Moviefone Editorial

Tag: dc-universe

  • James Gunn Confirms Three Actors Staying in the DCU

    (Left) Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC. (Center) Viola Davis as Amanda Waller in 2016's 'Suicide Squad.' (Right) John Cena in HBO Max's 'Peacemaker.'
    (Left) Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC. (Center) Viola Davis as Amanda Waller in 2016’s ‘Suicide Squad.’ (Right) John Cena in HBO Max’s ‘Peacemaker.’

    When ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ arrives in December, it’ll make the official demarcation point between what was known by fans as the DC Extended Universe (or the “Snyderverse” given Zack Snyder’s extensive involvement in launching it with ‘Man of Steel’ and other movies) and the DC Studios era currently being shepherded by filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran, who are sharing the duties of running the Warner Bros. arm.

    And fans are naturally interested to know whether there will be much crossover between actors from the previous movie universe and the Gunn/Safran era, which has often sounded like a reboot, bringing in lots of new elements.

    Henry Cavill, for instance, is no longer playing Clark Kent/Superman, with Gunn preparing ‘Superman: Legacy’, which will see David Corenswet taking over the role, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

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    The future for Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman is also cloudy, as despite comments from the actor herself, there is no official confirmation that she’ll be back. Gunn announced a series set in the days of the Amazon warriors before Diana Prince’s birth as part of his first batch of projects.

    So, who will be sticking around? Given that at least two of them were part of shows that Gunn has previously said will be part of his plans, they are not a surprise, but he’s now gone on the record again.

    Related Article: David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan to play Clark Kent and Lois Lane in ‘Superman: Legacy’

    John Cena and Viola Davis to remain

    James Gunn in 'Superpowered: The DC Story.'
    James Gunn in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.

    According to Gunn’s latest comments, both Viola Davis (who plays ambitious Suicide Squad wrangler Amanda Waller) and gung-ho vigilante Peacemaker himself, John Cena, will both be sticking around.

    Commenting on the questions, Gunn wrote:

    “Nothing is cannon until ‘Creature Commandos’ next year –– a sort of aperitif to the DCU –– & then a deeper dive into the universe with ‘Superman: Legacy’ after that. It’s a very human drive to want to understand everything all the time, but I think it’s okay to be confused on what’s happening in the DCU since no one has seen anything from the DCU yet. And, yes, some actors will be playing characters they’ve played in other stories & some plot points might be consistent with plot points from dozens of films, shows & animated projects that have come from DC in the past. But nothing is canon until ‘CC’ and ‘Legacy’.”

    ‘Creature Commandos’ will feature a voice cast that includes Davis as Waller, and a ‘Peacemaker’ spin-off featuring the character has been announced. Cena, meanwhile, will be back for the planned second season of ‘Peacemaker’ (even if it’ll likely have to wait until ‘Waller’ and ‘Legacy’ are complete).

    Xolo Maridueña will still be Blue Beetle

    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    Gunn has previously said that Xolo Maridueña, who starred as Jaime Reyes, the main character in this year’s ‘Blue Beetle’ will be staying around, despite the movie’s relatively low $125 million worldwide gross (from an estimated budget of $104 million before marketing costs). He hasn’t specified since then, and there is no ‘Blue Beetle’ sequel on the books, but Maridueña could well show up in other projects.

    ‘Creature Commandos’ will be on Max next year, while ‘Superman: Legacy’ is scheduled for release on July 11th, 2025. With the WGA strike now over, the writer/director can get back to work on the script, while hopes are high that the actors will be available once SAG-AFTRA’s own industrial action is complete, and performers have a decent new deal from the studios.

    DC's 'Creature Commandos'
    DC’s ‘Creature Commandos’ Photo: DC.com.

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    Please click on the video player below to watch our interview with James Gunn and Chris Pratt for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’

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  • James Wan Addresses ‘Aquaman’ Sequel Rumors

    (Left) 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' director James Wan at CinemaCon 2022. Photos by Eric Charbonneau. (Right) Jason Momoa on the set of 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.' Photo courtesy of Jason Momoa's Instagram account.
    (Left) ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ director James Wan at CinemaCon 2022. Photos by Eric Charbonneau. (Right) Jason Momoa on the set of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.’ Photo courtesy of Jason Momoa’s Instagram account.

