Latest from CinemaBlend in Michael-fassbender

I Rewatched Black Bag, And I Think Michael Fassbender Should Be Considered For Another Famous Spy

Mike Reyes — Tue, 06 May 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Warning: spoilers for Black Bag are in play.

I don’t know how to feel about Black Bag being available on streaming this early. Released into theaters this past March, Steven Soderbergh’s ultra slick offering to the 2025 movie schedule deserved to see more of an audience when it hit theaters. However, with the Michael Fassbender/Cate Blanchett-led ensemble now available for those of you with a Peacock subscription, you can enjoy the fun and games for yourself.

Which is good, because after rewatching the flick for myself, I’m convinced that Mr. Fassbender needs to expand his career in cinematic espionage…and not by becoming the lead of James Bond 26.

(Image credit: Focus Features)

Michael Fassbender Has Been A James Bond Favorite, But I Favor Him As The Next George Smiley

The list of actors that could have been amazing 007s continues to grow, as Michael Fassbender sadly aged out of the role some time ago. Which is ok, because I honestly wonder if an actor who’s made something like Black Bag would even want to jump into the tuxedo.

Going from a darkly comic R-rated funhouse of deception to the ranks of the James Bond movies might feel a bit limiting. However, when watching writer David Koepp’s script unfold once again, I was further convinced that the X-Men movie vet would be more of a fit for author John le Carré’s world-weary spy, George Smiley.

Most famously appearing in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, we’ve seen Smiley on the small and big screen, with Sir Alec Guinness and Gary Oldman playing the part in those respective versions. And while that latter option wasn’t too long ago, the odds of getting a sequel to the Oldman variant are pretty low.

(Image credit: Focus Features)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Is (Unfortunately) Ripe For A Reboot

It’s not ideal that 2011’s Oscar-winning adaptation never did get the follow-up it deserved, but the reason behind that fact can only be argued so much. Per a 2024 interview with RadioTimes, Gary Oldman’s manager, Douglas Urbanski, admitted that when the rights to the films reverted back to the estate of the late author, interest in making that long elusive sequel evaporated.

On one hand, at least the Slow Horses actor has that spy series to keep him busy. But on the other hand, that probably means restarting the story, with Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy kicking off. Considering where the spy movie market is right now, it's definitely the right time.

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For as little as $7.99 a month, and with the option to pay more for ad-free Peacock Premium, you can stream Black Bag for your first or repeated viewing. Sure, there's also the entire SNL legacy, and the library of Bravo TV available on this platform as well. But if we're being totally honest, you're here because of Michael Fassbender, and his latest work has a whole lot of him to share.View Deal

We've already seen this mindset take hold, thanks to stories of the Bourne franchise’s potential reboot. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy will probably be one of the other spy pictures due for reinvention, especially with that modern film version having such a positive reputation.

Much as the first wave of Bourne arose from the waning of the classic 007 franchise, the competition of a more nuanced and complexly dramatic espionage tale is probably what the market needs. And no matter how much Steven Soderbergh meant to tip his hat towards those novels, it's this very movie that's convinced me that it could - and should - happen.

(Image credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features)

Black Bag’s George Woodhouse Is A Perfect Case For Michael Fassbender’s Casting

A new incarnation calls for a new George Smiley, and that hypothetical problem seems pretty well solved. At least, that depends on your feelings about Black Bag’s George Woodhouse. A man who isn’t afraid to lure would-be traitors into confessions…even if they’re his friends or family, our hero abhors liars.

That mindset is our window into the world of Black Bag, and there’s not a false note hit during the entirety of the sting operation at hand. Following his every move, and every single insecurity that comes along the way, we’re firmly planted in his viewpoint, with a cast of characters moving quickly in and out of his orbit.

Which is basically what we see Smiley do in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Embarking on a mole hunt that's meant to root out a traitor to The Circus, the major difference between these two franchises (besides tone) would be the time period. Which, coincidentally, could also scratch that retro-spy itch folks feel every time they hear a rumor that Henry Cavill is going to remake the classic James Bond movies.

(Image credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features)

While Steven Soderbergh’s cat and mouse game is more darkly comic, and becomes more of a relationship dramedy upon second viewing, the Fassbender performance in Black Bag is a perfect training ground for an aspiring George Smiley. Take away the happy-ish ending and increase the paranoid tension, and you’ve got the John le Carré mood board in a nutshell.

And that could go a long way towards the long-term fortunes of the Karla Trilogy and the vast network of books it connects to. Which is almost a sort of blank check for Michael Fassbender to cash in as much, or as little, as he'd want.

(Image credit: Focus Features)

The George Smiley Novels Open A Huge Potential Cinematic Universe

While George Smiley isn’t in all of John le Carré’s stories, the man and his legacy do connect pretty tightly to a sprawling web of intrigue. So even if Michael Fassbender weren’t up for too much of a long-term commitment past adapting The Karla Trilogy, that hypothetical scenario wouldn’t prevent him from committing.

All the while, the expanded story includes classics like The Spy Who Came in from the Cold to build the story further, without too much involvement from Fassbender. That’s because George Smiley appears throughout 10 novels in the canon started by le Carré, so far. (A statement that leaves room for further midquel novels currently being written by author/John le Carré's son Nick Harkaway.)

Through prequels and sequels that tackle the man’s early career and his retirement, there’s room to both recast the younger Smiley and his older counterpart. And if Fassbender wants to stay in the game, accommodations could be made in a post-MCU world of makeup and CGI applications.

(Image credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features)

The story of George Smiley seems to pivot on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and the rest of the Karla Trilogy. So long as Michael Fassbender locks that in, the foundation for the rest could easily fall into place. And if you want to see why I’ve been inspired to talk up this instance of dream casting, you can catch one of the coolest spies not named James Bond, as Black Bag is now streaming on Peacock.

New On Netflix, Disney+, And More: 7 Streaming Shows And Movies To Watch This Week (April 28 - May 4)

Dirk Libbey — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:46:27 +0000

This week, April comes to an end, and May gets started. While this likely means temperatures are going up and people are looking to spend a little less time in front of the television, your favorite streaming services are certainly going their best to keep us on the couch.

From brand new films to classic franchises, the movie content coming in May is solid. We will, of course, get three new episodes of Andor this week, but that’s not the end of the Star Wars goodness, as there’s also some excellent new Star Wars content for May the Fourth. Here’s a look at what’s hitting streaming this week.

(Image credit: Sony Pictures Animation)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - May 1 (Disney+)

Spider-Man is the one Marvel character the studio still doesn’t completely own the movie rights to, but thanks to a deal with Sony, most of the live-action Spidey movies can now be found on Disney+. Starting May 1, the Spider-Verse grows even larger with the animated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse makes the jump from Netflix to Disney+.

(Image credit: Lorenzo Sisti/Amazon Prime)

Another Simple Favor - May 1 (Prime Video)

A Simple Favor was one of those simple, character-driven dramas that occasionally surprises with its level of success. Despite a solid box office return, the sequel, which will see both Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick return, will only be available with a Prime Video subscription.

(Image credit: Netflix)

The Four Seasons - May 1 (Netflix)

In The Four Seasons, three couples who vacation together go through major life changes over the course of one year. Based on the hit 1981 film written, directed, and starring Alan Alda, this adaptation reimagined for Netflix the story as a limited series and boasts an incredible cast including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and Will Forte.

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Ocean's Franchise - May 1 (Netflix)

With reports that George Clooney and Brad Pitt may be looking to get the team back together for another Oceans 11 sequel, now may be a great time to revisit the original series. All three previous Oceans movies hit Netflix this week.

(Image credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features)

Black Bag - May 2 (Peacock)

Based on Black Bag's meager box office take, you probably didn't see it. But based on Black Bag's reviews, this spy thriller starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett from the incomparable Steven Soderbergh is a movie you absolutely should see. If you've got a Peacock subscription, you can do exactly that this week.

(Image credit: Disneyland Resort)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge & Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance | Disneyland® Resort - May 4 (Disney+)

May the Fourth is celebrated as Star Wars Day, and Disney+ usually adds something from the franchise as a way to celebrate. This year, we’ll get the animated Star Wars: Tales From the Underworld, but far more interestingly, this week, a Disney+ subscription will get you a virtual walk-through video of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, as well as a full ride-through of the incredible Rise of the Resistance attraction. One can only hope this will be the first of a new breed of Disney Parks content on Disney+ that will let us experience rides when we're not in the parks.

(Image credit: ABC/AMPAS)

Conan O'Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor - May 4 (Netflix)

Conan O’Brien stole the show at the Oscars this year, and his performance as host was so popular he’s already set to return next year. It’s as good a time as any for Conan O’Brien to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center. You’ll be able to watch the whole show with your Netflix subscription.

Next week, two popular series return. Fans of Conan O'Brien will get even more of him when his travel show Conan O'Brien Must Go returns, and the long wait for Season 2 of Natasha Lyonne's Poker Face finally comes to an end.

'Love A Little Violence Like That On Set': Black Bag's Marisa Abela And Michael Fassbender Hilariously Broke Down The Hand Stabbing At The Dinner Party Scene

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:10:00 +0000

Mild SPOILERS for Black Bag are ahead. You can check out this 2025 movie schedule entry in theaters now.

When I heard about Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag, I never could've anticipated it would end up being one of the more unique new action movies I’ve seen in awhile. Yes, it involves an all-star cast including the likes of Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett and Regé-Jean Page. However, the core “action” element doesn’t involve big, choreographed fight scenes or globe-trotting set pieces. It's reliant on the superb performances of the cast, And CinemaBlend had to ask the stars about one particularly tense scene involving an intimate dinner.

The movie opens with Fassbender and Blanchett’s characters, are husband and wife and also happen to be spies, inviting their co-workers over to their home for a meal The scene ends up feeling like a bit of theatre rather than a typical 2020s spy movie, as Fassbender’s George Woodhouse starts to get under his cohorts' skin. The whole scene concludes with Marisa Abela’s character, Clarissa Debose, stabbing her partner’s hand with a knife. When CinemaBlend interviewed Fassbender, Abela and Page, they reflected on the scene with the following comments:

Michael: "It was a one take thing. We only had the one take."

Marisa: "Tom only has the one hand!"

Michael: "He said, ‘You can do it to me one time.’"

Regé-Jean: "Deeply into the method, Tom."

Marisa: "Like, it's boring to unpack because obviously it does turn into like kind of a technical thing, but also I was really excited to do it. We always love a little bit of violence like that on set. You know? Also, Tom had quite a lot of fun with the hand."

Regé-Jean: "He's a playful guy, Tom."

It must have been an absolute blast for Abela to get to do in the movie. I know when I saw it in theaters, there were squeals among the audience, especially regarding how sudden the moment was. While I might not have the gall to stab my man if I had learned he was cheating on me, I can understand the kind of catharsis that would result from what any woman might want to do in that situation. (Hey, not all of us can be spies!) Michael Fassbender also said this about shooting those long dinner scenes:

They were the only scenes that we rehearsed, and I think Steven really wanted to figure out how he was gonna differentiate the two scenes with the camera. What sort of angles he was gonna use, how he was gonna sort of find the tension in the scenes visually…it was nice for all of us to actually be together in a scene. And like the first scene was 12 pages long. And we actually got to run the 12 pages, a couple of times. And I think Steven did that for the benefit of us. And then, it was just nice to be sitting down all day.

Hey, that’s a major plus for the cast of this excellent film. They were able to make a solid spy film without having to be on their feet all day. Now, that’s the kind of practical element we just don’t think about when we see movies like this.

In CinemaBlend's Black Bag review, our own Mike Reyes gave the movie a 4.5 out of 5 stars, stating he’s “already ready for seconds from this deliciously duplicitous dinner party.” For the most part, critics are also loving Steven Soderbergh's latest. So you don’t have to simply take our word for it.

What I really loved about this film upon my viewing is how it caught me off guard and twisted my expectations in regard to what a thriller like this could be. I also appreciate the layered characters, who can be entertaining in any scenario, I'd say. The dinner scene is a testament to that notion, and I'm going to be thinking about it for a while. On that note, do yourself a favor and see Black Bag in theaters now.

Michael Fassbender Going On About Losing Roles In Mad Max And To Daniel Craig In James Bond This Week: ‘I Couldn’t Wait To Get Out Of There’

Mike Reyes — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:36:22 +0000

If I had to describe Michael Fassbender in three words, they surely wouldn’t have been “terrible at auditions.” Unfortunately the Black Bag star has given himself that designation, and after sharing some rather interesting stories involving auditions for Mad Max: Fury Road and Casino Royale. While he may have a prime spot on the 2025 movie schedule, Mr. Fassbender’s tales of turmoil show us a time when the Inglorious Basterds breakout was still trying to make it all happen.

Michael Fassbender’s Mad Max: Fury Road Audition Was Super Awkward

Sitting with Josh Horowitz to promote Steven Soderbergh’s sexy spy offering, this episode of Happy Sad Confused feels like an embarrassment of riches in the world of embarrassment. Call it “Embarass-eption,” if you will. Recalling his story about trying out for Mad Max: Fury Road, Michael Fassbender recalled how he got lost on his way to the gig, which eventually gave way to first anecdote of awkwardness:

Oh my god, that was one of the worst auditions. … George Miller [had] this acting coach, and it was like, it was so excruciating. You know I’d gone to [drama school,] I’ve been classically trained. And he was like, ‘I want you to say this phrase, ‘Get out of the room.’ But I want you to physicalize it Michael.’ … I couldn’t wait to get out of there.

While it’s not specified, I’m willing to bet that Max Rockatansky was the role that our humble narrator was up for in this crazy scenario. Though at the same time, it looks like he played the part rather well in one way, as Michael Fassbender clearly wanted to “get out of the room” at his earliest convenience.

(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

At the same time, when it comes to the man’s brush with the James Bond movies, the awkwardness doesn’t come from the audition itself. Instead it’s Mr. Fassbender’s talent for raising up his competition that put him into another funny lesson on being a working actor.

(Image credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features)

Daniel Craig Can Thank Michael Fassbender As Part Of His Casino Royale Hiring

The list of Martin Campbell’s eight Casino Royale auditions is something I’ve been trying to complete ever since he told me about its existence. And while we knew several of the actors who were on that list, partially thanks to Henry Cavill’s leaked 007 audition, the X-Men: First Class powerhouse was someone I did not have on the roster. After reading Michael Fassbender’s comment provided below, I can kind of see why:

I met with Barbara Broccoli just in passing, and I actually went in for like an audition phase, before Daniel was cast. I don’t think I was ever in the mix, but I remember going into that room, and meeting with her and [Michael G.] Wilson, and I was like ‘I think Daniel Craig is…’ I don’t know why I was promoting him, I should have been promoting myself.

That Magneto casting kind of makes a lot more sense now, especially with that discarded X-Men Origins script that saw the mutant rights activist hunting Nazis made its way into Matthew Vaughn’s finished product. Coincidentally that sort of viewpoint is similar to how Fassbender views Daniel Craig’s James Bond era, as he added this wonderful coda to his thoughts:

Obviously Daniel did a fantastic job, and went on to, I think, be the most successful Bond in history. But that was it, really. There was never a conversation after that.

While Michael Fassbender never did ride the Fury Road, nor has he crossed the gun barrel, the man does seem to have picked out a choice resume of roles that push his personal limits. Thankfully the results are delightful to watch, which is exactly what you can do in theaters, as Black Bag shows us a very different spy in this sterling performer’s hands.

I Asked Michael Fassbender About Working With Bond Actor Pierce Brosnan On New Spy Movie Black Bag, And His Funny 007 Joke Did Not Disappoint

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:02:00 +0000

While it’s likely to be a while before we see the 26th James Bond film, there is a new spy movie out this weekend with not only the likes of former 007 Pierce Brosnan, but two actors who have been in the conversation before for the role. Michael Fassbender and Regé-Jean Page co-star as British agents. When they shared their experiences working with Brosnan, Fassbender had a Bond joke that’s too good not to share.

Ahead of the theatrical Black Bag release date this Friday, March 14, the movie from director Steven Soderbergh has already earned positive buzz from critics (and our Black Bag review gave the movie 4.5 out of 5 stars). But here’s Michael Fassbender’s jokey review of working alongside Pierce Brosnan:

He's got this person that comes with him everywhere and he plays the 007 music whenever he steps into a room. That took a bit of getting used to him. Keith.

Michael Fassbender is such a good actor that I almost believe it, but knowing the actor’s fun-loving approach to interviews, including my slot with him, I’m willing to bet that there is not a guy named Keith that walks next to Pierce Brosnan wherever he goes to play the iconic 007 theme song. It would be pretty funny if it was.

During our interview, Regé-Jean Page also threw in his experience having Brosnan playing the director of the intelligence agency his character James Stokes works with in the film. As he shared:

We got a preview of the audience reaction 'cause Pierce walks onto set and there's just a ripple through the crew. Like, between the car and the building, there's a ripple through the street. Everyone wants to see what Pierce brings to a spy [movie] and he has such a relish for the job. That it just radiates off him. So I'd say, it's a kick around.

Cate Blanchett had something similar to say in our interview with her. She said the “temperature just changed in the room” when he came on set for their scenes. Talk about a treat for the actors, filmmakers and crew! Pierce Brosnan has certainly been no stranger to action films since saying goodbye to 007 back in 2002 with Die Another Day, but there’s something particularly special about seeing him in one of the 2025 movies set in the world of spy thrillers as a completely different character – and alongside some heavy hitters who fans have hoped might be the next Bond, James Bond following Daniel Craig.

Black Bag follows a husband and wife who are both spies, played by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. But when Blanchett’s Kathryn is suspected to have committed treason, Fassbender’s George investigates what she may be up to from the inside. The movie also features Naomie Harris, who famously played Eve Moneypenny in Craig’s Bond movies, Furiosa’s Tom Burke and Back To Black’s Marisa Abela.

The most recent update on James Bond is Amazon-MGM has taken over control of the franchise following longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announcing they are stepping down. Check out Black Bag in theaters this Friday for an original espionage story.

‘Snappy And Self-Assured’: Critics Have Seen Black Bag, And They Mostly Agree On Michael Fassbender And Cate Blanchett’s ‘Cool’ Spy Thriller

Heidi Venable — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:12:48 +0000

There’s something so satisfying about a good spy thriller, and we’ve seen many instances over the years of spouses being turned against each other in the name of espionage. That will be the case again in Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag when it hits the 2025 movie calendar, and with this director and a stacked cast, audiences should be in for a treat. Critics have screened the movie ahead of its March 14 release, and while they agree it’s fun, some are saying it’s forgettable.

Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender star as Kathryn and George Woodhouse, two spies who are turned against each other when the former is believed to have gone rogue. In CinemaBlend’s review of Black Bag, Mike Reyes says the film defied his expectations, and movie-goers are in for fun, games and some dark and witty humor. He gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars, writing:

I absolutely did not expect Black Bag to be as cleverly funny as it is, and that’s honestly my own fault. Steven Soderbergh is a director that loves to experiment with the line between comedy and drama… I cannot complain about how the balance was struck in writer David Koepp’s third teaming with the Ocean’s Eleven director. My expectation of a terminally moribund dissection of marriage, trust, and duty gave way to a well-dressed spy story that also possesses the wit of that heist movie.

Jeremy Mathai of SlashFilm gives it an 8 out of 10, praising Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett for providing a sizzling good time in what the critic calls one of the smartest and most laser-focused spy movies in recent history. Mathai continues:

Black Bag stands out as a throwback that actually manages to feel fresh and unique at the same time. Fassbender and Blanchett certainly share their fair share of sizzling chemistry, making it entirely believable that the two would do anything for the other. But theirs is an old-school type of star power… I can count on one hand the number of movies this century — spy, romance, or otherwise — that understand the true power of a couple in love. With Fassbender and Blanchett in full control of every scene they're in, a film with old-fashioned inspirations suddenly comes alive with the sense of style and modernity that only Soderbergh can bring.

Siddhant Adlakha of IGN also rates Black Bag a “Great” 8 out of 10, writing that Steven Soderbergh turns “all the right screws with impeccable timing” in Black Bag, resulting in a “slick, self-assured, wildly entertaining” spy thriller. The critic says:

Despite its mounting complications, it remains far more about its characters and their interpersonal dynamics than the larger geopolitics at play. These are practically an afterthought, making room for one of Soderbergh’s most clockwork films to date: a snappy, self-assured, compact, and delightfully pulpy drama in the body of something slick and prestigious.

David Rooney of THR is slightly less enthused with the final product but agrees the director and his cast give Black Bag a “consistently pleasurable buoyancy,” even if the movie is mostly forgettable. In Rooney’s words:

Following the taut, Hitchcock-meets-De Palma suspense of the tech thriller Kimi and the masterfully shivery ghost story Presence, this third consecutive collaboration between Soderbergh and ace screenwriter David Koepp is a mild disappointment. It’s witty, stylishly crafted and boasts a stellar ensemble, led by especially toothsome work from Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. It keeps you glued, even if the movie ultimately feels evanescent, a slick diversion you forget soon after the end credits have rolled.

Mark Hanson of Slant agrees, giving the film just 2 stars out of 5. This kind of “cool cucumber” film is easy for the Ocean's Eleven director to throw together, and that works against the project, Hanson says. The script shows its hand too early, and after its 93-minute runtime, it feels like nothing much happened. The critic continues:

Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag is the kind of old-fashioned caper that the filmmaker can make in his sleep, and unfortunately in this case, it feels as if he did just that. Like the Ocean’s series, the film seeks to pay tribute to a bygone era of genre cool... That it ultimately comes to feel so inconsequential may be partly by design, but it’s hard not to wish that the newly prolific Soderbergh had woken up a bit to give the routine plot machinations in this London-set spy yarn the same spark that he’s brought to similar genre throwbacks in the past.

Only 29 critics have clocked into Rotten Tomatoes as of this writing, but they seem mostly impressed, as Black Bag holds a 90% Fresh rating. It seems like everyone agrees there’s something to enjoy in this film, even if it doesn’t leave the strongest impression once the credits roll. If this sounds like one you’d like to check out, Black Bag hits theaters on Friday, March 14.

The Agency Season 2 Is Definitely Happening, And There Are 3 Characters (Besides Michael Fassbender's Martian) Whose Stories I Really Want To See Continue

Philip Sledge — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 14:04:00 +0000

The Agency quickly became one of my favorite shows on the 2024 TV schedule, as well as one of the year’s best thrillers, pretty much as soon as the Michael Fassbender-led spy series debuted in November. I must not have been the only one who felt this way, as Showtime almost immediately picked up the show for a second season. And I cannot wait to see where the story goes.

Though not much is known about The Agency Season 2 at this point – we’re barely halfway through the first season – I’m extremely excited to see what happens as the various stories continue to expand and unfold. And while I am excited to see what happens with Martian, there are three other characters whose stories I really want to see continue.

Come with me as I break it all down. But first, let’s go over everything we know about The Agency Season 2 at this point…

What We Know About The Agency Season 2

(Image credit: Showtime)

Though Showtime has not announced a premiere date for The Agency Season 2 or announced any other concrete details about what’s to come, the early pick up of the second season so soon after the series debut has me very excited for what’s to come. Here’s what’s been said about the return of one of the best Showtime shows.

The Agency Season 2 was picked up less than a week after the show’s Season 1 premiere
The series was the most streamed new series in Showtime history with 5.1 million viewers
The Agency is based on the French espionage thriller series Le Bureau des Legendes

The 3 Characters Whose Stories I Really Want To See Continue

(Image credit: Paramount Plus)

Nothing has been said about whether or not Michael Fassbender’s Martian will be the center of The Agency Season 2, but I highly doubt the show will dump the main character after one season. I mean, Guillaume "Malotru" Debailly (Mathieu Kassovitz), the character on which Martian is based, was the main character throughout the entire Le Bureau des Legendes run in France.

That said, there are three other characters introduced in The Agency Season 1 whose stories I really want to see continue as the show unfolds.

Dr. Samia ‘Sami’ Zahir

(Image credit: Showtime)

There are so many interesting characters with mysterious backgrounds, but few come close to Dr. Samia “Sami” Zahir (Jodie Turner-Smith), an anthropologist Martian was dating during his six-year undercover operation in Sudan. I keep going back and forth about whether or not she’s more than just an academic who fell in love with Martian, or at least his Paul Lewis identity, or if she’s part of something bigger. And frankly, that makes her story all the more interesting

Halfway through The Agency Season 1, Sami is one of my favorite characters and Turner-Smith’s portrayal of the woman in love with a spy, whom she thinks is a former professor and struggling author, is some of the Tron 3 actress’ best work yet. Though I hope some questions are answered by the time the first season wraps up in January 2025, I would love for the intrigue to continue for many more seasons.

Dr. Rachel Blake

(Image credit: Showtime)

Dr. Rachel Blake (Harriet Sansom Harris), the CIA clinical psychologist assigned to the London bureau early in The Agency Season 1, has become one of my favorite characters. Ever since she was introduced as the psychologist working with Martian to figure out where his head was after being pulled from a six-year operation, Dr. Blake has become a more and more prominent force, all while becoming more elusive and vulnerable.

I love how the dynamic between Dr. Blake and Martian has evolved over the past few episodes since the characters first interacted, and I would love to see this continue in Season 2 and beyond. What started out as a psychologist speaking with a patient has transformed into something more intense and more intriguing. It’s almost as if the two are learning more about themselves through these enlightening conversations, which creates one of the best relationships in the series so far.

Naomi

(Image credit: Showtime)

I feel like Naomi (Katherine Waterston) is one of the most interesting characters on The Agency despite not having all that much time on screen, at least at this point in the game. Introduced as Martian’s handler during his six-year undercover operation, and then later as Daniela “Danny” Ruiz’s (Saura Lightfoot-Leon) point-of-contact during her operation to identify Iranian nuclear engineers, the CIA case officer gives me the feeling she knows more than she’s letting on. And that, well, that makes her all the more interesting and fun to watch.

As the season has gone on, I’ve found myself trying to better understand her character, as well as her past with Martian (she knows more about him than anyone else). And while she’s somewhat of a minor character compared to the heavyweights on the show, Naomi is someone who could be pivotal in a later scenario. I mean, Owen (John Magaro), another CIA handler, went through some crazy stuff when looking for his missing CIA operative.

But Yeah, I Can’t Wait To See How Martian’s Story Unravels

(Image credit: Showtime)

I would be remiss if I ended things without first talking about how excited I am to see how Martian’s story unravels in The Agency Season 2 (and the rest of the first season, for that matter). I had a theory about Martian’s direction after the first two episodes, and while that may not end up happening, his path has been wild, to say the least.

With each passing episode, Martian becomes both a more interesting and less trustworthy character, and I love that. The way Fassbender is bringing to life this broken, confused, and mentally unstable CIA agent is brilliant, and is honestly some of his best work to date. If he continues this path, this could end up being my favorite performance of his. If anything, it feels like we’re just getting started.

If you haven’t already, you can get all caught up on The Agency Season 1, which will go a few weeks into the 2025 TV schedule, by using your Paramount+ with Showtime subscription. And be on the lookout for more information about the show’s second season in the coming weeks and months.

Stream The Agency on Paramount+ with Showtime.

I Watched The First Two Episodes Of The Agency, And I Have A Theory About Where The Michael Fassbender Spy Thriller Is Going

Philip Sledge — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 21:03:00 +0000

When I first heard about The Agency a few months ago, I made sure to watch the Michael Fassbender spy thriller as soon as it became available with my Paramount+ with Showtime subscription. And I’m glad I did. The first two chapters in this intense and engaging series about a CIA operative named Martian (Fassbender) being pulled out of a six-year undercover operation to save one of his own were stunning.

Throughout the first two episodes of what will be a 10-part season by the time everything is said and done, the show introduces multiple plots and subplots that are interconnected in all manner of ways, creating a complex and thrilling spy story. And after watching the first two hours of one of the best Showtime series in years, I have a theory about where The Agency is going…

(Image credit: Paramount+/Showtime)

The First Two Episodes Of The Agency Focus Heavily On Martian Coming Back After Six Years Undercover

The primary focus of the first two episodes of The Agency, and I’m sure this will be the case for the rest of this season, focused heavily on Martian coming back from being an undercover agent after six years in the field under the alias “Paul.” The premiere episode starts with “Paul” being pulled from Eastern Africa and follows him all the way to his return to the CIA’s London office where he undergoes some serious debriefing (and surveillance by his own agency).

The physical, mental, and emotional toll of spending more than a half-decade assuming a different identity with little to no contact with anyone from your real world besides your handler (played by Katherine Waterston in this case) has to be difficult, as is the “pulling off the band-aid” effect of having to end it all in a single moment.

