Two News Bits that Confirms Robert Redford is a Bad Guy in Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Two juicy tidbits pertaining to Robert Redford's role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. SPOILER ALERT.

So as early as now, I'm already saying this, Redford will be the new Red Skull.

Early on the production of Marvel Studios' Captain America: The Winter Soldier, actor Robert Redford was quoted saying he plays the villain for the sequel.

This week, a spoilerific toy was spotted in Toyfair 2014... It was the Red Skull (Read more about it HERE)

MTV added this comment on the inclusion of the Red Skull:

"What makes this figure suspect, though, is that it's positioned as part of the main action figure line, specifically for the sequel."

The second biggest information that practically confirms this thread comes from the musical scoring for the film. Cosmicbooknews reports that there is a bit of music in the original score for CA: TWS that goes by "Alexander Pierce is the Red Skull". (Source)

Remember this was the same with which some people found out about the appearance of Chris Evans' Steve Rogers/ Captain America in THOR: THE DARK WORLD. So there's some truth to it.

Finally, isn't it obvious that Pierce is merely a placeholder for a similar character in the comics? I'm referring to Alexander Lukin who appeared all throughout Ed Brubaker's "Winter Soldier" arc in Captain America.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier opens April 2 from Walt Disney Studios Philippines and Columbia Pictures.

Transformers 4 Star Jack Reynor Cast in Star Wars Episode VII

Transformers: Age of Extinction star Jack Reynor is poised for bigger Hollywood stardom thanks to a role he reportedly nabbed.

Both AICN and Bleedingcool are reporting that Reynor has been added to the cast of the upcoming Star Wars movie directed by J.J. Abrams.

No details have been revealed regarding what role the Transformers star got but this should be interesting... provided it's a hundred percent accurate. Basically what I'm telling you guys and gals is that "take it with a grain of salt"

Three New Images from Guardians of the Galaxy

As the release date for the trailer for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy comes closer, Marvel Studios has unveiled more photos from the James Gunn directed movie which also stars Chris Pratt, Batista, Zoe Saldana and featuring the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel.

The movie will also star John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Lee Pace, Benicio Del Toro and Karen Gillian. 

Check out the Guardians' sweet ride...

Of course I might be wrong and this might actually belong to the bad guys and the not-so-bad guys like the Nova Corps.

... and here's Emmett  Chris Pratt as Star Lord, Peter Quill...

Late last week we also a teaser featuring the look the film will have for the adorable Rocket Raccoon and his ever loyal partner Groot. 

BLAM! Murdered you!

Lest I forget, the first official trailer for GOTG will be making the rounds in the interwebs starting February 18. 

Guardians of the Galaxy will be released here in the Philippines August 1, 2014 from Walt Disney Studios Ph.

Credit: Superherohype

More on the Batman's Mysterious Robin Replacement who Could Be Harper Row

More and more fans are leaning towards the idea that the new blue themed vigilante working closely with Batman as a potential Robin (Damian Wayne) replacement is really Harper Row.

Here's a sneak peek at the upcoming Batman # 28 with art by Dustin Nguyen who I've really missed in mainstream stuff. The book, as usual, will be written by Scott Snyder.

Also thank god for a break from Zero Year, seriously that things becoming too much of a drag now. Too many variables, too many crossovers and too many villains.

Credits:  Comics X-Aminer

Comedian Arvin "Tado" Jimenez Among the Dead in Bus Mishap

Sad to report that comedian Tado Jimenez was one of the casualties of a terrible bus mishap in the Mountain Province.

The actor was en route to attend one of his advocacies and projects PROJECT: LIFE BEGINS AT THE MOUNTAIN when the bus that he was on fell down a deep ravine. Yahoo adds that this was very ironic and I can see why.

I met the guy once, during the peak of their show Strangebrew (still showing at the time on UNTV)while waiting for an interview with a former ABS-CBN news anchor. We shared a couple of cigarettes, had a few laughs, he even gave us the reason why he was called 'Tado'.

Those few minutes with the guy said a lot about the man. He loves his kids and instilled a very deep sense of respect. His daughter in fact calls him "Ama" which is very, very deep.

Rest in Peace man.

Hugh Jackman to Star in Live-Action Peter Pan Feature Film

Hugh Jackman (The Wolverine) has been officially announced as the villainous pirate Blackbeard for the live-action adaptation of Peter Pan from Warner Bros. Pictures.

