’ entire nine-season run) and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill on a variety of MCU movies following her debut in ‘The Avengers.’

    Beyond that, she has appeared in movies including ‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back,’ ‘The Lego Movie’ (as the voice of Wonder Woman) and ‘Safe Haven.’

    Her TV credits include ‘Stumptown,’Impeachment: American Crime Story’ and ‘Arrested Development,’ plus previous Netflix series ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ and ‘Friends From College.’

    Upcoming, she has ‘Easy’s Waltz’ opposite Vince Vaughn and Al Pacino and, having popped in a couple of Season 2 episodes, will recur on the next season of ‘Shrinking.’

    When is ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Season 4 due on screens?

    Netflix has yet to confirm when the fourth season will land on our TV screens, but with filming set to be finished next month, there’s a chance it’ll be ready to fill a similar October spot as the most recent season.

    Still, we may yet end up having to wait until 2026 –– which will be tough, given the cliffhanger that closed out the third season…

    Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in 'The Lincoln Lawyer' season 3. Photo: Netflix.
    Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ season 3. Photo: Netflix.

    Other Movies and TV Shows Featuring Cobie Smulders:

    Buy Cobie Smulders Movies and TV On Amazon

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  • ‘Secret Invasion’ Global Virtual Press Conference

    Cast and crew of Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion' at the red carpet premiere.
    Cast and crew of Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion’ at the red carpet premiere.

    Secret Invasion’ is coming soon to Disney+, a series based on the popular comic book storyline where the shape-shifting species the Skrulls invade Earth. This is also the first Marvel TV series in MCU’s Phase Five.

    The official synopsis for ‘Secret Invasion’ is:

    “In Secret Invasion, set in the present-day MCU, Fury learns of a clandestine invasion of Earth by a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls. Fury joins his allies, including Everett Ross, Maria Hill, and the Skrull Talos, who has made a life for himself on Earth.”

    The series is directed by Ali Selim, who directed all six episodes. ‘Secret Invasion’ will premiere on Disney+ on June 21st, 2023.

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    ‘Secret Invasion’ stars Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Ben Mendelsohn as Talos, Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, Martin Freeman as Everett Ross, Emilia Clarke as G’iah, Kingsley Ben-Adir as Gravik, Olivia Colman as Sonya Falsworth, and Don Cheadle as James “Rhodey” Rhodes.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of attending the global virtual press conference for ‘Secret Invasion’. Talent and filmmakers in attendance were Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, producer Jonathan Schwartz, director Ali Selim, Samuel L Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Cobie Smulders, Emilia Clarke, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Olivia Colman, and Don Cheadle.

    Here are 10 things we learned from the ‘Secret Invasion’ virtual press conference:

    1. Where does ‘Secret Invasion’ take place in the MCU timeline?

    Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

    Producer Jonathan Schwartz elaborated on how the show fits into MCU’s phase 5 and where it lands in the MCU timeline.

    Jonathan Schwartz: It is present day MCU, that’s what we’re calling it. It exists basically along that timeline, along the timeline that the show’s coming out in. Post ‘She-Hulk’, post Blip, right at this exact present day in the MCU. I think that’s all I can say.

    2. How the Idea for the ‘Secret Invasion’ Series Came About And How It Differs From The Comics

    Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and director Ali Selim at the red carpet premiere of Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion.'
    (L to R) Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and director Ali Selim at the red carpet premiere of Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion.’

    Kevin Feige recounts the first time he visited the idea of taking the ‘Secret Invasion’ storyline and turning it into a series.

    Kevin Feige: I think if you really go back, it did start on ‘Captain Marvel’, even if it wasn’t a ‘Secret Invasion’ idea yet. I think it was the idea that there was more to do with this relationship and with these two characters, with Nick and with Talos. Then the Disney+ doors opened up, and we got the opportunity to play in more genres and expand the sandbox of what we can do. That made ‘Secret Invasion’ by itself a story that had great source material behind it and was a comic event that a lot of people knew and responded to, and was a very cool genre specifically for these two characters. I think that’s what really brought the show to life.

    He also touches on how the series will differ from the comic book.

    Kevin Feige: We knew we weren’t going to have every character in the Marvel Universe the way it is in the comics. It really was to focus on Sam Jackson and really to focus on this ensemble that you see here today in that, as we said, political thriller aspect to it. We had an amazing group of writers and our amazing director who helped to shepherd it all.

    As for which upcoming MCU projects ‘Secret Invasion’ will lead into such as ‘Armor Wars’ or ‘The Marvels’:

    Kevin Feige: You’ve named some of them. Yes. I mean, the repercussions will be felt in coming projects.

    3. What inspired them to make ‘Secret Invasion’ as a darker, grittier spy-thriller show?

    Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Des Willie. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Kevin Feige: Jonathan came into my office a number of years ago, when we were thinking about what kinds of shows to do on Disney+, and he came in with this idea of translating the great ‘Secret Invasion’ storyline from the comics into a darker, grittier spy show, which we hadn’t done. We love to do different genres for everything. This was an attempt to really dive back into things we touched upon in ‘Winter Soldier’, but hadn’t in a while. Really delving into the tone of a spy show and seeing a very different dynamic between Fury and Talos than we had seen in our 90s buddy action movie, ‘Captain Marvel.’

