Justice League lives again

With the writers strike over Warner Brothers have apparently decided to reconnect the seemingly firmly unplugged Justice League movie. Rumor has been swirling since the strike ended that the WB planned to start up production again on this project but today Variety confirmed that there is a plan in effect now to get Justice League in theaters sometime in 2009.

The actors have been advised to continue training for their roles, and director George Miller is still prepping in Australia, despite recent rumors that production may be moving to Canada. The script is apparently being polished, and I think the time being taken is a good thing. Oh don't get me wrong I still think this is a very bad idea; but if its going to be done, at least they should try to do it right. Speaking of which there have been some in my opinion, rather mean spirited rumors that the film would get going now WITHOUT the characters of Superman or Batman appearing, but those are unconfirmed and I think rather ridiculous; those are marquee characters and it simply wouldn't be JLA without them. Speaking of which AICN reports that big bad ass looking actor Hugh Keays-Byrne has been cast as the Martian Manhunter in the film. Also it's been mentioned that the title of the film may have been changed to "Justice League: Mortal". ummm... okay. I suppose there is the whole thing about how the Justice League of America might not play so well around the world, but isn't that kind of like hiding who these characters are a bit, I mean that's what the comic is, why should it be different in the film.

Anyhow, I can't say I'm super stoked about this news, but at least they can now take their time to try to make it right. And I know I will be excited to see these characters on screen. Just for now I have to wonder if it wouldn't be better to just let this lie for a bit. I mean Warner's is like 10 years late to the comic book film bandwagon already (totally absurd considering they own DC comics) so why not wait another year or two. Personally I'd be all for a solo Wonder Woman, solo Flash, and solo Green Lantern movie (well maybe with a few other Lanterns so not technically solo) instead of a rushed Justice League film. Sigh... I just hope they get Aquaman right ;)
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WonderCon returns

The time for WonderCon has once again come upon to San Francisco, and since I'm not planning on attending Comic Con in San Diego this year I had intended for WonderCon to sustain me. Unfortunately due to a few scheduling blunders which I am not thrilled about it looks like I might only get one full day at the convention. As usual the con is held over a weekend, (this one the 02/22 - 02/24) but I can't get the Friday off of work, and we already have plans for Sunday, including I hope an Oscar party. So it looks like Saturday might be my one big shot. Granted the program for Saturday Feb 23rd, looks pretty darn sweet.

Here's what I've picked out for Saturday that caught my eye. Obviously I can't go to everything, and most likely will stick mostly to the Hall A film panels, but I also intend to do a little shopping, my goal is to get a couple of books I've been missing for a while. And spend a little time just wandering the convention floor. So check out what I've got to work with:

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12:00-1:00 Warner Bros.: 10,000 B.C., Get Smart - Warner Bros. presents two of its most eagerly awaited films in this exclusive panel only at WonderCon!

10,000 B.C. is the epic adventure of a sweeping odyssey into a mythical age of prophesies and gods, when spirits ruled the land and mighty mammoths shook the earth! Director Roland Emmerich and stars Steven Strait and Camilla Belle appear live on the WonderCon stage to discuss this fantasy film, which opens March 7.

Get Smart features Maxwell Smart on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS. Director Peter Segal is joined by stars Steve Carell (Maxwell Smart), and Anne Hathaway (Agent 99), to talk live about this highly anticipated comedy, coming to the big screen on June 20.
- Hall A

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1:00-2:00 Disney: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and WALL•E - One year later for the Pevensie siblings. 1,300 years later in Narnia. The enchanted characters of C.S. Lewis' timeless fantasy come to life again in this second installment of the beloved book series, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and all-new creatures and challenges await the Pevensie siblings. Watch exclusive new film footage from this epic adventure series! A very special guest will be on hand to introduce the footage and participate in an audience Q&A.

