Of course,casting human beings to play superheroes is always tricky,but Segel will probably do all he can to sign somebody who looks like a reasonable live-action approximation of Captain Marvel.
Odds are there are plenty of actors with the right physiques,height and faces who'll make fine Caps.
And that actor is. . .Brandon Molale, who even said he'd love to play the part.
I'd like to see him called "Captain Marvel", even though it looks like DC is moving over to the "Shazam" name almost exclusively.
I think the way it goes is DC has every right to call the CHARACTER Captain Marvel, but they can't use the name as the title of a comic book, TV show, movie, or in action figures--which is why to this day you can buy a fig of The Big Red Cheese ambiguously labeled Shazam! The World's Mightiest Mortal.
Vox clamantis in deserto
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
And that actor is. . .Brandon Molale, who even said he'd love to play the part.
Wow That looks like him, all right!
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Unfortunately, Brandon Molale is already 38. By the time SHAZAM gets off the ground, he'll probably be too old to anchor a franchise. Knowing Hollywood, they'll probably go for the "hot" actor rather than somebody who fits the part anyway. I can just see it now: Brad Pitt as Captain Marvel.
On a more optimistic note, I caught a few of the animated Batman: The Brave and the Bold shows over the weekend. The first had Batman teaming up with the Atom and a likable, well meaning but quite dim-witted Aquaman to battle Chem and the Brain. In spite of the waterboy's luddite turn it was a fun show.
The second episode featured Batman teaming up with Green Lanterns Guy Gardner, Sinestro and G'Nort to defeat Despero. This was a really great episode that featured a cool little teaser with Dr. Fate followed by the main story with just about everything a Green Lantern fan could want. Gardner was his usual obnoxious but ultimately heroic self, Sinestro ultimately showed his true evil colors and G'Nort ended up being the unlikely hero. Even Mogo the sentient planet makes an appearance and Hal Jordan has a memorable scene where, rather than let Despero take control of the GL Corps, he appears to destroy them as he recites the oath (not to worry, appearances can be deceiving). Quite a lot of story crammed into a mere 22 minutes and somebody really ought to talk WB or the Cartoon Network into greenlighing a Green Lantern animated series; with 3600 GL's there's no limit to the stories they could tell.
Once again, the limited animation notwithstanding, the creative people behind the animated shows demonstrate quite clearly that they "get it" when it comes to understanding these characters. Great stuff.
Wandering a bit to a previous lace in this thread, I was thinking about a Doc Savage film, and while I know RogueAgent seems to prefer the Bama incarnation of the Man of Bronze, complete with the widow's peak, I on the other hand lean toward the more classic pulp image from the thirties...
And I'll probably get a thorough ribbing for this, but I had the thought that if a competent director were to reign in his recent exaggarated performances, Brendan Fraser might be able to fill the role...
Wandering a bit to a previous lace in this thread, I was thinking about a Doc Savage film, and while I know RogueAgent seems to prefer the Bama incarnation of the Man of Bronze, complete with the widow's peak, I on the other hand lean toward the more classic pulp image from the thirties...
And I'll probably get a thorough ribbing for this, but I had the thought that if a competent director were to reign in his recent exaggarated performances, Brendan Fraser might be able to fill the role...
Great find,Daren!I'm with you in prefering the Walter Baumhofer version of Doc over the images Jim Bama created(which are excellent).Bama's interpretation of Doc is probably the most famous version today--and it is certainly unique-- but it's not exactly what Lester Dent "Kenneth Robeson" described.Doc's a big man with an impressive physique and handsome face.In fact,Dent's Doc is nothing short of the handsomest man in the world and looks like a bronze statue come to life!Overall,that's kind of an eerie and off-putting appearance;and probably impossible to really put onscreen--short of animation.
In all fairness,I thought Ron Ely was a pretty good choice everything being equal, because he looked a lot like a cross between the Baumhofer and Bama depictions of The Man of Bronze(If only he'd had a good movie...).My own casting for Doc Savage several years back was Dolph Lundgren:he looks like both Baumhofer's and Bama's Doc, can act(check him out in Men of War),and might've been fine in the role,but he must be in his 50s by now,and is probably too old for consideration.