    Following the huge, $1 billion-plus success of the first ‘Aquaman’ movie, a sequel was pretty much a given. ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ originally shot in 2021, but since then has been through all manner of changes, both in terms of release date and footage.

    Yet despite several stories about issues behind the scenes, director James Wan has now opened up about the process, clearing up rumors and debunking some, while admitting it has been a challenge getting the movie to this point?

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    What’s the story of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’?

    Jason Momoa on the set of 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.'
    Jason Momoa on the set of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.’ Photo courtesy of Jason Momoa’s Instagram account.

    In the previous movie, Aquaman, AKA Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) embraced his destiny as a leader of Atlantis and thwarted the devious schemes of half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson).

    For ‘Lost Kingdom’, the feuding siblings form an uneasy partnership to take on another of the first film’s big bads, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Black Manta, a vengeance-seeking and now hugely powerful supervillain in possession of the Black Trident, which gives him the ability to command an ancient evil.

    James Wan on whether Batman is in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’

    Ben Affleck and Jason Momoa on the set of 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.'
    (L to R) Ben Affleck and Jason Momoa on the set of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.’ Photo courtesy of Jason Momoa’s Instagram account.

    Originally planned to surface in theaters last December, the ‘Aquaman’ sequel has seen several different release dates and is also caught up in the end of the DC Extended Universe (and the shift to James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new plans).

    The change in arrival dates also meant Wan and co. had to work to figure out cameos and more so as to fit into the storyline following ‘The Flash’.

    A big part of that is which version of Batman would appear in the film (if at all), with scenes shot featuring either Michael Keaton’s take (as returned to screens in ‘The Flash’) or Ben Affleck.

    Here’s what Wan had to say to Entertainment Weekly on that:

    “The tricky thing early on was not knowing whether ‘Aquaman’ would come out first or come out after ‘The Flash’. So, we just had to be prepared. At the end of the day, the best thing I would say about this movie is that it is not connected in any way to any of those films.”

    He won’t be drawn on whether Batman actually shows up, preferring to go no comment on that front.

    Related Article: ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ has Been Through Three Rounds of Re-Shoots and Removed Batman Scenes

    James Wan talks ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom re-shoots’

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros Pictures/ ™ & © DC Comics.

    The chatter about additional photography has also been a big part of the rumor sphere, but Wan is quick to explain…

    “We have big actors in this movie, and everyone’s schedule is really hard. So, we had to break up our shooting schedule into sections. We’ll shoot a bit here now, because this actor’s available, and then we’ll do another shoot now, because this guy’s available. People are like, ‘Oh, they’re doing a whole bunch of different shoots!’ No. If we actually combined them all together, it’s actually not that many number of days at all.”

    Wan on Amber Heard’s claims that her role as Mera was “pared down”

    Amber Heard in 2010's 'The Ward.'
    Amber Heard in 2010’s ‘The Ward.’

    Amber Heard, who plays Atlantean warrior Mera in the first movie and returns for the second, made comments in 2022 that she felt her role in the new movie felt “pared down”.

    But for Wan, it was simply a case of David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick’s script focusing on a different dynamic this time:

    “I always pitched this to everyone from the get-go. The first Aquaman was Arthur and Mera’s journey. The second movie was always going to be Arthur and Orm. So, the first was a romance action-adventure movie, the second one is a bromance action-adventure movie. We’ll leave it at that.”

    You’ll get your chance to see more of the movie when the first trailer arrives online tomorrow. For now, check out the teaser below:

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    ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ will be in theaters –– hopefully –– on December 20th.

    Jason Momoa as Aquaman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Jason Momoa as Aquaman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros Pictures/ ™ & © DC Comics.

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    ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, Atomic Monster, The Safran Company, and DC Films. The movie is scheduled to release in theaters on December 20th, 2023.

  • Ángel Manuel Soto to Direct ‘The Wrecking Crew’

    Director Ángel Manuel Soto at a 'Blue Beetle' Fan Screening in London.
    Director Ángel Manuel Soto at a ‘Blue Beetle’ Fan Screening in London.

    Having seen his most recent movie –– DC superhero origin story ‘Blue Beetle’ –– open top of the box office this weekend (with the proviso that it was a relatively soft $25.4 million, less than Warner Bros. was hoping for), director Ángel Manuel Soto has another potential job on the horizon.

