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  • ‘Across the River and into the Trees’ – Liev Schreiber

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    Opening in theaters on August 30th is the new war drama ‘Across the River and into the Trees’, which is based on the 1950 novel by Ernest Hemingway.

    Directed by Paula Ortiz (‘Teresa’), the film stars Liev Schreiber (‘Ray Donovan’ and ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’), Matilda De Angelis (‘Coco’), Josh Hutcherson (‘The Beekeeper’), Laura Morante (‘Man on Fire’), Danny Huston (‘Wonder Woman’), and Sabrina Impacciatore (‘The Passion of the Christ’).

    Related Article: Matt Smith and Liev Schreiber Join the Cast of Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Caught Stealing’

    Liev Schreiber in 'Across the River and into the Trees'. Photo: Tribune Pictures.
    Liev Schreiber in ‘Across the River and into the Trees’. Photo: Tribune Pictures.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Liev Schreiber about his work on ‘Across the River and into the Trees’, the work of Ernest Hemingway, his character, working with director Paula Ortiz, filming during the pandemic, reuniting with his ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ co-star Danny Huston, and why Schreiber did not reprise his role of Sabretooth in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview.

    Liev Schreiber in 'Across the River and into the Trees'. Photo: Tribune Pictures.
    Liev Schreiber in ‘Across the River and into the Trees’. Photo: Tribune Pictures.

    Moviefone: To begin with, how familiar were you with the work of Ernest Hemingway before making ‘Across the River and into the Trees’?

    Liev Schreiber: I had only read the basic high school Hemingway, which was, I had read ‘A Farewell to Arms’ and I’d read ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’. I really didn’t have much experience with him. When Paula initially reached out to me about the film, she told me about a novel by a guy named Andrea di Robilant called ‘Autumn in Venice’, which is a wonderful telling of Hemingway’s time in Venice, which is a place that as many people know, he really loved. Especially his relationship to a young Countess, Adriana Ivancich. I knew that Paula wanted Ernest Hemingway to be present in this film and I followed. So, we grew my beard a little longer, and I spent a tremendous amount of time in Venice. There’s a lot of films about older men and younger women obviously, but one of the things that I appreciated about Hemingway was his self-consciousness about it and his self-loathing, or self-consciousness that verges on self-loathing. I think that that is a very refreshing and interesting take on it. He was impossibly spellbound by Adriana, the real woman, and at the same time hated himself for it and was very frustrated and then did absolutely nothing to hide it. So, a very complicated man, and I think in ‘Across the River’, he paints the portrait that perhaps he wants us to see, or that he wanted Adriana to see because he ultimately did write it for her, I believe.

    MF: Did you relate personally to your character and what was your approach to playing Colonel Cantwell?

    LS: I don’t often take things because I think I can knock them out of the park. I wish that there were things that I read that I thought I could knock out of the park. This was something that I was interested in perhaps because I was thinking about it and I was feeling it, which was mortality. We had just gone through the pandemic, my father was terminally ill, and I am getting on in years myself. Mortality in all its incarnations and the vulnerability that it elicits and the uncomfortable feelings, and it was just something that I thought was worth exploring and would be compelling for me as a role.

    (L to R) Matilda De Angelis and Liev Schreiber in 'Across the River and into the Trees'. Photo: Tribune Pictures.
    (L to R) Matilda De Angelis and Liev Schreiber in ‘Across the River and into the Trees’. Photo: Tribune Pictures.

    Can you talk about collaborating on set with director Paula Ortiz?

    MF: Well, initially I was just so surprised that this feminist auteur director wanted to take on Hemingway. When I watched her other films, I thought, okay, this is someone who was really in touch with that. Everyone always talks about the simplicity of Hemingway, the masculinity of the writing, the spareness of it. But to be honest with you, that’s not what I thought when I read Hemingway in high school, and it’s certainly not what I thought when I read ‘Across the River’. I get that grammatically, in terms of styles of writing, I think he’s a romantic. I think that there are aspects of him, and I think that the masculinity that he wanted to convey to the world was a bit of a costume. For a child whose mother dressed him in girl’s clothes and things like that, he seemed awfully obsessed with doing masculine things. I think that Paula captures that. That there is this bravado, there is this lurch towards something that feels appropriate or that how one should act. One should join the military, one should serve one’s country, one should lead bravely, one should sacrifice one’s life, one should do all these things, but what one feels is oftentimes entirely different and at odds with what one should do. I think both Hemingway and Paula had a good handle on that concept.

