Shout Studios is bringing director Cecilie A. Mosli’s fantasy feature ‘Three Wishes For Cinderella’ to a North American audience through a distribution deal with Sola Media. The European film will be released on digital, video-on-demand, broadcast, theatrical, and home entertainment platforms for a wide audience.
Managing Director of Sola Media Solveig Langeland expressed his enthusiasm for the release.
“We are very happy to team up again with our friends from Shout,” he said. “And very excited about the release in North America, following the very successful release in Norway, where the film was only outperformed by James Bond in the 2021 box office. THREE WISHES FOR CINDERELLA is a modern, charming and atmospheric fairy-tale suited for every generation. Our Cinderella is kind and beautiful yet independent and strong; she is an active protagonist and the architect of her own fortune. We are certain that this adaptation will have a strong potential to inspire families worldwide.”
You can watch the trailer below:
Shout describes the synopsis as follows,
“Since her father’s death, the kind-hearted but also courageous Cinderella lives with her cruel stepmother and spoiled stepsister Dora who treat her like a servant in her own house. During one of her daily escapes to the forest, Cinderella prevents a couple of men from hunting wild animals, amongst them the handsome prince of the kingdom. They immediately feel attracted to each other, but he is expected to find a suitable bride at the next royal ball which Cinderella is not allowed to attend. Equipped with a great deal of courage and empowered by her three magical hazelnuts, she decides to stand up for herself and determine her own fate. Is she able to break free from her stepmother’s tyranny and find true love?”
Originally known as ‘Tre nøtter til Askepott,’ the movie is co-written by Anna Bache-Wiig, Karsten Fullu, and Kamilla Krogsveen.
A release date has yet to be confirmed.
European Fantasy Film ‘Three Wishes For Cinderella’ Coming To North America
Scooby-Doo Is Making His Way To Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito
Scooby-Doo and his reliable pal Shaggy are back for a new series ‘Scooby-Doo! And the Mystery Pups.’ The Warner Bros. Animation show was greenlit by Cartoon Network and HBO Max for their preschooler programming block Cartoonito. It will feature Scooby and Shaggy working as camp counselors and solving mysteries with the campers.
As counselors in a lakeside sleepaway camp, Scooby and Shaggy don’t know much about canoes and archery, but they do know how to solve a mystery! In a summer filled with nature hikes, rafting trips and fireside ghost stories, the goofy, good-hearted and can-do duo will share their love for chasing clues with three young camper pups destined to become their own preschool version of Mystery Incorporated,” Warner Media said in a press release.
“Featuring mysteries that will be more kooky than spooky, Scooby Doo! And the Mystery Pups teaches preschoolers about curiosity and the joy of discovery,” they continued. “The show will encourage the audience to solve clues alongside the collaborative trio of pups, exemplifying how much can be accomplished with friends by your side. These curiosity and teamwork skillsets align with Cartoonito’s Humancentric Learning Framework—a philosophy that helps children develop their unique potential—by inspiring preschoolers to greet every mystery they encounter with wonder, confidence, and cooperation.”
There are some veterans returning to deliver all of the Scooby Snacks. Frank Welker, who voiced the character of Scooby-Doo during the 1970s as well as for the reboot ‘Scoob,’ is returning to reprise the role. Matthew Lillard, who played Shaggy in the 2002 live-action film, is returning to voice everyone’s favorite slacker.
Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios President Sam Register said in a statement, “We are thrilled to finally give preschoolers a version of Scooby to call their own. With plenty of laughs, fun, and clues to chase, this show promises to entertain the youngest of mystery solvers.”
No release date has been confirmed, but Scooby-Doo! And the Mystery Pups’ will likely come to the small screen in 2024.
Marvel Comics Reveals Identity Of New Iron Fist
Danny Rand is once again taking a break from being the Martial Arts hero known as Iron Fist, but not to pose as Daredevil. The Agent of ATLAS known as Lin Lie, originally introduced as Sword Master, will be taking on the role of the immortal guardian of K’un-Lun in a new series by Alyssa Wong.
