Author: Chris Ullrich

Toy Fair ’08: Hasbro Unveils New ‘Indiana Jones’ Toy Line

Toy Fair ’08: Hasbro Unveils New ‘Indiana Jones’ Toy Line

A few days ago we told you about the trailer. Now, Hasbro recently went live with a new site showcasing its upcoming line of action figures, and other toys, inspired by the next chapter of the Indiana Jones saga: Indiana Jones and the Kingdowm of the Crystal Skull. Pictures of the new line first started to appear last week and Hasbro has already added to the site, so we expect to see a lot more before Toy Fair is finished on Wednesday. 

Some of the new toys include several different Indiana Jones figures, a Marian figure (complete with deadly frying pan), the Indiana Jones SFX whip with realistic sound and the Lost Temple of Akator playset.

Check them out here.

 

‘Justice League of America’ Film Delayed, No Superman or Batman?

‘Justice League of America’ Film Delayed, No Superman or Batman?

As we reported earlier, Paramount announced they are pushing back the release of the latest installment of the Star Trek franchise until Summer 2009. Now, from the pushed-back department comes a report via MovieHole.net that the oft-discussed and delayed Justice League of America feature has had its potential start date pushed from sometime this year to mid-2010.

Apparently, according to the report, one of the major reasons for the push was the availability of cast who, as actors often do, have taken as much work as they can and are booked up for the year. Although, as we reported earlier, Common seems to be onboard and ready to rock as Green Lantern.

Casting wasn’t the only factor, though, as it appears the studio also realized the film just wasn’t ready to roll given its current condition — which is probably more the "real" reason.

In related news, a report out of Blockbuster would seem to call into question the presence of Superman or Batman in the eagerly anticipated superteam film.

A casting agency has apparently released the following plot description for Justice League of America:

“Feb 28, Sydney, Australia: The film is about Green Lantern, Green Arrow and others of the Justice League of America, an organisation made up of the world’s greatest superheroes. They must deal with the expulsion of Batman and the death of Superman at the hands of the monstrous Doomsday”.

 

 

 

 

More ‘Hellboy 2’ Production Videos Hit the ‘Net

More ‘Hellboy 2’ Production Videos Hit the ‘Net

Universal Pictures has added two new Hellboy II: The Golden Army production videos to the film’s official website. The first video highlights the very first meeting to discuss creature design and the second features a meeting of the production team to discuss the design of Johann Kraus.

The Hellboy sequel features many of the same cast from the first film including Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones and John Hurt, and tells the story of a rebellion against humanity that Hellboy and his team must stop in order to save the world.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army opens July 11th.

 

(via SH)

Shia LaBeouf Talks ‘Transformers 2’

Shia LaBeouf Talks ‘Transformers 2’

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.

First Real ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ Pic Surfaces

First Real ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ Pic Surfaces

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.

‘Heroes’, ‘Chuck’ and ‘Life’ Get the Green Light for Fall

‘Heroes’, ‘Chuck’ and ‘Life’ Get the Green Light for Fall

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.

 

Writers Strike ‘Officially’ Over

Writers Strike ‘Officially’ Over

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:

 

(more…)

Alternate ‘Indiana Jones’ Comic Book Cover Revealed

Alternate ‘Indiana Jones’ Comic Book Cover Revealed

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.

 

(more…)

WonderCon Schedules Panels, Guests From Comics and Hollywood

WonderCon Schedules Panels, Guests From Comics and Hollywood

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.