As Martian gets back into the swing of things, he walks this fine line between the two identities, especially when it comes to Dr. Sami Zahir (Jodie Turner-Smith), a professor with whom he’d fallen in love during his time undercover, and with whom he continues to contact in London following a bombing at her university back in Africa.

(Image credit: Paramount Plus)

It Is Implied That Sami Zahir Is Up To Something, But I Think That's A Red Herring

One thing I kept picking up on throughout the first two episodes of The Agency is the fact that the show wants the viewer to believe that Sami Zahir is up to something. I mean, she was oddly understanding and cool-headed when Martian, as Paul, told her he was leaving and ending their romance in the first episode, and she wasn’t angry when he contacted her later in the episode. The same can be said when she shows up in London under the guise of attending classes, only for Martian to discover that she went the first day but hasn’t attended a lecture since.

All of these factors had me thinking that Sami either had something to do with the massive explosion at her university in Ethiopia or was a spy from the CIA or another agency. But I’ve watched so many great spy movies and shows over the years, and I’ve learned that Occam's razor doesn’t really work in the genre. Instead, I’m starting to think this is a red herring to distract us from what’s really going on.

(Image credit: Paramount+/Showtime)

Instead, I Think Martian Is Dealing With A Mental Breakdown After Years Of Having To Live Undercover

So, what’s really going on, or what do I think is going on? Well, I have a theory that Martian, Paul, or whatever his real name might be, is dealing with a mental breakdown after years of having to live undercover and adopt a new identity. Six years! For six years, Michael Fassbender’s character was living in a painstakingly crafted reality where things aren’t always how they seem and one where he’s lost touch with the man he used to be.

I get it, all spies, spooks, and covert agents have trust issues and tend to go out of their way to make sure they aren’t being watched, followed, or spied on, but in the first two hours of The Agency, Martian takes it to extreme lengths. And then you have the sudden arrival of Dr. Rachel Blake (Harriet Sansom Harris), a CIA psychologist who just so happens to arrive at the London bureau to look into the mental states of the agents just as Martian comes back home. The show and conventional spy wisdom have told me already that coincidences don’t really exist in this world.

(Image credit: Paramount+/Showtime)

There Are Multiple Instances Of Martian Withholding Information Or Being Dodgy With The CIA

Again, spies are gonna be spies, and Martian has done that throughout the first two episodes of The Agency with his dodgy behavior when dealing with his superiors at the CIA. Whether he’s withholding information from literally everyone or going out of his way to lose his fellow CIA agents who are following him upon returning from his undercover work, he’s not making himself look like the most honest or trustworthy person.

I’m pretty certain that all of these gaps will be filled in over the course of the next eight episodes (or the second season now that Deadline is reporting that a second season is on the way), but I can’t help but think Martian is not just being overly cautious, but instead holding something back just like his stellar hitman in David Fincher's The Killer.

(Image credit: Paramount+/Showtime)

I Think Martian Is Either Hallucinating Events Or Legitimately Working With The Enemy Now

All of that said, I think that Martian is doing one of two things (or maybe both) – he’s either having a severe mental breakdown and experiencing some kind of post-traumatic stress disorder and hallucinating events, or he’s legitimately working with the enemy now. Throughout the show so far, there’s been all this talk of double agents, and there was an incredibly intense scene in the second episode where Martian tries to figure out if one of his fellow spies has been working for the Russians.

It has to be something, right? The final scene in the second episode shows Martian in a hospital bed looking worse for wear, and I can’t figure out if it’s because he’s been beaten up by someone (he has what looks to be a black eye) or if he’s been forced to undergo treatment for a psychotic break or exhaustion. I guess I’ll have to keep watching.

And with The Agency going well into the early weeks of the 2025 TV schedule, I have a feeling this is just the beginning.

How To Watch The Agency Online And Stream The Espionage Thriller Starring Michael Fassbender From Anywhere

Daniel Pateman — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

How To Watch The Agency Online

Release date: Friday, November 29 (US, CA) | Saturday, November 30 (UK, AU)

New episodes: every Sunday (US, CA) | every Monday (UK, AU)

US stream: Paramount Plus with Showtime

International streams: Paramount Plus (UK, CA, AU)

Watch anywhere: Stream from anywhere with NordVPN

Watch The Agency: Preview

Michael Fassbender stars as a covert CIA operative in this 10-episode thriller, a man who, living under a false identity for years, struggles to readjust when his assignment abruptly ends. Exploring the psychological strain of undercover work, The Agency is blessed with an ensemble of Hollywood heavyweights and looks poised to deliver megatons of nail-biting drama. Follow our guide below for how to watch The Agency online from anywhere with a VPN.

This new thriller should be a home run for Paramount Plus. Firstly, it’s based on universally acclaimed source material: the beloved French series Le Bureau des Légendes (2015-2020), which ran for five seasons. Secondly, this new iteration – promising a “fresh” take on the original – boasts a cast who own more trophies between them than a spy has fake passports.

That lineup includes Oscar-nominee Fassbender (12 Years a Slave), Golden Globe-winners Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction) and Richard Gere (Chicago), in addition to the compelling screen presence of Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim, Anne Boleyn) and Katherine Waterston (Alien: Covenant).

Plus, it has some of the industry’s biggest names working behind the camera, too, with George Clooney executive producing, award-winner Joe Wright (Atonement) directing the first two episodes, and screenwriting duo Jeremy and John-Henry Butterworth (Spectre, Ford v Ferrari) writing every episode.

Could The Agency be Paramount’s answer to Apple TV series Slow Horses, or Peacock’s The Day of the Jackal? Inspired by accounts from former spies, The Agency seems to position itself as the antithesis of James Bond. “No glamor, no exploding watch” Martian states of the exacting life of an undercover agent. Instead, the high-stakes drama comes from the collision of varying lives and aliases. When Martian (Fassbender) reconnects with a romantic interest from a prior mission, that decision finds them both swept up in “a deadly game of international intrigue and espionage.”

Described by Variety as “deeply engrossing,” and with Inverse praising it is “sophisticated […] thoughtful and thrilling,” fans of espionage dramas won’t want to miss this. Simply read on where we explain how to watch The Agency online, and stream every episode from anywhere in the world.

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How to watch The Agency online for free in the US

(Image credit: paramount)

Debuting from Friday, November 29, US viewers can watch The Agency online on Paramount Plus, with two episodes available initially from 12am PT / 3am ET. Subsequently, new installments are added every Sunday from 6pm PT / 9pm ET.

Viewers will want a Paramount Plus subscription with Showtime to access the star-studded spy drama. This typically costs $12.99 a month. However, sign-up before December 4 and pay only $2.99 a month for your first two months Paramount Plus with Showtime membership and make the most of its 2024 Black Friday streaming deals.

Alternatively, Showtime’s linear channel will be airing episodes of The Agency weekly at 6pm PT / 9pm ET every Sunday from December 1.

Overseas and want to access your Paramount Plus subscription as normal? We explain below how a VPN can help.

How to watch The Agency online from anywhere

If you're a US citizen on vacation or working overseas, you can still watch The Agency online just as you would at home. .

While services like Paramount Plus block access from IP addresses outside of the country you subscribed in, there's a handy piece of software called a VPN that can change your IP address to make it look like you're accessing streaming services from any country in the world.

For example, US citizens overseas can subscribe to a VPN, join a US-based server and access their subscription from anywhere in the world, just like they would back home.

Watch The Agency as if you were at home with a VPN
Try out NordVPN, our choice of the best VPN for unblocking many of the major streaming services – and doing so speedily – including Paramount Plus. You'll be able to stream from any device, including your mobile or desktop, TV, or gaming console. Incredibly secure, too, get assistance with its 24/7 customer support and enjoy a 30-day money back guarantee.View Deal

Step-by-step of using a VPN to unblock:

1. Choose your ideal VPN and install – our go-to recommendation for unblocking is NordVPN.

2. Connect to a server – for Paramount Plus, for example, you'll want to connect to a server based in the US

3. Go to the stream you wish to access - for The Agency, head to Paramount Plus

How to watch The Agency online in the UK

In the UK, The Agency arrives on Paramount Plus from Saturday, November 30 with a double-bill of episodes to enjoy. After that, new installments will be added to the streaming platform every Monday, beginning from December 9.

Paramount Plus is available for as little as £4.99 for its Basic (with ads) plan. But until December 2, purchase the Standard Plan for the reduced price of £3.99 a month for your first two months (for new and returning subscribers only). When this period ends, you’ll pay £7.99 a month until you cancel.

Meanwhile, Sky customers with Sky Cinema using a Sky Q or Sky Glass device will find Paramount Plus membership available as a completely free add-on service.

Currently traveling abroad? Purchasing a VPN will allow you to connect to your paid streaming service no matter where you’re located.

How to watch The Agency online in Canada

Canadian viewers will also need a Paramount Plus subscription to watch new spy drama The Agency. After the first two episodes drop on Friday, November 29, further installments will be uploaded every Sunday evening.

The introductory Basic (with ads) plans costs CA$6.99 a month. But right now, and until December 2, you can save 50% on a number of eligible Paramount Plus plans (monthly and annual).

How to watch The Agency online in Australia

Once again, Paramount Plus is the place to go to stream The Agency. Aussie viewers can stream the inaugural duo of episodes from Saturday, November 30. Thereafter, beginning December 2, the remaining episodes will be added every Monday.

In a normal month, memberships begin from AU$6.99 for the ad-supported Basic plan, while the ad-free Standard plan costs AU$9.99. However, if you’re quick, new and returning members can save 50% a month on eligible plans before December 3, and for the first three months.

A US citizen traveling abroad? You might have trouble connecting to Paramount Plus and streaming The Agency. The solution? Try using a VPN as per our guide above.

The Agency Trailer

The Agency Episode Schedule

The Agency – Episode 1: Friday, November 29
The Agency – Episode 2: Friday, November 29
The Agency – Episode 3: Sunday, December 8
The Agency – Episode 4: Sunday, December 14
The Agency – Episode 5: Sunday, December 21
The Agency – Episode 6: Sunday, December 28
The Agency – Episode 7: Sunday, January 5
The Agency – Episode 8: Sunday, January 12
The Agency – Episode 9: Sunday, January 19
The Agency – Episode 10: Sunday, January 26

The Agency Cast

Michael Fassbender as Martian
Jodie Turner-Smith as Sami Zahir
Jeffrey Wright as Henry
Richard Gere as Bosko
Katherine Waterston as Naomi
John Magaro as Owen
Hugh Bonneville as James Richardson
Alex Reznik as Coyote
Andrew Brooke as Grandpa
Harriet Sansom Harris as Dr. Blake
India Fowler as Poppy
Saura Lightfoot-Leon as Danny
Reza Brojerdi as Reza
David Harewood as Dalaga

How many episodes will The Agency have?

The Agency will have ten episodes in total. It will begin with a two-episode premiere on Friday, November 29 in the US and Canada, with episodes available on Paramount Plus from 12am PT / 3am ET. Subsequently, new episodes will be added every Sunday.

32 Stars You Forgot Were In Big Movies Early In Their Career

Christina Izzo — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 19:33:17 +0000

Most actors don't just come out of the woodwork and immediately get awards attention, box office success and global stardom. Many start out taking bit parts in big movies or supporting character gigs opposite more successful performers. From Academy Award winners like Charlize Theron and Viola Davis to superhero stars like Tom Holland and Ben Affleck, here are 32 now-famous faces you might not remember popped up in famous movies before they were big.

(Image credit: Samuel Goldwyn Films)

Matt Damon

In his movie debut, a very young Matt Damon can briefly be seen in 1988's Mystic Pizza as Steamer Windsor, the younger brother of Adam Storke's Charles, the clean-cut, country-club love interest of fun-loving pizzeria waitress Daisy (Julia Roberts). Steamer is present at an awkward dinner where Charles brings Daisy home to meet the family.

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Viola Davis

In the 1998 crime comedy Out of Sight, which is undoubtedly one of Steven Soderbergh's best movies, Viola Davis has a small role playing Moselle Miller, the wife of boxer Maurice "Snoopy" Miller (Don Cheadle). She would later go on to act alongside her Out of Sight co-star Jennifer Lopez in another crime flick, 2015's Lila & Eve.

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Philip Seymour Hoffman

The 1992 Martin Brest melodrama Scent of a Woman memorably stars Al Pacino as a blind retired colonel and Chris O'Donnell as the prep-school student hired to watch over him, but it also features Philip Seymour Hoffman in one of his earliest performances as a fellow student named George Willis, Jr.

(Image credit: Focus Features)

Carey Mulligan

The Bennet household is a bustling one in Joe Wright's 2005 adaptation of the Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice, so much so that you might have overlooked that — along with the likes of Keira Knightley, Rosamund Pike and Jena Malone — a teenaged Carey Mulligan is one of the Bennet sisters. (It's just one of many movies that prove Mulligan should be a much bigger star.)

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Elijah Wood

Long before he embarked on a quest to destroy the One Ring as Frodo in The Lord of the Rings, Elijah Wood was a successful child actor in films like The Adventures of Huck Finn, The Good Son, North and Flipper. However, before those starring roles, the pint-sized performer showed up as "Video Game Boy #2" in Back to the Future Part II.

(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Octavia Spencer

The 1999 Drew Barrymore comedy Never Been Kissed is jam-packed with unexpected actor appearances, from Jessica Alba to James Franco — together they play a dopey but popular high school couple — to Octavia Spencer. The latter plays a coworker of the main character Josie Geller (Barrymore) at the Chicago Sun-Times.

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Timothée Chalamet

With everything that goes on in Christopher Nolan's Interstellar — you know, that whole part about the astronauts who have to travel through a wormhole near Saturn in search of a new home for humankind — viewers may have forgotten that a fresh-faced Timothée Chalamet as Tim, the teen son of Matthew McConaughey's Cooper.

(Image credit: Sony Pictures)

Brie Larson

Well before she received an Oscar or donned a superhero cape, Captain Marvel star Brie Larson was a tween actress who had a main role in the short-lived WB sitcom Raising Dad. One of her first big-screen gigs, however, was as a popular Six Chick in the 2004 Jennifer Garner favorite 13 Going on 30. (Don't feel too bad, Mark Ruffalo didn't remember her either.)

(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Charlize Theron

If you're a fan of The Wonders, you no doubt remember band members Guy (Tom Everett Scott), Lenny (Steve Zahn), Jimmy (Johnathon Schaech) and the bass player (Ethan Embry). However, you may not so readily remember that Charlize Theron is also in That Thing You Do!, as Guy's ex-girlfriend Tina, who leaves him for her dentist.

(Image credit: Sony Pictures)

Joe Manganiello

Before making the ladies sweat in the Magic Mike franchise, Joe Manganiello was making Peter Parker sweat for an entirely different reason in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man film series, playing the high-school bully Flash Thompson. His character dated Kirsten Dunst's Mary Jane before she ended up with Spidey himself (Tobey Maguire).

(Image credit: United Artists)

Seth Rogen

The titular teen protagonist of Donnie Darko (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) doesn't just have to deal with those disturbing visions of a rabbit-costumed man named Frank. He also has to deal with a pair of high school bullies, one of whom is played by Seth Rogen in his first ever movie appearance.

(Image credit: DreamWorks Pictures)

Amy Adams

The Steven Spielberg-directed crime comedy Catch Me If You Can featured several now-well-known actresses before they were household names, including Ellen Pompeo, Elizabeth Banks and Amy Adams. The latter acted opposite Leonardo DiCaprio (played teenage con artist Frank Abagnale Jr.) as Brenda Strong, a young hospital worker who falls for Frank and his fraud.

(Image credit: 20th C)

Keira Knightley

Given her uncanny resemblance to Natalie Portman, it's only fitting that a teenage Keira Knightley appeared as Sabé, a handmaiden and royal decoy for Portman's Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Even Knightley herself could use a reminder about who she played in the space trilogy!

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Michael Fassbender

Years before memorable film roles in Inglourious Basterds, Jane Eyre, the X-Men movies and his Oscar-nominated turn in Shame, Michael Fassbender made his film debut in the 2006 action epic 300. He played the character of Stelios, a young, spirited and highly skilled Spartan soldier fighting under Gerard Butler's King Leonidas.

(Image credit: Walt Disney Pictures)

Sandra Oh

"Gupta? Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. The queen is coming!" It's one of the most memorable lines uttered in The Princess Diaries and it's said by none other than a pre-Grey's Anatomy Sandra Oh. Joining Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews in the beloved cast, Oh plays the humorous vice principal at Mia Thermopolis's school.

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Margot Robbie

Before her big breakout in The Wolf of Wall Street — and even longer before she painted the world pink with the phenomenon that is Barbie — rom-com fans got their first introduction to Margot in the 2013 romantic dramedy About Time. Robbie plays Charlotte, a woman that the main character Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) is crushing on before he meets his true love, Mary (played by Rachel McAdams).

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Joaquin Phoenix

The 1989 Ron Howard-directed comedy Parenthood already has a stacked cast — Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Keanu Reeves, Mary Steenburgen and Dianne Wiest, to name a few — before you even remember that one of the youngins in the movie is played by a teenage Joaquin Phoenix, then going by his birth name Leaf.

(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Samuel L. Jackson

It's hard to remember a time when Samuel L. Jackson wasn't a major movie star, but in the 1970s and '80s, the iconic actor was racking up bit parts in big titles, including Eddie Murphy's Coming to America. In the 1988 rom-com, Jackson plays a character known as "Hold-Up Man," an armed robber who has held up the local fast-food restaurant called McDowell's five times.

(Image credit: Columbia Pictures)

Kristen Stewart

Though she has been acting professionally since grade school, Kristen Stewart didn't become a global star until she played moody teen Bella Swan in 2008's vampire romance Twilight. But years before that, she played a memorable part in the 2002 David Fincher thriller Panic Room, appearing opposite Jodie Foster as her character's daughter.

(Image credit: Columbia Pictures)

Dakota Johnson

\Dakota Johnson had her big Hollywood breakthrough leading a beloved book-to-film adaptation, as Anastasia Steele in the erotic Fifty Shades film series. But she actually showed up in another huge movie five years earlier: 2010's The Social Network, as a college coed who spends the night with Sean Parker, played by Justin Timberlake.

(Image credit: Miramax)

Gabrielle Union

Before she led the Clovers to cheer competition victory in 2000's Bring It On, Gabrielle Union was given supporting roles in '90s teen favorites like 10 Things I Hate About You and She's All That. The latter was actually her film debut, in which she appeared as popular girl Katie, a member of Zack Siler's (Freddie Prinze Jr.) friend group.

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Nicolas Cage

Technically, Nicolas Cage wasn't in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. But Nicolas Coppola was — when he made his feature film acting debut in the 1982 coming-of-age comedy, the actor was still going by his birth name. However, the Oscar-winning star would later change his name professionally to avoid nepotism allegations. (He is, of course, the nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola and actress Talia Shire, and a cousin of director Sofia Coppola and actor Jason Schwartzman.)

(Image credit: MGM)

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp memorably made his big-screen debut in the 1984 horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street, but movie fans might not remember that a short while later, he also appeared in Oliver Stone's war film Platoon as a young soldier fighting in the Vietnam War alongside the likes of Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, Forest Whitaker and Kevin Dillon.

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman has had a prolific acting career ever since she was a tween, starting from when she starred as the young protégée of a hitman in the 1994 action film Léon: The Professional at only twelve years old. Though that was an instantly memorable introduction to the performer, you might have forgotten that only a year later, she worked alongside screen greats like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the Michael Mann-directed classic, Heat.

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Tom Holland

He's most famous for spinning webs as Spider-Man but long before that, Tom Holland was making his film debut (and making audiences weep) in the 2012 disaster drama The Impossible, as a young boy desperately trying to reunite with his family following a horrific tsunami.

(Image credit: TriStar Pictures)

Vince Vaughn

The heartwarming 1993 sports drama Rudy — about a young man (Sean Astin) who dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame — features an ironic pair of film-acting debuts. It was the first movie roles of both Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn, playing teaching assistant D-Bob and tailback Jamie O'Hara, respectively. That duo would famously go on to star in the 1996 buddy comedy Swingers.

(Image credit: Walt Disney Studios)

Ryan Gosling

Another early football role for a Hollywood heavyweight, a young Ryan Gosling already had some big TV gigs under his belt (The Mickey Mouse Club, Young Hercules) before he appeared as Alan Bosley, the wiry cornerback of T. C. Williams High School's football team in Remember the Titans. And if you remember that locker-room singalong, you know the little Goose had charisma even then!

(Image credit: Walt Disney Studios)

Mila Kunis

Yes, that is a mini Mila Kunis in Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves — she played a friend of Wayne Szalinski's (Rick Moranis) niece, who throws a house party once it seems like all of the grown-ups have left for the evening. (Instead, the adults have been accidentally zapped to microscopic proportions, naturally.)

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Daniel Craig

Before he was Bond, James Bond, Daniel Craig was Ballard, John Ballard, in the 1998 historical drama Elizabeth. The British actor portrayed a priest-slash-assassin who conspired with the Duke of Norfolk (Christopher Eccleston) to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I (played by Cate Blanchett) from the throne. Of course, Bond would never treat the Queen of England that way!

(Image credit: Columbia Pictures)

Jake Gyllenhaal

Given that filmmaking is a family business for Jake Gyllenhaal — he is the son of film director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner, and the younger bro of the great actress Maggie Gyllenhaal — it's not a shock that the actor started young. He made his film debut at age ten in 1991's City Slickers, playing the son of Billy Crystal's character Mitch Robbins.

(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is best known for playing crisis management expert Olivia Pope in the ABC drama series Scandal, but more than a decade earlier, she showed off her fix-it skills as Chenille Reynolds in Save the Last Dance, helping Julia Stiles's character Sara better integrate into their South Side high school and hip-hop culture at large.

(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Ben Affleck

Like his famous best friend Matt Damon, Ben Affleck also began his acting career as a child and while eagle-eyed moviegoers no doubt remember spotting him in early-'90s films like School Ties and Dazed and Confused, they may have forgotten his uncredited early cameos, such as "Basketball Player 10" in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie.

X-Men Director Matthew Vaughn Tells Us Why He Punched An Extra On Set, And How The Cast Reacted

Sean O'Connell — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Director Matthew Vaughn has a unique voice that translates into his brash action films. He’s fond of pushing the envelope, visually, in the spy genre – as he recently does with Argylle and also pulled off in the Kingsmen franchise of films. And that aggressive attitude also powered Vaughn’s detours into the comic book and graphic novel world, as when he worked on both Kick-Ass and his lone X-Men film, X-Men: First Class. It was on that latter film that Vaughn actually punched an extra… but he had a good reason to, and also, they were friends.

We had the opportunity to have Matthew Vaughn on CinemaBlend’s official podcast, ReelBlend, to talk Argylle and his career in general. When we mentioned X-Men: First Class, we brought up the Magneto scene where Michael Fassbender’s vengeful mutant has tracked down former Nazis in hiding to an Agentinian bar. You can cut the tension in the scene with a knife – which is also what Magneto uses to kill the bartender in the scene. Only, according to Vaughn, he wasn’t getting the right reaction from the stunt performer playing the bartender.

As Vaughn remembers it, this was the first scene that they shot in the movie. And he was nervous, being what he called a “director for hire” by Marvel and 20th Century Fox, as opposed to producing his own content. And so, as he recalls:

One of the guys I worked with, Carlos, I put him behind the bar as the Argentinian barman. And we are shooting the first scene. And I said, ‘Look, what's going to happen…’ He's not an actor, obviously. He works with me. And he's pulling the pint and handing it over and, and then walks over and he's gets the knife (in his chest). And he kept going, ‘Ooh,’ I'm like, ‘Dude, you got, this is a knife. It's FLYING through the air. It goes into you!’ He's like, ‘What do you mean? What do you mean?’ And Fassbender is thinking this is an actor, even though I know him. I went, ‘I'll tell you what I’ll do. Ready three, two…’ And I just fucking punched him as hard as I could. He's an old friend. I winded him, and he went down . And I was like, ‘That is what I mean.’ And the whole crew, all the actors were just like, ‘Okay…’ And then I said, ‘Ready? Let's go.’ And that's where I think the tension came from. Because they were just like, ‘Jesus, this guy's gonna punch me if I get it wrong.’ And he is a big guy as well. I think they were thinking if I'll punch him, I'll punch anyone.

That’s certainly one way to establish dominance on set. And the authenticity achieved by Matthew Vaughn on that production might be why X-Men: First Class ranks as one of the best X-Men movies made to date. Vaughn did such an incredible job, it was a shame that they didn’t bring him back to direct X-Men: Days of Future Past because Bryan Singer wanted to return to the series. And then Vaughn also has a story to tell as to why he didn’t stay on and direct X-Men: The Last Stand.

Make sure to listen to Matthew Vaughn’s ReelBlend conversation, in full:

We expect the X-Men to officially become part of the MCU with Deadpool 3, the upcoming Marvel movie. The transition started when Beast showed up in a mid-credits scene in The Marvels. And we’ve also seen multiversal versions of Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. I wonder of Matthew Vaughn might ever try another X-Men movie, because I loved his First Class, and think he really understands these characters. Time will tell.

10 Times A Major Celebrity Appeared Fully Nude In A Movie And Why It Worked

Daniel Pateman — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 01:04:05 +0000

Forget the body doubles, merkins and modesty socks. There are plenty of high-profile movie stars so committed to a project, punchline, or character that they’ll happily stand before the cameras wearing only their birthday suit. Over the decades, full-frontal nudity has become increasingly normalized in mainstream movies. It's no longer the exclusive domain of NC-17-rated indies or art house movies by provocative European directors.

As our selection of 10 actors who were fully nude in a movie illustrates, major celebrities are now far less reluctant to put their privates on display, baring all in everything from R-rated comedies to award-winning dramas. Hell, given the awards pedigree of the films on this list, it might even up their odds of gaining industry accolades. Their willingness to drop their pants is often a sign of a fearless commitment, and can be employed to signify a character’s state of mind, challenge social taboos, and foster greater acceptance of the human body in its various guises.

(Image credit: Momentum Pictures)

Michael Fassbender (Shame)

Michael Fassbender bared body and soul for his role as Brandon Sullivan, a New York executive in the grip of sexual addiction. Released in 2011, Shame’s opening moments frankly convey Brandon’s compulsive routine of sexual activity. We’re presented with a succession of post-coital moments in which Fassbender awakes after another one-night stand, wandering naked around his empty apartment in a series of unflinching long-takes. Shame takes a cold, hard look at one man’s isolating and self-destructive urges. And as Fassbender commented of the film’s frequent nudity to The Guardian,

Those scenes are really where you get an insight into the guy's psyche. When you see him naked, it's in more ways than one.

(Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

Barry Keoghan (Saltburn)

This 2023 psychological thriller stars Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick, an Oxford scholarship student eager to assimilate into the university’s wealthy milieu. After befriending the handsome Felix Catton, he’s invited to spend the summer at his family’s manor of Saltburn. But could there be a darker motive for Oliver’s infatuation with Felix?

Well - *spoiler alert* - yes. The film’s audacious coda finds Keoghan dancing starkers through his newly inherited home of Saltburn as “Murder on the Dancefloor” plays – a wickedly bravura moment filmed in one eyebrow-raising long-take. Explaining the significance of his character’s nude revelry, Keoghan explained to EW:

It’s ownership. This is my place. It’s full confidence [as] in, ‘I can do what I want in this manor. I can strip to my barest and waltz around because this is mine.’

(Image credit: Hulu)

Emma Thompson (Good Luck To You, Leo Grande)

Joining the growing ranks of actors who were fully nude for a movie, Emma Thompson bared all as former teacher Nancy Stokes in the 2022 comedy-drama, Good Luck To You, Leo Grande. Having never experienced pleasurable sex and ashamed of her body, Nancy hires the handsome Leo Grande to action a kinky itinerary on which the missionary position is just a stopover on the way to Climaxistan.

After enjoying her first orgasm, the film’s final moments see Nancy disrobe in front of the hotel mirror. Candidly appraising her reflection – her lumps, bumps, and lolling breasts – a permissive smile graces her face. It’s a powerful moment, indicating that Nancy’s finally gained a degree of compassionate self-acceptance.

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is one of the best sexually explicit movies on Hulu, and it's available to stream now with a Hulu subscription.