    According to The Wrap, he’s adding to his To Do list: Soto is now attached to direct buddy action comedy ‘The Wrecking Crew’ for MGM.

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    What is ‘The Wrecking Crew’?

    Dave Bautista in 'Knock at the Cabin,' directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
    Dave Bautista in ‘Knock at the Cabin,’ directed by M. Night Shyamalan.

    While the title has been used before –– cinematically for a Dean Martin-starring Matt Helm movie and a documentary about the legendary group of 1960s session musicians, while there is a Marvel comic with the name –– this is, in fact, the movie that Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa set up back in 2021.

    The two actors, who are friends in real life, decided to figure out a movie to work together on.

    Bautista put the idea out into the world as a tweet in August of 2021.

    https://twitter.com/DaveBautista/status/1428407178709372940

    The concept has snowballed since then; MGM snapped up the chance to make the movie after a bidding war and it has since been handed to ‘Warrior’ and ‘Banshee’ TV series creator Jonathan Tropper (who wrote ‘The Adam Project’ for Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy) to turn into a script. Jeffrey Fierson, who worked with Momoa on the Netflix series ‘Frontier,’ will produce.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Blue Beetle’ 

    What’s the story of ‘The Wrecking Crew’?

    Jason Momoa as Dante in 'Fast X', directed by Louis Leterrier.
    Jason Momoa as Dante in ‘Fast X’, directed by Louis Leterrier.

    So far, neither MGM nor the potential stars have revealed anything about the plot for this one –– Momoa and Bautista had hoped for something along the lines of ‘Lethal Weapon’.

    Perhaps (and this is only our speculation) it’ll focus on a pair of cops who are notoriously destructive in their missions, hence the name. That’s something we can see the pair doing well.

    Soto, of course, isn’t David Leitch as the original tweet suggested, but he’s certainly proved he can bring fun and style to the movies he makes, including ‘Beetle’ and his previous effort, ‘Charm City Kings’.

    And while no one can work on the movie just yet because of the writers and actors’ strike (Tropper’s script was completed before the Writers Guild of America started its industrial action back in May), Soto has proved to be a director in demand.

    In addition to this new potential assignment, he is also attached to work on a new ‘Transformers’ spin-off for Paramount. Soto has been developing that alongside ‘Daredevil’ (Netflix era) writer Marco Ramirez.

    Few details are available on that movie, aside from the fact that it won’t be a main franchise entry for ‘Transformers’ but will instead serve as a spin-off focusing on a different story and characters within the robots-in-disguise universe.

    We’ll have to wait and see whether either of these movies actually ends up hitting screens, but ‘The Wrecking Crew’ (which had been previously untitled) certainly appears to have taken a positive step forward.

    Director Ángel Manuel Soto at a 'Blue Beetle' Fan Screening in Mexico.
    Director Ángel Manuel Soto at a ‘Blue Beetle’ Fan Screening in Mexico.

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    ‘Blue Beetle’ is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, The Safran Company, and DC Films, and will be in theaters on August 18th.

     

     

  • Movie Review: ‘Blue Beetle’

    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    Making his DCU debut, ‘Blue Beetle’ is filled with action, humor, and a strong family dynamic that tugs at the heartstring. Recent college graduate Jaime Reyes unexpectedly crosses paths with an alien biotechnology that gives him incredible power but pits him against the dangerous Kord Industries in Warner Bros.’s latest superhero comic book movie.

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    What Is The Story of ‘Blue Beetle’?

    In ‘Blue Beetle,’ we find Jaime Reyes as he returns home after graduating from college. What should be a time of celebration for the young graduate quickly turns gloomy as Jaime realized that his home was not how he had left it. As he settles back into his house and figures out how he can help his family, he unexpectedly comes into possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology known as the Scarab.

    When the Scarab chooses Jaime to be its host, he is granted an advanced suit of armor that allows incredible and sometimes unexpected power. Once Kord Industries learns of this, they plan to hunt down Jaime and take the Scarab from him by any means necessary.

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    Who Is In ‘Blue Beetle’?

    Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez and Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez and Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Initial Thoughts

    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    This is the Blue Beetle’s official entry into the DC Cinematic Universe. Aside from appearing in comic books starting in 1939, Blue Beetle has also appeared in the DC animated series ‘Young Justice’ and the TV show ‘Smallville.’

