Tag: Joss Whedon

Joss Whedon Wanted To Direct ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’

by Shawn Madden

Pretty much as soon as word broke that Disney had acquired Lucasfilm and that we’d see Star Wars: Episode VII coming to theaters in 2015, fans have been talking about a desire to see Joss Whedon helm the next chapter. That was until they remembered that Whedon would be directing the sequel to a little movie called The Avengers. Well, don’t worry. You weren’t the only one who forgot about it. At first Whedon thought “Maybe I should see if I can get the job”, before remembering he already was a little tied up.

 

“I’m as angry as you should be. When I heard that I was like, ‘I wonder… no, I really can’t do that. Oh, I already have a job.’ I wouldn’t clear the Avengers. I’m having so much fun with that sequel right now, just with the script, that I couldn’t imagine not doing it.”

 

Whedon is currently also working on Marvel and ABC’s S.H.I.E.L.D. television series at the moment and told CNN that the show is reminding him how “taxing television can be”.

 

“I’d forgotten how much work TV was so I’m cranky at everybody all the time. But it’s really fun. We have a beautiful ensemble and we’re having so much fun coming up with the stories. It really is like working at Marvel Comics, which was a dream of mine as a kid because this little book ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ that not that many people read …[The show’s] not as big as the movies [and] we’re telling smaller stories but we get to do it more often. “

 

Source: CNN

Marvel & ABC’s ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Pilot Confirmed To Take Place After ‘The Avengers’

by Shawn Madden

When word broke that Clark Gregg would be returning as Agent Coulson for Marvel & ABC’s S.H.I.E.L.D., many wondered if perhaps the series would be a prequel to Marvel Studios the Avengers. There’s also been plenty of theories regarding how the character would re-appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, while speaking with IGN, ABC President Paul Lee was asked how Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. would tie in with the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he has revealed that the pilot will be taking place after the battle of New York in The Avengers. So, life model decoys?

 

“There is no question that it is part of the Marvel Universe. In fact, the story takes place after the battle for New York.”

 

He also pointed out that while this is a part of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, this series is very much a standalone series at the same time.

 

“This is S.H.I.E.L.D. They’re following their own particular stories. There are characters in it, Coulson, who clearly comes from Avengers. So it’s part of the world, but we’re going to be very, very careful that we don’t tread on the toes of the features and build a whole new world. And that’s what Joss Whedon does better than anybody else. He’s built a world for us.”

When asked about introducing more Marvel characters if the series gets picked up (even though we all know it’s going to), Lee sounded pretty optimistic about the possibility.

 

“I think if we’re lucky enough to have a great series, we’re obviously having fun with that. At this point though, we have a number of characters at the heart of the script who are real characters, who are the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the first task is to make those guys great and relatable and everything that a great show needs. Beyond that, fingers crossed!”

Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot begins filming next week and will most likely air on ABC during the fall.

 

Source: IGN

Chloe Bennett-Wang Joins The Cast Of Marvel & ABC’s ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.

by Shawn Madden

Production is set to begin next month on Marvel and ABC’s S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot and they’ve now found the final addition to their cast. Nashville actress Chloe Bennett-Wang has joined the prospective TV series as Agent Skye.

The Agent is being described as “a confident woman who is slightly obsessed with superhero culture and the shadow organizations that exist within it. She’s edgy and can out-talk anyone with her unflappable nature.”

The relatively unknown actress will join Ming-Na, Clark Gregg, Brett Dalton, Elizabeth Henstridge, and Ian De Caestecker for the Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot, which looks to premire as part of ABC’s Fall of 2013 line-up.

Source: THR

 

Jeph Loeb Reveals When To Expect The First Episode Of Marvel & ABC’s ‘S.H.I.E.L.D’

by Shawn Madden

There has been various casting announcements and small bits of news coming out over the past few months regarding Marvel & ABC’s S.H.I.E.L.D. But, currently there had been no word as to when we might actually see the pilot for the series. Now, in a recent interview with PREVIEWSworld, Marvel Head Of Television (as well as comic writer) Jeph Loeb revealed just when to expect to see the pilot next year.

“We have a “little” pilot for television that you might have heard about called Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. co-written, directed, and Executive Produced by none other than Joss Whedon! Working with Joss, Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, Jeffrey Bell on the show is a blast! And bringing in Clark Gregg to play Agent Phil Coulson…the best! Hopefully we will be on in the Fall of 2013 on ABC!”

While this doesn’t give any actual air date it does give an idea of when to expect the live-action Marvel Studios series. With how well they’ve handled their movies, it’s going to be pretty exciting to see what they can do with a weekly television series in between their films.

