Monthly Archives: November 2016
How Doctor Strange’s Big Bad Was Created
Spoilers follow for Doctor Strange.
Doctor Strange is a hit, and certainly part of the reason for the film’s success is its exploration of a new side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- the world of magic and the mystical that until now has existed at the periphery of the franchise at best.
Obviously one of the major challenges of the film was in the creation of those magical and other-dimensional beings, acts, and realms, and that’s where visual effects supervisor Stephane Ceretti came in. I spoke to Ceretti recently about this task, as well as the design of Doctor Strange’s surprise villain, Dormammu. Marvel had kept the CG character’s presence secret up to the film’s release, but the inclusion of the dread one hits an important part of the Strange mythology while also serving as a great third-act face-off between the hero and villain.
How the US Wizarding World is Different From Harry Potter’s
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them offers a huge expansion of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, taking place not just in another era from the Harry Potter stories but in a location – North America – the Potter books and films never ventured to.
So just what sets this area of the Wizarding World apart from what we saw before? A lot, as it turns out. Yes, there are similar basic trappings – including a school, Ilvermony, with four different houses and a government body, the Magical Congress of the United States of America (AKA the MACUSA), that functions much like the Ministry of Magic. But there are specifics about how these communities grew and function that make things very different in ways that go beyond using the term "No-Maj" instead of "Muggle" for non-magical people.
The Big Bang Theory: Back to the Future Star to Guest
Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd will make a guest appearance in an upcoming episode of The Big Bang Theory.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Lloyd will star in the Season 10 episode that airs on December 1.
Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown in Back to the Future
No specifics on the actor's role were revealed, with the series producers only saying: "We're so excited to be working with Christopher Lloyd, and think we’ve created a fun part that fans will really enjoy."
Wrestling Wrap Up: Survivor Series Just Got Interesting
In my feeble, futile attempt to put thoughts into words today - here's the freakin' Wrap Up!
Now, I know SmackDown doesn't actually exist as its own separate, competing entity like the storylines would have us believe, but I also know that there are some very noticeable differences between the two brands. Differences that would suggest a divide in creative (which we know was the case in the past when the brands were split). In the end, it's all the same WWE casserole, but I'm still going to type the phrase "Because of SmackDown, I'm now way more interested in Survivor Series." You know, pretending that it was that show's idea to add some spice to the previously bland pay-per-view stew. And everything's food now apparently.
X-Men Movie Series ‘Will Be Reconfigured’
With X-Men: Apocalypse underperforming earlier this year and several of the film's stars reaching the end of their contracts, 20th Century Fox is reportedly reworking its mutant-focused movie franchise.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series "will be reconfigured," as franchise producer and writer Simon Kinberg begins work on a new script.
While Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy have reached the end of their contracts, the outlet's sources say the script is keeping the trio of stars "optimistically in mind." In addition Singer, reportedly won't return to direct the new film.
Deadpool 3 Already Being Planned
Despite the drama surrounding Deadpool 2 with the recent departure of director Tim Miller, 20th Century Fox reportedly already has plans for a third film in the franchise.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio is so confident in the comic-inspired franchise starring Ryan Reynolds that it's already planning a Deadpool 3 and is getting ready to begin its search for a suitable director.
Iron Man: The Violent Inspiration of Riri Williams’ Origin
Out today, Invincible Iron Man #1 by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Stefano Caselli features teenage genius Riri Williams in the leading role, showing her journey to become the new Iron Man. The issue shows Riri’s early life in a series of flashbacks that shed light on her motivation for becoming a hero, including a tragic incident involving gun violence. We hopped on the phone with Bendis to discuss the issue.
Warning: this article contains spoilers for Invincible Iron Man #1!
Invincible Iron Man #1 cover by Stefano Caselli. (Marvel Comics)
Dead Rising 4: Bigger, Bloodier, and Frank-ier
Five minutes into Dead Rising 4’s intro sequence, the action is as satisfying as it is ridiculous. The opening kicks off with hero Frank West trapped inside a bad dream straight out of Nightmare on Elm Street. He’s wakes up inside a recreation of the Willamette mall surrounded by zombie hordes. But look closer and you’ll see the storefronts have names like “Failure” and “No One Likes Your Dumb Pictures Anyway,” a telltale sign that the tough-guy photojournalist still has many insecurities despite his typically flippant attitude.
To make matters worse, he’s confronted inside of the bad dream by a ghastly vision of himself. Ghost Frank spits out taunts that harken back to the silly dialogue and discoveries Frank made back in the first Dead Rising. It’s a self-deprecating intro, but one that still manages to offer a peek at what’s to come. As Frank carves through packs of zombies, his weapons change whenever he catches up with his ghostly tormentor. “We wanted to give people a chance right off the bat to try out some of our combo weapons and just have some fun,” executive producer Bryce Cochrane explains, as we thrash through the pack and dwell deeper into Frank’s tormented subconscious.
We’re Launching an Official IGN Store
Good news, IGN fans! Today we’re re-launching our official IGN Store so you can easily browse and buy your favorite IGN-related shirts and other awesome merchandise online.
Brought to you with the help of our partner ShirtPunch!, the new IGN eStore features both custom and limited edition designs from every one of IGN’s many popular podcasts and shows, including Beyond, GameScoop!, Anime Club, Up at Noon, and Unlocked. Like to keep it simple? We also have iconic “old-school” merch donning the retro IGN logo!
Apparel comes in all shapes and sizes, too — enjoy your favorite designs on short-sleeve shirts, tank tops, fitted tees, long-sleeve, and hoodies. All of this, plus a ton of other great IGN stuff, like autographed cards of your favorite IGN stars, exclusive pins, stickers, and more.
Spider-Man: The Clone Conspiracy #2 Reveals New Villain
The second chapter of The Clone Conspiracy shed new light on the challenges facing Peter Parker in the months to come.
The Clone Conspiracy #2 cover by Gabriele Dell'Otto
Warning: this article contains spoilers for The Clone Conspiracy #2!
As if being confronted with the resurrected Gwen Stacy and Doctor Octopus wasn't bad enough, Spider-Man discovered just how deep the Jackal's latest cloning rabbit hole goes in this issue. It seems Dr. Warren has brought back every single person that has ever died on Spider-Man's watch, be they friend or foe.