    Xolo Maridueña is outstanding as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle, adding his own charm to the character. Jaime has to toe the balance of being excited and apprehensive about his new power while staying grounded enough to understand the dangerous situation he’s in. Maridueña’s performance brought it all to life, as well as the delivering intense fight scenes and emotional moments.

    As a young superhero’s origin story, the movie stayed focused on Jaime’s journey of becoming Blue Beetle and how to protect his family from the relentless Kord Industries rather than having him save the world in his first entry into the DCU, keeping the story grounded. The film also spends a good amount of time with Jaime’s close-knit family, hitting many heartfelt moments that elevate the movie.

    Story and Direction

    Xolo Mariduena and director Angel Manuel Soto on the set of Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'Blue Beetle,'a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Xolo Mariduena and director Angel Manuel Soto on the set of Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘Blue Beetle,’a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    The film is directed by Angel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer. The movie quickly introduces Kord Industries and their quest to find the alien biotechnology known as the Scarab. CEO Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) also alludes to her intention to weaponize the alien technology, as well as her plan for the “One Man Army Corp,” better known as “OMAC.”

    Jaime Reyes returns home after graduating college, excited to see his family. Much to his dismay, some unexpected news dampens the mood. The family is facing financial hardship, with their business closing and on the verge of losing their home. It’s subtle, but the film makes a point to show the gentrification of Jaime’s hometown – new corporate businesses such as Starbucks taking over the space of shuttered local businesses.

    To help out his family, Jaime and his sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo) work at a luxury resort owned by Kord Industries, putting him in the path of Victoria Kord and Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine) and, inevitably, the Scarab.

    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    Without knowing, Jaime takes the Scarab home, where it deems him to be a suitable host. Once bonded with the Scarab, the movie kicks into high gear – taking the typical journey of Jaime learning how to use and understand its powers and the threat that comes with it.

    The movie moves quickly in its 2 hours and 7 minute runtime but never felt rushed. It establishes the essential points efficiently so the characters can have their time to shine. While it is titled ‘Blue Beetle,’ the movie never forgets that Jaime’s family is equally as important as he is. They are there every step of the way – from the terrifying moment when the Scarab attaches itself to Jaime to supporting him emotionally when he needs it the most.

    The attention given to the Reyes family is wonderful, but the same couldn’t be said for the antagonist of the film. The ambitious Victoria Kord will stop at nothing until she can get her hands on the Scarab, but the character remains a surface-level villain at best.

    Related Article: Susan Sarandon Added to DC’s ‘Blue Beetle’

    The Family Dynamic

    Elpida Carrillo as Rocio, George Lopez as Uncle Rudy, Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes, Melissa Escobedo as Milagro and Damian Alcazar as Alberto in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Elpida Carrillo as Rocio, George Lopez as Uncle Rudy, Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes, Melissa Escobedo as Milagro and Damian Alcazar as Alberto in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    When one thinks of superhero or comic book movie, explosive action sequences and flashy CGI comes to mind. ‘Blue Beetle’ has plenty of that and does it well, but the best part about this movie is Jaime and his family. They have a close relationship that results in playful banter that had the audience in stitches and more importantly, an understanding that the most essential thing about their family is always to support one another no matter what.

    The spotlight on the Reyes family gives a valuable and significant representation of the Latino community and culture, and serves as the heartbeat of the film.

    Final Thoughts

    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    This was a solid entry for ‘Blue Beetle’ as a superhero’s origin story. It’s a refreshing take on the Blue Beetle origin and has all the elements that make a great comic book movie – entertaining, great action, and humor. Great to see the writer and director didn’t feel the need to have a superhero who has just come into his powers save the world. Instead, it stayed contained to let the new hero shine at his own pace. More importantly, the Reyes family gave the story all the right emotions in the right places and is the best part of the film.

    ‘Blue Beetle’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.

    'Blue Beetle' is scheduled to be released in the United States on August 18, 2023.
    ‘Blue Beetle’ is scheduled to be released in the United States on August 18, 2023.

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    ‘Blue Beetle’ is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, The Safran Company, and DC Films, and will be in theaters on August 18th.

     

  • DC Has ‘No Plans’ for a New ‘Wonder Woman’ Movie

    Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in 'Wonder Woman 1984.'
    Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in ‘Wonder Woman 1984.’