Two New Cast Additions To Marvel’s ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Pilot

by Shawn Madden

Two new Agents have joined the cast of ABC and Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D pilot. Actress Elizabeth Henstridge and actor Iain De Caestecker have been cast in the roles of Agent Jemma Simmons & Agent Leo Fitz.

The two S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents have been described as a “brother and sister who always bicker and annoy one another. They came up together and are masters in their fields: Fitz is good with weapons and gadgets while Simmons is into science. And during the show, Agent Simmons and Agent Fitz will apparently be given the nickname “Fitz-Simmons.” The two relatively unknown actors will join join Ming-Na and Clark Gregg for the pilot, which is set to shoot next January.

Source: THR

Frank Grillo Reprising His Role As Crossbones In ‘The Avengers’ Sequel!

by Shawn Madden

Before it was officially revealed that Frank Grillo (Warrior, The Grey) had landed the role of Brock Rumlow aka Crossbones in Marvel Studios highly-anticipated Captain America: The Winter Soldier, comedian and radio host Matthew Aaron actually had revealed a week prior that the actor was testing for the role.

During a recent episode of Aaron’s radio show, Aaron called Grillo to congratulate him on landing the role. Arron asked Grillo if he would be appearing more than once as the villain to which Grillo replied:

“Yeah, it’s a good run.”

But more interestingly is that after Grillo returned to work on Homeland, the film he is currently filming with Jason Statham, Aaron revealed that the same source who had leaked the information that Grillo was testing for the role had leaked a little more information. The information was that not only would Crossbones appear in Captain America: The Winter Soldier but be making an appearance in Joss Whedon’s sequel to The Avengers. Aaron also added that Grillo will apparently portray Crossbones in three films total. So, one can assume that a third Captain America film would be the likely third portrayal unless he is set to make a cameo in another of the “Phase Two” films.

Of course, Crossbones won’t be the main villain in the sequel but with rumors of Baron Zemo as well as Radioactive man, could the speculation I made a few months come true? Could Marvel Studios be heading down the Masters Of Evil route? Also, if Grillo is planned for a third solo outing for Steve Rogers, could Marvel also be going after another of Ed Brubaker’s great story arcs: “The Death Of Captain America”?

This is all speculation at the moment but if it turns out to be true…well played Marvel Studios.

Source: The Matthew Aaron Show

Joss Whedon Endorses Mitt Romney In This Election Video (But Not Really)

by Shawn Madden

The US Presidential election is just ten short days away and the director of Marvel’s The Avengers, Joss Whedon, has decided to weigh in tell you why Romney is the right candidate put this country back on the path to the zombie apocalypse.

In the end, while he may not be a candidate this year, we need someone who knows of the impending doom that is upon us and is willing to support government funded parkour programs. Whedon for president in 2016?

Ming-Na Wen Joins The Cast Of ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’

by Shawn Madden

Actress Ming-Na Wen (ER) has been cast in ABC and Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot. She will join the cast as Agent Melinda May. The agent is being described as “Soulful and slightly damaged by her combat experiences, Melinda is an ace pilot, a weapons expert and a soldier who can, and has, gone beyond the call of duty.” This would be the same character that we saw in the original casting breakdown for the series as Agent Althea Rice, aka ‘The Cavalry’.

We know Coulson will return to the show as well, which means that there are still four more roles to fill, if the previously released descriptions still hold true.  Whedon is co-writing the pilot script with his brother Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, who will all executive produce along with Jeffrey Bell and Marvel TV’s Jeph Loeb.

Source: Deadline

Mark Rahner Brings Biting Satire To ‘Vampirella vs Fluffy The Vampire Killer’

by Molly Mahan

In this month’s Vampirella vs. Fluffy the Vampire Killer, writer Mark Rahner continues his series of Vampirella one-shots, taking Vampi into the worlds of current vampire fandoms. Previously, in Vampirella Annual 2, we witnessed Vampirella venture to the fictional city of Spoons, where she went to a convention for Gloaming, the in-universe equivalent of Twilight, and battled the fans and characters of the franchise (based, in part, by Rahner’s own experience in Forks, WA). This time , Vampirella is pitted against a satirical version of the much beloved pop-culture alluding, cheer leading, vampire slaying Buffy Summers. And. It. Is. Awesome.

