Max’s ‘Titans.’ Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max.
Preview:
A ‘Teen Titans’ live-action movie is planned for DC Studios.
Ana Nogueira has been hired to write the script.
We can expect to see the likes of Robin, Kid Flash and more hit screens.
While none of the movies or TV shows in the big announcement made by James Gunn and Peter Safran, the filmmaker/producer duo who run the current incarnation of DC Studios for Warner Bros., have arrived yet (the ‘Creature Commandoes‘ are on their way to TV screens while Gunn’s ‘Superman’ will launch the big screen reboot next year), we’re already to the point where new projects are being, if not officially confirmed, then reported on.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Teen Titans are headed to theaters in live-action form.
Who are the Teen Titans?
DC Comic’s Teen Titans. Photo: DC Comics.
The characters, usually sidekicks to main heroes, have been a team in DC Comics since their first appearance together in ‘The Brave and the Bold’ title in 1964. Created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani, the group has naturally been through different evolutions in their time (they are comic book characters, after all), but the group usually includes some version of Robin (often Damien Wayne), Kid Flash (Wally West), Aqualad as well as Wonder Girl. Other teens such as Speedy, the sidekick to Green Arrow, and Raven joined the adventures later.
They went through a big change in the 1980s, when they started to become much more popular. But they have exploded in status in the last couple of decades mostly thanks to their TV adaptations. ‘Teen Titans Go!’ the animated, comedic and frequently meta take on DC has run for eight seasons on Cartoon Network, airing close to 400 episodes. The series also spawned a feature film, ‘Teen Titans Go! To the Movies’, which was released in theaters in July 2018
And then there’s ‘Titans’, the darker, moodier live-action series that launched in 2018 on DC’s short-lived digital arm DC Universe, before moving to Max and running for four seasons.
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Who will be appearing in the ‘Teen Titans’ movie?
(L to R) Ryan Potter, Joshua Orpin, Brenton Thwaites, Anna Diop in ‘Titans.’ Photograph by Ben Mark Holzberg/HBO Max.
The movie is still at far too early a stage for casting to be revealed or even considered. But we can at least hope that a couple of voices/faces from the various TV incarnations at least get to cameo or are referenced in the movie.
And the plan truly is for DC Studios movies to be connected, could we see a brief appearance from whoever ends up playing Batman, set to be introduced in the ‘Brave and the Bold’ adaptation? Wishful thinking, perhaps…
Who is making the ‘Teen Titans’ movie?
James Gunn in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.
So far, the only people involved are Gunn and Safran, who will produce the new movie.
They, in turn, have recruited writer Ana Nogueira to write the script for the new movie. Nogueira, who kicked off her career acting in the likes of ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and ‘The Michael J. Fox Show’, has been scoring some big writing jobs of late, including the screenplay for ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’, which will star Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El.
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Preview:
James Gunn has announced that ‘Superman: Legacy’ is now just ‘Superman’.
Film has commenced in Atlanta.
David Corenswet plays the title character.
February 29th, in case you weren’t aware of this particular nugget of comic book trivia, happens to be Superman’s birthday, at least in DC canon (partly picked to explain why he doesn’t seem to age as quickly as other characters).
It’s also the day that James Gunn kicked off production on his new movie about the character. And the writer/director used to occasion to announce that, somewhere between his first and final draft of the script, the title has changed from ‘Superman: Legacy’ to simply… ‘Superman’.
Gunn hit Instagram to announce both the start of the shoot and the new, simple title:
And, per the post’s illustration, the filmmaker also gave us a sneak peek at the insignia to be worn on the chest of his Superman, framed by frosty particles we can assume come from Supes’ famous Fortress of Solitude.
What’s the story of ‘Superman’?
New ‘Superman’ logo. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois will already be an established reporting star.