    Speaking before the SAG-AFTRA strike took effect –– but with the interview tied to new Netflix movie ‘Heart of Stone’ –– Gal Gadot whipped (or should that be lassoed) the internet into a frenzy when she offered fresh comments in an interview that indicated current DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran have told her a new ‘Wonder Woman’ movie is in development.

    Yet, after a little bit of digging and reaching out to sources, trade magazine Variety has learned that it’s not currently true.

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    What did Gal Gadot say about a new ‘Wonder Woman’?

    Gal Gadot in 'Superpowered: The DC Story.'
    Gal Gadot in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.

    Potentially looking to keep one of her most successful characters going in a time of huge transition for Warner Bros./DC, Gadot said this about the potentially positive future for Diana Prince:

    “It’s so close to and dear to my heart. From what I heard from James and from Peter is that we’re gonna develop a ‘Wonder Woman 3’ together.”

    And she made even more enthusiastic comments in a recent Flaunt Magazine profile:

    “I was invited to a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran, and what they told me, and I’m quoting: ‘You’re in the best hands. We’re going to develop ‘Wonder Woman 3’ with you. [We] love you as Wonder Woman— you’ve got nothing to worry about.’ So, time will tell.”

    That stands in stark contrast to co-writer/director Patty Jenkins, who had shepherded ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ to screens and said in December that her latest draft for a third outing had been rejected by Warners (though not directly Gunn and Safran). Jenkins has stepped away from the franchise, but Gadot is holding on to the idea that she’ll be back in the bulletproof bracelets.

    Yet Variety’s sources are telling the title that no such promises were made to the actor, nor is there any active development under way on a ‘Wonder Woman’ title featuring Gadot’s character.

    Related Article: Gal Gadot May Return As Wonder Woman

    What is happening with the Amazons at DC?

    Gal Gadot in 'Wonder Woman.'
    Gal Gadot in ‘Wonder Woman.’

    As of now, all anyone knows about a ‘Wonder Woman’ adjacent project is the one outlined by Gunn and Safran during their announcement of the first stage of their new DC movie and TV universe back in January.

    Here’s what Gunn said at the time:

    “It’s an origin story of how this society of women came about. What does it mean? What are their politics like? What are their rules? Who’s in charge? What are the games that they play with each other to get to the top. I think it’s really exciting.” It’s set before Diana is born.”

    Which is hardly the striding forward motion on a new ‘Wonder Woman’ movie that Gadot might be wishing for.

    The way things are shaping up, this may prove to be a fairly lousy Friday for Gadot –– between this and the initial reactions to ‘Heart of Stone’ (a new spy thriller that aims to do for her what ‘Extraction’ did for Chris Hemsworth), she might want to focus on the future of, say, the ‘Red Notice’ movies instead or (spoiler alert for this year’s ‘Fast X’) her return to the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise.

    Gal Gadot attends the Netflix's Tudum: A Global Fan Event 2023 at Fundação Bienal de São Paulo on June 17, 2023 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
    Gal Gadot attends the Netflix’s Tudum: A Global Fan Event 2023 at Fundação Bienal de São Paulo on June 17, 2023 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images for NETFLIX.
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  • ‘Suicide Squad’ Director David Ayer on Seeing His Cut Released

    The cast of director David Ayer's 2016 'Suicide Squad.'
    The cast of director David Ayer’s 2016 ‘Suicide Squad.’ Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

    Even before the release of Zack Snyder’s version of ‘Justice League’ on steaming in 2021, David Ayer has been banging the drum for the release of the director’s cut of his own journey in the DC movie universe, 2016’s ‘Suicide Squad’.

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    The movie, which featured the likes of Margot Robbie (in her first outing as Harley Quinn), Will Smith and Viola Davis, arrived in theaters and was quickly given a drubbing by critics. It went on to earn a respectable $746.8 million worldwide at the box office, but when you factor in budget (around $175 million) and marketing costs, it wasn’t seen as a big success. Ayer attributed a lot of that to the studio interfering with his vision, demanding a new cut and releasing an inferior version.

    You can find his statement on that via twitter here:

    Related Article: New DC Studios Head James Gunn Lays Out His Initial Ideas For the Future of the DCU

    Ayer’s new comments

    Viola Davis as Amanda Waller
    Viola Davis as Amanda Waller in 2016’s ‘Suicide Squad.’