    MF: Can you talk about shooting in St. Mark’s Square in Venice during the pandemic? What was that like?

    LS: It was extraordinary. I mean, imagine that city with no one in it. It had been returned to the Venetians, and they were in heaven. It’s probably why they’ve outlawed cruise ships because they’re still desperate for a bit of that. To be walking down those streets and beside those canals by yourself in the middle of the night, and to see the history and to feel the ghosts and the shadows of that extraordinarily beautiful city and culture, and because of the pandemic and what everyone was going through, we were there for quite some time and it was probably the best year of my life.

    Danny Huston in 'Across the River and into the Trees'. Photo: Tribune Pictures.
    Danny Huston in ‘Across the River and into the Trees’. Photo: Tribune Pictures.

    MF: What was it like reuniting on screen with your ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ co-star Danny Huston?

    LS: Yeah, Danny and I are dear friends, and he was kind enough to help us out by coming to Venice to do this role. So yes, it was lovely to be with Danny again.

    MF: Finally, was there ever any talk about you reprising your Sabretooth role in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’?

    LS: No, there wasn’t. But I mean, I suppose that’s a conversation for Ryan. I think that they had it in their story that it would be Tyler Mane and that version of Sabretooth, which was a very different version of Sabretooth than mine, so I understand completely.

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    What is the plot of ‘Across the River and into the Trees’?

    United States Army Colonel Richard Cantwell (Liev Schreiber) confronts the news of his terminal illness with stoic indifference and enlists a military driver for presumably his final hunting trip and a visit to Venice. Along the way, Cantwell investigates an alleged war crime and has a chance encounter with a young woman from the Italian nobility.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Across the River and into the Trees’?

    • Liev Schreiber as Colonel Richard Cantwell
    • Matilda De Angelis as Renata Contarini
    • Josh Hutcherson as Jackson
    • Laura Morante as Contessa Contarini
    • Massimo Popolizio as Vanni Rizzon
    • Danny Huston as Captain Wes O’Neill
    • Sabrina Impacciatore as Agostina
    Liev Schreiber in 'Across the River and into the Trees'. Photo: Tribune Pictures.
    Liev Schreiber in ‘Across the River and into the Trees’. Photo: Tribune Pictures.

    Liev Schreiber Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Across the River and into the Trees’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Liev Schreiber Movies on Amazon

  • Every Hugh Jackman Wolverine Appearance, Ranked

    Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.
    Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    For almost twenty-five years Hugh Jackman has been playing Wolverine on screen, longer than any other actor has consecutively portrayed a live-action comic book character.

    The actor has appeared as the character in six different ‘X-Men‘ movies and three ‘Wolverine‘ movies including the critically acclaimed ‘Logan,’ which was supposed to be his final appearance as the beloved character.

    However, Jackman will reprise his signature role one more time opposite his good friend Ryan Reynolds in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine‘, which is the third movie in the ‘Deadpool‘ franchise but the first to take place in the MCU and will open in theaters on July 26th.

    In honor of Jackman’s return to the character, Moviefone is counting down every Hugh Jackman appearance as Wolverine, including his cameos and his latest film.

    Let’s begin!

    11. ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine‘ (2009)

    Hugh Jackman in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    After seeking to live a normal life, Logan (Hugh Jackman) sets out to avenge the death of his girlfriend by undergoing the mutant Weapon X program and becoming Wolverine.

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    10. ‘X-Men: Apocalypse‘ (2016)

    Hugh Jackman in 'X-Men: Apocalypse'.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    After the re-emergence of the world’s first mutant, world-destroyer Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan. Jackman appears as Wolverine in a cameo.

