Rumor: Possible Storyline For “Star Wars” Spin-off Movie Between Episodes 7 & 8

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens (aka Episode VII) will be released on December 18th, 2015. Unfortunately, Star Wars fans will have to wait another two years until the sequel, Episode VIII, is released in 2017. The good news for Star Wars fans is that there will be another Star Wars movie released in between Episode VII and VIII in 2016. The only facts that we currently know is that it is a Star Wars spin-off movie and that it will be directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla). Today /Film.com heard from their sources what the possible plot of the spin-off may be and it sounds a lot more intriguing then I could have ever imagined.

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According to the /Film, the Star Wars spin-off movie is about a group of people out to pull off the ultimate heist, the theft of the first Death Star plans. That really sounds like a great idea because most fans would like to know exactly how did those plans make it’s way to Princess Leia before she downloaded it into R2-D2. The story gets even better: instead of the Rebel Alliance, it could be a group of Bounty Hunters that is hired to pull of the heist.

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This could bring in all of the Bounty Hunters that we first saw on Darth Vader’s Star Destroyer in The Empire Strikes Back, including Boba Fett. The style of the movie is said to be similar to The Magnificent Seven or maybe The Ocean’s Eleven movies, but taking place in the Star Wars universe.

The opening crawl of A New Hope says the following:

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Bounty Hunters go where the money is and I can see the Rebel Alliance hiring a bunch of Bounty Hunters to steal the Death Star plans from the Empire. That sounds more interesting than to have some heroes go in and take them.

It is also mentioned that the Millennium Falcon is in the movie and that the main character of this movie will be introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. With the Millennium Falcon being in the movie it makes you wonder, how did they get it? Han Solo will not be in this movie but Han was not the original owner of the Falcon, Lando was. And the mission can include a good guy or two. Maybe Lando? As for the character that first appears in The Force Awakens, they imply it may be Max Von Sydow’s character. At first I though Max Von Sydow’s character was a Commander for the Empire or maybe even a Sith. He did play Ming The Merciless in Flash Gordon, but then again, he also played Jesus in The Greatest Story Ever Told, but lately there has been a lot of talk that his character is working with Daisy Ridley’s character and may be some kind of cyborg.

Leaked concept art shows us a character that kind of looks like Van Sydow:

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This plot has not been confirmed but multiple reliable sources have stated that this is possible and may have some truth to it. I guess only time will tell but I would love to see something like this come to fruition.

Source: /Film

The Trailer For “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Will Debut This Friday

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

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Update: Star Wars.com is reporting that the teaser trailer is not exclusive to Regal Cinemas and will be seen in 30 select theaters. See an updated list of participating theaters below.

Regal Theaters just announced that they will premier the first trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens at “select” Regal Theaters this Friday, November 28th. It appears that this will be the only way to see the trailer, for now. From their statement, it sounds like this will be exclusive to Regal Cinemas until November 30th, so expect to see an official trailer online shortly after that date or hopefully sooner if possible.

Official statement from Regal Entertainment Group:

This Friday, the world premiere of Star Wars Episode VII trailer will be revealed at select North America theaters.

Be one of the first to experience the trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the Regal locations. The trailer will debut before all movies starting November 28 – November 30.

From Starwars.com:

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Tease Theater List

An early 88-second tease of Star Wars: The Force Awakens can be seen in 30 theaters across North America beginning Friday morning, November 28. Following this weekend, the tease can be seen in theaters around the world this December.

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First Trailer For George Lucas’ Animated Feature “Strange Magic”

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iMK5cch4SY]

 

“Strange Magic,” a new animated film from George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd., is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Some of the new versions of hit pop songs sung by the cast includes Heart’s “Straight On”; Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger”; Deep Purple’s “Mistreated”; the ’50s classic “Love is Strange”;  “Say Hey,” a Michael Franti song chosen by George Lucas for the film; and a so-far undisclosed castmember singing Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects. Directed by Gary Rydstrom (“Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation,” “Lifted”) from a story by George Lucas, “Strange Magic” will be released by Touchstone Pictures on Jan. 23, 2015.

