Following the, let’s charitably call it “divisive” response to 2022’s Men, filmmaker Alex Garland has suggested his next film will be his last behind the camera. If that’s true and he sticks solely to screenwriting from now on, then that makes his mysterious new project Civil War more imperative than ever to seek out. Fortunately, A24 has dropped the first trailer this morning for what could be another polarizing effort from Garland.
Starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Cailee Spaeny, Karl Glusman, Sonoya Mizuno, Jonica T. Gibbs, and Jess Matney with appearances by Jesse Plemons and Nick Offerman, Civil War is definitely going to piss some people off. Garland has previously talked about the political nature of the film, and we can see that it seems to spin out of events similar to January 6th. Dunst’s character is a war journalist on a race to the White House as America is split down the middle ideologically and fighting has broken out.
The synopsis doesn’t give away much: A race to the White House in a near-future America balanced on the razor’s edge.
Garland’s influence over multiple genres is greater than I think people realize. Besides the movies he’s directed, which include Ex Machina and Annihilation, he’s also penned 28 Days Later, Dredd, Never Let Me Go, and Sunshine, all incredible sci-fi films deserving of your time.
A24 plans to release Civil War into theaters on April 26th 2025.
Dakota Sony seems to be building up to an all-female team of Spider-Women with the upcoming Madame Web film. It’s clear at this point that Dakota Johnson won’t be playing the elderly Cassandra Webb character seen in Marvel Comics. Instead, her version of the character is much younger, and seemingly based on Julia Carpenter, a former Spider-Woman who eventually became the new Madame Web. Well, a pair of new posters gives us our best look yet at her in a very familiar costume.
The same central image is featured in both posters, giving an up-close look at Johnson as Cassandra Webb. As you can see, she’s sporting a trenchcoat but underneath it is a familiar web-based costume, similar to the one worn by Spider-Man. It makes sense, especially since the story connects Madame Web, a paramedic and clairvoyant, to other Spider heroes.
In the next image, we see co-stars Sydney Sweeney as Julia Carpenter aka Spider-Woman, Isabela Merced as Anya Corazon aka Araña, and Celeste O’Connor as the Mattie Franklin version of Spider-Woman. We also see Tahar Rahim who plays the villain Ezekiel.
Also in the cast are Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott, and Zosia Mamet.
Here’s the synopsis: “Meanwhile, in another universe…” In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing’s most enigmatic heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who may have clairvoyant abilities. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women destined for powerful futures…if they can all survive a deadly present.
Directed and co-written by SJ Clarkson, Madame Webhits theaters on February 14th 2024.
Kate Winslet is diving back into the waters of Pandora in Avatar 3. James Cameron confirmed to People of Winslet’s return as Ronal, suggesting an expanded role for the Oscar-winning actress who took lessons from a real-life shaman in preparation for it.
“When you see her doing that purification ritual to try to revive Kitty in the film and some of the stuff that she’s going to do in movie three, that’s based on actual practice,” Cameron said.
It was in 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water that we first meet Ronal, influential wife to the chief of the Metkayina, the reef people. It is them who take in a fleeing Jake, Neytiri, and the rest of their family. Ronal is a fierce warrior and protector of her clan, but also a healer. Winslet underwent extensive training in free diving for the role, holding her breath for over seven minutes, a new record for any film scene shot underwater.
Kate Winslet broke Tom Cruise's underwater filming record from Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) of six minutes with a record of seven minutes and 14 seconds. #Avatarpic.twitter.com/R2Wh22RcqP
Cameron told GQ about about the upcoming Avatar sequel…
“We’re seeing new cultures, new creatures—all the same stuff you’d expect from an Avatar movie, but the whole idea of this cycle of films is to live with these people and go on this epic journey with them. So I think it’s not about, ‘We’re going to show you the best water [VFX] ever done’ — but you get more into the heart and soul of the characters. And there’s some very interesting new characters that come in as well. This is a journey over time. It will play out through movie three, into movie four and movie five. There’s an epic cycle to the whole thing.”
Avatar 3 is currently set to arrive on December 19th 2025.
In recent months, Zack Snyder fans, rabid that they are, have become fixated on the idea that Warner Bros. would somehow sell the rights to the Snyderverse to Netflix. The streamer, being the current home of Snyder’s Army of the Dead and Rebel Moon franchises, seems like a perfect fit…at least to said fans. And Snyder, being the shit-starter that he is, can’t help but fan the flames a little bit more by even hinting at the possibility it could happen.
This all comes from a recent interview Snyder had with CulturaOcio, where he teased that he would continue making DCEU movies if Netflix were to somehow gain the rights to those DC Comics heroes.
“If Netflix owned the rights to the DC characters in my extended universe, of course! Absolutely. Yeah, no question,” replied Snyder.