Granted, my lack of love for Joss Whedon is well documented, so it may be hard for me to not actively fangasm all over this particular book for poking fun at the Buffyverse. That said, I do believe any Whedonite who can take a light jab at his or her fandom will thoroughly enjoy this book as much as anyone who isn’t all that familiar with the Slayer and her universe. Which is to say: a lot. It truly is a book for just about anyone, except maybe children (there’s a sufficient amount of blood and gore) and die hard religious conservatives (but they don’t read comics, right?).

Here’s the gist of the story: Vampirella goes undercover as a teacher (cue: multiple jokes and references to Van Halen’s Hot for Teacher) at a high school that is located right on top of an occult portal to Hell (insert: snide comments about government and improper use of tax dollars). Luckily for the town, peppy Fluffy and her friends Xtanley and Sallow, along with her Minder Miles, all attend or are employed by the school and therefore have been able to handle the supernatural situation up to this point. However, a new group of demonic (im)Puritans are mutilating the sexually active members of the student body in order to unleash the wrath of a greater demon, who gets his power from sexual repression, onto the world. And as “Abstinence Education Week” is in full swing at the school, there’s a lot of pent up sexual frustration going on. Whatever shall the teen-aged vampire killers do?

In addition to Fluffy and company, Whedonites may even be able to spy their beloved creator hidden somewhere in the story, as well.

The dialogue is plenty clever, even with—or perhaps because of—the forced puns and dated music and film references. I found myself genuinely laughing and giddy throughout. Even so, my favorite line is actually an on-the-nose statement about feminism, particularly reactionary to Whedon’s brand of female hero.:

After countless jabs from Fluffy regarding Vampirella’s scanty costume, Vampi finally states, “Empowerment means I can wear whatever I want and kill anyone who has a problem with it.”

While killing isn’t exactly an option in the real world, the sentiment is understood. Clothes, or lack thereof, should not be the focus or the excuse of any attacks on a person (from slut shaming to “forcible” rape). But that’s a different article entirely.

Like all satire worth its salt—and any decent horror story—, Vampirella Vs. Fluffy the Vampire Killer is more than just wildly entertaining. It addresses serious real world problems, as well. While playfully jabbing at the Whedonverse, critical hits are dealt to the United States’ ultra-conservative movement’s war on education and sex via the “Abstinence Week” setting, the demons’ M.O., and even a line of dialogue from Sallow that is poignant and painful in retrospect. It’s too much of a spoiler to disclose here, so pick up the book. Seriously. I’d love to discuss the themes further.

Finally, the art. While Nick Bradshaw‘s cover serves its purpose, interior artist Cesar Razek (Zorro) is pitch perfect, rendering gorgeous, in addition to some truly gruesome, images. While Vampirella, Fluffy, et al, are of course comic book beautiful (as are the men in the story), his style here is decidedly not cheesecake, which is always a relief. I love my female heroes and I will defend to the death (in true Voltaire fashion) their honor and right to style to any non-comic reader or slut shaming jerk, no matter the artist or the writer. Nevertheless, it certainly makes my job easier when I don’t have to do so in view of 20 consecutive panels of pure T&A and back breaking poses. So thank you, Mr. Razek for that. I hope to see your art again in the near future.

If you are looking for something fun and bloody, clever and violent, all the while remaining culturally relevant, then Vampirella vs. Fluffy the Vampire Killer is most certainly the book for you this Hallowednesday (see what I did there?).

Vampirella vs. Fluffy the Vampire Killer is out Oct. 24 from Dynamite Entertainment. Look for it at your local comic book shop!

Agent Coulson Lives! Will Appear In ‘S.H.I.E.L.D’! Updated: Coulson To Headline!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Another huge day at NYCC, another HUGE announcement!

The Marvel Television Presents panel has just wrapped up, and in its conclusion dropped a huge bombshell. Jeph Loeb announced at the panel that fan-favourite Agent Coulson is in fact alive, and that Clark Gregg would be returning to the role for the SHIELD pilot.

Gregg of course has played Agent Coulson in many of the Phase One offerings, including Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, and The Avengers.

Writer/Director Joss Whedon also stated during the panel “There was never gonna be a SHIELD show without Agent Coulson,”

Gregg is also set to play Principal Coulson in the next season of Ultimate Spider-Man.

Excited? How upset were you when you thought he died? How will he even return!?

Update: As MTV Geek and others are now learning, it appears as though Gregg’s Agent Coulson is actually set to headline the S.H.I.E.L.D series!

Source: Marvel

Dark Horse to Release Buffyverse Sampler

by Molly Mahan

So you like Buffy, you love Joss Whedon, but for whatever reason you never made the jump from the television show to the comic book, and now you feel that it’s too late to join in on all the fun. Well, Dark Horse, the publisher who cranks out the continuing adventures of your favorite Slayer and her inept friends, hopes you’ll give them a chance and potentially hook you as a reader on January 23, 2013, with the release of the Buffyverse Sampler.

