Play the Disney Math Game and more Tonight (02/05/15) on WDWNT: The Radio Show

radio_show_post_logoTonight, on WDWNT: The Radio show, you can win some great prizes from Theme Park Connection by playing the fan favorite, Disney Math! Test your Disney knowledge and Math skills for some great prizes.

Hosted by radio veterans and life-long Disney fans Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, the live radio talk show on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando focuses on the latest news and current trending topics at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. WDW News Today: The Radio Show can also be streamed live at www.1520wbzw.com. WDW News Today the Radio Show debuted in August of 2013 as a 1 hour broadcast on Saturday evenings and has grown into a 2-hour program by popular demand.

To interact with the hosts during the show, listeners can call in at (407) 774-8255, tweet @WDWNT using #WDWNTRadio, or use the new LIVE chat that will be available at Radio.WDWNT.com.

The show begins at 8PM EDT Thursday night, don’t miss it!

Tom Corless’ 2/6/15 WDW Photo Report (Hollywood Studios, New Resort Merchandise, Cornbread Waffle Sandwich, ETC.)

This week, I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Old Key West, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to see what was new and exciting, so let’s take a look at the photos I took around Walt Disney World over the last several days:

No hat… just the Theater…

We should have an unobstructed view in a few weeks

The Trolley Car Cafe Starbucks opened this week, you can read all about that here

One of the carts near the Hat was replaced with this new shop with large luggage bags holding the merchandise

The TCM photo-op area at the exit of the Great Movie Ride is now under construction, marking the first work we’ve seen for the project

The kid’s menu at 50’s Prime Time Cafe features Miles from Tomorrowland

The show features a dad who works for the TTA, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority interestingly enough

The new Tower of Terror opene edition pins came out a few days early

New PIXAR starter pin set

Some new Villains bags were released

Pretty sweet Maleficent bag

New Toy Story MagicBand now available

Sunset at Hollywood Studios

Old Key West has some new resort merchandise

Over at Art of Animation, there’s a BBQ pork sandwich on cornbread waffles

I saw EasyWDW tweet about it, so I had to go try it

IT WAS DELICIOUS!

The waffles get cold quickly, so they make the waffle after you order it. It was worth the 3 minute wait.

Art of Animation also has new resort merchandise

New iPhone case, but only for the 5/5S so far

Pen

Kid’s shirt

Crossbody bag

Some Cars Land merchandise has spilled over

 

KACHOW!

BREAKING: Disney Confirms Dancing Car Ride to Replace Flying Tires in Cars Land

Disney has released the following image,  the first concept art for the replacement attraction for Luigi’s flying tires attraction at Disney California Adventure:

lululu8265121

The artwork would confirm rumors of a dancing car, trackless ride that should open in early 2016. It appears guests will travel and twirl in 1950’s-era cars over a new floor covering the large air vents that pushed along the Flying Tires. We reported several months ago about the closure of the ride and speculated what might be replacing it.

Despite several dates that have now passed, Luigi’s Flying Tires should close forever by the middle of the month.

Rumors also indicate that this new ride system may be used for a new Toy Story attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the rumored Toy Story Land expansion of the park.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Disney has announced the closing date for Luigi’s Flying Tires to be February 16th.

2/9/15 Marvel News Mash-Up (The Avengers, Mutants, Spider-Man, & More)

First Trailer For Marvel’s “Daredevil”

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC7GPdBV9WQ]

 

The first trailer for Marvel’s “Daredevil” was released last week and shows some of what we can expect from the upcoming Netflix series that will premier on April 10th.

In ways Marvel’s “Daredevil” is similar to DC’s “Batman.” They both had lost their parents at an early age which caused them to pursue a life fighting crime where they would help protect the weak and take justice into their own hands. They both usually fight crime at night while taking cover in the shadows. This trailer also has a “Batman Begins” kind of feel to it.

As a boy, Matt Murdock was blinded by a radioactive substance. Although the accident took away his sight, it enhanced his other senses basically giving him superhuman attributes. Where Bruce Wayne is a billionaire, Matt Murdock works as a lawyer by day in the Hell’s Kitchen part of Manhattan and at night he becomes “Daredevil, the man without fear.”

Here are some images from the “Daredevil” trailer:

“Matt Murdock”:91DJVCO

“Wilson “The Kingpin” Fisk”:aICLAS0

 “Stick”:69Z25Xj

“Karen Page”:cVJp1JU

“Foggy Nelson”:rKFZHrX

“Daredevil”:yIjaNDx

Marvel’s “Daredevil” will premier on Netflix on April 10th, 2015.

