CRAZY RICH ASIANS Director Jon M. Chu to Helm THE GREAT CHINESE ART HEIST for Warner Bros.

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Jon M. Chu, best known for his hit 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians, has been hired to take on the film The Great Chinese Art Heist for Warner Bros. The studio is still looking for a writer to adapt the story, which is based on the GQ article by Alex W. Palmer.

Deadline reports the following about the article and story:

The article follows a slew of museum art robberies that occurred in Europe, in which Chinese antiquities were stolen, chiefly those that came from the country’s old Summer Palace which was raided in 1860 by French soldiers. No one knows who the thieves are, but the works of art continually wind up back in China. Essentially, there’s a new generation of wealthy Chinese people who are collecting artifacts from the old Summer Palace. Is China’s government behind the art theft wave? The feature questions who gets to own art, and who gets to own history and culture. The GQ piece also poses the question whether there’s some sort of coordinated effort to reclaim Chinese art.

Meanwhile the museums are remaining quiet about the robberies. The thefts put museums in a vulnerable position: Everyone questions their security, no one wants to donate works or materials, and their insurance rates spike as many would question an art institution’s credibility.

Chu jumped at the chance to direct this project, even with his schedule filled. His adaptation of the musical In the Heights is scheduled to hit theaters and HBO Max on June 18th, and he is working on a screen adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, as well as the second and third installments in the Crazy Rich Asians film series.

Does this sound like an interesting story to you?

CS Collectibles: Martian Manhunter, Ahsoka, Darth Maul & More!

CS Collectibles: Martian Manhunter, Ahsoka, Darth Maul & More!

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of CS Collectibles, ComingSoon.net’s newest weekly column that brings you the best in premium collectibles! Find out all the latest on statues, figures, posters, cards, eBay deals, Amazon deals & much more below!

NEWS

Sideshow

Sideshow presents The Child Life-Size Figure, created in partnership with Legacy Effects to bring you the galaxy’s most sought-after bounty.

Lovingly referred to by audiences as ‘Baby Yoda’, the mysterious alien known as The Child or Grogu has quickly become the breakout fan-favorite of Star Wars™: The Mandalorian on Disney+. Now eager collectors can become a clan of two and bring home the asset as an incredible 1:1 scale Star Wars collectible, no tracking fob needed.

The Child Life-Size Figure measures 16.5” tall, standing on a simple ship deck base that lets this adorable alien steal all of the focus- along with the Mandalorian’s ship parts. Inspired by its unique onscreen appearance, this mixed media statue features a tan fabric coat swaddling The Child as it gazes up with charming wide eyes, hiding the silver shift knob from the Razor Crest™ in its right hand.

Every inch of this incredibly lifelike figure has been meticulously detailed to recreate everything that Star Wars fans love about the young alien, from the fuzz on its wrinkled head to its irresistible pout, all the way down to its tiny, toddling feet. Fans looking to bring home The Mandalorian collectibles need look no further- bounty hunting is a complicated profession but collecting the galaxy’s cutest alien has never been easier!

Secure the asset for your Star Wars figures collection and bring home The Child Life-Size Figure today.

The Child Star Wars Life-Size Figure – $375.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

“Always remember I am fear! Always remember I am a hunter!”

Sideshow presents the Darth Maul Mythos Statue, on the attack through your galaxy of Star Wars collectibles.

As a collection, Sideshow’s Mythos series are fine art collectibles that allow the collector to imagine what could have been, but maybe never was. Myths meant to be initiated by the eye and completed by the mind.

The Darth Maul Mythos Statue measures 23.5″ tall, as the hateful Zabrak warrior leaps from the crumbling ruins of a Sith temple monument, wielding his famed dual-bladed red lightsaber. In a savage rage, Maul prepares to enact his revenge on the accursed Jedi Order, the ones who took his legs and left him near death.

The polystone Darth Maul Mythos Statue features a fully sculpted costume composed of weathered black skirts, belts, arm wraps, and a black collar. As a result of his fateful duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Dathomirian Sith now has powerful, highly detailed robotic legs that allow him to hunt his Jedi prey with animalistic precision. Darth Maul is also covered in customary Zabrak markings, creating his signature red and black appearance. This dynamic statue also includes two portraits for collectors to choose from; one grimacing head with shortened horns, and one raging head with longer horns.

At last, show the Jedi in your collection that they are no match for the Darth Maul Mythos Statue, a must-have for Star Wars fans of any era.