(Image credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Jennifer Lawrence (No Hard Feelings)

Although Jennifer Lawrence first bared all in Red Sparrow, it’s her iconic performance in 2023’s No Hard Feelings that had people choking on their popcorn. Lawrence plays 32-year-old Uber driver Maddie Barker. Threatened with bankruptcy after her car is repossessed, she finds work wooing the socially awkward son of two rich parents in exchange for a Buick Regal.

J-Law’s nude beach scene is the highlight of this R-rated comedy. As Maddie tries to seduce Percy by taking him skinny-dipping, their clothes are stolen by a group of obnoxious teens. Without thinking, Maddie storms out of the water, whooping their asses as the Hall & Oates’ song “Maneater” plays. Lawrence – who turned down a body double – approaches the scene with gutsy aplomb, hilariously conveying Maddie’s brash, devil-may-care character.

(Image credit: A24)

Scarlett Johansson (Under the Skin)

Known briefly as “Scarlett Johansson’s nude movie,” the actress was breaking into Marvel territory when she accepted a distinctively different role in Jonathan Glazer’s 2013 masterpiece. She’s barely recognizable as a female-presenting extraterrestrial, who stalks the Scottish highlands to kidnap and harvest unsuspecting male prey.

Johansson’s big reveal comes three-quarters of the way through the film. Lit only by the red glow of an electric heater, and observing her limbs in a vertical mirror, flickers of cognition animate her otherwise impassive face to suggest a burgeoning consciousness. Gradually identifying with this human form, the otherworldly being interrogates the curve of her neck, the mechanics of a knee, and the undulations of bone beneath skin.

Under the Skin is an unforgettable viewing experience. You can stream it now when you sign-up for an HBO Max subscription.

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Gary Cole (Blockers)

When three young women plan to lose their virginity on prom night, their overprotective parents do everything to stop them. But it’s the adults that get into the most trouble in Blockers, the 2018 comedy from Kay Cannon.

With Ron (Gary Cole) withholding the adolescents' whereabouts, Mitchell breaks into his house to find the texts confirming their location. But to do so he has to evade Ron and his wife as they play a sex game blindfolded. Cannon amusingly parodies the velociraptor scene from Jurassic Park as Ron stalks through the kitchen towards a cowering Mitchell, before he lurches into shot and flashes audiences worldwide an eyeful of his… meat and two veg.

It's a hilariously orchestrated scene, that, thanks to Gary Cole’s game performance, helps level the playing field between male and female nudity onscreen: promoting what Fandom catchily dubbed #Ballsforboobs.

(Image credit: BFI)

Daniel Craig (Love Is The Devil)

Daniel Craig made waves exiting the Atlantic like a chiselled Adonis in Casino Royale. But he’d already bared it all in the 1998 biopic Love is the Devil, in which Craig portrays George Dyer, the lover and muse of painter Francis Bacon whose volatile relationship ends in tragedy.

During a scene of strained intimacy, there’s a prolonged shot of Craig’s 007. Taking a soak in the tub, Dyer anxiously asks if he’s still invited to Bacon’s Paris exhibition. “Of course you’re coming. You are the exhibition” the artist retorts. Then the film cuts to an aerial shot of Craig – and there’s no mound of bubbles to obscure his manhood. It’s a moment that foregrounds the film’s queer gaze, echoing the artist’s infatuation towards his troubled muse.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power Of The Dog)

Director Jane Campion is known for her poetic treatment of the male nude. And for this acclaimed, 2021 drama, she turned her camera towards Benedict Cumberbatch as the gruff Montana cowboy Phil Burbank. The Power of the Dog is still one of the best movies on Netflix, garnering 11 Oscar nominations.

Brimming with toxic masculinity, Burbank relentlessly torments his brother’s wife and her teenage son. But, away from the ranch, Phil embraces moments of sensual pleasure. Ensconced in nature, we watch him find peace with himself and his desires as he cakes his entire body in mud before plunging headlong into the water. Subsequently, he retires to a glade, where he can indulge in the remembered touch of Bronco Henry – his former mentor and, it’s implied, lover – without any shame.

(Image credit: Lions Gate Films)

Maggie Gyllenhaal (Secretary)

Making her reputation for being one of those actors who went fully nude in a movie, Maggie Gyllenhaal broke into the Hollywood limelight with her acclaimed performance in 2003’s kinky rom-com Secretary.

As Lee Holloway, her character finds personal transformation through a BDSM relationship with boss Edward Grey. And the ultimate expression of her fidelity is when she sits stock still for three whole days until he eventually returns.

Taken with her obedience, her dom partner tends to Lee with complete devotion. Gyllenhaal’s subsequent nudity in these final scenes reflects her character’s awakened physical and emotional openness. As the camera pans out from her face, she narrates how he traced every inch of her body while she divulged the history of each of her self-harm scars. It’s a moment of awestruck intimacy, as Lee experiences being seen and accepted in both body and soul.

(Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat)

It’s one of the most daring scenes in cinema history: Kazakh reporter Borat and his producer Azamat engaging in a balls-out brawl that erupts out of their San Diego hotel room and into a packed mortgage conference. This 2006 black comedy has no shortage of provocations, but what makes this scene work so well is Sacha Baron Cohen’s willingness to push things to their extremes. It’s a wildly chaotic two minutes as Borat ruts against his producer’s ample behind while throttling him, before the 250lb Azamat tries to asphyxiate Borat between his butt cheeks. It’s shockingly funny as personal boundaries and rules of public decorum are blithely transgressed, and the chaotic scene ends when the naked duo are apprehended by hotel security.

Interested in discovering other A-list actors who were fully nude in a movie? Check out our round-ups of the best sexually explicit movies on Netflix and sexually explicit HBO Max movies.

X-Men’s Michael Fassbender Explains What Appealed To Him About Playing Magneto

Dirk Libbey — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 23:50:51 +0000

The X-Men have had a wild ride on the big screen. The franchise has already been essentially rebooted once already, and that’s expected to happen again with the characters' impending arrival in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There have been some bad movies in the series, but there have also been some excellent ones. One of the nearly universally beloved entries is X-Men: First Class, a movie that was originally conceived as a Magneto movie. Michael Fassbender recently talked about why he signed on to the project to play the younger Magneto.

X-Men: First Class turned back the clock and introduced younger versions of many of the popular characters. One of the most important, and most popular, was Michael Fassbender’s Magneto, who recently told Vanity Fair he was drawn to the role because of the character's conflict and motivations. Fassbender said…

What really drew me to that movie, X-Men: First Class and the character was this idea of an outsider and what it feels like you don't belong. That for me was an interesting core to work from for the character and to find the justifications in what his actions were, which again were pretty monumental. The lengths he was willing to go and what the motivation of that was. Essentially the core of that is that Magneto just needs a hug.

Magneto is one of the more popular comic book villains, in large part because a fair number of people agree with him. He ultimately rejects Professor X’s attempts for mutants and humans to co-exist, because he feels mutants are ultimately superior, and being a survivor of Nazi concentration camps, he understands what humans who hate are capable of and he doesn’t want to give them a chance to do the same thing to mutants.

Magneto’s stance is understandable, even if you don’t condone it, which makes the character a great deal more interesting than a comic book villain who is simply evil for its own sake or wants to take over the world. And maybe he just needs a hug, but he’s not likely to accept it from anybody willing to give it.

At this point, it seems Fassbender’s time as Megneto is probably over. It's unlikely we'll see him in any upcoming Marvel movies, but under the circumstances, we can’t be 100% sure of that. We’ve seen a couple of members of the Fox/X-Men franchise appear in Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, including most recently in the mid-credits scene of The Marvels, and while we haven’t seen anybody from the First Class era yet, we can’t be sure it won’t happen.

Among the many rumors regarding Deadpool 3 cameos is that Ian McKellan will appear as his version of Magneto, and it’s not like the movie couldn’t contrive a reason to include the other actors as well, including Fassbender.

'I Think I Had A Great Run': Michael Fassbender Reflects On His Time As Magneto Post-Dark Phoenix

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:04:22 +0000

Before the word “mutant” could even be uttered in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, prior to the Disney-Fox merger, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy helped round out Fox’s X-Men franchise with the prequel series focused on a young Magneto and Professor X. Despite the movie series ending on a low note with Dark Phoenix, Fassbender shared fond thoughts about the work he did as the complicated Marvel villain.

In between a recent conversation Michael Fassbender had for his latest movie, Netflix’s The Killer, the Irish actor shared his thoughts on his four-movie stint as Magneto. In his words:

I think I had a great run. I thoroughly enjoyed it. By the time Dark Phoenix was over, yeah, it was like… It was lucky, we had a fantastic run of it.

Where Did Dark Phoenix Stack Up?

(Image credit: Marvel)

All Of The Live-Action X-Men Movies (So Far), Ranked

Fassbender joined the X-Men: First Class cast in 2010 in Oxford, England to shoot the origins of Magneto. The prequel films successfully revitalized the Marvel franchise just as the Marvel Cinematic Universe was getting its start. While First Class wasn’t an explosive hit by any means, making $352.6 million worldwide, it earned vastly positive reviews and set the stage for its 2014 sequel, Days of Future Past, to become a massive moment for the X-Men series.

However, from there, the X-Men prequels that also famously starred Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique had a rather steady decline between 2016’s Apocalypse and 2019’s bomb of a superhero film, Dark Phoenix, which had a rough Rotten Tomatoes score and CinemaBlend gave the movie a 1.5 out of 5 in our Dark Phoenix review. The latter also had the worst box office performance for an X-Men film prior to The New Mutant’s 2020 flop.

All things considered, Fassbender told the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he is proud of the run he had as Magneto and “thoroughly enjoyed” playing the comic book character. Though as he joked earlier in the interview:

No, the pressure was getting to me in the end, moving stuff all the time on demand, all these kids asking me to do it.

Fassbender shared that he doesn’t necessarily miss Magneto’s helmet and he thought overall that the run of the story came to a “natural conclusion.” According to X-Men filmmaker Simon Kinberg, Dark Phoenix was always supposed to cap off the X-Men movies, too, so it’s not like the actor necessarily missed out on an extended run as Magneto either.

While most of us can agree some of the franchise’s storyline decisions were misguided, Michael Fassbender always delivered an incredible performance as Magneto and certainly brought some added dimension to the mutant previously portrayed by Ian McKellen. Michael Fassbender has since moved on from the X-Men, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe is putting pawns in place to reboot the world of mutants for its extended universe.

We’ll see this in a big way with upcoming Marvel movies including Deadpool 3, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, which expected to come to theaters July 26, 2024.

David Fincher’s The Killer Has A Buzzy Netflix Debut, And Audiences Can't Stop Talking About One Specific Thing From The Movie

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 23:48:06 +0000

David Fincher, the legendary filmmaker behind modern classics like Fight Club, Gone Girl, Se7en and The Social Network, is back with his latest movie The Killer. After it first premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September and hit select theaters a couple of weeks ago, the crime thriller is now available to stream with a Netflix subscription. Audiences at home have already made The Killer the No. 1 movie on the streaming service, and they can’t stop collectively commenting on one specific thing from the movie.

The Killer is an adaptation of the French graphic novel of the same name by Alexis "Matz" Nolent and artist Luc Jacamon. It follows a professional assassin who becomes a target himself after one of his hits go terribly wrong. Since the movie’s release, audiences have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts and so many of them are about the constant inner monologuing of Michael Fassbender’s titular character.

*3min into The Killer*oh he’s gonna maintain this voiceover the whole time, huh?*20min into The Killer*stick to the plan. anticipate, don’t improvise. trust no one. pic.twitter.com/1bKjBtSOpUNovember 13, 2023

As it turns out, the director made the decision to employ Michael Fassbender’s inner monologue as a voiceover throughout the film, and it’s either throwing people off or they are really digging it. Here’s another notable reaction:

My wife watching the first 20 minutes of The Killer: “Does this dude ever shut the fuck up?”November 11, 2023

The Killer is David Fincher’s first movie since 2020’s Mank, which incited some mixed thoughts among audiences and is also available to stream on Netflix. This new film has similarly been met with both positive and negative reactions from critics and audiences. CinemaBlend’s The Killer review had our own Eric Eisenberg giving the film a three out of five, calling it a “disappointing” cinematic experience.

Great part of watching The Killer is calling the titular killer a loser after everything he says https://t.co/fodfYztRbnNovember 11, 2023

As one can surmise by the above tweet, the fact that Michael Fassbender’s character inner monologues throughout the movie makes it prime territory for the creation of some memeable internet moments. The one screenshot of Fassbender’s killer on a bus looking depressed among subtitles of the movie reading “living amongst the ‘normies,’” for example, is already making the rounds. This comment additionally sums up what some people think about the narrative device Fincher chose for The Killer:

can't take THE KILLER seriously because his internal monologues sound like they were written for joe from YOUNovember 14, 2023

Prior to the release of The Killer, David Fincher shared that Michael Fassbender actually chose to try not to blink while filming sequences for The Killer, which only adds to the creepy tension of the thriller. Although many jumped to joking about The Killer’s inner monologues throughout the movie, a lot of people were really into this element of the movie. Check out this reaction:

The Killer is a 2 hour assault on the screenwriting rule "avoid writing voice over."It is also an interesting examination of how out of alignment our inner monologues often are with reality. Perfect film for a Sunday afternoon.November 13, 2023

David Fincher has an epic filmography thus far, so of course there’s going to be a lot of eyes, ears and words on his latest movie. Fincher was plotting the adaptation of The Killer as far back as 2007, so as you can imagine, the voiceover element is just as calculated as the leading character’s killer instincts.

Michael Fassbender Apparently Didn't Blink On Camera While Making The Killer, And Now I Want Him To Do A Staring Contest with Jenna Ortega

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 01:15:13 +0000

According to studies over the years, most of us blink around 15 times a minute. That feels like a lot, doesn't it? Well, the act of blinking adds constant moisture to our eyes in a way that protects those eyeballs. With that science in mind, Wednesday lead Jenna Ortega found a way to rarely blink on the set of the Netflix hit in order to give her Addams Family character a constant creepy stare about her. Following that, apparently Michael Fassbender did the same thing in the upcoming David Fincher film The Killer!

David Fincher, who memorably helmed movies like Fight Club, Se7en and Gone Girl, recently unveiled Michael Fassbender’s lack of blinking in one of 2023’s new movie releases. In the writer/director’s words:

Michael’s eyes betray a lot. He can hold a lot of conflicting things in his mind and his eyes allow you access to it...He’s like Daniel Craig in that way, saying, ‘I can do it better.' Tell him to stop 1/3 inch shorter and he can fine-tune that technical stuff, while on top of that, he’s got really good ideas about behavior. He has this gift as an actor, but clamped on top of it is this incredible discipline about how he subdivides his next move.

During an interview with Empire Magazine (via IGN) the master filmmaker shared that Fassbender pushed himself to not blink on camera during his scenes in The Killer. The movie hasn’t come out just yet, as it is coming to select theaters on October 27 before becoming available to stream on November 10 with a Netflix subscription, but talk about an impressive challenge. I think after it’s all said and done, Fassbender and Jenna Ortega need to be challenged to a celebrity staring contest between them to see who mastered the skill better. My money is on Ortega for the time being since Wednesday was an eight-episode series, whereas The Killer is a movie.

The Killer is an adaptation of a French comic book series from Matz. It follows a professional assassin, who has long been a cold and calculating killer, as he begins to gain a conscience, which leads him to have to be opposed by his dangerous employers. The movie also stars Charles Parnell, Sala Baker, Sophie Charlotte, Arliss Howard and Tilda Swinton. You can check out The Killer trailer below:

Michael Fassbender has played some seriously impressive roles in the past, and I imagine The Killer to be no exception, especially with David Fincher at the helm. Fincher has made some of the most iconic crime thrillers of all time, between Se7en, Zodiac and Gone Girl. When The Killer premiered last month at the Venice Film Festival, critics were impressed overall. Given word of Fassbender’s no blinking rule on set, it sounds like The Killer is going to be an intense performance from the actor.

David Fincher's The Killer Has Premiered, See What Critics Are Saying About The Michael Fassbender Thriller

Heidi Venable — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:36:48 +0000

David Fincher’s The Killer is the famed filmmaker’s first feature since Mank in 2020, but he apparently started working on this graphic novel adaptation long before that. It was way back in 2007 when he began developing Alexis Nolent and Luc Jacamon’s story of an assassin with a change of heart, and now his efforts have been seen by critics, as the film premiered September 3 at Venice Film Festival. Those critics are now weighing in on Fincher’s latest, and they seem to appreciate what the director has brought to the table.

Michael Fassbender stars as the titular assassin, leading an impressive cast that also includes Tilda Swinton, Charles Parnell, Arliss Howard, and Sophie Charlotte. The film will be available to stream with a Netflix subscription in November, so let’s take a look at David Fincher’s psychological action thriller, starting with GamesRadar’s Jane Crowther. She rates it 4 out of 5 stars, saying if you’ve ever wondered what Fincher’s James Bond would look like, this might be it:

The premise of contract murderers making something personal isn’t new, but Fincher is having fun with the genre – loading needle-drops, pop-culture hat-tips (Antiques Roadshow, Storage Wars, aliases that are all TV characters), and Bondian ingenuity into a propulsive pace. Split into seven chapters which play out in different cities around the world, the action may be serious but the gags are plentiful – whether that’s Tilda Swinton (essentially playing herself as an assassin) telling a bear joke, a close-to-the-bone comment about a wheelie bin, or the comedic appearance of a parmesan grater during a terrific house brawl.

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian rates The Killer a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, calling Michael Fassbender the right pick for the leading role of a yoga-loving assassin in the “horribly addictive” thriller. Bradshaw continues:

It is all entertainingly absurd and yet the pure conviction and deadpan focus that Fassbender and Fincher bring to this ballet of anonymous professionalism makes it very enjoyable. And there are moments when the veneer of realism is disquieting: can it really be true that you can get through an electronic keyfob-protected door just by photographing it on your phone and then ordering a fob-copier from Amazon? Maybe it is.

Rafaela Sales Ross of The Playlist grades it a B- and calls Michael Fassbender “eerily effective in his embodiment of utter emotionlessness,” but they note that for a story lifted from a graphic novel, the movie lacks visual playfulness. The critic writes:

David Fincher is rarely dull, and The Killer cannot take the director’s filmography in that direction, but it won’t push itself toward the top of his work, either. A competently realized crime thriller made by a technical team just as sharply attuned to details as the director at the ship’s helm, the Netflix production is entertaining but a little orthodox. The good news is: while this isn’t the brilliant Zodiac, it isn’t the paltry Mank, either.

Lex Briscuso of IGN rates The Killer a “Good” 7 out of 10, writing that Michael Fassbender is smart and stylish in the title role, and the violence is captivating. The critic continues:

Legendary director David Fincher’s 12th film The Killer is a return to form that lays bare how emotions can mar untouchability and turn it into a pivotal drive for revenge. Marrying a tight and effective script from Andrew Kevin Walker, smart performances from Michael Fassbender and Tilda Swinton, and sharp editing, this assassin odyssey is one you’ll want to watch again and again.

Ryan Lattanzio of IndieWire says that while there’s nothing especially new here, watching a master filmmaker and actor operate in a revenge rampage story could never be a bad thing. The critic grades the movie a "B," writing:

The Killer is nothing if not committed to its own one-note bit, an existential nihilism that stays the same even as the protagonist, in a mostly silent Michael Fassbender performance, starts to change. It’s as unfeeling as any Fincher thriller, at once predictable in its simplicity but also strangely daring because of it.

We still have a couple of months of waiting before The Killer makes its way to Netflix, but if you want to see David Fincher and Michael Fassbender work their magic, circle November 10 on your calendar. In the meantime, see what else is new and coming soon to Netflix, and you can start planning your next trip to the theater with our 2023 movie release schedule.

Netflix's The Killer Trailer Turns Up The Heat On Michael Fassbender's Hired Assassin

Eric Eisenberg — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:10:27 +0000

David Fincher is not what one would call a prolific film director. Since making his big screen debut with Alien 3 in 1992, he's helmed a total of 11 movies – which averages out to a feature every three years. That being said, with his last effort, Mank, having arrived in 2020, that means we are due to see a new addition to the Fincher filmography in 2023 – and we are beyond stoked that The Killer will be fitting the bill this fall.

Netflix has debuted the first trailer for the upcoming thriller, which is a new movie adaptation of the comic series of the same name by Alexis Nolent (a.k.a Matz) and Luc Jacamon. The story centers on an assassin, played by Michael Fassbender, who sees his employers turn on him when a hit goes wrong. The outstanding supporting cast includes Charles Parnell, Arliss Howard, Sophie Charlotte and the brilliant Tilda Swinton, and the film marks the first time that David Fincher and screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker have collaborated on a feature since Se7en in 1995.

It's particularly exciting to see this movie come together, as it's a project that David Fincher has been trying to make for over a decade. He first became attached to make The Killer when the project was set up at Paramount Pictures in 2007 (to provide some context, this was between the releases of Zodiac and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button). That version of the film never ended up being made and the director moved on to make movies like The Social Network and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, but circumstances changed in the wake of the release of Mank.

(Image credit: Netflix)

With Fincher already having a long established relationship with Netflix (a history including Mank, House Of Cards, Mindhunters, and Love, Death & Robots), it was reported in February 2021 that the adaptation was reenergized at Netflix with Michael Fassbender and Andrew Kevin Walker attached.

Despite being produced by Netflix, The Killer will be the first Fincher-directed movie to play on the big screen in nearly a decade (the last time being 2014's Gone Girl). The new thriller, which premieres this week at the Venice Film Festival, will be made available for Netflix subscribers to stream on November 10, but that will only be following a release in select theaters starting October 27. Based on the look of this trailer, it seems like the big screen experience will be worth seeking.

Be on the lookout here on CinemaBlend in the coming days, weeks and months for more previews of The Killer, which is unquestionably one of the most exciting features set to be released in the last few months of the year. To learn about all of the films set to come out, head over to our 2023 Movie Release Calendar, and you can consult our 2023 Netflix Release Calendar for everything coming from the streaming service.

That Time Ben Affleck Got Called Out For Being Well-Endowed And Made A Funny Michael Fassbender Joke

Ryan LaBee — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 16:17:26 +0000

In the world of Hollywood, where gossip and scandals swirl faster than you can say "action," it's not every day that we come across a story that combines male anatomy, superhero movies, and witty banter. But leave it to Ben Affleck to pull it off with style. The A-list actor found himself in an unexpected spotlight after Chuck Lorre, the mastermind behind hit shows like The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men, made a hilarious revelation about the former DCEU Caped Crusader's manhood at the Producers Guild Award in 2014. And of course, Ben Affleck being Ben Affleck, had the perfect Michael Fassbender joke for a response.

As reported by E! News at the time, during his 2014 acceptance speech for the Norman Lear Award, Lorre couldn't resist sharing a cheeky story about allegedly encountering the Argo actor at a urinal. He admitted, "Yes, I peeked. And yes, Comic Con, he can play Batman." The crowd burst into laughter, unaware of what was about to unfold. Later that night, before presenting the awards to the producers of both Gravity and 12 Years a Slave, Affleck took the stage to humorously address the situation:

I was at the bar briefly, and I came back to my seat and somebody said, ‘You know, there was a guy up on stage who said you have a big dick. I was like, ‘You know, isn't that always how is goes? The one time it happens and I miss it!' Thank you very much. Whoever you are, God bless you. I'm often confused with Matt Damon but rarely with Michael Fassbender, so…

This, of course, is a playful reference to Michael Fassbender's notable full-frontal nude scene in the film Shame, directed by British filmmaker Steve McQueen. The movie delves into the raw depiction of sex addiction, and Fassbender's fearless performance gained him critical recognition and praise, not only for his acting skills but also for his... well, let's just say he garnered attention for his impressive physique. Honestly, it was a pretty big year for Michael Fassbender’s pud, as profiled in this Vanity Fair piece from 2012.

Putting willy jokes aside, the playful exchange between Affleck and Lorre quickly became the talk of Tinseltown, with fans and media outlets buzzing about their bathroom encounter. However, in an unexpected twist, the TV producer revealed that he was just kidding during an announcement on his CBS sitcoms Mike & Molly and Mom. In a vanity card, which Lorre is known for using as a gag, attached to one of the episodes, Lorre clarified that the original targets of his joke were Martin Scorsese and Harvey Weinstein. He explained:

To be completely honest, the original version of the joke had me peeing next to and peeking at Martin Scorsese — who was, at best, a grower, not a show-er,” he wrote. “I cut it, wisely, I thought, because it felt unfair to ‘belittle’ a giant of cinema, even if I had issues with Hugo. I then considered telling the same joke with Harvey Weinstein as the celebrity at the neighboring stall, but cut that as well because I worried that he might be able to have me hurt.

According to THR, it turns out that Lorre and Affleck had never met before the comedy writer and producer decided to make a bold comment about Affleck's unit.

(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

This humorous exchange serves as a reminder that a good sense of humor can go a long way in the image-focused world of Hollywood. Cheers to The Town director for turning an unexpected comment into a hilarious and memorable moment.

Although Ben Affleck has moved on from his role as The Dark Knight, there have been rumors suggesting that he might once again dawn another leather-clad hero codpiece in an appearance in an upcoming Marvel movie. One recent report speculated that his 2003 portrayal of Daredevil could appear in Deadpool 3. Considering Affleck's general sense of humor and willingness for self-depreciation, this idea doesn't seem entirely far-fetched, and I’m so here for it.

While we await confirmation on whether Ben Affleck or his bologna pony has any involvement in future superhero flicks, be sure to check out our 2023 movie release schedule to plan your next action-packed trip to the cinema.

After Years Of Waiting Following Armie Hammer Controversy, Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins Trailer Is Finally Here

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:41:30 +0000

Among the projects that dropped Armie Hammer, following accusations of sexual misconduct and rape was Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins. The sports dramedy is finally coming out this year and is among this fall’s 2023 new movie releases. The movie stars Michael Fassbender as a down-on-his-luck coach, who finds an unlikely job as the leader of the American Samoa national football team, and the trailer (above) is a delight.

Taika Waititi Is Crafting A Funny-Looking Sports Biopic

As Searchlight Pictures' trailer sets up, Dutch-American soccer coach Thomas Rongen (played by Michael Fassbender) begrudgingly takes a job coaching the American Samoa soccer team following its infamous and brutal 31-0 FIFA loss back in 2001. Set to the tune of ABBA’s “Take A Chance On Me,” the footage shows Rongen going to American Samoa to turn the team around all while he drinks his days away and showing doubts of his team’s capabilities. All the while, his players are humorously leery of him as well.

The movie initially wrapped back in early 2020 but, following the Armie Hammer controversy, the actor's role was recast, with Will Arnett taking over. Deadline reported in December 2021 that Arnett would step in for reported reshoots. This occurred months after Hammer went viral over a cannibal text scandal. Arnett plays an executive at the Football Federation American Samoa, who is shown in the trailer to be breaking some bad news to Michael Fassbender’s Rongen.

What's Going On With Armie Hammer's Situation?

Armie Hammer's situation led the actor to the actor checking himself into a treatment program, and he currently has a case being reviewed by Los Angeles District Attorney. One couldn't have foreseen such a situation impacting the production, and it has definitely taken longer than expected for this movie to see the light of day. Now that have our first look though, Taika Waititi's feel-good comedy seems like it might be worth the wait.

The Social Network alum's role was supposedly a cameo when the movie was initially filmed but, when Will Arnett, stepped in the role was expanded for him. The soccer movie is one of several productions the embattled actor was involved in before dropping out. For example, amidst the controversy, he was replaced by Josh Duhamel in Shotgun Wedding, which was released on Prime Video in January 2023. He also exited Paramount+’s The Offer, and that premiered back in April 2022.

That drama aside though, Taika Waititi seems to be on top of his game. He's certainly made a name for himself, between writing and directing the What We Do In The Shadows movie and helming the last two Thor movies. He also directed Jojo Rabbit, which won him the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar in 2020. His latest film is based on the 2014 British documentary of the same name, and it received overwhelmingly positive praise when it was released. Let's hope Waititi's adaptation will be a winner, just like the doc and the team itself

Next Goal Wins makes its long-awaited theatrical debut on November 17.

NC-17 Movies With Famous Actors (And How To Watch Them)

Philip Sledge — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 14:58:13 +0000

As far as ratings go, at least those handed out by the Motion Picture Association, there is nothing more extreme these days than NC-17. That means no one under the age of 18 can be admitted to a movie with this rating for a multitude of reasons.

Some directors, producers, and studios will re-cut their films to get an R-rating, but there are plenty of NC-17 movies that have been left unedited and sent out into the wild as is, which has resulted in limited releases of some of the most notorious movies of all time. Find out why these films were branded this way, as well as how you can watch them if you are curious, in the following list.