In addition to the first issue of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 (yes, I know Buffy had 7 seasons aired, but it’s been a comic book since 2007. Catch up on season 8 in the trades, if you haven’t already), the sampler will include the full first issues of Spike, Angel & Faith, and Willow.

In total, there will be 96 pages of 1st issue shininess, at the low cover price of $4.99. So, Whedonites and Buffers (or whatever it is you call yourselves) assemble and pick up a copy of the Sampler. Be it for yourself or, like some kind of sick crank dealer, for a friend who just doesn’t quite understand your love (no, don’t order a copy for me).

Also, it features this cover by C. L. Bradley. Now I know you want it.


RUMOR: Two Actresses Up For Ms. Marvel Role In Sequel To ‘The Avengers’

by Shawn Madden

It’s a couple years away until production starts on the sequel to The Avengers. However, Marvel already knows what characters will be joining the team and now there’s a rumor that they are already looking at actresses to fill the role of one of these characters. According to Daily Mail, we should expect to see Carol Danvers AKA Ms. Marvel, who has speculated in the past. Not only that but the site goes on to state that Emily Blunt (Looper) and Ruth Wilson (Luther) are up for the role.

“Meanwhile, British actresses Emily Blunt and Ruth Wilson are head-to-head in a race for the most sought-after new female role in Hollywood. Emily, 29, and Ruth, 30, are both hotly tipped to play superhero Ms. Marvel in Avengers 2, the sequel to Avengers Assemble.”

So, for now take this rumor very lightly. But it is worth noting that if this is true it wouldn’t be the first time Marvel tried to nab Emily Blunt for a role. She was originally attached to to the role Black Widowin Iron Man 2, and she also turned down the role of Peggy Carter in Captain America: The First Avenger. Also with Marvel Studios going cosmic it doesn’t sound entirely unlikely. The only issue here is that this site isn’t really known for breaking casting news so we’re going to have to hold out on getting too excited on this one.

ABC’s ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Agents Revealed!

by Shawn Madden

Around a month ago it was revealed that Marvel and Joss Whedon would be bringing S.H.I.E.L.D. to ABC. Not much has been revealed as far as details about the show up until now. We now have some character descriptions for some of the agents. None of them are familiar characters to Marvelites but they definitely sound very Whedonesque.

SKYE: This late-20s woman sounds like a dream: fun, smart, caring and confident – with an ability to get the upper hand by using her wit and charm.

AGENT GRANT WARD: Quite the physical specimen and “cool under fire,” he sometimes botches interpersonal relations. He’s a quiet one with a bit of a temper, but he’s the kind of guy that grows on you.

AGENT ALTHEA RICE: Also known as “The Calvary,” this hard-core soldier has crazy  skills when it comes to weapons and being a pilot. But her experiences have left her very quiet and a little damaged.

AGENT LEO FITZ and AGENT JEMMA SIMMONS: These two came through training together and still choose to spend most of their time in each other’s company. Their sibling-like relationship is reinforced by their shared nerd tendencies – she deals with biology and chemistry, he’s a whiz at the technical side of weaponry.

There are plenty of fan-favorite agents of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division that it’s highly probable will appear but the looks of it this may be the central cast. Whedon may be creating new characters and bringing in fan favorites in to test out their response possibly. Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen are set to serve as executive producers and showrunners on S.H.I.E.L.D. in addition to co-writing the pilot with Joss Whedon. We should definitely expect some casting announcements in the coming weeks.

Source: TV Line

There Was Almost A ‘Cabin In The Woods’ DLC Pack For ‘Left 4 Dead’

by Shawn Madden

Back when The Cabin In The Woods had wrapped shooting, keep in mind that this was some time ago before MGM went bankrupt and the film got delayed, there were plans to develop a themed expansion pack for Valve’s Left 4 Dead. The DLC would have allowed players to run through scenarios from the movie. Sounds awesome right? Damn you MGM and your vile bankruptcy!

Unfortunately for us, with all the issues that the film’s release saw, the project ended up getting scrapped. Director Drew Goddard recently discussed what the game would have been like in his Reddit AMA :

“The game was gonna be amazing. You were gonna be able to play in both the upstairs Cabin in the Woods world and the downstairs ‘facility’ world with all the monsters. Believe me, I HATE all video games based on movies, they always suck, but porting Cabin into Left For Dead felt like the right fit. It pains me that it didn’t happen.”