BURBANK, CA – January 24, 2014 – Academy Award® nominee Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”) has been set to star in Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming live-action Peter Pan feature for director Joe Wright (“Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice”). The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Jackman will portray the villainous Blackbeard in an all-new tale about author J.M. Barrie’s beloved character Peter Pan, the boy who would never grow up.Silverman stated, “Hugh Jackman always delivers indelible performances that resonate with audiences. We know he will create a Blackbeard who will be a powerful presence in this original Peter Pan adventure.” Kroll added, “There is a reason that Hugh is known and loved the world over. He is uncompromising in his dedication to every role, and we are all thrilled to be working with him again.”

Best known to audiences worldwide for his portrayal of the Wolverine, Jackman most recently wrapped production on “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” reprising his role as the conflicted Super Hero for the sixth time in that popular film franchise. In addition to an Oscar® nomination, he won a Golden Globe Award and earned a BAFTA Award nomination for his gripping performance as Jean Valjean in 2012’s “Les Misérables.” This past fall, Jackman led an all-star cast in the acclaimed dramatic thriller “Prisoners.” Also an accomplished stage actor, he received a 2004 Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway musical “The Boy From Oz.”

Wright will direct the as-yet-untitled Peter Pan adventure from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs. Greg Berlanti and Paul Webster are serving as producers.

The film is set for a worldwide release beginning July 17, 2015 (including The Philippines).

And thanks to this post, I've reopened my feels for the Assassin's Creed IV version of Edward Thatch aka Blackbeard. Really optimistic that this is going to be an awesome movie. Oh and if you think you know Peter Pan you might want to read THIS.

Jesse Eisenberg is Lex Luthor, Jeremy Irons as Alfred for Superman/ Batman

Zack Snyder and Warner Bros. Pictures has found their Lex Luthor for the untitled Man of Steel sequel which fans have dubbed as Superman/Batman for the duration, in the form of actor Jesse Eisenberg.

In the DC Comics, Luthor was a supergenius who just hate Superman with a vengeance. Currently if you pick up a DC book, you'll see that Luthor is embroiled in a fight with the Crime Syndicate in Forever Evil together with a handful of DC rogues as well as Batman and Catwoman.

Eisenberg received Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and BAFTA Award nominations for his starring role as Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s The Social Network. He also starred in Woody Allen's To Rome with Love and Louis Letterier's Now You See Me.

Also in the outs is actor Jeremy Irons who will be playing the role of Bruce Wayne's butler and only father figure Alfred Pennyworth.

Some of the movies I remember Jeremy Irons in was in Die Hard as well as sharing his voice to Scar from The Lion King. 

UPDATE: I got the official press release now from Warner Bros. Pictures Phil.

BURBANK, CA, January 31, 2014 – Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Jesse Eisenberg has been set to star as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons will play Alfred in the upcoming Zack Snyder untitled Superman/Batman film. The dual announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Snyder stated, “Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940. What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman. Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.”

The director added, “As everyone knows, Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure. He is an absolutely critical element in the intricate infrastructure that allows Bruce Wayne to transform himself into Batman. It is an honor to have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne.”

Eisenberg received Academy Award®, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award® and BAFTA Award nominations for his starring role as Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s “The Social Network.” He also starred in Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love” and Louis Letterier’s “Now You See Me.” He next appears in “The Double” and “Night Moves.”

Irons won the Academy Award® for his portrayal of Claus von Bülow in “Reversal of Fortune.” His work in the film also garnered him a Golden Globe Award. He won an Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® for his performance in the TV miniseries “Elizabeth I,” opposite Helen Mirren, and recently starred on the small screen as Rodrigo Borgia in Neil Jordan’s highly acclaimed Showtime series “The Borgias,” for which Irons earned a Golden Globe nomination. He was recently nominated for a SAG Award® for the PBS Great Performances television miniseries “The Hollow Crown,” for his performance as Henry IV.

Snyder’s film stars Henry Cavill, reprising his role as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. The film also reunites “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

The new film is currently being written by Chris Terrio, from a screenplay by David S. Goyer. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Wesley Coller, David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers.

The film is set to open worldwide on May 6, 2016, and is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, Batman characters created by Bob Kane, and Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston, appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment.

Superman/Batman hits theaters 2016

Lemire's Justice League United Adds New Members, Flies off to Space

The upcoming Jeff Lemire written Justice League Canada gets a major facelift as announced today. The book will become Justice League United (which was reported months ago by Bleedingcool.com).

According to Newsarama, the book will be bouncing between the team's new headquarters in Canada to outer space and it's thanks to new member Adam Strange and his Zeta beam. The first story arc will also feature an established roster with former JLA-ers Star Girl, Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow with new members Animal Manm, Supergirl and Strange.