Tons Of “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” Promo Art

PSYF7jX

Last week a ton of promo art for “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” hit the net. I am only posting my favorites, but if you want to see more, check out the links to Fathead.com and TonyStarkSincero’s Facebook page.

6xZMcpP8gl0geSxvhe3nebv7f9bStGkThpMyuLKIMYVJjT9AAhtFgBFWqq5l6YehJOyp0l 1977277_725038770950533_2394821619437515855_nvqbVv33Qa6sImcklTBqNOqhR62xz

Marvel Announces A New Digital Comic Book Series: “Avengers: Millennium”

avengers-3-120883

“Avengers: Millennium” is a six issue miniseries available exclusively through digital media starting February 24th. In the time-traveling series, the Avengers discover that the Marvel Universe terrorist group, Hydra, have begun strange time-traveling experiments in Japan.  As the Avengers rush to stop Hydra, they are thrust into the time-stream and become displaced across several different centuries and eras. In order to save the present, they must fight their way through the past and unravel Hydra’s plans as they unfold across time.

avengers-millennium-small-120886

Normally I wouldn’t think this was a big deal but something struck me right away when I saw the cover. On the cover you have the Avengers from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Spider-man. Is this a hint by Marvel about things to come in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? I hope so!

Source: ComicBook.com

SONY’s Amy Pascal Steps Down

spiderman51

Amy Pascal has stepped down from her post as Chairperson Of The Motion Picture Group for Sony Pictures Entertainment. She will remain Chairperson until May at which time a new Chairperson will take over the reigns. Pascal was the most recognizable figure mentioned in the Sony cyber attack scandal that occurred a few months ago. Many of the emails with damaging information were from Pascal’s email folders. Even though Pascal will no longer be Chairperson, she will still continue to produce motion pictures for SONY.

This leaves a vacancy for SONY Pictures but it also opens opportunity. SONY Pictures own the movie rights to the “Spider-man” franchise. Even though Spider-man is Marvel’s most recognizable character, the new “Amazing Spider-man” franchise has underperformed at the box office compared to most of Disney s’ Marvel Cinematic Universe motion pictures.

According to Variety.com:

The biggest decision for Pascal’s successor will be how to handle the Spider-Man franchise. “The Amazing Spider-Man 2″ did respectable business last summer but was hardly the $1 billion blockbuster that Pascal had told folks that she needed it to be.

“Spider-Man” remains a cash cow, but the plans for expanding the Spidey universe through villain spinoffs and the next installment may be re-examined — since Pascal played the leading role pursuing that path. A new regime may take a stronger look at returning to the negotiation table with Marvel Studios over Spidey’s rights.

Sony’s last move on that front came during Comic-Con in July, when the studio dated spinoff “Sinister Six” for Nov. 11, 2016, as the next tentpole in its key property — while moving back “The Amazing Spider-Man 3″ two years to 2018. The idea of bringing in villains is aimed at making Sony a stronger competitor against the likes of Disney/Marvel’s “Avengers” and Warner Bros.’ “Justice League” superheroes in the coming years.

Many people at SONY were not on board with the “Sinister Six” spinoff movie. If there was one lesson that can be learned from “Amazing Spider-man 2” it is that the story is just as important as Spider-man himself. That story was all over the place leaving many movie goers disappointed and resulting in bad reviews and bad word of mouth. Hopefully the exit by Amy Pascal will open a new door for negotiations between SONY, Disney and Marvel.

Chris Pratt Honors His Superbowl Bet With Chris Evans

pcuqz1su0xtj3kzatczr

Last time I reported that Chris Pratt and Chris Evans had a wager with each other for this year’s Superbowl. If the Patriots won, Pratt would visit Christopher’s Haven in Boston dressed as Starlord from “Guardians Of The Galaxy.” If the Seahawks won, Evans would visit The Seattle Children’s Hospital dressed as Captain America. It was a close one, but the football gods favored the Patriots and Chris Pratt followed through with the bet and visited the children at Christopher’s Haven dressed as Starlord. He was also joined by his buddy, Chris Evans. Lets take a look at some of the photos.

collageerwrreewcollagesdsddddd

Marvel Comics Announces An All Female Avengers Team Called “A-Force”

AFORCE-1

Last week on ABC’s “The View,” the publishers of Marvel Comics introduced a new superhero team consisting of an all female roster called the “A-Force.” The “A-Force” consists of current and previous members of The Avengers, The X-Men, The Fantastic Four and some members from the Spider-man Universe.