That sounds awesome right? Man, I would have loved to have run around and saw the chalkboard and killed that fucking unicorn. Yeah, I said it. I’d kill the unicorn…and what?

Source: Reddit [via Blastr]

 

James Gunn Speaks On ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Back in August we learned that Marvel’s top choice for the upcoming phase two title Guardians of the Galaxy was James Gunn (Super, Slither). Just last week Joss Whedon let everyone know what his thoughts were on the project and on Gunn’s ability to deliver, and now we get a word from the man himself!

James revealed on his FaceBook page that he is now clear to talk about it, and that he indeed will be directing (and rewriting) the project. Check out the full text from his post below, and let us know what you think!

For a month or so there’s been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Until now I haven’t said anything, because I’m trying to be less expulsive about this project than I am about the rest of my life. But last night I got the go-ahead from Kevin Feige to let you all know that, yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing Guardians of the Galaxy. As a lifelong lover of Marvel comics, space epics, AND raccoons, this is the movie I’ve been waiting to make since I was nine years old. Kevin, Joss, and all the folks at Marvel have been amazing collaborators so far, and we’re committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique. I am incredibly excited. I am also incredibly grateful to the fans and the press for all their words of encouragement and support regarding my involvement with this project since the news first leaked. Thanks – you have, honestly, touched and overwhelmed me. And that’s it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, I’ll talk to you again in August 2014 when Guardians is released!

Drew Goddard Would Love To Make A Movie For Marvel Studios

by Shawn Madden

ShockTillYouDrop recently spoke with director Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods) about the blu-ray and DVD release of the film. During the interview he was asked if the opportunity arose, which Marvel comics character would he like to develop a film for. The director didn’t name any specific character but did go on to say it’s all about what the right fit is. And we may have an idea on what would be the right fit for him.

“What Marvel character would I not love to get on? That’s an easier question to answer. I would love any of it and I love Marvel, Joss and what they’re doing. It’s all about finding the right fit. Directing, in order to do your job right, you have to find ways to make it personal, and if we can find the right fit, then I would love to do it.”

Look, we’re just throwing this out there. In the past Goddard has talked about his love for Daredevil. Marvel is about to get those rights back. The guy has collaborated with Joss Whedon before. He can definitely direct a great movie. What more reason do you need for this one? By the way if you haven’t seen Cabin In The Woods, do yourselves a favor and pick it up tomorrow on DVD or Blu-ray.

Will The Item 47 Stars Appear In The S.H.I.E.L.D TV Series?

by Shawn Madden

With the announcement of the new S.H.I.E.L.D. television series, many have been wondering if Item 47 stars Lizzy Caplan and Jesse Bradford would be making their way onto the show. Whedon has promised a new cast of characters and when asked by Crave Online if we would see the two appearing in the series:

I honestly do not think they are available because I think she is on another show. We’re building it with a new group of people. They were great and that had a lot to do with why we are making the show, but we are starting fresh.

Bummer. Caplan and Bradford were both great in the Marvel One-Shot and I personally had hoped to see more of them in the future. So, who do you think we will be seeing in the cast of the new series? Is there any S.H.I.E.L.D. agents you guys would like to see featured?

Lionsgate & Roadside Attractions Pick Up Joss Whedon’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

by Shawn Madden

About this time a year ago it was revealed that Joss Whedon had completed an entire movie secretly. Yes, somehow the Whedonites didn’t even know about it. What movie was this that slipped under everyone’s radar? Well, the movie was a contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Just recently the film screened at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and it appears that Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have acquired the film. The film starring such Whedon regulars as Amy Acker (The Cabin In The Woods), Fran Cranz (The Cabin In The Woods), Nathan Fillion (Firefly), Alexis Denisof (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Tom Lenk (Angel) and Clark Gregg aka Agent Coulson (The Avengers) was completed in just around 12 days in Santa Monica.

Whedon commented on Lionsgate and Roadside acquiring the film:

“I’m thrilled to be working with my cronies at Lionsgate again, and with The Roadside team. That they all embrace a Shakespearean romance with the same enthusiasm they had for Cabin in the Woods shows that they’re exactly the mad fools we want to be partying – I mean working – with.”

The film will be a joint theatrical release by Lionsgate and sister company Roadside Attractions although no specific date has, as of yet, been announced.

