Monthly Archives: January 2020
Morbius Trailer: Jared Leto Makes Marvel Monster Debut
Jared Leto as Morbius
In the comics, Morbius is referred to as “Morbius, the Living Vampire” because he transforms into a vampire-like creature with pale skin, incredible strength and speed, night vision, and a thirst for blood so he may sustain his life, although there’s nothing supernatural about him. He’s not like Dracula, meaning he’s not an ancient being who gets weakened by garlic, sunlight, or crosses. He’s very much a freak accident of modern science and a tragic monster of his own making. Morbius started out as a Spider-Man villain -- a gifted scientist-turned-monster not unlike the Lizard or Doctor Octopus -- but after reckoning with what he had become, he decided to use his abilities, freakish though they may be, to help people as a Marvel anti-hero. The trailer teases larger connections to Sony’s other Spider-Man movies in the form of a vandalized Spider-Man poster glimpsed in the background and an appearance from Michael Keaton’s Vulture. There’s also the flashing of the movie titles for Homecoming, Far From Home, and Venom, implying these films are all connected. But much like 2017’s Venom movie starring Tom Hardy, this film will focus squarely on the titular character to tell a standalone origin story. [poilib element="quoteBox" parameters="excerpt=%22That%20battle%20between%20the%20light%20and%20dark%20is%20something%20that%20%5BMorbius%5D%20fights%20throughout%20the%20film.%22"]That story is one that comic readers will recognize, to a degree, but is largely a fresh spin on the tale of Morbius. What remains intact from the classic Morbius comics is the character’s core moral dilemma that drives the drama of his story. In seeking to do something good by curing his disease and helping others with the same affliction, it ends up costing him his own humanity because the “cure” has the nasty side effect of transforming him into a horrifying, blood-thirsty creature. It’s that very plight that drew Leto to the character. “There's a line in the film where Morbius says that he's been dying his entire life and now feels more alive than ever. And I think that sums it up,” Leto explained. “Here's someone who's been afflicted with this horrendous disease and has had all kinds of challenges and has been in pursuit of this cure. And then all of a sudden has this power and this physical strength, which is all incredible, but there is a flip side to it, as well. There's a dark side. So that battle between the light and dark is something that he fights throughout the film.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/04/16/morbius-jared-letos-marvel-movie-explained"] As we see in the trailer, Michael Morbius gains several superpowers as a result of experimenting with bat DNA to cure his condition. He lifts an impossibly heavy object with super-strength, moves at great speed while leaving a misty, colorful trail in his wake, slices a metal pipe (and a man’s face) with a gnarly set of claws, and senses the environment with echolocation. It’s all a pretty sweet package, were it not for the overpowering urge to consume blood. But it’s that element of darkness that has allowed the character to endure in Marvel’s pantheon of iconic characters. There’s simply no other character quite like him. Yes, Bruce Banner struggles to contain the rage of the Hulk and Black Widow defies the conditioning that would have her be a merciless assassin, but no other marquee Marvel do-gooder must deal with the fact that, deep down, they just want to eat people. Or rather, drink their life essence like a cherry Slurpee. [poilib element="quoteBox" parameters="excerpt=%22Morbius%20is%20an%20imperfect%20person.%20He's%20not%20your%20grandfather's%20superhero.%22"]With numerous movies based on comic book characters releasing every year, Leto expressed how he enjoyed the moral complexity of Morbius because that’s what makes the character stand out from the pack. “Inside of Morbius, there's a person who has a moral code. There's a good person. Ultimately it's that common struggle between good and evil. And, I guess, we'll see what ultimately prevails,” Leto teased. “That's what I like a lot about this movie. We're not walking such a clear path. There's not a clear line between what's right and what's wrong. There's some gray area there. And Morbius is an imperfect person. He's not your grandfather's superhero. He's a deeply complex character and imperfect. And I really loved that aspect that here we're taking someone who is like all of us, has a fair amount of challenges and issues.” The official synopsis for Morbius reads, “One of Marvel’s most compelling and conflicted characters comes to the big screen as Oscar winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero, Michael Morbius. Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder, and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. What at first appears to be a radical success soon reveals itself to be a remedy potentially worse than the disease.” Morbius releases on July 31 in the US and UK, and July 30 in the AU. Joining Leto in the cast are Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal, and Tyrese Gibson. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-spider-man-movie-spin-off-in-development&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joshua is Senior Features Editor at IGN. You can reach out to him on Twitter @JoshuaYehl and IGN.Star Trek TV Universe Set to Expand With Two More Live-Action Series
New Official Critical Role D&D Book Announced
Dungeons and Dragons developer Wizards of the Coast has announced Explorer’s Guide to WIldemount, a new roleplaying book in collaboration with Critical Role’s chief creative officer and dungeon master Matt Mercer.
The 304-page sourcebook will be released on March 17 -- available for preorder -- and details the continent of Wildemount, the setting of Critical Role’s second campaign, alongside introductory adventures and plot seeds to begin your own adventures in the Critical Role world.