“We’ve purposefully assembled a team composed of very different characters — from disparate parts of the Marvel U, with very different power sets, identities and ideologies,” Writer, G. Willow Wilson said. “They’ll all have to come together to answer some big questions: What would you sacrifice to succeed? What is being a hero worth?”

Noticeably absent was Sue Richards of the Fantastic Four, no doubt as a part of Disney/Marvel and Fox’s ongoing war with the movie rights of the Fantastic Four.

Andy Serkis Will Play Ulysses Klaw in “Avengers: Age Of Ultron”

collagesdsdsdds

Last week Marvel confirmed that Andy Serkis will be playing Ulysses Klaw in “Avengers: Age Of Ultron”

So who is Ulysses Klaw? In Marvel Comics, Ulysses Klaw is a human physicist who has been transformed into solid sound, and who wears a sonic emitter on his right wrist as a prosthetic device. He has often been shown in conflict with the Fantastic Four and the Avengers and is an enemy of the Black Panther. I am sure his presence will lead into a storyline for the “Black Panther” movie in 2017.

“Scarlet Witch” And “Quicksilver” Are Not Mutants In “Avengers: Age Of Ultron”

movietalk-scarletwitchquicksilver630-jpg_174131

With Fox owing the movie rights to everything “mutant,” as seen in the “X-Men” franchise and Disney/Marvel owning the movie rights to “Avengers” characters, what do you when you have a character that is a “mutant” but is also an “Avenger?” This is a grey area in which both Fox and Disney/Marvel have agreed to share the characters so that the characters can appear in both of their movie franchises. “Quicksilver” made his on screen debut in “X-Men: Days Of Future Past” last summer. Now Quicksilver and his sister, Scarlet Witch, are about to make their Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in “Avengers: Age Of Ultron.”

“Quicksilver” from “X-Men: Days Of Future Past”:

Quicksilver_43157

“Scarlet Witch” and “Quicksilver” from “Avengers: Age Of Ultron”:

ePBSkJV

According to the digital comic, “Avengers: Age of Ultron Prelude – This Scepter’d Isle,” Baron Von Strucker has been using Loki’s staff to experiment with test subjects and unlock powers found within them. Two of the surviving candidates were Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, as seen in the after credits scene from “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

scepteredisle_excerpt

“Quicksilver” and “Scarlet Witch” from “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”:

La-escena-post-creditos-de-Capitan-America-2-explicada-2

*In the form of a technicality, Quicksilver, along with Scarlet Witch, made their actual cinematic debut in the after credit scene from “Winter Soldier,” which was released a few months before “X-Men: Days Of Future Past.”

The “Hulk Vs. Hulkbuster” Big Showdown In Statue Form

54d3837002b5a

Ever since the release of the first teaser for “Avengers: Age Of Ultron,” we have been teased with a massive fight that puts “The Hulk” against Tony Stark’s “Hulkbuster.” Marvel has announced that their will be a reenactment of this epic battle in statue form.

54d384c86ff7d

The Hulkbuster is a specially designed upgrade to the Iron Man armor created by Tony Stark to combat the Hulk if he should go berserk and classified as the Iron Man Mark 44 armor, the Hulkbuster suit can really tear it up! The statue is based on its appearance in the film, and the huge armor looks as if it leapt straight off the screen. Iron Man strides forward to grapple with the green-skinned Avenger, leg pistons cranking and his right arm stretching out to make contact. The Hulkbuster takes it to a whole new level with a towering frame, thick armor plating and a stout shape. The highly detailed piece features all of the technological details of the Iron Man suit including surface armor, interior electronics, layered components, repulsor units, integrated weaponry and much more!

 54d384a18113d

Don’t make him angry! The alter ego of gamma-irradiated Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, is an unstoppable titan of rage. Unrestrained and fully unleashed, Bruce Banner has left the building and the Hulk is in control. The massive green-skinned monster hurtles into battle, thick legs pumping and his enormous hands squeezed into fists to pummel anything that tries to stop him. The Hulk stature conveys a huge presence with his heroic proportions and rippling physique that stands out with every muscle on display. This one monster army of an Avenger is fantastically detailed with intricate anatomy down to his sinews and veins, all topped off by a fierce facial sculpt that captures the character’s never-ending anger! This time around, thanks to some tinkering by the science brothers — Mr. Stark and Mr. Banner — the Hulk does things a little differently, wearing high tech red-striped purple shorts rather than his traditional ripped and tattered bottoms.