In WALL•E: The year is 2700. WALL•E, a robot, spends every day doing what he was made for. But soon, he will discover what he was meant for. From Academy Award®-winning director, Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo), WALL•E is the story of one robot's comic adventures as he chases his dream across the galaxy. Meet director Andrew Stanton as he presents exclusive new footage of Disney-Pixar's next adventure!
- Hall A

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1:30-3:00 Comics Podcasting Extravaganza— Want go behind the scenes of the most innovative and new form of comics entertainment? Podcasts are the new way to get all the latest scoops, interviews and opinions in and about comic books. We've got a star-studded lineup featuring some of the leading podcasters to tell you what it's really like to churn out hours of podcasting entertainment on a weekly basis. Comics writer/artist and panel moderator Rick Remender (Fear Agent) talks with panelists Lene Taylor and Logan Hall (I Read Comics), Ron Richards, Josh Flanagan and Conor Kilpatrick (iFanboy), Bryan Deemer (Comic Geek Speak), Jimmy Aquino (Comics News Insider), and Christopher Neseman (Around Comics).
- Room 220

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2:00-3:15 20th Century Fox: The X-Files and Shutter - The truth is out there, again—finally! A new motion picture based on the phenomenally popular, award-winning series The X-Files is in production. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson—making their first-ever joint convention appearance—join director-writer-producer Chris Carter and writer-producer Frank Spotnitz to share their thoughts about the long-awaited film, and answer your questions.

Next, Joshua Jackson, Transformers' Rachael Taylor and Heroes' James Kyson Lee bring you a first look at the new horror/thriller Shutter, from executive producers of The Grudge and The Ring. They'll present special footage and answer your questions about the film, which, through its portrayal of the underground world of spirit photography, reveals that the most terrifying images are the ones that are real. Shutter opens everywhere March 21.
- Hall A

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2:00-3:00 Cartoon Network: Chowder - Join Carl Greenblat, the creator of the hit animated show Chowder, as he screens a very special episode and takes questions from the audience. It’s almost a full hour of culinary goodness, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity to ask such questions as, "What’s it like working for Cartoon Network?", "Aren’t you the voice of Fred Fredburger?", and "Just what the heck is Chowder, anyway?"
- Room 204/206

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3:00-4:00 The Spectacular Spider-Man: First Episode Premiere and Panel - Be among the first to see the series-opening episode of The Spectacular Spider-Man, a Culver Entertainment production coming to Kids' WB! on The CW on March 8. Get the Spidey sense behind the creative vision of the series from supervising producer Greg Weisman (Gargoyles), producer/supervising director Victor Cook (Hellboy: Blood and Iron), character designer Sean "Cheeks" Galloway (Hellboy animated films), and the new voice of Spider-Man, Josh Keaton (The Young & The Restless). Michael Vogel from Sony Pictures Television Animation will moderate.
- Room 104

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3:15-4:00 New Line Cinema: Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay - Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay marks the triumphant return of the two hilarious, slacker anti-heroes. The movie stars John Cho (as Harold) and Kal Penn (as Kumar), on an irreverent and epic journey of deep thoughts and a wild trip around the world that is as "un-PC" as it gets. New Line Cinema will show exclusive footage from the film and star John Cho, along with writers and directors Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, will be there to discuss the film.
- Hall A

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4:00-5:00 Paramount: Iron Man - Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present Marvel Studios' Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub and Gwyneth Paltrow. The film's director, Jon Favreau, will appear live on the WonderCon stage to discuss bringing the Marvel Comics superhero to the big screen.
- Hall A

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4:00-5:00 Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski - Writer, producer and director—and WonderCon special guest—J. Michael Straczynski comes off a busy year that saw him end a ground-breaking run on Amazing Spider-Man, and start his news series, The Twelve in comics. He wrote, produced, and directed the latest installment of the Bablyon 5 saga, Lost Tales, and he wrote three movies in 2007, The Changeling, Goliath: The Story of David, and World War Z. We’re guessing he’ll have LOTS to talk about and you’ll have just as many questions!
- Room 104