In addition to the setting, the Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount book introduces new player options, including subclasses like the Echo Knight fighter subclass, the Dunamancy school of magic, and new magic items and monsters to throw at your adventurers.
“Dungeons & Dragons has had such a massive, positive impact on nearly my entire life, and I am ever inspired by the endless creativity I see it spark in so many others across the world,” said Matt Mercer, Dungeon Master of Critical Role and lead writer on the guide. “To have been able to work with Wizards of the Coast to bring my world to life as an official campaign book is nothing short of surreal. I can't wait to see what other DMs and players create within my world to make it their own!”
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“Critical Role is a great example of why Dungeons & Dragons has been popular for over 45 years: a group of friends getting together, telling stories, and making each other laugh,” said Nathan Stewart, VP of Franchise for Dungeons & Dragons. “We’re thrilled D&D fans and Critters alike can now enjoy playing in Matt’s world, as brought to fifth edition in this lovingly-crafted book.”
The Critical Role team also successfully kickstarted Critical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina animated series that absolutely obliterated its $750,000 funding goal in less than an hour, before climbing to over 11 million dollars by the campaign’s end, and an eventual two-season series order from Amazon Prime Video.
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If you can’t wait for the Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount to jump into Critical Role’s world of Exandria, you can get your feet wet with the Critical Role: Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting book written by Matt Mercer and James Haeck based on the setting of Critical Role’s first campaign.
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[poilib element="accentDivider"] Brandin Tyrrel is a Senior Editor at IGN. You can find him on Unlocked, or chat over on Twitter at @BrandinTyrrel.Joker Up For Most Awards As Oscar 2020 Nominations Revealed
Best Picture
- Ford V Ferrari
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- Joker
- Little Women
- Marriage Story
- 1917
- Once Upon a Time In… Hollywood
- Parasite
Directing
- The Irishman
- Joker
- 1917
- Once Upon a Time In… Hollywood
- Parasite
Actor in a Leading Role
- Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory
- Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon a Time In… Hollywood
- Adam Driver, Marriage Story
- Joaquin Phoenix, Joker
- Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes
Actress in a Leading Role
- Cynthia Erivo, Harriet
- Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story
- Saoirse Ronan, Little Women
- Charlize Theron, Bombshell
- Renée Zellweger, Judy
Actor in a Supporting Role
- Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
- Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes
- Al Pacino, The Irishman
- Joe Pesci, The Irishman
- Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood
Actress in a Supporting Role
- Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell
- Laura Dern, Marriage Story
- Scarlett Johansson, Jojo Rabbit
- Florence Pugh, Little Women
- Margot Robbie, Bombshell
Adapted Screenplay
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- Joker
- Little Women
- The Two Popes
Original Screenplay
- Knives Out
- Marriage Story
- 1917
- Once Upon a Time In… Hollywood
- Parasite
Cinematography
- The Irishman
- Joker
- The Lighthouse
- 1917
- Once Upon a Time In… Hollywood
Animated Feature Film
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
- I Lost My Body
- Klaus
- Missing Link
- Toy Story 4
Original Score
- Joker
- Little Women
- Marriage Story
- 1917
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Original Song
- I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away, Toy Story 4
- (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again, Rocketman
- I’m Standing With You, Breakthrough
- Into The Unknown, Frozen II
- Stand Up, Harriet
Production Design
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- 1917
- Once Upon a Time In… Hollywood
- Parasite
Film Editing
- Ford v Ferrari
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- Joker
- Parasite
Documentary Feature
- American Factory
- The Cave
- The Edge of Democracy
- For Sama
- Honeyland
Documentary Short Subject
- In The Absence
- Learning To Skateboard In a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)
- Life Overtakes Me
- St. Louis Superman
- Walk Run Cha-Cha
International Feature Film
- Corpus Christi (Poland)
- Holy Land (North Macedonia)
- Les Misérables (France)
- Pain and Glory (Spain)
- Parasite (South Korea)
Makeup and Hairstyling
- Bombshell
- Joker
- Judy
- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
- 1917
Visual Effects
- Avengers: Endgame
- The Irishman
- The Lion King
- 1917
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Costume Design
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- Joker
- Little Women
- Once Upon a Time In... Hollywood
Animated Short Film
- Dcera (Daughter)
- Hair Love
- Kitbull
- Memorable
- Sister
Live Action Short Film
- Brotherhood
- Nefta Football Club
- The Neighbors’ Window
- Saria
- A Sister
Sound Editing
- Ford V Ferrari
- Joker
- 1917
- Once Upon a Time In... Hollywood
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Sound Mixing
- Ad Astra
- Ford v Ferrari
- Joker
- 1917
- Once Upon a Time In... Hollywood
Syfy Announces Peter Pan Sequel Series Titled The League of Pan
Bloodborne Modders Discover Boss Fight That Was Cut From the Game
The Bloodborne modding community has discovered a boss fight that was removed from the final game and shown it off in a gameplay video.