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    9. ‘X-Men: The Last Stand‘ (2006)

    Haley Berry and Hugh Jackman in 'X-Men: The Last Stand'.
    (L to R) Haley Berry and Hugh Jackman in ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    When a cure is found to treat mutations, lines are drawn amongst the X-Men—led by Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart)—and the Brotherhood, a band of powerful mutants organised under Xavier’s former ally, Magneto (Ian McKellen).

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    8. ‘Deadpool 2‘ (2018)

    Zazie Beetz as Domino, Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool, and Terry Crews as Bedlam in 'Deadpool 2.'
    (L to R) Zazie Beetz as Domino, Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool, and Terry Crews as Bedlam in ‘Deadpool 2.’ Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Wisecracking mercenary Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) battles the powerful Cable (Josh Brolin) and other bad guys to save a boy’s life. Jackman appears as Wolverine in an end credit cameo.

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    7. ‘X-Men: First Class‘ (2011)

    James McAvoy, Hugh Jackman and Michael Fassbender in 'X-Men: First Class'.
    (L to R) James McAvoy, Hugh Jackman and Michael Fassbender in ‘X-Men: First Class’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Before Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Michael Fassbender) took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were arch-enemies, they were closest of friends, working together with other mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. Jackman appears as Wolverine in a cameo.

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    6. ‘X-Men‘ (2000)

    Hugh Jackman in 'X-Men'.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘X-Men’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Explore the lure of the Old West and how it was won—and lost—through the blood, sweat and tears of many. Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, embark on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.

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    5. ‘The Wolverine‘ (2013)

    Hugh Jackman in 'The Wolverine'.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘The Wolverine’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Wolverine (Jackman) faces his ultimate nemesis – and tests of his physical, emotional, and mortal limits – in a life-changing voyage to modern-day Japan.

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    4. ‘X2‘ (2003)

    Hugh Jackman in 'X2'.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘X2’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    A former gunslinger (Costner) is forced to take up arms again when he and his cattle crew are threatened by a corrupt lawman (Michael Gambon).

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    3. ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past‘ (2014)

    Hugh Jackman in 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods as they join forces with their younger selves in an epic battle that must change the past – to save our future.

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    2. ‘Deadpool & Wolverine‘ (2024)

    Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.
    (L to R) Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

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

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    1. ‘Logan‘ (2017)

    Hugh Jackman in 'Logan'.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘Logan’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Wounded Civil War soldier, John Dunbar (Costner) tries to commit suicide—and becomes a hero instead. As a reward, he’s assigned to his dream post, a remote junction on the Western frontier, and soon makes unlikely friends with the local Sioux tribe.

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  • Scott Adkins Talks ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday’

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    Opening in theaters, on digital and on demand beginning October 14th is ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ which is a sequel to 2018’s ‘Accident Man,’ and was based on the British comic strip of the same name created by Pat Mills and Tony Skinner.

    Directed by The Kirby Brothers (George and Harry Kirby), the new sequel sees the return of Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon, who must beat the top assassins in the world to protect the ungrateful son of a mafia boss (George Fouracres), save the life of his only friend (Perry Benson) and rekindle his relationship with his maniacal father figure (Ray Stevenson).

    Scott Adkins is an accomplished actor and martial artist and has appeared in such popular movies as ‘The Bourne Ultimatum,’ ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine,’ ‘The Expendables 2,’ ‘Zero Dark Thirty,’ ‘Doctor Strange,’ ‘Ip Man 4: The Finale,’ and most recently, Netflix’s ‘Day Shift.’

    He will next be seen opposite Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ which is scheduled for release on May 24th, 2023.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Scott Adkins about ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ making the sequel, its new story, new characters, returning to the role, the fight scenes, reuniting with Ray Stevenson, why the Kirby Brothers were the right filmmakers to direct this movie, and working with Keanu Reeves on the upcoming ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’

    Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    You can read our full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview with Scott Adkins about ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday.’

    Moviefone: To begin with, when making the first film, at what point did you realize that these characters and this story would make a great sequel and franchise?

    Scott Adkins: Well, when I was a kid, it was a comic book. I grew up reading it, and I always thought it would make a great film. So, I must admit that making the first one, I was hoping that it would do well, because I knew it could be a franchise if the public responded to it well. So, that was always there in the back of my head, but you don’t want to tempt fate, do you?