“Danny Rand chooses to give up his Iron Fist powers to save the world. In doing so, he opens the door for a new Iron Fist to take up the mantle. We’d been discussing who would be a fun new Iron Fist, and Sword Master’s name came up. Mark and Tom asked me to come up with a pitch, and the rest is history,” Wong says on the official Marvel website.
“I came up with a bunch of ideas and we workshopped the story from there,” she explained. “The most important thing on my mind was that I knew we had to shatter Lin Lie’s sword for him to start his journey as Iron Fist. Lin Lie losing his identity and dealing with grief while struggling to fit into the role of Iron Fist was a big impetus for this story.”
Rand retired from the role of the Defender at the end of ‘Iron Fist: Heart Of The Dragon,’ a six-part series from Larry Hama released in 2021.
“There are always challenges that come with introducing a new person taking on a classic mantle. People bring a lot of preconceptions and expectations to the table, and they don’t always like change. I knew that Lin Lie couldn’t just replace Danny. It wouldn’t make sense; they’re entirely different people, with entirely different backgrounds, baggage, and motivations. (Also, it would make for a really boring story.) In order for this to work, Lin Lie had to become an entirely new kind of Iron Fist,” Wond added.
Iron First was created by comic book writer Roy Thomas and artist Gil Kane. He made his first appearance in 1974 via the pages of ‘Marvel Premiere’ #15. Lin Lie was created by artist Gunji and writer Shuizhu for the series ‘Warriors of Three Sovereigns’ in May 2018.
The ‘Gollum’ Video Game Finally Has A Release Date!
Gollum is getting his own video game, and its release date has been finalized after being booted out of 2021. On the first of September, according to the title’s Steam page, gamers will be able to journey throughout Middle-Earth as Sméagol. Being twisted and cursed by the One Ring, the former Stoor Hobbit sticks to the shadows to survive. However, after losing his “Precious,” he must quest out into the world to find the only thing that gives his life purpose.
Daedalic Entertainment announced the title back in 2019. As you would expect, Gollum will be a stealth title. No grand battles for this little guy. From what we can gather from the various gameplay videos and trailers out there, Gollum will need to use the shadows and environments to get around and dispose of his enemies. The former ring-bearer isn’t alone, though. It’s unclear how often this will happen; it does look like Gollum will employ the help of creatures like Shelob to make his way to Mount Doom and presumably Frodo.
Use stealth, agility and cunning to survive and overcome what lies ahead. Climb, leap and grapple your way past dangers or into advantageous spots. While Gollum might not be a fighter, it is not unlike him to assassinate a careless enemy when the chance presents itself – or dispose of them in more creative and villainous ways. The decisions you make and the way you play have a direct influence on Gollum’s personality: Always struggling between the two sides embodied by Gollum and Sméagol, it is up to you to decide whether the darker side of Gollum takes over or if there is a spark of reason left in what once was Sméagol. One mind, two egos – you decide!
Although this game has nothing to do with Peter Jackson’s LotR films, the designs of Gollum and other characters appear to be heavily influenced by his iconic movies. Meanwhile, Gandalf and others look entirely new and refreshing. Gollum’s face is a bit too cartoony, but that’s my opinion. I always preferred the Rankin Bass reptilian appearance of the tortured creature because it showed just how powerful the One Ring’s influence was when just being in someone’s possession.
Let us know what you think of the game in the comments section below.
[Source: Steam]
Morph Joins The Marvel Legends’ X-MEN VHS Series
Everyone’s favorite member of the 1990s X-MEN team is finally here! That’s right! It’s Morph! You remember Morph, right? Now he’s back in $27.99 action figure form!
Morph, the mutant who could transform into pretty much anyone and imitate their voice, is joining the growing Marvel Legends X-MEN: The Animated Series VHS figure line. Sporting his brown leather jacket and traditional Xavier-approved blue and yellow spandex, Morph is ready to fight for justice by … annoying Gambit and being Wolverine’s buddy.
Morph popped up this week over at Hasbro Pulse for pre-order. He’ll be shipping out around December 2nd.
Over the past several months the website has launched a whole bunch of Legends figures based on the classic Fox Television animated series. We previously covered Storm, Jean Grey, Wolverine, and Jubilee.
