300: Rise of an Empire Hails Themistokles in 2 New Posters

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have unveiled two new posters for the upcoming action adventure “300: Rise of an Empire” that put Athenian general Themistokles front and center of the action.

The two one-sheet artworks show actor Sullivan Stapleton in battle-ready poses and wielding his blood-soaked sword.

Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel “Xerxes,” and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster “300,” this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield—on the sea—as Greek general Themistokles attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war.

“300: Rise of an Empire” pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and Artemesia (Eva Green), vengeful commander of the Persian navy.
The film is directed by Noam Murro, from a screenplay by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad.

Opening across the Philippines on March 6, “300: Rise of an Empire” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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

Second Kick Ass Trailer for 300: Rise of an Empire

WB Ph. also sent me a link to the second trailer for the sequel to Zack Snyder's 300 entitled 300: Rise of an Empire.

Synopsis:

Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel “Xerxes,” and told in the breathtaking visual style of the 2006 blockbuster “300,” this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield—on the sea—as Greek general Themistokles attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war.

“300: Rise of an Empire” pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes, and Artemesia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy.



The film stars Sullivan Stapleton (“Gangster Squad”) as Themistokles and Eva Green (“Dark Shadows,” “Casino Royale”) as Artemesia. Lena Headey reprises her starring role from “300” as the Spartan Queen, Gorgo; Hans Matheson (“Clash of the Titans”) stars as Aeskylos; and Rodrigo Santoro stars again as the Persian King, Xerxes.

The film is directed by Noam Murro, from a screenplay by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad, based on the graphic novel “Xerxes,” by Frank Miller.

Opening across the Philippines in March 2014, “300: Rise of an Empire” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Warner has Found Its Wonder Woman in Gal Gadot

Fast and Furious 6 actress (and total bombshell) Gal Gadot will be swinging the golden lasso of truth as she has been officially announced to play the role of Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman for Zack Snyder's MAN OF STEEL 2. 

“Not only is Gal an amazing actress, but she also has that magical quality that makes her perfect for the role. We look forward to audiences discovering Gal in the first feature film incarnation of this beloved character.” (Zack Snyder) 

C'mon lets admit it, we're a bit disappointed that they didn't cast our choice star but much like how Ben Affleck was cast as Batman there might be something that they've seen in Gadot that we're not seeing. I hear that she also beat out Elodie Yung and Olga Kurylenko for the role. 

Plus she can totally kick our collective fanboy asses as she's a trained military personel. 

Gina Carano might not have been picked as Wonder Woman but I'm happy with this casting news.

Credits: IGN 

7 Reasons Why We Riot if Justin Bieber Becomes Robin

Justin Bieber recently took to Instagram as to what script he's got on his hands and it does not bode well for fans of Batman, Superman and everything good about DC Comics properties.

The funny thing is that the photo got over 350,000 likes which mostly consists of pre-pubescent to adolescent 'beliebers' who mistake good looks for talent. 

Anyway, as the title to this post goes, here's 7 Reasons why WE FUCKING RIOT IF JUSTIN BIEBER BECOMES ROBIN.

7.  There is only one blonde Robin and she's female.

Only one blonde Robin and that's perennial fan-favorite Stephanie Brown. She's currently absent in the comic books, mostly because Dan Didio had her abducted and kept in a safe house outside the States together with Wally West and Donna Troy. Going back to the point, we really don't need another blonde Robin. It's a major no-thanks, even if they cast Bieber as Stephanie Brown. 

6. We don't need another Chris O'Donnell

Don't get me wrong, Chris O'Donnell was a good cinematic universe Robin during the time that Batman Forever and hell even during Batman and Robin. But that's all in the past now. We really don't need another version of this kind of Robin in the movies. Plus at least O'Donnell really knows how to act; Beiber I'm not so inclined to think that much. Also we already have a non-Robin actor in Joseph Gordon Levitt.

5. Man of Steel 2/ World's Finest is Not a Concert

Remember the last movie that Bieber appeared in was a cinematic version of his concert. in effing 3D. So no thanks again.

4. Zack Snyder chooses well

Sure we might prattle on and on how the casting of Ben Affleck was bad or how Henry Cavill does not follow the standard archetypes for Superman but we know deep down that the guy does make some sound choices for his cast. JFC, just look at how spot on Gerard Butler was as King Leonidas in "300" and tell me that the director doesn't know his actors. 

3. Bieber isn't part of the Nolan Family

It's pretty obvious that Nolan has a specific group of people or posse for the films he make. Matilda Cottilard for example was in TDKR and in Inception while Anne Hathaway was in TDKR plus in upcoming "Interstellar". That being said, the guy follows a certain selection process. Since Bieber doesn't fit in Snyder's mold, he'll likely appeal to Nolan and I don't think the guy would approve of this farce.

2. Robin does not Dance

Take whichever iteration of Robin from the comics (or revert once again to the movie version of Robin) and you'll notice that no one dances. It's not that dancing is bad, it's more about dancing like an idiot that's casting a bad light for the Boy Wonder.