Thing about this is that the new version of Adam Strange isn't a space-McGyver but rather a science nerd that will share equal parts of heroism with his alien wife Alanna. Oh and the team will be visiting the planets Rann and Thanagar which might see the return of Hawkman into the fold.

Finally, the team will also introduce a new Canadian superheroine who joins the team shortly. We still don't know what she'll look like though.

Is Chris Claremont Writing a Nightcrawler Solo Book?

Marvel Comics has released a new one-word teaser connoting the famous SFX that Nightcrawler's makes whenever he teleports. 

Nobody's talking yet but I'm really hoping that this would be the case since the creative team attached to this project is big bad X-Daddy himself Chris Claremont together with Todd Nauck. 

Bout time they did something with both Claremont (who apparently is in Marvel's payroll as an exclusive for the longest time) and Nightcrawler who is set to return at the end of the first story arc for Jason Aaron's AMAZING X-MEN. 

Aquaman Gets a Second Book - Aquaman and the Others

Aquaman is starting to really dominate the DC books what with his regular appearance in Justice League and his own book and now, just announced, a second book called "Aquaman and the Others". 

The book's opening creative team is a powerhouse in their own right as well, Dan Jurgens will be writing the book while 'kabayans' Lan Medina (pencils) and Ed Tadeo (inks) will be doing the interior art. 

IGN reports that the Aquaman and the Others will "feature Aquaman’s team of Others being hunted by a mysterious foe who wants the golden Atlantean artifacts that give them their powers."

The book comes out April 2, 2014

Wally West Set to Appear in the New 52

Fans have been clamoring for the return of Wally West (the second Flash and first Kid Flash from DC Comics) ever since the New 52 Reboot; and today we get exciting news, they are officially bringing him back.

USA Today provides some news for the return of the former Kid Flash. According to the scoop, Wally West will be appearing in issue number 30 of The Flash ongoing. The issue will be written by Green Lantern writer Robert Vendetti together with co-writer Van Jensen and artist Brett Booth.

Here's the cover for The Flash # 30:

The Flash by Brett Booth

Despite my excitement for the prospect of seeing Wally in the books again (I grew up with Wally as the Flash, thus making him MY Flash), there's this air of uncertainty seeing how DC Comics is doing a terrible job at 'reinventing' their characters. Case-in-point, the new back story for Bart Allen which is currently being told in Teen Titans # 25 - 27.

Update: I think we have what appears to be Wally's new costume...

The Flash Annual # 3

Doop and Iron Fist Gets Their Own Ongoing for All New Marvel Now

Fan-favorites Doop and Iron Fist will be getting their own ongoing comic books within the year! 

Doop's ongoing will be written by Peter Milligan with art by David Lafuente with the first story arc centered on the events that transpired in X-MEN: BATTLE OF THE ATOM.

As an X-Fanboy, I'm happy that they'll be doing this but sad because Peter Milligan and Mike Allred passed on the chance to re-invent and kickstart a new X-STATIX series.

Oh the Avengers side of things, another artist whom I adore is back on doing IRON FIST, ladies and gents, Kaare Andrews... Oh and check out the previews for Iron Fist # 1...

“The defining aspect of Danny Rand is the loss of a father and a quest for honor and vengeance. Yet, these are themes that haven’t been explored again since his origin story back in the 70s. We need to bring Danny back to this state of blind rage and self-destruction. Remember – this is a man who traded immortality for vengeance. And the consequences of that are what I’m most interested in.”

Seriously, the only thing missing here is Orson Rand. :(

Source 1, Source 2

Peter Parker Officially Returns with Amazing Spider-Man # 1 Teaser

Otto Octavius will soon bid adieu from Peter Parker's body as Marvel has begun showing off new materials for AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 1. 

And yes, just like every fan expected, Marvel is bringing back the real Peter Parker in 2014 in line with the release of Marc Webb's Amazing Spider-Man 2. The new book will retain it's creative team so again it's with Dan Slott and Humberto Ramos. 

Cannot wait for this book to drop and au revoir Superior Spider-Man. 

2014 Marvel Comics Event Centers on Death of Uatu the Watcher - Original Sin

Jason Aaron and Mike Deodato Jr. will be up next to bat for the Marvel Comics event book for 2014 entitled "Original Sin"

CBR reports that this is going to be thematically different from past events mainly because its a murder mystery. The original Nick Fury will show up once again (last seen in Age of Ultron) and acts as detective. The report goes on with naming the main characters for the story who will be joining Fury in solving the murder:

Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, The Punisher, Emma Frost, Ant Man, Doctor Strange, and Black Panther. (the last three kinda reminds me of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's assumed phase 4 movies)

In the span of four months, we'll be seeing how this occured and the massive fallout. Remember, The Watcher keeps track of everything everybody in the 616 does, which will lead in to ORIGINAL SIN # 0 by Mark Waid and Jim Cheung.