Brendan Fraser has an ageless look about him and although he recently turned 40,still looks like he's in his mid30s-and he resembles Baumhofer's Doc.Additionally,he's tall and has a well-defined physique.I think he's certainly a good enough actor to play Doc Savage convincingly,and he's definitely established enough so producers wouldn't have to be concerned about his star power.With all fairness, before people start dismissing Fraser out of hand,they might want to check him out in Gods and Monsters and The Quiet American.Both of these films show that he is perfectly capable of giving restrained,intelligent and serious performances.All he'd need is a good supporting cast as the Amazing Five(and I'd like to see Doc's beautiful cousin Pat among them). As for typecasting with Fraser?I don't see that happening.He's already played a variety of parts, and it didn't happen with Harrison Ford.
I can still remember reading about a now-happily abandoned (but once planned for around 1999) Doc Savage film that was going to star the current governor of California;that's right:that famous Man of Bronze Arnold Schwarzenegger(!).Because the producers(Frank Darabont and Chuck Russell) wanted Arnold,Doc's origin was extensively revised in order to accomodate Arnold's accent and reflect his onscreen persona.This approach might've worked,but I'm glad that particular version of Doc never went beyond the talking stage...
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
On a more optimistic note, I caught a few of the animated Batman: The Brave and the Bold shows over the weekend. The first had Batman teaming up with the Atom and a likable, well meaning but quite dim-witted Aquaman to battle Chem and the Brain. In spite of the waterboy's luddite turn it was a fun show.
The second episode featured Batman teaming up with Green Lanterns Guy Gardner, Sinestro and G'Nort to defeat Despero. This was a really great episode that featured a cool little teaser with Dr. Fate followed by the main story with just about everything a Green Lantern fan could want. Gardner was his usual obnoxious but ultimately heroic self, Sinestro ultimately showed his true evil colors and G'Nort ended up being the unlikely hero. Even Mogo the sentient planet makes an appearance and Hal Jordan has a memorable scene where, rather than let Despero take control of the GL Corps, he appears to destroy them as he recites the oath (not to worry, appearances can be deceiving). Quite a lot of story crammed into a mere 22 minutes and somebody really ought to talk WB or the Cartoon Network into greenlighing a Green Lantern animated series; with 3600 GL's there's no limit to the stories they could tell.
Once again, the limited animation notwithstanding, the creative people behind the animated shows demonstrate quite clearly that they "get it" when it comes to understanding these characters. Great stuff.
My son and I never miss an episode of BATMAN: Brave & The Bold and we thoroughly enjoy it...well me more than him.
A couple of things that caught my eye and ear about last week's episode:
Hal Jordan was voiced by Loren Lester who btw, was Robin/Dick Grayson from the BTAS of the 90s. I love, love Andrea Romano mixing the old with the new in her department. :x
Producer James Tucker went old school and gave a nod to the 80s Justice League comic book where Batman knocked out Guy Gardner! Not only did he knock him out but even the punch & fall were exactly the way comic artist Kevin Maguire rendered it on panels. G'nort saying "One punch!" took the place of Ted Kord saying it. If you had no idea of that incident, you'd never get it right away; I cracked up immediately at the reference.
I will say that this incarnation of Aquaman is abit..."jovial".
WELCOME BACK OLD SCHOOL BATMAN!
You've been missed, old chum. B-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Producer James Tucker went old school and gave a nod to the 80s Justice League comic book where Batman knocked out Guy Gardner! Not only did he knock him out but even the punch & fall were exactly the way comic artist Kevin Maguire rendered it on panels. G'nort saying "One punch!" took the place of Ted Kord saying it. If you had no idea of that incident, you'd never get it right away; I cracked up immediately at the reference.
I think I have a copy of that old issue of Justice League and I caught the reference and G'Nort's amazed "One punch!" delivery; I just didn't want to mention it in my post as things like that shouldn't be spoiled for people familiar with the books (the Dan Sames of the world on the other hand...). Definitely one of the best moments of the show for sentimental old timers like us.
They really caught the characters right in that show. Especially Guy who, once you get past the gruff and surly exterior, is all mushy and sentimental inside.
I will say that this incarnation of Aquaman is abit..."jovial".
Yeah, but believe it or not, I kind of liked this Aquaman. He didn't have that annoying arrogant swagger of the JLA version and at least was able to contribute something to the story. A luddite perhaps, but at least a good natured one.
I also enjoyed the little prologue with Dr. Fate, probably my favorte Golden Age characters.