Both statues are sculpted by the same master artist who was responsible for the Avengers Marvel Now series, the infamous Junnosuke Abe and are intricately crafted to perfection. The Hulkbuster Iron Man stands at a towering 11 ½ inches tall while the Hulk reaches 9 ½ inches (both in the ARTFX+ 1/10th scale). Both massive combatants stride across the field of battle, while destroying a brick street underneath their massive weight. While each of the Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ ARTFX+ is an incredible display piece on their own, they’re even better together… as you can join their bases to recreate the epic battle scene in this summer’s highly anticipated film. Stay tuned to Kotobukiya’s website for more!

Source: Marvel.com

That’s it for this week!

CONFIRMED: Walt Disney World Ticket Price Increase Coming This Month; 1-Day Tickets To Exceed $100

A few weeks ago, we told you that a ticket price increase was coming to Walt Disney World’s theme parks. Today, we have some more information that has leaked about the planned price hike coming sometime this month.

Screen-Shot-2013-03-18-at-11.34.38-AM

According to sources, a 1-day Magic Kingdom base ticket will be priced at $105.00 (plus tax), while a ticket for Hollywood Studios, Epcot, or Animal Kingdom will be $99.00 (plus tax). All other ticket prices will be raised similarly, probably by the same increments as the last price change seen at the Disney Parks.

We still have no confirmation on the rumors of a water park-hopper ticket being added or the no-expiration option being removed, but we assume we will hear something once the ticket prices change.

The Disneyland Resort is expected to receive similar ticket price increases this month as well.

Dirk Wallen’s 2/10/15 Disney Springs & Flamingo Crossings Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) and the future site of Flamingo Crossings this week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

2.6.15

Signage is up for Sanuk in The Landing

IMG_3056

Signage up for Sound Lion as well

IMG_3078

Ape by Sunglass Hut has already opened

IMG_3076

The store specializes in sunglasses that are sportswear related

IMG_3104

A new section of pier being constructed in the Marketplace

IMG_3101

Construction has begun on the Town Center area

IMG_3091

IMG_3090

The view of the construction from the Orange parking structure

IMG_3100

The first structure rising appears to be a pedestrian walkway over Buena Vista Drive

IMG_3097

IMG_3051

The two hotels under construction at Flaming Crossings are coming up quickly

IMG_3050

Both hotels will open in 2016

D23 Announces Events for Disney Fans in 2015

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will bring back many of its beloved events while adding a selection of new experiences for members in 2015.

D23_Logo_Stack-Lg

The events scheduled for 2015 so far include:

  • SPECIAL SCREENING EVENTS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT: Starting this month, D23 kicked off another year of memorable screenings designed with fans in mind. On February 8, D23 screened 101 Dalmatians, which included the premieres of two new short films; a panel featuring Disney Legend and animator Floyd Norman, Lisa Davis (voice of Anita), and Mimi Gibson (Lucky); a special gift and more. Other experiences on the Studio lot in 2015 will include The Parent Trap and a special 75th anniversary celebration of Pinocchio, as well as a screening of the “Peoples and Places” featurette Disneyland, U.S.A., with special guests in honor of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary.
  • CINDERELLA LIGHTS UP THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS: On March 12 members will be treated to a screening of Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming release Cinderella, followed by a reception exclusively for D23 Gold Members. The event will take place following The Walt Disney Company 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. (Members do not need to be shareholders to attend the screening.)
  • D23’S LUNCH WITH A LEGEND: Back by popular demand, in 2015, D23 will continue these intimate gatherings with Disney Legends this spring and fall. In 2014, D23 Members joined such Legends as Marty Sklar, Floyd Norman, and Bill Farmer for private luncheons on The Walt Disney Studios lot.
  • D23 DAY AT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND ARCHIVES: D23’s members-only tours of the historic Studio lot and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank return, highlighting historic moments from Disney film, television, and theme parks. Tours will take place this spring (date TBD), June 20, and November 7.
  • D23 MEMBER VIP STUDIO TOURS: A new event for 2015, D23 will offer this unique experience only to D23 Gold Members. It will include a tour of the Studio during a working day on the lot, along with a special lunch with a Disney Legend and a unique VIP gift. Each limited-capacity experience will include new tour stops and unique moments sure to bring smiles to Disney fans. Events will be held on May 29 with Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith and November 6 with a Legend to be announced soon.
  • LIGHT UP THE SEASON: An annual tradition exclusively for cast members and employees of The Walt Disney Company, Light Up the Season marks the official start of the holidays on the Studio lot. This year, D23 Members will enjoy their own special Light Up the Season event, complete with carols, cocoa, and a tree lighting.