(Image credit: Universal)

Henry & June (1990) - Fred Ward, Uma Thurman

What better way to start than with the very first movie to earn the NC-17 rating – according to SlashFilm – Henry & June. Director Philip Kaufman’s adaptation of Anaïs Nin’s memoir focuses on a love triangle between novelist Henry Miller (Fred Ward), his wife, June (Uma Thurman), and the French-American author (portrayed by Thurman’s future fellow Pulp Fiction cast member, Maria de Medeiros) in 1930s Paris. Despite its controversially explicit sexual content, the drama was a mild critical and commercial success and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.

Buy Henry & June on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: LD Entertainment)

Killer Joe (2012) - Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple

Directed by the late William Friedkin and written by 2019’s Little Women cast member Tracy Letts (also based on his stage play), Killer Joe stars Emile Hirsch as an indebted young man who hatches a plan to have his mother (played by Gina Gershon) killed to collect insurance money. Matthew McConaughey gives one of his most underrated performances as the titular hitman he hires, whose fee is so high that he agrees to let his teenage sister (Juno Temple) be treated as collateral.

According to Deadline, the shamelessly twisted crime thriller was released with an NC-17 rating after Friedkin and distributor LD Entertainment opted not to change its ending. While an R-rated version of the film was later made available for home viewing, those interested in seeing it in its original form could also seek out the unrated director’s cut of Killer Joe instead.

Rent or buy Killer Joe on Amazon.
Buy Killer Joe on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: Antidote Films)

Mysterious Skin (2004) - Joseph Gordon-Levitt

One of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s best movies from earlier in his career is Mysterious Skin, in which he plays a gay teen making a living as a sex worker who recalls a disturbing encounter from his childhood through narration. Meanwhile, another teen, played by Brady Corbet, struggles to figure out the truth behind a blackout he suffered when he was younger, leading the two men to cross paths unexpectedly.

Writer and director Gregg Araki is notorious for including pervasive sexual content in his films, but the NC-17 rating for Mysterious Skin – also starring Elisabeth Shue and Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast member Michelle Trachtenberg – was largely determined by its graphic depiction of pedophilia. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the challenging subject matter sparked controversy when the Australian Family Association feared child predators could use the film as a grooming tool or for their own gratification.

Rent or buy Mysterious Skin on Amazon.
Buy Mysterious Skin on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: Miramax)

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1989) - Antonio Banderas

In one of his many racy collaborations with writer and director Pedro Almodóvar, Antonio Banderas stars in Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! as Ricky, who is released from a mental hospital with the intent of finding love. So, he tracks down a former adult film star, played by Victoria Abril, whom he once shared an intimate encounter with and takes her prisoner in hopes he can convince her to be his wife.

According to Gwyne Edwards’ 2001 book Almodóvar: Labyrinths of Passion, the controversial subject matter of Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! was instrumental in the creation of the NC-17 rating itself. Thus, the MPA branded it as such in 1990 for a “scene of strong adult sensuality with nudity,” according to FilmRatings.com.

Stream Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! on Max.
Rent or buy Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! on Amazon.
Buy Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! on Blu-ray Amazon.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Blonde (2022) - Ana de Armas

Based on the book by Joyce Carol Oates, Blonde is director Andrew Dominik’s in-depth and fictionalized look at the tragically short life of Norma Jeane Baker, better known as Marilyn Monroe. Ana de Armas disappears into the role of one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, portraying a side of the actress and model that was long kept hidden from the public.

Dominik once said that he anticipated his nearly three-hour biopic would be rated NC-17 before the MPA made it official in June 2022, citing “some sexual content” as the reasoning. The film’s more hardcore scenes would inspire some strong reactions from both critics and audiences since it was made available to stream in 2022.

Stream Blonde on Netflix.

(Image credit: Alliance Communications)

Crash (1996) - James Spader, Holly Hunter

Not to be confused with director Paul Haggis’ Best Picture Oscar winner from 2005, Crash is one of the more bizarre and inventive movies directed by David Cronenberg (which is really saying something). Based on the novel by J.G. Ballard, it stars James Spader as a TV producer who becomes seduced into an unusual and dangerous obsession with car wrecks and the intense, sexually stimulating effect they seem to have on him and others, including his mistress (played by Holly Hunter).

Just from learning the plot, it seems pretty clear why a movie like Crash would have been given the NC-17 rating and why it inspired controversy so pervasive that it was chronicled in a 2001 book called The Crash Controversy: Censorship Campaigns and Film Reception. Nonetheless, it was still relatively well-received by critics, according to Rotten Tomatoes, and earned Cronenberg a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, despite vehement opposition from the jury’s then-president, Francis Ford Coppola.

Buy Crash on DVD on Amazon.

(Image credit: City Lights Pictures)

Descent (2007) - Rosario Dawson

Not to be confused with the Scottish 2005 horror movie THE Descent, this film sees Rosario Dawson giving her most provocative and extreme performance since she broke out in another controversial classic, Kids. This time, she plays a woman who undergoes a dramatic and violent change of character after she is assaulted by a man she meets at a fraternity party.

This brutal and upsetting revenge drama was actually released with two alternative cuts: one rated NC-17 and an R-rated edit that omits seven minutes of footage. Still, both versions contain brutal rape, language, some sexual content and drug use.

Buy Descent on DVD on Amazon.

(Image credit: Umbrella Entertainment)

Showgirls (1995) - Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan

Perhaps the most infamous movie on this list, Paul Verhoeven’s 1995 erotic cult classic, Showgirls, stars a post-Save by the Bell Elizabeth Berkley as a young drifter named Nomi Malone. As she hitchhikes to Las Vegas with dreams of becoming a famous dancer on the Strip, she has some ups and downs on her journey, but finally makes her dreams come true, at a price…

According to the MPA, Showgirls was given its NC-17 rating due to the amount of nudity and erotic sexuality throughout the movie, as well as graphic language and sexual violence. If you’ve seen the movie (and not the VH1 version with digitized bras), you’re well aware of the film’s graphic nature.

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Buy Showgirls on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: Momentum Pictures)

Shame (2011) - Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan

Released in 2011, Steve McQueen’s psychological drama, Shame, stars Michael Fassbender as Brandon Sullivan – a successful and dashing executive who is secretly a traumatized sex addict who will do anything and everything to get his kicks in New York City. Just when he thinks life can’t get any worse, his equally damaged sister (Carey Mulligan) storms into his life, causing more complications.

Upon release, Shame was given an NC-17 rating by the MPA for explicit sexual content as well as some truly troubling scenes. I’ve walked out of several movies before, but this was the first I exited simply because what was happening on the screen was way too real and unnerving to finish.

Rent or buy Shame on Amazon.
Buy Shame on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: Wild Bunch)

Blue Is The Warmest Color (2013) - Léa Seydoux

Abdellatif Kechiche’s 2013 French drama, Blue is the Warmest Color, stars Adèle Exarchopoulos as a high school student who experiences a sexual awakening after meeting an art school student and aspiring painter named Emma, played by James Bond movies actor, Léa Seydoux. Over the years, the two form a contentious and highly-emotional relationship that opens their eyes to a whole new world around them.

Though tamer than some of the other titles on this list, Blue is the Warmest Color was given an NC-17 rating because of the explicit sexual content the MPA felt was unsuitable for younger audiences. However, at least one theater allowed teens to watch the movie upon release.

Rent or buy Blue is the Warmest Color on Amazon.
Buy Blue is the Warmest Color on Blu-ray Amazon.

(Image credit: Aries Films)

Bad Lieutenant (1992) - Harvey Keitel

Abel Ferrara’s 1992 crime thriller Bad Lieutenant follows Harvey Keitel as a broken NYPD detective whose stress over his job, life, and gambling habits get the best of him. From one interaction to the next, the unnamed lieutenant falls deeper down the rabbit hole of depravity, committing some irredeemable crimes of his own along the way.

If there has ever been a movie deserving of an NC-17 rating it would have to be Bad Lieutenant. With an abundance of sexual violence, intense sexual situations, endless drug use, and extreme language throughout, it’s no wonder the MPA came down hard on the movie, which later inspired a sequel only in name, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Werner Herzog.

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Rent or buy Bad Lieutenant on Amazon.
Buy Bad Lieutenant on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: October Films)

Orgazmo (1997) - Trey Parker, Matt Stone

Co-writer and director Trey Parker plays a normal Mormon missionary trying to find enough money to support and marry his longtime girlfriend. But when he stumbles upon a porn set, the once strait-laced and deeply devoted young man becomes the biggest thing going in the adult entertainment industry in Orgazmo.

It should come as no surprise that a movie written by the creators of South Park, and one centered on the porn industry, would receive an NC-17 rating from the MPA in 1998. It should come as even less of a surprise that the rating was handed down due to the sexual content and dialogue featured throughout.

Rent or buy Orgazmo on Amazon.
Buy Orgazmo on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Bent (1997) - Clive Owen, Ian McKellen

After being discovered and arrested by the Gestapo in Nazi Germany, Max – a proud gay man played by Clive Owen – is sent on a perilous journey to the Dachau concentration camp where he is subjected to indescribable horrors while still being able to find love.

Possibly one of the most harrowing movies about the Holocaust, Sean Mathias’ 1997 drama Bent is absolutely heartbreaking and disturbing with its graphic displays of violence. Upon its release, the movie received an NC-17 rating from the MPA due to its graphic sexual nature.

Stream Bent on Peacock.
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Rent or buy Bent on Amazon.
Buy Bent on Blu-ray Amazon.

(Image credit: Sony Pictures Classics)

Matador (1986) - Antonio Banderas

In one of his most disturbing roles, Antonio Banderas plays Angel, a young student who confesses to an attempted rape and a series of murders he may or may not have committed, in Pedro Almodóvar’s 1986 dark comedy, Matador.

Just like some of the other movies featuring the director and actor, Matador pushed the limits with its dark, twisted, and oddly humorous story. Still, the MPA would later give the film an NC-17 rating in 2005 (nearly 20 years after initial release) due to “aberrant sexuality” and violence.

Rent or buy Matador on Amazon.
Buy Matador on DVD on Amazon.

(Image credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures)

The Dreamers (2003) - Eva Green, Michael Pitt

In the midst of the 1968 Student Riots in Paris, an American student named Matthew (played by Michael Pitt) finds himself getting caught up in the lives of formerly conjoined twins – Louis Garrel as Théo and Eva Green as Isabelle – whose relationship is far from normal. When asked to spend a month with the siblings, Matthew falls deeper into their wild and free-flowing lifestyle.

Bernardo Bertolucci’s 2003 erotic drama, The Dreamers, pushes several boundaries and deviates from societal norms to tell a story about young love in the midst of a chaotic time. With the extreme sexual content and nudity, it’s no surprise the MPA gave the movie an NC-17 rating upon release.

Buy The Dreamers on DVD on Amazon.

(Image credit: Fine Line Features)

A Dirty Shame (2004) - Selma Blair, Johnny Knoxville

A John Waters movie receiving an NC-17 rating? You don’t say! The filthy filmmaker’s 2004 comedy, A Dirty Shame, follows Tracey Ullman as Sylvia Stickles– a puritanical resident of the Hatford Road area of Baltimore who experiences a sexual awakening after being hit by a car.

Selma Blair, Johnny Knoxville, and Chris Isaak also star in A Dirty Shame, which (no shocker here) was given the NC-17 rating by the MPA due to its pervasive sexual content. And if you’ve seen the movie, you are all too aware of just how pervasive and graphic it is.

Rent or buy A Dirty Shame on Amazon.
Buy A Dirty Shame on DVD on Amazon.

(Image credit: New Line Cinema)

Pink Flamingos (1972) - Divine

When Connie (Mink Stole) and Raymond Marble (David Lochary) attempt to steal Babs Johnson’s (Divine) title of “the filthiest person alive,” the down and dirty criminal and her family make it their mission in life to prevent the newcomers from accomplishing their mission by any means necessary.

With scenes featuring incest, people eating dog poop, flashers, and an infamously notorious scene involving a chicken, it shouldn’t shock anyone that John Waters’ classic exploitation comedy film, Pink Flamingos, was given an NC-17 rating by the MPA upon re-release in 1997, 25 years after it first shocked audiences around the world. Maybe that’s why Roger Ebert hated the movie.

Buy Pink Flamingos on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: New Line Cinema)

The Evil Dead (1981) - Bruce Campbell

Bruce Campbell stars in the film that kickstarted the Evil Dead franchise as Ash Williams who – along with his girlfriend and a small group of friends – set off for a night away in an isolated cabin. However, the night quickly takes a turn for the worst after they discover the Necronomicon – a powerful book that awakens possessive, malevolent spirits.

Sam Raimi’s classic horror film, The Evil Dead, was initially released with an X rating back in 1981 on account of its substantial graphic violence and gore. It was later given an NC-17 by the MPA when the movie was re-released back in 1994.

Rent or buy The Evil Dead on Amazon.
Buy The Evil Dead on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: Kino Lorber)

BONUS: Elles (2011) - Juliette Binoche

The title of Elles refers to the French magazine, Elle, for which Juliette Binoche’s character is researching an article about an underground sex worker ring orchestrated by female college students in Paris. However, the closer she gets to the facts behind the story, the more she begins to question her own personal interests. Graphic sexual content that goes as far as urinary fetishes initially earned this drama from Polish filmmaker Malgoska Szumowska an NC-17 rating.

Buy Elles on Blu-ray on Amazon.

(Image credit: Good Machine)

BONUS: Happiness (1998) - Philip Seymour Hoffman

The late Philip Seymour Hoffman plays one of several interconnected people all searching desperately for the most coveted emotion there is: happiness. Of course, their chosen ways of acquiring it are exactly the kind of reasons this Golden Globe nominee was initially given an NC-17 rating.

Also starring the likes of Trick ‘r Treat’s Dylan Baker, Twin Peaks cast member Lara Flynn Boyle, and SNL’s Jon Lovitz, Happiness is one of the darkest comedies of its time. However, that does not mean so much when you learn it comes from writer and director Todd Solondz.

Buy Happiness on DVD on Amazon.

Elles and Happiness are some of a few notable examples of films that surrendered their NC-17 ratings upon release and are now deemed “unrated,” such as the aforementioned Kids. However, they are just as challenging and provocative as any of the films listed above, which is why we’ll still count them as NC-17 in our book.

Regé-Jean Page’s James Bond Competition Includes A Declining Tom Hardy, A Rising Michael Fassbender And Another Surprise Bridgerton Alum

Mike Reyes — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 22:22:37 +0000

Competition surrounding the new face of the James Bond movies continues to heat up. Unsurprisingly, Regé-Jean Page is still the top of the heap in this game of spies, but the rest of the field’s latest developments have provided some surprising updates. As Tom Hardy continues to fall in the odds, Michael Fassbender has had a surprise surge. Not to mention that a surprising candidate from Netflix’s Bridgerton series is now being whispered about.

Tom Hardy Falls, While Michael Fassbender Rises

The latest data from US-Bookies has a lot of surprises in store for those of you keeping up with the 007 race. As Tom Hardy had already suffered a setback in the 007 odds, his chances continue to descend through Michael Fassbender’s tiebreaking rise. Here are the current James Bond betting odds, with the percentage of probability laid out next to each competitor.

Regé-Jean Page - 15/8 (34.78%)
Henry Cavill - 4/1 (20%)
Aidan Turner - 6/1 (14.29%)
Michael Fassbender - 8/1 (11.11%)
Tom Hardy - 10/1 (9.09%)
Idris Elba - 12/1 (7.69%)
James Norton/Cillian Murphy - 14/1 (6.67%)
Richard Madden - 18/1 (5.26%)
Tom Hopper - 25/1 (3.85%)

In other news, Poldark’s Aidan Turner continues to hold onto his recent third place finish rather tightly, maintaining his 6/1 standing. The same can be said for periodic favorite Henry Cavill, who, after maintaining a recent, but brief stint in the lead, now sits unchanged at 4/1 odds. If there’s any sort of surprise to be had, it’s due to a rumor that’s surfaced outside of the usual suspects in the betting pool. The latest name to be thrown into the wind is none other than Bailey, Jonathan Bailey.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Is Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey Really Been Considered For James Bond?

Known as Anthony Bridgerton, the latest member of Bridgerton’s titular family to engage in a season-long quest for a spouse, Jonathan Bailey has steamed up a fair amount of Netflix queues as of late. With Season 2 freshly debuted and audiences still talking about what’s come to pass, Bailey has become a pretty hot topic of discussion.

According to a report from Small Screen, that site in particular has been given information that suggests things surrounding the actor are about to get hotter. Jonathan Bailey is apparently in consideration, along with an unnamed list of other candidates, for the honors to become the next James Bond. Were he to land the role, Bailey would become the first gay actor to land the role of 007.

Just as you think the competition to become Commander Bond’s next on-screen face was starting to form up around a predictable crop of competitors, along comes Jonathan Bailey to shake things up. If this is true, one would have to wonder what sort of offer Netflix will make to try and keep him on Bridgerton, and how it would rival how much Regé-Jean Page allegedly turned down to reappear.

Watch this space James Bond fans, as whatever comes next is bound to be an interesting new chapter in the race to become 007. For those of you looking for a movie or two to distract you from the uncertainty of Bond’s future, head to our rundown of upcoming movies and see what’s being offered. Should you want to see Jonathan Bailey’s role in Bridgerton, in the name of evaluating how he would suit the role of James Bond, both seasons are currently available to stream on Netflix.

Batman: 8 Actors We'd Love To See Play Mr. Freeze In Matt Reeves' Series

Jason Wiese — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 19:04:26 +0000

Considering how Christopher Nolan’s goal with his live-action Batman movies was to bring Batman into the real world, it was always safe to assume we would never see Mr. Freeze face off against Christian Bale. However, as Matt Reeves’ approach appears to be making Batman’s world real, it does not seem like too much of a stretch that we could see the chilling foe face off against Robert Pattinson.

The director of The Batman has even said that he sees potential for the tragic villain - whose real name is Dr. Victor Fries - to have a place in his grounded, new vision for the Dark Knight. If Mr. Freeze’s return to the big screen for the first time since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s very campy and punny portrayal in Batman & Robin is destined to happen under Matt Reeves’ watch, I have a few idea of who might be a perfect choice to bring the role to life, staring with someone well-versed in playing tragic figures already.

(Image credit: AMC)

Bryan Cranston

Like many of the best faces in Batman’s rogues gallery, Mr. Freeze is a villain by circumstance - driven to crime in order to find a cure for his ailing wife, whom he has put under cryogenic slumber with the same chemicals that accidentally turn him, literally, cold-blooded. Another iconic example of a character whose desperate commitment to his family led him down a path of destruction is Walter White, played brilliantly in the Breaking Bad cast by four-time Emmy winner Bryan Cranston - who might also be good as a Marvel villain some day. If there is one person best equipped to portray Freeze’s tragic evolution, it has to be him.

(Image credit: AMC)

Giancarlo Esposito

Bryan Cranston is not the only former Breaking Bad cast member to cross my mind when considering who could be the next Mr. Freeze. Ever since Giancarlo Esposito played drug lord Gus Fring on the hit drama and later on its prequel spin-off, Better Call Saul, he has become a reliable go-to for playing TV bad guys, from Moff Gideon on The Mandalorian to Vought CEO Stan Edgar on The Boys. I think it’s time his knack for portraying villainy gets the big screen treatment, and his potentially frightening Freeze he would be the perfect entry point.

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Mads Mikkelsen

An actor known for frightening audiences on both the small screen (such as in the Hannibal cast in the title role) and the big screen (including as Kaecilius in Doctor Strange or the new Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) is Mads Mikkelsen. However, in his lighter roles - like in the Oscar-winning dramedy Another Round - the Danish actor has shown he can effortlessly tap into an audience’s fuzzier side and earn its sympathy. Channeling both sides of his acting range would be key to pulling off Mr. Freeze, making him an excellent choice.

(Image credit: Danjaq, LLC and MGM.)

Christoph Waltz

We have also seen Christoph Waltz play both honorable and unscrupulous characters, and to Academy Award-winning glory (each time in a Quentin Tarantino movie, too). However, between the charming bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz in Django Unchained and the dastardly Col. Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds, I think the latter remains his defining role and Tarantino’s favorite of the characters he has written. I think it also provides a glimpse at what a more cunning and calculating Mr. Freeze could look like, and that is an interpretation I would kill to see.

(Image credit: HBO)

Ben Mendelsohn

You may remember all of Ben Mendelsohn’s great, antagonistic performances in Star Wars: Rogue One or Captain Marvel (which turned out to be a misdirect, of course) or his Emmy-winning role on Netflix’s Bloodline. What you might not remember is that he also played a bad guy in The Dark Knight Rises - namely a construction company owner who attempted to assume control of Wayne Enterprises with the help of Bane (Tom Hardy). I think it would be fun to see the Aussie return to Gotham City as a more prominent villain, and with his penchant for playing blood-curdling bad guys, nailing Mr. Freeze, for him, would be a breeze.

(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Benicio Del Toro

Another veteran of both the Star Wars movies (as DJ) and the Marvel movies (as The Collector) is Benicio Del Toro, who brought a distinct eccentricity to each of his standout roles in those respective franchises. Eccentricity is not a word often associated with Mr. Freeze, who has typically been portrayed as over-the-top silly (such as on the 1960s Batman TV series) or stone cold serious (most famously in some of the best Batman: The Animated Series episodes as voiced by Michael Ansara). I am curious to see an iteration that finds that sweet spot in the middle and the Academy Award winner might be able to make that work really well in Matt Reeves’ Batman universe.

(Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Michael Fassbender

Another actor you may remember from the Marvel movies (just not of the MCU continuity), but may have forgotten was also in a DC adaptation, is Michael Fassbender. The German-born, English-raised actor’s villainous roles from each are entirely different, with the X-Men movies’ Magneto being very sophisticated and driven by a morally questionable sense of righteousness, and Burke from the 2010’s misbegotten western Jonah Hex being a sadistic freak. The former of those character traits is already essential when portraying Mr. Freeze, while the latter could be an interesting one for the Academy Award nominee to also experiment with for a new interpretation.

(Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Mark Strong

I will admit that this choice is almost a little too easy since Mark Strong already has extensive experience with comic book movie roles. In fact, two of them are notable DC villains - namely Sinestro (before going bad, that is) in 2011’s Green Lantern and Dr. Sivana in Shazam! from 2019. However, that and his physical appearance alone (I mean, does he not look exactly like Mr. Freeze from Batman: The Animated Series brought to life?) are enough for me to consider him as a fantastic choice for the role.

The mere idea of any of these tour de force actors cast as Mr. Freeze makes me even more excited and hopeful for his big screen return. If he is destined to be one of the potential villains in the sequel to The Batman, I cannot wait to see what ideas Matt Reeves has in mind.

Band Of Brothers: What The Cast Of The HBO Military Drama Is Up To Now

Philip Sledge — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 00:04:59 +0000

In September 2001, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg introduced HBO subscribers to the landmark television event that was Band of Brothers. Over the course of 10 episodes, the limited series told the story of Easy Company from its days in basic training all the way through the end of World War II in August 1945. Much more than a dramatization of the biggest moments in the European Theater of the Second World War, the highly-emotional and character-driven story of boys becoming men and men becoming brothers introduced the world to dozens of memorable characters. And in honor of the show’s 20th anniversary, we’ve gone through the Band of Brothers cast and checked up on what they’ve been up to all these years later. From leading actors like Damian Lewis and Donnie Wahlberg to then-up-and-comers like Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender, there’s a lot to unpack here…

(Image credit: HBO)

Damian Lewis (Richard D. Winters)

Damian Lewis already had a respectable career by the time he signed on as one of the main characters on Band of Brothers in 2001, but his performance as Richard D. Winters, the leader of Easy Company quickly made him one of the most promising stars in film and television. At the start of the next decade, Lewis took on perhaps his most notable role with his portrayal of Nicholas Brody on the Showtime series Homeland, which earned the actor a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award. Lewis currently portrays the ambitious and cutthroat billionaire Bobby Axelrod on the Showtime series Billions.

(Image credit: HBO)

Ron Livingston (Lewis Nixon)

Ron Livingston, who was hot off the 1999 release of Office Space, played Lewis Nixon, Major Winters’ best friend and closest confidant on Band of Brothers. Since the release of the groundbreaking HBO limited series, Livingston has found work in both film and television, including prominent roles in everything from The Conjuring to Sex and the City (along with so many other actors). Livingston currently leads the Amazon comedy series Loudermilk and has a recurring role on the ABC drama series A Million Little Things. He will take on the role of Henry Allen, the father of the titular hero in 2022’s The Flash.

(Image credit: HBO)

Donnie Wahlberg (Carwood Lipton)

New Kid on the Block Donnie Wahlberg takes on the role of Carwood Lipton, one of the high ranking members of Easy Company on Band of Brothers. One of the most prolific singers-turned-actors in the television world, Wahlberg has leading roles on everything from crime dramas like Blue Bloods to reality shows such as Wahlburgers and Rock This Boat: New Kids on the Block. In 2021 he also appeared on the hit Fox competition series The Masked Singer.

(Image credit: HBO)

Neal McDonough (Lynn "Buck" Compton)

Neal McDonough played Lynn “Buck” Compton on Band of Brothers. In 20 years since portraying one of Easy Company’s most memorable figures, McDonough has shown up in everything from Captain America: The First Avenger to Sonic the Hedgehog and Walking Tall to Legends of Tomorrow and so much in between. McDonough is set to appear in Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City and American Horror Story: Double Feature. He also reprised his Captain America character Timothy “Dum Dum” Dugan on the Disney+ series What If…? in 2021.

(Image credit: HBO)

Matthew Settle (Ronald Speirs)

Matthew Settle played the controversial Ronald Speirs, the Army officer who allegedly gunned down six German prisoners of war, on Band of Brothers. Following his turn on the HBO WWII limited series, Settle appeared in several of the most talked about shows of the early 2000s including The Practice, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and the original Gossip Girl, in which he played Rufus Humphrey. Settle has not made any movie or TV appearances since an episode of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2016.

(Image credit: HBO)

Scott Grimes (Donald Malarkey)

Scott Grimes portrayed technical sergeant Donald Malarkey, whose accounts of the war helped add historical context to Band of the Brothers and the book on which it was based. An already established television star (Party of Five, The Twilight Zone) by the time he joined the cast of the HBO limited series, Grimes has since gone on to have major roles on ER, American Dad (voice of Steve Smith), and The Orville.

(Image credit: HBO)

Shane Taylor (Eugene "Doc" Roe)

Shane Taylor took on the role of Eugene “Doc” Roe, the Easy Company medic, on Band of Brothers. Following his turn on the hit series, Taylor made appearances in movies like the 2006 drama Bomber and the 2018 Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman military action thriller Hunter Killer. He also was on the History Channel limited series Sons of Liberty in 2016.

(Image credit: HBO)

Michael Cudlitz (Denver "Bull" Randleman)

Michael Cudlitz shows up in Band of Brothers as Denver “Bull” Randleman, the superior officer of “The Replacements.” Following the successful series, Cudlitz appeared on hit shows like 24, Prison Break, and Lost throughout the early 2000s and eventually landed a major role on The Walking Dead as Abraham Ford for a number of years. He currently plays Paul Krendler on CBS’ Clarice.

(Image credit: HBO)

Dexter Fletcher (John W. Martin)

Actor/director Dexter Fletcher portrayed John W. Martin on Band of Brothers. Over the years, Fletcher has appeared in movies like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, The Patriot, and Muppets Most Wanted. In recent years, Fletcher has turned to directing feature-length films including Eddie the Eagle, Bohemian Rhapsody (he replaced Bryan Singer near the end of production), and Rocketman.

(Image credit: HBO)

Frank John Hughes (William "Wild Bill" Guarnere)

William “Wild Bill” Guarnere, the loud yet loyal staff sergeant on Band of Brothers, was portrayed by Frank John Hughes. In the years following the release of the HBO limited series, Hughes appeared in movies like Catch Me If You Can but mostly stuck to television, including roles on 24, NCIS, The Sopranos, and LAX. Hughes is set to portray Frank Sinatra in the upcoming Paramount+ series The Offer about the production of The Godfather.

(Image credit: HBO)

Kirk Acevedo (Joe Toye)

Kirk Acevedo was already one of the best HBO actors (Miguel Alvarez on Oz) by the time he joined the Band of Brothers cast as Joe Toye in 2001. Since then, Acevedo has continued to show up in one television show after another including Fringe, Blue Bloods, and most recently Arrow where he played Ricardo Diaz, aka The Dragon. Acevedo will next appear on the Paramount+ streaming series The Offer.