Peter Safran, Gunn’s co-chief of DC Studios (and a producer on the movie) said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
That’s the main ensemble; we can expect an appearance from Gunn’s brother Sean (a regular in his movies, who has played the likes of Kraglin and provided the on-set reference performance and voice for Rocket Raccoon in the ‘Guardians’ franchise) as the villainous Maxwell Lord.
(L to R) Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo: Todd Phillips’ Instagram.
Preview:
New images from ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ have arrived.
Director Todd Phillips has also talked a potential trailer date.
The movie is out in October.
In this social media age, it’s not unusual for filmmakers to be pressed into (or want to) use their personal channels to promote their work. And Todd Phillips, who is busy in post-production on ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, the follow-up to his billion-dollar-plus (not to mention Oscar-winning) 2019 take on the classic Batman villain, has been drip-feeding images from the new movie for months now.
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The filmmaker used Valentine’s Day as an excuse to offer new pics of his central pair –– that would be Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker and Lady Gaga as a version of his ride-or-die romantic pairing (and frequent partner in crime) Harley Quinn.
Quite what Phillips’ take on Quinn will be remains to be seen, but since his (and Phoenix’s) version of the Joker origin story stands in stark contrast to Batman lore, we’re anticipating tweaks.
(L to R) Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo: Todd Phillips’ Instagram.
Not much is officially known about the new movie, but with Phillips co-writing once again alongside Scott Silver, ‘Folie à Deux’ promises more bad behavior from Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck, joined now by Gaga’s Quinn.
We’ll pick up the story Phoenix’s Fleck, the wannabe comedian struggling with mental health issues who, besieged by disappointment and fueled by rage, slowly segues into a psychopathic killer and agent of chaos.
Fleck ended up in Arkham Asylum –– the infamous facility for psychotic criminals from the ‘Batman’ comic book universe, and the new movie appears to take place to some degree there.
Arkham is where the Joker (usually, at least) meets one Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, who eventually becomes obsessed with him –– and he, in turn, slowly drives her insane until she becomes Harley Quinn, the character who has long been part of comics canon and most recently on the big screen by Margot Robbie in the ‘Suicide Squad’ movies and her own spin-off.
There will be some carry over from the first movie –– Zazie Beetz is back as Sophie Dumond, the neighbor with whom Arthur had a relationship (at least until, spoiler alert, it was revealed as all in his head).
(L to R) Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo: Todd Phillips’ Instagram.
One of the biggest elements of speculation for the new film has been the idea it is a musical. But according to cinematographer Lawrence Sher, it might not be the song-filled experience we’ve all been expecting.
“It’s not a musical per se, it just has music in it, that’s all. Music’s a part of the movie and the characters, but I don’t know if it’s a musical.”
Of course, he could always be trying to throw us all off the scent. More of a clue will come in the teasers and trailers. And talking of…
When will the ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ trailer be out?
(L to R) Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker and Lady Gaga as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo: Todd Phillips’ Instagram Account.
Phillips responded to a comment on his Insta post asking about when we might see the trailer.
Here’s what he said:
“Been getting this question a lot. The movie comes out in October. So our first teaser won’t be out until mid-April.”
When is ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ in theaters?
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ will land in theaters on October 4th.
Lady Gaga in Director Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo courtesy of Todd Phillips’ Instagram account.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Frank Grillo about his work on ‘Lights Out,’ his first reaction to the screenplay, why Duffy was a perfect character for him to play, Duffy’s friendship with Max, working with Mekhi Phifer, and shooting the fight sequences.
(L to R) Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
The actor also talked about his work on DC Studio’s upcoming animated series ‘Creature Commandos,’ if he’s finished recording and who he recorded with, when it will be released, when we might see him reprise his character in future DCU live-action projects, and a conformation that he will definitely not be in ‘Superman: Legacy.’
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jamie King and director Christian Sesma.
(L to R) Scott Adkins as “Don ‘The Reaper’ Richter,” Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to the screenplay, and did you realize admittedly that Duffy was a perfect Frank Grillo character?