And it seems that this went under the radar because the first legit teaser came out in November 2013 in the form of a postcard from the House of Ideas.

Burning Bus in SLEX Now

Photos are circulating of a bus that's burning in SLEX.

PHOTO: Bus burning in SLEX-northbound lane, near Sta. Rosa Exit (via Bayan Patroller Aris Vertucio)

Source: ANCAlerts

Vin Diesel Joins Guardians of the Galaxy as Groot

It's official! Vin Diesel is going to lend his husky voice for the Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy! 

Diesel and Groot credits: Walt Disney Studios PH

The star of the “Fast and the Furious” and “Riddick” franchises will lend his voice to Groot in Marvel's live-action "Guardians of the Galaxy," rounding out the team that includes Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and Drax (Dave Bautista).

Featured in four of the six movies in the fan-favorite "Fast & Furious" franchise, Diesel has helped the series gross over $2 billion at the box office; and will reprise his role in "Fast & Furious 7." Diesel's most recent film, "Riddick," the third film in the franchise that has so far earned a cumulative $267.3 million across the globe, debuted this year at the top of the box office. In addition to lending his voice to several video games, Diesel's received great acclaim for his voice work in the celebrated animated film "The Iron Giant," directed by Brad Bird.

In the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, an unlikely cast of characters including Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, Groot and Rocket Raccoon must join forces to defeat a cosmic force of epic proportions. Directed by James Gunn, the live-action "Guardians of the Galaxy" will take fans to new corners of the Marvel Universe when it hits theaters August 1, 2014, but in the meantime stay tuned to Marvel.com for the latest news as it breaks, including official casting, first looks and more!

In addition to "Guardians of the Galaxy," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" on April 4, 2014; "Avengers: Age of Ultron" on May 1, 2015; and "Ant-Man" on July 31, 2015.

Paul Rudd is Ant-Man

The Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU just got bigger (or smaller) with the announcement that actor Paul Rudd has been officially cast as one of the two Ant-Man characters for the Edgar Wright adaptation for Marvel Studios.

Yeah, it's an AN because there are plans to have two Ant-Man guys in the film. One would be the original Ant-Man and Avengers founding member Hank Pym and the other is the con-man turned good guy Scott Lang. 

The Superherohype news did not mention which character Rudd would portray but I'm going ahead on predicting that Rudd would taking the Scott Lang role, should they decide to go with that original plot of having two Ant-Man stories in one movie. 

Update: While Rudd's announcement as Ant-Man is big news, we shouldn't factor out Joseph Gordon-Levitt yet. However the dude is busy with his Sandman adaptation with David S. Goyer for WB.

Source: SHH

First Look at Shishio for Rurouni Kenshin 2 and 3

Here's what actor Tatsuya Fujiwara will look like as Shishio Makoto for the upcoming second and third Rurouni Kenshin movies. 

This is awesome. Not only does it look realistic it's also very fateful to the source material's look. Although I still can't fathom the idea of a severely burned swordsman being the most brutal killer in Meiji era Japan. Mind boogling. 

Special thanks to Les for the initial heads up.

Skyway Mishap this Morning

Readers if you're taking the SLEX/ Skyway today, you'll be in for a tizzy as there's a road mishap somewhere along the SKYWAY. 

credit: ABS-CBNnews

The short of it is that (reportedly and from what I gathered on Facebook and Twitter) is that the bus and the van hit each other after which they fall down the Skyway's service road. 

credit: Ruben Nacion

The saddest part is that at the moment 15 people have been reported to have died from the accident. 

The First Official Look at 2014 Godzilla

Gareth Edwards definitely holds a winner for next year's GODZILLA. The trailer is due tonight and to tease us further here's our first legit look at the kaiju king.

credit http://www.godzilla-movies.com/

So here's the context to the image above, there are basically paratroopers sent to the combat zone where Godzilla is wreaking huge damage. This is a POV of one of the paratroopers as he falls from the sky. Is that a missile about to hit the King of Monsters? Probably. Who knows. 

Oh and director Gareth Edwards also confirms that it's not just Godzilla the world has to worry about as there are other monsters thrashing about. 

Godzilla stars Aaron Taylor Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen. Distributed locally by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Credits: Godzila-Movies