Bouyed in large part by strong DVD And BluRay sales of Iron Man, Marvel reported that its 4th quarter profits were doubled from a year ago; not bad considering this economic recession we're mired in. Full article is here: Marvel Doubles Quarterly Profits
In other Marvel news, Scifihobby.com is reporting that they've officially announced Thor's release date: July 16, 2010. That will be a scant two months after Iron Man 2, suggesting that production should be ramping up significantly in the coming weeks. I'd look for Marvel and director Kenneth Branagh to be making some casting noise pretty soon.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited February 2009
^^^Yes, I heard of this today in passing...the Sisters are calling it "Marvel's Revenge 2010". )
My son is really pumped up with the Thor news but very lukewarm when it comes to Iron Man. I guess I'll have to let him read some of my childhood mags to prove to him that Stark wasn't always a bureaucratic jerk like he's portrayed today. And the new animated series coming out in April isn't helping quell his angst much either...I cannot think of any other reason as to why Stark rubs him the wrong way.
He's going to see the movie anyway because he's Marvel-faithful and well... I'm paying. )
Well there is at least Jonah Hex for 2010 and maybe GL? No? ?:)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Well there is at least Jonah Hex for 2010 and maybe GL? No? ?:)
Haven't heard anything on the GL front since the Martin Campbell rumor.
With regard to Jonah Hex, several sites have been reporting that John Malkovich has signed on as well and will be playing Turnbull, a wealthy plantation owner who blames Hex for the death of his son.
Hopefully more concrete info will be forthcoming as the spring rolls on (that's becoming my mantra lately).
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
Why are they making a Jonah Hex film? There are tons of more recognizable superheros waiting for a movie, but Jonah Hex?
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Why are they making a Jonah Hex film? There are tons of more recognizable superheros waiting for a movie, but Jonah Hex?
First, Jonah Hex was awesome-especially when I was growing up reading the comic book in the 70s as well as watching Clint Eastwood westerns over and over around that time. You may not believe it, Night but Hex has a more than modest fanbase.
Second, it's a low-risk venture for WB. It's cheaper to produce a comic book western as opposed to another superhero film. The worst a Hex film can do is break even.
I really need this GL movie to go through as planned; I need debate ammo for the upcoming future; damn Marvel nerds here are gearing up for the summer of 2010 to give me a hard time.
Hal has the potential to make better than IM type money. B-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
First, Jonah Hex was awesome-especially when I was growing up reading the comic book in the 70s as well as watching Clint Eastwood westerns over and over around that time. You may not believe it, Night but Hex has a more than modest fanbase.
Second, it's a low-risk venture for WB. It's cheaper to produce a comic book western as opposed to another superhero film. The worst a Hex film can do is break even.
Its also a comic book property without guys in funny tights, so the execs can probably relate to it and understand it better - similar to stuff like 300 or Road to Perdition in that respect.
I really need this GL movie to go through as planned; I need debate ammo here.
This has the potential to make better than IM type money. B-)
As much as I pine for a GL movie, I honestly don't know if it can capture the mainstream audience like IM. I hope it can, but let's face it, GL is very much a science fiction title, full of far out characters and concepts: 4 foot tall blue skinned Guardians, aliens of every shape, size and color, sentient planets, storylines that span star systems, etc. While I'd love a GL movie that's faithful to all of that it could also easily whiz right over the head of most moviegoers.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
^^^Man, don't say that...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Here you go Tony this was over at superherohype.com
"Today, Warner Bros. announced the official release date for Green Lantern: December 17, 2010. One of the crown jewels of DC Comics, this will no doubt light up the box office over the holiday season, and marks a changing of the guard for superhero movies. Usually, men-in-spandex drop into theatres during the summer months, but with Iron Man 2, Thor, and The Green Hornet all set for summer 2010, DC wisely chose to corner the holiday market instead."
Here you go Tony this was over at superherohype.com
"Today, Warner Bros. announced the official release date for Green Lantern: December 17, 2010. One of the crown jewels of DC Comics, this will no doubt light up the box office over the holiday season, and marks a changing of the guard for superhero movies. Usually, men-in-spandex drop into theatres during the summer months, but with Iron Man 2, Thor, and The Green Hornet all set for summer 2010, DC wisely chose to corner the holiday market instead."
How about that for an Xmas pressie!
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the heads up Agent-M, that is great news; and even better, my favorite superhero's film will debut one day after the birthday of my favorite author (Arthur C. Clarke). I think there has to be some cosmic significance to that.
Smart move on WB's part to put it during the holiday season as well; summer 2010 will already be crowded with Iron Man 2, Thor and who knows what else. No need to cannibalize the market further.
BTW, AICN is also reporting that Jonah Hex will be released on August 6, 2010.