Frank Grillo: The screenplay was a solid C+ when I first read it. It was okay, but it was a home run for me. I knew I could knock this one out of the park, so I was not concerned with that. I wanted to get the script to a place where it made sense, and it worked. Look, my buddy Stallone did a movie called ‘Rambo,’ and it’s that guy that I love. It’s that exact kind of character. I’m not comparing myself to the great Sylvester Stallone, but it’s that world.
MF: To follow up, what were some of the changes you wanted made to the script so that this it would work for you?
FG: There was some structural stuff. I can’t get into all of it, but I needed the script to flow a little differently. Then there were some tropes and cliches that needed to come out and kind of make it where people talk less and do more, which I find makes action movies a little bit more interesting. Then to build a relationship with Mekhi’s character and my character, because I thought that was the heart and the core of the film. So, stuff like that, but you got all those great actors. I knew everybody was capable.
(L to R) Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
MF: Can you talk about that relationship between Max and Duffy, why Duffy chooses to help this man that he hardly knows, and what it was like working with Mekhi Phifer?
FG: I think he chooses to help him because I truly think there’s something about Mekhi that draws him in. I think Duffy needs a purpose. He wants to get a headstone for his mother. That’s kind of a reason for him to make believe he wants to go to a certain place, but he finds somebody who gives him a purpose. We never feel more enlightened than when we’re helping somebody else. I think it gives him a sense of that. Mekhi is, as charming as he is on-screen, he’s 10 times as charming in person, and we’re both New Yorkers. I fell in love with Mekhi the minute I met him, I mean immediately. It was a 30-year relationship in 12 minutes. So, I knew on screen, much like I did with Anthony Mackie when we did ‘Point Blank’ together, it would be this cool combination. I love movies where there’s a black guy and a white guy. I just love it culturally when they mix it up. I’m Italian and we’re both from New York, and I think it comes across really cool on screen. I love that dynamic. I really do. I know everybody’s politically correct, but Mekhi and I even got a chance to kind of play with that thing, you know what I mean? That’s what life is about. Then after that, we did another movie together. I had another movie that I put together, a bigger movie, and he was my choice. He was my guy. I said, “Please come and do this,” and he did. We went to Columbia and Puerto Rico together and that’s the kind of relationship that it blossomed into.
MF: Can you talk about preparing and working out the choreography for the fight sequences?
FG: I mean, at this point I didn’t know the fight coordinator well, although he was good. My stunt coordinator, my double, comes with me on every movie, Greg Fitzpatrick, who’s done stuff with Robert Downey Jr. He’s been with Downey for a long time, and all of Ben Stiller‘s stuff. He’s so amazing. I know we didn’t have a lot of time, so we came in and choreographed at least all my stuff, all the fights, to make them authentic. This is about underground fighting. It shouldn’t look like ‘John Wick.’ Hats off to Brandon Burrows, the producer, because once I saw the original cut and the fights, I said, no Bueno. This all looks fake, and you got to make this so that the one judicious guy in the back who knows fighting says,” I believe that.” I think that’s what we kind of were able to pull off. It was Herculean to get it to the place that it is, but when I saw the final cut, I’m like, “Wow, I’m impressed.” If people knew the effort that it took to get it to that, you’d have to appreciate it a bunch more, and Brandon, the producer, was a big part of this.
DC Studios’ ‘Creature Commandos.’ Photo: DC and Warner Bros.
MF: The last time we spoke you revealed that you will be starring in the animated series ‘Creature Commandos,’ which will be the first TV series from James Gunn’s new DC Universe. Have you finished recording for the first season, and were you able to record with the other actors?
FG: Yes. I recorded with (David) Harbour and I may have recorded with Maria (Bakalova). But it’s great. I love James Gunn and Peter Safran and what they’re doing at DC and for the DCU, and these characters are living in all their movies. I’m going to be around for a while, and I wish I could tell you what I have coming up with them, but I can’t. But it’s exciting. I was just with the RussoBrothers, Kevin Feige and Lou D’Esposito and it’s kind of like, “I miss those guys, but you blew it.” Now we’re going over here.