D23 Announces Gold Family Membership and Phases Out Silver Membership

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

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On the eve of Destination D: Attraction Rewind, D23 has announced that it will be making a few changes to its membership lineup for 2015. To begin, D23 will be introducing a new “D23 Gold Family Membership” which will allow you to bring up to three additional guests to D23 events. Additionally in 2015, D23 will be bringing new special pricing for Gold level memberships though as of this writing those prices have not been announced. In order to make way for all these special Gold privileges, D23 will be phasing out the D23 Silver Membership and during renewal those members will have the opportunity to upgrade to D23 Gold, D23 Gold Family, or to become General Members.

Africa Expansion Announced for Animal Kingdom, New “Harambe Marketplace” Counter Service Restaurant Coming in 2015

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

In the midst of all of the work happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, we finally know what’s happening behind those constructions walls in Africa:

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As you have probably seen if you’ve been by Mombasa Marketplace and the entrance to the Wildlife Express Train, construction work is taking place and even more new structures are under way. The Africa Marketplace, as the new area will be known, will open next Spring and expanded merchandise offerings, offer an alternate pathway to travel to Asia and a new quick service restaurant. The quick-service restaurant, the Harambe Marketplace, will feature a number of different food offerings at walk-up windows. This themed colonial-era marketplace will offer produce and raw goods that come straight from Harambe by train. Based on Guest feedback, you’ll see plenty of shade to enjoy while guests relax and eat during their visit.

“Frozen Fun” Event Confirmed for Disney California Adventure, Details Revealed

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

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Probably the worst-kept Disney secret, “Frozen Fun” is confirmed as coming to Disney California Adventure this holiday season. The event will be very similar in style to Frozen Summer Fun, which was held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No start date has been released for the event, but Disney documents did leak what will be offered:

  • For the First time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at the “Crown Jewel Theater” (Possibly Muppetvision 3-D)
  • Olaf’s Snow Fest in Stage 17
  • Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome at Disney Animation attraction
  • Disney Freeze the Night Party on Hollywood Boulevard (replacing Mad T Party)

Stay tuned for more information on this event as it becomes available.

Walt Disney Studios Debuts Trailer And Poster For Live-Action “Cinderella”

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

Today Walt Disney Studios released the new trailer for their upcoming film, “Cinderella”.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2HRymTnmcw]

The poster featuring Lily James as Cinderella, was photographed by Annie Leibovitz exclusively for the film’s campaign. Additional photos by Annie Leibovitz featuring the cast from the film can be seen in the costume feature of Vogue magazine’s December issue, on stands now.

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Official synopsis from Walt Disney Studios:

The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

“Cinderella” will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 13th, 2015.

Character Posters Released For Disney/Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

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Today Disney released brand new character posters for Disney/Pixar’s upcoming animated film Inside Out.

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Disney/Pixar also released a short video of the character Sadness:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHD0NzvtJaY]

Synopsis: Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Inside Out comes to US theatres in 3D on June 19th, 2015.

12/4/14 Marvel News Mash-Up (Vision, Full-Length Star Wars Trailer with Avengers?, Darth Vader Coming)

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

First Good Look At “Vision” From “Avengers: Age Of Ultron”

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A picture of a promotional movie poster has leaked online for Avengers: Age Of Ultron and we get out first good look at Vision as one of the new team members. I definitely couldn’t be happier because they made the look of Vision very faithful to the comics. Growing up, Vision was always my favorite member of the Avengers and I’m so glad that he will be in the movie and that he looks great. Also glad to see Captain America finally wearing a good costume and that his ears are finally showing (maybe lose the chin strap or paint it blue).

Here is a photo of Vision concept art that leaked months ago and it matches the movie poster:

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First Official Trailer (Not Teaser) For “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” To Appear Before “Avengers: Age Of Ultron”

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By now, most people have seen the teaser trailer for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. And as awesome as that teaser was, it didn’t reveal much of the plot. Teasers are just that, they tease us and just give us quick flashes of a movie. A trailer on the other hand is usually 2 minutes or more and gives us some idea of the plot and what to expect from the movie. According to /Film.com, they were informed that the first official trailer for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will be attached to the movie, “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” on May 1st, 2015. Age Of Ultron will be Disney’s second larges film of that year and it makes sense to introduce Disney’s largest film of that year, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. Cross promotion marketing working at it’s best!