Darth Maul™ Mythos Star Wars Statue – $610.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

Diamond Select 

A Gentle Giant Ltd. release! She’s one of the most popular characters in Star Wars fandom, and now Ahsoka Tano is a Legend in 3D! This approximately 10-inch bust captures the Jedi Knight in ½ scale, atop a sculpted, lightsaber-inspired pedestal. Limited to only 1,000 pieces, she features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and comes packaged in a numbered, full-color box with a certificate of authenticity.

DIAMOND SELECT TOYS Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Ahsoka Legends in 3-Dimensions 1:2 Scale Bust, 10 inches

A Diamond Select Toys Release! Let the games begin! This action figure of the Hulk depicts him in his gladiator armor from the character-redefining “Planet Hulk” storyline in The Incredible Hulk comics. The figure stands approximately 10 inches tall (11.5 inches with his feather crest) and features 16 points of articulation, allowing him to strike a wide variety of combat-ready poses. Accessories include an 8-inch-long battle axe and a 5-inch tall spiked shield. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean. Formerly a Disney Store exclusive.

DIAMOND SELECT TOYS Marvel Select: Planet Hulk Action Figure, Multicolor

Mondo

Shuffling out the tomb to bring you a horrifying vessel from which to sip your sinister spirits from, it’s the official Universal Monsters The Mummy Tiki Mug! This monstrous mug is designed by the deadly Doug P’Gosh, sculpted by the mischievous Matthew Black, and produced with the help the terrifying Tiki Farm team. The Mummy features his horrible visage on one side, a scream scene from the film on the other, and holds 16oz the lethal liquid your choice! Call your mummy and ask for permission to add this mug to your collection now!

This version The Mummy features a Tan base blaze, with a Pharaoh Brown wiped glaze over it.

Please note: These mugs are handmade, making each one unique, so slight variations from images shown may occur.

The Mummy Universal Monsters Tiki Mug – $50.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

For more than twenty years, Nickelodeon’s unapologetically silly animated farce has entertained children and grownups alike. We’re big fans of SpongeBob, and sooooo excited to introduce you to a new Tiki Mug featuring the moai-inspired home of the Squidward Tentacles.

Designed by Joe Allard and sculpted by Ramirez Studios, this design is available in three colorways – Regular Variant matching the series coloring, the Riptide Variant with a blue/brown glaze, and the Driftwood Variant featuring a reactive brown glaze.

Please note: These mugs are handmade, making each one unique, so slight variations from images shown may occur.

Squidward’s House (Riptide Variant) Spongebob Squarepants Tiki Mug – $55.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

Iron Studios

Sideshow and Iron Studios present the Peni Parker & SP//dr Deluxe 1:10 Battle Diorama Series Statue!

The Battle Diorama Series will feature characters from the hit animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse! This hand-painted Statue stands approximately 9.8″ tall and is based on the original movie references.

Take your leap of faith and add this to your collection today!

Peni Parker & SP//dr Deluxe Marvel 1:10 Scale Statue – $210.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

Sideshow and Iron Studios present the latest from the Art Scale 1:10 line – the Martian Manhunter Statue by Ivan Reis! Based on concept art from DC Comics and Chiaroscuro Studios, this polystone statue is hand-painted and limited edition.

DC Comics fans, don’t miss your chance to add Martian Manhunter to your collection!

Martian Manhunter DC Comics 1:10 Scale Statue – $135.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

Prime 1 Studios

How many more innocent people die until you accept that some lives need to be taken?!”

Sideshow and Prime 1 Studio are excited to present the Injustice 2 Superman Statue! Injustice 2 is a spectacular fighting video game that is a sequel to 2013’s Injustice: Gods Among Us. It was released by NetherRealm Studios, known for creating the recent Mortal Kombat games. Injustice 2’s storyline centers around Batman and his allies as they try to rebuild the planet after taking down Superman and ending his regime. However, the arrival of the new villain group called “The Society” as well as the arrival of Brainiac forces Batman to free his old friend to help him fight the enemies.

The Superman Statue has a sculpted blue costume with textured elements and red and gold accents, including the beautifully crafted iconic red cape. Don’t miss out to add Superman Statue to your collections!

Superman DC Comics Statue – $799.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

“That`s … Berserker Armor….That`s Guts!!” – Schierke

Sideshow and Prime 1 Studio are proud to present the Beast of Casca’s Dream 1:4 Scale Statue from Berserk. The Beast of Casca’s Dream is the creature specifically to represent Guts in Casca’s dream. Guts is the main protagonist of Berserk also known as The Black Swordsman. He represents another form in Casca’s dream, a beast wearing the Berserker armor which represents his fear and rage.

This statue has two alternate Portraits with different neck angles. The statue design is based on one of the iconic scene of the recent released of the dark fantasy Manga book. The Beast of Casca’s dream is crafted with attention to detail and is true to the original design of the Manga.