    4. The Current State Of Nick Fury In ‘Secret Invasion’

    Samuel L. Jackson at the red carpet premiere of Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion.'
    Samuel L. Jackson at the red carpet premiere of Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion.’

    Nick Fury has been involved in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the beginning – from ‘Iron Man’ in 2008. Fury has been through thick and thin with the Avengers and Thanos’ snap. Samuel L. Jackson talks about where his character is in this series.

    Samuel L. Jackson: This is my second appearance post-snap, and he’s been gone for a while. He is a little tired, a little vulnerable, but he’s coming back to Earth because he’s been summoned, and we’ll see what happens. He’s got a bad knee now, and he’s not so happy.

    Through the series, the audience will get the chance to learn more about Nicky Fury, the actor mentions that the more we find out about him, the more we’ll like him.

    Samuel L. Jackson: We get new information. We go to his house. You got to watch to find out if I live in a condo or a real house, and see if I have a yard. That stuff. What furniture does Nick Fury have? Does he have an island in his kitchen? Can he cook?

    5. What is Rhodey’s relationship like with Nick Fury in the series?

    Don Cheadle as James 'Rhodey' Rhodes in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Don Cheadle as James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

    James “Rhodey” Rhodes (played by Don Cheadle) will appear in the series. The actor talks about what Rhodey has been up to and his relationship with Nick Fury.

    Don Cheadle: I think we’re just finding out what’s happening with Rhodey as this series goes on. He’s in a different role. We see him as more of a political animal than we have in the past. He’s been more of the military man, but now he’s in some ways the right hand of the President and the special envoy in that regard. But I think what I’m looking forward to is just seeing more, getting under the hood of who he is, and seeing how this relationship, not only with Nick Fury but the other cast members evolves. Again, as Ben (Mendelsohn) said, no spoilers, but it’s going to be some fun stuff.

    Samuel L. Jackson chimes in about never having any in-depth scenes with Cheadle until this series.

    Samuel L. Jackson: We’ve been waiting to do this for years and years and years. It was wonderful to do and to have that little abrasive thing happen there. It’s great and nice to know that we have that relationship, or I assumed it was that.

    Don Cheadle: I’ve known Sam for a long time and we’ve spent a lot of time talking about what it would be like to work together, looking for projects to do together. The central relationship between myself and Sam, and this was very important to me, and I was very glad to be brought on. I don’t think it was originally conceived that Rhodey was going to be in this, but when it came to me and Sam called, I was really excited about leaning into it. Also, being in a show like this that’s really a departure from what I have been in as far as the genre goes. It’s really an opportunity to act and really lean into some human stuff, which was also a lot of fun. As Emilia said, as Olivia said, as Kingsley said, as Ben said, this is a great cast. Ali was a great director, a great leader. It was just all upside, and I was very happy to look into who Rhodey is and to probe that more and find out what really makes him tick.

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘Secret Invasion’

    6. Maria Hill returns in ‘Secret Invasion’

    Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Des Willie. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Cobie Smulders reprises her role as agent Maria Hill in the spy-thriller series, and talks about Maria’s relationship with Fury and what it’s like to work with Samuel L. Jackson

    Cobie Smulders: Working with Sam is my favorite thing, it’s true. It was really exciting to come back. But speaking again about strain, I think the relationship is quite strained because she’s been calling, and he hasn’t been answering.

    The actress touches on how Maria Hill was also affected by the Blip and how that affected her state-of-mind.

    Cobie Smulders: I think Maria Hill came back and someone else was sitting in her desk, and immediately kicked them out and got to work. I think there was just a mountain of cases to get to, which is a part of her resentment toward Fury because he was not around.

    Jackson added:

    Samuel L Jackson: Well, yeah, it definitely has a mental health effect on you, and it causes a different rift between you and the people that you’ve been around or people that you’re supposed to be close to. I mean, like I said, I hadn’t been returning her calls. There are a few other people that I hadn’t been calling back either.

    7. Who is Sonya Falsworth?

    Olivia Colman as Special Agent Sonya Falsworth in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Olivia Colman as Special Agent Sonya Falsworth in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Gareth Gatrell. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Olivia Colman joins the cast of ‘Secret Invasion’ as Sonya Falsworth. The actress talks about being a part of the MCU, who Sonya is, and her dynamic with Nick Fury.

    Olivia Colman: After every Marvel film that landed in cinemas, I phoned my agent and said, “Please, could I be in a Marvel movie.” Finally, either she got fed up of me calling her, or it happened. It wasn’t why ‘Secret Invasion’? ‘Secret Invasion’ called, and without any mention of the word “Marvel” I went, “Yes, please.” That’s why. I had an absolute ball and it lived up to everything that I was hoping for.

