It’s A Trap! ( I Mean Wrap!) “Star Wars: Episode VII” Finishes Filming

On November 1st, principal photography for Star Wars: Episode VII ended. What this means is the original cast, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, as well as the new cast, are official done filming their scenes. Now it is just a matter of working on the digital special effects, adding the musical score and the editing process. To celebrate the end of such a historic event in the Star Wars franchise, a wrap party for the cast and crew was held at the London Science Museum.

A thank you note, as well as a Star Wars Cast baseball cap, was given to each cast member for their participation:

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Here are some photos of the cast celebrating at a Wrap Party at London’s Science Museum:

Harrison Ford:

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Mark Hamill (beardless):

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Carrie Fisher:

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Andy Serkis:

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John Boyega and R2D2:

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Pip Anderson:

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Daisy Ridley:

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J. J. Abrams:

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Simon Pegg

(Although not officially in the cast, he is rumored to be in the movie. Pegg is good friends with Abrams and has been in Abrams’ Star Trek and Mission Impossible films. On top of that Simon Pegg is a huge Star Wars fan.)

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Sources: MailOnline.com and ComingSoon.Net

Star Wars: Episode VII is the first chapter of a new trilogy that takes place 30 years after Return Of The Jedi. The movie is being directed by J. J. Abrams and will reunite the original cast as well as new cast members to continue the Star Wars saga.  Star Wars: Episode VII is scheduled to be released domestically on December 18th, 2015.

Dirk Wallen’s 11/3/14 WDW Photo Report (Walls Down at Disney Springs, New Concept Art, Big Hero 6, Christmas Merch, ETC)

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney Springs, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot this week and he has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us in this HUGE photo report, so let’s get started:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Plenty of roadwork still to be done for Disney Springs

A new piece of elevated track is rising on the West Side, between Splitsville and Wolfgang Puck

We now know this large building with be the Boathouse

Disney announced this new restaurant concept last week

They wasted no time in adding ads to the walls for the restaurant

Concept art for the façade of the Boathouse

The small waterside park in The Landing opened this weekend

A nice little area for relaxing and live entertainment

Some of the buildings are out from behind construction walls in The Landing

New concept art for the area now on construction walls

There is a giant inflatable Baymax from Big Hero 6 on the West Side…

These storefronts in The Landing are just about done

The bridge in the Marketplace is also nearing completion

Two small, temporary stores operated by Something Silver opened by Fulton’s recently

The Marketplace bridge with the Rainforest Café façade refurbishment in the background

Shifting gears, Christmas merchandise has invaded the resort

Ornaments

Some Star Wars holiday pins were released

Plenty of Big Hero 6 merchandise is available around the resort

2015 calendars available

New “I Conquered” shirt

Iron Man and Captain America shirts

New Star Wars character glasses

New Darth Vader t-shirt

Some new merchandise was released at the Art of Animation Resort

Over at Epcot, walls finally came down around the area that was closed when a water main was hit after the Flower and Garden Festival

No visible progress at Norway’s Frozen attraction

We tweeted these weeks ago, but if you haven’t seen, some new retro EPCOT Center merchandise has been released

A quick stop at Animal Kingdom reveals work walls near Pangani Forest and Kilimanjaro Safaris

No visible changes at AVATAR, it’s impossible to see from inside the park

Moving to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, work continues on Starbucks and the Trolley Car Café

Nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey…

Big Hero 6 merchandise carts replace the Frozen carts

Banners up in the Animation Courtyard

Work has finally begun on the Big Hero 6 meet and greet inside The Magic of Disney Animation

Big Hero 6 billboard by The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow

Let’s journey inside the new Wandering Oaken’s

Purchase with purchase Frozen bag available

Jim Shore has released some Frozen statues

Osborne Lights are ready to go

No more Backlot Tour…

Official Poster Released For “Star Wars Celebration 2015” in Anaheim

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Here is the first look at the new poster for the upcoming official Star Wars convention, Star Wars Celebration 2015 (aka as Celebration VII).

As great as this poster is, it looks like they forgot someone.

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Star Wars Celebration is four fun-filled days of costumes, exhibits, a vibrant, interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, and other surprises celebrating all things Star Wars. Timed with the release of Star Wars: Episode VII, this promises to be a Star Wars Celebration like no other. Star Wars Celebration 2015 will be held in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Convention Center from April 16–19, 2015.