    For years, the director has stoked the fires of support for what he calls the “Ayer Cut” of ‘Squad’ to see the light of day, and smacked down detractors who wish he’d stop, especially in light of Warner Bros. and DC moving on with James Gunn’s 2021 effort ‘The Suicide Squad’.

    Now, though, it appears Ayer has the support of Gunn himself –– who has since gone on to run what is now known as DC Studios with producer Peter Safran –– and that Ayer’s version of the movie may eventually see screens.

    Here’s what Ayer said to someone who questioned his ongoing crusade:

    “There’s a genuine curiosity and interest from a lot of people. And I’m aware there is another group of people that have fun mocking the film. Your comment is a perfect example of how many are magnetically drawn to the 2016 film in a negative way. Have you ever had an experience in life that didn’t until the way you wanted, that dragged you, that made you rethink everything? I have.”

    He then went on to drop Gunn’s name as a supporter of the film after reportedly having talks with the man in charge of the current iteration of the DC universe on big and small screens:

    “All I know is my unseen film plays much better than the studio release. The interest in my cut being show seems real and organic. And Gunn told me it would have it’s time to be shared. He absolutely deserves to launch his DC universe without more drama about old projects. In a way I’m chained to this thing. I’m riding a tiger here and navigating this situation the best I can. Life is a very strange journey.”

    You can find Ayer’s full statement on social media here:

    https://twitter.com/DavidAyerMovies/status/1688419559827726336

    Will it happen?

    Whether the director’s preferred cut ever actually comes out is another matter. There is certainly interest in seeing it, but Gunn’s reassurances do feel a little like a parent telling a child they can have that candy if they behave. Still, there were plenty of naysayers when Snyder was talking up his ‘Justice League’ cut, so stranger things have happened.

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    The cast of director David Ayer's 2016 'Suicide Squad.'
    The cast of director David Ayer’s 2016 ‘Suicide Squad.’ Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

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  • Dwayne Johnson on why ‘Black Adam’ is not Continuing

    Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure 'Black Adam.'
    Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure ‘Black Adam,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures.

    When Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson get together you can usually expect two things –– plenty of friendly insults between the two and some candid moments.

    Such was the case when Johnson guested on Hart’s Peacock show ‘Hart to Heart’, in which he has invited various people on to talk about their careers, their ambitions and more.

    And in between the various funny jabs at each other, there was a chance for Johnson to open up about his disappointment around the character of Black Adam at DC.

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    What happened with ‘Black Adam’?

    Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure 'Black Adam.'
    Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure ‘Black Adam,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    The character, who was created for DC Comics as an antagonist for Shazam, has evolved since then on the page to become something of an antihero in his own right.

    Cinematically, the plan had been for Adam to serve as a nemesis for Shazam (played on screen by Zachary Levi in two movies so far), but when Johnson became involved in 2014, he urged producers to take it in a different direction.

    A movie based solely around Black Adam went into development but took years to come to fruition. And when it did, it arrived in a vortex of post-Covid box office issues and changing regimes at DC.

    The movie opened to $67 million, the biggest launch for a Johnson solo movie (we’re not counting the ‘Fast & Furious’ movies he has appeared in) but couldn’t weather the current moviegoing climate and ended up topping out at $393.2 million worldwide –– a disappointment for a film that cost at least around $200 million to make, more to market and had been viewed as a franchise starter.

    Johnson had intended to see the character build to a confrontation with Henry Cavill’s Superman, going to far as to have him cameo in a post-credits sting. But given the new broom approach taken by incoming DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran, that isn’t in the cards right now.

    Johnson posted about his disappointment on Twitter in December:

    What did Dwayne Johnson say about ‘Black Adam’?

    Dwayne Johnson stars as Black Adam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure 'Black Adam.'
    Dwayne Johnson stars as Black Adam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure ‘Black Adam.’

    Talking with Hart, Johnson mentioned the shift in studio leadership that had torpedoed ‘Adam’s’ future:

    “‘Black Adam’ got caught in a vortex of new leadership. It was so many changes in leadership. Anytime you have a company, a publicly traded company, and you have all those changes in leadership, you have people coming in who, creatively and fiscally, are going to make decisions that you may not agree with. It was like new ownership coming in and buying an NFL team and going, ‘Not my coach, not my quarterback.’ It doesn’t matter how many times you won the Super Bowl or how many rings you got; you’re going with somebody else.”