    On the dynamic between Sonya and Nick Fury:

    Olivia Colman: I was just so excited to meet Samuel L. Jackson. They have a lovely friendship, although she does quite like to bully you with her heavies. It doesn’t strike me as much of a friendship, but they’ve got history. They trust each other, which I think I’m allowed to say.

    Coleman talks a little more about who Sonya is:

    Olivia Colman: Sonya works for MI6. She likes wearing red and she’s quite funny and she’s potentially a little bit not that nice sometimes.

    Samuel L. Jackson adds:

    Samuel L. Jackson: And possibly the most dangerous woman in the UK. She lives in a dark corner of the UK and nobody can access it.

    8. Emilia Clarke on working with Ben Mendelsohn

    Emilia Clarke as G'iah and Ben Mendelsohn as Talos in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Emilia Clarke as G’iah and Ben Mendelsohn as Talos in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Des Willie. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Another newcomer to the MCU is Emilia Clarke, who is no stranger to major franchises and being tight-lipped on spoilers. The actress talks about her experience working with Ben Mendelsohn, given the relationship between the two characters.

    Emilia Clarke: I just love Ben. I love working with Ben. It was so much fun. It was really easy because obviously, we are playing. There’s tension all over the shop, but there is obviously a deep familiarity, shorthand and knowledge of each other that it’s just so easy and free acting with Ben, and it was just gorgeous.

    Mendelsohn remained cryptic on where we find Talos in the series, but he touches on the current mindset of Talos and his relationship with Nick Fury.

    Ben Mendelsohn: We’re finding Talos in a difficult time. It’s a bad time. By the way, (Nick Fury) up there? We could have used him. I’m just saying he’s been away a bit, the mate, you know?

    9. Who is Gravik?

    Kingsley Ben-Adir as Rebel Skrull leader Gravik in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Kingsley Ben-Adir as Rebel Skrull leader Gravik in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

    Played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, Gravik is a Skrull and an original character created for the series. The actor talks about exploring this brand-new character.

    Kingsley Ben-Adir: I think we had many conversations for hours at the beginning. I guess like Gravik, I didn’t really trust why anything was coming to me, but he just felt like a part that I hadn’t been approached for before. There was an opportunity to do something a little bit different with this one. I just wanted to make him as unsentimental as possible. There’s something interesting about how much he hates Nick, and that was really enticing.

    10. ‘Secret Invasion’ is not just a superhero story

    Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ben Mendelsohn, Samuel L. Jackson, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, Don Cheadle, Cobie Smulders, Dermot Mulroney, and director Ali Selim at the red carpet premiere of Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion.'
    (L to R) Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ben Mendelsohn, Samuel L. Jackson, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, Don Cheadle, Cobie Smulders, Dermot Mulroney, and director Ali Selim at the red carpet premiere of Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion.’

    Director Ali Selim talks about the inspiration for the tone of the show

    Ali Selim: Well, I think it’s a very human show. It’s the Nick Fury story. He’s a human. He does have his own version of superpowers, but they’re not like superhero superpowers. It’s a story about him putting his feet back on the ground once again after some time. I like that because I like human stories that come from the heart, and are human-scaled and reach for a universal appeal rather than the reverse of that. I liked the espionage political thriller element, and we went back to look at ‘The Third Man’ and ‘The Conversation’ and things like that, that are very grounded, real and human. I hope that we brought enough of that to create the tone. Then, without a spoiler alert, I think there is a point in the story where Nick Fury realizes this is his own battle, and he becomes a classic American Western hero. The tone shifted in the later episodes to Nick Fury as John Wayne.

    Director Ali Selim speaks more about how the series delves into human emotions and the personal and inner life of Nick Fury.

    Ali Selim: Well, I think it’s the script which was brilliantly written. I think it’s the fact that it’s the Nick Fury story rather than a superhero story. I think it’s the fact that it really tried to delve into very simple human emotions like trust and suspicion, and the personal life of Nick Fury and the inner life of Nick Fury. It’s very different than people flying through the air.

    Samuel L Jackson: See, but I don’t think it’s just a Nick Fury story because we got all these other interesting people that are flowing around through it. It’s a Gravik story, it’s Emilia’s story, and it’s Olivia’s story. It’s all these people that are being introduced that make you want to say, well, I want to go home with them too and see what’s happening.

    ‘Secret Invasion’ premieres with its first episode on Disney+ on June 21, 2023.

    Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion.’

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  • TV Review: ‘Secret Invasion’

    Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

    Premiering on Disney+ beginning June 21st is the new six-episode Marvel series ‘Secret Invasion,’ which is based on the popular comic book storyline of the same name and is the first MCU series of Phase Five.

    What is the plot of ‘Secret Invasion’?

    In Marvel Studios’ new series ‘Secret Invasion,’ set in the present day MCU, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) learns of a clandestine invasion of Earth by a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls. Fury joins his allies, including Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and the Skrull Talos (Ben Mendelsohn), who has made a life for himself on Earth. Together they race against time to thwart an imminent Skrull invasion and save humanity.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘Secret Invasion’?

