Last month Disney held an investor’s conference where they unveiled their highly anticipated streaming service, Disney+. The presentation answered a lot of questions about what is in store for subscribers this coming Fall.
Pricing
Disney+
Starting Price will be $6.99 per month and will be ad-free
Annual price of $69.99
Hulu
$5.99 – Basic Plan will have ads
$11.99 – Ad-Free plan
$44.99 – Ad Free with Live TV
Hulu fans have been affectionately dubbed Hulugans
Programming
Between Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, Disney will have three popular but very different streaming services that can be subscribed to individually or in a package.
Disney+
All existing Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars films at launch
Falcon & Winter Soldier Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan confirmed to reprise their roles
WandaVison – Effectively Vision & The Scarlet Witch series
Loki – Tom Hiddleston will reprise as well
The Mandalorian – Created and written by Jon Favreau
Cassian Andor – Pre-Rogue One series
Obi-Wan – Rumored more heavily lately that it will be a a Disney+ series and not a movie.
Deadpool 3 – This would seem to be the most likely possibility.
Miniseries – Since Disney+ will be family friendly, the chances of “Hard R” content, such as the Deadpool movies, are pretty slim. However, Hulu has several TV-M series.
Spider-Man 3 – This might be the most entertaining option, even if the content is toned down for PG-13 content. While some fans question putting a mature audience in a PG-13 movie, there is precedent in the comics for this. Spider-Man and Deadpool already have an ongoing series.
Aladdin’s Opening Weekend
Disney’s latest live action adaption of an animated film opened to the tune of $122 million dollars. Compared to the previous Dumbo, it was more successful. The trend to adapt animated films to live-action will likely continue.
At this time, there is no confirmation of any connections to the trilogies from Rian Johnson or Game Of Thrones creators David Benoiff and Dan Weiss. The first Benoiff & Weiss film will be in December 2022
Pattinson has been no stranger to genre roles. He was rumored to be one of the finalists to replace Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man,
before the part was given to Andrew Garfield. He appeared alongside
current Spider-Man Tom Holland and Emperor Palpatine himself Ian
McDiarmid in The Lost City Of Z.
As we keep saying, actors act for directors, not necessarily for the audience. Similar reactions to Michael Keaton, Heath Ledger, and Ben Affleck have happened before, but their performances impressed audiences.
Looks like Bruce Wayne to me…
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With the Disney/Fox merger complete, fans have been wondering how Fox-owned properties will be incorporated into The MCU. Especially now, in the wake of a Post-Snap Phase Four.
Of course, one of the hottest properties is the Merc With A Mouth, Deadpool.
It has been reported that Ryan Reynolds will keep his job portraying Deadpool/Wade Wilson. Given that Disney would almost assuredly alienate a fanbase if they recast the role, that news is most welcome.
According to MCU Cosmic, Disney is already exploring ways to bring the R-Rated cash cow into continuity. There are three main options:
Deadpool 3
A Series a la Disney+ or Hulu
A co-starring role in Spider-Man 3
Let’s look at these options one at a time
Deadpool 3 – This would seem to be the most likely option. Deadpool already has two wildly successful movies under his belt. Why would they deviate from that platform? Disney owns 20th Century Fox, so can continue to distribute under that name if they choose. Failing that, it could simply be released under the Marvel banner.
Series – There are already several exciting titles that will be debuting on Disney+ when it rolls out in the Fall. At least two Star Wars titles, two Marvel series, and every episode of The Simpsons from their near 30 year run. A Deadpool mini-series certainly could fit in with that company.
Disney has already stated that the Disney+ service will be family friendly, so the chances of “Hard R” content, such as the Deadpool movies, are pretty slim.
The possible solution to this is simple. Disney now also controls Hulu, the second biggest streaming platform in the world. Several of Hulu’s original series (Catch-22, The Act, The Handmaid’s Tail, etc…) all sport a TV-MA rating. They even have an original movie called I’mJust F*cking With You. Deadpool would fit right in with that company.
Spider-Man 3 – This might be the most entertaining option, even if the content is toned down for PG-13 content. While some fans question putting a mature audience in a PG-13 movie, there is precedent in the comics for this. Spider-Man and Deadpool already have an ongoing series.
There is one more option though, albeit not nearly as probable as the previous three. Disney is considering doing a X-Force movie. In the comics, Deadpool is part of that group.