Source: THR

Joss Whedon Very Confident In James Gunn’s Take On ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’

by Shawn Madden

Marvel Studios is taking a major risk with one of their “phase two” movies set for 2014 with the less known property Guardians Of The Galaxy. The upcoming “space epic” is planned to introduce audiences to a much larger Marvel Universe. With Guardians Of The Galaxy set to to lead directly into the sequel to The Avengers, one could only assume that Joss Whedon knows what is going on with that movie. Oh, and let’s not forget that Marvel Studios tapped James Gunn, a friend of Whedon’s, to direct the 2014 film. While speaking with MTV News about his take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Whedon  shared with MTV News what he thinks about Gunn’s direction so far.

“James is what makes me think it will work. I myself was sort of like, ‘Well, I liked Rocket Raccoon as a kid, but I’m not sure how that plays [to a wider audience].’ And then they said, ‘Well, we’re thinking about using James Gunn.’ And I said, ‘Oh, then no, you’re fine.’ He is so off the wall, and so crazy, but so smart, such a craftsman and he builds from his heart. He loves the raccoon. Needs the raccoon. This is the guy who wrote ‘The Specials.’ People don’t understand how influential that movie was about heroes, about taking heroes and making them mundane. And [he directed] ‘Super.’ Gunn has barely started, but already has a very twisted take on it, but it all comes from a real love for the material. It’s going to be hard for the humans to keep up,” said Whedon. “I know he’s going to come from left field and I’m going to go, ‘What?’ And then, ‘Of course, why didn’t I think of that?’ And then I’m going to beat him!”

Joss Whedon Talks In Detail On His Contract With Marvel, ‘The Avengers’ Sequel And ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’

by Shawn Madden

When it was announced that Joss Whedon would be returning to write and direct the sequel to The Avengers and had signed a three-year exclusive contract….well, saying that fans were pleased would be an understatement. And just days ago it was announced that Whedon would be directing and co-writing the pilot for Marvel Studios upcoming live-action television series, S.H.I.E.L.D. Whedon recently chatted with Vulture and talked about his contract with Marvel Studios, directing the sequel to The Avengers and the S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot.

When asked if it had sunk in yet just how just how huge The Avengers went on to become:

It never really has, but when it does, I’m going to become such an enormous dick. [Laughs.] I’m going to have a personal dog polisher and the biggest posse ever. I’m going to be insufferable — well, I mean more insufferable than I already am. You know, at some point, the numbers become meaningless. They’re large, and you can’t really count that high. I felt like I had a particular mission in making what I felt was a slightly old-fashioned movie, because I grew up wanting to make summer movies and wanting to make superhero movies, and I got to do both at once. I felt like summer movies haven’t been what I remember them to be, so I felt like I would love to evoke something that’s less hip and ironic and more heartfelt and character-driven, and apparently, other people cared about that in a large way.
I don’t think it’s a perfect movie. I don’t even think it’s a great movie. I think it’s a great time, and I’m proud of it, but for me, what was exciting is that people don’t go to see a movie that many times unless it’s pulling on something from within, unless there’s a need there. That’s very gratifying.

Regarding his hesitation to helm the sequel to The Avengers and what he will be doing during his time with Marvel Studios:

It was part of what made it attractive to me. I loved the idea of being a consigliere. Every writer loves the idea of being able to go in and fix a problem and then leave without obligation. It’s fun! I also love these characters and the Marvel universe, and I grew up reading the books, and I’ve been going back and reading the old books and realizing that they shaped my storytelling way more than I give them credit for. Now I’m starting up a TV show, which is something I really wanted to do, but I thought it wasn’t going to be a part of my life for the next several years. It’s like a tapas menus of projects that excite me, in addition to the Avengers sequel, which I’m excited for because I’m incredibly excited about the next story that I’m going to tell. For me, it’s a huge win.

It is unbelievably daunting, especially because I don’t want to lose sight of all the other things I have on my docket and in my heart. So, it’s going to be an insane few years, but I feel ready for that. It’s an unholy amount of productivity, but as long as I give it all I can, it’s a good thing. What’s great is that the deal with Marvel is nonspecific, so I will give all I can, but the moment I can’t, I just walk away. The moment I say, “You know, I’d like to help more on this project, but I need this time for The Avengers,” there’s no obligation. It’s not like, “You must spend this amount of time on this movie.” It’s as much as it needs to be.

Discussing the recently green-lit S.H.I.E.L.D. TV pilot:

You know, I can’t guarantee that any of that will happen! But so far, it feels just fine. The important thing to me is that we know what the show is. We love what it is. It came together very organically, so when we went in to pitch [to Marvel], it wasn’t like, We’re trying to find this because you want a TV show, it was, Check this out. And that’s a good way to walk in a room.