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4:30-5:30 TOKYOPOP and the Jim Henson Company Present Legends of The Dark Crystal and Return to Labyrinth - Last year, TOKYOPOP made waves among Jim Henson fans with their release of the debut volume of Legends of The Dark Crystal, an exciting manga prequel to Henson's classic fantasy film. Last year also saw the release of the second volume of Return to Labyrinth, TOKYOPOP and The Jim Henson Company's acclaimed manga sequel to Labyrinth. Join editor Tim Beedle and Return to Labyrinth writer Jake Forbes as they discuss the future of these two exciting series, provide insight on expanding Jim Henson's fantasy universes and preview art from upcoming volumes. As a special bonus, all panel attendees will receive a free Legends of The Dark Crystal poster.
- Room 220

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4:30-5:30 Animation Story Break ("Wait, does it HAVE to be a story?") - Go behind the scenes as writers take an idea for an animated superhero story from one-sentence premise all the way to a full-blown beginning, middle, and end. Then the real fun begins with audience participation! The crack writing staff features Charlotte Fullerton (Kim Possible), Michael Jelenic (The Batman), Dwayne McDuffie (Static Shock), and Matt Wayne (Justice League Unlimited). Moderated by Eugene Son (Storm Hawks). Expect laughter and tears - mostly the latter.
- Room 236/238

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5:00-6:00 Inside Lucasfilm with Steve Sansweet - It’s not over yet! With Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series hot on the horizon, not to mention all the other events and projects in the works at Lucasfilm, Steve Sansweet, the entertainment company’s head of fan relations, will have much to share at WonderCon. Sansweet’s presentation will be the first on his 2008 convention circuit, so look for fresh news and glimpses into all the Star Wars excitement to come.
- Hall A

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5:00-6:00 VERTIGO: Edgy and Evocative - With books like Fables, DMZ, American Virgin, Northlanders and more, VERTIGO continues the critical success of its monthly books with even more surprises up its sleeve in 2008! Come hear Bob Schreck, group editor—VERTIGO, Becky Cloonan (American Virgin), Steve Leialoha (Fables), Bill Willingham (Fables, Jack of Fables), and Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders), discuss their books and find out why VERTIGO is THE imprint for discerning readers.
- Room 104

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5:00-5:30 Sneak Preview of Starship Troopers: Marauder - The bugs are back! Writer/director Ed Neumeier (Robocop) and action star Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) host the world premiere of the trailer from the action-packed continuation of the Starship Troopers franchise, coming this summer from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment!
- Room 204/206


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5:30-6:00 Sneak Preview of Gabriel - First-time writer-director-producer Shane Abbess and leading man Andy Whitfield ("All Saints") introduce the Australian sci-fi thriller Gabriel to American audiences. Filmmaker and star will screen clips and answer questions from the crowd on this upcoming release from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
- Room 204/206

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6:00-8:00 WORLD PREMIERE! Justice League: The New Frontier - Witness the formation of the greatest fighting force in the history of comics at the WonderCon exclusive world premiere of Justice League: The New Frontier, the highly-anticipated DC Universe made-for-DVD release presented by Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics. Inspired by Darwyn Cooke's best-selling DC Comics graphic novel, Justice League: The New Frontier features an all-star cast of characters and their all-celebrity voices, including Green Lantern/David Boreanaz (Bones, Angel), The Flash/Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Superman/Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks, Desperate Housewives), Wonder Woman/Lucy Lawless (Xena, Warrior Princess), Batman/Jeremy Sisto (Law & Order), Martian Manhunter/Miguel Ferrer (Bionic Woman), Carol Ferris/Brooke Shields (Lipstick Jungle) and King Faraday/Phil Morris (Smallville, Sarah Connor Chronicles). The film is rated PG-13 for action violence, and will be available to own on February 26. Immediately following the premiere, DC Comics' Gregory Noveck will moderate a panel that includes story originator Darwyn Cooke, executive producer/director Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday), director David Bullock (Legion of Super Heroes), supervising director Michael Goguen (The Batman), writer Stan Berkowitz (The Batman), voice director Andrea Romano and, with a little luck, members of the voice cast. And remember … DC Universe animated film panels usually end with a glimpse of the future … and this time, it's an altogether new vision for a fan favorite!
- Hall A

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So thats all I caught on the programming schedule for the Saturday, what do you guys think is essential? Any one of those that I just absolutely should not miss?