    And despite its seeming failure at the box office, the star defended the movie:

    “That will always be one of the biggest mysteries. You have the biggest opening of your career. Sure, no China, which could’ve been maybe 100 or 200 million more dollars. You have a superhero, and you want to grow out the franchise. You bring back Superman and Henry Cavill, which the world went crazy. And we created a diverse superhero portfolio, where we have just men and women of color in ‘Black Adam.’”

    You can see the whole segment of ‘Hart to Heart’ about ‘Black Adam’ below.

    Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure 'Black Adam.'
    Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure ‘Black Adam,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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  • Gal Gadot May Return As Wonder Woman

    Gal Gadot in 'Superpowered: The DC Story.'
    Gal Gadot in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.

    Wonder Woman has battled many enemies in her time, between the pages of comic books and on screens big and small. But this past December, it looked like the one challenge she couldn’t rise to meet was the sweeping regime change at Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC arm, where the installation of filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran looked to change things up for the cinematic universe based on the DC comics output.

    Back then, co-writer/director Patty Jenkins, who had shepherded ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ to screens, said that her latest draft for a third outing had been rejected by Warners (though not directly Gunn and Safran).

    Yet while Gunn has made plans for a story set among the Amazons, it appears Diana Prince could still return to movie theaters, and with Gal Gadot remaining in the role, if the actor herself proves correct.

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    Gal Gadot lets slip about talks with the DC team

    Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in 'Wonder Woman 1984.'
    Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in ‘Wonder Woman 1984.’

    Out promoting (before the actors’ strike shut all such activity down) new Netflix action thriller ‘Heart of Stone’, Gadot told Comicbook.com that she’s been developing a new ‘Wonder Woman’ focused project with the DC bosses.

    Here’s what she said:

    ”I love portraying Wonder Woman. It’s so close to and dear to my heart. From what I heard from James and from Peter is that we’re gonna develop a ‘Wonder Woman 3’ together.”

    So, yes, not that much to go on and as we all know, talk of development doesn’t necessarily translate into actual films, but at least it gives some hope to those who appreciate the work that Gadot has put in as Wonder Woman up to now.

    Related Article: David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan to play Clark Kent and Lois Lane in ‘Superman: Legacy’

    Gadot on the Superman casting

    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix's 'The Politician.' (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'
    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix’s ‘The Politician.’ (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video’s ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’

    Because of her long connection to DC, Gadot was also asked about the news of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane for Gunn’s new movie ‘Superman: Legacy’.

    Here’s her thoughts:

    “I saw that they were testing, doing different screen tests, but I don’t know who got it, but it seemed like everyone was super legit and talented and, like, great. So, I’m happy for them. It’s such a huge take-on and it’s such an exciting beginning to any actor, and I wish whoever it’s going to be the best of luck and enjoy the ride.”

    Will we see Gadot eventually sharing the screen with Corenswet’s newly minted Superman? Only time will tell on that front, but at least it points to Gunn and Safran not completely throwing out everything of the previous DC universe (though we doubt there will be much of it still around).

    ‘Heart of Stone’, meanwhile, which sees the actor as a spy forced to go rogue, will be on Netflix on August 11th.

    Gal Gadot attends the Netflix's Tudum: A Global Fan Event 2023 at Fundação Bienal de São Paulo on June 17, 2023 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
    Gal Gadot attends the Netflix’s Tudum: A Global Fan Event 2023 at Fundação Bienal de São Paulo on June 17, 2023 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images for NETFLIX.

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  • ‘Superman: Legacy’ Adds ‘Barry’s Anthony Carrigan

    Anthony Carrigan on HBO's 'Barry.'
    Anthony Carrigan on HBO’s ‘Barry.’ Photograph by Courtesy of HBO.

    James Gunn really is looking to some deep cuts to fill the character list of ‘Superman: Legacy’, the film he’s planning to kick off the big screen version of DC Studios’ output.

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    How deep? Try classic DC character Metamorpho, who will be brought to life by ‘Barry’ actor Anthony Carrigan.

    He’ll share the screen with ‘Legacy’ stars David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, who are playing main characters Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane and more recent recruits Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced and Ed Gathegi.