(Image credit: HBO)

Colin Hanks (Henry Jones)

Colin Hanks shows up on Band of Brothers as Henry Jones, who goes straight from West Point to the European Theater of the war. Since then, the son of Tom Hanks has had memorable roles in movies like Orange County, W., Elvis and Nixon, and the two most recent Jumanji movies. Hanks’ television work includes Fargo, Drunk History, and most recently Impeachment: American Crime Story.

(Image credit: HBO)

Michael Fassbender (Burton Christenson)

Years before he became a star with movies like Hunger, Inglourious Basterds, and the X-Men franchise, Michael Fassbender got his start with a minor role on Band of Brothers as Burton Christenson. Since then, Fassbender has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood with movies like Macbeth, Steve Jobs, and 12 Years a Slave. Fassbender is next set to appear in Kung Fury 2 and the upcoming Taika Waititi sports dramedy Next Goal Wins.

(Image credit: HBO)

Andrew Scott (John "Cowboy" Hall)

Andrew Scott has a minor role on Band of Brothers as John “Cowboy” Hall, the mortar tech who was killed by a landmine. In the years following the HBO limited series, Scott has given memorable performances on shows like John Adams and Black Mirror, with his most recognizable being those of James Moriarty on Sherlock and The Priest on Fleabag Season 2. Scott is set to play Tom Ripley in the upcoming limited series Ripley.

(Image credit: HBO)

James Madio (Frank Perconte)

James Madio took on the role of Frank Perconte, one of the core members of Easy Company, on Band of Brothers. Over the course of the past two decades, Madio has shown up in movies like Kick-Ass, Jersey Boys, and Bottom of the 9th, as well as television programs such as CSI:Miami, Cold Case, and Blue Bloods. And like numerous other members of the Band of Brothers cast, Madio will soon appear on The Offer.

(Image credit: HBO)

Ross McCall (Joseph Liebgott)

Ross McCall took on the role of Joseph Liebgott, one of Easy Company’s paratroopers, on Band of Brothers. In the years following the release of the HBO limited series, McCall had runs on 24: Live Another Day, White Collar, and Crash, with smaller roles on everything from Fear the Walking Dead to CSI: NY. McCall will soon appear on the Apple TV+ original drama series Suspicion.

(Image credit: HBO)

Rick Gomez (George Luz)

Rick Gomez stepped in to portray radio tech George Luz on Band of Brothers. Since then, Gomez has had a mixture of live action voice acting roles in various films and television projects including Justified, Burn Notice, Ray, and Sin City. Gomez most recently appeared in the unaired pilot of the attempted NYPD Blue reboot in 2019.

(Image credit: HBO)

David Schwimmer (Herbert Sobel)

David Schwimmer was still in the height of his Friends fame when he joined the Band of Brothers cast as Captain Herbert Sobel, the man who ran a tight ship during basic training. In the years following the conclusion of both shows, Schwimmer provided voice work for the Madagascar movies, and made appearances on shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Web Therapy, and Will and Grace. In 2021, Schwimmer and the rest of the Friends cast got back together for the long-awaited reunion special on HBO Max. He is currently one of the leads on the spy comedy series Intelligence alongside Ted Lasso’s Nick Mohammed.

(Image credit: HBO)

Tom Hardy (John Janovec)

Tom Hardy, who would go on to appear in movies like The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, and The Revenant, got his start on Band of Brothers when he took on the minor role of John Janovec. In the years since his 2001 debut (the same year he made his theatrical debut with Black Hawk Down), Hardy has gone on to lead shows like Peaky Blinders and movies like Mad Max: Fury Road. Hardy most recently appeared in the 2021 Marvel Comics movie Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

(Image credit: HBO)

James McAvoy (Pvt. James Miller)

James McAvoy already had a few performances under his belt by the time he was cast as James Miller on Band of Brothers, but nothing compared to the success that would follow in the years following. Since then, McAvoy has led the X-Men franchise as a young Charles Xavier, terrified in Split and Glass, and captivated audiences in the likes of Atonement and Filth. He most recently appeared in the mystery thriller My Son.

Despite being quite a list, this barely scratches the surface of the Band of Brothers cast and didn’t even talk about Jimmy Fallon, Simon Pegg, Stephen Graham, and the many others who popped up at one point or another in the 2001 HBO epic. If you want to get all the information on what HBO will be bringing audiences the next few months, check out our schedule of 2021 fall TV premiere dates.

Inglourious Basterds Cast: What The Quentin Tarantino Movie Stars Are Doing Now

Jason Wiese — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:04:00 +0000

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I remember when Brad Pitt was easily the biggest name in the Inglourious Basterds cast (despite not actually being the main character) when it first came out in 2009. Arguably, he still is, but after Christoph Waltz earned his first Oscar, Diane Kruger became a household name, and Michael Fassbender and others started doing superhero movies, Quentin Tarantino’s World War II epic (very, very loosely inspired by the 1978 B-grade period piece The Inglorious Bastards) soon became a star-studded modern classic. Those stars have had a lot of notable movies, TV shows, and more on their plates since changing history with a loud bang, so, let’s see what they are up to these days, starting with our American hero.

Brad Pitt (Lt. Aldo “The Apache” Raine)

Technically, this superstar first collaborated with his Inglourious Basterds director for 1992’s Quentin Tarantino-penned, Tony Scott-directed True Romance before playing Lt. Aldo Raine (one of Brad Pitt’s most badass characters), and his Oscar-winning Once Upon a Time in Hollywood role as Cliff Booth.

He later starred in more grounded World War II-era dramas (2014’s Fury and Allied in 2016), sort of followed X-Men movies star Michael Fassbender’s footsteps by making one of the funniest superhero movie cameos as Vanisher, and even became The Jim Jefferies Show’s Weatherman on Comedy Central. Pitt is reuniting with Deadpool 2 director David Leitch for 2022’s Bullet Train (also starring his Lost City of D co-star Sandra Bullock), is teaming up with Damien Chazelle for the first time with Babylon, and has many upcoming producer credits, such as an adaptation of the horror graphic novel, Black Hole.

Mélanie Laurent (Shosanna Dreyfus)

I believe Inglourious Basterds’ true hero is Shosanna, played by Mélanie Laurent - who was previously known best for having Pierre Laurent, voice actor for the French-language version of The Simpsons, as a father. Playing the resilient Jewish refugee led to roles in more American films, such as the Academy Award-winning Beginners in 2010, the 2013 magic show/heist thriller combo Now You See Me, Denis Villeneuve’s Enemy the same year, a true Nazi-hunting story called Operation Finale, and two Netflix movies - including 6 Underground with Ryan Reynolds and Oxygen in 2021.

Laurent still stars in and even helms French-language films to this day, including The Mad Women’s Ball (premiering exclusively on Amazon Prime September 17, 2021), but also a new English-language directorial feature in the works, called The Nightingale, starring sisters Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning.

Up next: 2021 Netflix Movie Release Dates: The Full Schedule Of New Movies Premiering This Year

Christoph Waltz (Col. Hans “The Jew Hunter” Landa)

Other than Hitler, of course, the biggest thorn in Aldo and Shosanna’s sides is Col. Hans Landa - played to Academy Award-winning perfection by Austrian-born Christoph Waltz, who also worked almost exclusively in Europe before Inglourious Basterds. Quentin Tarantino directed him in a second (and more heroic) Oscar-winning performance from 2012’s Django Unchained, before Waltz revisited his villainous talent in comedies like Horrible Bosses 2 or even series like Quibi’s Most Dangerous Game, to name a few, in addition to another kindly mentor role in Alita: Battle Angel from 2019.

Next, Waltz is starring in Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, reprising his Bond villain role in No Time to Die, playing Mikhail Gorbachev opposite Michael Douglas’ Ronald Regan in a miniseries about their 1986 meeting, and is voicing a fox for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, most notably.

Diane Kruger (Bridget Von Hammersmark)

Secretly working against Landa and the Third Reich is German actress Bridget von Hammersmark - played by German actress Diane Kruger, who actually broke into American cinema pretty early before landing starring roles in films like Troy (opposite Inglourious Basterds' Brad Pitt) and the National Treasure movies with Nicolas Cage. She would then go back and forth between playing more heroes (such as a Texas detective on FX’s The Bridge), more antagonists (like in the 2013 Stephenie Meyer movie The Host), and another World War II-inspired femme fatale in Robert Zemeckis’ Welcome to Marwen from 2018.

Netflix’s The 355 was originally set to be next of Kruger’s 2021 movies before it was postponed to the 2022 movies schedule and, unless Quibi’s serialized Swimming with Sharks remake does not find a new home soon, you will likely see her next in the romantic drama, First Love.

Eli Roth (Sgt. Donny “The Bear Jew” Donowitz)

While better known for directing and cameoing in horror movies, Eli Roth was appointed by friend and collaborator Quentin Tarantino (who helped produced the Hostel movies) to star in Inglourious Basterds as Sgt. Donny Donowitz and direct Nation’s Pride - the film-within-a-film where its premiere is the setting of the explosive third act. The director has since branched out slightly beyond his typical gore fests to dabble in the action genre (his 2018 Death Wish remake with Bruce Willis), and even family films (The House with a Clock in its Walls) and documentaries (Fin - his upcoming investigation of shark deaths). Speaking of, his AMC docuseries History of Horror has been renewed for a third season you can expect in 2021, and his adaptation of the popular video game Borderlands is expected to hit theaters the following year.

Michael Fassbender (Lt. Archie Hicox)

Appearing as British Army officer and Basterds ally Lt. Archie Hicox for less than 20 minutes in Inglourious Basterds was enough to pave the way for Michael Fassbender to become one of the most acclaimed and busiest actors of his time. Soon after, he would be cast in the Marvel movies (not the MCU, however) as Magneto, earn two Oscar nominations (for the Brad Pitt-produced 12 Years a Slave, and the Aaron Sorkin-penned Steve Jobs), tried his hand at video game movies with Assassin’s Creed, and joined the Alien movies franchise as two different android characters.

Fassbender will next star in Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins, appear in a feature-length sequel to the hit Kung Fury short, work with director David Fincher on The Killer, and rumors suggest Mel Gibson’s The Wild Bunch remake may be his latest western.

Daniel Brühl (Fredrick Zoller)

Playing Nazi turned film star Fredrick Zoller in Inglourious Basterds also proved to be a star-making turn for Daniel Brühl, whose biggest role in the American mainstream had been a small part in The Bourne Ultimatum in 2007. His next antagonistic role in a period piece was Formula One racer Niki Lauda (opposite Chris Hemsworth) in Rush before later playing a respectable 19th-Century psychiatrist on the TNT series The Alienist, for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination.

Brühl recently played Baron Zemo a second time in Disney+’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier cast, will star in a different sort of comic book flick with Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman: The Secret Service prequel The King’s Man, and is re-enlisting into the German Army for the First World War with a new adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque.

Til Schweiger (Sgt. Hugo Stiglitz)

While a fair share of American audiences might not have known Til Schweiger before Inglourious Basterds burned the name Hugo Stiglitz into their brains, he has been acting in English-language releases since the late 1990s, including 2003’s Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life opposite Angelina Jolie, and the raunchy Rob Schneider comedy Deuce Bigalow: European Gigalo in 2005.

Despite his subsequent fame from films like 2011’s The Three Musketeers or Muppets Most Wanted in 2014 (both also starring Christoph Waltz), the German actor and filmmaker’s most recent American film appearance was in Atomic Blonde from 2018. However, he is still working steadily in front of and behind the camera and will soon appear alongside the likes of Ben Foster and Michael Caine in Medieval - a retelling of Jan Ziska’s defeat of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th Century.

B.J. Novak (Smithson "The Little Man" Utivich)

Also known for his work in front of and behind the camera is B.J. Novak, who was best known as a writer, director, and star of The Office cast before playing the unfortunately nicknamed Smithson Utivich in Inglourious Basterds. He would later follow-up his tenure as Ryan Howard by trying his hand at comic book movies (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), biopics directed by John Lee Hancock (Disney’s Saving Mister Banks in 2013 and 2016’s The Founder), and other TV shows like HBO’s The Newsroom or The Mindy Project, which his friend Mindy Kaling created and starred on.

Novak created an anthology series called The Premise (formerly known as Platform) that is premiering to FX in September 2021 and is working on his feature-length debut as a writer and director with the horror film Vengeance, which is currently set for a 2021 release as well.

Mike Myers (Gen. Ed Fenech)

Another Inglourious Basterds star who broke out on a popular comedy series is Saturday Night Live cast veteran Mike Myers, who became one of the most famous comedians in the world thanks to characters like Wayne from Wayne’s World as well as lending his voice to the Shrek movies as the titular Ogre. Thus, it was quite surprising for the almost completely unrecognizable Canadian to make a cameo in a Quentin Tarantino movie until going undercover become more of his thing, such when he hosted the Gong Show reboot as Tommy Maitland or appeared in Bohemian Rhapsody as a fictional record producer. Myers is currently working on Oscar-nominated Silver Linings Playbook director David O. Russell’s next film and developing a Netflix original comedy series reportedly called The Pentaverate, but whether or not we should expect Austin Powers 4 remains to be determined.

Few filmmakers know how to put a movie cast together as well as Quentin Tarantino. In terms of using each actor appropriately and to the best of their talents, and propelling a few members into extremely successful careers, the Inglourious Basterds cast just may be his masterpiece.

Up next: Fight Club Cast: What The Actors Are Doing Now, Including Brad Pitt And Edward Norton

What The X-Men: First Class Cast Is Doing Now, Including Jennifer Lawrence

Will Ashton — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 20:04:00 +0000

Nearly a whole decade ago, Fox unveiled X-Men: First Class, which followed the early adventures of the mutant-based superhero team. Featuring the rising talents of James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, and Zoe Kravitz as our title-bearing X-Men, the early years of the Marvel property served as a great profile builder for its soon-to-be high profile cast, while also providing prominent supporting roles for Rose Byrne, Kevin Bacon, and January Jones. In the years following its release, the young ensemble has worked on several noteworthy projects, particularly following Lawrence's Oscar win. But what is the X-Men: First Class cast doing now? Let's find out!

James McAvoy (Charles Xavier/Professor X)

As Charles Xavier, i.e. Professor X, a telepathic mutant who becomes the founder of the X-Men, James McAvoy took on the lead role in Fox's superhero prequel blockbuster, X-Men: First Class. Most notably, McAvoy is known for his Golden Globe-nominated performance in Atonement. He's also recognized from Wanted, The Last King of Scotland, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Filth, Trance, Atomic Blonde, Split, and Glass. Additionally, McAvoy played Professor X in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, and Deadpool 2.

James McAvoy's other film credits include Penelope, Becoming Jane, The Last Station, Wimbledon, Swimming Pool, Starter for 10, and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby. Additionally, McAvoy starred in IT: Chapter Two. He's also heard in Gnomeo & Juliet, Sherlock Gnomes, and Arthur Christmas. Recently, McAvoy appeared in HBO's His Dark Materials. Next, the actor will be heard in the video game, Twelve Minutes. He'll also star in My Son and narrate The Bridge.

Michael Fassbender (Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto)

In the role of Erik Lehnsherr, i.e. Magneto, a mutant who can manipulate and generate electromagnetic fields and befriends Xavier before they become fierce enemies, Michael Fassbender played a formidable ally-turned-antagonist in Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class. Away from this film franchise, Fassbender was Oscar-nominated for Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave and his titular turn in Steve Jobs. He also starred in Hunger, Shame, The Counselor, Macbeth (2015), Assassin's Creed, Jane Eyre, A Dangerous Method, Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, Frank, Slow West, The Snowman, and Centurion. Additionally, the actor appeared in supporting roles in 300, Fish Tank, Inglorious Basterds, Jonah Hex, and Haywire. Also, Fassbender played Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix.

Next, Michael Fassbender stars in Kung Fury 2 and Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins. It was also recently announced that Fassbender will star in David Fincher's The Killer.

Jennifer Lawrence (Raven Darkholme/Mystique)

Playing the part of Raven Darkholme, a shape-shifting mutant who joins Erik's Brotherhood of Mutants, Jennifer Lawrence took on a chameleon of a character in X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Lawrence is an Oscar-winning actress for her leading role in David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook. She's also the star of The Hunger Games franchise. Her other notable film credits include Winter's Bone, American Hustle, and Joy, all for which she received Oscar nominations, as well as mother!, Serena, The Beaver, Like Crazy, and Passengers. She also reprised her role as Mystique in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Apocalypse. On TV, additionally, Lawrence starred in The Bill Engvall Show. The actress was also seen in Monk, Medium, and Cold Case.

Most recently, Jennifer Lawrence starred in Red Sparrow and Dark Phoenix. Following a brief acting break, Lawrence will next be seen in Adam McKay's Don't Look Up. She'll also star in Red, White, and Water, which she also produced. Additionally, the actress is attached to Mob Girl, which she'll produce as well.

January Jones (Emma Frost)

As Emma Frost, a mutant telepath who can change her body into a hard diamond, January Jones played a prominent supporting player in X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Jones is known for her Emmy-nominated performance in AMC's Mad Men. She also starred in Fox's The Last Man on Earth. Her other television credits include The Politician, Law & Order, Huff, and Get Real.

In film, meanwhile, January Jones appeared in Unknown, Seeking Justice, Sweetwater, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, American Wedding, Full Frontal, Bandits, Love Actually, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, We Are Marshall, Good Kill, The Glass House, Anger Management, Pirate Radio, and Taboo. Prior to acting, Jones worked as a professional model. Most recently, she was seen in Netflix's short-lived Spinning Out.

Nicholas Hoult (Hank McCoy/Beast)

In the role of Hank McCoy, a genius scientist whose mutant abilities turn him into a blue, hulking beast, Nicholas Hoult played a volatile character in X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Hoult is known for his breakthrough role in About a Boy. He also starred in Mad Max: Fury Road, A Single Man, Warm Bodies, Jack the Giant Slayer, The Favourite, Tolkien, Clash of the Titans, and Kill Your Friends. Additionally, Hoult played Beast in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix. Additionally, on TV, he had a main role in Skins and he was heard in Watership Down.

Most recently, Nicholas Hoult starred in Hulu's The Great. He was also heard in Hulu's Crossing Swords, where the actor served as a consulting producer. Additionally, Hoult was seen in True History of the Kelly Gang and The Banker. Next, he'll appear in Those Who Wish Me Dead.

Rose Byrne (Moira MacTaggert)

Playing the part of Moira MacTaggert, a CIA agent who befriends our lead mutants, Rose Bryne had a prominent supporting role in Fox's X-Men: First Class. She's best known for Bridesmaids, the Insidious films, the Neighbors movies, 28 Weeks Later, Star Wars: Episode II —Attack of the Clones, and Peter Rabbit. Byrne's other film credits include Marie Antoinette, Sunshine, Troy, Get Him to the Greek, The Place Beyond the Pines, Annie (2014), Spy, Juliet Naked, Instant Family, and The Internship. She can also be heard in Jexi and I Am Mother. Additionally, Byrne returned for X-Men: Apocalypse.

Also, on TV, Rose Bryne starred in FX's Damages. Furthermore, she appeared in Portlandia, Angie Tribeca, and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Most recently, Bryne was seen in Irresistible, Like a Boss, and FX's Mrs. America. Next, the actress stars in Peter Rabbit 2 and Seriously Red.

Kevin Bacon (Sebastian Shaw)

As Sebastian Shaw, also known as Dr. Klaus Schmidt, the leader of the Hellfire Club, Kevin Bacon plays our snarling villain in X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Bacon is known for Footloose, JFK, Apollo 13, Mystic River, Hollow Man, A Few Good Men, Animal House, Sleepers, Friday the 13th, Tremors, Wild Things, and Flatliners. His other film credits include The Woodsman, Diner, Crazy, Stupid, Love., Frost/Nixon, Black Mass, Stir of Echoes, Patriots Day, She's Having a Baby, The Big Picture, My Dog Skip, Death Sentence, Super, Beauty Shop, and Cop Car.

Additionally, on TV, Kevin Bacon starred in Fox's The Following. He also played a main role in Amazon Prime's I Love Dick, for which he was Golden Globe-nominated. Also, the actor appeared in Guiding Light, Frasier, and Will & Grace. Most recently, Bacon starred in You Should Have Left. Currently, he headlines Showtime's City on a Hill.

Caleb Landry Jones (Sean Cassidy/Banshee)

In the role of Sean Cassidy, i.e. Banshee, a mutant capable of emitting strong ultrasonic screams, sonic blasts, and sonic waves, Caleb Landry Jones played a loud personality in X-Men: First Class. Away from this superhero flick, Jones is best known for Get Out, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Last Exorcism. He also starred in Antiviral. His other notable film credits include No Country For Old Men, The Social Network, The Florida Project, American Made, The Dead Don't Die, and Superbad.

Additionally, on TV, Caleb Landry Jones appeared in Friday Night Lights, Breaking Bad, Victorious, and Twin Peaks' third season. Also, away from acting, Jones is a musician. Most recently, the actor was seen in The Outpost and Viena and the Fantomes. Next, Jones will star in BIOS, The Forgiven, and Nitram.

Zoe Kravitz (Angel Salvadore)

Playing the part of Angel Salvadore, a mutant who possesses acidic saliva, Zoe Kravitz provided a supporting turn in X-Men: First Class. She's also known for Mad Max: Fury Road, the Divergent series, Dope, Rough Night, and the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Additionally, Kravitz can be seen in The Brave One, Gemini, The Road Within, and Beware the Gonzo, as well as heard in The LEGO Batman Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. On TV, she starred in Big Little Lies and appeared in Californication.

Most recently, Zoe Kravitz starred in Hulu's High Fidelity, where she also worked as a writer and an executive producer. Additionally, the actress appeared in Viena and the Fantomes. Next, Kravitz plays Selina Kyle, i.e. Catwoman, in The Batman. Also, she'll star in Steven Soderbergh's KIMI.

Lucas Till (Alex Summers/Havok)

As Alex Summers, a mutant who can absorb energy, Lucas Till played an energetic guy in X-Men: First Class. He's also known for Hannah Montana: The Movie, The Spy Next Door, and Monster Trucks. Additionally, he reprised his role as Havok in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Apocalypse. His other notable film credits include Battle: Los Angeles, Stoker, Paranoia, Walk the Line, and All Superheroes Must Die, which he also produced.

Additionally, on television, Lucas Till can be seen in Medium, House, and Blue Mountain State. Also, Till is recognized for his appearance in Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" music video, as well as his cameo in Tony Oller's "Someone Like You" music video. Currently, he stars in CBS's MacGyver. Most recently, Till was seen in Son of the South.

Jason Flemyng (Azazel)

In the role of Azazel, a teleporting mutant, Jason Flemyng plays a transportive character in X-Men: First Class. The British actor is best known for Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. Flemyng also appeared in From Hell, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Rob Roy, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as Alive and Kicking, Seed of Chucky, The Death and Life of Bobby Z, Stardust, Mirrors, Kick-Ass, The Social Network, Hanna, and Military Wives. Additionally, his television credits include Jamestown, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, and Doctor Finlay.

Currently, Jason Flemyng appears in Epix's Pennyworth. Next, he'll be seen in Creation Stories, Ire, and Viy 3: Travel to India. Also, Flemyng is attached to The Knife Thrower.

Edi Gathegi (Armando Munoz/Darwin)

Playing Armando Munoz, a mutant with the ability of "reactive evolution," Edi Gathegi is an evolving part in X-Men: First Class. Away from this prequel, Gathegi is known for his recurring roles in Fox's House and NBC's The Blacklist. He also starred in The Blacklist: Redemption. His other TV credits include Into the Badlands, Justified, Veronica Mars, CSI: Miami, Life on Mars, and Nikita. In film, additionally, Gathegi appears in Gone Baby Gone, the Twilight series, Crank, My Bloody Valentine 3D, and Aloha.

Most recently, Edi Gathegi starred in Caged. He was also seen in The Last Thing He Wanted and USA Network's Briarpatch. Next, Gathegi appears in The Harder They Fall.

Oliver Platt (Man in Black Suit)

As Man in Black Suit, a CIA agent and head of Division X, Oliver Platt plays a secretive authoritative character in Fox's X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Platt is an Emmy-nominated actor for his performances in Nip/Tuck, The West Wing, and Huff, the latter for which he was also Golden Globe-nominated. His other notable TV credits include The Big C, Fargo, The Good Wife, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Modern Family.

Away from television, Oliver Platt can be seen in Lake Placid, Bulworth, Bicentennial Man, Please Give, Pieces of April, The Ice Harvest, Frost/Nixon, 2012, Kinsey, A Time to Kill, Dr. Dolittle (1998), Benny & Joon, Beethoven, Working Girl, Postcards from the Edge, Flatliners, and Simon Birch. Currently, Platt stars in NBC's Chicago Med. He was also heard in Netflix's I'm Thinking Of Ending Things. Next, the actor will be seen in Emperor.

Stream X-Men: First Class on HBO Max here.

Michael Fassbender Is Making Another Assassin Movie, And It's Better News Than An Assassin’s Creed Sequel

Mike Reyes — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 22:40:03 +0000

Whether you liked it or not, Michael Fassbender starring in an adaptation of Assassin’s Creed was a good call. Between his physicality and the acting prowess that the actor possesses, putting Fassbender into the role of an ace assassin is a casting call that no one should argue with. It’s that bedrock principle that makes what we’re about to announce all the more sweet, as Michael Fassbender is making another assassin movie. Sadly or not-so-sadly, he won't be giving an Assassin’s Creed sequel a pass, but there is some good news for those who like to watch their content at home.

With those caveats out of the way, it’s time to get to the really good news in this announcement. Per reporting from THR, the French graphic novel Killer is being adapted as an original film for Netflix. Titled The Killer, this tale will see Michael Fassbender play a hitman who’s starting to have his doubts about his chosen profession, with the consequences of that state of mind showing in his well-being. “Hardboiled noir” is a term that’s been thrown around for this film, which only heightens the big reunion The Killer is about to bring to the world. Yes, there's more good news related to this project.

In fact, The Killer will see Se7en writer Andrew Kevin Walker handling the film’s script, with director David Fincher stepping behind the camera. Fincher, a Netflix loyalist after projects like Mindhunter and Mank, may sound like a surprising choice to direct this graphic novel interpretation. However, The Killer has been in his court since 2007, when he had initially intended to team up with another Se7en collaborator, actor Brad Pitt, to make it happen. So score another win in the “better late than never” column for the director that was supposed to bring us World War Z 2.

Pairing Michael Fassbender with David Fincher is no small happening though, as these skilled professionals feel like they’d really dig each other’s work ethic. Just as Fassbender proved through his Alien collaborations with director Ridley Scott, the man generally seems to be game for anything. Plus, The Killer gives off a vibe that sounds so up Michael Fassbender’s alley I can't think of a better person in the gig. Think of it as a pseudo-sequel to that Magneto origin story we saw playing out in X-Men: First Class, only without the Marvel trademarked powers. No?

There’s no clear-cut information on when exactly we should expect The Killer in theaters and our Netflix streaming queues, though the projected fall 2021 start date for production would indicate that we’ll be paid a visit by this crumbling assassin at some point in 2022. And who knows? Maybe, if The Killer goes well enough, and Michael Fassbender is daring enough, Assassin’s Creed 2 could one day be resurrected, perhaps even with David Fincher in the director’s chair. OK, it’s not likely, but if we could come close to Fincher making World War Z 2, then almost anything feels possible.

This poll is no longer available.

Up next: Apparently Michael Fassbender Was Being Eyed For A Spider-Man Villain Role

007 Odds: Tom Hardy And A List Of Actors You Can Bet On To Be The Next James Bond

Mike Reyes — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 11:53:27 +0000

As we crawl another week closer to the formerly planned fall release of No Time To Die, the ever continuing quest to find out who the next James Bond will be is also progressing. Though there’s a lot of time on the clock, considering the 25th 007 film and Daniel Craig’s final outing filling the iconic tuxedo has been pushed out to next April, just as some folks think they’ve got the next hot tip on the potential streaming future for No Time To Die, they seem to think that Tom Hardy is absolutely going to be the next Bond. It’s a possibility that’s even harder to deny with the betting odds in his favor.

But, as any fan will tell you, you can always bet on 007 odds being a rollercoaster of fortunes and emotions. To that end, it’s time once again to update the CinemaBlend Betting Lounge with a new look at the top 10 actors who feel like they could be the fresh face of the EON Productions produced franchise. This time around you can thank OddsChecker for the statistical magic we’re about to jump into. For those of you who are serious betters in the James Bond betting circle, we wish you the best of luck.