No matter what unfolds, it seems likely that we will be seeing Deadpool in the MCU sooner rather than later.
Unless you’ve been living in The Negative Zone for the last few weeks, you’ve heard dozens of fan theories regarding how Avengers: Endgame concluded the way it did, with some major players seemingly written out of The MCU. One of the most popular theories regards the fate of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America.
In the film’s epilogue, Cap sets out to return all the Infinity Stones and Mjolnir (Thor’s famous hammer) to their proper places in the timeline. However, when he’s done, Cap doesn’t return home like originally planned. He decides to return to post-WWII New York and spend the rest of his life with his first love, Peggy Carter.
We learned in Captain America: Winter Soldier that Peggy Carter did marry and have children after WWII. She said that Cap saved her future husband during the events of the first film, but her husband was never named nor shown.
So that begs the question: Who was Mr. Peggy Carter after all?
What many fans have proposed is that Peggy’s future husband was none other than Steve Rogers himself! After accomplishing his tasks and returning home, Steve Rogers simply lived a sheltered life, while his wife went on to become a founding member of SHIELD. After all, he knows the world is in good hands for the next 80 years. Plus, it puts closure on Cap’s story for the past decade.
Fortunately, Avengers: Endgame writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely have stepped up to give fans the real story when asked by The Hollywood Reporter and their readers.
It was always our intention that he was the father of those two children. But again, there are time travel loopholes for that
-Stephen McFeely via Hollywood Reporter
That does seem to confirm the theory of Peggy and Steve getting their happy ending.
So which is it? Could there be such a creative difference between story writers and storytellers? Did Steve Rogers live out the rest of his life with Peggy? Or could this just be fanning the fanboy flames to keep discussion going about whether Back To The Future was right or not?
Geekville Radio #233: Spider-Man: Far From Home Trailer
Sony released a second trailer for Spider-Man: Far From Home, which gives a little more of the story. That means it’s time to examine every frame of it so we can lay out what everything means and then get mad if it turns out to be something different.
So queue up the Spider-Man: Far From Home trailer and follow along!
From Bubble Boy to Supervillain. Jake Gyllenhaal as MysterioIs this a rib on Holland given his alleged history of leaking spoilers?A very sad looking PeterA tribute to Iron Man, presumably in the same sceneLooks like Happy Hogan is now Peter’s father figureI’m not crying, you’re cryingSpidey busting some well armed criminalsThe Iron Spider costume makes another appearanceSpidey evading gunfireIs that… IMPACT WEBBING?The classic costume is back!“You don’t ghost Nick Fury!” Plus, an added Absorbing Man referenceSo did MJ get snapped?Ned can’t catch a break sometimes. By the way, in the comics Ned Leeds is HobgoblinNick Fury returnsSpidey en route to a secret lairFury and Hill already know MysterioEarth Elemental? Or Absorbing Man?Will Maria Hill be around more often?Water Elemental? Or Hydro Man?Stealth Suit Spider-Man?Since he can’t use F-Bombs, will “Bitch, please!” be Fury’s catchphrase?Fire Elemental? Or Molten Man?Mysterio flying and fightingLooks like Mysterio is packing a huge punch, assuming it’s not a trick.Peter and Mysterio having a serious talkSooo, if it’s obvious that Peter is Spider-Man, why is MJ the only one that figured it out?Perhaps the Elementals are combining?At last, THE FISHBOWL Helmet!Look! Up in the sky! …Oops! Wrong franchise…Paging Captain Planet!Somebody’s bound to make a “London Bridge” jokePerhaps foreshadowing Mysterio’s villainous ways?Where’s the fishbowl?Tony’s Nanotech Glasses?A city decimatedIs this before, after or during the destruction in the previous pic?More Stark Tech for Spidey?Fury giving a stern talking to the “Black Ops” SpideyIron Man MemorialFire Elemental? Or Holocaust?Combat Suit Spidey swinging to safetyIt’s just not a Marvel film without some well placed comedy
Did we miss anything? Any other ideas? What did you think of this trailer?
Geekville Radio #232: Star Wars Day, Free Comic Book Day, RIP Peter Mayhew
May The Fourth Be With You
It’s May 4th, aka May The Fourth: Star Wars Day. For anybody new to the concept, that means it’s the Unofficial Star Wars Day. Unless you’re in California, where it became a recognized Star Wars Day.