As DualShockers reports, the Bloodborne mod community has been delving into the game’s files for the past several months to get a greater understanding of the Loran Cleric.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/03/27/bloodborne-review"]
This enemy only appears in the Loran chalice dungeons in the final game. However, there are hints in the game’s files that developer FromSoftware planned at one point for the Loran Cleric to also show up in the Forbidden Woods, Old Yharnam, and Upper Cathedral Ward.
Back in March 2019, the modding community showcased that the Loran Cleric has a super rare and powerful area-of-effect attack. The Cleric raises its staff and slams it into the ground, sending out a circular wave of fire that damages everything in its path and that causes the PS4 to drop frames.
This was the first sign that there was more to the Loran Cleric than meets the eye. Sure enough, with a bit more digging, the modders discovered a variant called Fort that was originally planned as a boss before being cut.
Using a jailbroken PS4 and DSTools (a level editor mod for FromSoftware’s games), that boss fight has now been restored, although a lot of the AI is missing, so it only spins on the spot and sends out fireballs as well as that devastating ring of fire attack.
The Bloodborne community is still very active despite the game approaching five years since it was released - some members even held a month-long Halloween event in 2019.
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FromSoftware released Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice last year and is now working on Elden Ring, which was written with the help of George R. R. Martin of Game of Thrones fame.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]Chris Priestman is a freelancer who writes news for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.
New Mario & Luigi Trademark Filed By Nintendo
Watch the Cyberpunk 2077 ‘PS1 Demake’ Made Entirely in PS4’s Dreams
Cyberpunk 2077 has been 'demade' inside PS4's exclusive creative toolbox Dreams, in the style of a PlayStation 1 game.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/13/cyberpunk-1997-playstation-1-demake-teaser-trailer"]
YouTuber Bearly Regal has released a new video that showcases his demake of Cyberpunk 2077 in Dreams, called Cyberpunk 1997. Textures are made with pixel art for that authentic old game feel, while characters and objects are sprites that rotate to always face you.
At first, the game is played in first-person as you wake up in your futuristic apartment. The apartment is fully customisable and acts as the game’s hub, where you can customise your character, accept missions, and analyse and boost your stats.
There’s also a personal armoury where you can grab your equipment before heading out to do missions. The only gun on show so far is the 9mm Vindicator - a standard issue for police officers, which is your character’s occupation in the world of Night City.
Bearly Regal then shows the market area outside of the apartment where you can buy and sell goods from vendors. The number of citizens wandering around the market changes depending on the time of day. You can talk to some of them to be sent on quests while others have unique items.
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The final part of Cyberpunk 1997 that’s shown off is the rest of the city, which you drive around in a police car from a top-down view, resembling the early Grand Theft Auto games.
Bearly Regal explains that Night City is under martial law due to a spike in gang activity. You can choose to intervene with any character breaking curfew or the law. The world and story is said to adapt to your playstyle, whether you stick to your permitted duties or take the law into your own hands.
Bearly Regal made his own tech inside Dreams in order to piece together Cyberpunk 1997, and you can see him explain how it all works in a development video.
He has also previously made a Metal Gear Solid HD remake in Dreams, as well as a Death Stranding demake.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/10/dreams-release-date-trailer"]
Dreams is due to come out on February 14, 2020 for PS4. Developer Media Molecule has said before that it wants games made inside Dreams to be published beyond the PS4. So you never know, maybe this Cyberpunk 2077 homage could come to other platforms one day.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]Chris Priestman is a freelancer who writes news for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.
HBO’s Westworld Season 3 Premiere Date Revealed
Season 3 will see Evan Rachel Wood's Dolores, Jeffery Wright's Bernard, and Tessa Thompson's Hale in the real world following the events of the season 2 finale which aired in June of 2018. Joining the above three and such others as Emmy-winner Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, and Luke Hemsworth will be Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul who appears to be a construction worker by day and criminal by night. Other new cast members include A Black Lady Sketch Show's Lena Waithe, Black Swan's Vincent Cassel, We Are Who We Are's Scott Mescudi, Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Marshawn Lynch, The Newsroom's John Gallagher Jr., Stumptown's Michael Ealy, and Sons of Anarchy's Tommy Flanagan. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/07/21/how-leaving-westworld-changes-westworld-in-season-3-comic-con-2019"] Westworld's third season got a nearly three-minute trailer during San Diego Comic Con and we've broken down every part of it as well as what role we think Aaron Paul's character will play. Back in 2018, Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy discussed how this newest season will be a "radical shift" from what came before. For more on Westworld, be sure to check out Westworld Awakening - a VR game where you play as a self aware host, a behind the scenes look at season 2, and why the Man in Black's story is Westworld's greatest tragedy. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=westworld-season-3-teaser-trailer-gallery&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.03.15.20 #Westworld pic.twitter.com/AVLWy5z1DW
— Westworld (@WestworldHBO) January 13, 2020