Lashana Lynch

Despite the fact that franchise producer/EON Productions powerhouse Barbara Broccoli has repeatedly said that James Bond will never be a female character, there’s still some ladies that wind up in the conversation no matter what. According to the odds you’ll find on OddsChecker, one such woman is No Time To Die star Lashana Lynch, who makes up the very bottom of the top 10 field. While that may sound like an insult, it’s anything but, as her character in the upcoming movie is a 00 agent, and could very easily have the 007 number assigned to her by time the film starts. One has to wonder if there’s a reduced odds payout for partial credit in that very technical respect.

Aidan Turner

We’ve previously seen Poldark star Aidan Turner turn up in the betting field for the next James Bond, as he’s been a perennial favorite for the job. With just enough notoriety to be a constant fixture in the running, but enough of a low profile to allow for some leverage in EON Productions’ favor, should they try for a long term contract, Turner has solid footing towards the back of the pack.

Chris Hemsworth/Michael Fassbender/Cillian Murphy

It wouldn't be a James Bond betting pool if you didn’t have Michael Fassbender or Cillian Murphy in the mix. Much like Henry Cavill before them (more on him in a second), these two have quite the history with being whispered about as a new on-screen 007. They’re currently sitting quite pretty at even odds with a newer prospect who’s come up in the ranks: Thor: Love and Thunder star Chris Hemsworth. While we’re thinking the Australian actor's Marvel gig will keep him out of the tuxedo for some time, or at the very least the next cycle of Bond films, it’s still interesting to see these three all tying for the same role.

Henry Cavill/Jude Law

Depending on who you talk to, Henry Cavill feels like one of those safe and much wanted leads when it comes to the world of James Bond. And much like Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan before him, Cavill is one of those candidates who came close to nabbing the role previously only for one factor or another to get in the way. Though, strangely enough, Jude Law is also a holdover from the Casino Royale days of casting rumors, as he was a prime candidate for the Bond honors himself back in the pre-Daniel Craig days Though, if we were to slip any skin into the game with either of these two (who presently stand at even odds), Cavill would have to be our pick. No offense to Law, but he feels more like a delicious choice for a Bond villain rather than a 007.

Tom Hiddleston/Jack Lowden

Here’s an interesting pair for you to consider in sixth place, as both Loki star Tom Hiddleston and Jack Lowden, known for his roles in Dunkirk and Fighting with My Family, are evaluated to be at the same standing. As Hiddleston is another veteran of betting odds past, he’s another usual suspect come home to roost. But Lowden’s fortunes have risen quite high in recent months, as his name has started to circulate more frequently. This could be a promising sign, especially since Jack Lowden isn’t bound by any long term contract gigs that we know of, and he’s young enough to serve a long stretch as 007 if he chooses to go that way.

Idris Elba

From here on out, it’s nothing but the usual suspects, as some favorites for the role of James Bond are just too hard to shake. While some feel that the undeniably cool Idris Elba has aged out of the role of 007 at 48 years old, there’s obviously a lot of people that still want him to be the first James Bond of color. You don’t wind up this high up in the betting odds as long as Elba has without strong fan support, and that’s something that has to factor into the decision making process for the next lead in this historic franchise.

Sam Heughan

Outlander’s Sam Heughan is another one of those huge successes that swept the public off its feet in short and swift order, only to land his Scottish self in the ranks of most popular Bond-worthy actors. It only helps his chances that he’s already been cast as a spy that was designed to take down the 007 mythos in comedic fashion, as his role in The Spy Who Dumped Me gave fan art creators a break by putting him in a tuxedo. Could this high ranking dreamboat bring James Bond back to Scotland? Time will tell.

James Norton

Previously this summer, when we took a look at another set of betting odds pertaining to who could be the next James Bond, McMafia star James Norton was the top ranking contestant in the 007 sweepstakes. But like a bad night at Casino Royale, Norton’s fortunes have been dashed to a certain extent. He’s still hanging out in the top three, at least according to this set of odds, and there is the added advantage that should James Norton get the role of Bond, he’ll be able to fall back on being very familiar with his character’s name for his entire life.

Richard Madden

While we’ve seen Richard Madden in recently notable roles such as one of the Stark kids in Game of Thrones, and as his star is about to potentially rise yet again with his part in Marvel’s new Eternals film, the six episode series Bodyguard helped put this Rocketman star into heavy rotation on the 007 circuit. Basically playing a James Bond style character in that particular show, Madden continues to be in high contention when it comes to the betting odds to the next Bond, which at the very least could net that particular series a second season. That is, if Richard Madden doesn’t end up winning the role of James Bond after all.

Tom Hardy

Still coming in at the top of the food chain is Venom star, Dunkirk actor, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy alum Tom Hardy. Folks are still pretty high on Hardy becoming the next Bond, and for the moment his odds reflect that rather nicely. With a wide variety of roles that could feed into the skill set needed to become 007, Tom Hardy isn’t a strange candidate, but he’s a bit too predictable for the honors. Still, should he be called upon, fans would be able to rest in knowing an established acting talent is in the driver’s seat, controlling the ejector seats.

Should the words of Barbara Broccoli maintain their hold, we’re probably not looking at any new James Bond casting news until No Time To Die has run its due course. One can’t blame Ms. Broccoli’s sentiment, as you can tell that she and her EON Productions family are all going to miss Daniel Craig once he leaves the series. Unless the streaming wars heat up to the point where Broccoli and company actually feel like it’s worth breaking tradition, you can expect No Time To Die to hit theaters on April 2, 2021. So keep a tab on your browser dedicated to CinemaBlend, as James Bond will return!

Up next: Looks Like James Bond’s No Time To Die Almost Went To A Streaming Service After All

25 Current Favorite Candidates For The New James Bond Include Idris Elba, Female 007s And More

Mike Reyes — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 22:46:06 +0000

Anticipation for the release of No Time To Die is pretty high, as the film’s delay into November has only given James Bond fans more time to ponder just what sort of mysteries are waiting past the title song. But another, greater mystery that awaits for 007 loyalists is who exactly will take over the post of the franchise lead once Daniel Craig turns in his Walther PPK for the last time. In uncertain times like these, there’s only one place we can turn to get a hint as to what the answer to that question might be: the oddsmakers!

James Bond is known to be a gambler from time to time, so why wouldn’t we consult the data from oddsmakers like US-Bookies to see where the smart money is supposedly going? And believe it or not, fans aren’t over the concept of a female Bond, despite official statements basically writing this concept off. We’ll start with going over the top 10 placings in terms of the odds-on favorites, after which we’ll be running through the long shots that have some interesting names attached to their standings. It all adds up to a pretty exciting pack, mixing the expected with the shocking!

Damian Lewis (25/1)

Currently known for his leading role on the Showtime drama Billions, Damian Lewis’ past history with both Homeland and Band of Brothers also could have put the English drama star in the running for James Bond. The one factor that might keep him from landing the gig is age, as Lewis is currently 49, which is around the time a 007 actor would see themselves on their way out. For reference, Roger Moore was 58 when he left the franchise, and Daniel Craig is currently 52.

Chris Hemsworth/Paul Mescal (20/1)

On the other end of the spectrum, the 36-year-old Extraction star Chris Hemsworth and 24-year-old Paul Mescal, known for his role in Hulu’s Normal People, are both younger candidates tied for 9th place. Were the producers running the franchise, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, hoping to go with a popular, yet relative unknown, Mescal is the way to go, especially as the youngest candidate in the field. Hemsworth, on the other hand, almost feels like an instant disqualification in this pair, as his Marvel experience has probably driven up his salary demands, and the potential Extraction franchise is probably his Bond gig for the time being.

Henry Cavill (16/1)

A past favorite of fans and oddsmakers alike, Henry Cavill was previously touted as a strong candidate back in the days that saw Daniel Craig take the crown for Casino Royale. Those who saw and enjoyed The Man From U.N.C.L.E. are probably still holding out hope for this prospect, and to be certain, it could still happen if Justice League's Superman willed it so. Those of you looking for an age check, Cavill is currently 37, which keeps him in the game.

Jamie Bell (12/1)

Rocketman’s Jamie Bell would be a fine pick for James Bond, as he has the cred from both TV projects like Turn: Washington’s Spies, as well as his extensive film career stemming back to his debut as young Billy Elliot. His relative youth among these 007 candidates also plays rather well. However, there’s just one potentially big catch: he’s already signed on to be a potentially important part of Paramount’s budding franchise stemming from Michael B. Jordan’s Without Remorse. Bell may already have a pre-emptive clause in his contract from that Tom Clancy adaptation that’ll keep him in that particular wheelhouse, which would be less than ideal for his potential tuxedo fitting.

Idris Elba/Cillian Murphy (10/1)

If Idris Elba and Cillian Murphy aren’t perfect examples of actors who have been suggested to play James Bond for quite some time, then such a concept doesn’t exist. The 47-year-old Elba and 44-year-old Murphy are mainstays, Elba particularly, in the race to find the next Bond. But as an expert has written the Thor actor out of the part due to his age, and Cillian Murphy isn’t too far from that mark himself, their potential casting may sadly be too late.

Aidan Turner (9/1)

Best known for his role on the TV series Poldark, Aidan Turner has had experience playing a lovelorn warrior of great speed himself in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy. Perhaps this, along with his handsome looks, is what has landed Turner in the fifth place showing amongst these other potential James Bond actors. He can be seen next in the TV series Leonardo, in which Aidan Turner will be playing Da Vinci himself; but if that doesn’t pan out, this could mean some good things for a potential opening on her majesty’s secret service.

Tom Hardy/Michael Fassbender (8/1)

At 42 and 43, respectively, Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender are two more people that, while being familiar and bankable names, are a little on the older side of the James Bond dream casting spectrum. Their familiarity and potential franchise gigs probably put them further out of the realm of possibility, but fans seem to be willing to bet they’ll get the gig. So if I had to choose, Fassbender would have the advantage, as not only is the Alien franchise’s future in question, he basically played the role as Magneto in X-Men: First Class.

Tom Hiddleston/Richard Madden (6/1)

Having a familiar face certainly helps when it comes to James Bond fans looking into potential hires. While a producer might be motivated to avoid Tom Hiddleston and Richard Madden in the casting game, both occupy a sweet spot where they’re still in their 30s and are recognizable enough to draw a crowd, but still primed to take their stars further. The edge goes to Madden in this case, as he’s 33 to Hiddleston’s 39, and the latter actor’s commitment to Disney+’s Loki series will probably get in the way of any more immediate talks.

Sam Heughan (5/1)

As fast as you can say the word Outlander, Sam Heughan’s name seems to come up in any sort of talk surrounding any potential future 007 action. Part of that is because the man himself has been pushing for the throne himself, but honestly, it’s hard to not see him as a high ranking contender. Even in the higher age range at 40 years old, the man has the looks and the attitude needed to play James Bond, and he is very comfortable with action and emotion as Scottish heartthrob Jamie Fraser. Plus, it helps that the idea kind of took shape in people’s heads after his tuxedoed appearance in The Spy Who Dumped Me, so this isn’t a total surprise.

James Norton (2/1)

At 34 years old, with a resume that includes parts in TV shows like Doctor Who and McMafia, as well as films such as Rush and Little Women, James Norton has an interesting balance of anonymity and familiarity. All of those facors have probably led to him being the odds-on favorite for James Bond at this particular moment in time. While this could change drastically between now and the time of a formal announcement, it’s probably still a good idea to keep an eye on where Mr. Norton’s career takes him in the near future.

Other Notable Candidates

Towards the back of the James Bond candidate pack is a rather interesting assortment of players. With some pretty wild picks, a couple of veterans to the Bond franchise and a previous contender who got pretty close to the job in the running up to Daniel Craig’s hiring, all of these actors are too good to leave out. So let’s get started, moving through three distinct groupings:

The 50/1 Gang

There are six candidates who sit just outside of the top 10 standings, with 50/1 odds tipping them as the next 007:

Andrew ScottBenedict CumberbatchEwan McGregorJohn BoyegaRami Malek

This is where those Bond franchise veterans we discussed earlier lie, as both Spectre’s Andrew Scott and No Time To Die’s Rami Malek are both suggested as sitting in this category. Should either of them be cast, it’d be the first time a Bond villain would go on to play the lead role in film. Though it should be noted that Die Another Day villain Toby Stephens eventually went on to play James Bond in a series of BBC radio adaptations. So never say never on this concept!

In the younger end of the pack, both John Boyega and Timothee Chalamet are in the 50/1 range of landing the role. If I to pick a favorite in this subsection, I would say that Boyega would be the victor, as his Star Wars franchise experience gives him the functional advantage. Rounding out this group are Ewan McGregor and Benedict Cumberbatch, with McGregor returning to potential contention and Cumberbatch riding the wave he’s recently become accustomed to. McGregor is the clear favorite out of these two.

The 00-Women Gang

Betting fans of the James Bond franchise haven’t given up hope on a female Bond being cast in the future. Though as you can see, most have heeded the words of Barbara Broccoli, by not putting too much stock into this prospect. Still, with candidates like these, it’s hard not to get excited about this big “what if”:

Jodie Comer: 66/1Angelina Jolie: 75/1Emilia Clarke: 75/1Emily Blunt: 100/1

Now, if anyone in this pack was going to get the gig, I side with the betters in Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer landing the post. Between the cultural success of that show, as well as her upcoming appearance in the Ryan Reynolds film Free Guy, it’s a potent martini of qualifications that would make history in its own right. Provided, of course, there’s some sort of in-house reversal over at EON Productions.

The Long Shot Gang

Last, but not least, are two contenders that, while being qualified in their own ways, are less than likely to become the next Bond:

Harry Styles: 100/1Will Smith: 100/1

Even in such an unlikely grouping, the favorite is clear as Harry Styles is an acting talent tested enough to be considered a possibility, and he’s young enough to do a longer stint in the franchise than Will Smith could potentially. Also, Smith’s an American, so that probably docks some additional points off the top.

Again, all of these odds could change at the drop of a hat, and fans shouldn’t count any of those top candidates out too early on in the race to become the next James Bond. Until that would-be successor has been named, Daniel Craig is still our 007 for the moment, and we’ll get to see him in his final franchise outing on November 20, when No Time To Die sets its sights on the box office.

Up next: 12 Actors Who Almost Played James Bond Over The Years

Apparently Michael Fassbender Was Being Eyed For A Spider-Man Villain Role

Jason Ingolfsland — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 14:24:57 +0000

Even though it’s not even ten years old yet, The Amazing Spider-Man feels like a distant memory. Though it received middling reviews, it still has its fans and it's interesting to hear about the creative process and what could have been. With that said, some fans may be interested to hear Michael Fassbender was eyed for the villain of the movie.

Concept artist Jerad S. Marantz, who worked The Amazing Spider-Man, shared old concept art of The Lizard on social media. You might recall that Rhys Ifans eventually took the role. However, since Michael Fassbender was in consideration to play the villain, Jared S. Marantz included Michael Fassbender’s key features in the concept art. Check it out:

A photo posted by on

I can totally see Michael Fassbender’s facial features in the concept art, but I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. In the comments, one fan questioned if the idea to add more human facial features to The Lizard was Jerad S. Marantz idea or the studios. It’s a good question that Jerad S. Marantz didn’t reply to.

Michael Fassbender obviously didn’t get the role, perhaps because he had just played the infamous villain Magento in X-Men: First Class around the same time. While it would be interesting to see how he’d play The Lizard, it’s probably for the best he stayed away from The Amazing Spider-Man.

Michael Fassbender’s latest, and likely last, time playing Magento was in the 2019 release of X-Men: Dark Phoenix, a movie that was crushed by poor critical reviews and weak box office sales. It's a sad way for the actor and his character to ride off into the sunset. He was one of the most consistent parts in a sometimes shaky franchise.

With the purchase of 20th Century Fox by Disney in 2019, many wondered if Michael Fassbender and his co-stars would return for another, but Kevin Feige hinted that the characters won’t return until Marvel’s Phase Five. By then, all the characters would likely be totally recast.

In Spider-Man news, Tom Holland confirmed a new Spider-Man movie is coming in the MCU, sooner rather than later. As you might recall, Spider-Man: Far From Home ended in an epic cliffhanger. Soon after, the franchise was embroiled in a studio dispute between Marvel and Sony, with Sony potentially going it alone. However, that was settled and Spider-Man 3 is scheduled to shoot in July with a release date of 2021.

Meanwhile, Michael Fassbender is rumored to be cast in the The Wild Bunch, a western directed by Mel Gibson, which also is reported to star Jason Momoa, an actor Fassbender helped out at one point in time for a superhero role.

Up next: Aquaman’s Jason Momoa Got Superhero Advice From Michael Fassbender

We Finally Know What Taika Waititi Will Direct Before Thor: Love And Thunder

Mike Reyes — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 22:27:03 +0000

You really have to wonder if writer, director, and all around good guy Taika Waititi ever sleeps? As if announcing that he’ll be working with Marvel Studios on Thor: Love and Thunder, and making the rounds with awards season prospect Jojo Rabbit weren’t enough, the man’s been planning on making another film in-between those two projects. And today, we’ve finally gotten confirmation that Waititi will indeed be directing the soccer film Next Goal Wins for Fox Searchlight, thanks to an official announcement that came from the studio today.

Based on the true story of the American Samoa soccer team, and their preparations for the 2014 World Cup after suffering the worst loss on record in the 2001 games, Next Goal Wins has a cast that boasts Michael Fassbender and Elizabeth Moss as two of its leads. Fassbender will be playing the role of Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen, the man who would be recruited to put the team into shape, while Moss’s role is as of this moment undisclosed.

With the acting roster for Next Goal Wins rounded out by Hawaii Five-0 actors Beulah Koale and Lehi Falepapalangi and Thor: Ragnarok alum Rachel House, there’s a fair bit of diversity in Taika Waititi’s latest film. But the most notable inclusion is that of non-binary actor Kaimana in their film debut as the first non-binary player to ever compete in a Men’s World Cup game, Jaiyah Saelua.

You can see why this story leapt out to Taika Waititi, as not only is Next Goal Wins the sort of underdog story that he’s taken on in the past, but it’s a story that comes with some important historical cues when it comes to the story of Saelua’s participation in the game. With the ability to bring humor and heart to his work, Waititi’s choice to tell the story of a sports team that fought to overcome their historic lose, with a diverse roster, is one that should excite fans of his work. It should also excite fans of the game of soccer, as Next Goal Wins also promises to celebrate the very pastime they hold dear.

With Taika Waititi reteaming with Fox Searchlight for another story that takes a looming darkness and finds some light at its heart, Next Goal Wins sounds like it’s ready to lift spirits, and bring some respectful laughs, to historical events. It also keeps him firmly in the Disney family, as the Fox Searchlight label is an imprint owned by the studio; which certainly helps when it comes to balancing his efforts to prepare Thor: Love and Thunder for its 2021 release.

There’s no release date in mind yet for Next Goal Wins, as the film has just started principal photography today. But don’t be surprised if it happens to pop up on the 2020 release schedule at some point; especially if Jojo Rabbit cashes in on the awards hype it’s been getting. You can see the latter film for yourself, as it’s currently rolling out in theaters throughout the rest of the year.

7 Times The X-Men Franchise Actually Did Something Awesome

Dirk Libbey — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 19:08:37 +0000

Back in 2000, the first X-Men movie came out, and the film was largely lauded by fans and critics. It's viewed as one of the films that helped launch the current trend of comic book superhero movies by showing that it was possible to make a film from that material without entirely sucking. The film's success spawned a number of sequels and spinoffs that have continued to this day with the recently released Dark Phoenix.

There's little debate that Dark Phoenix and X-Men: Apocalypse, the last two films in the franchise, are two of the worst the series has produced. I'd even go a step further and say that I find the franchise as a whole to be little more than "above average." Most of the films that others view as great, are, you know, fine. Having said that, there's no denying that there are absolutely moments of pure brilliance in the franchise. As we say goodbye to the X-Men, Here are a few of the reasons the X-Men movies won't be forgotten anytime soon.

The Original Cast

People had been dreamcasting an X-Men movie for years before the real thing actually happened. Patrick Stewart's name was already on the top of every list to play Professor Charles Xavier, even if the only real reason was that he was a well known older actor who was also bald. Of course, Stewart turned out to be the perfect Professor X, while a largely unknown actor named Hugh Jackman would become a movie star thanks to his perfect portrayal as Wolverine.

But the rest of that original cast is no less inspired. Halle Berry was perfectly cast, and criminally underused, as Storm. James Marsden and Famke Janssen are a fantastic Scott and Jean. The thing that makes the first X-Men movie work as well as it does is that the characters jumped off the comic page and onto the screen pretty much exactly as we'd all imagined them.

X2: Nightcrawler’s White House Attack

While the original X-Men movie was a solid first effort, most would agree that X2 is where the series found its stride, and it did that from the very first scene. For a comic book movie, the original X-Men has little in the way of great action set pieces, but Nightcrawler's assault on the White House at the beginning of X2 changes all that.

It starts the film on a perfect note by introducing another popular character as well as another excellent piece of casting in Alan Cumming. Nightcrawler instantly becomes one of the most fun characters to watch. Like some other action sequences that would come later, and will come later on this list, the scene is almost a short film all by itself.

X-Men: First Class

Following the conclusion of the X-Men trilogy, we were supposed to get a series of spinoff solo features including an origin story for fan favorite Wolverine, as well as one for Magneto. While that first movie did get made, and won't get discussed on this list for obvious reasons, the second did not, and instead it morphed into an entire prequel franchise that started with X-Men: First Class.

While I will forever wonder what a solo Magneto movie starring Michael Fassbender could have been, First Class is an excellent film in its own right. It's the best main franchise film without question. It has another stellar cast and is simply near perfect from start to finish.

Quicksilver

Quicksilver as a character never really develops beyond his initial appearance in X-Men: Days of Future Past. He largely exists as a digital effects gimmick, but it has to be said, it's a pretty solid gimmick. Showing super speed on screen is always tough, because it's hard to actually see anything, but DOFP solved that problem by slowing everything else down and letting Quicksilver move through it all at a leisurely pace. The pop music soundtrack is also a nice touch.

Quicksilver's scene stealing moment was so popular the first time around that he was given another chance to shine in X-Men: Apocalypse. If anything, the second time around it's even more impressive, though that may just be because the rest of the movie was weaker by comparison.

Days Of Future Past's Reboot

Overall, I'm a bit more lukewarm on X-Men: Days of Future Past than most. I think it's a fine movie, a good one even, but maybe not as great as some would claim. However, there is one aspect of Days of Future Past, which is absolutely stellar: the end.

The events of DOFP reboot the entire X-Men universe. Characters who had died come back to life and a terrible future is avoided. While this does have the added benefit of erasing a couple of terrible movies from "canon." It also just works as a beautiful capstone on the franchise. This is where the X-Men movies should have ended. There was no need to make anymore movies after this.

Deadpool

Deadpool is really only barely connected to the X-Men universe. It's all so tongue in cheek that I considered not even including the Merc with a Mouth on this list. However, the fact is the two Deadpool films wouldn't exist were it not for the rest of the X-Men franchise, and our lives would be all the poorer for it.

There's a reason that Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool might be the only part of this entire franchise to survive the Disney acquisition. He's hilarious. He's exciting. He's just plain fun. Deadpool's character gives him a freedom to have more fun with the X-Men universe than the rest of the movies are allowed to have. Superhero movies are great, but sometimes you need to be able to laugh at them, and Deadpool gives us that release.

Logan

While Days of Future Past maybe should have been the final entry in the main X-Men film series, the real end of the franchise should have come from Logan. Hugh Jackman's Wolverine was the linchpin of the entire series and once we said goodbye to him, there was really nothing left to add.

Logan is an incredibly unique and interesting movie. From a story perspective, it doesn't actually require you to know anything about any of the previous films and stands completely alone. At the same time, to experience the film's full weight and power you have to have gone on the same two decade long journey that Hugh Jackman himself experienced playing the role of Wolverine.

It's easy to focus on the bad, especially considering where the X-Men franchise is today. Things have not ended well. However, while it would be easy to write off the franchise now that a reboot is all but assured, we shouldn't forget what the X-Men movies did right the first time around.

Michael Fassbender Still Pulls Something Very Specific From The X-Men Comics When Preparing For These Films

Sean O'Connell — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 17:50:18 +0000

By now, the actors in the X-Men ensemble should know their characters almost as well as they know themselves. Core cast members like James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender have been occupying the roles of Charles Xavier and Magneto, respectively, for the better part of four films now – dating back to 2011’s X-Men: First Class – so they have tangible experience to draw off of when they return to the role for the next sequel.

But when it comes to a storyline like Dark Phoenix, which is inspired by a very popular comic book series, I was genuinely curious how much the cast pulls from the book and how much they rely on what they have established themselves in the mutant community. Do they need the comic, or would they prefer to lean on what they created themselves in movies like X-Men: Apocalypse, or X-Men: Days of Futures Past.

Michael Fassbender, as it turns out, pulls something very specific from the X-Men comics as he prepares. During an X-Men press day in London, the actor tells CinemaBlend:

I refer to the comic book primarily for the action beats. And it’s really just simply to find various poses. It was kind of cool in this film because… the grimacing behind the helmet, in a cartoon it’s quite a cool image. And I thought, ‘Ok, it’s an opportunity to take that image and put it into the film.’ Or you know, various poses that Magneto has. Sometimes he has this lotus pose when he’s flying or hovering. … For me, I’ll have those images for inspirational, physical beats.

Michael Fassbender isn’t wrong. Magneto often has incredible physical poses in the X-Men comics that reflect the sheer heft of his powers.

And there’s an excellent scene in Dark Phoenix where Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) is manipulating the blades of a helicopter, and Magneto (Fassbender) uses his own gifts to resist her and protect the soldiers who are still in the vehicle. It allows Fassbender to strike some menacing, intense Magneto poses that no doubt were lifted straight from the comics.

For now, check out a clip of our Dark Phoenix conversation with Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy:

And go see Dark Phoenix, the culmination of the X-Men saga, which is in theaters as we speak.

Dark Phoenix - What We Know So Far About The New X-Men Movie

Eric Eisenberg — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 21:29:28 +0000

Looking back, the X-Men franchise was key in the development of the modern comic book movie genre, and 19 years after it started it's still serving up superhero shenanigans. While the Disney-Fox deal has certainly changed what the future could look like for the franchise, there are still a lot of possibilities for interesting-looking spin-offs, not to mention new takes on previously shown characters and events which the folks at Disney and Marvel are surely already working to figure out. Not to be forgotten yet, however, is the main series of films, and it's the next chapter that we're here to discuss today.

After a relatively quick production period, but lots of delays, X-Men: Dark Phoenix is now finally less than a week away from release nationwide. But what is it about? Who is making it? What characters can we expect to appear? We cover all of these questions and more in our What We Know So Far guide below, so read on and learn!

What Have We Seen From Dark Phoenix?

It's been a long road, but September 26, 2018 finally delivered the first trailer from the highly anticipated movie. While that first look went heavy on the stress caused to Jean by meeting with the Phoenix force, and the resulting toll that will take on her friends and the world around her, the final trailer (above) gave us a better sense of some of the other action. This includes cool scenes of that meeting and a lot of the space action that would have led to it.

What Is Dark Phoenix's Release Date?

While June 7, 2019 will finally see Dark Phoenix hit theaters, it was a long road to get there. In 2017, the Marvel Cinematic Universe achieved something never before seen in Hollywood: releasing three franchise titles in the span of one calendar year. Well, in 2018 the X-Men movies were ready to compete. January through June should have seen both Josh Boone's The New Mutants and David Leitch's Deadpool 2 unleashed on the world, with 20th Century Fox is saving X-Men: Dark Phoenix for the winter months, having set it to come out on November 2, 2018.

That changed with some shakeups to scheduling in January and March of 2018, though. First, The New Mutants was pushed from April 13, 2018, to February 22, 2019, then to August 2, 2019 and now it rests at April 3, 2020. Dark Phoenix retained its November release date through the first scheduling change, but late March saw the superhero film get pushed to February 2019.

But then, just two days after the first trailer was released in late September 2018, Fox did more shuffling and set Dark Phoenix down in June 2019. With the exception of Deadpool and Logan, which hit theaters in the first quarters of their respective years, the X-Men movies have traditionally been spring and summer releases, which makes this new strategy fall more in line with what we generally see.