RIP Peter Mayhew (1922-2019)
We can’t mention Star Wars Day without mentioning the sad news of Peter Mayhew’s passing. He of course portrayed Chewbacca in five Star Wars films, and in numerous TV appearances.
According to his IMDB page, he has almost a dozen credits as Chewbacca. If there was Chewbacca appearing in any sort of Star Wars event, chances are it was really Peter in the costume. If not, Peter would often be consulted on how Chewie should be portrayed.
He worked with the fan community up to the very end. He was originally set to appear this weekend at the Dallas Fan Expo. His booth had already been built. Rather than take the booth down, it was changed into a memorial where fans could sign a guest book to give their condolences. One of those “Faith in Humanity Restored” stories.
Lastly, here is the simple but entertaining story of Peter meeting George Lucas for the first time about Star Wars.
Peter Mayhew talks about meeting George Lucas for the first time
#Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy talked to us about the future of #StarWars – including a Knights of the Old Republic movie and female filmmakers taking the helm, as well as Palpatine’s surprise return in the trailer for @StarWars#EpisodeIXpic.twitter.com/HCjEhdlRv7
Kathleen Kennedy apparently confirming development on a KOTR feature film
Very little is known about what a Knights Of The Old Republic film would be about, or who is involved. Kennedy herself said she didn’t know what’s in store. Rian Johnson has publicly stated that he is not doing a KOTOR trilogy. It is well known that Game of Thrones creators David Benoiff and D.B. Weiss are developing their own trilogy as well. The presumably mystical setting for a KOTOR film (or trilogy) would seem to be a good fit.
I can only review two releases, since I could only get two of the titles I was hoping for.
Star Wars Adventures: Droid Hunters – Written by Cavan Scott with art by Derek Charm, Droid Hunters stars Han Solo and Chewbacca and a quest for treasure. The story definitely has that “Saturday Morning Cartoon” vibe to it, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s clearly geared for kids. Nobody dies, and nobody is terribly ruthless. Sure, there’s a double-cross that is fairly obvious, but it’s still enjoyable.
Spider-Man – This one had two stories. The first is by the Venom team of Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman. Eddie Brock is now Carnage, not Venom. Cletus Kasady is not only back, but he has the original Knull symbiote.
The other story is more of a standalone comedy by Saladin Ahmed and Tom Taylor, with art by Corey Smith and Jay Lester. Peter and Miles compare pizza and then take down Shocker… who also has opinions on pizza.
War Of The Realms
Finally, here is the update on War Of The Realms. A SPOILER ALERT has been pressed
The heroes are organizing Strike Force teams to retaliate against Malekith and his armies. There are currently at least two Strike Force.
Captain America, Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Wolverine travel to Jotunheim, where they find a LOT of dead Frost Giants, and a certain one-armed Thunder God. It’s worth mentioning that Spidey, Cage, and Danny are all apparently worthy of wielding Asgard weaponry.
Another team, led by Freya herself, consists of Punisher, Ghost Rider, She-Hulk, and Blade. One of these things just doesn’t belong here. But they will be going to Svartalfheim, the home of the dark elves.
Note: When getting these comics, I didn’t see the upcoming War Avengers Strike Force team of Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Captain Britain, Weapon H, Winter Soldier, Venom, and Sif. So I didn’t touch on them during recording.
That’s it for War Of The Realms news. Is there anything I missed?
One thing Agents Of SHIELD fans liked about the show’s fourth season was the introduction of the Robbie Reyes incarnation of Ghost Rider. Affectionately called “Ghost Driver” by some, this version used a black 1969 Dodge Charger rather than the more common motorcycle.
Gabriel Luna portrayed the character through the 2016-2017 season, which also dropped hints at a previous Johnny Blaze or Danny Ketch appearance.
Variety reports that Luna will reprise the role for a spinoff series on Hulu. However, sources say this will be a “new iteration”, without any connection to Agents Of SHIELD. That would seem to imply a different character. Or it could simply mean a reset without a recast, similar to the Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance feature film.
Also recently announced for Hulu have been series for Howard The Duck, Dazzler, and MODOK. With Disney’s recent acquisition of 20th Century Fox, they now own a stake in Hulu. Disney is also of course starting their own Netflix-like streaming service in Fall 2019.