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Possible Spoilers of The Teaser Trailer For “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens”

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According to Badassdigest.com, the teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens is completed and it is possible that we may see it even sooner than originally expected. As I have previously mentioned, don’t expect much. People are saying it is a minute long, tops. The representatives from Badassdigest.com say to take all of this with a grain of salt, but the sources for this teaser description have been very reliable in the past. Stay tuned, but it does appear that we will be seeing something within the next 4 or 5 weeks.

Here is the (possible) description of the upcoming teaser trailer:

It’ll be short. And when I say short, I mean one minute long. It’s going to have The Force Theme played on woodwinds, softly, over flashing images of the main leads, each fading to black. There’s no dialogue, just reveals of the characters. And then the music swells up into a full orchestral piece – perhaps what John Williams recorded this weekend? – and we hear a female voice, likely Daisy Ridley’s, saying “Wake up.” And then the title card appears – Star Wars: The Force Awakens – and we see the Millennium Falcon, firing blasters, coming right at the camera.

Also, Anthony Daniels, who has played C3PO in all of the Star Wars movies, recently tweeted this about Star Wars: The Force Awakens:

Twitter-Anthony-Daniels-star-warsI agree with Daniels and have always felt that The Empire Strikes Back was a better movie than A New Hope. I usually go back and forth between Empire and The Godfather Part 2 as to which is the best sequel of all time. To me, those are very encouraging words from Anthony Daniels, especially since he has been in every film. Also, he never said anything like that in regards to the Prequels, but then again Twitter didn’t exist back then. 🙂

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the first chapter of a new trilogy that takes place 30 years after Return Of The Jedi. The movie is being directed by J. J. Abrams and will reunite the original cast as well as new cast members to continue the Star Wars saga. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is scheduled to be released domestically on December 18th, 2015.

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

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!

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

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

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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

Mark Hamill And Carrie Fisher Reunite Luke and Leia Skywalker 37 Years Later

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Recently Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher were seen in Los Angeles attending a charity dinner for the organization Midnight Mission, a homeless aid charity celebrating its 100th anniversary. Both Hamill and Fisher are reprising their roles as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia for the upcoming sequel Star Wars: Episode VII.

Some fun facts about Star Wars: A New Hope:

  • The original title was The Adventures Of Luke Starkiller, which was later changed to The Star Wars and finally changed to Star Wars.
  • Originally the story had Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi Knight teaching his son the ways of the Force but later they replaced Anakin with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
  • Harrison Ford was paid $10,000 for his performance in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
  • The sound of the TIE Fighter engines is actually the sound of an elephant call mixed with the sounds of a car driving on wet pavement.
  • The sound of the light sabre was made by accident. Sound effects supremo Ben Burtt couldn’t find a suitably sci-fi sound effect for the iconic lightsabres, until he accidentally walked past a muted TV while holding a microphone. He mixed the resulting low hum with the sound of a film projector motor and the rest was history.
  • Luke and his family were originally imagined as dwarves.
  • Han Solo who was meant to be a green skinned monster who had a set of gills and no nose.
  • Alec Guiness hated Star Wars. Alec Guinness didn’t have high hopes for George Lucas’ space opera when he signed on; in fact, he downright hated it and had no idea what a smash it would become. Guinness begged Lucas to kill off Obi-Wan Kenobi, and he eventually relented. “What I didn’t tell him,” Guinness later revealed, “was that I just couldn’t go on speaking those bloody awful, banal lines. I’d had enough of the mumbo jumbo.”
  • Harrison Ford wasn’t in the running to play Han Solo. Burt Reynolds was among the top contenders to play Han Solo, along with Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson and Christopher Walken. Ford agreed to read Solo’s lines during screen tests for other actors, and Lucas realised his perfect Solo was right under his nose.
  • The opening scroll was written by Brian De Palma. The scrolling words that open each Star Wars film were intended as a homage to the Flash Gordon serials of the thirties, which started in a similar way. Lucas was helped by Brian De Palma, director of crime classic Scarface, who saw the first, endless draft and said, “You’re out of your mind… Let me write this for you”. Editing it right down, De Palma played a key role in introducing Star Wars to millions across the world.
  • Chewbacca was based on George Lucas’ dog, Indiana. His dog is also the inspiration for the name Indiana Jones.