While February is no longer a stranger to comic book blockbusters in the modern era, thanks to the aforementioned Deadpool and the recent, completely massive success of Black Panther, this release makes a lot more sense for the film. Rumors on the date change have suggested that the studio believes X-Men: Dark Phoenix will simply perform better then, especially in China, which went crazy for the trailer after it came out.

What Is Dark Phoenix's Rating?

Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Extended Universe, the X-Men franchise has been a bit more experimental when it comes to the ratings of their comic book movies -- and it's resulted in some incredible success. Even though audiences under 18 couldn't see them without a parent or guardian, the aforementioned Deadpool and Logan both managed to bring in tons of cash appealing to more mature audiences. Because of these wins, there are now ratings conversations to be had about many developing superhero titles, but you can bet that X-Men: Dark Phoenix won't be rocking the boat.

To date, all of the main X-Men titles -- including X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse -- have all been PG-13, and that trend will continue with X-Men: Dark Phoenix. It surely will have (mostly bloodless) violence and thrilling sequences that might be too much for young viewers, but don't expect tons of gore, nudity or profanity.

Who Is Directing Dark Phoenix?

Simon Kinberg has been an important part of the X-Men world for years. He first became involved back in 2006 when he was hired to write the script for Brett Ratner's X-Men: The Last Stand, but has really been a key player ever since X-Men: First Class. Starting with that 2011 movie he has produced all of the franchises' features, and he is also a credited co-writer on X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse. He's also done script work on Dark Phoenix, but the bigger story is the fact that he's making the film as his directorial debut.

It's not often that you see a filmmaker dipping his toe into directing with a major superhero blockbuster, but he does have a good amount of experience within the industry in the last 15 years. We can't say much for the style we expect him to bring to X-Men: Dark Phoenix, but that's just another part of what we're anticipating when we head to the theater.

What Is Dark Phoenix About?

The Dark Phoenix Saga is one of the most famous storylines in the history of Marvel Comics - which fully explains why this movie will actually be the second big screen attempt at adapting it. The franchise tried to put its own spin on the familiar narrative with X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006, but it's widely agreed that the job was botched. Following the continuity-changing events of X-Men: Days of Future Past, the movies saw an opportunity to try and tell the story again, and that's what we're getting in Simon Kinberg's X-Men: Dark Phoenix.

Set a decade after the events of X-Men: Apocalypse (following a pattern set up by the previous two movies), Dark Phoenix is set in the early 1990s, and is set in a world that has changed quite a lot. In the 1980s people everywhere knew about the existence of mutants, but now the X-Men are basically rock stars. Under the leadership of Professor X (James McAvoy), the team is known worldwide for their heroics, and celebrated for them.

All good streaks come to an end, however, and the X-Men find theirs come to a conclusion in outer space. During a cosmic mission, an accident occurs involving what they believe to be a solar flare, but this energy merges with Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) in the process. It's found it greatly enhances her powers, but the team begins to witness some serious changes in her personality, and her lack of control over her new powers.

Those familiar with the Dark Phoenix Saga from the comics -- which is an arc big enough to span two feature films -- will recognize that this doesn't exactly match up with the source material, but it certainly is a hell of a lot closer than what X-Men: The Last Stand delivered. There is still a lot that we don't know about the story take and the adaptation, but we obviously don't have long until we can learn more.

Jean Grey

Jean Grey has been an important character in the X-Men movies from the very beginning, originally played by Famke Janssen, but now she is in her second generation. While Jean was initially introduced as a teacher at Xavier's School For Gifted Youngsters, X-Men: Apocalypse was the first film in the canon to show her as a student, brought to life by Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner.

Like many of her fellow X-Men in that film, the young telepath/telekinetic was only just starting to get a handle on her special mutation when she was doing battle with Apocalypse -- but, all the same, still demonstrated some incredible power. We can assume that her abilities and her control over said abilities will be much better at the start of X-Men: Dark Phoenix (there's a lot Professor X can teach in a decade), but even those practiced strengths will be nothing compared to what she is able to do when imbued with the Phoenix Force.

As powerful as Jean is naturally, her abilities intensely escalate when she is transformed into Phoenix, to the point where she becomes one of the most powerful beings in the universe. Opening stargates, destroying matter at the subatomic level, and generating cosmic fire are only a few of the scary skills in her arsenal, but also certainly not helpful is the way that the power tends to corrupt the user.

Charles Xavier a.k.a. Professor X

Going back to X-Men: First Class, we've watched Charles Xavier a.k.a. Professor X come a long way. He earned his doctorate at the age of 30, shortly thereafter establishing Xavier's School For Gifted Youngsters, and through X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse we've watched him evolve into the legendary leader we've always known that he would become.

By the time we catch up with him in Dark Phoenix, Professor X will have 30 years of leadership under his belt, but evidently he somewhat becomes a victim of his own bravado. He is very proud of the students that he has taught, and blissful with the reputation and popularity that the X-Men have received. There are obvious positive sides to this, but, unfortunately, the confidence also leads him to send his team into outer space for a mission that they aren't prepared for, leading to Jean Grey's accident.

As a leader and a teacher, Professor X has a very important responsibility when it comes to the X-Men, and one can imagine this mistake having a crucial impact on his arc in X-Men: Dark Phoenix. That said, he shouldn't have a ton of time to devote to self-reflection and self-flagellation if he's properly responding to the threat that the titular force represents.

Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops

It's no secret that the X-Men movies don't have a great track record of doing right by Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops. The character has been a fan favorite in the comics for decades, but on the big screen he was totally sidelined by a Wolverine-centric approach that painted him plainly as a romantic competitor for the heart of Jean Grey. It's partially because of this shortcoming that the franchise hit the restart button on Cyclops in X-Men: Apocalypse, and now they'll have the chance to properly explore the character in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, portrayed by Tye Sheridan.

Cyclops was only shown wearing his famous visor in the final moments of X-Men: Apocalypse, still learning how to control his optic blasts, but he should be a seasoned veteran with the equipment when we catch up with him. His specific role in the Dark Phoenix storyline still seems to be based on Scott's romantic bond with Jean Grey, with him trying to convince everyone she can be saved when she seems too far gone and dangerous to be allowed to live.

Ororo Munroe a.k.a. Storm

Within the post-X-Men: Days of Future Past continuity, we don't have much experience watching Ororo Munroe a.k.a. Storm as a hero. Portrayed by Alexandra Shipp in X-Men: Apocalypse, we got a glimpse of her upbringing in Egypt, but the titular villain was able to get to her far faster than Professor X. She was enlisted as one of the Four Horsemen, but the all-powerful blue mutant's Svengali-like hold over her was shattered when she saw her hero, Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) in battle. Following her change of heart, Storm started fighting alongside the X-Men, and at the end of the movie we saw her suited up as a full-fledged member of the team.

Unfortunately, that's basically where details stop in regards to what we can expect from Storm in X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Like everyone else, she will be 10 years older and wiser, and have much greater control over her abilities to control the weather, but we don't really know much more than that. Given how limited the character's time on screen has classically been -- going back to the Halle Berry era -- hopefully a nice chunk of narrative will be devoted to her.

Kurt Wagner a.k.a. Nightcrawler

We first got to see the fan-favorite teleporting mutant known as Nightcrawler up on the big screen in X2: X-Men United... but his run didn't exactly last long. Despite putting on a fantastic performance, Alan Cumming didn't return to reprise the part in X-Men: The Last Stand, and in the movie world Nightcrawler was ultimately put on ice for 13 years. That unfortunate trend ended in 2016 with Kodi Smit-McPhee playing a younger version of the character in X-Men: Apocalypse, and next we'll get to see him perform his advanced circus-like antics in Dark Phoenix.

In X-Men: Apocalypse, Nightcrawler was basically used to demonstrate that the world was accepting of his odd appearance -- but we didn't really get to learn much about him. Hopefully Simon Kinberg is able to successfully balance X-Men: Dark Phoenix as a true ensemble, and give Kurt Wagner the proper moments to shine that fans want to see, and that his legacy deserves.

Peter Maximoff a.k.a. Quicksilver

The last seventeen years have brought us an endless list of ridiculously awesome big screen superhero moments, but the usage of Evan Peters' Peter Maximoff a.k.a. Quicksilver in both X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse are certainly near the top. Bryan Singer made impressive use of modern filmmaking technology to craft sequences unlike anything we've ever seen with a speedster character, and in doing so also happened to create two of the most memorable movie music moments of the young century. He's an exciting presence in this franchise, which is why we're stoked that he will be back in X-Men: Dark Phoenix.

The full details regarding Quicksilver's development as a character have not yet been revealed, but we can probably take a few guesses regarding where he is at. Given his personality type, one can imagine that he is absolutely loving the celebrity status that the X-Men have earned, and is happy to take advantage of it every moment that he can -- which is pretty often given the way he moves.

We'll have to wait and see if he winds up reaching out to Magneto to reveal that he is his son (if that hasn't already happened in the last decade), but that situation is made tricky given the status of Magneto at the start of Dark Phoenix, which we'll get into a bit later.

Hank McCoy a.k.a. Beast

Fans were initially disappointed when Hank McCoy a.k.a. Beast didn't make the roster for Bryan Singer's first X-Men movie, but ever since X-Men: First Class he has been a key player. Portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, we have watched the character undergo some serious change -- some quite literally -- but he's certainly developed into the hero that Marvel readers have loved for decades.

Beast will once again be back fighting the good fight in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, serving alongside Jean Grey, Cyclops, Storm, Nightcrawler, Quicksilver, and Mystique under the guidance of Professor X. Hank still seems to have control over his appearance, but we do get a lot of him totally blue and furry during the trailer, so we'll probably be treated to his natural state a lot of time, especially during the action scenes.

Raven Darkhölme a.k.a. Mystique

Similar to Wolverine, Raven Darkhölme a.k.a. Mystique wasn't always a core member of the X-Men character lineup in the comics, but the films have certainly treated her that way. Rebecca Romijn was very memorable in the original X-Men trilogy, but the fact that she has been played by A-lister Jennifer Lawrence since X-Men: First Class has kept her in the franchise's spotlight. At the end of X-Men: Apocalypse she was firmly established as one of the good guys, and apparently that's exactly where she starts at the beginning of Dark Phoenix as well.

Mystique has classically been an enemy of the X-Men, but now that she's a part of the titular team, we'll see her take on a leadership position because she's older and has been fighting longer than most of the other X-Men. It also looks like she'll handle Jean Grey's transformation into the Phoenix by pointing out some important truths to Charles, and by being a true leader and trying to help Jean even though she knows how dangerous she's become.

Erik Lehnsherr a.k.a. Magneto

At the end of X-Men: Apocalypse Michael Fassbender's Erik Lehnsherr a.k.a. Magneto aided in the reconstruction of Xavier's School For Gifted Youngsters, but he made the decision not to stick around. Having lost his wife and daughter, and nearly aiding in the destruction of the planet, he decided that it was best that he leave and start a life for himself elsewhere in the world. It's noteworthy that X-Men: Dark Phoenix will address the question of "Where?" and it turns out the answer is super interesting: the island of Genosha.

While Genosha has a bit of a spotty history in Marvel Comics, in Dark Phoenix it will be portrayed as a safe haven for mutants who can't find a home anywhere else in the world -- and it's where Magneto has worked to try and rebalance his life. He finds himself involved with the main narrative because Jean Grey seeks him out for guidance in the midst of his transformation.

The Mysterious Villain

Yes, that's a super vague heading, but the reality is that we don't have much to work with in this area. It's been confirmed that Jessica Chastain will be playing the central villain in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, but in a move that seriously increases our curiosity, the folks behind the film will not identify her character. It has been said that she is an "otherworldly shapeshifter" who is out to control the power of the Phoenix, but nothing else is known beyond that.

We just have a few day now until X-Men: Dark Phoenix is in theaters, so be sure to head out and get the rest of the answers to what this movie has in store for audiences for yourself!

6 Actors Who Could Replace Ben Affleck As Batman

mick.joest@CinemaBlend.com (Mick Joest) — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:10:02 +0000

Ben Affleck is out as Batman and the hunt is on to find Hollywood's next Caped Crusader. DC fans have been fantasy casting their top choices for the role, although they've not always jived with the fact Matt Reeves is looking for a younger Batman. Check out our list of folks that fit the bill and areour top choices to consider for the character to play the character in The Batman, and beyond.

Michael Fassbender

What's not to love about Michael Fassbender as Batman? He's no stranger to superhero films, he gains solid award show recognition (although not many wins), and that jawline would be the perfect accent to Batman's cowl. Plus the last time we handed off the character to a foreign actor, he knocked it out of the park. Fassbender's resume shows he could do the same, if given the opportunity to suit up.

Availability could be a bit of an issue, of course, as Fassbender is an actor who has tried to stay busy over the last handful of years. This includes his commitment as Magneto in the X-Men franchise, which could keep him away from other potential long-term commitments like Batman. That's not to say he couldn't do both, but with as in demand as he is in Hollywood, he may want to keep his schedule free to entertain other options.

Wes Bentley

Look up a picture of Batman in the dictionary, and you probably won't find one because dictionaries usually don't have pictures. Regardless, Wes Bentley has that Bruce Wayne look, especially when looking at animated versions of the character in DC comics. Bentley's been more of a TV actor in the past couple of years, but he's still kicking around silver screen territory with a recent appearance in Mission Impossible - Fallout and the upcoming feature The Best Of Enemies.

Bentley has said in the past he would've been interested in playing Batman (via Screen Rant), but not anymore. In his words back in 2016, DC and Marvel were starting to "scrape the bottom of the barrel" when it came to heroes. Perhaps his opinion has changed, although one would think he'd start putting the word out otherwise if he were interested. If he is, perhaps he can get Interstellar director Christopher Nolan to put in a good word for him?

Jake Gyllenhaal

After all the hub-bub and rumors last year, it's only natural that Jake Gyllenhaal's name goes back into the mix as possible actors to portray Batman. Matt Reeves is reportedly looking for a famous face after all, and Gyllenhaal's going to be just as famous as ever following his stint as Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Will 2019 finally be the time that the actor gets the role?

It's hard to say, especially since Jake Gyllenhaal has discredited the rumors that he was on Matt Reeves short list to play the role. At the same time, the rumors seemed to get a lot of folks excited, so if he wasn't on the short list then, he may be now that Ben Affleck is officially out of the project. It feels foolish to not at least consider him, especially in light of his Marvel debut.

Taron Egerton

Egerton is the youngest entry on this list, and to be quite honest, not the best option if DC is trying to keep some similarity between Affleck's Batman and the successor. With that said, the word around town is that DC isn't putting too much emphasis on its shared universe anymore, so chances are The Batman won't be too concerned with screwing up the DCEU continuity with a younger Bats.

A younger Batman would be nicer to see on the big screen, although the grumpy attitude and brooding are more typical of older men. We've seen that version of Batman for so long, so why not switch things up and take us to a time where Bruce was still bad ass, but not as beaten down as he once was? Not necessarily Year One Batman, but one who has the moves but still some room for growth as a hero.

Oscar Isaac

Is there anyone who's going to sit here and act like Oscar Isaac is incapable of a show-stopping performance as Bruce Wayne? He's hard candidate to argue against, especially given his superstar status and ability to fall into major franchises at will. Should we just hand him the suit now, and accept the position is his to turn down?

Rumors surfaced last year that Isaac was rumored to be involved in The Batman, so it's not crazy to think he's not on a short-list for the character. Granted, these rumors surfaced when Ben Affleck was still attached, so it's possible Isaac already has a role in the movie, and isn't interested in suiting up due to potential future plans with Star Wars or other films. What other character in the Batman universe would Isaac be suited for?

Robert Pattinson

Stop the collective groans, it's been years since the last Twilight movie. Besides, whether or not Batman fans love Edward Cullen doesn't change the fact that rumors are out the actor is being looked at to play the superhero. It's an idea that sounds so wild, and so out there, it actually makes sense. Who better to get the world on board with Batman again then Robert Pattinson?

Not only does Pattinson look the part, but he's a choice that would undoubtedly be so polarizing to hardcore fans, the bar for The Batman would be set very low. If Pattinson does even a halfway decent job, acclaim would be through the roof, and goodness knows DC hasn't exactly flourished in that department with its last couple character outings. No performance is so bad it'll ruin Batman, so why not roll the dice and give it a shot?

Readers can vote for their top choice of these names in our poll below, and of course write about their love of Jon Hamm in the comments. For more on The Batman, be sure to read up on the classic villain that may be appearing in the upcoming film.

This poll is no longer available.

Aquaman’s Jason Momoa Got Superhero Advice From Michael Fassbender

Adam Holmes — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 20:22:27 +0000

Like with movies of other genres, not all superhero movies are alike, so ultimately it's up to the actor to decide how to portray a character based off the script (obviously), the director's instructions and their own take on said character. Still, if you can get advice from someone who has experience in that fictional realm, that's most welcome. For Jason Momoa, the DC Extended Universe's Aquaman, he talked with Michael Fassbender, who has comic book movie experience on two fronts, about how to tackle DC's King of the Seven Seas. Momoa recalled:

You know, I haven't really told anyone this. This is the first time, and I try not to do the whole weird name-drop thing, but I have a dear friend who's from Ireland, Michael Fassbender, and I got to spend some time with him, talking about [superhero roles], because he's done X-Men and Jonah Hex, he's been around it enough. He really told me to put in moments of me and find those moments that you can put you in the film so that it can shine through. He was a big influence for me and [I was} doing that a lot in Aquaman.

Jason Momoa then added a "So thanks, buddy!" to the camera after delivering the above comments to RTE. Of all the actors Momoa could have spoken to about playing a superhero movie character, Michael Fassbender is definitely a good resource. I'm particularly intrigued that these two aren't just acquaintances, but "dear friends," and thus curious about how that friendship was born. In any case, it seems like following Fassbender's advice paid off for Momoa, as his version of Aquaman definitely Momma-like traits, which helps distinguish this Aquaman from his comic book predecessor. The tattoos and fondness for whiskey help, too.

Michael Fassbender, best known at the time for 300 and Inglorious Basterds, got his start in comic book movies with 2010's Jonah Hex, a fellow DC property. There he played Burke, the right-hand man to John Malkovich's Quentin Turnbull, the main antagonist. Granted, Jonah Hex ended up being a critical and commercial box office bomb, but still, experience is experience.

In 2011, though, that's when Fassbender made a big impression as Erik Lensherr, a.k.a. Magneto, in X-Men: First Class. The first three X-Men movies saw Ian McKellen playing the Master of Magnetism in the 'present day,' i.e. the early-mid 2000s, but First Class wound back the clock to 1962 to show Fassbender's younger Magneto trying to find Dr. Klaus Schmidt (a.k.a. Sebastian Shaw, the man who killed his mother), meeting Charles Xavier, getting involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis and taking his first steps to fight for mutant superiority.

Michael Fassbender has since reprised Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past (which Ian McKellen also appeared in) and X-Men: Apocalypse, and because of the timeline changes from the former movie, Fassbender's version of the character is now on a different path in life compared to McKellen's version. Fassbender return as Magneto once more in next June's Dark Phoenix, where he's running the mutant community Genosha and gets drawn back into action when Jean Grey loses control and become the Phoenix. So with four X-Men movies and Jonah Hex under his belt, Fassbender is definitely a good person to seek advice from if you're about to be a lead actor in a superhero franchise.

Looking at Jason Momoa, although many people were already familiar with him as Ronon Dex on Stargate: Atlantis, Conan the Barbarian in, well, the same-named 2011 movie, and Khal Drogo on Game of Thrones, his time has Aquaman has arguably boosted him to Hollywood star status. He debuted as the half-human, half-Atlantean hero in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but that was just a cameo, as one of Lex Luthor's metahuman files was video footage of Aquaman taking out an underwater camera.

It wasn't until November 2017 that Aquaman was fully introduced in Justice League, where we got our first taste of what this adaptation of the character was like as he teamed up with Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash and Cyborg (and later Superman) to stop Steppenwolf and his Parademon army from turning Earth into another Apokolips. Justice League was met with mixed-to-negative critical reception overall, but Momoa did receive praise for his portrayal of Aquaman from various sources.

More than a year later, now Jason Momoa is snagging the spotlight in Aquaman, which will both follow the hero after the events of Justice League and show flashbacks to the hero's childhood. As mentioned earlier, this version of Aquaman definitely looks and feels a lot different than the Aquaman who's graced the comics for decades. There are some familiar elements intact, such as his upbringing and getting to wear the orange suit at some point, but it definitely seems like Momoa got to put his own unique stamp on the character more so than the actors playing the other Justice Leaguers. Judging by Momoa's quote, Michael Fassbender's advice helped make that happen.

In Aquaman, Arthur Curry will find himself becoming Atlantis' new king, though looking at the movie's trailers, he's reluctant to do so. Once he takes the throne, he'll find himself caught between the surface world, where he's spent the majority of his life, and the Atlantans who want to attack humanity for polluting the oceans. Momoa is joined in Aquaman by Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Orm (a.k.a. Ocean Master), Yahya Abdul Mateen II as Black Manta, Willem Dafoe as Vulko, Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry, Ludi Lin as Murk, Michael Beach as David Kane and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.

Aquaman dives into theaters on December 21, so stay tuned to CinemaBlend for continuing coverage, including our review of the movie. For now, you can look through our holiday premiere guide to learn what other movies are coming out before 2018 is finished, or you can scan through our DC movies guide to learn what the DCEU franchise has in development.

The Lonely Island’s Scrapped Oscars Song Champions For Blockbusters

Eric Eisenberg — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 21:38:49 +0000

While the Oscars generally do a good job highlighting the best movies of any given year, there are always snubs: work or performances that audiences feel should be recognized, but aren't. This year's Academy Award ceremony almost saw a special tribute to these poor souls in the form of a special Lonely Island sketch - but while it didn't wind up making broadcast, you can now witness a workprint version online:

As noted in the video's text introduction, Lonely Island members Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer were approached by the Oscars about writing a special song for the 90th Annual ceremony. Unfortunately, the result of their creative sessions working on the project was ultimately deemed "financially and logistically impossible," and eventually scrapped. The good news is that they apparently maintained the rights to the material they produced, so they threw together the basic version that you can see above.

The gist of the music video is expressed in the song title, "Why Not Me," with the idea being that "snubbed" actors would sing about their woes not being nominated. It would have begun with Chris Hemsworth in character as Thor being upset about Thor: Ragnarok not getting any recognition, but then Gal Gadot would take over the second verse as Wonder Woman, her film also not mentioned in any category. After that it would have been a parade of stars, including Bill Skarsgard in makeup as Pennywise from IT, all five of the Chrises (Chris Pratt, Chris Pine, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Chris Rock) together for a special segment, Tiffany Haddish belting about wizzing on a zipline, and Jason Momoa as Aquaman mocking The Shape of Water.

All of that probably would have been tough to get done, but watching the video my most prominent thought was wondering just how game Michael Fassbender would be to throw The Snowman under the bus. The song is pretty brutal to the failed thriller, and there may be a part of him is proud of the work he did on the film... playing Detective Harry Hole.

This video is pretty great all by itself, but it does remain sad that the original concept will probably never be fully realized. That being said, this totally seems like a project that Jimmy Kimmel (host of the 2018 Oscars) or one of the other late night hosts would take on for their respective shows, working with The Lonely Island. It might actually prove to be "financially and logistically impossible," but we won't know until someone actually tries, right? At the very least a segment about attempting to make the video would probably wind up being fairly entertaining, so let's hope that someday it could actually come together.

Michael Fassbender Will Star In The Kung Fury Movie, Which Sounds Totally Insane

Eric Eisenberg — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 21:56:05 +0000

With the exception of a few small projects, Michael Fassbender is primarily known for his work in the world of drama - regularly serving up some of the most emotional and gripping performances of any given year. As a collective audience we've become accustomed to taking him very seriously - but that should only enhance his upcoming venture into the world of comedy. The two time-Oscar nominated actor is now set to star in David Sandberg's Kung Fury - a feature-length sequel to the short film that has been blowing the internet's mind since 2015.

News of the casting comes from Deadline, which adds that the movie will serve as a sequel to the original YouTube hit - but doesn't mention what role Michael Fassbender will be playing in the film. Heavily inspired by the shlocky, ridiculous action films of the 1980s, Kung Fury is set in an alternate version of 1985 where a hero named Kung Fury keeps the city of Miami safe from hyper-violent forces. He brings together heroes from across time to assemble the Thundercops in an attempt to take down the evil Kung Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler - but the group falls apart when one of their own dies. It is after this tragedy that a new villain emerges with plans to attain an ultimate weapon, leaving Kung Fury no choice but to go on another time-hopping adventure in order to save the day.

David Sandberg - not to be confused with Lights Out/Annabelle: Creation/Shazam! director David F. Sandberg - wrote, directed, produced and starred in Kung Fury three years ago, with Lonely Island member Jorma Taccone co-starring as Adolf Hitler. It has since developed a cult following, and has had a run on Netflix in addition to accruing more than 29 million views on YouTube. KatzSmith Productions, which just had a huge hit last year in Andres Muschietti's IT, is backing the project, and production is expected to start up this summer. The trade report doesn't suggest the project has secured distribution yet, but that will just be news to keep an eye out for.

Following a busy 2017 that included Terrence Malick's Song To Song, Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant, and Tomas Alfredson's The Snowman, Michael Fassbender's filmography in 2018 is a bit lighter. The only time we will be seeing him up on the big screen in the calendar year will be in Simon Kinberg's X-Men: Dark Phoenix, which is hitting theaters in November. You can check out all of the other movies Fassbender isn't in with our release schedule, and for those of you who aren't familiar with Kung Fury, head on over to Page 2 and experience the weirdness!

Which Two Comic Book Villain Performances Inspired Michael B. Jordan In Black Panther

Corey Chichizola — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 14:25:12 +0000

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an ever expanding place, but it's about to get even bigger. While Avengers: Infinity War will unite the main figures of the shared unvierse in the pending battle against Thanos and his forces, first the MCU will also be jumping into a new territory (literally) with Ryan Coogler's Black Panther. The upcoming blockbuster will be set in the fictional country of Wakanda, which is also the source of the world's caches of Vibranium. Michael B. Jordan is playing the villainous Killmonger, and he recently revealed which two supervillain performances inspired him to create something original for Black Panther.

You see performances as an actor, and as a fan -- you look at Heath Ledger's performance, say, in The Dark Knight, and it's like, 'Wow'. I want to try to get something like that. You want Michael Fassbender's Magneto. Just trying to find my place amongst those roles, and strive for that, even if I don't make it.

It looks like Michael B. Jordan was once again ready to put all of his focus on his latest blockbuster role. This time stepping into the villain side of things, he took inspiration from two very successful comic book villains: Heath Ledger's Joker from The Dark Knight and Michael Fassbender's Magneto from the First Class trilogy of X-Men films.

Michael B. Jordan's comments to Empire (via We Got This Covered) are particularly interesting because the two villains he cited are so different from each other. Michael Fassbender crafted an emotionally driven villain, who is attempting to get vengeance for the pain and suffering he endured as a child. Magneto attempts to advocate for the mutant community, standing up as he couldn't against the Nazis as a young boy. His story is personal and layered, which is something that Jordan will no doubt want to bring to Killmonger.

But Heath Ledger's Joker is quite the opposite. He's an anarchist, and neither the fans nor Batman knew how to handle him at any given moment. If Michael B. Jordan can bring this sense of unpredictability to his Marvel villain, then perhaps he'll be able to craft a bad guy who stands apart from the shared universe's villain problem. Of course, Ledger's performance was infamously method and self-destructive, so let's hope that the Creed actor was able to keep a healthy distance between himself and his character while Black Panther was shooting.

Overall, Michael B. Jordan picked two great comic book villains to be inspired by, and hopefully he'll be able to bring something special to Killmonger when Black Panther arrives in just a few months' time.

Black Panther will arrive in theaters on February 16, 2018. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

The Snowman Review

Dirk Libbey — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 13:20:14 +0000

The Snowman boasts an amazing cast, a solid director, and popular source material. By all accounts, the film should at least provide two hours of distraction. Unfortunately, the movie is far less than the sum of its parts. It's disjointed and incomplete and leaves the viewer filled with confusion, rather than tension.

The unfortunately named Harry Hole (Michael Fassbender) is a police detective in Oslo, Norway. He was once one of the best in the country, but more recently he's given in to the bottle. Looking for something to keep his mind off drinking, he inserts himself into a missing person case being handled by newcomer Katrine Bratt (Rebecca Ferguson). She believes this disappearance is connected to several others that have been going for years. When Harry draws a connection between the snowmen that have been constructed near the victims' last known locations, and a taunting note he received in the mail, Harry begins to investigate what appears to be the work of a serial killer.