Of course, interviewers know exactly what they are doing when they ask Snyder questions like this. He can’t help but to throw his base of supporters a bone, and now this will cause them to launch a thousand hashtags demanding Netflix purchase the rights to Superman and Batman.
This comes in the wake of Snyder saying the only way he’d do another superhero movie is if it were to adapt Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns or Elektra Lives Again storylines. Clearly, that was not what his fans care about.
What they should be concerned with is the fact that Warner Bros. Discovery will never do this. They got burned with the Snyder Cut fiasco, and now they have David Ayer and his fans pushing them to do a release of his version of Suicide Squad. Plus, with James Gunn launching the new DCU with Superman and Batman movies on the way, they’re unlikely to cut any deals with Netflix, Snyder, or anybody else.
Zack Snyder’s next movie, Rebel Moon—Part One: A Child of Fire hits Netflix on December 22nd.
A Texas family wrestling dynasty shatters under the weight of professional aspirations and personal demons. The Iron Claw is based on the real-life story of the Von Erich family, considered royalty in the business of professional wrestling. Led by their taskmaster father, Fritz von Erich, they ruled the Texas-based wrestling scene throughout the ’80s with a combination of athletic physical ability, charisma, and showmanship. Zac Efron stars as the eldest son Kevin Von Erich, with The Bear‘s Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, joined by Harris Dickinson as David, and Stanley Simons as Mike, with each sibling feeling the pressure of Fritz’s demands to be the best in such a competitive world where being tough was everything. To show even the slightest weakness meant you could lose it all; the fame, the glory, the money, it could all go away in an instant.
The Von Erich’s story is one of deep, unrelenting tragedy, making it quite a challenge for director Sean Durkin. The title comes from the finishing hold employed by Fritz and his sons to defeat their opponents. But the Von Erichs were ultimately defeated by what many came to call the “Von Erich Curse”, which saw all of Fritz’s sons die by one tragedy after another in rapid succession. The only exception was Kevin, and Efron gives the performance of his life as the eldest sibling bears the crushing weight of his beloved brothers’ death, the scrutiny of his still-living father, and professional ruin. Efron and White packed on the muscle to endure the grueling physical toll of being inside the squared circle. But the pounds of muscle also act as a form of armor protecting their characters from the emotional brutality that is their lives.
For Durkin, he makes some choices to lessen the burden on viewers, otherwise The Iron Claw would just be too tragic to endure. This is ultimately a story about the love between brothers, who leaned on one another during their highest moments, but also at their darkest. As someone who grew up on professional wrestling and the Von Erich story in particular, I can tell you that Durkin does this heartbreaking yet hopeful story justice. Whether a fan of pro wrestling or not, The Iron Claw delivers a gut punch that will have you thinking differently about the performers behind the curtain.
A24 releases The Iron Claw into theaters on December 22nd.
We may have had to wait a bit longer for it, but Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two isn’t far away now. The film is a continuation of his 2021 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s beloved sci-fi book, which earned over $400M at a time when theaters were struggling through the pandemic. But it’s important to note that this next film isn’t a sequel, but a story that picks up right where the previous one left off.
Timothée Chalamet, ol’ Willy Wonka himself, returns as prophecied leader Paul Atreides, with Zendaya as Chani, literally the woman of his dreams and a rebel fighter among the Fremen. Paul and Chani are leading the Fremen’s battle against the evil Harkonnen on the desert planet Arrakis.
Also returning are Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem. They’re joined by a stellar bunch of A-list newcomers including Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux.
Here’s the synopsis: “Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Dune: Part Two opens in theaters on March 1st 2024.
In the realm of espionage, James Bond has long been the gold standard, suave and sophisticated, navigating the world of danger with unparalleled finesse. However, the spy genre has evolved beyond the iconic British agent, offering a diverse array of gripping alternatives. This list explores worth-watching spy movies that aren’t Bond, drawing comparisons to the legendary character while highlighting the unique charms of each cinematic venture.
Kingsman: The Secret Service
Kicking off our list is the stylish and irreverent “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” While Bond embodies refined elegance, Eggsy, the young protagonist of Kingsman, is a rough diamond in the world of espionage. Picture Bond at the swankiest casino tables, effortlessly blending into the upscale crowd. Now, imagine Eggsy stumbling through the same setting, a fish out of water yet exuding a magnetic charm. The contrast is undeniable, but it’s precisely this rawness that sets Kingsman apart. Despite lacking Bond’s polish, Eggsy brings a fresh, unfiltered energy to the spy genre.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Next on our list is “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” a film that effortlessly merges 1960s cool with contemporary flair. Napoleon Solo, played by Henry Cavill, exudes the suavity that defines Bond, making him a character who could seamlessly team up with 007 at any posh casino. Imagine Bond at the poker table, facing off against adversaries, and now picture Solo joining the game, adding his own blend of charm and wit. Whether assisting Bond in strategic espionage or enjoying popular slots games on the casino floor, Solo brings a dynamic quality that complements the spy genre.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Venturing into the realm of intricate storytelling and subdued tension, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” provides a stark departure from Bond’s flashy escapades. George Smiley, portrayed by Gary Oldman, is a far cry from the charismatic 007. He operates in the shadows, emphasising intellect over brawn. While Bond might navigate high-stakes casino tables with ease, Smiley excels in the cerebral aspects of espionage, proving that there’s room for diverse spy narratives beyond the glamour.