I'm pretty annoyed that I'm not going to be there on Friday, as I'm missing a Bill Willingham talk, a Farscape panel (like seriously one of my favorite shows ever), a writing panel with JMS, the Wanted panel with guest James McAvoy, and the New Line panel featuring the new Journey to the Center of the Earth film. On Sunday it looks like I'll be missing out on such gems as a Tim Sale panel, 'from fan to creator' a goal setting workshop, the Fables panel, and a Terminator Sarah Connor Chronicles panel... sigh...


I should just be happy with all the cool stuff I will get to see, and try not to stress about the stuff I can't. besides having an Oscar party is a good idea. And hey, from what there is listed above I'm sure it will be a really fun day no matter what.
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It's all over baby

Well basically. Still waiting on a few dotted i's and crossed t's by the AMPTP, but reportedly the proposed settlement between the striking WGA and the studios has come to a fruitful conclusion today. Official or not, it seems fair to say: THE STRIKE IS OVER.

As I mentioned a few days ago as this deal was looming after a tentative 'informal' agreement was reached a week ago. Care of United Hollywood, here is the letter sent out to guild members...
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To Our Fellow Members,

We have a tentative deal.

It is an agreement that protects a future in which the Internet becomes the primary means of both content creation and delivery. It creates formulas for revenue-based residuals in new media, provides access to deals and financial data to help us evaluate and enforce those formulas, and establishes the principle that, "When they get paid, we get paid."

Specific terms of the agreement are described in the summary at the following link - http://www.wga.org/contract_07/wga_tent_summary.pdf - and will be further discussed at our Saturday membership meetings on both coasts. At those meetings we will also discuss how we will proceed regarding ratification of this agreement and lifting the restraining order that ends the strike. Details of the Los Angeles meeting can be found at http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2763.

Less than six months ago, the AMPTP wanted to enact profit-based residuals, defer all Internet compensation in favor of a study, forever eliminate "distributor's gross" valuations, and enforce 39 pages of rollbacks to compensation, pension and health benefits, reacquisition, and separated rights. Today, thanks to three months of physical resolve, determination, and perseverance, we have a contract that includes WGA jurisdiction and separated rights in new media, residuals for Internet reuse, enforcement and auditing tools, expansion of fair market value and distributor's gross language, improvements to other traditional elements of the MBA, and no rollbacks.

Over these three difficult months, we shut down production of nearly all scripted content in TV and film and had a serious impact on the business of our employers in ways they did not expect and were hard pressed to deflect. Nevertheless, an ongoing struggle against seven, multinational media conglomerates, no matter how successful, is exhausting, taking an enormous personal toll on our members and countless others. As such, we believe that continuing to strike now will not bring sufficient gains to outweigh the potential risks and that the time has come to accept this contract and settle the strike.

Much has been achieved, and while this agreement is neither perfect nor perhaps all that we deserve for the countless hours of hard work and sacrifice, our strike has been a success. We activated, engaged, and involved the membership of our Guilds with a solidarity that has never before occurred. We developed a captains system and a communications structure that used the Internet to build bonds within our membership and beyond. We earned the backing of other unions and their members worldwide, the respect of elected leaders and politicians throughout the nation, and the overwhelming support of fans and the general public. Our thanks to all of them, and to the staffs at both Guilds who have worked so long and patiently to help us all.

There is much yet to be done and we intend to use all the techniques and relationships we've developed in this strike to make it happen. We must support our brothers and sisters in SAG who, as their contract expires in less than five months, will be facing many of the same challenges we have just endured. We must further pursue new relationships we have established in Washington and in state and local governments so that we can maintain leverage against the consolidated multinational conglomerates with whom we bargain. We must be vigilant in monitoring the deals that are made in new media so that in the years ahead we can enforce and expand our contract. We must fight to get decent working conditions and benefits for writers of reality TV, animation, and any other genre in which writers do not have a WGA contract.