Even that brief summary feels loose and more complicated than it needs to be, but therein lies the major issue with The Snowman. The film feels less like a cohesive narrative than it does a collection of scenes that were thrown together in vaguely the correct order. It's as if the screenwriters compiled all the key scenes from the original Jo Nesbø novel, wrote them first, and when they discovered they already had two hours of material, went home. This results in some of the most uneven storytelling for a feature film in recent memory. The film sets up several questions without ever giving us answers. We're told that police academy students study Harry Hole's old cases, but we never see an example from Harry as to why they would. Why did Harry become a drunk? Why did the script make Harry a drunk since it doesn't impact the story in any way? Why are there flashbacks, featuring Val Kilmer as a second drunk cop, when those scenes ultimately go nowhere? Why is Val Kilmer's voice dubbed in some of the worst dialogue looping in the history of cinema? All these questions go unanswered.

While the story is a nightmare, the movie might have been salvaged by a great performance or two. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen either. We've seen Michael Fassbender and Rebecca Ferguson do great work. Charlotte Gainsbourg and J.K. Simmons, provide additional supporting performances as well, but every performance in this movie is uniformly flat. The result is an utter lack of tension from start to finish. Why should the audience care about what's going on if it doesn't look like anybody on screen does? Fassbender's lifeless performance here makes his Assassin's Creed role look frenetic by comparison. It's as if everybody involved in The Snowman knew from the start that this wasn't going to work, and agreed to put forth the minimum effort required to get it over with so they could go home.

And then there's the "mystery." I'm forced to put it in quotes because you'll almost certainly figure it out before the final reveal. Not because the film lays out the clues in any particularly noteworthy way. It doesn't. The clues barely exist at all. In the end, it turns out everything was built upon plot contrivance and convenience. You'll figure out who the killer is based solely on the fact that they're the only character left by the end who it could be.

Director Tomas Alfredson has already come out to say that filming of The Snowman was rushed and that a significant portion of the script was never filmed, but that's a reason, that's not an excuse. If this was truly the best that could be done under the circumstances, then maybe this simply wasn't worth making at all.

Why The Snowman Has So Many Problems, According To The Director

Eric Eisenberg — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 23:50:20 +0000

Tomas Alfredson's The Snowman is one of the big new releases this week, but it isn't exactly entering theaters on a high note. While based on a very popular novel by Jo Nesbo, the film has not been widely screening for critics, and those who have seen it have been only adding negative buzz. What's surprising is that the director is being surprisingly open about all of it, and already trying to explain what it is that went wrong. Said Alfredson recently,

Our shoot time in Norway was way too short, we didn't get the whole story with us, and when we started cutting we discovered that a lot was missing. It's like when you're making a big jigsaw puzzle and a few pieces are missing so you don't see the whole picture.

The Snowman is a project that has been in development for a number of years, with Martin Scorsese initially showing interest in the project back in late 2011. All the same, it still didn't provide enough preparation time for the filmmaker. These are the kind of revelations that generally come out after a movie has been released, but speaking with the Norwegian Broadcasting Association (translation by Yahoo! UK), Tomas Alfredson held nothing back.

While The Snowman has been in the works for a while, and Tomas Alfredson has been attached since 2015, apparently the biggest issue was the way that the scheduling worked out. After a long period of nothing happening with the project, it seems that it managed to find money suddenly, and from there plans for production were apparently made a bit too hastily. Said Alfredson.

It happened very abruptly, suddenly we got notice that we had the money and could start the shoot in London.

Based on the book of the same name released a decade ago, The Snowman stars Michael Fassbender as Harry Hole, a detective on the search for a dangerous and elusive serial killer. The titular antagonist is known for making a habit of killing during the first snow fall of winter, and Hole must team up with a new recruit (Rebecca Ferguson) to help try and solve the case. You just shouldn't expect to do it yourself, given that apparently there are some key elements of the story that just aren't there.

This is obviously a real shame. Tomas Alfredson has had a great reputation before this feature, with a resume including Let The Right One In and Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, and the quality of the source material gave a lot of people high expectations. Still, The Snowman sits with a 24 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and we don't exactly expect its score to skyrocket over the next few days.

The Snowman, which also stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Val Kilmer and J. K. Simmons, will be in theaters this Friday. We'll have our own review of the film here on CinemaBlend before then, so be on the lookout!

How Michael Fassbender Feels About That Surprising Alien: Covenant Kiss

Conner Schwerdtfeger — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 18:20:43 +0000

Warning: the following article contains spoilers for Alien: Covenant! Read ahead at your own risk!

Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant is a bizarre film that honors the bizarre mythology of the series. A deep dive into the origins of the mysterious (and very deadly) Xenomorph, the story ultimately reveals that Michael Fassbender's David has been the real architect of the horrors of the Alien universe all along. That said, there's one particular scene that has captured audience imaginations, and it has nothing to do with extraterrestrial beasts: the kiss between David and Walter. As it turns out, even Fassbender was surprised by the overwhelming audience response to the moment. The actor opened up while talking about his new film, The Snowman, and explained:

I guess I was surprised by it because I didn't think much of it when I was doing it. But of course, it is something that people are going to ask about. So, fine. That's just the way it is and it doesn't bother me in the slightest. I don't even take it that seriously. I take it seriously in terms of, I come to work well-prepared and I want to do my best and I definitely put my heart and soul into my work. But I don't think it's something that needs to be respected and revered and taken seriously. It's fun -- and if people are getting pleasure out of it, then cool.

So Michael Fassbender wasn't necessarily expecting audiences to respond quite so wildly to the Fassbender on Fassbender kiss that takes place when David reveals himself to be evil in Alien: Covenant. In that regard, he was taken off-guard in the face of how audiences felt surprised by the (incredibly technically intricate) moment -- primarily because he didn't think much of it while he was working on it. The kiss has earned a wide range of responses from viewers, ranging from laughter, to confusion, to even receiving a ban in China; amid all of these reactions, Fassbender seems content to let us accept it in any way that we wish.

Building off of that idea, Michael Fassbender continued his explanation of the kiss to Vulture and admitted that he doesn't feel a sense of ownership over any of his movies once one has debuted.

Once you do something, I always feel like it doesn't belong to me. Once I make the film and we send it out there, it's out in the public domain -- it's there for people to take whatever they will from it.

So it's our movie now, and we're allowed to interpret that kiss in any way that we see fit. Fassbender executed the vision of Ridley Scott to the best of his ability, and now he seems content to let it go and become a pop culture moment that isn't necessarily his to claim for himself.

Of course, no discussion about the Alien: Covenant kiss would be complete without actually showing you that scene. Check it out below.

Ridley Scott has made it abundantly clear that he wants to continue exploring the burgeoning independence (and possible malice) of artificial intelligence as the Alien franchise moves forward, so we will have to wait and see if Michael Fassbender gets to lock lips with any other androids in the near future. Until then, you can catch Fassbender in The Snowman, which opens in theaters this weekend on October 20.

The Problem With The Assassin's Creed Movie, According To Michael Fassbender

Dirk Libbey — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 14:37:37 +0000

Many were hoping that the Assassin's Creed movie would be the one to move video games into the realm of comic books and novels as serious and viable source material. That hope was dashed once most actually saw the movie. The movie was critically trashed and was also a commercial flop. The original plan had been to turn the movie into a franchise, but now those plans look unlikely. Star Michael Fassbender has an idea about what the movie did wrong. He says the film took itself far too seriously and took too long to get moving. According to Fassbender...

I would make it more entertaining, that's really the main note. The feeling of the film, I think it took itself too seriously and I would get to the action a lot quicker. I think there's three beginnings of the film, which is a mistake.

Needing to make the film "more entertaining" certainly covers a lot of ground, but the film's slow start is certainly part of it. The movie opens with a flashback sequence showing Michael Fassbender's character a young boy, then jumps forward to his execution and kidnapping by the Abstergo organization, and then finally jumps into the interesting part, the technology that allows his character to live through memories of an ancestor during the Spanish Inquisition. The movie certainly takes its time getting there, and could have likely opened much later in the story without sacrificing much.

By comparison, the first game in the Assassin's Creed series drops you right into an adventure by an assassin during the Crusades. The fact that the events you play through are actually a "genetic memory" isn't even revealed until the player is well established with the game. The games are about playing through the character's memories through history, the modern-day elements are a subplot. The movie swapped these ideas, making the plot about the modern day, and making the Spanish Inquisition a secondary concern.

As far as the film taking itself too seriously, which Michael Fassbender tells Movies'n'co was the case, it's difficult to say if that was the issue. The games certainly do take their plots seriously, and the franchise has remained popular doing so, perhaps there's something about the transition to film that makes the plot of Assassin's Creed a little more difficult to handle straight, though certainly if the movie had not taken itself seriously it would have been criticized by fans of the games for changing the source material too much.

Whether Assassin's Creed will have a chance to rectify the issues of the movie in a sequel remains to be seen. Michael Fassbender says it's up to the game's developer, Ubisoft, to make that call. Fans of the franchise would almost certainly love to see a sequel if it meant learning from the mistakes of the first one, though it may already be too late.

The Snowman Trailer Is Creepy And Unnerving, Watch It Now

Conner Schwerdtfeger — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 17:19:35 +0000

The psychological thriller genre has produced some of the most well-executed movies ever committed to celluloid. From Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho to Christopher Nolan's Memento to David Fincher's Se7en, the balance of tension with strong characterization and compelling storytelling has always resonated with audiences, and it looks like the genre is about to see another impressive entry. A new trailer for director Tomas Alfredson's The Snowman has just debuted online, and it looks like an utterly terrifying journey into the mind of a serial killer and a desperate manhunt. Check out the trailer below, and prepare for chills.

From that trailer, it looks like The Snowman will offer audiences a good, old-fashioned detective story with a serious horror twist. Centering on a brilliant detective (Michael Fassbender) and a young police recruit (Rebecca Ferguson), the film follows this pair as they attempt to unravel a murder mystery surrounding women who begin to disappear at first snow. As they dive deeper and deeper into the case, they begin to discover that the killer they are searching for may have a deadly link to decades-old cold cases. Realizing that they have stumbled upon something far greater than they could have ever imagined, the killer soon begins to target and toy with them in a variety of horrifying ways.

Aside from how good The Snowman looks from a filmmaking perspective, the move is also currently lined up with a great release date for its particular tone and style. Debuting in theaters on October 20, the film is perfectly positioned to draw Halloween crowds with horror films on the mind, and attract the attention of moviegoers looking for a prestige drama. It's hard to tell with so much time left until the movie actually debuts in theaters, but we could certainly have a potential award contender on our hands with The Snowman.

To say that The Snowman has assembled a phenomenal cast would be nothing less than an understatement. Without a doubt, this film seems to have put together one of the most capable and engaging ensembles in recent history, with Michael Fassbender and Rebecca Ferguson at the top of their respective games. In addition to the two headliners, The Snowman has also enlisted the acting talents of Independence Day: Resurgence's Charlotte Gainsbourg, J.K. Simmons, and Val Kilmer. If nothing else, we can definitely confirm that this psychological thriller will be chock full of fantastic performances when it finally debuts.

The Snowman will debut in theaters this fall on October 20, 2017. If you are looking for more details related to the rest of this year's major theatrical releases, then make sure to take a look at CinemaBlend's comprehensive movie premiere guide and fill out your movie going calendars accordingly!

How Alien: Covenant Pulled Off Those Amazing Twin Michael Fassbender Scenes

Conner Schwerdtfeger — Fri, 19 May 2017 15:37:45 +0000

Warning: mild spoilers ahead for Alien: Covenant. Read ahead at your own risk!

The Alien films have never shied away from innovation. From the late H.R. Giger's iconic design for the Xenomorph to the special effects pioneered by filmmakers like Ridley Scott and James Cameron, the sci-fi horror series consistently manages to break new ground and try new things. In that regard, Alien: Covenant is no different. In fact, I recently had the opportunity to chat with Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender about how they managed to get Fassbender in two places at once to simultaneously portray opposing androids Walter and David in the new film. Incredibly enough, they admitted that they pulled it off because of a handy digital camera that could duplicate the actor in real time. Ridley Scott explained:

It's a computer attached to a camera which tracks, the computer memorizes everything to the frame. There's no wobble on the edge of frame, so you match on match matrixes. So you shoot everything one way. That's in the memory. Flip around do it the same way again you and blend them in a digital mélange.

Michael Fassbender's two android characters, David and Walter, share quite a bit of screen time in Alien: Covenant, which means Ridley Scott needed the technology to make the shots work. Having an actor portray multiple roles in a movie is a storytelling technique that has existed as long as the medium has existed, but technology has finally reached the point where a filmmaker can rely less on body doubles and makeup for a more realistic and complex shot. All Ridley Scott had to do was shoot a scene with Fassbender as Walter opposite a body double, then reverse the scene and shoot it again with the actor switching into his David role.

I think I speak for anyone who has seen Alien: Covenant when I admit that I want to see this technique used in future Alien movies. Michael Fassbender's David has arguably begun to rival Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley as the real face of the franchise, and the way the actor plays off of himself is legitimately fascinating and enthralling to watch. Ridley Scott clearly struck gold with this particular casting choice, and more Fassbender is never a bad thing.

That said, the process of shooting those sequences proved no less technical for Michael Fassbender himself. The actor chimed during our chat to explain the importance of precision to keep the shots coherent, saying:

So for the actors, and Tom was my double, it just meant that we had to be very precise with the blocking and where we were holding the flute, and all of those sorts of details.

Check out more of my chat with Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender from the Alien: Covenant press day below:

Alien: Covenant opens in theaters today. For more information related to the rest of this year's biggest film debuts, make sure to check out our 2017 movie premiere guide and keep yourself up to date on all of the latest and greatest theatrical releases.

Two Major X-Men Characters Who Will Likely Be In The Dark Phoenix

Gregory Wakeman — Thu, 18 May 2017 19:54:57 +0000

The future of the X-Men franchise has taken shape over the last few months, as it was recently confirmed that an adaptation of The Dark Phoenix Saga would be heading to the big screen next, which would see Sophie Turner reprise her role as Jean Grey in the main role. It's looking increasingly likely that Turner will be joined by Michael Fassbender's Magneto and Jennifer Lawrence's Mystique in the blockbuster, too. That's according to recent comments from producer Hutch Parker, who, after recently being asked by CinemaBlend whether the two actors would feature in Dark Phoenix, teased:

I'd rather not confirm any of those officially, but yes, the current story that we're working on has that group involved as well as some of the younger characters that we introduced last time.

Hutch Parker, who has previously produced The Wolverine, X-Men: Days Of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Logan, and will do so again on X-Men: Dark Phoenix, made this admission to me when I spoke to him over the phone on Thursday. Having recently heard rumors that Michael Fassbender would be appearing in The Dark Phoenix I decided to ask for confirmation, as well as inquiring as to whether Fassbender's return had convinced Lawrence to do so, too. But while Parker refused to 100% confirm that the duo would be involved, he insinuated that it would almost certainly be the case.

I didn't stop there, though, because I also wanted to know whether or not Rogue would feature, especially because the character plays such an integral role in the tale.

Hutch Parker again didn't confirm that Rogue would definitely be involved in The Dark Phoenix, but his comments make it sound as though it will more than likely happen, especially considering how much more "expansive" the story is to that of Logan. Hutch Parker continued,

We're all sorting out exactly which mutants will be part of it, and which ones won't. It is a bit more expansive than... obviously Logan was a bit more intimate of a story. This one's a bit more expansive, and you know the comics, so you know how and why. We're still kind of sorting that through.

We'll undoubtedly learn who is actually involved in Dark Phoenix in the next few weeks and months, including whether Simon Kinberg is directing as well as writing, because the film is scheduled for a release on November 2, 2018, while it will be preceded by New Mutants on April 13, 2018, and Deadpool 2 on June 1, 2018. In the meantime you can reacquaint yourself with arguably the finest film of the X-Men franchise yet, as Logan is now available on Digital HD, while it will be on Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD on May 23rd. This also includes Logan Noir, the black and white version of the film, which is an absolute treat to absorb.

When Michael Fassbender May Return To The X-Men Series As Magneto

Adam Holmes — Tue, 16 May 2017 02:47:52 +0000

Erik Lehnsherr, a.k.a. Magneto, has been part of the X-Men film series since the beginning, with Ian McKellen first playing the character in live action and Michael Fassbender succeeding him as the younger iteration of the Master of Magnetism. With last year's X-Men: Apocalypse concluding the "First Class" era and and the franchise not focusing on Erik's relationship with Charles Xavier, it was unclear if Fassbender would reprise Magneto in another X-Men movie. Well to all the Magneto fans out there, you may be in luck, as we could see him back next year in X-Men: Dark Phoenix.

MTV reporter Josh Horowitz, who interviewed Michael Fassbender for a podcast coming out on Wednesday, suggested on social media that while the actor will not appear in the New Mutants spinoff, it's likely that he'll make some kind of appearance in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, the next installment of the main X-Men series. You can read Horowitz's tweet below.

The X-Men "First Class" trilogy did a tremendous job of fleshing out Magneto's backstory, from showing how he built his friendship with Charles Xavier to explaining what led him to become a proponent of mutant superiority. When we last Erik in X-Men: Apocalypse, he'd turned against Apocalypse, his former master, and helped the X-Men rebuild their mansion. However, he refused Charles' offer to stay with them and went off to parts unknown. That could easily have served as the end of Magneto's story, but evidently the X-Men cinematic universe could have something extra planned for him. Assuming Michael Fassbender does indeed appear in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, and keeping in mind that James McAvoy will likely reprise Professor X, that leaves Jennifer Lawrence's Mystique and Nicholas Hoult's Beast as the senior "First Class" X-Men characters whose involvement is still up in the air.

Like 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: Dark Phoenix will adapt The Dark Phoenix comic book storyline from the comics, and will see Jean Grey, played by Sophie Turner, being overtaken by the Phoenix Force. Jean Grey briefly unleashed the Phoenix power in X-Men: Apocalypse, and given the changes to the timeline post-X-Men: Days of Future Past, this story is expected to go in a much different direction. Beyond that, no details about the movie have been disclosed yet, including how many of Jean Grey's teammates seen at the end of X-Men: Apocalypse will return.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix hits theaters on November 2, 2018, but before that, X-Men fans have New Mutants and Deadpool 2 to look forward to. While we wait for confirmation on Michael Fassbender reprising Magneto, you can see him this weekend in playing the androids Walter and David in Alien: Covenant.

Why Ridley Scott Makes Mysterious Alien Short Films Between His Alien Movies

Conner Schwerdtfeger — Mon, 15 May 2017 18:33:28 +0000

While Ridley Scott is unquestionably a Hollywood icon for his innovative silver screen work, he has also become a trailblazer in the realm of movie promotion, as well. His Alien franchise utilizes incredibly unique marketing campaigns for each of its installments, and the viral short films that he produces to generate buzz are just as impressive as the films themselves. I recently had the chance to ask Scott why he goes through the effort to make these fascinating shorts ahead of the release of Alien: Covenant, and he explained that it stems from a combination of frustration with traditional trailers and the explosion of social media, saying:

I personally did at least two thousand commercials in my time. So that's your film school. Then, and I'm trying not to be critical, but I was constantly frustrated by, sometimes -- not the person right now marketing us, because we're doing very well -- trying to bring to bear. I was suddenly very aware of social media. Social media you begin by actually talking about something, such as 'Hello, I'm David.' Prometheus [Michael Fassbender] says 'Hello, I'm David.' Then they were gonna use the name of the film. And I say 'No, do not use the name of the film. Jesus.' Let people go, 'What was that?' Then use that silly thing called Twitter, and they're all talking to each other over cups of cocoa going 'Did you see that? What was that?' And suddenly you've got voice telegraph, and that's advertising.

If you have seen any of the Alien viral videos that have come out over the course of the last few years (such as the Peter Weyland TED Talk from Prometheus, or the "Last Supper" prologue to Alien: Covenant), then this should make plenty of sense. Ridley Scott has years of experience in the advertising industry, and that has taught him the sheer value of viral marketing. Without using the name of a film, and without showing much (if any) footage from the actual movie, he can get fans talking in a way that feels natural and organic. It's like inception; you want to plant a seed in the audience's head and get them talking without ever actually saying the name of your film.

For the sake of context, check out the David-centric short film referenced by Ridley Scott to get a better sense of what the director tries to accomplish with these viral videos.

This seems like a mentality shared by Alien star Michael Fassbender, who similarly chimed in with his hatred of modern trailers during the interview. Fassbender has become a central facet of Ridley Scott's Alien viral campaigns, and his ability to utter a simple phrase such as "Hello, I'm David" in such a chilling way has served the franchise well ever since Scott retook control of the Alien continuity with Prometheus back in 2012.

These techniques pioneered by Ridley Scott on the recent films in the Alien continuity could go a long way towards improving how movies are marketed if other studios and filmmakers decide to adopt them. One of the most annoying problems with contemporary trailers is the fact that they often spoil major Act 3 reveals, or simply show far too much of a given movie's story. Ridley Scott sidesteps that issue by shooting entirely new footage that teases the essence of a film's story and characters without showing too much of the real narrative. For those of us who in a constant state of vigilance over spoilers, that's a very enticing prospect. Here's Ridley Scott, talking about his unique Alien short films:

With Ridley Scott currently gearing up to bring us even more Alien adventures over the next few years, it seems highly likely that we can expect to see even more off-kilter short films to accompany these terrifying stories. Alien: Covenant will debut in theaters this weekend on May 19.

Michael Fassbender Considered Trying To Break His Arm To Get Out Of Playing Steve Jobs

Jessica Rawden — Thu, 11 May 2017 14:40:58 +0000

It's not an easy gig to play Steve Jobs. The man was certainly a complex human, often tough in relationships while capable of thinking outside-the-box when it came to design, product and image. It would be daunting to play the former Apple head honcho, and Michael Fassbender knew it, even before he started having to get into costume for the gig. He recently revealed that he was so apprehensive of taking the lead in Steve Jobs that he considered breaking his arm to get out of the gig, and that wasn't even the only time he tried to quit. Michael Fassbender said:

When the script arrived for me and the opportunity to play the part I really thought, 'This is not me, this should be somebody else. It's a miscast scenario.' Then I spoke to my agent and my dad and they were like, 'You've got to go for it.' But at the beginning in rehearsals I was trying to find a way to get out of the job. I remember telling my driver, 'If I put my arm in the door and you slam it, it should cause a break and should get me out of this gig.'

Michael Fassbender has previously spoken out about how "dense" Danny Boyle's film was and how he really did feel like he was miscast. However, this new quote seems to indicate he actually tried to get out of the gig via his agent and then told The Irish Sun he talked to his driver about breaking his arm to help him pass on the gig. It looks like Michael Fassbender really, really wasn't excited about playing the lead in Steve Jobs.

Obviously it worked out alright, however, as the actor revealed that he--smartly--did not end up breaking his arm. Still, it does give you a sense of the state of mind the actor was in around the time that production was underway.

But I thankfully didn't and I just went back to my room and continued learning the lines.

Clearly, there were some daunting moments in that process. The movie only ended up doing OK at the box office, but it was extremely well-liked critically and that translated into awards season, where Kate Winslet and the screenplay won Golden Globes and both Winslet and Michael Fassbender earned nominations at the Academy Awards.

Michael Fassbender has taken a lot of memorable gigs over the years, including turns in Inglorious Basterds, Shame, X-Men: First Class, 12 Years A Slave and many more. Steve Jobs also stands out among those big roles, so it was probably worth all of the turmoil to power through it. Probably.

You can next catch Michael Fassbender in Alien: Covenant, out next weekend. To take a look at what else is coming to theaters this summer, check out our full guide.

Alien: Covenant Review

Gregory Wakeman — Sun, 07 May 2017 03:45:15 +0000

For the better part of an hour, Alien: Covenant looks as though it's going to be the startling return to form for the franchise that everyone had hoped it could be. While Prometheus struggled to balance its philosophical pursuits with its blockbuster requirements, Sir Ridley Scott goes back to basics with Alien: Covenant, putting the former to one side as he elegantly establishes this new film's footing and its moody and chilling aesthetic.

Unfortunately, though, it can't maintain this momentum, and while there's enough in the film to call it a success, and some truly terrifying and bloody moments that rank right up there with the franchise's pinnacle, there also are some abundant flaws that leave you knowing Alien: Covenant could have been so much better.

The titular Covenant is actually a colony ship bound for a remote planet on the distant side of the galaxy, which is being attended to by Walter (Michael Fassbender), an android that's an update on Prometheus' David, while the crew are in hibernation. However an accident part way through the trip doesn't just cause the crew to wake up, but for some of them to perish in their sleeping pods, too.

With seven years of their journey still to go, and the members of the Covenant obviously apprehensive about returning to their chambers, they're provided an apparent lifeline when they intercept a rescue beacon from an obscure planet that's just a few weeks away and is also inhabitable. Once there, some of the crew head down to see if it's actually suitable for them to colonize, only to instead discover that it doesn't possess any living creatures at all, except for the franchise's legendary monsters and David (Fassbender), who has somehow survived on the planet for around a decade.

Sir Ridley Scott almost creepily sets up the above, seemingly taking joy in the random circumstances that ultimately leads to Daniels (Katherine Waterston), Christopher (Billy Crudup), Karine (Carmen Ejogo), Faris (Amy Seimetz), and several other members of the Covenant setting foot on the planet. While it's all understated, you can feel Scott gently etching up the tension in an expert fashion, plus, at the same time, he's also able to depict a brutal, fiery death sequence as a result of the disaster that jolts the crew awake, and tease the conflicts and relationships that will be exploited once the ghastly creatures start to wreak havoc.

The first sequence of them doing just that -- which sees the aliens gaining access to oblivious members of the Covenant as just specks of DNA that climb through their orifices, only to then quickly manifest and escape through dismembering their host -- is as gory, enthralling, and nightmarish a sequence as you're likely to see all year. Scott goes hell for leather making sure you see the blood and the gore, and throws enough of it at the screen to make you wince and recoil whenever the Aliens are again nearby. It's handled with such aplomb, and leaves the situation so dire, that you're genuinely hooked and nervous about where the film could head yet.

It's just a shame then that Alien: Covenant doesn't fully take advantage of this terror. Instead, it deviates into a more relaxed state, as it leans heavier on the sci-fi and explores the evolution of the Xenomorph, something that it admittedly does in an enlightening and cogent fashion. This deceleration coincides with the emergence of David, and while there are still some moments that genuinely take you aback, including a face-hugging sequence that is particularly vindictive and sadistic, Alien: Covenant's latter set-pieces don't satisfyingly build to anything, and aren't as smooth as you might expect.

Unfortunately, the reason for this is that Ridley Scott's direction and Dariusz Wolski's cinematography aren't always conducive to these scenes. Obviously, Ridley Scott masterfully controls the rhythm, tempo, and haunting mood of the film, but when there's an abundance of movement you don't really feel the full thrust and impact of the violence. Frankly, at times, it's hard to see exactly what's going in the dank and barely lit surroundings, while Alien: Covenant also suffers badly from best-bits-in-the-trailer syndrome. You hold out hope that the movie can remedy this with its final action set piece, but even that lacks any imagination, and is sadly derivative and underwhelming. However Covenant's conclusion is slightly salvaged by its final moments, which do pack a punch.

Covenant is cast well, though. Katherine Waterston is more emotive, compelling, and dynamic than Noomi Rapace, while Danny McBride puts in a surprisingly dramatic and consistent turn, but you can't help but feel the cast is a little too bloated, as not enough of the characters have been shown for us to care when they actually start to get mowed down. As you'd expect, it's Michael Fassbender who once again steals the show in his dual roles as Walter and David. What we see is far from conventional, yet still always verges on eye-catching. The interactions between the two androids, whose disparate personalities are pitch-perfectly portrayed by the Irishman, are genuinely bizarre, in both a good and bad way. To go into too much detail might ruin your enjoyment, but it sways from amusing to theatrical to frankly ludicrous, sometimes to the point that you can't help but laugh and be slightly taken out of the film.

Yet, for all its imperfections, Alien: Covenant is a lively and captivating ride that's gruesome, chilling and traumatic, which makes it all the more disappointing that it stagnates. There's still enough in it to suggest that Sir Ridley Scott could hit the highs of the franchise's past with his two-planned sequels, though, especially as both Prometheus and Covenant have now provided the foundations for an arena that cinema's most terrifying monsters could do some truly horrifying things in.