This is the must-have for any fan of the Berserk Manga.

Beast of Casca’s Dream Berserk Statue – $899.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

PCS Collectibles

Mission complete! Standing by for next command!”

Sideshow and PCS Collectibles present the Cammy: Killer Bee 1:3 Scale Statue, reporting to your team of Street Fighter collectibles.

The Cammy: Killer Bee 1:3 Scale Statue measures 28” tall in her signature blue costume from the fan-favorite Street Fighter Alpha series. Her muscular physique and overall look are recreated based on in-game models to give fans an accurate, high-fidelity collectible of the second lady of Street Fighter.

Captured in mixed media, Cammy’s Killer Bee uniform is composed of a tailored fabric leotard with sculpted accents like red gloves, black boots, and blue hat. Her detailed portrait features sculpted blonde braids and a scar on her left cheek. Blue lightning stripes on her legs complete the look as the skilled assassin strikes an intimidating pose on top of a base inspired by the in-game English Manor stage from the Street Fighter games.

Mission update: add the Cammy: Killer Bee 1:3 Scale Statue from PCS Collectibles to your Street Fighter collection today!

Cammy: Killer Bee Street Fighter Statue – $925.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

The Satsui no Hado has long been a cautionary tale in the Street Fighter franchise, a destructive form of Ki that exploits the baser aspects of humanity, corrupting even the purest of souls. Goutetsu taught it to his student Akuma, who embraced it, and Gouken, who recognized it’s risk, refusing to train his own disciples.

The more we were warned about it, the more we speculated on what would happen if a character as strong as Ryu forsook his education and let the Satsui consume him.

Evil Ryu is our answer, Ryu turned inside out, the surge of murderous intent awakened. He can no longer resist the evil energy within, plunging deeper into darkness with every victory. Purged of all traces of honor and decency, this is a Ryu with a blood thirst and ritualistic belligerence bordering on a feral barbarism. Assuming this anger has made him mindless would be your last mistake, however, as Dark Ryu is perhaps the most calculating and dangerous character in the game.

In Story Mode, we’ve seen Ryu flashback to his fateful fight with Sagat, how his “cheap win” still torments him. Eyes literally red with anger, he unleashed a Metsu Shoryuken so devastating it scarred Sagat’s chest. Disfiguring an opponent was anguishing enough, but what truly frightened and shamed Ryu is how much feeling that power excited him.

But was it an even more pivotal moment in the franchise than we realize?

Sideshow and Pop Culture Shock Collectibles are proud to present their very first independent 1:4 scale Evil Ryu statue, a unique sculpt created from the actual CG model, and not just a palette swap.

This is Ryu stained with the blood of death, Supreme Master of the Fist, brutal and murderous, looking for the one that can defeat him. The fine artists at Pop Culture Shock have perfectly captured his menace and power, perfecting all his signature elements, from his animalistic fangs to his Akuma-like spikey inferno of hair. And of course, no Evil Ryu would be complete without the gaping crater to hell burned into his chest, or that scar on his back that looks ominously like a “Heaven” kanji.

This high-quality polystone collectible features a tailored cloth costume, LEDs in the eyes, chest and back and two (2) portraits, evil grin, and scream.

This collectible also has a certificate of authenticity.

Evil Ryu Murderous Intent Street Fighter Statue – $269.99
from: Sideshow Inc.

Hot Toys

‘Midas’ Iron Man Mark XXI, debuted in Iron Man 3, was a fully loaded high-altitude suit created by Tony Stark, activated during the battle against Aldrich Killian when Tony ordered J.A.R.V.I.S to initiate the “House Party Protocol”.

Pays great homage to one of Iron Man’s very first costumes, Hot Toys is delighted to unveil today the Iron Man Mark XXI (Midas) Sixth Scale Collectible Figure from Iron Man 3 as a Hot Toys Exclusive item. Painted in different shades of metallic gold and silver, the overall appearance of the highly-detailed figure has elevated with additional chrome painting to bring out the finer armor details.

The Iron Man figure made in diecast is crafted based on the image of Midas in Iron Man 3, has faithfully reproduced the distinctive design of the suit features a LED-light up helmeted head; LED light-up functions scattered throughout the upper body, back and Arc Reactor on chest; signature armor beautifully painted in mixed shades of gold, silver and bronze color; a variety of interchangeable armors parts, hands of Iron Man’s iconic poses; and a dynamic figure stand with movie logo.

This lustrous Iron Man will surely stand out in your House Party Protocol collection!

Iron Man Mark XXI (Midas) Marvel Sixth Scale Figure – $405.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

Under different circumstances, this would be a kind of awesome.”