Spy
Breaking away from the traditional spy archetype, “Spy” introduces Susan Cooper, portrayed by Melissa McCarthy, as an unlikely hero. Susan is the antithesis of Bond, lacking the conventional charm and physical prowess. However, her wit and determination carve a unique niche in the spy genre. Imagine Susan navigating a casino – not as a seductive presence but as a witty, unconventional force. “Spy” challenges preconceived notions, proving that spies come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities.
While James Bond remains an indomitable force in the world of espionage, these worth-watching spy movies offer a refreshing perspective. From the irreverence of Kingsman to the sleekness of The Man From U.N.C.L.E., each film adds a unique flavour to the genre, demonstrating that there’s more to spy cinema than the iconic secret agent. As the spy landscape continues to evolve, these films stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of espionage beyond the realm of Bond.
We’re happy to offer our DC readers the chance to attend a free early screening of Migration, the latest animated film from Illumination, creators of the blockbuster Minions, Despicable Me, Sing and The Secret Life of Pets. The film features the voices of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, and more.
SYNOPSIS: The Mallard family is in a bit of rut. While dad Mack is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam is eager to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax and duckling daughter Gwen—the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica. As the Mallards make their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, while teaching them more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined.
The screening takes place this Saturday, December 16th, at 11:00AM at AMC Tysons Corner. If you’d like to attend, RSVP at the Gofobo site here. Please remember all screenings are first come first served and you’ll need to arrive early to ensure seating. Enjoy the show!
Marvel Studios might be staggering right now, but they are far from getting knocked out. While Disney and Marvel’s Kevin Feige reevaluate some things on the film and TV side, there are still a ton of projects on the horizon. That goes double for what might be the strongest area for Marvel right now, and that’s animation. Fan previews of the the second season of What If…? have been taking place, and at one event we got some news on what’s coming up next, including the announcement of a Black Pantherspinoff series.
Let’s end any suspense right now. With What If…?season two dropping on December 22nd, Marvel has already confirmed that season three is in the works. It’s too early for details, obviously, but expect more alternate dimension action with clever twists on your favorite heroes! The first season tied heavily into the Multiverse Saga, this one will continue to explore aspects of the multiverse, with Hayley Atwell returning as Captain Carter, Jeffrey Wright as Uatu the Watcher, and more.
Meanwhile, the animated Spider-Man series previously known as Spider-Man: Freshman Year, has been retitled Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. The series is a prequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming but set in an alternate dimension where Peter Parker is mentored by Norman Osborne.
And then the big news. Confirmation of the first Black Panther spinoff, an animated series titled Eyes of Wakanda. Not much is known right now, but there is a synopsis:
“Throughout Wakandan history, brave warriors have been tasked to travel the world retrieving dangerous vibranium artifacts. This is their story.”
Pretty cool idea. Marvel has done the best job expanding on the nation of Wakanda and introducing elements that could be explored in future stories. This one is going to be interesting to watch develop. It’s unclear if this is the same Wakanda-based series that Ryan Coogler was attached to, one that would see the return of Danai Gurira as Okoye. Sure seems like it, though, based on the little we’ve learned.
We’ve seen a lot of comedies where someone who has been left at the altar has struggled to get back into the dating scene. Well, that’s not the case in Louise Linton’s new rom-com, Chick Flick, in which her character’s vengeful post-breakup dating habits are so successful they become an Internet sensation.
We’re happy to debut an exclusive clip from Chick Flick, written, directed, produced, and starring Louis Linton (Me You Madness) as Claire. The film also features Mad Men actor Sam Page, as well as a soundtrack by Grammy-winner Kim Petras.
In this clip, Claire, a fashion journalist who left her husband-to-be at the altar after discovering he had cheated on her, plays the field with two men, one she had a single date with and the other she just met, only to discover that they are actually members of the same rock band.
Here’s the synopsis: Upon discovering her fiancé cheated, Claire (Linton), a witty, driven fashion columnist, jilts her husband-to-be at the altar. In the weeks that follow she loses her job and hits rock bottom. With nothing to lose, Claire turns to online dating and social media to launch her retaliatory dating streak. When her dating exploits go viral, things begin to take a toll. But when she runs into her first love, Kyle (Page) will he ignite the fire or put out the flames? Press materials can be found here.
Chick Flick is available now courtesy of Gravitas Ventures.