 

“Avengers: Age Of Ultron” Set To Have Stars Return For Re-shoots

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Even though filming for Avengers: Age Of Ultron completed months ago, some of the stars are being asked back to film some re-shoots in London early next year. According to DailyMail.com, Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man), Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Paul Bettany (The Vision), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and Tom Hiddleston (bad-guy Loki) have all been asked to make themselves available over a two-week period in January to film additional scenes at Pinewood Studios. Interesting that Chris Evans (Captain America) is not on the list. Total speculation on my part, but it could mean that maybe they are filming additional scenes to introduce one of these two characters (I can dream, can’t I?):

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Preview Art For Marvel’s New Star Wars Series “Darth Vader”

star-wars-darth-vader-1-alex-ross-674x1024The cover above is from my all time favorite artist, Alex Ross. It’ really great to see him doing so many Star Wars covers lately. 🙂

Dark Horse Comics had been publishing Star Wars comic books since the 80’s and they have done an excellent job with the franchise. Many Star Wars fans, myself included, were worried when Marvel got the rights back to the Star Wars comic book franchise that it wouldn’t match the quality of what Dark Horse Comics had done. But looking at this preview, I would say they are on the right track.

Marvel.com recently provided an exclusive preview of the upcoming Darth Vader series.

Ever since Darth Vader made his first on-screen appearance, he became the one of the most popular villains to ever haunt an audience’s dreams! Now, follow Vader straight from the ending of “Star Wars: A New Hope” (and the pages of the new STAR WARS comic book) into his own series, showing the Empire’s war with the Rebel Alliance from the other side! Writer Kieron Gillen and artist Salvador Larroca bring us a peek behind the mask of evil!

ISSUE #1 – 48 PGS./Rated T …$4.99
ISSUE #2 – 32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
On sale in February 2015!

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Here is a preview for two variant covers for Darth Vader #2:

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Guardians Of The Galaxy Animated Series Coming To Disney XD In Early 2015

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Originally announced at this year’s New York Comic Con (NYCC), “Guardians Of The Galaxy, The Animated Series” is set to premier on Disney XD in early 2015.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will follow the adventures of Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, who teams up with Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Gamora and Drax the Destroyer to protect the universe from its greatest threats.

Here is some test footage of the series from this year’s NYCC:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLAU6jF0qwY]

Dad Dresses As Spider-man To Wish His Son A Very Special Birthday

 

 

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In a video posted recently on to Youtube, Jayden Wilson’s dad, Mike Wilson, dressed up as the comic book hero Spider-man to ensure that his son, who was diagnosed with having a grade four brain tumor in September last year, had an extra special 5th birthday.

The video captures Mike Wilson, dressed from head-to-toe in a Spider-Man costume, jumping from the top of the family’s roof and in front of a shocked Jayden.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLzZlwON9EM]

Source: Independent.com.UK

Emily Blunt Talks About Fan Interest In Her Playing “Captain Marvel”

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Even before the movie Captain Marvel was announced, many comic book fans had their top actress picks to play the character. One actress I thought of, especially after seeing Edge Of Tomorrow, was Emily Blunt. What not to many people know is that Emily Blunt has been courted by Marvel several times to be in a superhero movie. She was the first choice to play Peggy Carter in Captain America and was also the first choice to play Black Widow. Maybe the third time is a charm.

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Recently during an interview with Screen Crush Blunt was asked about playing Captain Marvel:

SC: Are you aware of the Internet buzz surrounding you playing Captain Marvel?

EB: Somebody told me about it this morning! I knew because my brother told me.

SC: People want you to play Captain Marvel.

EB: Which is kind of amazing. What’s she like, though? I don’t know anything about her. What’s it like, this character?

SC: She’s great. She’s witty and strong. That’s why people keep bringing your name up. They don’t want a boring actor. A lot of personality.

EB: Oh, cool.  They call it fan casting?

SC: Yes.

EB: Which is lovely. It’s my favorite kind of casting! I wish it was always like that.

SC: Maybe they can make ‘Captain Marvel’ a musical now that you’ve done ‘Into the Woods.’EB: [Laughs] ‘Captain Musical Marvel.’ Let’s just call Marvel about that right now. We’ll call Kevin Feige about that. “Kevin Feige, we have one hell of an idea.” Yeah.