The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos has wiped out half the universe and fractured the remaining Avengers. Hawkeye’s fellow Avengers are called to action, his arrows and his newfound determination might be exactly what the super heroes will need to save the world.

Sideshow and Hot Toys present the Hawkeye (Deluxe Version) Sixth Scale Collectible Figure from Avengers: Endgame.

Expertly crafted based on Jeremy Renner’s appearance as Hawkeye/Clint Barton inAvengers: Endgame with astonishing likeness, the highly-detailed collectible figure features a newly developed head sculpt, meticulously tailored costume, assorted weapons and accessories including bow and arrows, dagger, shurikens and a movie-themed figure stand with an interchangeable graphic card. The highlight of this Deluxe Version is Hawkeye’s Alternate Version outfit skillfully translated on this Sixth Scale Collectible Figure which exclusively includes an array of interchangeable parts such as a newly developed masked head sculpt, vest, arm guards, katana with sheath and a number of gloved hands for fans to display the figure in variety of action poses!

Team up with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes with this new Hawkeye (Deluxe Version) Sixth Scale Figure inspired by Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame!

Hawkeye (Deluxe Version) Marvel Sixth Scale Figure – $274.00
from: Sideshow Inc.

Super7

Cowabunga, dudes! Relive the fun and excitement of the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures with these figures from Super 7! Super Seven presents Leonardo, the wise leader of the Turtles! He comes with: an Alternate head, Fists (2), Gripping Hands (2), Expressive Hands (2), Open Communicator, Closed Communicator, Pizza Slice, Katana (2), and his Weapon Rack Including: a Kama, Turtle Fist Dagger (2), Sai (2), and Ninja Stars!

Super 7 Teenage Ultimates Wave 2 Leonardo Action Figure

“Push it to Pop it! Rock it to Lock it! Break it to Make it!” The dance explosion of the 80’s jumps off the screen with the Ozone 3.75-inch ReAction Figure.

Super7 Breakin Reaction Figure – Ozone

Loot Crate

TMNT LIMITED EDITION CRATES – SERIES II

Loot Crate and NECA have teamed up again for a brand new collection of limited edition TMNT collectibles, apparel and gear following the SOLD OUT first series. Don’t miss out on these new and exclusive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crates! Order all 4 and get a totally tubular bonus figure! Supplies are limited.

Click here to order!

Wizards of the Coast

Click here to purchase Zendikar Rising Draft Booster Box!

Click here to purchase Zendikar Rising Bundle!

Click here to purchase Ikoria!

Click here to purchase Core 2021!

What do you think of CS Collectibles so far? Let us know in the comments below!

The post CS Collectibles: Martian Manhunter, Ahsoka, Darth Maul & More! appeared first on ComingSoon.net.

Watched at Home: Top Streaming Films for the Week of February 20

Watched at Home: top streaming films for the week of February 20

Well, well, well. Gerald Butler snatched the crown from The Croods: A New Age in this week’s edition of DEG’s Watched at Home Top 20 — a truly shocking development for the disaster pic that had spent the last month roaming around the top five. Apparently, audiences were in the mood for some heavy-duty, end-of-the-world family drama and, to that end, Butler’s film delivers the goods.

RELATED: February 23 Blu-ray, Digital and DVD Releases

Elsewhere, the only new title on the chart is the Milla Jovovich thriller Monster Hunter, which debuted at No. 3 followed by Let Him Go and Tenet. Also, Shadow in the Cloud, starring Chloe Grace Moretz, returns at No. 11.

Otherwise, nothing too shocking.

1. Greenland (Universal/STX)
2. The Croods: A New Age (Universal)
3. Monster Hunter (Sony)
4. Let Him Go (Universal)
5. Tenet (Warner Bros.)
6. Freaky (Universal)
7. American Skin (Vertical Entertainment)
8. Yellowstone: S1 (Paramount)
9. Yellowstone: S3 (Paramount)
10. Yellowstone: S2 (Paramount)
11. Shadow in the Cloud (Vertical Entertainment)
12. Harry Potter: 8-Film Complete Collection (Warner Bros.)
13. Honest Thief (Briarcliff Entertainment)
14. The War with Grandpa (Universal)
15. Songbird (Universal/STX)
16. Love and Monsters (Paramount)
17. Synchronic (Well Go USA)
18. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Warner Bros.)
19. Wild Mountain Thyme (Bleecker Street)
20. Come Play (Universal)

The post Watched at Home: Top Streaming Films for the Week of February 20 appeared first on ComingSoon.net.