    It took us a few years since the first one to get the second one across the finish line, to be honest. The pandemic didn’t help and other reasons. But for sure, ‘Accident Man’ works as a franchise. There’re many more stories to be told.

    MF: As an actor, what do you like about playing Mike Fallon?

    SA: First of all, he’s an expert martial artist, and that’s kind of my bag, so I knew I could do that. What I loved about the comic was how British it was, and how violent and funny it was at the same time. Comics were like that back in the day, but you never used to make movies like that. Everyone was scared to make those sorts of movies, and it was hard for me to get producers to sign on to it for a while.

    But I think when ‘Deadpool’ came out, that really showed that it’s okay to have a lot of fun and be a little bit rude, and have violence, and swear words, and that people are going to have a good time watching it. Because growing up in England, reading things like ‘2000 AD,’ that’s the way comic books were. They were quite adult in many ways, and that was the vision for the thing. We wrote ‘Accident Man’ before ‘Deadpool’ came out, by the way.

    Beau Fowler as Paco The Killer Clown and Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    (L to R) Beau Fowler as Paco The Killer Clown and Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    MF: Can you talk about filming the action scenes in ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ and working out the fight choreography with the stunt coordinators and the other actors?

    SA: I was a lot more involved this time around. I’m always very involved with the fights, of course, but I was even more involved this time because my go-to guy, Tim Mann, who did the fights in the first one, we couldn’t get him. He had already choreographed some fights, and then he took another project. So, we were kind of scrambling. Andy Long choreographed the fights that I have with him, and he also choreographed and shot another fight that happens with Sarah Chang‘s character.

    But then it was a mix and match. The directors, there’s Harry and there’s George, and George is a stuntman himself. In fact, the first time I met him was on ‘Doctor Strange’ because he was stunt doubling Benedict Cumberbatch. So, they are really clued up with the action as well. It was a lot of people just mucking into choreographing it and shooting these action sequences.

    They’re all daunting because I know that they’re all going to hurt. It’s like you wake up in the morning, you have a fight scene day, and you’re like, “Oh my God, this is going to suck.” You’ve just got to grit your teeth and get through it. They’re all daunting, man. People get hurt. It is painful. If it’s not painful, you’re not doing it right. I do loads of them, of course. It’s all part of it. I’m a lifelong martial artist.

    You condition your body to get hit, and that’s part of the gig. Sometimes you get hit hard in the face by accident, or accidents happen. On this one, the action was sort of front loaded the first week. It was all the end stuff we did first. So, finishing the first week, going into the second week of a four-week shoot, I was already injured. I hurt my knee, and that really sucks when you’re injured. But, if you do enough action films, you’re going to be injured for a few of them.

    Perry Benson as Finicky Fred and Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    (L to R) Perry Benson as Finicky Fred and Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    MF: Can you talk about Mike’s friendship with Finicky Fred and how that forwards the plot?

    SA: In the first one, he kills all of his friends. He thinks they’re his friends, but he ends up killing most of them. So, we wanted this film to be about finding the importance of having friends and family in your life, even though you may be a stone-cold killer. We all need friends, we all need mates, we all need people to rely on, and that’s essentially his arc through this story. Of course, Fred, Perry’s character, is integral to the telling of that arc.

    MF: Was the relationship between Mike and Siu-ling, played by Sarah Chang, inspired by Inspector Clouseau and Cato’s relationship in the original ‘Pink Panther’ movies?

    SA: Absolutely. I’m a big fan of ‘The Pink Panther’ movies. I’m a big fan of Peter Sellers. Some of those fights in those movies, they’re so funny. Ours is a bit more highlighting the action rather than the comedy, but that was essentially what I wanted to do.

    I wanted to make Sarah’s character kind of be like my Cato but in an updated sort of way, but have the fun of that, and that you never know when she’s going to strike. We’re probably around the same age. Our generation are going to know, but I think the kids coming up today, they probably haven’t seen those movies, and they absolutely should.

    Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon and Sarah Chang as Wong Siu-ling in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    (L to R) Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon and Sarah Chang as Wong Siu-ling in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    MF: Can you also talk about working with the Kirby Brothers, and when you are making a movie like this, is it helpful to work with filmmakers who have a background in stunts and fight coordinating?

    SA: Yeah, absolutely. When I first conceived the idea of making ‘Accident Man’ as a film, I wanted it to have a Matthew Vaughn or Edgar Wright feel to it. As directors, they definitely have that sensibility. They’re very visually stylistic, and they’re English. They come from the world of stunts, so they ticked all the boxes in what I wanted ‘Accident Man’ to be.

    MF: What was it like reuniting with Ray Stevenson on this movie?

    SA: Ray’s great. He’s a consummate professional, an amazing actor, and a real team player. We were just lucky to have him in the film. He brings that gravitas to that character, and he’s got a scene where he has to explain the whole plot, and you need a great actor for something like that. Ray’s the man. He’s great.

    Ray Stevenson as Big Ray in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    Ray Stevenson as Big Ray in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    MF: Finally, what was it like for you to join the ‘John Wick’ franchise and work with Keanu Reeves on ‘John Wick: Chapter 4?’

    SA: I’m a big fan of the ‘John Wick’ films. I think they are the best action films going at the moment when it comes to what Hollywood is doing. It’s a massive thrill to be involved.

    Keanu is just, as everyone says, the nicest guy. Chad Stahelski‘s an incredible director, and it was amazing to watch him work. I can’t wait for it to come out. I’m as disappointed as everyone that it’s been delayed till March. I can’t wait to see it!

    Keanu Reeves as John Wick in 'John Wick: Chapter 4.'
    Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’
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  • 13 Things You Never Knew About ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine” on its 10th Anniversary

    13 Things You Never Knew About ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine” on its 10th Anniversary

    20th Century Fox

    It’s been ten years since Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine got his first solo movie. Few would argue that “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” was a high point for the franchise, but without it we never would have gotten future gems like “Logan.” Celebrate this mutant milestone by learning some fun facts about the making of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and the spinoffs that never were.

    1. Liev Schreiber refused to wear a padded muscle suit, instead relying on Jackman’s help to bulk up before filming. Schreiber eventually gained 40 pounds by following Jackman’s exercise regimen and protein-heavy diet.

    2. Director Gavin Hood repeatedly clashed with producers and studio executives over the tone and direction of the film, particularly his desire to portray Wolverine as a military veteran with PTSD.

    20th Century Fox

    3. Kodi Smit-McPhee was originally cast as the young James Howlett, but had to drop out due to his commitment to 2009’s “The Road.” Smit-McPhee would instead make his X-Men debut as Nightcrawler in 2015’s “X-Men: Apocalypse.”

    4. Though it was deleted from the theatrical version, one of the scenes in the Nigeria sequence features a young Storm working as a child slave laborer.

    5. While it draws heavily from Marvel’s X-Men comics, the movie does make some changes to the source material. In the comics, Wolverine isn’t old enough to have fought  in the Civil War, and he and Sabretooth aren’t actually brothers.

    20th Century Fox

    6. Brian Cox expressed interest in reprising his role as Col. Stryker. But due to the expense of the de-aging technology used on Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier, it was decided to cast Danny Huston as a young Stryker instead.

    7. Kevin Durand’s Blob suit was so bulky and hot that a system of tubes had to be installed in order to pump in ice water and keep Durand cool.

    20th Century Fox

    8. While Ryan Reynolds plays Deadpool in the first act of the film, he was replaced by stuntman Scott Adkins for most of the the Weapon XI scenes. Reynolds does appear as Weapon XI in a handful of close-up shots.

    9. An unfinished work print cut of the film leaked online a month before its release. Fox estimated the file was downloaded 4.5 million times by the time the finished version hit theaters and blamed the leak for the film’s lackluster box office numbers.

    10. Originally, Fox intended to launch an entire series of “X-Men Origins” prequel movies. These projects were canceled, and portions of the planned “X-Men Origins: Magneto” were instead used for 2011’s “X-Men: First Class.”

    Activision

    11. Activision released a video game adaptation that included significant plot elements not in the movie. For example, one section features Wolverine teaming up with Mystique to destroy the Sentinel program.