Some more photos from the Midnight Mission event:

The “Dude” abides:

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That’s not a hand rail:

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Got this from Club Cool:

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Star Wars: Episode VII is the first chapter of a new trilogy that takes place 30 years after Return Of The Jedi. The movie is being directed by J. J. Abrams and will reunite the original cast as well as new cast members to continue the Star Wars saga. Episode VII is currently being filmed in locations such as Abu Dhabi, Iceland and various locations in the UK. Star Wars Episode VII is scheduled to be released domestically on December 18th, 2015.

10/7/14 Marvel News Mash-Up

Iron Man’s War Machine Helmet Spotted On Avengers: Age Of Ultron Set

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During the premiere of Star Wars Rebels: The Movie on the Disney Channel, there was Behind The Scenes featurette for the upcoming movie Avengers: Age Of Ulton. And in this short preview, Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Facebook page was able to spot the helmet of War Machine from the Iron Man movies (see below). Although not officially confirmed, War Machine will be in Age Of Ultron. I have seen a photo of Don Cheadel, who plays Rhodey/War Machine/Iron Patriot, in official photos released by Marvel with the cast of the Age Of Ultron. Defeating Ultron and his minions will not be an easy task, so I can see the Avengers seeking aide from their closest allies. I expect even more heroes to be part of the battle.

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Robert Downey Jr. Will Do Iron Man 4 If Mel Gibson Directs

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Robert Downey Jr. has said in the past that after Avengers 3, he is done with Iron Man. While sitting down with Deadline.com, Downey was asked if anything would make him come back for Iron Man 4. The reporter brought up the idea of Mel Gibson directing and Downey said that would do it.

In the last few years, Mel Gibson’s star quality has fallen but one person that has always stood by his side has been his friend, Robert Downey Jr. They first met while filming Air America and have been good friends ever since. When Downey was dealing with his own demons, Gibson was there for him and stood by him. When Downey was released from prison and tried to restart his career, Gibson was there and pushed to others that Downey be given a second chance. During the worst moments of Gibson’s recent problems, Downey asked us all to pray for his friend, not to condemn him. So it’s really not surprising that Downey will come back to do Iron Man 4 only if his friend Mel Gibson directs.

If you need proof of their friendship, just watch this video of Downey asking Hollywood to forgive his friend Gibson back in 2011:

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

To read the actual interview with Robert Downey Jr., visit Deadline.com.

Exclusive Look At Avenger’s: Age Of Ultron Will Be On The Guardians Of The Galaxy Blu-ray

Tgx65B7As reported last week, the rumored December 9th domestic release date for Guardians Of The Galaxy on Blu-ray and DVD has been confirmed by Marvel and Disney. Also in the press release was one of the extras that will be found on the disc. There will be an Exclusive Look At Avengers Age Of Ultron. This will probably be a 5-10 minute behind the scenes featurette informing people of the plot of the movie as well as interviews with the cast and some footage.

Avengers Age Of Ultron Trailer To Be Attached To Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar

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Currently label this as a rumor but a story has been floating around that the first trailer for Avengers: Age Of Ultron will be attached to Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, which will be released on November 7th. Keep in mind that on this day, Big Hero 6 will also be released, so it is possible that it could be attached to Big Hero 6 or maybe even both.

Avengers 3 To Be Split Into 2 Films?

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This story hit the net recently and it does sound like it could be more than just a rumor. The two next likely story lines for the next Avengers movie after Avengers: Age Of Ultron could be either the Infinity Gauntlet or Civil War. Every Marvel movie in the last few years has been revealing Infinity Gems. At last count, 3 Infinity Gems have been found and Thanos, the villain in The Avengers and Guardians Of The Galaxy, needs 6 of them to make up the Infinity Gauntlet and to control the Universe. Both of these storylines have a lot of material that could be difficult to put into one 2 hour movie. It does sound like Avengers 3 will be the last movie with Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man and Chris Evans as Captain America. If the storyline is split into two movies, they would have to renegotiate the contracts for all of the actors but I am sure the profit would far outweigh the cost by a huge margin. Warner Brothers split the last Harry Potter movie into two movies and that worked out very well for them.