Mortal Kombat Teaser Becomes Most Viewed Red Band Trailer of All Time

Mortal Kombat teaser becomes most viewed red band trailer of all time

According to Deadline, that wild (and bloody) Mortal Kombat teaser was viewed 116 million times within its first week, making it the most viewed red-band trailer of all time, curb stomping previous champs Logan and Deadpool 2. The Simon McQuoid directed action flick based on the popular video game of the same name trended in 52 total markets on YouTube and 28 total markets on Twitter and registered a 98% Positive-to-Neutral social sentiment rating.

RELATED: First Mortal Kombat Trailer Brings Beloved Game to Bloody Life!

In Mortal Kombat, MMA fighter Cole Young, accustomed to taking a beating for money, is unaware of his heritage—or why Outworld’s Emperor Shang Tsung has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero, an otherworldly Cryomancer, to hunt Cole down. Fearing for his family’s safety, Cole goes in search of Sonya Blade at the direction of Jax, a Special Forces Major who bears the same strange dragon marking Cole was born with. Soon, he finds himself at the temple of Lord Raiden, an Elder God and the protector of Earthrealm, who grants sanctuary to those who bear the mark. Here, Cole trains with experienced warriors Liu Kang, Kung Lao and rogue mercenary Kano, as he prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe. But will Cole be pushed hard enough to unlock his arcana—the immense power from within his soul—in time to save not only his family, but to stop Outworld once and for all?

The diverse international cast reflects the global nature of the brand, with talent spanning the worlds of film, television and martial arts. The ensemble includes Joe Taslim as Sub Zero; Ludi Lin as Liu Kang; Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade; Josh Lawson as Kano; Tadanobu Asano as Raiden; Mehcad Brooks as Jackson “Jax” Bridges; Chin Han as Shang Tsung; Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion; Max Huang as Kung Lao; Sisi Stringer as Mileena; and Lewis Tan.

James Wan (The Conjuring universe, Aquaman) and Todd Garner (Into the Storm, Tag) are producing. Larry Kasanoff, E. Bennett Walsh, Michael Clear and Jeremy Stein are serving as executive producers.

Bringing the hugely popular property to the big screen, director Simon McQuoid lead a team of Australian and U.S. filmmakers, including director of photography Germain McMicking (True Detective, Top of the Lake: China Girl), production designer Naaman Marshall (Underwater, Servant), editor Scott Gray (Top of the Lake, Daffodils), and costume designer Cappi Ireland (Lion, The Rover).

The first video game in the series was developed by Midway Games and released in 1992. The storyline sees a diverse range of fighters hailing from eighteen different realms become pitted against one another in an epic tournament. Quite a few sequels followed the original game with the most recent, Mortal Kombat 11, being released earlier this year.

RELATED: New Zack Snyder’s Justice League Images From the Upcoming Film!

Two Mortal Kombat movies were previously made. The first, simply titled Mortal Kombat, was directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and was released in 1995. It was followed two years later with a sequel, Annihilation, which also paved the way for two television series: the animated Defenders of the Realm and the live-action Konquest. Two web series have been released based on the property as well from director Kevin Tancharoen.

The post Mortal Kombat Teaser Becomes Most Viewed Red Band Trailer of All Time appeared first on ComingSoon.net.

WandaVision Episode 8: Clues, Takeaways & Predictions

WandaVision Episode 8: Clues, Takeaways & Predictions

WandaVision Episode 8: Clues, Takeaways & Predictions

Following last week’s exciting revelation that it was Agatha all along, Disney+’s first Marvel Cinematic Universe series WandaVision has returned for its eighth episode and we’ve finally learned a little more of what’s going on with the world of the reality-bending series.

RELATED: WandaVision Episode 7: Clues, Predictions & Takeaways

Clues: The Only Way Forward is Back, Agatha is Curious and Vision’s Got a Brand New Bag