Time to put in a vacation slip....
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited February 2009
Well I'm very, very pleased with that news; hopefully there won't be any bumps along the way. Let Marvel have the summer; Green Lantern around the holidays can only equal WIN! B-)
I finally have abit of ammo for my adversaries. :v
Let the GL casting talk begin! {[]
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
What's in the water at WB Studios lately? I love it! B-)
Warner Bros. Brings Together Suicide Squad
Source:Variety February 26, 2009
Warner Bros. Pictures has set up the DC Comics property Suicide Squad for Dan Lin (Sherlock Holmes) to produce as a potential franchise.
In a departure from normal comic-based fare, Suicide Squad concentrates on a group of incarcerated supervillains rather than the usual focus on superheroes. The first version of the squad debuted in a 1959 DC Comic, and a series was launched in 1987.
Stephen Gilchrist from Lin Pictures will co-produce. Justin Marks (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Hack/Slash) is penning the screenplay.
Suicide Squad will feature a mix of well-known and unknown villains recruited by the government to accomplish a task deemed too dangerous for superheroes. The historically independent operators must bury their own interpersonal conflicts and agendas to form a cohesive unit to take on a singular task.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited February 2009
Sounds cool B-)
I'm hoping they can do justice to Oliver Queen; there's something in the pipeline, isn't there?
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I'm hoping they can do justice to Oliver Queen; there's something in the pipeline, isn't there?
Yeah, and he doesn't have to look like a kid on Smallville. I've always thought that Ollie pushed 40 years of age anyway; he does have a grown son afterall. Will be cool to see if and how they handle Bronze Tiger as well. CGI perhaps.
On another note, how'd you like to be this guy?
Superman Comic Expected To Fetch $400,000 At Auction
27 February 2009 8:15 AM, PST
A rare copy of the comic book which introduced Superman to the world is expected to sell for up to $400,000 (£282,685) at an upcoming auction.
Bidding on the "untouched" copy of Action Comics No. 1 will begin on Friday and continue for two weeks at comicconnect.com. Only 100 copies of the graphic novel are known to exist.
Co-created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, it sold for a meagre 10 cents (£0.07) when it first hit shelves in 1938.
The comic book's owner, who has not been named, kept the book for 58 years after purchasing it for 35 cents (£0.25).
Comic expert Stephen Fishler tells the New York Daily News, "It's the Holy Grail of comic books. One bidder wanted to trade (me) his Ferrari for the comic book."
Who said that comics don't pay off? B-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Hell, yeah! That one, or the Detective Comics (can't remember the #) that introduced Batman...I remember that Mark (Luke Skywalker) Hamill used to own that one...it was one of the first things he bought with his Star Wars money! B-) I think he's resold it since...
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Hell, yeah! That one, or the Detective Comics (can't remember the #) that introduced Batman...I remember that Mark (Luke Skywalker) Hamill used to own that one...it was one of the first things he bought with his Star Wars money! B-) I think he's resold it since...
That's Detective Comics #27,May 1939.
Suicide Squad has plenty of potential-it could appeal to general audiences and comics fans alike.Additionally it probably wouldn't be as expensive as a traditional superhero movie.After all,The Dirty Dozen,Magnificent Seven and Mission Impossible(particularly on TV),paved the way.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited March 2009
I went out and bought WONDER WOMAN last night and it was a really good animated venture. Probably rivaling Justice League :The New Frontier for top DTV until Green Lantern: First Flight comes out in July.
Great animation and designs, pretty good story and the chemistry between Russell and Fillion is believable. Ironically, this movie had more testosterone than DC's other male animated vehicles.
I will say that WB has certainly redeemed themselves after the tragedy that was Batman: Gotham Knight and its androgynous Bruce Wayne incarnations.
3/4 stars. B-)
Also got HULK Vs. on DVD. Besides Dr. Strange, the best thing Marvel has put out in cartoon movie format. Voice actor Steve Blum is to Wolverine as Kevin Conroy is to Batman. B-)
The Thor segment had better story and okay art but the Wolverine segment was all style and little substance so they balance out quite well.
3/4 stars.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I went out and bought WONDER WOMAN last night and it was a really good animated venture. Probably rivaling Justice League :The New Frontier for top DTV until Green Lantern: First Flight comes out in July.