Good support is wonderful, but it’s not a hill of beans, because they may give us all this support and then decide, “Eh. Yeah, it’s Friday.” They might give us all the support and then not do that, but then audiences might go, “Yeahhh … no.” You just can’t be sure. What I do know is that it’s the show it should be, and we’ve got some really dope notions. It’s going to work very well for people who either love the Marvel universe or for people who’ve never dipped a toe in the Marvel universe.

Reading this interview alone tells you why Joss Whedon is the perfect man for this job. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table for the future of Marvel Studios. The currently untitled sequel to The Avengers is scheduled to hit theaters May 1, 2015.

Marvel Studios ‘The Avengers’ Is Coming Back To Theaters!

by Shawn Madden

Marvel Studios has revealed via their Facebook page for the superhero epic and box office smash hit, The Avengers that the movie will be returning theaters this Labor Day Weekend! Starting tomorrow up until the 6th of September you will be able to once again assemble in theaters. The studio released a high-resolution still of Thanos to get fans even more hyped to see it again. Will you be assembling once more this weekend before you pick up the movie on DVD or Blu-Ray on September 25th?

Jesse Bradford Is A Big Deal! The Geekscapepod For August 28th, 2012!

by Jonathan

Geekscape writer Shawn Madden joins me on this Geekscapepod as we talk about potential directors for Warner Bros planned ‘JLA’ movie. Marvel, Joss Whedon and ABC put a S.H.I.E.L.D. series into production! Kick Ass 2 is putting together quite the cast. Rob Liefeld has lost his damn mind! A new team is taking on The Man of Steel for DC and the leaked Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles script sounds awful! PLUS! Jesse Bradford is a big deal and my neighbor has a mid-life crisis!

Subscribe to the show on iTunes!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:58 — 18.7MB)

Joss Whedon Reveals First Details For ‘S.H.I.E.L.D’!

by Shawn Madden

Just hours ago news broke that ABC has green lit the live-action TV series based on Marvel’s peacekeeping organization, S.H.I.E.L.D. and now the first details have been revealed straight from the mouth of the pilot’s co-writer & director Joss Whedon. Variety snagged a quote from Whedon earlier today:

“The storyline for the proposed series will be largely “autonomous” from the “Avengers” sequel feature. The series will revolve around the activities of the SHIELD org governing body for the superheroes featured in  The Avengers.”

As we reported earlier, Whedon will be directing the pilot as well as writing alongside his brother, Jed Whedon & his wife Maurissa Tancharoen. There is a high possibility we could see many of the cast of the Marvel One-Shot Item 47, which included Jesse Bradford and Lizzy Caplan, Maximiliano Hernández, Titus Welliver, as possible recurring cast members. And let’s cross our fingers for an Agent Coulson cameo/flashback…or two.

Source: Variety

‘S.H.I.E.L.D’ Pilot Greenlit, Whedon At The Helm

by Derek Kraneveldt

Deadline reports that ABC has ordered a pilot for a S.H.I.E.L.D television series.

Joss and Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen (Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena) are set to write the pilot, and Joss Whedon is set to direct (bearing scheduling conflicts). It had been known that Whedon was set to do a Marvel television project, and now it’s officially in the works.

As Deadline states, this is the first order for a live-action series based on the Marvel universe established in the recent films. No characters, plotlines, or information of any other sort have been revealed about the upcoming show but you can expect numerous S.H.I.E.L.D. affiliated characters from the comics. Production is set to start immediately, with no planned release date announced.

So, what are your thoughts? Excited? Glad that Whedon is returning to TV?

Joss Whedon

 Joss Whedon, director of good things.

Watch A Deleted Scene From Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’!

by Shawn Madden

Marvel’s The Avengers is coming to Blu-ray and DVD next month and Entertainment Weekly has debuted a deleted scene from the superhero epic! This scene features an extended interaction between Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner, post going Hulk mode on the helicarrier, and Harry Dean Stanton’s Security Guard. Even though Harry Dean Stanton’s cameo in the film was very quick it seems that more footage was shot but left on the cutting room floor. Check it out below.

‘Avengers 2’ Gets An Official Release Date!

by Scott Alminiana

It’s now official, Avengers 2 WILL assemble once again on May 1st, 2015. This is the date fellow writer Shawn speculated last week! Can he see the future?!

Joss Whedon will write and direct the sequel to the massive success that is The Avengers.