    12. Will.i.am eagerly agreed to play John Wraith because of his love for another mutant teleporter, Nightcrawler. In fact, the video game version implies that Wraith is Nightcrawler’s father, though later movies revealed that the villain Azazel is actually his father.

    Warner Bros.

    13. Before the release of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” Christopher Reeve held the record for the most times the same actor has played a superhero character. Jackman and Patrick Stewart both tied that record thanks to this film, and eventually went on to reprise their roles as Wolverine and Professor X several more times.

  • 11 Marvel Villains That Deserve Their Own Movie After ‘Venom’

    11 Marvel Villains That Deserve Their Own Movie After ‘Venom’

    Sony

    “Venom” finally hits theaters this week, and this Spider-Man spinoff will answer one important question: Are superhero fans willing to turn out for movies that focus on the villains of the Marvel Universe for a change?

    We hope so, because there are plenty of Marvel villains who deserve the spotlight after Eddie Brock. Here are our top candidates.

    Doctor Doom

    Marvel

    Doctor Doom is widely revered as one of the greatest villains in all of superhero comics, yet he’s never really been given his due on the big screen. That’s putting it politely.

    Rather than waste time with another Fantastic Four origin movie, we want to see the proud ruler of Latveria succeed on his own term for a change. “Fargo” showrunner Noah Hawley is reportedly developing a Doom solo movie, but with Disney buying Fox, we’re afraid that project may be falling through the cracks.

    The Enchantress

    Marvel

    The Thor movies have done a pretty respectable job of cycling through the god of thunder’s rogues gallery, even if that means some of them don’t quite get the attention they deserve (*cough* Surtur *cough*). At this point, the biggest villain yet to be given her due is The Enchantress, a powerful sorceress with an unhealthy obsession with Thor.

    We think that unrequited love would make for a great starting point as the movie explores what it’s like to be an Asgardian outcast. And if the movie serves as an excuse to bring back Karl Urban’s Skurge, so much the better.

    Kang the Conqueror

    Marvel

    Few villains have tormented the Avengers as regularly or as viciously as Kang. This futuristic tyrant has mastered the art of time travel and used it to make himself master of the world in various timelines.

    The time travel element could result in a really entertaining, mind-bending storyline. And there’s no need to really bring the Avengers into the picture. Because Kang has taken many forms and many identities in his unnaturally long life, he can serve as his own worst enemy. Pit idealistic teen hero Iron Lad against the tyrannical Kang and you’ve got yourself a Marvel movie.

    Sabretooth

    Marvel

    For as many X-Men movies as Fox has churned out over the last two decades, they haven’t made much use of the franchise’s key villains outside of Magneto and a handful of others. Sabretooth is an especially painful case, as Fox completely squandered the opportunity to flesh out Wolverine’s #1 rival in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” This time, we want to see a solo Sabretooth movie that really gets into the back-story of how Victor Creed turned into such a remorseless killer.

    Kingpin

    Marvel/Netflix

    Sure, Wilson Fisk has been getting plenty of screen time on “Marvel’s Daredevil,” with the villain set to play another major role in the upcoming third season. But even with all that exposure, we still want to see more of old Willy.

    A feature film would allow Marvel to shine a spotlight on the struggles of establishing a criminal empire in the Marvel Universe. We say keep Vincent D’Onofrio in the lead role, but this time pit him against Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man instead of Charlie Cox‘s Daredevil for a change.

    Doctor Octopus

    Marvel

    As far as Spider-Man movie villains go, none can rival Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus in “Spider-Man 2.” That’s a tough act to follow, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty more that can be accomplished with the character.

    As “Spider-Man 2” showed us, he’s a compelling and sympathetic character regardless of his connection to Spider-Man. There’s even potential in an adaptation of the series “Superior Spider-Man,” wherein a dying Otto Octavius hijacks Peter Parker’s body and tries to prove himself a more capable hero. If Sony wants to do a Doc Ock movie set outside the MCU, that might be the direction to go.