MF: Do you know when the series will premiere?
FG: Yes. I believe Sean Gunn just said something (about it). I believe around end of the summer, beginning of the fall.
Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account.
FG: Yes, I do. Again, in a world filled with great talent, actors and famous movie stars, I mean what James Gunn and Peter Safran has entrusted in me with this character and with the future of what they’re doing in that company, I’m humbled.
MF: Finally, is it possible we’ll see you in ‘Superman: Legacy’?
FG: No. I wish.
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What is the Plot of ‘Lights Out’?
A drifting ex-soldier (Frank Grillo) turns underground fighter with the help of a just released ex-con (Mekhi Phifer), pitting them both against corrupt cops (Jamie King) and hired killers (Dermot Mulroney) gunning for them and all those they care about.
(L to R) Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
(Left) Milly Alcock in ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photo: Ollie Upton / HBO. (Right) DC Comics’ Supergirl from writer Tom King’s ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.’ Photo courtesy of DC.com.
Preview:
Milly Alcock has won the role of Supergirl the DCU.
She will first appear in James Gunn’s ‘Superman: Legacy’.
The character will also lead ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’.
James Gunn has found the person he wants to play Kara Zor-El –– AKA Supergirl, the superpowered young woman who is Superman’s cousin –– in ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’.
Milly Alcock, best known for playing the young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s first season of ‘Game of Thrones’ spinoff ‘House of the Dragon’, has landed the much-sought-after role in the DC Universe being overseen by Gunn and his fellow DCU boss/producer Peter Safran.
While such casting announcements –– this one came via The Wrap –– usually sit in the rumor sphere before the studio comments, Gunn has taken to Instagram to confirm Alcock’s presence in the DCU.
‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ will be a big-scale sci-fi film based on Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s comic run. It features a “darker, harsher” version of Kara Zor-El raised on a surviving chunk of Krypton who sees everyone around her die.
This is what Gunn said at the time of the announcement:
“This is a very different type of Supergirl. In our film, we see the difference between Superman, who was sent to Earth and raised by loving parents from, you know, the time he’s an infant, versus Supergirl, who was raised on a rock chip-off of Krypton and watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life, and then came to Earth when she was a young girl and is much more hardcore. She’s not exactly the Supergirl we’re used to seeing.”
Who else was in the running for Supergirl?
Emilia Jones in ‘CODA’
Alcock got the role after an audition and a screen test, and the other two main contenders were Emilia Jones (who starred in Oscar winner ‘CODA’ and appeared in last year’s ‘Cat People’), and Meg Donnelly, known for the Disney ‘Zombies’ movies.
Donnelly also had some experience with Supergirl, as she has voiced the role in several animated DC outings.
Milly Alcock in ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photo: Ollie Upton / HBO.
‘Superman: Legacy’ has a release date scheduled for July 11th, 2025. Given that it has yet to find a director, the Supergirl movie has yet to lock in a date.
(Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.
(L to R) Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker and Lady Gaga as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo: Todd Phillips’ Instagram Account.
Preview:
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ director Todd Phillips offered new images from the movie.
The pictures show stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.
Phillips’ sequel film will be out in October 2024.
As Todd Phillips continues work on comic book-based sequel ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ as it chugs through the post-production phase (though you can imagine he and his team took a break for the holidays), he’s gifting the world with two new images from the movie.
With Phillips co-writing once again alongside Scott Silver, the new movie promises more bad behavior from Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck, joined this time by Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn.
Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo: Todd Phillips’ Instagram Account.
Little has been released officially about the new film, but it sees the return of Phoenix’s Fleck, the wannabe comedian struggling with mental health issues who, besieged by disappointment and fueled by rage, slowly segues into a psychopathic killer and agent of chaos.