Joaquin Phoenix No Longer In Talks To Play Doctor Strange

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I was really looking forward to seeing Joaquin Phoenix play Doctor Strange but unfortunately it’s not going to happen. Probably the biggest issue was a multi-picture deal that Disney now wants to lock their actors into for future Marvel movie sequels. The good news is that this means that my favorite choice, Benedict Cumberbatch, is still in the running. Other potential candidates are Jared Leto, Tom Hardy and Ethan Hawke.

First Look At Variant Cover For Upcoming Star Wars #1

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In the beginning of this year, Disney and Marvel announced that starting in 2015, they would be the soul producer of all Star Wars comics and graphic novels. Previously Dark Horse Comics had the license but with Disney’s acquisition of both Marvel and Star Wars franchises this was the obvious direction they were heading to. Marvel Comics was granted the very first license for Star Wars comics starting with with Star Wars #1 back in 1977. This variant cover was created by Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer, Joe Queseda. Back in the 90’s, Queseda was an artist for Marvel as well as DC and other independent comic book companies. Queseda was one of my favorite artists and it’s nice to see his work again and especially that this is the first Star Wars art he has ever done. Star Wars #1 will be released in January 2015.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier Figure Available For Pre-order At SideShow Collectibles

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Sideshow Collectables will be releasing a Captain America: Winter Soldier premium collectable figure in November. It’s definitely a bit pricey at $339.99.  I’m always amazed at the attention to detail that Hot Toys is able to achieve with their incredible work.

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Marvel’s Avengers Assemble Brings Back Writers From Avengers Earth’s Mightiest Heroes

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This was one of those news stories that made me, as well as many fans of the original series, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, very happy. Last year Marvel cancelled it’s popular animated series Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and replaced it with their own Avengers Assemble. This did not go over well with the Marvel fan community who loved the original series. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes was an excellent series which followed some of the best know stories found in the original comic books. Avengers Assembly changed the focus to have the Avengers follow the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the episodes that I have seen from Season One of Avengers Assemble, the episodes have been hit or miss and most usually miss. Disney and Marvel must have listened to the fans and have brought back some of the original writers of the series. The first episode aired this Sunday, October 5th, and was much better than anything I had seen in Season One. Here’s hoping that this is the start of something good. Avengers Assemble airs on Disney XD.

Fantastic Four Comic To Be Cancelled In 2015 Just Prior To Fox’s Fantastic Four Reboot

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BleedingCool.com reported this week that the Fantastic Four comic book will be cancelled in 2015 with issue #215. By doing this, Disney will not be providing free promotion for Fox’s upcoming Fantastic Four movie. To some this is not a big deal, but if you know the history between Disney, Marvel and Fox, it is basically another chapter in their soap opera. There is definite bad blood between Disney and Fox especially since Disney acquired the Star Wars franchise. Lucasfilm and Fox have produced and distributed all of the Star Wars films since 1977 and I am sure Fox was not happy to learn that Lucas sold all of the franchise to Disney, meaning that Fox would lose a ton of potential future revenue. Last year Josh Whedon announced that the characters Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch would be in the sequel to the Avengers. Not to long after that, the script for X-Men Days Of Future Past was changed to have Quicksilver (and Scarlet Witch) replace a character from the original script, Juggernaut. In the comics, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are the son and daughter of X-Men’s main villain, Magneto. They have also been members of The Avengers in the comics. So this is one of those grey areas where both Disney and Fox own the movie rights to both of the characters.

This new Fantastic Four movie sounds like a disaster. It goes against what the Fantastic Four have always been about in the comics. I also learned this week that the director, Josh Trank, held no auditions for any of the main four roles. I find it hard to believe that the best actors were chosen to represent each character if there were no screen tests and the majority of these actors, most people have never heard of. The majority of the Marvel fan community wants the Fantastic Four to go back to Disney and Marvel because they have been very successful with all of their adaptions of comic book heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Out of all of the Marvel movie rights that Disney does not own, I honestly would like to see the Fantastic Four go back to Disney and Marvel. The Fantastic Four could join up with the Avengers or battle the Avengers, bring in the Silver Surfer and plus the Marvel Cinematic Universe would get something its lacking, villains. Villains like Dr. Doom, Galactus and the Super Skrull. And I would love to see a battle between the Thing and the Hulk probably more so than Batman vs Superman. Only time will tell.

The Fantastic Four will return to comics but only after Fox has released the Fantastic Four movie to home video.

That’s it for this week!