    Maestro

    Marvel

    Marvel has clearly given up on trying to do solo Hulk movies. We don’t necessarily blame them, but it would be a shame if Hulk was doomed to forever be a supporting player in other character’s movies. Why not shake things up and make a movie about Maestro instead?

    Maestro is an evil version of Hulk from an alternate future, one who’s much stronger and much smarter than his heroic counterpart. We’d love a good post-apocalyptic movie where a bearded Hulk lords over the ruins of a once shining Marvel Universe. Bring some “Mad Max” into the MCU.

    Magneto

    Fox

    We know what you’re thinking. Isn’t Magneto the one X-Men villain who’s been treated right by Fox’s movies? Yes, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve more time in the spotlight. At one point, Fox was planning a Magneto origin movie (before “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” swiftly killed that series).

    As it is, X-Men: First Class” is at its best early on, when the focus is on the relationship between Magneto and Charles Xavier and the former’s slow evolution from tortured Holocaust survivor to supervillain. Make that the focal point of a movie and use it to introduce a brand-new Magneto into the MCU.

    Taskmaster

    Marvel

    The Marvel Universe is crammed full of elite, super-powered assassins, but none are deadlier or more entertaining than Taskmaster. This flamboyantly dressed villain has the power of photographic reflexes. He can mimic the fighting style of any person he watches, allowing him to throw a shield like Captain America or slice up ninja goons like Wolverine. The drawback to that is that his memories are constantly fading to make room for all that new data.

    That dilemma is the perfect launching point for a Taskmaster movie. Tasky would be great as the antagonist in a “Deadpool” sequel, but we’d just as soon see him as the protagonist instead.

    Emma Frost

    Marvel

    To date, the X-Men franchise has given us two wildly different takes on Emma Frost, one abysmal and one kinda okay. Maybe the third time will be the charm? There’s a huge amount of untapped potential with this character. In the comics, she’s hard to pin down as either hero or villain, as she’s both opposed the X-Men as a member of the Hellfire Club and joined the X-Men for extended periods.

    On the surface, she likes to project an aura of calm, detached authority, but there are real flaws beneath her diamond exterior. Flaws that would make for a very compelling X-Men spinoff.

    Kraven the Hunter

    Marvel

    Kraven is pretty low on the totem pole when it comes to powerful Spider-Man villains, yet he’s come closer than almost any of them to actually killing the wallcrawler. One of the most accomplished hunters in the world, Sergei Kravinoff devoted himself to taking down the ultimate superhuman prey.

    We’d love to see a movie that adapts “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” a seminal story where a dying Kraven buries Spidey alive and becomes Spider-Man himself. That’s one way to justify a Spider-Man spinoff without having Spidey in it.

    The good news is that a Kraven movie is one of several in the pipeline at Sony, so it could happen in the next few years.

  • Hugh Jackman Mocks ‘Least Greatest Showman’ Deadpool in Intimate Birthday Video

    The bromance between Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds is a love story for the ages. Jackman is Wolverine. Reynolds is Deadpool. They’ve been teasing and trolling each other since “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” came out in 2009.

    Now Reynolds is busy promoting “Deadpool 2” — which comes out May 18 — and apparently he brings his Deadpool suit everywhere he goes, including to Jackman’s hotel room.

    “The Greatest Showman” star was trying to send someone a birthday message, and Deadpool jumped in with some “Annie” singing.

    Awesome. That was truly the greatest show. But doesn’t it get sweaty in that Deadpool suit? Not that he should take it off and make this hotel room visit even more intimate. And who did let the dogs out?

    Jackman has been having huge success with “The Greatest Showman” — especially the soundtrack. It’s a safe bet he’ll continue to help his buddy promote “Deadpool 2” in some way, whether at a premiere or through social media. That’s what friends are for. [Cue next sing-a-long.]

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  • David Harbour Was Told He Was ‘Too Fat to Play The Blob’ in ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’

    The 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Media Complex“Stranger Things,” but he too has been body-shamed in Hollywood.