It has finally arrived. The climax of the entire MCU over the last 11 years and 20-something movies is here. Avengers Endgame broke the expected numbers, and unseated The Force Awakens as the #1 opening night of all time.
If you don’t want spoilers, STOP NOW! Go watch Avengers Endgame, and come back. Don’t worry, we can wait.
Still here? Or welcome back, depending on your course of action. Join Seth “Zandrax” Zillmann and “Crazy Train” Jonathan Bolick as the size up what predictions were right, and which weren’t.
What is the state of The MCU? Where do they go from here? Can characters killed off still return? And how does this stack up to the original story from the comics?
All these questions and more are answered in another fun-filled Geekville Radio!
After much anticipation, Marvel’s epic universe-wide story has finally arrived. The gist of War Of The Realms is the ongoing war throughout all the Asgardian realms finally comes to Midgard, aka Earth. I would be surprised if this doesn’t get made into a film within the next decade or so, as the concept is just too cool to not do on a blockbuster big screen.
Here are six noteworthy things concerning War Of The Realms. Spoiler alerts of course.
1) Laufey Is Back
Unless you’re an old school Marvel fan, or remember the first Thor movie very well, you may not know the name Laufey. Well, as depicted in said first Thor movie, Odin adopts Loki. Laufey is Loki’s biological father. It’s not mentioned a ton in the MCU, but Loki does have the last name of Laufeyson. After being deader than dead to the point of being a skeleton, Laufey is brought back from the dead by Malekith. Plus, he is a true Frost Giant and stands probably a good 50 feet tall.
2) Loki is Dead… Again
Speaking of The God Of Mischief and Evil, Loki is literally eaten alive by Laufey. Yep, munched down like a potato chip by his own dad. This is probably the 173rd time Loki has died, but who’s counting? We’ve seen him die time and time again, and he always has some plan for coming back. This time will likely be no different. Plus, just like Infinity War, he dies in the opening act of the story. Not a usual trope to kill a character out of the gate, if he’s going to stay dead. Or stay dead by the comics standards of a few months at least.
3) Valkyrie Is Dead
It was Malekith himself that did the deed in the final page of issue #2. Now, some Marvel fans know that Jason Aaron is penning the new Valkyrie title. And now that the “real” Valkyrie is dead (or at least dead by the comics standards of a few months), it explains why Jane Foster is stepping into the role.
4) Thor Wields Dual Hammers
Of course, with Mjolnir’s destruction last year, Thor has been using different hammers. Now, he openly wields two. One has a very similar shape to Mjiolnir, while the other one has a flat end, while the other has a ball end similar to Stormbearker. Perhaps it was inspired by the hammer Thor made during Infinity War.
5) Luke Cage Is (Apparently) Worthy Of Asgard Weapons
In a teaser cover image for the War Of The Realms tie-in Strikeforce (which sadly does not feature Tito Santana or Rick Martel), Luke Cage is carrying a hammer that looks very similar to Mjolnir. It’s possible it may be in cosmetics only, and not a true mystic hammer, but I think most fans would have no problem seeing Luke as being worthy of picking up an Asgardian Enchanted Hammer.
6) Bog Tigers Are Cool
Malekith has been seen on and around a white tiger that has wings similar to a bat or dragon. The proper name of this creature is Svartalfheim Bog Tiger. If War Of The Realms is ever turned into a movie, the bog tiger will be a new hit sensation with fans. Many stuffed animals would be sold. As big as BB-8 or porgs were to Star Wars? Only time will tell.
That’s only 1/4th of the way through the main story, so there is probably more to come. You can pick up War Of The Realms #1 and #2 now, along with the other tie in issues throughout the Marvel brand.
Anything you liked about War Of The Realms? Sound off below!
With Avengers: Engame looming over the summer movie season, directors Anthony and Joe Russo have revealed they are developing a documentary on none other than Stan “The Man” Lee.
“We are fascinated by the life of Stan Lee and we are actually developing a little something that has to do with his work in the history of Marvel.”
-Anthony Russo via Superhero Hype
Lee of course passed away late last year at the age of 95, and had over two dozen of his signature cameos in Marvel TV and film projects. He served as an Executive Producer for many Marvel films, most of which were based on his creations. The Russo brothers have confirmed Endgame will be the legendary creator’s final cameo.