The sequel will be the culmination of Marvel’s ‘Phase Two’ films that begins with Iron Man 3 on May 3, 2013. That will be followed by Thor: The Dark World (November 8th, 3013), Captain America: The Winter Solider (April 4th, 2014), Guardians of The Galaxy (August 1st, 2014). Ant-Man, which still have no official start date nor a release date is also speculated to be released in 2014.

It’s a great time to be a Marvel fan! Stay tuned to Geekscape as we’ll bring you the latest updates on all the ‘Phase Two’ slate of movies as well as all your geek-related news. Excelsior!

Joss Whedon Doesn’t Want You To See ‘Sleepwalk With Me’

by Shawn Madden

Remember that guy who directed The Avengers? Well, he has a message for all of you guys out there.

 

So, basically Joss does(n’t) want you to see this movie that was written, directed and starring comic Mike Birbiglia. Sleepwalk With Me is based on Birbiglia’s own life experiences and his one-man show, book and album of the same name. And just like the character in the film, Birbiglia suffers from REM behavior disorder, which makes him prone to active bouts of sleepwalking. One such case that almost endangered his life. And we want you to check out the trailer for it below.

Sorry Joss but we may just have to check this one out! Sleepwalk With Me will be released in select theaters on Aug. 24th.

PS: If you didn’t get it. It was a joke. He wants you to go see the movie. So do it!

[via Bleeding Cool]

The Release Date For The Sequel To ‘The Avengers’ Revealed?

by Shawn Madden

Pretty much right after the news broke that Joss Whedon will be helming and scripting the highly anticipated re-assembly of Marvel’s The Avengers, Marvel Studios issued a statement detailing his contract. In doing this they just may have revealed when we will see the team assemble next. And apparently an “insider” at MTV News backs this up:

“Marvel has a very set agenda of what they want to do, they are already kind of ahead of the game [on the sequel] because they’ve got the guy that did it before doing it again and something tells me Joss already has the template [for the film],” an inside source told MTV News. “In terms of the time frame, I think that it is well in the works. … It looks like the release date might be May 1, 2015, but that can change depending on people’s schedules.”

I mean if you look at the studios upcoming slate of movies, the 1st of May in 2015 seems a pretty damn obvious, especially considering Whedon’s contract and “creative contribution” ends in June of 2015. It would also follow Marvel Studios trend of releasing their big films towards the start of May just like they did with Iron Man, Iron Man 2 (which was the last week of April), The Avengers AND the upcoming Iron Man 3.

Let’s Take It To Ludicrous Speed! The Geekscapepod For August 8th, 2012!

by Jonathan

A big Geekscape episode! Joss Whedon is returning for ‘Avengers 2’ and doing some TV work for ABC and Marvel as well! Geekscape tells you what 5 properties might work best for the tube! Tony Moore is suing Robert Kirkman… and it’s getting nasty! Is Marvel Studios getting the Silver Surfer and Galactus back? Is Ben Affleck Warner Bros. man for the JLA film? Mickey Rourke is returning as Marv in Sin City 2! You should be going back and reading Paul Chadwick’s ‘Concrete’! Alf is coming to the big screen! Space Balls is out on Blu-Ray and Marvel Comics… The Untold Story!

Subscribe to the show on iTunes!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:47 — 19.6MB)

Ben Affleck May Co-Star And Direct ‘Justice League’?!

by Shawn Madden

Well, after yesterdays announcement that Joss Whedon would return to write and direct the sequel to The Avengers it looks like Warner Bros/DC may be getting ready to make their own big reveal. It appears that DC may be announcing a director soon for Justice Leauge and according to Variety, it seems that they already have someone that they are eyeing. And that someone is Ben Affleck.

Since guiding WB’s “The Town” to commercial success and critical acclaim from both sides of the camera, Affleck has ascended high on the studio’s list of filmmakers who can be trusted with prime properties. Thus far, Affleck is the only candidate who’s been sent Will Beall’s “Justice League” script, which the “Gangster Squad” scribe was hired to write last summer.

Warner Bros. could be working to move this project forward in order to get it out by 2015 in time to compete with the sequel to The Avengers. Especially with Man Of Steel rumored to start a shared DC Universe next year. The one big hesitation for Affleck here is that Justice League would put him out of circulation as a director for a few years. Affleck is not a shoe in for the job at  this point though yet. One of the sticking points to him directing the film is that he wants to be a part of the cast. He is expected to meet with Warner Brothers  executives in the coming days. This definitely wouldn’t be the first time a studio picked a director out of left field to handle a huge blockbuster comic book adaptation. Do I need to remind you about Christopher Nolan, Jon Favreau and Marc Webb?