    In a new interview with Women’s Health, Harbour, now age 42, talked about what he finds sexy — including “love handles and eating sandwiches.” But apparently not everyone in Hollywood agrees, even when the job is to play The Blob:

    “I auditioned to play The Blob in a Wolverine X-Men movie, and at the end of the audition, I squeezed my stomach and was like, ‘I got your Blob right here!’ Then I met with the director and he said, ‘David, you’re a wonderful actor, but we’re worried about your health.’ I was like, ‘What do you mean, man?’ And he was like, ‘We saw you had some fat, and we’re worried you’re not healthy enough to carry the suit.’ I was like, ‘Dude, you’re telling me I’m too fat to play The Blob?’ The irony was priceless.”

    It’s also ironic that directors apparently worry over the health of actors with a few extra pounds, but have no problem telling actresses to lose 15 pounds in two weeks.

    Anyway, that job he mentioned went to actor Kevin Durand, who played The Blob in the 2009 movie “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”

    Since he was talking to Women’s Health, and he’s now on a lot of women’s radars as a celeb crush, Harbour also opened up on what he’s looking for in a partner:

    “I’m easily swept away, but I’m trying not to be as much. I’m better at the fantasy of relationships that I am at the daily real life, but I’m trying to steer myself into a realist. What I find more exciting now is sharp, intelligent, insightful women. People who are deep thinkers, who have sort of a weird way of looking at the universe, are wildly attractive to me. So if I can find one of those gals who can stand me, then maybe I might have something.”

    Sounds very good so far. And here’s more, with his argument in favor of bringing back love handles:

    “I think about the sexuality of various generations, and I feel like we’re getting less sexy. I look back to the ’70s and ’80s and of course we always want to see a beautiful body, but there’s something about showing the sexuality of someone who lives their life, somebody who knows how to eat a sandwich, who occasionally lets this kind of demon out of them – I want more of that. Those are the people I find sexy. I want to bring love handles and eating sandwiches back.”

    He’ll probably find a lot of takers on that one. You can watch Hopper back in action when “Stranger Things” returns for Season 2 next Friday, Oct. 27 on Netflix.

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  • David Harbour Told He Was ‘Too Fat’ to Play The Blob in ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’

    David HarbourWhat’s with all the Stranger Things” star David Harbour reveals that he missed out on playing The Blob in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” because the director thought he was “too fat.” That’s right, “too fat” to call a character named “The Blob.”

    In talking to The Wrap, Harbour, recalls that a casting director suggested he try out for the part, saying, “I have the perfect role for you. The Blob!”

    He had some doubt upon hearing the character name, but she reassured him, “Yeah, it’s like an X-Men, he’s like big, fat and controls gravity… it’s not that you’re fat, it’s just that we need a big guy to wear the suit.’”

    So at the audition, he thought it would be funny to pick up his shirt and squeeze his belly saying, “I got your Blob right here!” And that little joke cost him the part.

    When he met with the director later, he was told, “David, look, you’re wonderful, we really think you’re just a great actor, we’re just concerned… we’re really concerned… you lifted up your shirt and we saw the… we’re just a little worried about your health.”

    Harbour’s response? “You are telling me I’m too fat to play The Blob? That’s awesome, I have to get the f— back to New York.”

    Kevin Durand of “Lost” and “The Strain” ended up playing the character, wearing a massive fat suit.

    It’s all worked pretty well for Harbour, who’s just been cast as the new Hellboy.

  • Is Channing Tatum Exiting ‘Gambit’? If So, Should Taylor Kitsch Return?

    Channing Tatum looked so excited at San Diego Comic-Con as he joined the Marvel team to promote his upcoming role in “Gambit.” But now, just a month after the happy group photo below, rumors are swirling that Channing is leaving the movie:


    According to TheWrap, quoting “an individual with knowledge of the situation,” Channing’s “Gambit” deal is in jeopardy of collapsing and he’s planning to exit the comic book movie. This source said Channing’s reps are still in active discussions with 20th Century Fox, but it’s supposedly known that “something is up.”


    “Gambit” already has a release date of October 7, 2016, so if they lose Channing they either have to recast quickly or just take it off the schedule. Some fans think Taylor Kitsch should just come back as Gambit, since he had the role in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” But things are still in wait-and-see mode all around.

    Would you be sorry to lose Channing or would it be no big deal to recast — with Taylor or someone else?

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