    ‘Secret Invasion’ stars Samuel L. Jackson (‘The Avengers’) as Nick Fury, Ben Mendelsohn (‘Captain Marvel‘) as Talos, Cobie Smulders (‘Spider-Man: Far from Home‘) as Maria Hill, Martin Freeman (‘Black Panther‘) as Everett K. Ross, Kingsley Ben-Adir (‘One Night in Miami…’) as Gravik, Dermot Mulroney (‘Scream VI’) as President Ritson, Emilia Clarke (‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’) as G’iah, Olivia Colman (‘Empire of Light’) as Sonya Falsworth, and Don Cheadle (‘Iron Man 2‘) as James “Rhodey” Rhodes.

    Initial Thoughts

    In the first two episodes, ‘Secret Invasion’ sets up an interesting character-driven espionage thriller that captures the paranoia of the original comic book storyline. Much like ‘Captain America: Civil War’ the new series is only an adaption in the broadest strokes, using the well-established Marvel Cinematic Universe as a launching-off point for a similar but not exactly identical story. Returning MCU actors Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn lead a strong ensemble cast, which also includes a charming and delightful performance from Oscar-winner Olivia Colman.

    Story and Comic Book Adaption

    Kingsley Ben-Adir as Rebel Skrull leader Gravik in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Kingsley Ben-Adir as Rebel Skrull leader Gravik in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

    2008’s ‘Secret Invasion’ was a groundbreaking Marvel Comics crossover event that saw the Marvel heroes fighting a war with the shapeshifting alien race known as the Skrulls, who had systematically over the course of several years secretly invaded Earth by replacing many well-known Marvel characters, including members of The Avengers and the X-Men. The tagline for the series was: “Who do you trust?”

    Marvel studios takes a smaller, yet similar approach with Disney+’s ‘Secret Invasion,’ which is not on as big a scale as the overreaching comic book storyline was. Instead, the series wisely takes only the idea from the comic book and then applies it to what has already been established in the MCU, similar to other Marvel “adaptions” like ‘Civil War.’ The series is more of an espionage thriller like ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier,’ and is surprisingly very character-driven with some of its best moments coming from exploring Nick Fury and Talos’ long friendship as established in ‘Captain Marvel.’

    The series begins with an American spy confronting a well-known MCU character with his theory that the Skrulls that Fury secretly let live on Earth have formed a terrorist organization that has infiltrated the highest ranks in governments across the world and plans to take the planet for their own. After laughing off this possibility, the MCU character is revealed to be a Skrull, and kills the agent. We then cut to Talos (Mendelsohn) who is working with Maria Hill (Smulders), and quickly contact Nick Fury (Jackson) to return to Earth from space, where he has been since the Blip (following the events of ‘Avengers: Endgame’).

    Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Des Willie. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Once reunited with Talos and Hill, Fury learns that Talos has been fired from the Skrull council, and that a Skrull named Gravik (Ben-Adir) is the leader of the terrorists, which also includes Talos’ daughter G’iah (Clarke) as a member. Talos learns of where Gravik is planning his next attack, while Fury visits an old ally, high-ranking MI6 agent Sonya Falsworth (Colman), but she is unwilling to work with him and tells Fury to stand down.

    Fury, Talos and Hill try to stop the attack but fail. Fury is blamed internationally instead and soon learns that there are more Skrulls on Earth than he previously believed. Not knowing who to trust, Fury reaches out to James Rhodes (Cheadle), and warns him of the impending invasion, but the US government wants to wash its hands of Fury. Meanwhile, we learn that Fury has a secret of his own, and so does Gravik, who is working on an experiment to make Skrulls stronger.

    Nick Fury and Talos

    Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as Talos in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as Talos in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Des Willie. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Related Article: ‘Secret Invasion’ Trailer finds Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury Ready for War

    The long friendship, as established in ‘Captain Marvel,’ between Fury and Talos is at the heart of the series. In the first two episodes, the series digs deep into their past showing us post-‘Captain Marvel’ moments that better explains the long alliance between Fury and the Skrulls, and the secret betrayals from both sides that have led to this moment. Some of the best moments of the first two episodes are the quitter, character-driven scenes that dive into that relationship and both characters’ pasts.

    Samuel L. Jackson definitely leads the series with his commanding gravitas, and after more than a decade of playing the character in a supporting role, it’s nice to see Jackson and Fury front and center of this story. Make no mistakes, this is Sam Jackson’s series! But Ben Mendelsohn is equally good as Talos, and again, the character is central to the story. He has some wonderful scenes with Jackson, as well as Emilia Clarke as his misguided daughter G’iah, last played by Auden L. Ophuls and Harriet L. Ophuls in ‘Captain Marvel.’ Originally teased as a villain, Talos has become one of my favorite MCU characters, thanks to Mendelsohn’s thoughtful and funny performance.