    Who is Metamorpho?

    DC Comics' Metamorpho.
    DC Comics’ Metamorpho. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.

    Metamorpho, real name Rex Mason, was created by Bob Haney and Ramona Fradon in 1965. He can transmute elements in his body into various forms, taking those properties on as powers. After first being an archeologist, his abilities set him on the path of heroism. He later became a detective and a founding member of the supergroup known as the Outsiders.

    Carrigan, who played NoHo Hank on Bill Hader’s successful HBO series (and has recently scored another Emmy nomination for the role) had already thought about the character before he got the role.

    This is what he told The Hollywood Reporter:

    “I like comic books, but I’m not a diehard, but I did when all my hair fell out, go through the kind of pantheon of all of these bald superheroes and supervillains and made note of all of them. I remember seeing Metamorpho and I think he had, like, a giant like hammer for a hand and I was like, ‘that guy’s badass. Noted. We’ll store that one away.’ This character from what I’ve learned of the source material, he didn’t like the way he looked, and I can really relate to that. When he got his powers he thought it was a curse. That’s something that I really felt as well. In my case, I turned it around and saw it as a blessing. So, I’m excited to bring that to the table with this character.”

    Related Article: Director James Gunn Adds Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced and Ed Gathegi to the cast of ‘Superman: Legacy’

    What’s the story of ‘Superman: Legacy’?

    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix's 'The Politician.' (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'
    (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.”

    ‘Superman: Legacy’, which is scheduled to shoot early next year (which will hopefully put it beyond the strike shutdowns), should land in theaters on July 11th, 2025.

    Anthony Carrigan on HBO's 'Barry.'
    Anthony Carrigan on HBO’s ‘Barry.’ Photograph by Courtesy of HBO.

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  • Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced and Ed Gathegi Join ‘Superman: Legacy’

    (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.'
    (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.’

    Now that he has found his key cast members for ‘Superman: Legacy’ in David Corenswet (as Clark Kent/Superman) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), James Gunn has gotten on with the business of building the ensemble around them.

    Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced and Edi Gathegi are the new recruits (though in Fillion’s case, we somewhat suspect Gunn had been looking for a role for his regular collaborator before he even started the search for Supes.)

    They’ll be playing Guy Gardner (a Green Lantern), Hawkgirl and Mister Terrific, respectively.

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    Who is Guy Gardner?

    Green Lantern Guy Gardner.
    Green Lantern Guy Gardner. Courtesy of DC Comics.

    Fillion (who has appeared in many of Gunn’s previous movies, including ‘The Suicide Squad’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’) will be Gardner, one of the main ring bearers of the Green Lantern corps. Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, he first appeared in the pages of Green Lantern #59, published in March 1968.

    According to Vanity Fair’s Anthony Breznican, who broke the news of the latest casting, he’ll stay true to his comics background: Gardner is known as an abrasive, sometimes obnoxious presence (something we know Fillion can do while still be remaining fun). The character is known for his iconic bowl cut haircut, which will be a part of the actor’ look in the film.

    Who is Hawkgirl?

    Hawkgirl from DC Comics.
    Hawkgirl from DC Comics. Courtesy of DC Comics.

    Merced, known for playing Dora The Explorer in ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ is on to play Hawkgirl, a warrior who favors swords, spears, and maces. She’s been seen on TV in ‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’, but this is a new actor and take on the character.

    Who is Mister Terrific?

    Mister Terrific (Michael Holt).
    Mister Terrific (Michael Holt). Courtesy of DC Comics.

    Finally, we have Gathegi (seen in the ‘Twilight’ movies and most recently on Apple TV+’s space drama ‘For All Mankind’), who has been cast as Mr. Terrific. Also known as Michael Holt, he’s not only a skilled combatant but one of the world’s most brilliant inventors and tacticians, orbited by the floating T-Sphere weapons he designed.

    Related Article: David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan to play Clark Kent and Lois Lane in ‘Superman: Legacy’

    What’s the story of ‘Superman: Legacy’?

    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix's 'The Politician.' (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'
    (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.”

    ‘Superman: Legacy’ is scheduled to land in theaters on July 11th, 2025 –– that’s right, just about two years from now. So, if long waits are your kryptonite, we can only apologize.

    Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn and Superman.
    (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.

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