Marvel Confirms: James Spader is Ultron!

 
Marvel has released an official press release on their own site revealing Ultron to be played by Boston Legal star, James Spader.

James Spader will face off against Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as the villain in Marvel’s "Avengers: Age of Ultron," the sequel to 2012’s record-breaking "Marvel’s The Avengers." The Emmy Award-winning actor will play Ultron in the Avengers’ much anticipated return to the big screen from writer/director Joss Whedon. The film comes to theaters on May 1, 2015.

Spader earned three Emmy Awards for his role as Alan Shore on "Boston Legal" and "The Practice," and will return to television this fall in NBC’s highly anticipated series "The Blacklist." Most recently Spader was seen in the critically-acclaimed film "Lincoln" directed by Steven Spielberg and has previously worked with a long list of accomplished film directors including David Cronenberg, Curtis Hansen, Sidney Lumet, Mike Nichols, Tim Robbins, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Soderbergh, and Oliver Stone. David Mamet also directed Spader in the Broadway play Race.

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" will bring the Marvel Universe’s biggest heroes together again to face one of their biggest villains, with "Marvel’s The Avengers" director Joss Whedon returning to write and direct the sequel. "Marvel’s The Avengers" was released in 2012 and went on to earn $1.5 billion worldwide, making it the third-largest grossing movie of all time.

Spader is represented by ICM Partners and his lawyer Melanie Cook at Ziffren Brittenham. 

I would have preferred Paul Bettany if they were going the route they appear to be going...but whatever after the shock of Batfleck earlier this week, nothing really upsets or surprises me anymore.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD Empire Magazine Stills Released

DC Unveils The New LOBO...and it's not good!

  

"A ruthless killer, Lobo is on a quest to kill the man who has taken his name. This Lobo is equal parts strong, vicious, and driven. There’s a darker and more logical idea about what a force of nature like him is capable of. After all, this is someone who can infiltrate high society, fly a space ship, and adhere to a very specific moral code that’s not your typical anti-hero one. Oh, and, this one-shot takes place very far away from Earth. And when I say very far away, I mean it takes place literally on the other side of the galaxy." - Bob Harris, EIC of DC

What the balls is this nonsense?!  He looks like a teenage!!! EHRMAGERD DC...STAHP!

GOTG: Kevin Feige Gives Up The Goods On Character Details

Marvel Studios President, Kevin Feige, has given up quite a bit of detail to Empire Magazine in his interview this month.  Check out what he has to say;

"They are an unlikely band. It's pure circumstance that brings them all together throughout the course of the movie. Rocket has been genetically and mechanically altered, he's an experiment from one part of the galaxy. Groot is a species that happens to look like trees look, and is quite communicative if you can understand the different inflections in the way he says, "I am Groot." Peter Quill left Earth in the mid'80s, but when we meet back up with him he's very much a citizen of the universe. Drax has one goal and one goal only, which is to kill Ronan because of a past tragedy. When we meet Gamora, she's a bad guy working with Ronan and Nebula and Korath, and by extension for Thanos. Gamora doesn't necessarily like doing that anymore, and tries to find a new path for herself. But she has a reputation as the deadliest woman in the galaxy that people aren't greeting her with open arms."

Wow.  That is more info than anyone has given up thus far.  But, it's also basically the exact same character details as in the comics....so not really anything shocking.  

When asked whether Guardians of the Galaxy takes place at the same time as marvel's other "Phase 2" movies, Kevin Feige had this to say, "The general answer is yes. It's not exactly revealed what year or month it is in relation to the other Phase Two films. But yes, it's the same time." So, while it may take place at the same time, just how connected will it be to the "Phase 2" films? "Certainly more than the others. We've already said that Thanos plays a part in it and is a character in it. That in and of itself should tell you it's connected to the other worlds." Talking of Thanos, many fans expected the Mad Titan to be the main villain in the sequel to The Avengers, but it was recently confirmed that it will be Ultron who fills that role. So, will he be the main foe in Guardians of the Galaxy? Not quite! "Ronan The Accuser is very much the main bad guy. And Thanos is lurking above it all. You will learn more about Thanos in Guardians, for sure. Certainly you'll get more than the one turn around and smirk. You'll get much more than that!"

GOTG: Set Photos Of Michael Rooker as Yondu

Check out these awesome Guardians of the Galaxy set photos from SuperHeroHype!

I love the practical effects, and I am sure they will be cleaned up some in post production.  But what do you think of Yondu's lack of his dorsal fin?  I wonder if that will be added via CGI or if they are leaving it out...since it is kind of silly looking.