I'm going have to wait a bit on Wonder Woman; I want to get the BluRay but its just too expensive right now relative to the standard DVD; DC's animated films typically drop in price after a couple of months so I'll have it eventually (unless I can catch it on sale somewhere sooner). Kind of disappointed that Lynda Carter (who has done quite a bit of voiceover work) wasn't involved in this show in some capacity.
Of course, it goes without saying that Green Lantern: First Flight will be bought at full price on day one.
I will say that WB has certainly redeemed themselves after the tragedy that was Batman: Gotham Knight and its androgynous Bruce Wayne incarnations.
Given the almost universal disappointment to Gotham Knight - by both fans and critics - I think DC/WB have learned their lessons from that failed experiment.
Also got HULK Vs. on DVD. Besides Dr. Strange, the best thing Marvel has put out in cartoon movie format. Voice actor Steve Blum is to Wolverine as Kevin Conroy is to Batman.
My brother and I finally got to see the animated Dr. Strange over the weekend; we both enjoyed it quite a bit. I'm not too familiar with the character (haven't read him in years) but the show did seem to follow the major beats of the silver age origin with regard to Strange, the Ancient One and Mordo. Probably the strongest of Marvel's animated efforts that we've seen so far.
Buoyed by a wave of nostalgia, we also checked out some YouTube clips of the 70s live action Dr. Strange TV movie starring Johnny Holmes wannabe lookalike Peter Hooten. In retrospect, 70s wardrobe and cheezy TV effects notwithstanding, it was actually a pretty entertaining little movie, especially considering just how little they probably had to work with.
A little more news on Jonah Hex, and I'm not sure if RogueAgent is going to like it: Megan Fox is in final negotiations to play Leila, described as a gun-wielding beauty and love interest of Hex.
Looks like she is also attached to a big screen version of Fathom.
The SciFi Channel (soon to be renamed SyFy 8-)) has acquired the rights to The Phantom and is preparing a 4 hour mini-series. In classic SciFi Channel form, they've cast some young twit as Chris Walker (I guess Kit wasn't manly enough a name), turned the mythos on their ear and plan on completely redesigning the costume. Gaze upon these sketches and despair...
The SciFi Channel (soon to be renamed SyFy 8-)) has acquired the rights to The Phantom and is preparing a 4 hour mini-series. In classic SciFi Channel form, they've cast some young twit as Chris Walker (I guess Kit wasn't manly enough a name), turned the mythos on their ear and plan on completely redesigning the costume. Gaze upon these sketches and despair...
Are those Converse sneakers he's wearing? That overbearing hood supposed to take the place of the traditional mask?
I knew that Sci-Fi put out real stinkers on an average basis but I didn't think they'd go this low. Those costumes designs are absolutely DREADFUL . Why is it that the younger audiences of this day and age have to be coddled in having interests to old classics like The Phantom?
I'd have more respect if they just took this concept and named him as some new superhero for today's generation.
This isn't the hero that I grew up admiring in comics and newspapers. X-(
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Are those Converse sneakers he's wearing? That overbearing hood supposed to take the place of the traditional mask?
Those sketches make it look like the Phantom is relocating to Arrakis.
You know Rogue, you ought to draw up your own Phantom design and send it to those suits pro-bono, just to show them what he should really look like. I'm sure you could doodle something that would put those designs to shame in a few minutes.
Horrible! He looks like he's wearing a fish costume! After what SciFi did to Flash Gordon and the late, great Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld, I have no hopes for this property.
Maybe the misguided producers of this series think that the weird jacket the lead character is wearing will have some kind of marketing potential.I'm very tired of seeing the Smallville series influence the look style and content of shows based upon other comics characters.This is The Jerk Who Haunts the Mall--and not The Ghost Who Walks.What a shame King Features now cares so little about the way its classic characters are portrayed in other media.:(
What's next,the adventures of Prince Valiant as a teenager?
Comments
And that actor is. . .Brandon Molale, who even said he'd love to play the part.
I think the way it goes is DC has every right to call the CHARACTER Captain Marvel, but they can't use the name as the title of a comic book, TV show, movie, or in action figures--which is why to this day you can buy a fig of The Big Red Cheese ambiguously labeled Shazam! The World's Mightiest Mortal.
Wow
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
On a more optimistic note, I caught a few of the animated Batman: The Brave and the Bold shows over the weekend. The first had Batman teaming up with the Atom and a likable, well meaning but quite dim-witted Aquaman to battle Chem and the Brain. In spite of the waterboy's luddite turn it was a fun show.