Fleck ended up in Arkham Asylum –– the infamous facility for psychotic criminals from the ‘Batman’ comic book universe, and the new movie appears to take place to some degree there.
Arkham is where the Joker (usually, at least) meets one Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, who eventually becomes obsessed with him –– and he, in turn, slowly drives her insane until she becomes Harley Quinn, the character who has long been part of comics canon and most recently on the big screen by Margot Robbie in the ‘Suicide Squad’ movies and her own spin-off.
There will be some carry over from the first movie –– Zazie Beetz is back as Sophie Dumond, the neighbor with whom Arthur had a relationship (at least until, spoiler alert, it was revealed as all in his head).
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Who besides Lady Gaga is new in the ‘Joker’ sequel?
Lady Gaga in Director Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo courtesy of Todd Phillips’ Instagram account.
Joaquin Phoenix in Director Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo courtesy of Todd Phillips’ Instagram account.
The most fascinating aspect of the new film, especially considering the kitchen sink grot and crime of the original, is that ‘Folie à Deux’ is indeed planned as a musical.
Gaga’s hiring pointed to that, and composer Hildur Guðnadóttir told Variety on a BAFTA red carpet that she was intrigued by the idea.
Here’s what she had to say,
“It’s an interesting decision. And I think it’s really exciting to see how it unfolds. And I think it’s somehow logical at the same time. It’s both logical and also very surprising. For me as well as the audience. So far it’s just been a really beautiful conversation and I’m really excited to see how it unfolds.”
When will ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ be in theaters?
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is scheduled to land in theaters on October 4th, 2024. We imagine a teaser will be on the way before too long.
Joaquin Phoenix in 2019’s ‘Joker’ courtesy of Warner Bros.
(L to R) director Matt Reeves and actor Robert Pattinson on the set of ‘The Batman’
Preview:
DC boss James Gunn has clarified where Matt Reeves’ Batman projects fall in the DCU.
Reeves’ movies and TV shows will fall into different categories.
He’s currently working on ‘The Batman 2’, its Penguin TV spin-off and the Arkham series.
With the previous iteration of the DC Movie and TV universe effectively wrapping up this week via the release of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’, fans’ attention has naturally been turning to the next evolution of the massive media world, as overseen by current co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran.
And Gunn, not shy of answering questions and offering teases of the future on social media, has been fielding queries about how Matt Reeves’ Batman-based output will factor into that universe.
Currently, Reeves, who released ‘The Batman’ last year, has three projects on the go: a sequel to ‘The Batman’ he’s writing and directing, a spin-off TV series about Colin Farrell’s crime boss Penguin character set in the same world as the movie, and a more mysterious show based in Gotham City’s notorious Arkham Asylum.
Right now, Reeves has written and is intending to start directing the sequel to ‘The Batman’ early next year. A plan to kick off production in November was scrapped after the writers’ strike delayed work on the script and the associated actors’ strike affected cast availability.
Current reports have the film –– which will see the return of Robert Pattinson to the Batsuit –– starting shooting in March, taking aim at a planned October 2025 release.
‘The Batman’ and its sequel fall into what Gunn and Safran have described as “Elseworlds” stories, those which don’t directly take place in the DC Universe continuity that the two filmmakers are building.
Similarly, the Penguin series, on which Reeves is an executive producer (with Lauren LeFranc as showrunner and Craig Zobel as primary director), is set in the same “Elseworlds” locale as the movie it is connected to.
To debut on HBO’s streaming service Max later next year (current word points to fall), the show sees Colin Farrell return the grimy, crime-y world of Oswald Cobblepot as he seeks to secure a grip on power in Gotham’s underworld.
The show was teased in a recent Max video showing the service’s future output.
Set in Gotham City’s notorious prison/ psychiatric hospital where some of the most dangerous criminals are housed, the Arkham series is still shrouded in mystery, though it reportedly evolved from the show about the Gotham City police force that had previously been in development.