1. ROBIN DOES NOT SPIT ON PEOPLE

The top reason why Bieber should not be Robin isn't about his looks or what he does for a living but rather how he treats people. The kid is a poster child for all things good about youth, heck he was created solely with the idea of appealing to the younger audience and to give Batman, a really dark and brooding character, a bit of light. He doesn't go out of his balcony at broad daylight and spit at fans below. 

I guess we just have to wait and see whether or not this will blow over or (and by god I hope it does) this is just a simple joke on the pop star's part. That or it's a really bad joke.

Source [link]

GEEK FASHION: Ben Affleck's Daredevil - Batman Sweater

Yeah okay so it looks like we've got a winner when it comes to finding out what Ben Affleck would be wearing for the Christmas season. It really should be something like this:

And when he turns his back on unsuspecting fanboys and fangirls this is what they get:

Oh and an added info, today somebody from Warner said that Ben Affleck's Batman which will be appearing in Man of Steel 2 aka World's Finest would be somebody that's experienced and world weary; which was also probably the reason why they were eyeing Josh Brolin for the role. 

Possible Concept Art for Ben Affleck BATMAN Costume Surfaces

A neat concept art has surfaced online featuring a possible look for Ben Affleck's Batman for 2015's Man of Steel 2 (which I like to dub as Superman/Batman or World's Finest).

Here's the entire image:

So the guy who did this was Steve Scott, who also worked on the initial Batman look for BATMAN BEGINS. Which also explains why this concept looks really similar to the first Christopher Nolan Batman movie.

There's nothing really wrong with this design, it basically continues what we've already seen in the last three Batman movies. There's a bit of NEW 52-ism here as well what with all those unnecessary lines (unless of course they tell us that the suit is modular). 

Obviously we're too far away from anything tangible for this DC Comics project helmed once again by Zack Snyder with the assist of Nolan. Let's all look at this suit, move on and file it under "let's wait and see". For all we know the next costume would be more akin to this. 

Ben Affleck Announced as the New BATMAN

It's official, ARGO director BEN AFFLECK has been tapped to play the role of Bruce Wayne/ Batman for the sequel to MAN OF STEEL

Here's a fraction of the report coming from Hero Complex

"In a statement, director Zack Snyder 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.”

Snyder, who directed “Man of Steel,” is set to co-write the story with David S. Goyer, who will pen the screenplay.

Production is expected to begin next year, with a July 17, 2015, release date."

Meanwhile, Here's Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen from Arrow) on Twitter reacting about the announcement:

I'm now totally confident I'll eventually play Iron Man.
— Stephen Amell (@amellywood) August 23, 2013

Director Zack Snyder Unites Superman and Batman in One Explosive New Film

BURBANK, CA, July 20, 2013 – On the heels of the worldwide success of “Man of Steel,” director Zack Snyder is bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time—Batman and Superman—for the first time on the big screen. 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.

The current hit, “Man of Steel,” has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcoming film brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast.

Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date in Summer 2015.

Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.” Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of ‘Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.”

Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, noted, “Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DC Entertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe.”

Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con today, breaking the news to audiences there, later said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”

The new film brings back Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers. This time, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are serving as executive producers, along with Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan.

Thomas offered, “Whilst our ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction. His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.”

The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.

Superman/Batman Finally Happening

One of the biggest (if not the biggest) news from SDCC 2013 is the announcement of a SUPERMAN/BATMAN movie.

Obviously no details yet. The announcement alone is big enough. This'll probably be the talk of the town for a good week or so. To add more brevity to the announcement, Zack Snyder had this soundbite featuring the voice of the guy who played General Swanwick in "MAN OF STEEL". 

"I want you to remember, Clark…in all the years to come…in your most private moments…I want you to remember…my hand…at your throat…I want…you to remember…the one man who beat you."

That line of course was utterred famously by Batman during his fight with Superman in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns...

Here's the photo of the logo as revealed to con-goers today...

Photo courtesy of NERD REACTOR

On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give this around 8.5. This also reminds me of that poster we saw years ago from the film I AM LEGEND.

Hot Toys Man of Steel Jor-El Preview

A quick preview of Hot Toys' latest creation, Jor-El from Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel".

Here's what Hot Toys had to say:

has finally hit the theatres in many countries worldwide and has a successful box office record. Every story has a beginning, and Man of Steel unfolds it by showing the audience the origin of Superman. Foreseeing the inevitable doom of Krypton, Jor-El sends his new-born son to Earth to preserve the Kryptonian race. A caring father even after death, Jor-El’s artificial consciousness guides Clark Kent to bring hopes to mankind and leads to the rise of the iconic superhero.

The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of the Academy Award winner, Russell Crowe, as Jor-El in the movie which features a meticulously-made costume and accessories with great details.


























No specific release date for this one but this totally rocks. I love the design and the intricacies on both the head sculpt as well as the clothes; heck even the blaster looks so realistic.