The second episode featured Batman teaming up with Green Lanterns Guy Gardner, Sinestro and G'Nort to defeat Despero. This was a really great episode that featured a cool little teaser with Dr. Fate followed by the main story with just about everything a Green Lantern fan could want. Gardner was his usual obnoxious but ultimately heroic self, Sinestro ultimately showed his true evil colors and G'Nort ended up being the unlikely hero. Even Mogo the sentient planet makes an appearance and Hal Jordan has a memorable scene where, rather than let Despero take control of the GL Corps, he appears to destroy them as he recites the oath (not to worry, appearances can be deceiving). Quite a lot of story crammed into a mere 22 minutes and somebody really ought to talk WB or the Cartoon Network into greenlighing a Green Lantern animated series; with 3600 GL's there's no limit to the stories they could tell.
Once again, the limited animation notwithstanding, the creative people behind the animated shows demonstrate quite clearly that they "get it" when it comes to understanding these characters. Great stuff.
And I'll probably get a thorough ribbing for this, but I had the thought that if a competent director were to reign in his recent exaggarated performances, Brendan Fraser might be able to fill the role...
Great find,Daren!I'm with you in prefering the Walter Baumhofer version of Doc over the images Jim Bama created(which are excellent).Bama's interpretation of Doc is probably the most famous version today--and it is certainly unique-- but it's not exactly what Lester Dent "Kenneth Robeson" described.Doc's a big man with an impressive physique and handsome face.In fact,Dent's Doc is nothing short of the handsomest man in the world and looks like a bronze statue come to life!Overall,that's kind of an eerie and off-putting appearance;and probably impossible to really put onscreen--short of animation.
In all fairness,I thought Ron Ely was a pretty good choice everything being equal, because he looked a lot like a cross between the Baumhofer and Bama depictions of The Man of Bronze(If only he'd had a good movie...).My own casting for Doc Savage several years back was Dolph Lundgren:he looks like both Baumhofer's and Bama's Doc, can act(check him out in Men of War),and might've been fine in the role,but he must be in his 50s by now,and is probably too old for consideration.
Brendan Fraser has an ageless look about him and although he recently turned 40,still looks like he's in his mid30s-and he resembles Baumhofer's Doc.Additionally,he's tall and has a well-defined physique.I think he's certainly a good enough actor to play Doc Savage convincingly,and he's definitely established enough so producers wouldn't have to be concerned about his star power.With all fairness, before people start dismissing Fraser out of hand,they might want to check him out in Gods and Monsters and The Quiet American.Both of these films show that he is perfectly capable of giving restrained,intelligent and serious performances.All he'd need is a good supporting cast as the Amazing Five(and I'd like to see Doc's beautiful cousin Pat among them). As for typecasting with Fraser?I don't see that happening.He's already played a variety of parts, and it didn't happen with Harrison Ford.
I can still remember reading about a now-happily abandoned (but once planned for around 1999) Doc Savage film that was going to star the current governor of California;that's right:that famous Man of Bronze Arnold Schwarzenegger(!).Because the producers(Frank Darabont and Chuck Russell) wanted Arnold,Doc's origin was extensively revised in order to accomodate Arnold's accent and reflect his onscreen persona.This approach might've worked,but I'm glad that particular version of Doc never went beyond the talking stage...
My son and I never miss an episode of BATMAN: Brave & The Bold and we thoroughly enjoy it...well me more than him.
A couple of things that caught my eye and ear about last week's episode:
Hal Jordan was voiced by Loren Lester who btw, was Robin/Dick Grayson from the BTAS of the 90s. I love, love Andrea Romano mixing the old with the new in her department. :x
Producer James Tucker went old school and gave a nod to the 80s Justice League comic book where Batman knocked out Guy Gardner! Not only did he knock him out but even the punch & fall were exactly the way comic artist Kevin Maguire rendered it on panels. G'nort saying "One punch!" took the place of Ted Kord saying it. If you had no idea of that incident, you'd never get it right away; I cracked up immediately at the reference.
I will say that this incarnation of Aquaman is abit..."jovial".
WELCOME BACK OLD SCHOOL BATMAN!
You've been missed, old chum. B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I think I have a copy of that old issue of Justice League and I caught the reference and G'Nort's amazed "One punch!" delivery; I just didn't want to mention it in my post as things like that shouldn't be spoiled for people familiar with the books (the Dan Sames of the world on the other hand...). Definitely one of the best moments of the show for sentimental old timers like us.
They really caught the characters right in that show. Especially Guy who, once you get past the gruff and surly exterior, is all mushy and sentimental inside.