    Other Retuning MCU Characters

    MCU regulars Cobie Smulders, Don Cheadle and Martin Freeman return as Maria Hill, James Rhodes, and Everett K. Ross, respectively, but all have limited roles, at least in the first two episodes. It’s also worth mentioning that the MCU has a new US President, as President Matthew Ellis (William Sadler), last seen in ‘Iron Man 3,’ has been replaced with Dermot Mulroney’s President Ritson.

    New Characters

    Olivia Colman as Special Agent Sonya Falsworth in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Olivia Colman as Special Agent Sonya Falsworth in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

    While technically not a new character, Emilia Clarke makes her MCU debut as Talos’ daughter G’iah. Clarke seems fine in the role and has some nice moments with Mendelsohn, but other than running around, is not given a lot to do in the first two episodes, although I expect her role to get bigger throughout the rest of the series. Kingsley Ben-Adir plays Gravik and is certainly menacing in the role, but is a little too one note. Episode two attempts to flesh-out his backstory, and I hope there is more of that in the series and it can humanize the character a bit more so he’s not just evil for evil’s sake. But much like many fans have thought since ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’ “Was Thanos right?” The character does make a strong argument for his actions, from his point of view.

    But the breakout new character of the series is definitely Olivia Colman’s Sonya Falsworth. The character is unassuming, quite charming, and extremely dangerous, and Colman plays her with glee. Her interactions with Fury early on cement her place in the new MCU power structure, and tells the audience that she is not to be trusted. Is she a hero? Is she a villain? Is she a Skrull? Who knows? But Coleman is delicious in the role and clearly having fun with the part.

    Who is a Skrull?

    Emilia Clarke as G'iah and Ben Mendelsohn as Talos in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Emilia Clarke as G’iah and Ben Mendelsohn as Talos in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Des Willie. © 2023 MARVEL.

    The short answer is that anyone in the series could be! As previously mentioned, a longstanding MCU character is revealed at the beginning of the series to be a Skrull. However, I do not believe that character has always been a Skrull, like it was in the comics. I think they were just a Skrull in this one appearance, but that could be proven wrong down the line. I don’t think the series will reveal, let’s say, that Tony Stark was always a Skrull, or something like that. But part of the fun of the comic book, and in turn this series, is that it keeps the audience guessing the entire time and raises our feelings of paranoia.

    After two episodes I already have some theories, but honestly, like I said before, anyone could be a Skrull! I thought Rhodey was acting a little suspect when he met with Fury, but then again, Fury is definitely keeping a secret himself. It’s also possible that there is more than one Fury, and that Sam Jackson is not always playing that character in ‘Secret Invasion’ when we see him. Only time will tell if that is true. Other suspects? Definitely President Ritson, my “Spidey-Sense” tells me they would not have cast an actor like Dermot Mulroney in an insignificant role. Also suspect, Sonya Falsworth, she’s hiding something too but that could be a red herring. One of the strengths of the show is that it will keep you invested by keeping you guessing as the series goes on.

    How ‘Secret Invasion’ will Change the MCU?

    Don Cheadle as James 'Rhodey' Rhodes in Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Don Cheadle as James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes in Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

    Ultimately, it’s hard to say. Unlike its comic book counterpart, the series is not a huge scale crossover event, instead ‘Secret Invasion’ seems like a side-story that is taking place in the shadows. It’s probably setting up a future Marvel project, possibly the next ‘Avengers’ movie, and its conclusion should have some ramifications moving forward. But I’m guessing, since this seems like a smaller, character-driven series, that it will mostly just affect Nick Fury and his role moving forward. While the Avengers and other heroes are name dropped, it’s explained why they cannot help in this matter, and however the series concludes, it will be interesting to see if this storyline crosses over to any other future projects.

    Final Thoughts

    ‘Secret Invasion,’ in the first two episodes, sets up an intriguing spy-thriller of a series, which is brilliantly led by Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury. Ben Mendelsohn and Olivia Colman give strong supporting performances in this character-driven Marvel series that will keep you guessing the whole time.

    The first two episodes of ‘Secret Invasion’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.

    Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion.’

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  • New Trailer for ‘Secret Invasion’

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    Plotting with all the tactics of a military campaign, the Marvel team has been drip-feeding information about its upcoming Disney+ series ‘Secret Invasion’, which sees the full return of Samuel L. Jackson’s eyepatch-sporting (though not always here, more on that below) tough nut and former S.H.I.E.L.D. boss.

    We got some character information on Olivia Colman and Emilia Clarke’s ‘Invasion’ characters in a new piece just before the weekend. So naturally, it’s time for a new trailer.

    'Secret Invasion,' exclusively on Disney+.
    ‘Secret Invasion,’ exclusively on Disney+. © 2023 Marvel.

    What’s the story of ‘Secret Invasion’?

    The new series catches us up with not only Fury but also the Skrull aliens we met in ‘Captain Marvel’, primarily led by Ben Mendelsohn’s Talos.

    Originally believed to be a threat, they were actually revealed as refugees from a catastrophic war with the more dangerous race known as the Kree (for whom Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers initially fought before realizing their less friendly nature and helping Fury fight them alongside Talos).