  • The episode begins with a bang as we learn that Agatha’s past extends all the way back to the late 1600s where she was put on trial by her coven, including her mother, for practicing a darker form of magic, but as they attempt to use their powers to smite her down, she is able to absorb their energies and lifeforces, leaving them all as dried-out corpses and taking the character’s iconic pendant off her mother’s dead body.
  • Cutting back to Agatha’s evil basement, she reveals to Wanda a little about how her magic works, from runes to spells and hexes, but shows an interesting confusion as to just how Wanda actually created The Hex and is controlling everyone.
  • During her evil monologue, Agatha lets it slip that she is behind Evan Peters’ Pietro appearance, utilizing a form of crystalline possession to give him a new look as she was unable to access the real Pietro’s body for a necromantic hex.
  • As we step back in time to explore Wanda’s past and the events that led to the creation of The Hex, we see a glimpse into her childhood in Sokovia with her parents, with a number of TV shows in their DVD collection including I Love Lucy, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, Malcolm in the Middle and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
  • Unfortunately, the family night is interrupted by an explosion from the ongoing war outside and while taking cover under their bed, Wanda and Pietro watch as a Stark Industries rocket crashes into their living room without exploding, keeping them trapped for two days as they didn’t know it was defective.
  • The next memory looks back at Wanda’s time being a voluntary experiment for Hydra, including the moment she first gained her powers as she was put into a room with Loki’s scepter from The Avengers. The mind stone breaks away from the scepter and floats over to her, giving her a closer look at the Infinity Stone and a brief flash of its true form before emitting an energy blast imbuing her with its energy and giving her a glimpse at a comics-accurate Scarlet Witch form.
  • A less-plot-heavy memory sees Wanda revisiting one of the first times her and Vision truly connected following the events of Age of Ultron back at the Avengers compound, in which he shared his company with her while she watched Malcolm in the Middle, learning the nuances of what a sitcom can throw at its characters without inflicting true pain.
  • Urged on by Agatha, Wanda goes to the recent memory of heading to the S.W.O.R.D. headquarters to demand Vision’s body to be with her and for her to have a proper burial. After some initial resistance, she meets with Director Tyler Hayward, who reveals his efforts to revive Vision in lieu of burying three billion dollars’ worth of vibranium. After having a brief goodbye with Vision as she senses no life coming from him, echoing their expressions of feeling each other in Infinity War, Wanda returns to her car and leaves.
  • Looking to an open envelope in her passenger seat, Wanda heads to Westview, where we see a number of the townsfolk from WandaVision going about their lives, including Mrs. Hart aka Sharon Davis, Phil aka Harold Procter and Norm aka Abilash Tandon, though all are not as cheery as in The Hex reality and the town is far bleaker and more rundown.
  • Wanda arrives at a vacant lot and opens the paper to reveal a property deed for the area that Vision bought for them both “to grow old in.” Overcome with grief, Wanda suddenly emits a large surge of red magic energy from her body, constructing a house on the lot, creating the world of The Hex and bringing Vision back to life.
  • With Agatha clearing out from the memory scape, Wanda hears the cries of her twins for help and rushes out to find them in the middle of the street with Agnes floating behind them and holding them back by their necks with ropes from her powers. She says Wanda is far more dangerous than she knows and confirms that she has tapped into Chaos Magic and is the Scarlet Witch.
  • In a mid-credits stinger, it’s revealed that the operation Hayward was looking to launch into the Hex is a revived version of Vision, who was successfully rebooted utilizing the Hex-affected drone Wanda threw back at the S.W.O.R.D. director.

Takeaways: Wanda’s Tapping Into Chaos Magic, Agatha’s NOT Controlling it All and Hayward’s Semi-Evil

So for an episode looking to catch audiences up on story, it was pretty light on major progress, but there were a few key takeaways from this week’s chapter of WandaVision. First and foremost is that after Kevin Feige first began hinting at its existence with the character’s arrival in Age of Ultron, it’s now confirmed that Wanda has in fact been tapping into Chaos Magic her entire time in the MCU. Chaos Magic is a form so powerful that its existence in the comics was believed to be a myth by even the Sorcerer Supreme himself, Doctor Strange, and allows the user to manipulate, warp and reconstruct the very fabric of existence and reality and even possibly bring about total destruction to the cosmos. Wanda’s connection to this magic in the comics stems from her being born near Mount Wundagore, where Elder God and Arch-Demon Chthon (aka the God of Chaos) is sealed and imbues her with the magic in the hopes of using her as a vessel in the future. With plenty of theories regarding another major demon potentially on his way, the time may finally come for the MCU to explore this side of Wanda’s origin story, even if it still seems keen on the explanation that Hydra’s experimentation was the root of her powers.
Another major takeaway from this episode is that despite the delightful tune at the end of last week’s outing, Agatha is actually not behind everything and is equally as curious as everyone else on the planet Earth of how exactly Wanda is pulling The Hex off. While some might argue the song merely explained she was behind the bad things happening inside The Hex, her identity reveal did seem more pointing towards her having driven Wanda to create the reality and then just causing further hijinks after the fact. While her motives are not still entirely known, there was one bit of dialogue pointing towards the arrival of a heavily-theorized antagonist.

Lastly, the moment we all were pretty much prepared for, we have finally seen the extent of Hayward’s malevolent nature as we learn just how far the Vision-reviving Project Cataract has progressed as the agents were able to use the Hex-affected drone to bring the dead body back online, though looking rather devoid of color. While his goal is more than likely to just cease The Hex’s occurrence, it’s pretty clear that the S.W.O.R.D. director is more than prepared to take the low road quicker than even glancing at the high.