Antonio Campos, who served as showrunner on HBO’s critically-acclaimed limited series ‘The Staircase’, is leading development on the Arkham TV show for Reeves. He replaced Terence Winter (‘Boardwalk Empire’) who departed the show over creative differences.
According to Gunn, this series will, unlike Reeves’ other work, have an impact on the DC Universe going forward:
Post by @jamesgunn
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So now you know… Batman and his associated rogues’ gallery is a big enough topic that it can fit wherever it wants. Hopefully Gunn and Safran have a real plan in place and DC doesn’t become a sprawling, chaotic place once again.
Seann Gunn will work again with filmmaker brother James Gunn.
He’ll play Maxwell Lord across several DC Studios projects.
The plan is reportedly to introduce him in the background of ‘Superman: Legacy’
We all know James Gunn likes working with friends and family he finds have talent. And among them, his brother Sean has turned out to be among the best.
He has played a variety of roles across the writer/director’s work but might be best known as both Kraglin and providing all the performance capture/initial acting as Rocket Raccoon on the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ trilogy.
But going forward, it appears he’ll be more known as human villain Maxwell Lord.
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Who is Maxwell Lord?
DC Comics’ Maxwell Lord. Photo: DC Comics.
The character’s origins in the DC comic book universe date back to issue #1 of the 1987 ‘Justice League’ comic book series, created by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire. At first glance, he’s a cunning businessman and an ally to the members of the Justice League, who was fundamental in orchestrating Justice League International. His unsuspecting charm even won over characters such as Blue Beetle and the Martian Manhunter.
But then, in ‘Justice League International’, issue #12, we learn that Lord had been doing the bidding of an evil computer in an attempt to replace all world leaders with robots. Though he did end up destroying the computer and breaking free from its influence, it wasn’t long before Lord became a powerful foe of his own accord: after gaining a metahuman ability in 1988’s
‘Invasion!’ limited series, Lord began to unleash his mind-control powers against humanity.
Pedro Pascal played the character in 2020’s ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, a businessman who discovers a powerful relic that can grant wishes and uses it to snatch power and influence for himself.
Pedro Pascal as Maxwell “Max Lord” Lorenzano in ‘Wonder Woman 1984.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
James Gunn has yet to officially confirm the news, though it’s a fair bet that he’ll keep on working with his brother. Deadline has heard that Sean Gunn’s Lord will be referenced in the background of ‘Superman: Legacy’ (which his brother is about to start directing, with David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Supes and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane).
He’ll have more of a role to play in future movies and, potentially, TV series.
(Left) David Corenswet in Netflix’s ‘The Politician.’ (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video’s ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’
Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois will already be an established reporting star.
Peter Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
When will ‘Superman: Legacy’ be in theaters?
According to James Gunn, the film remains on track to start shooting next year with a planned release of July 11th, 2025.
(Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.
Skyler Gisondo has been cast as Jimmy Olsen in ‘Superman: Legacy’.
Sara Sampaio has also joined the movie as Eve Teschmacher.
Director James Gunn has been busy building his cast around stars David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan.
As he looks to get the movie chugging towards production again in the wake of the writers and actors’ strikes, filmmaker James Gunn is quickly building the cast he needs for ‘Superman: Legacy’.
There has been a flurry of new casting of late, with Nicholas Hoult the most recent addition as villain Lex Luthor.
Today brings word that Skyler Gisondo, seen in movies such as ‘Booksmart’ and ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, has won the role of Jimmy Olsen. Sara Sampaio, meanwhile, will play Luthor’s assistant (and often love interest) Eve Teschmacher.
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What’s the story of ‘Superman: Legacy’?
(Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.
The exact storyline remains a mystery, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois Lane will already be an established reporting star.