Yeah, but believe it or not, I kind of liked this Aquaman. He didn't have that annoying arrogant swagger of the JLA version and at least was able to contribute something to the story. A luddite perhaps, but at least a good natured one.
I also enjoyed the little prologue with Dr. Fate, probably my favorte Golden Age characters.
In other Marvel news, Scifihobby.com is reporting that they've officially announced Thor's release date: July 16, 2010. That will be a scant two months after Iron Man 2, suggesting that production should be ramping up significantly in the coming weeks. I'd look for Marvel and director Kenneth Branagh to be making some casting noise pretty soon.
My son is really pumped up with the Thor news but very lukewarm when it comes to Iron Man. I guess I'll have to let him read some of my childhood mags to prove to him that Stark wasn't always a bureaucratic jerk like he's portrayed today. And the new animated series coming out in April isn't helping quell his angst much either...I cannot think of any other reason as to why Stark rubs him the wrong way.
He's going to see the movie anyway because he's Marvel-faithful and well... I'm paying.
Well there is at least Jonah Hex for 2010 and maybe GL? No? ?:)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Haven't heard anything on the GL front since the Martin Campbell rumor.
With regard to Jonah Hex, several sites have been reporting that John Malkovich has signed on as well and will be playing Turnbull, a wealthy plantation owner who blames Hex for the death of his son.
Hopefully more concrete info will be forthcoming as the spring rolls on (that's becoming my mantra lately).
First, Jonah Hex was awesome-especially when I was growing up reading the comic book in the 70s as well as watching Clint Eastwood westerns over and over around that time. You may not believe it, Night but Hex has a more than modest fanbase.
Second, it's a low-risk venture for WB. It's cheaper to produce a comic book western as opposed to another superhero film. The worst a Hex film can do is break even.
I really need this GL movie to go through as planned; I need debate ammo for the upcoming future; damn Marvel nerds here are gearing up for the summer of 2010 to give me a hard time.
Hal has the potential to make better than IM type money. B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Its also a comic book property without guys in funny tights, so the execs can probably relate to it and understand it better - similar to stuff like 300 or Road to Perdition in that respect.
As much as I pine for a GL movie, I honestly don't know if it can capture the mainstream audience like IM. I hope it can, but let's face it, GL is very much a science fiction title, full of far out characters and concepts: 4 foot tall blue skinned Guardians, aliens of every shape, size and color, sentient planets, storylines that span star systems, etc. While I'd love a GL movie that's faithful to all of that it could also easily whiz right over the head of most moviegoers.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
"Today, Warner Bros. announced the official release date for Green Lantern: December 17, 2010. One of the crown jewels of DC Comics, this will no doubt light up the box office over the holiday season, and marks a changing of the guard for superhero movies. Usually, men-in-spandex drop into theatres during the summer months, but with Iron Man 2, Thor, and The Green Hornet all set for summer 2010, DC wisely chose to corner the holiday market instead."
How about that for an Xmas pressie!
www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the heads up Agent-M, that is great news; and even better, my favorite superhero's film will debut one day after the birthday of my favorite author (Arthur C. Clarke). I think there has to be some cosmic significance to that.
Smart move on WB's part to put it during the holiday season as well; summer 2010 will already be crowded with Iron Man 2, Thor and who knows what else. No need to cannibalize the market further.
BTW, AICN is also reporting that Jonah Hex will be released on August 6, 2010.
Time to put in a vacation slip....
I finally have abit of ammo for my adversaries. :v
Let the GL casting talk begin! {[]
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Warner Bros. Brings Together Suicide Squad
Source:Variety February 26, 2009
Warner Bros. Pictures has set up the DC Comics property Suicide Squad for Dan Lin (Sherlock Holmes) to produce as a potential franchise.
In a departure from normal comic-based fare, Suicide Squad concentrates on a group of incarcerated supervillains rather than the usual focus on superheroes. The first version of the squad debuted in a 1959 DC Comic, and a series was launched in 1987.
Stephen Gilchrist from Lin Pictures will co-produce. Justin Marks (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Hack/Slash) is penning the screenplay.
Suicide Squad will feature a mix of well-known and unknown villains recruited by the government to accomplish a task deemed too dangerous for superheroes. The historically independent operators must bury their own interpersonal conflicts and agendas to form a cohesive unit to take on a singular task.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I'm hoping they can do justice to Oliver Queen; there's something in the pipeline, isn't there?