    Yet decades later, the Skrulls haven’t received what humanity promised –– access to a new homeworld of their own and real help –– so there is now a faction dedicated to taking what they’re owed, but duplicity or force.

    Led by Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir), the group uses their shape-changing powers to wreak havoc. And among their number is someone close to Talos (spoiler alert: it’s his daughter, G’iah, played by ‘Game of Thrones’ veteran Emilia Clarke.)

    To combat this threat, Fury turns not to his Avengers-level super-friends (the trailer makes a point of that, so perhaps the series will explain his thinking) but to some more down-to-Earth associates, including Talos, loyal lieutenant Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) and Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman).

    And sitting squarely in between the two sides of the conflict we have Olivia Colman’s character, Special Agent Sonya Falsworth, a high-ranking member of Britain’s intelligence service MI6 (think the real-world organization that employs James Bond in a whole other fictional universe). She’s apparently been both friend and foe to Nick Fury in the past.

    Casting-wise, we’ll also see Carmen Ejogo, Christopher McDonald, and Marvel veteran Don Cheadle, back as James Rhodes, here in more of a political capability than his usual War Machine style (though we’d be shocked if he didn’t suit up at some point).

    Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.
    Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

    Related Article: ‘Secret Invasion’: New Details for Olivia Colman and Emilia Clarke’s Characters

    What’s up with Nick Fury in ‘Secret Invasion’?

    Oh, and talking of a changed style, Fury also has an altered look at times –– he’s not always wearing his trademark eyepatch, which covers a damaged eye.

    Says Jackson, speaking to Vanity Fair:

    “He just doesn’t wear the patch. The patch is part of who the strong Nick Fury was. It’s part of his vulnerability now. You can look at it and see he’s not this perfectly indestructible person. He doesn’t feel like that guy.”

    The series promises to be more of a global political spy thriller, albeit with the alien overtones and of course healthy dollops of MCU lore. But it’ll be a personal mission for Fury, who has been off-planet since the events of ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and realizes that he’s been out of touch in more ways than one. And kicking some scheming alien butt might just be his way to make contact again.

    Here’s what executive producer executive producer Jonathan Schwartz says about Fury:

    “Sins from his past start to haunt him once again. We often see Nick Fury doing the right thing. We don’t always see him doing it in a perfectly morally correct way. All of those things have ramifications. Without getting too specific, the things that Nick Fury’s had to do to protect the Earth have costs.”

    And here’s more from Jackson:

    “Nick had a whole Skrull spy network because they could shape-shift and go places that people couldn’t go. They kept their word. They worked for him, but he hasn’t done what he said he was going to do. They want a home. They want to live. They want to live like they are. They want to live in their skin. They don’t want to live in ours.”

    ‘Secret Invasion’ kicks off on Disney+ on June 21st.

    Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion.’

    In other Marvel news, there has been another change behind the scenes on the movie front.

    Fantastic Four’, the proper introduction (following John Krasinski’s cameo as leader Reed Richards in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’) of the classic comic book characters to the MCU has ‘WandaVision’ director Matt Shakman aboard, and Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer on script duty, but a change is being made.

    While Kaplan and Springer are more known for comedy writing, Josh Friedman has some big sci-fi bona fides.

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    What has Josh Friedman worked on?

    Most recently, Friedman was part of James Cameron’s writing team for the ‘Avatar’ sequels (he has a story credit on ‘The Way of Water’). He’s also worked on the script for next year’s ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’.

    Before those, he co-wrote Steven Spielberg’s ‘War of the Worlds’ and wrote the story for ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ but might be better known on the ‘Terminator’ front for ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ on TV.

    Also on the small screen, he’s run or been part of the development for ‘Foundation’ and ‘Snowpiercer’.

    Whether this means a complete re-write or beefing up the sci-fi side of things remains to be seen, but ‘Fantastic Four’ is still currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on February 14th, 2025.

    Marvel Studio's 'Fantastic Four.'
    Marvel Studio’s ‘Fantastic Four.’

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  • Marvel’s ‘Secret Invasion’ Reveals New Character Details

    Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion.’

    The title might be ‘Secret Invasion’ and it might hail from Marvel –– notoriously a company that likes to keep details of its movies and series under wraps –– but we’re finally learning more about the next MCU series to arrive on Disney+.

    ‘Secret Invasion’ will see Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn’s Skrull Talos facing off a brand new threat from a splinter group of the latter’s alien race.

    As covered on Entertainment Weekly (and originally reported by Vanity Fair), the show also features Olivia Colman and Emilia Clarke in key roles, and now we have new details about them.

    Ben Mendelsohn as Talos in Marvel Studios' 'Captain Marvel.'
    Ben Mendelsohn as Talos in Marvel Studios’ ‘Captain Marvel.’

    When did we first meet the Skrulls?

    A longtime enemy in the comics, the Skrulls were given a fresh twist by 2019’s ‘Captain Marvel’, as it was revealed that the Skrulls were actually alien refugees of a devastating conflict with fellow extraterrestrials the Kree.

