Articles by chris-ullrich
Thu Feb 14, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Shia LaBeouf Talks 'Transformers 2'
Bigger, stronger, better?
Empire News caught up with actor Shia LaBeouf during a break from filming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull to hit him up for some info about another huge franchise film he's starring in that's set to be released next year: Transformers 2.
Of course, as the project is in the early stages, with only a storyline written by director Michael Bay and some info on new species that could appear, LaBeouf can't say too much about what we can expect from the film.
Still, he does drop a few hints, especially about the films' scope and the characterizations of the robots.
"It’s going to be bad-ass. We’re not making another one unless it is, and Mike is definitely not resting on his laurels — he’s doing insane shit again. And the pre-vizes that I’ve seen… it’s just massive. If the first one was any indicator of how massive massive can be, this is going to blow that out of the water. It’s insane. Mike’s mind was just kind of made for this — it’s amazing. There’s going to be a lot more characterisation with the robots, which I’m excited about. I was a fan of Transformers before the movie came out. And there’s going to be a lot of action…That goes unsaid, I guess”.
Transformers 2 hits theaters in an insanely massive way June 9, 2009.
Thu Feb 14, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' Trailer Debuts
Adventure has a new trailer!
Okay, I've been waiting a long time to say this: Indiana Jones is back!
And now, there's a kick-ass trailer for the upcoming film, courtesy of Yahoo. I won't even comment on the trailer except to say one word: Wow!
Enjoy.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull hits theaters May 22.
Thu Feb 14, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
First Real 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' Pic Surfaces
Do these claws make me look fat?
Recently, a picture hit the net that many reported was Hugh Jackman as Wolverine from the upcoming film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. For whatever reason, that image turned out not to be the real deal. Fortunately, we've now got an actual pic from the film to show you, courtesy of the folks at 20th Century Fox (via USA Today).
In addition to this cool new pic, Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman, offers some choice words in the article on his character and why he thinks the X-Men are so popular.
"I think one of the reasons the X-Men took off is that it connected in a way nobody saw," Jackman says. "They're mutants with powers. But they're also outcasts for being, and everyone connects with that on some level. And who wouldn't want the power to get back at the people who ostracized you?"
The film will reveal Wolverine's past as he discovers the world of mutants and, ultimately, the Weapon X program. Jackman, of course, doesn't reveal many plot details in the article but does manage to reveal that the story will be about more than one mutant.
According to Jackman, Sabretooth "is going to play a big part in it. And there will be a good bit of cameos. But you can't give too much away, because fans are pretty hard-core. Their expectations go up a level every time you come out with a new film."
X-Men Origins: Wolverine hits theaters on May 1, 2009.
Thu Feb 14, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
'Heroes', 'Chuck' and 'Life' Get the Green Light for Fall
Save the Cheerleader, come back next season!
Even though the strike is over and many writers, actors, grips and craft service people are now getting back to work, the fate of some TV shows was still a bit uncertain.
Fortunately, according to NBC (via ComingSoon.net) three of my favorite shows, Heroes, Chuck and the underrated Life, don't have to wait any longer to find out their fates because they have definitely been renewed for next Fall.
According to NBC Co-Chairman Ben Silverman:
"We are thrilled to be bringing back the high-energy dramas' Chuck' and 'Life' for next season. Additionally, we will be saving and re-launching our #1 drama and most successful franchise, 'Heroes,' so that it will run in all original episodes in the fourth quarter."
So, good news for fans of these shows. Although, it would have been great to see some new episodes earlier than next Fall but I guess you can't have everything. At least they're coming back, and for now, that's enough.
Wed Feb 13, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Writers Strike 'Officially' Over
Breaktime is over. Now get back to work!
As reported by most major outlets that cover this sort of thing, including my old stomping grounds LAist and Cinematical, the Writers Strike is "officially" over.
Even though it was pretty much a foregone conclusion and the ratification vote was basically a formality, the Writer's Guild of America still had to go through the process of having a vote to determine if the membership at-large would accept their new contract.
Well, no surprise, the writers voted to accept the contract by a 92.5% margin. Read the official letter from the WGA's leadeship giving everyone the good news after the jump:
Wed Feb 13, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Alternate 'Indiana Jones' Comic Book Cover Revealed
Indy's back and Dark Horse has got him!
Of course we're all excited for the upcoming fourth installment of the "Indiana Jones" saga currently filming and set to hit theaters May 22nd. Really, how could any Indy fan not be?
But in addition to the intrepid archeologist's big-screen adventures, there's also a comic-book version of the film being published by Dark Horse Comics.
To help pique your interest for the upcoming comic book and the movie, ComingSoon.net posted the original Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull comic cover by artist Steve Anderson (seen at right) a few weeks ago. And now, thanks to the power of the modern Internets, they've just dropped the alternate Indiana Jones comic cover (posted after the jump) on us as well.
The regular cover prominently features Harrison Ford as Indy and Shia Lebouf as Mutt Williams -- who may or may not be Indy's son. The new, alternate cover opens things up a bit and showcases not only Indy but more of the supporting cast including Karen Allen as Marian and Cate Blanchett as Agent Irina Spalko.
Continue reading Alternate 'Indiana Jones' Comic Book Cover Revealed ›
Wed Feb 13, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
WonderCon Schedules Panels, Guests From Comics and Hollywood
Comics, movies, pop-culture and, of course, costumes!
One of California's biggest and best conventions devoted to comics, movies, TV and all the things we love here at ComicMix is putting the finishing touches on its stellar lineup of guests, screenings and other exclusive happenings.