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Yeah, and he doesn't have to look like a kid on Smallville. I've always thought that Ollie pushed 40 years of age anyway; he does have a grown son afterall. Will be cool to see if and how they handle Bronze Tiger as well. CGI perhaps.
On another note, how'd you like to be this guy?
Superman Comic Expected To Fetch $400,000 At Auction
27 February 2009 8:15 AM, PST
A rare copy of the comic book which introduced Superman to the world is expected to sell for up to $400,000 (£282,685) at an upcoming auction.
Bidding on the "untouched" copy of Action Comics No. 1 will begin on Friday and continue for two weeks at comicconnect.com. Only 100 copies of the graphic novel are known to exist.
Co-created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, it sold for a meagre 10 cents (£0.07) when it first hit shelves in 1938.
The comic book's owner, who has not been named, kept the book for 58 years after purchasing it for 35 cents (£0.25).
Comic expert Stephen Fishler tells the New York Daily News, "It's the Holy Grail of comic books. One bidder wanted to trade (me) his Ferrari for the comic book."
Who said that comics don't pay off? B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
That's Detective Comics #27,May 1939.
Suicide Squad has plenty of potential-it could appeal to general audiences and comics fans alike.Additionally it probably wouldn't be as expensive as a traditional superhero movie.After all,The Dirty Dozen,Magnificent Seven and Mission Impossible(particularly on TV),paved the way.
Great animation and designs, pretty good story and the chemistry between Russell and Fillion is believable. Ironically, this movie had more testosterone than DC's other male animated vehicles.
I will say that WB has certainly redeemed themselves after the tragedy that was Batman: Gotham Knight and its androgynous Bruce Wayne incarnations.
3/4 stars. B-)
Also got HULK Vs. on DVD. Besides Dr. Strange, the best thing Marvel has put out in cartoon movie format. Voice actor Steve Blum is to Wolverine as Kevin Conroy is to Batman. B-)
The Thor segment had better story and okay art but the Wolverine segment was all style and little substance so they balance out quite well.
3/4 stars.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I'm going have to wait a bit on Wonder Woman; I want to get the BluRay but its just too expensive right now relative to the standard DVD; DC's animated films typically drop in price after a couple of months so I'll have it eventually (unless I can catch it on sale somewhere sooner). Kind of disappointed that Lynda Carter (who has done quite a bit of voiceover work) wasn't involved in this show in some capacity.
Of course, it goes without saying that Green Lantern: First Flight will be bought at full price on day one.
Given the almost universal disappointment to Gotham Knight - by both fans and critics - I think DC/WB have learned their lessons from that failed experiment.
My brother and I finally got to see the animated Dr. Strange over the weekend; we both enjoyed it quite a bit. I'm not too familiar with the character (haven't read him in years) but the show did seem to follow the major beats of the silver age origin with regard to Strange, the Ancient One and Mordo. Probably the strongest of Marvel's animated efforts that we've seen so far.
Buoyed by a wave of nostalgia, we also checked out some YouTube clips of the 70s live action Dr. Strange TV movie starring Johnny Holmes wannabe lookalike Peter Hooten. In retrospect, 70s wardrobe and cheezy TV effects notwithstanding, it was actually a pretty entertaining little movie, especially considering just how little they probably had to work with.
Looks like she is also attached to a big screen version of Fathom.
Here's the full story from Yahoo: Megan Fox Does Jonah Hex
The SciFi Channel (soon to be renamed SyFy 8-)) has acquired the rights to The Phantom and is preparing a 4 hour mini-series. In classic SciFi Channel form, they've cast some young twit as Chris Walker (I guess Kit wasn't manly enough a name), turned the mythos on their ear and plan on completely redesigning the costume. Gaze upon these sketches and despair...
SciFi Channel Prepares to Ruin The Phantom
Are those Converse sneakers he's wearing? That overbearing hood supposed to take the place of the traditional mask?
I knew that Sci-Fi put out real stinkers on an average basis but I didn't think they'd go this low. Those costumes designs are absolutely DREADFUL
I'd have more respect if they just took this concept and named him as some new superhero for today's generation.
This isn't the hero that I grew up admiring in comics and newspapers. X-(
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Those sketches make it look like the Phantom is relocating to Arrakis.
You know Rogue, you ought to draw up your own Phantom design and send it to those suits pro-bono, just to show them what he should really look like. I'm sure you could doodle something that would put those designs to shame in a few minutes.
What's next,the adventures of Prince Valiant as a teenager?