Hot Toys Man of Steel Superman Preview

Hot Toys just released a flurry of photos from their upcoming MAN OF STEEL release for the 1/6th scale toyline featuring Henry Cavill as Superman.

Man of Steel is one of the most anticipated blockbusters this summer. Directed by Zack Synder and produced by Christopher Nolan, Man of Steel will reboot the Superman franchise by giving audience a new look at the origin of the iconic superhero and his rise to become the protector of Earth and its people.

Man of Steel Breaks Record with P69.52-M Opening Returns

MANILA, June 13, 2013 – The new, origin film of Superman flew off to a blockbuster start yesterday as “Man of Steel” surpassed the industry's all-time opening day record with a nationwide gross of a monumental P69.52-M.

“Man of Steel's” phenomenal debut bested the opening day record previously established only last April by “Iron Man 3” at P62.9-million.

This was announced today by Francis Soliven, general manager of Warner Bros. (F.E.), Inc. which distributed the film. “This is a day of reckoning for Superman,” added Soliven. “He's a larger-than-life character beloved by millions of Filipinos, and this was proven today. Fans and families welcomed him back overwhelmingly as evidenced by the long lines, the ubiquitous Superman shirts everywhere, and the cheers at the end of screenings.”

Non-Spoiler Man of Steel Review

Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan brings us THE ultimate Superman movie which is worthy of following the footsteps of Richard Donner's original Superman movie in MAN OF STEEL.

If there's anything that sets the movie apart from it's predecessors is the cool visual effects, something that Snyder brings into the table. The movie never skips a beat in telling us the origins of Superman from his parents' sacrifice to send the infant Kal-El to Earth all the way to the climatic and slam-bang finale where we see Superman unleash his full anger on a not-so-helpless General Zod (Michael Shannon).

Thanks to the great writing done by writer David S. Goyer,we're treated not just to a really satisfying Superman movie but also a movie that tackles topics such as alienation and isolation and destiny and family.

I advice you to catch MAN OF STEEL on IMAX as it fully does justice to the movie. As an artform, the film is exceptional in terms of pacing and eye popping visuals. You might want to keep your eyes peeled for awesome moments in the movie such as the Kryptonian battle scene at the beginning, the Smallville fight and the big key scene where everything just crumbles apart.

While Snyder took his sweet time in developing a really likeable Superman/ Clark Kent, it was all worth it as it provides us with a grounding and likeability for the Clark persona. Those earlier scenes of Superman's childhood also gives us a chance to see Kevin Costner as Clark's father Jonathan Kent, the man who made a huge impact in the young Superman's life. During these moments, I can't just help but think about the already-ended SMALLVILLE TV series starring Tom Welling.

Other cast members also held up their roles fine. Laurence Fishburne's Perry White is smart and smug and looks wiser for his years. Russell Crowe also OWNED his role as Superman's biological father; it's as if he's already asking for forgiveness for his take as Javert in Les Miserables [although I never disliked his take on the classic villain].He also kicks ass as never before, betcha Marlon Brando's Jor-El wouldn't have fought the way he did.

After seeing the movie, I'm still not sure whether or not I like Amy Adams as Lois Lane. There's like a half dozen actresses who played Lois Lane in both TV and movie adaptations but it's still Margot Kidder who's doing running in my head as the definitive Lois Lane. But Adams is definitely part of the upper bracket. She's lacking on sass department but she is spunky once in awhile. She's also an active participant and a source of a couple of quips.

The villains were also impeccable. Antje Traue is a beautiful, cold, hard bitch as Faora. She's merciless and full of hatred but at the drop of the hat she turns into this loyal fanatic in General Zod's insane quest. The armor design for Zod and the rest of his crew is also something to behold. It's also got a lot of nods to Nolan's last foray into the DC Universe [The Dark Knight trilogy].

If you're paying to see Superman fly, crash, punch, kick and heat vision his opponents, then you'll definitely go home with a smile plastered in your face as Snyder made it possible to do so. There's a lot of scenes in the film that showcases just how powerful the Man of Steel really is and it's done in a variety of ways. In costume, off costume, with his shirt on and with his shirt off. That in itself is worth the admission for the ladies in the audience.

Keep your eyes peeled for a couple of easter eggs here and there. It's not really much at the moment but you'll be pleased with all the stuff that's hidden and tucked away neatly behind, in front or even above the characters.Then there's also the fabulous world of Krpyton where there are a lot of fantastic beasts roaming around. 

Snyder took a couple of liberties in delivering the story, I really don't want to spoil what they are but I can predict that you'll go from, 'what the' to 'ohhhh good one'. 

I'll probably cut this review short in order to pave the way for a more spoilerific review. If you want my rating for this one, here's the verdict:

10/10

Special thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines for the invitation by the way. MAN OF STEEL opens June 12, 2013. 

P.S. i find it cool that I got to watch a Superman movie with Batman and Catwoman sans costume beside me and a very inquisitive Pam on the other side.