 

D23 will also be bringing more events to members across the country in 2015:

  • THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME VIP EXPERIENCE: On March 15, D23 Members are invited to see the new theatrical production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. D23 Members save 20 percent on their tickets, receive a limited-edition pin, and will enjoy a post-show talk-back with the musical’s Academy Award®-winning lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
  • A TASTE OF DISNEY AT SILVERADO VINEYARDS: D23 Gold Members are invited to a day at Silverado Vineyards in Napa, Calif., the winery founded by Diane Disney Miller and her husband Ron. On March 13, guests will enjoy a lunch, tour, and wine tasting experience along with a special gift.
  • BREAKFAST ON BROADWAY: A select number of D23 Gold Members will enjoy private shopping at Disney Store Times Square on March 14 with a special discount; a continental breakfast at the New Amsterdam Theatre, home to the Broadway hit Aladdin; and a gift at this exclusive, complimentary event.
  • D23 MEMBER NIGHTS AT NEWSIES—ON TOUR: Disney fans are cheering for the Tony®-Award winning Newsies, now on tour. This year, D23 Members in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Toronto are invited to see the show, with premium seats on special nights and a talk-back with the cast following the show. (Some shows already sold out.)
  •  DISNEY STORE MEMBER MIXERS: Since 2013, D23 has given members a peek at reimagined Disney Stores across the country—from Kansas and Nevada to Michigan and Texas. This year Disney Store will once again invite D23 Members for exclusive mornings of shopping, discounts, games, and goodies at new locations in Riverside, Calif., Lexington, Ky., Raleigh, N.C., Burlington, Mass., and many more.
  • ADVANCE SCREENINGS: In 2014, D23 Members were able to attend previews of Maleficent, Big Hero 6, and Into the Woods in cities such as New York, Orlando, Chicago, and Atlanta. This year, in partnership with Walt Disney Studios, D23 will screen a selection of upcoming releases.
  • FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—HOME EDITION: With D23 members spanning the country—and the globe—look for an exciting new twist this year on D23’s annual Fanniversary Celebration that all members will be able to participate in, no matter where they live.
  • D23 EXPO 2015: The biggest Disney event of all takes place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center when all the wonderful worlds of Disney come together for three magical days. From sneak peeks, concerts, and exhibitions to celebrities, Disney luminaries and more, there’s something for every Disney fan at the D23 Expo. Tickets are available now at D23Expo.com.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year, including new, member special events in Orlando. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2015 special events can be found at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:

  • February 25: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, San Francisco (sold out)
  • March 12: Cinderella Lights Up the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
  • March 13: A Taste of Disney at Silverado Vineyards, Napa, Calif.
  • March 14: Breakfast on Broadway, New York City
  • March 15: The Hunchback of Notre Dame VIP Experience, Millburn, N.J.
  • Spring 2015: Lunch with a Legend, Burbank, Calif.
  • Spring 2015: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • April 14: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Los Angeles (sold out)
  • April 30: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Dallas (sold out)
  • May 9: The Parent Trap, Burbank, Calif.
  • May 29: VIP Studio Tour with Disney Legend Dave Smith, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 10: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Washington, D.C. (sold out)
  • June 20: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 25: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Boston
  • July 15: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Toronto
  • July 18: Disneyland U.S.A., Burbank, Calif.
  • August 14–16: D23 Expo 2015, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Fall 2015: Lunch with a Legend, Burbank, Calif.
  • September 26, Pinocchio, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 6, VIP Studio Tour, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 7: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • December 4: Light Up the Season, Burbank, Calif.

WDWNT.com will bring you more D23 news and updates as they become available.

“Spider-Man” Is Now Officially Part Of Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe

The-Amazing-Spiderman-2

It’s official! “Spider-Man” will be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Disney/Marvel will co-produce future “Spider-Man” movies with Sony.

Under the agreement, the new “Spider-Man” will first appear for a film in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe and then Sony will release a new “Spider-Man” movie on July 28th, 2017 to be co-produced by Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Sony’s Amy Pascal.