No, I'm not talking about Comic-Con International in San Diego -- although that is a fantastic convention not to be missed. In this case, I'm referring to the other great California comics conclave known as WonderCon.
WonderCon, the premiere gathering of all-things comics and pop-culture in Northern California, celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year and runs from February 22nd to February 24th at the Mocone Center in San Francisco. Scheduled to appear this time around are many of the top writers, artists and creators working in the comics world today including Sergio Aragones, Kurt Busiek, Mark Evanier, Jim Lee, Tim Sale, J. Michael Straczynski, Ben Templesmith, Brian Wood and many more.
In addition to all the assembled comics talent, Hollywood will also be making its presence felt at this year's WonderCon. Stars, writers and directors from small and big-screen will be in attendence including Kristen Bell (reason enough for me to go), Brendan Fraser, Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, "Iron Man" helmer Jon Favreau, Chris Carter, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny of the new "X Files" movie and Summer Glau of "Serenity" and "Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles." In addition, the Con will also host the exclusive premiere of the animated "Justice League: The New Frontier" movie. Good times.
For all the latest details, check out the WonderCon official site. And, if you're having trouble deciding if you should go, check out our coverage of last year's event.
Tue Feb 12, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
The Writer's Strike Is Over, So What About Your Favorite Shows?
'Battlestar' is coming back (thank the Gods), 'Chuck', 'Heroes' play the waiting game
With the writer's strike over, a new contract ratified by the WGA board and a pending vote by the membership at-large looming, I know what you're thinking: enough of this strike business, when the heck am I gonna see new episodes of Battlestar Galactica, Chuck, Heroes or "insert name of favorite show here"?
Believe me, I sympathise and apparently so do the folks at TV Guide because they've already posted a pretty comprehensive guide to the TV shows that are coming back now, sooner, later or never.
Some of the shows with their fates already determined include:
Battlestar Galactica
Returns April 4 with first half of 20-episode final season. Production on second half could start as early as March. Airdate for those TBD.
Chuck
No new episodes until fall.
Heroes
No new episodes expected until fall.
Lost
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Five additional episodes could air this season.
Smallville
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 or 6 additional episodes to air in April/May.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.
Bionic Woman
No new episodes expected. Ever.
Check out the complete list, updated regularly, for more details on your favorite shows.
Tue Feb 12, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
First Look at Anakin Skywalker from 'Star Wars' Animated Movie
He's calm, cool and ready to kick some Clone Butt
USA Today is first out of the gate with an exclusive look at everyone's favorite mis-understood Jedi who turns evil and becomes a Sith Lord: Anakin Skywalker. This cool new image is, of course, from the upcoming CG-animated feature film "Star Wars: Clone Wars" set to hit theaters on August 15th.
In case you haven't heard, the film chronicles the adventures of a pre-Vader Anakin and his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi during the Clone Wars and is set immediately before the events of "Revenge of the Sith". The film will also serve as a starting point for the half-hour animated TV series planned for Cartoon Network and TNT.
I'll say for the record that I love "Star Wars" and if the only way I'm going to get more of it is through an animated feature film and then a TV series, sign me up -- just please, no more Jar Jar Binks, animated or otherwise.
Mon Feb 11, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Inside the 'Y: The Last Man' Party
What do Brian K. Vaughan, Joss Whedon and Dr. Who have in common?
We told you about this event before and now Kevin Kelly at i09 let's us in on the highlights of Friday night's "Y: The Last Party" in L.A., celebrating the conclusion of Y: The Last Man, Brian K. Vaughan's hugely popular tale of the last man on Earth.
The party, which took place at Meltdown Comics on Sunset Blvd., featured guests such as Vaughan himself, comic co-creator and artist Pia Guerra, Grant Morrison, Drew Goddard, Mark Waid and Joss Whedon.
Among the highlights of the event, whose proceeds went to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, were many revelations regarding the creation and inspiration of the comic as well as some tidbits about who might play the comic's title character, Yorick Brown, in the oft-discussed, big-screen version and what co-creator Guerra's next project will be.
According to the report:
[Vaughan] originally came up with the concept for Y as a project called Boyson, "The Last Boy On Earth" for Penthouse Comics full of "women built like robot fuck machines" and one boy remaining on the planet. After they folded, he replaced the robots with a Gloria Steinem quote and sent it over to Vertigo.
Sat Feb 9, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Guillermo Del Toro to Direct 'Dr. Strange'?
And what's Neil Gaiman got to do with it?
With Hellboy behind him and the upcoming Hellboy 2 on the way, director Guillermo Del Toro is mulling over another comics-related project that could be one of his next films -- that is if he doesn't take on The Hobbit or At the Mountain of Madness first. According to Empire News, he is seriously considering bringing the Sorcerer Supreme, Dr. Strange, to the big screen.
Not only is Del Toro's interest potentially great news for Dr. Strange fans, but there's more: Del Toro has also been talking to one of the comics world's most successful creators about taking on the film's writing duties. Who, you may wonder? None other than Neil Gaiman. According to Del Toro:
"I talked with Neil Gaiman [about writing it]. I said, that’s an interesting character because you can definitely make him more in the pulpy occult detective/magician mould and formula than was done in the Weird Tales, for example...the idea of a character that really dabbles in the occult in a way that’s not X-Filey, where the supernatural is taken for granted. That’s interesting...But I wouldn't use the suit!"
So, that's a Dr. Strange movie directed by Gueilerrmo Del Toro and written by Neil Gaiman? Is it just me or does that sound like a pretty fantastic collaboration that could yield a teriffic film?