Ben Affleck is BATMAN!! And Rumored To Be Directing?!

A rumor was floating around today that Ben Affleck was in talks to portray bruce Wayne/Batman in Zack Snyder's upcoming Man of Steel sequel.  Well, it's all been confirmed as true by Warner Bros Pictures.  The announcement came today from Greg Silverman, President of the Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution.  A date was also set for the movie premier on July 17th, 29015.

In the announcement, Silverman stated, “We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character.” Snyder also expressed his excitement about the casting of Affleck, noting, “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.” 

Sue Kroll added, “We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman. He is a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes.” 

I honestly did not see this casting coming at all!  I am actually still in a bit of shock.  I don't really know what to think.  I like Ben.  he is a terrific actor and director.  But this is Batman.  I really hope this is just like when Heath Ledger was cast as Joker and everyone freaked out...but it wound up being the greatest villain casting ever!  I really hope so.  I really, really hope so.

Also, new rumors have come in from El Mayimbe over at Latino Review that Ben Affleck will be directing future Batman movies.  So he will star in and also direct the movie.  Why can't he just direct it?!  Anyway, El Mayimbe also states that Detroit will sub as Gotham City this time around.  Why not Boston?!  Let's just make this whole thing about Ben Affleck!!

Is Bradley Cooper Voicing Rocket Raccoon In Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY?

Maybe.  As in "el mayimbe."  Yes, Latino Review is back again with it's trusty inside sources and claims of exclusive news!  El Mayimbe claims to know for a fact that Bradley Cooper's reps have received an offer for Cooper to voice Rocket Raccoon in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy.  Apparently we are just waiting on bated breath for him to accept.

I call bullshit.  Bullshit on the whole thing!  El Mayimbe should be run out of town for the amount of "inside scoops" and "exclusives" that wind up being proved incorrect.  Remember when he reported "exclusively" that Conan star, Jason Momoa, was going to be cast as Drax?  See how that turned out?! He needs to just stop.

Not that I would mind Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket.  I think he would be excellent, even though I prefer Rocket with his cockney accent.  I would also prefer Cooper for a larger Marvel Universe role...say as Hank Pym, aka Ant-Man!

Joss Whedon Talks ABout How Ultron Will Differ in AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON...plus my theories!

Us geeks all know that Ultron was created by scientist Hank Pym (aka Ant-Man) and is a bad ass artificial intelligence robot with a ridiculous power set that covers everything from superhuman levels of strength, speed, stamina, durability, and reflexes; flight at subsonic speeds; and various offensive weapons such as concussive blasts of energy fired from its optical sensors and hands, and an "encephalo-ray", which places victims into a deathlike coma.  I mean, what?! That's an insane amount of power!  Many have wondered how Ultron will be handled in the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron movie and will he retain these Superman-esque powers or will he be made a little bit more accessible.  


Joss Whedon spoke on this topic with Entertainment Weekly in the magazine's cover story for this week.  “I knew right away what I wanted to do with him,” Whedon says. “He’s always trying to destroy the Avengers, goddamn it, he’s got a bee in his bonnet. He’s not a happy guy, which means he’s an interesting guy. He’s got pain. And the way that manifests is not going to be standard robot stuff. So we’ll take away some of those powers because at some point everybody becomes magic, and I already have someone who’s a witch.”

The witch that her is referring to is The Scarlet Witch, who has yet to be cast.  

Whedon adds that he has to be careful “to ground [the character] while still evoking that guy.” And like a certain giant green Avenger hero, it sounds like large doses of rage will be key to his personality. “As a character I love [Ultron],” Whedon says, “because he’s so pissed off.”

And now the speculation begins....