Most important, however, is to continue to use the new collective power we have generated for our collective benefit. More than ever, now and beyond, we are all in this together.

Best,

Patric M. Verrone
President, WGAW

Michael Winship
President, WGAE

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Yes, the AMPTP are dragging their feet slightly on the final naggling issues, trying to squeeze their last possible cent, point, or whatnot through the door as it closes behind them; and the WGA is talking about holding a vote within the next 48 hours to ratify the terms of the deal. Generally speaking though, this deal is done. The 3 month long writers strike really finally is over. And a formal final FINAL end will probably come Monday, or early next week.

Keep an eye on TV Guide's strike watch page as they will be updating us all on the fate of our favorite tv shows as soon as they get official word. However as I mentioned most likely we will be getting the older established hits back for a few more episodes this season, and the freshman shows will have to hold off until the Fall. As for Lost, and Heroes... who can say yet. Of course rampant speculation on some of the films that could get back on track immediately has already begun, thanks to IGN and Variety. They specifically mention Angels & Demons, JLA, and Transformers 2 as properties that could possibly move forward very rapidly. I for one doubt it, but I suppose they could.

Really, at this point, we should just be happy that the strike is ending, and enjoy whatever tv and movie we do get with a minimum of griping. Even if it is more ridiculous yet so very very addictive Big Brother episodes...

At least we've got the Oscars coming up :)
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Justice League on hold

Well it's official now, and thank goodness, The Justice League movie has been put on "indefinite hold", until at the very least after the writers strike ends. Hopefully that will give everyone time to think things through and for everyone to realize that their approach was all wrong from the get go.

I do feel bad for George Miller who seemed to genuinely think he was headed in the right direction, but I applaud Warner for not rushing headlong into something like this.

Whats to become of the stand alone Flash and Green Lantern movies? Will the rumored Megan Gale still don the star-spangled swimsuit? And what does this really mean for Superman: The Man of Steel?

Those are questions that we will be left wondering for now...

UPDATE - The Hollywood Reporter and Variety make note specifically of which actors contracts has been allowed to lapse, and hence we have finally an actual semi-official listing of the cast that was to be. And since Warners has said, at least for now, that they want to make this movie with these actors at some point, this list could be something we'll be seeing more of. As the man of steel Superman, we find D.J. Cotrona, as the dark knight Batman, Armie Hammer Jr., as Wonder Woman, Megan Gale, as The Flash, Adam Brody, and as john stewart Green Lantern, Common. their lists also include Anton Yelchin, and Teresa Palmer. I think Anton was going to play The Martin Manhunter, and Teresa was going to play Lois Lane, but I could be off base there as those roles specifically aren't mentioned. Anyhow, it definitely is interesting to see where they were going with this film, and it's still quite clear to me that this delay is a good thing for everyone. Well everyone except the actors.
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Wonder Woman?

Normally I wouldn't want to mention this kind of a rumor, or at least regarding Justice League. There have been SO many rumors as to what hot young actress will land the role of Wonder Woman in the JLA film it's gone past ridiculous. However, that said, this girl who AICN reports is 100% positively going to be the star spangled amazonian, is the first woman I've seen who automatically just looks to fit the part.

Megan Gale is a model from Australia, and she is, not to put too fine a point on it, smoking hot. Click to enlarge.

Is she Wonder Woman? I don't know. Are the rumors of Common as Jon Stewart true? Or Adam Brody as The Flash? I don't know... There are a gillion and one rumors out there about the cast for JLA. And while I'm excited to know finally, the guess work makes me crazy.

We'll know when we know. And if they decide to scrap the film, or wait until the strike ends and they don't have to push a potentially unpolished script into production, even better in my opinion. This movie has a lot of potential, and obviously Warner's knows that. What becomes of it in the end has yet to be determined, and so far I am definitely not convinced they can pull it off.

All that aside though, the most important point: Megan Gale is really, really hot.