Marvel and Sony Pictures are also exploring opportunities to integrate characters from the MCU into future Spider-Man films.

Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company said: “Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s great characters, beloved around the world. We’re thrilled to work with Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opens up fantastic new opportunities for storytelling and franchise building.”

“We always want to collaborate with the best and most successful filmmakers to grow our franchises and develop our characters. Marvel, Kevin Feige and Amy, who helped orchestrate this deal, are the perfect team to help produce the next chapter of Spider-Man,” said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. “This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans.”

“Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios share a love for the characters in the Spider-Man universe and have a long, successful history of working together. This new level of collaboration is the perfect way to take Peter Parker’s story into the future,” added Doug Belgrad, president, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group.

“I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie,” said Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. “Amy has been deeply involved in the realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel’s involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years.”

Source: Marvel

iron_man_spiderman_captain_ame_1920x1200_vehiclehi.com

Welcome home “Spider-Man!”

This is without a doubt the news that most Marvel fans have been waiting to hear. It is still uncertain if “Spider-Man” will make his debut in “Captain America: Civil War” or “Avengers: Infinity War Part 1.” I have a feeling that he will be a part of “Civil War” since the character of “Spider-Man” was a major participant in the comic book series. I had heard previously that Marvel was not going to use “Spider-Man” even if a deal between Marvel and Sony emerged because the script had been finalized and they were planning on going into production soon. “Black Panther” was expected to fill in for “Spider-Man’s” role. I am sure that Disney and Marvel were aware that an agreement was in play and it wouldn’t surprise me if they had written two scripts just in case. So I would expect “Spider-Man” to be the third major character in “Civil War.” I also would not be surprised if the title changes to just “Civil War” at some point.

It sounds as though Andrew Garfield will no longer be playing “Spider-Man” and that they will be casting a new “Spider-Man.” Marvel also mentioned that characters from “Spider-Man’s” Universe may appear in future Marvel movies. This is an added bonus because the Marvel Cinematic Universe is really lacking in “good” villains.

Now that a new “Spider-Man” movie will be released on July 28th, 2017, some of Marvel’s Phase 3 movies release dates are being shifted around.  “Thor: Ragnarok” was scheduled to be released on July 28th, 2017 but will now be moved to November 3rd, 2017. The following year, Marvel’s “Black Panther” will make its way to theaters on July 6, 2018, and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel” on November 2, 2018. Finally, Marvel’s “Inhumans” will now debut in theaters July 12, 2019. The previously announced dates for Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War Part 1” and “Avengers: Infinity War Part 2” on May 4, 2018 and May 3, 2019, respectively, remain unchanged.new

 

Production Has Begun on “Pete’s Dragon” Remake

Principal photography on Pete’s Dragon commenced this week in New Zealand. A re-imagining of the 1977 Disney classic, Pete’s Dragon will blend live action and CGI to tell the story of the special bond between an orphaned boy, Pete, and his best friend, Elliott, who just happens to be a dragon.

The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard as Grace, a park ranger who discovers the existence of Elliott; 10-year-old Oakes Fegley as Pete; Wes Bentley as Jack, a local mill owner; New Zealand native Karl Urban as Jack’s brother, Gavin; Oona Laurence as Natalie, the young girl who befriends Pete; and Oscar® winner Robert Redford as Grace’s father.

Pete’s Dragon is directed by David Lowery and produced by Jim Whitaker, with Barrie Osborne serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Lowery and Toby Halbrooks. WETA Digital, the visual effects company founded by filmmaker Peter Jackson based in New Zealand, will utilize the latest in digital effects to bring the dragon, Elliott, to life. The film is scheduled to be released in U.S. theaters in August, 2016.

“This is a story about how magic can enter one’s life and change the way they see the world. And I think David Lowery is the perfect director to bring this project to life,” says Whitaker.

The production begins shooting in and around Wellington before moving north to the Rotorua area, and will complete principal photography in the South Island communities of Tapanui and Invercargill.

Film New Zealand, the country’s national film office and sister agency Film Wellington assisted the Walt Disney Studios in assessing and confirming New Zealand for the production.

“New Zealand has long been a wonderful partner for film production. Wellington’s state-of-the-art facilities and filmmaker-friendly community, in particular, make it an ideal location to shoot and be based out of,” says Osborne.

Pete’s Dragon is set for theatrical release in August 2016.