Okay, so magic is involved with Ultron's origins?  Hmmm.  And Scarlet Witch is the first character to control magic.  She can basically make the improbable happen. Plus she starts off as a villain.  What if she causes J.A.R.V.I.S. to become self aware?  Then Stark attempts to shut him down, but J.A.R.V.I.S. doesn't want to "die" or go back to being a sidekick of Iron Man.  So he flees and looks at evolving himself or his armor into something Iron Man cannot harm....with the element that Tony created himself...Vibranium!  J.A.R.V.I.S. was there when Tony created the element, so he knows where to go to harvest materials needed.  This can place Wakanda (as a source for the materials) in as an easter egg and possible set up for a Black Panther movie.  Wanda, feeling sorry for J.A.R.V.I.S.  helps him in his quest to evolve.  As J.A.R.V.I.S. evolves he may become fond of Wanda, but she rejects him.  J.A.R.V.I.S. is spurned and comes to realize that humans are imperfect creatures and his logical solution is to wipe them out. He comes back stronger due to the vibranium and pissed-offier and calling himself ULTRON!  The Scarlet Witch now has a deep tie to ULTRON and pleads with the Avengers not to "kill him"...that he is only doing this because he has confusing feelings for the first time.  She helps the Avengers take him down with a virus.  Maybe Quicksilver is a hacker too.  I keep forgetting he's in this thing too. When they actually do defeat him, he is not killed, but reprogrammed to be more sympathetic and humanized.  Maybe they transplant his artificial intelligence into a more human-looking android....thus becoming the VISION.  

Boom.

Drax's Rap Sheet From GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Leaked Footage

Instagram user, and CBM member, THS_Romey has posted yet another screengrab from his less than legal cam of the Guardians of the Galaxy footage shown at Comic-Con and D23 Expo.  This time we can see a bit more clearly the charges against Drax the Destroyer and a few of his enhancements.

In case you are having trouble reading the grainy footage, here is what Drax has charged against him:

Name
DRAX
Subject: Drax
Alias: The Destroyer
Species: Unknown
Length: 204 Microbulles (?)
Weight: 3992 Casts (?)
Enhancements: Enhanced Musculature,
Impact Resistant Skin,
Augmented Cellular Regeneration

Name
DRAX
Subject: Drax
Criminal Record:
22 Counts of Murder
5 Counts of  GBH (grievous bodily harm)

Pretty impressive stuff.  I wouldn't want to mess with him.

Thank you THS_Romey for this screen grab!  I cannot wait for you to release Gamora's rap sheet!

I don't have the footage that shows this rap sheet, but I do have the 30 second main clip in a previous post:
 Updated with HD and another clip: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY leaked Comic-Con footage
and the Star-Lord bit:
Star Lord Footage and Rap Sheet (Leaked Footage)

Check out my other posts for Cap2 and more.

Cinderonce

This is the greatest thing ever.  Todrick Hall has brought Disney's telling of Cinderella together with Beyonce's greatest hits!  It is full of beauty, hilarity, and heart!  And that end promo!!!  Priceless!

Honest Trailers Tackles STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

The geniuses over at Honest Trailers is at it again!  Check out there newest clip that targets Star Trek Into Darkness.

Girly Geek Movie Recommendation: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES

I'm going to start a new recurring article for my movie reccomendations starting this week.  Obviously, I am going to lean towards the geekier, probably comic-book related, movies more than not.  But I hope I can give you a little insight into a movie you may be on the fence about seeing.

This week a favorite book of mine is coming to theaters in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.  yes, it is a long title.  The first book is actually just called City of Bones and the entire series is entitled The Mortal Instruments.  So I am betting they expect (or hope) to make the sequels.

This is a must see for me.




Synopsis

Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of young half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. After the disappearance of her mother (Lena Headey), Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters, who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld, filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures. Based on the worldwide best-selling book series.

Pack Your Suitcase: Thor Is Coming To Disneyland

The Disney Parks Blog brings forth happy tidings!  When Thor: The Dark World hits theaters this November 8th, Disneyland park guests will have a chance to visit Asgard and meet Thor himself!

It's not yet clear specifically when or where Thor will appear in the park, but don't count on encountering his fangirl-favorite brother there with him.  "Meeting Loki would be pretty awesome (it was certainly cool to see Tom Hiddleston make an appearance at the D23 Expo)!  I'm afraid there are no plans at this time, though, to bring Loki to the park." wrote Shawn Slater, Communication Manager for Walt Disney parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment, in response to a comment on the blog.

Pack your bags, ladies!  Let's go to Anaheim!

UMBRELLA ACADEMY Movie Update

Gerard Way was asked by TotalFilm whether we can expect any development on the Umbrella Academy film adaptation and he had this to say, "Every once in a while there's a burst of movement," says Way. "It's just a matter of waiting for [Universal Pictures] to take the risk on it."

Come on, Universal!  Let's get this together!


The Umbrella Academy is a comic book series created and written by Gerard Way. The first six-issue limited series, The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite, was released by Dark Horse Comics, the first issue making its premiere on September 19, 2007. It won the 2008 Eisner Award for Best Finite Series/Limited Series. A second series, The Umbrella Academy: Dallas, followed in 2008.