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DC makes some moves

I have to wonder sometimes what exactly Warner Brothers is doing. They waited a solid 5 years after Marvel started making a gagillion dollars on their various movie franchises before even attempting to get in the ring, and then we got what? Halle Berry's Catwoman, and a few REALLY bad ideas... Wonder Twins?! Seriously!?! Jack Black as Green Lantern?! I mean is it that hard to take your own characters just a little bit seriously.

And then along comes Chris Nolan and he makes the world right again. Batman Begins kicks off a new era for WB and their comic book properties. Maybe this can really work. Singer took on Superman and whether wholly successful or not, at least you know he honestly tried, and that he respects the character. But missteps seem a bit inevitable. DC still has a head up their ass quality sometimes. And for every innovative idea like New Frontier, it seems we also are given questionable ones, like what I see as a rushed JLA movie, and two new actors playing the only really currently established movie heroes DC has (Supes and Batman). Granted nothing is set in stone confirming that, but generally at this point everyone seems to think that's the case.

Is DC doing things ass-backwards? Launching the team story in Justice League before single editions introducing the characters? Marvel is just ramping up for an Avengers movie now, after years of establishing characters. And unlike DC they don't seem to be in any huge rush; they know that their single character stories are working their way into mainstream American consciousness, before throwing a handful of unknown characters to the moviegoing wolves. And I think that's a pretty smart idea. But Warner Brothers made two announcements yesterday that might change all that. No, it doesn't look like they're scrapping the JLA film in favor of single serving hero pics. Instead they're going to do it all at once, and have a blockbuster sweeping superhero slate.

It was reported by MTV in their surprisingly good Movies Blog that David Dobkin, director of Wedding Crashers, and the new Fred Claus will be taking on The Flash. This makes him the third director attached to the project (following David Goyar, and Shawn Levy). Even better news is that Dobkin's scarlett speedster will be the same one we meet in George Miller's JLA movie, currently in endless casting. When asked which version of The Flash would feature in his film, Dobkin told reporters that it would be the modern age Flash that most people are familiar with, Wally West. He also said this film would be a continuation of the character and story established for Wally in the Justice League film.

And then hot on the heels of the Flash news came Variety's report that a director has also been hired to helm a Green Lantern film! Greg Berlanti, who is best known as exec producer and writer on such shows as Dirty Sexy Money, and Brothers & Sisters will write and direct the film, which unlike the case of The Flash is said to not follow the Justice League GL, reported to be John Stewart, but instead the silver age fan favorite Lantern Hal Jordan. Presumably it will still take place in the same universe as the JLA film, as there are many Lanterns operating at the same time in the comic continuity, but that hasn't been confirmed yet.

Both Flash, and Green Lantern films will be released after George Miller's Justice League film. And as for the JLA film... well I know I haven't been talking much about it. As you can tell I have a few doubts about it, but I'm definitely still interested. A lot of film sites these days are following the endless speculation on casting; and while I admit I'm definitely intrigued as to which young Hollywood hottie will get to play Wonder Woman I also get pretty frustrated by the non stop speculation. So I'm not going to talk about any of that stuff here. Instead what interests me more at this point is the story. If you're interested as well, and don't mind a few kinda bigish spoilers, I encourage you to check out this VERY enlightening article on Ain't It Cool News where they talk through a number of plot points, including what villains will appear.

I honestly want this film, all these films, to be good. I may have grown up a Marvel zombie, but I've read a lot of DCs stuff in the past few years and its really solid. They've got some great complex characters, and at times deal with pretty mature themes. Flash, and especially Green Lantern are good characters, and I have faith that they can hold a film. I just hope DCs strategy doesn't deliver more films of Catwoman quality. That would make me very very sad. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

UPDATE - Surprise, surprise, Joel Silver who has been the standby producer on a proposed Wonder Woman picture says that the Amazonian's solo efforts have been temporarily stalled until after the JLA film has been completed. I guess Warners didn't want to overload their plate...

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Wondercon and more...