    Though Skrulls such as Talos and his team used their shape-shifting abilities (they can mimic any person) to push their agenda, they soon let Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) and Fury know the true nature of their struggle.

    At the end of the movie, Fury promised to help the Skrulls find a new home, but since ‘Captain Marvel’ was set in the 1990s and there has been little progress since then, the story has taken another turn.

    There is a facet of Skrulls, unhappy with the situation, who are now taking matters into their own hands.

    Led by Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir), this splinter group has become radicalized, and aims to get what they believe they’re owed by stealth or by force.

    Emilia Clarke in 'Terminator Genisys.'
    Emilia Clarke in ‘Terminator Genisys.’

    Related Article: D23 Expo 2022: Lucasfilm, Marvel, and 20th Century Studios Presentation

    Who does Emilia Clarke play in ‘Secret Invasion’?

    Among Gravik’s followers is someone very close to Talos, his daughter G’iah, played by ‘Game of Thrones’ veteran Clarke.

    Here’s what Clarke says about the situation:

    “These people promised a lot of stuff a long time ago, and not a lot has happened. So understandably, a certain amount of resentment has been built. There’s a lot of emotions that live within her, and there’s a lot of confrontational aspects to her character that have come from circumstance. You understand why she has the feelings that she does.”

    And here’s what Clarke says about her character:

    “There’s a kind of punk feeling that you get from this girl. She’s a refugee kid who’s had Talos for a dad, you know what I mean? Maybe the fact that we didn’t know he had a kid up until this point tells you everything you need to know about their relationship.”

    Olivia Colman in 'Empire of Light.'
    Olivia Colman in ‘Empire of Light.’ Photo by Parisa Taghizadeh, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.

    Who is Olivia Colman in ‘Secret Invasion’?

    On the other side of the conflict, we have Olivia Colman’s character, a high-ranking member of Britain’s intelligence service MI6 (think the real-world organization that employs James Bond in a whole other fictional universe). She’s apparently been both friend and foe to Nick Fury in the past.

    Says Jackson of Colman’s character,

    “It’s somebody that you’ve never seen her play before. She’s cold-blooded and just relishes being that person.”

    The cast for the series, which reportedly, though it has yet to be officially confirmed, kicks off on Disney+ on June 21st, also includes returning MCU veterans Cobie Smulders, Martin Freeman and Don Cheadle.

    Marvel Studios' 'Secret Invasion.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Secret Invasion.’

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  • ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ Star Cobie Smulders Admits She Didn’t Know End Credits Twist During Filming

    ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ Star Cobie Smulders Admits She Didn’t Know End Credits Twist During Filming

    Marvel

    Gwyneth Paltrow had no idea she was in a “Spider-Man” movie, but Cobie Smulders had no idea she wasn’t. Well, the actress was — but her character technically wasn’t.

    Let us explain: Smulders appears in “Spider-Man: Far From Home” to reprise her character, Maria Hill. However, an end credits scene reveals that [SPOILER HEAD] Maria and Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury are actually two Skrulls in disguise.

    (Skrulls are the shapeshifting aliens introduced in “Captain Marvel.” So, “Nick” and “Maria” are actually Talos and Soren.)

    Smulders, however, didn’t play Maria as Maria-But-Really-Soren-in-Disguise … because had no idea about the twist. While filming, as far as she knew, she was Actual Maria.

    “It was added,” Smulders told The Hollywood Reporter of the end credits scene. “It was a surprise to me. I bumped into Kevin Feige at a party and he said, ‘I gotta tell you something about what’s happening.’ I was excited, but I was also confused. I asked, “Well, where is she? What’s she up to?’”

    She added, “You can use your own imagination to figure that out. It’s cool because it is the constant shifting of this world. I don’t know where they’re going to go with it, or if that’s a tease for what’s to come. I just love that it was another layer of the film that was going on, potentially the whole time.”

    Turns out that the end credits scene, which shows Nick and Maria driving, was footage that was cut from the movie.

    Fans have pointed out that this twist explains some of Nick and Maria’s behavior in “Far From Home.” But since Smulders had no clue she wasn’t actually Maria, she didn’t intentionally play the character with less “sass.”

    “I liked playing around with the idea that she was just over it. She’s so exhausted, and she just came back from this blip to a mountain of paperwork on her desk,” the actress explained.

    As for where Actual Maria is, Smulders said, “My hope is that she’s on vacation somewhere.”

  • ABC Reveals ‘Modern Family’ Final Season Premiere Date, Fall 2019 Schedule

    ABC Reveals ‘Modern Family’ Final Season Premiere Date, Fall 2019 Schedule

    ABC

    Earlier this year, ABC announced that the upcoming 11th season of groundbreaking sitcom “Modern Family” will be its last. Now, fans can brace themselves for the beginning of the end.

    The Alphabet network revealed on Tuesday its full Fall 2019 schedule of premiere dates, including when the first episode of “Modern Family” season 11 will debut. That event is set for the sitcom’s usual Wednesday airdate, on September 25 at 9 p.m. EST.