Peter Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
Who else is in ‘Superman: Legacy’
(Left) David Corenswet in Netflix’s ‘The Politician.’ (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video’s ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’
Gunn has already found both his Superman and Lois, as David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan were announced before the actors’ strike began.
Shortly after that, we learned that Isabela Merced nabbed the part of Hawkgirl, regular Gunn actor Nathan Fillion would be taking the role of Green Lantern Guy Gardner, with ‘Barry’s Anthony Carrigan winning the character of Metamorpho and ‘Twilight’ veteran Ed Gathegi aboard as Mister Terrific.
More recently (as in, the last week or so), María Gabriela de Faría, who will play The Engineer, and as mentioned above, Nicholas Hoult is on to be Lex Luthor.
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Olsen debuted in comics form in Superman #13 (November–December 1941) and on the radio.
He traditionally appears as the best friend to Clark Kent (Superman’s cover story) and works as a photojournalist at the Daily Planet alongside Clark and Lois.
Who is Eve Teschmacher?
(Left) Sara Sampaio in ‘Carga.’ (Right) Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher in ‘Superman.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
As opposed to many of the other Superman characters who got their start on the comics page or radio serials, Miss Teschmacher was created for 1978’s ‘Superman’ by director Richard Donner and writer Mario Puzo. Played in that film and sequel ‘Superman II’ by Valerie Perrine (where she was Lex Luthor’s associate), the character also since crossed over into the comics and has appeared in other DC spin-offs, including ‘Supergirl’.
When will ‘Superman: Legacy’ be in theaters?
The new Superman film is scheduled to be in theaters on July 11, 2025.
James Gunn in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.
Nicholas Hoult will play Lex Luthor in ‘Superman: Legacy’.
James Gunn is directing the film, with David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
The film will be in theaters in 2025.
With the end of the actors’ strike, we’re now seeing a torrent of casting announcements, with names being attached to projects big and small all over Hollywood.
The latest is one that many had speculated one –– despite being rumored as a potential candidate to don the cape himself and play Superman, Nicholas Hoult has instead won the role of the hero’s main antagonist, the genius criminal Lex Luthor. Which feels like a good use of his particular style and charms.
James Gunn has written and will direct ‘Superman: Legacy,’ which though it will follow a couple of TV shows to screens is intended to spearhead his new take on the DC movie universe.
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What’s the story of ‘Superman: Legacy’?
(Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.
Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois Lane will already be an established reporting star.
Peter Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
(Left) David Corenswet in Netflix’s ‘The Politician.’ (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video’s ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’
Gunn has already found both his Superman and Lois, as David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan were announced before the actors’ strike began.
Shortly after that, we learned that Isabela Merced nabbed the part of Hawkgirl, regular Gunn actor Nathan Fillion would be taking the role of Green Lantern Guy Gardner, with ‘Barry’s Anthony Carrigan winning the character of Metamorpho and ‘Twilight’ veteran Ed Gathegi aboard as Mister Terrific.
(Left) Isabela Merced in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Rosaline,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios.(Center) Nathan Fillion at the premiere of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’ (Left) Edi Gathegi in ‘Aporia.’
More recently (as in, the last week or so), María Gabriela de Faría, who will play The Engineer. “Who?” we hear casual comic book fans asking… Angela Spica aka The Engineer. Part of the Warner/DC flick’s villain team, her powers stem from nanotechnology built into her body.
Created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch, she’s the second DC character to bear the name of The Engineer and was first introduced in ‘The Authority vol.1 #1’ in 1999.
Hoult, of course, is known for movies such as ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and ‘Warm Bodies’ and has comic book form playing Beast in the most recent ‘X-Men‘ movies for 20th Century Fox.
He will become just the latest person to play Luthor (Superman’s most famous enemy) on the big screen following Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey and, most recently, Jesse Eisenberg.
When will ‘Superman: Legacy’ be in theaters?
Gunn recently confirmed that the new Superman film is on track to still hit theaters on July 11, 2025.