RELATED: WandaVision’s Paul Bettany Says a Secret Character Will Be Revealed

Predictions: Wanda’s Going to End Up Alone, Monica Joins Final Fight and Mephisto Is. Still. Coming.

  • It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the sad truth is all signs are pointing towards a devastating ending for the series’ titular heroine. The show has already explored her grief and trauma in glimpses across its first seven chapters, but this episode dug in deep to the fact Wanda is now alone after Endgame and given the fact Vision will likely not survive the fall of The Hex and ambiguous explanation regarding Evan Peters’ Pietro existence, it’s very likely she’s going to end up alone again at the end of the finale, though with Monica soon to be by her side she may be able to overcome her grief. Unless, of course, she does end up becoming an area of conflict for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as some reports have hinted at her being an antagonist for the Sorcerer Supreme in the film.
  • With everyone’s favorite FBI Agent Jimmy Woo stuck outside The Hex, his absence wasn’t much of a shocker, but the lack of screen time for Monica Rambeau was given the mid-credits stinger of the previous episode. Given the fact this episode set up a likely battle between both Visions and between Wanda and Agatha, it seems entirely possible that Monica will get in on one of the fights and show off her powers a little bit, either in fighting against the false Pietro or in saving the twins from the clutches of Agatha.
  • I’ve said it time and time and time and time again and I’m here to say once more that Mephisto is absolutely on the way for the series and likely Multiverse of Madness. This week’s episode did not go much further into explaining the mysterious glowing red book in Agatha’s basement and with her mention of sensing multiple spells cast all at once and drawing her to Westview and lack of explaining how exactly she got into The Hex after its creation, there are still a number of threads left open that can be wrapped up with the explanation of Agatha’s working with/for Marvel’s Satan and establishing him as a key villain for the next phase of the MCU.

The post WandaVision Episode 8: Clues, Takeaways & Predictions appeared first on ComingSoon.net.

GAME OF THRONES Series Creators Set Up New Netflix Film METAL LORDS

Game of Thrones creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff have been developing multiple projects over at Netflix, and the streaming service has announced another film project that they’ll be developing. It’s titled Metal Lords, Weiss and Benioff wrote the script, and they will also serve as executive producers.

So far, the cast of the film includes Jaeden Martell (Knives Out, It), Isis Hainsworth (Misbehaviour, Emma), and newcomer Adrian Greensmith. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist director Peter Sollett will helm the project.

The story centers on two kids who want to start a heavy metal band in a high school where exactly two kids care about heavy metal. Martell and Greensmit are set to play the two lead kids. Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello will also be working on the project and is credited as Executive Music Producer.

Metal Lords is far enough along that it will be the first movie to come out of the partnership between Netflix and Benioff and Weiss. Other projects in the works from them include a feature adaptation of the Lovecraft graphic novel, and TV adaptations of the award-winning Chinese book series The Three-Body Problem and the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Overstory.

There aren’t a lot of details to share for this new film project, but it sounds like could be a fun flick about heavy metal. We’ll see!

Steven Soderbergh to Direct New Line Thriller KIMI Starring Zoe Kravitz for HBO Max

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Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich, Oceans 1113, Logan Lucky) has signed on to direct a new pic for New Line Cinema Max called KIMI. The movie is set to land at HBO Max with Zoe Kravitz (Big Little Lies, The Batman) starring. David Koepp (Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, Panic Room) penned the script and will produce along with Westworld producer Michael Polaire.

Here’s the synopsis via Deadline:

The film follows an agoraphobic tech worker who discovers recorded evidence of a violent crime during an ordinary data stream review and tries reporting it up the chain of command at her company. Meeting with resistance and bureaucracy, she realizes that in order to get involved, she will have to do the thing she fears the most — leave her apartment.

This is a great basis for a film, and with Kravitz and Soderbergh on board as well as the additional crew, I think it has the makings for a solid thriller. Are you intrigued?

Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista to Star in Paul W.S. Anderson Adaption of George R.R. Martin’s IN THE LOST LANDS

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Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista are set to star in director Paul W.S. Anderson’s upcoming film project In The Lost Lands, which is based on an epic story by George R.R. Martin.

In the story, “a queen, desperate to fulfill her love, makes a daring play: she hires the sorceress Gray Alys (Jovovich), a woman as feared as she is powerful. Sent to the ghostly wilderness of the Lost Lands, Alys and her guide, the drifter Boyce (Bautista), must outwit and outfight man and demon in this fable that explores the nature of good and evil, debt and fulfillment, love and loss.”