SC: But in seriousness, it does appeal to you?EB: I think, it’s always for me, it’s always about—and now, more so—what am I putting out there? What would be interesting for me and what would be interesting for people to see. So, if it’s an awesome part, it doesn’t matter if it’s a Marvel movie or a tiny movie, I’d be up for it.

SC: You’d be a hero for every 10-year-old girl out there right now. There’s no Marvel female superhero who has her own movie yet.

EB: Really? That’s huge. How awesome. I love this. No one has actually called me about it, so, we’ll hold our breath. [Laughs] I don’t know if I’ll get the call ever if I pitch it should be a musical.

 

That’s it for this week!

BEGINS TONIGHT: WDWNT 25-Hour Live Broadcast (Including HUGE Event at Theme Park Connection) To Benefit Toys for Tots

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

Every year since 2008, WDW News Today has hosted a charity drive to raise money for the Toys for Tots Foundation. To date, we have raised over $15,000 for this amazing organization with donations through our website and those made during our annual WDWNT Live! program on Thanksgiving weekend. This year, we will be doing the same with the help of some new sponsors and partners, and we are asking you to be a part of this holiday tradition where we continue Walt Disney’s dream and try to make a difference in  the lives of those less fortunate.

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Over 60 years ago, Walt Disney became one of the original sponsors of the Toys for Tots foundation, which ensures that every underprivileged child receives a toy during the holiday season. Walt and his animators personally designed the original Toys for Tots train logo that is still used today and the first poster created for Toys for Tots.

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In this spirit, WDW News Today and our many friends and partners are putting on a 25-hour live broadcast this year to raise money for Toys for Tots. We hope you will join us beginning at 11PM ET on November 28, 2014 when the broadcast begins and will help us by making a donation to this great cause at toys.WDWNT.com.

We are proud to announce Theme Park Connection as the official sponsor of this year’s show and charity drive. As part of their sponsorship, they are accepting cash & sealed, brand-new toy donations in-person at their store and providing prizes for all of the many games that will be played during the course of the live program.

New for 2014, a large portion of our 25-hour broadcast will be conducted live from their store on Saturday, November 29th, from 9:00AM until 4:00PM EST during their HUGE Winter Extravaganza event, a day of special sales, celebrity & artist signings, free food & drinks, hourly raffles, and a special auction with proceeds benefiting our Toys for Tots fundraiser. You are invited to watch us broadcast live or even be a part of the show in-person during this period. Theme Park Connection can be visited online at ThemeParkConnection.com or at their physical store location at 2160 Premier Row in Orlando, Florida, near the Florida Mall.

UPDATE: Disney Legend Bill “Sully” Sullivan will be appearing at the event in-person and will sit down with us for an interview during the broadcast.

During the course of the show, we will be presenting many of the shows, segments, and games for which we are known:

  • The only late night Disney talk show, “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless, will return for one special episode on Saturday, November 29th at 11pm EST to conclude the program
  • Game shows to be played during the event include WDWNT: The Match Game, WDWNT: The Pyramid, and WDWNT: The Price is Right, some of those being played live at Theme Park Connection on the 29th
  • The WDW News Today Podcast will kick-off a new segment counting down the most important moments in the history of Disneyland, counting down to the 60th anniversary of the park in July 2015. The segment will take place at 11:30PM EST on Friday November 29th.
  • WDWNTunes’ Around the Hub (the show of competitive Disney banter) will also be part of the show, taking place Saturday November 29th at 4:30 PM EST
  • WDWNT: The Holiday Price is Right will be broadcast on WDW News Today: The Radio Show, on Saturday November 30th from 8-10PM. WDWNT: The Radio Show is a live, weekly radio program on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando the began airing in August 2013. The show can be listened to online at 1520WBZW.com
  • The first-ever edition of Marvel & Star Wars Talk with Joe on Saturday, November 29th at 6:00PM
  • Trip planning with Authorized Disney Travel Agents from Magical Travel from 10:00-11:00PM on Saturday, November 29th

This entire broadcast will be streamed live on WDWNT.com, accessed by going to the WDWNTunes tab and clicking listen. You can also go directly to WDWNT.com/listen. As well, WDWNTunes streams through several mobile applications available at WDWNT.com/apps.

We hope you will join is for this fun show starting on November 28th at 11PM EST and will donate what you can to Toys for Tots through our FirstGiving Fundraiser Page or in-person at the Theme Park Connection store.