This weekend I hit up San Francisco's big comic con, called Wondercon. I was only there for a day with my friends Jan and Cecile, but it was a fun time. I didn't have much cash or anything so I didn't want to stick around too long. It's a growing convention that really is attracting some big names and interesting panels but I just knew that if I let myself get sucked into it I would end up dedicating the entire weekend to it. Instead I just rolled in for a quick few hours, browsed a bit, only picked up 3 new graphic novels, all of which were half off, and then headed out. Check out some of these pics though. The Batman suit is totally sweet, but man that guy must've been hot. I mean it actually looks like it's real rubber. ugh! Anyhow, check this

I had originally had plans to stick around for the panels on 300, Resident Evil: Extinction, and of course Spider-Man 3, but in the end I decided that I'd rather come home and spend some more time with Erica this weekend. Someone over at Ain't It Cool News sent in a lengthy and fairly interesting report on the goings on of said panels. Although, there really wasn't any earth shattering new information. And even with the big Spider-Man stuff, all they got was new trailer, that's actually airing officially with Heroes this Monday night, so not too much of a big preview there. Wondercon may be a fun convention, but its still nothing to rival San Diego. For which I incidentally already have my ticket, booked to :)

A few filmy bits of news that I might as well throw in here for you. Lena Heady who will be playing the titular protagonist in The Sarah Connor Chronicles on FOX next Fall was speaking with Sci FI Wire about the role, and mentioned some info that I hadn't heard yet. Apparently the super-smokingly hot Summer Glau from Firefly will be playing a Terminator. In the story, which takes place between T2 and T3, we'll see two terminators return from the future, one good one and one evil. No word who will be the good one but my guess is Summer Glau, whose character will be called Cameron in honor of James. Maybe a little robotic love interest for John... I could see that happening. Oh and apparently this news is technically coming out of an interview done at Wondercon... who knew.

Here's some cool new art for Spider-Man 3... see it more and even bigger over at Comingsoon.net. Opens May 4th, and I'm getting pretty excited :)



Lets see, what else, well Danny Boyle's film Sunshine which I talked about here before is being delayed until December. Hopefully that isn't as bad a sign as the Dark Horizons guys think it is...

There's recently been some speculation as to what Galactus will eventually look like in the new Fantastic Four film. I admit it, I am guilty of it too, but really, I'm just excited. Well Tim Story announced on his MySpace blog today that we shouldn't believe the hype. Galactus is being worked on right now, and the designs have not been locked yet.

Did I mention that last week sometime Warner Bros hired some writers to pen a Justice League screenplay? Well they did, and since it's something that I personally don't see actually happening anytime soon, I'm going to not talk about it until it becomes more real...

Early next year Kids WB will begin airing another new Spider-Man cartoon series! This is good good news. In this one Spidey will be a mere 16 years old, and facing the daily traumas of high school, alongside his superherodom. Anyone out there reading Ultimate Spider-Man? If this is as good as that then count me definitely in. Spidey is always cool, but Bendis has made him great again.

And finally back to AICN for some Star Wars news. At an event recently Lucas spoke about the new Clone Wars cartoon series, and the upcoming live action Star Wars series. I'm very excited by both, even thought the live action series won't be here until, if I remember right, 2010. One comment he made kinda pisses me off. In that he said the first Clone Wars series was like "a test", and that this new one is the real deal. Seriously man, I mean I know the guy is George Lucas, but I think most people agree that what Genndy Tartakovsky did on that show was create a world that was more involved than any of the prequels. So stop being a little bitch about it man. Lucas already pushed Genndy out of the way, and launched Lucasarts Singapore, specifically for the purpose of creating this new show. He's guaranteed to make ALL the money this time around, but show a little respect.... geez. Frankly I know most people, if they even care, won't realize that there's even a difference between the two series. Anyhow, that's my mini rant. Check those AICN comments though, there's a few more juicy tidbits.

Oh, if you're interested check out this cute trailer for a good looking new romantic comedy starring Adam Brody, who we all know and love as Seth from the OC. It's called In The Land of Women.

That's it for me, I'm wrapping up. Gotta sleep now. Last week was chock full of my Annual Performance Review, so now that I'm done with that I hope to be able to get back to a more regular update. Hope all's well with you kids. Stay kool, k. Peace.