This story could make for a great film, but I’m just not really a fan of most of the films that Anderson makes. His last film, Monster Hunter, was not as good as I was hoping. Anderson’s films are mostly mediocre, so I imagine his adaptation of In The Lost Lands will be more of the same from him. But hey, at least Jovovich and Bautista are starring in it! Maybe it’ll at least be fun.

Source: Variety

Review: NIOH 2 – THE COMPLETE EDITION Is Punishing but Gorgeous

Earlier this month, Koei Tecmo launched Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition on PC via Steam. Koei Tecmo was kind enough to send me a copy of the game to review, and it has definitely been an interesting experience. Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition includes the base game plus the three DLC expansions. There are also some tweaks such as all weapons being available from the very beginning, 4K and ultra widescreen support, and more.

Battle hordes of yokai in this masocore Action RPG. Create your protagonist and embark on an adventure through a myriad of locales across Japan during the Sengoku period. Utilize the new Yokai Shift ability to defeat even the most ferocious yokai and be prepared to brave through Dark Realms created by your enemies.

Here’s my little disclaimer. I am new to the Nioh franchise. Somehow, I did not realize that it was like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. This is the first time I’ve ever played a game like this. I will warn you, this game is freaking hard if you’re not used to games like that. You have to become very precise which is not one of my strengths. This is not inherently a bad thing, and definitely has its place in the world of gaming. I just proved to myself that I’m very bad at these types of games. That being said, I still had fun playing it. Yes, it got very frustrating at times and I needed a lot of help, but I still enjoy my time in the game.

The biggest highlight of Nioh 2 for me is the graphics. This game is absolutely gorgeous. I have nothing bad to say about how this game looks. I love everything about the looks of the game. Even the hair, which in many games looks like straw and just really bad overall because it’s “photorealistic” or whatever, looks so good in this game. It looks like freaking hair! The weapons and faces and people all look amazing as well, not to mention the yokai that you have to murder along the way. From a visual standpoint, I would argue this is a flawless game.

The customization options are also great. You can customize your look, your voice, and even how your yokai form looks. I appreciate that the voice options allow you to find something you like and then modulate the pitch if you so desire. This is a smaller thing that I personally appreciated. I also really liked that you could give your character heterochromia (two different colored eyes). Once again, a small touch that I really love.

The variety of weapons is also very refreshing. The weapons feel and look very different from each other and some are rare to find in games in general, so that was fun. Of course, The Complete Edition comes with DLC packs at the start and that is definitely helpful as it gives you access to stronger weapons and armor from the get go. Once you start the first mission, I would definitely recommend swapping out your gear the first chance you get.

I also appreciate the different stances you can have. You can have a high stance, a mid stance, or a low stance and change between them freely. Each stance affects your combat play and focus. For instance, the high stance is offensive and will increase your attack damage while low stance is more defensive. Learning when to switch things up is definitely something you’ll want to learn.

One thing that I do not appreciate about Nioh 2 is the tutorial section. I wanted to go to the tutorial page to brush up on a couple things, but you have to go through the entire tutorial from the start. I would’ve preferred a menu where I could jump straight to the tutorial about the Burst Counter instead of going through all of the other tutorials before it.

If you like very hard and very punishing games, Nioh 2 is a great choice. It’s pretty, it’s challenging, and it’s been fun even for a noob like me. You definitely need to get the basics down though, especially the Ki charge, to get very far.

Jordan Peele’s THE TWILIGHT ZONE Reboot Comes to an End After Two Seasons

After two seasons, Jordan Peele’s The Twilight Zone reboot will not return to CBS All Access after it’s rebranded next month as Paramount+. The series wasn’t cancelled by CBS All Access, though, it was cancelled by the creators.

According to the report, Peele and Simon Kinberg were “both ready to walk away from the series though CBS All Access/Paramount+ wanted the series to continue.” Paramount+ head of programming Julie McNamara said in a statement:

“Jordan Peele, Simon Kinberg and the entire production team truly reimagined The Twilight Zone for the modern age. They upheld the classic series’ legacy of socially conscious storytelling and pushed today’s viewers to explore all new dimensions of thought-provoking and topical themes that we hope will resonate with audiences for years to come.”

I enjoyed the reboot series more than I thought I would. I’m kinda bummed that Peele and Kinberg didn’t want to keep it going. I guess their hearts just weren’t in it anymore. I’m sure one day someone else will attempt to reboot The Twilight Zone again, but at least we’ll always have the original series from Rod Serling, which never gets old.

Source: THR