    Other notable premieres include new series “Mixed-ish” (the “Black-ish” spinoff centered around a younger version of Tracee Ellis Ross‘s character, Bow) and “Emergence” on Tuesday, September 24, and fellow freshman show “Stumptown” (featuring “Avengers” star Cobie Smulders) on September 25. The Tiffany Haddish-headlined reboot of “Kids Say the Darndest Things” is slated to debut on Sunday, October 6.

    The full ABC Fall 2019 lineup is below.

    MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
    8-10 p.m.: Dancing with the Stars (Season 28 premiere)

    MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
    10-11 p.m.: The Good Doctor (Season 3 premiere)

    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
    8-8:30 p.m.: The Conners (Season 2 premiere)
    8:30-9 p.m.: Bless This Mess (Season 2 premiere; new time)
    9-9:30 p.m.: Mixed-ish (Series premiere)
    9:30-10 p.m.: Black-ish (Season 6 premiere; new time)
    10-11 p.m.: Emergence (Series premiere)

    WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
    8-8:30 p.m.: The Goldbergs (Season 7 premiere)
    8:30-9 p.m.: Schooled (Season 2 premiere)
    9-9:30 p.m.: Modern Family (Season 11 premiere)
    9:30-10 p.m.: Single Parents (Season 2 premiere)
    10-11 p.m.: Stumptown (Series premiere)

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
    8-9 p.m.: Grey’s Anatomy (Season 16 premiere)
    9-10 p.m.: A Million Little Things (Season 2 premiere)
    10-11 p.m.: How to Get Away with Murder (Season 6 premiere)

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
    8-8:30 p.m.: American Housewife (Season 4 premiere; new day and time)
    8:30-9 p.m.: Fresh Off the Boat (Season 6 premiere; new time)
    9-11 p.m.: 20/20

    SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
    7-8 p.m.: America’s Funniest Home Videos (Season 30 premiere)
    9-10 p.m.: Shark Tank (Season 11 premiere)
    10-11 p.m.: The Rookie (Season 2 premiere, new day and time)

    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
    8-9 p.m.: Kids Say the Darndest Things (Series premiere)

    [via: Deadline]

  • Cobie Smulders’s ‘Stumptown’-based Series Picked up by ABC

    Cobie Smulders’s ‘Stumptown’-based Series Picked up by ABC

    Friends From College trailer still
    Netflix/YouTube

    The untitled project previously known as “Stumptown” has landed a series order.

    ABC’s slate for the 2019-2020 TV season now includes the Cobie Smulders-starring series, Variety reports. It’s based on the “Stumptown” graphic novels written by Greg Rucka, which follow Dex Parios (Smulders), an army vet P.I. living in Portland, Oregon. She’s described as “strong, assertive, and unapologetically sharp-witted,” which apparently causes problems with both criminals and the police in the series. To top that off, she has money, love, and family issues to deal with.

    Smulders stars in the series alongside Tantoo Cardinal (Sue Lynn Blackbird), Cole Sibus (Ansel Parios), Adrian Martinez (Tookie), Camryn Manheim (Lieutenant Cosgrove), and Michael Ealy (Detective Miles Hoffman). The leading lady’s most recent series was Netflix’s “Friends From College,” and prior to that she was one of the stars of “How I Met Your Mother.” On the film side, she has been in multiple MCU flicks, including the upcoming “Spider-Man: Far From Home.”

    The “Stumptown” adaptation is written by Jason Richman and directed by James Griffith. Richman executive produces alongside Rucka; the graphic novels’ illustrators, Matthew Southworth and Justin Greenwood; and The District’s Ruben Fleischer and David Bernard. ABC Studios is set to produce. So far, no premiere date has been announced.

    [via: Variety]

  • ‘Arrested Development’ Season 5 to Feature Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam as Young Lucille and George Sr.

    ‘Arrested Development’ Season 5 to Feature Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam as Young Lucille and George Sr.

    Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam side-by-side
    Netflix; Insurge Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films

    The Bluth family returns this month, and as part of the adventure, we’ll meet younger versions of Lucille and George Sr.

    Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam are playing the characters, EW reports. The real-life spouses will portray the duo usually played by Jessica Walter and Jeffrey Tambor. So far, there’s no word on how they’ll be brought into the story or how many episodes they’ll guest star in.

    Both Smulders and Killam are experienced in the comedy genre. Smulders starred in CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother” for nine seasons, and more recently in Netflix’s “Friends From College” for two. Meanwhile, Killam spent six seasons on “Saturday Night Live” and has appeared in films like “Night School,” “All Nighter,” and “Brother Nature.” They both starred in “Killing Gunther,” which Killam wrote, directed, and produced.

    Fear not: We’ll also see the present-day Bluths in Season 5, too. The second half picks up with more of their usual dysfunction. The trailer showed all kinds of mayhem, teasing, “It’s not over ’til we say it’s over.”

    “Arrested Development” Season 5, Part 2 premieres Marc 15 on Netflix.

    [via: EW]