- Two pairs of interchangeable hands
- Normal Morph’s head
- Brainwashed Morph’s head
- Jacket that totally doesn’t match with the ’90s X-MEN’s blue and yellow uniforms
- VHS-styled packaging
We all knew Morph was cannon fodder the very first time he showed up in X-MEN: The Animated Series’ premiere episode. He wasn’t part of the principal cast, and his voice was rather annoying. Not long after his debut, Morph was seemingly gunned down by a Sentinel.
Later on in the series, Morph reappeared, but this time he was under the control of Mr. Sinister. There was eventual redemption for the fallen mutant, but did anyone care? In toy form, I remember Morph being a peg warmer. His gimmick as a toy was coming with four interchangeable heads. That’s it. Oh, and he came with a Flair Ultra trading card. Characters with the ability to change shape are complex to translate into action figures; I get it.
What did you think of the 1990’s Morph? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Hasbro Pulse]
Amazon Studios Reveals ‘Chloe’ Release Date
Amazon Studios has revealed their upcoming thriller ‘Chloe’ with all six episodes being released on June 24. The show stars Erin Doherty as a woman obsessed with her social media influencer friend. It is created, directed, executive produced, and written by Alice Seabright and had its initial premiere on the BBC.
The show stars Doherty (The Crown), Poppy Gilbert (Stay Close), Billy Howle (The Witness for the Prosecution), Pippa Bennett-Warner (Johnny English Strikes Again), Jack Farthing (The Riot Club), and Brandon Micheal Hall (God Friended Me).
Seabright co-wrote the series with Kayleigh Llewellyn, Poppy Cogan, Bolu Babalola, and Sam Baron.
You can watch the trailer below:
Amazon describes the synopsis as follows,
“‘Chloe’ follows Becky Green (Erin Doherty), who is obsessed with stalking her childhood friend Chloe Fairbourne’s (Poppy Gilbert) perfectly curated social media presence. Chloe’s charmed life, adoring husband, and circle of high-achieving friends are always just a click away, and Becky can’t resist peering into a world that contrasts so starkly with her own, as she cares for her mother, who has early onset dementia. When Chloe suddenly dies, Becky assumes a new identity and infiltrates the enviable lives of Chloe’s closest friends to find out what happened to her. Through her alter-ego Sasha, Becky becomes a powerful, transgressive heroine; a popular, well-connected “someone” with a life–and loves–that are far more exciting and addictive than the “no-one” she is as Becky. However, the pretense soon obscures and conflates reality, and she discovers Chloe’s real life had not been nearly as perfect as it was portrayed online. As Becky gets deeper into her con, and Chloe’s inner circle, she risks losing herself completely in the game she is playing.”
The show is co-produced by BBC One, Mam Tor Productions, and Amazon Studios. It is executive produced by Tally Garner, Morven Reid, and Ben Irving.
Shout Studios Picks Up Jim Gaffigan Indie Film ‘Linoleum’
The sci-fi comedy ‘Linoleum’ made waves when it had its premiere at the SXSW Film Festival and the San Francisco International Film Festival. The indie film was written and directed by Colin West with comedian Jim Gaffigan starring in the lead role. Now Shout Studios has picked up the film for distribution in North America theatrically and digitally.
Shout’s Vice President of Acquisitions Jordan Fields expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition.
“Jim Gaffigan delivers a sensational, versatile performance in Colin’s wonderfully offbeat story about dreams, connection and alternate realities. Linoleum is one of those singular gems that gets fervently recommended to friends and family for years and years, and we’re eager to do everything we can to help make that happen,” Fields explained.
“Linoleum, while on the outside looking like a sci-fi sprinkled suburban drama, is at its core a love story – and Shout was able to see our vision in that. The whole team, who worked so hard to make this film come to life, is thrilled to be working with them to get our film out to as many eyeballs as possible,” West added.
Shout describes the film’s synopsis as follows,
“Cameron Edwin (Jim Gaffigan), the host of a failing children’s science TV show called “Above & Beyond”, has always had aspirations of being an astronaut. After a mysterious space-race era satellite coincidentally falls from space and lands in his backyard, his midlife crisis manifests in a plan to rebuild the machine into his dream rocket. As his relationship with his wife (Rhea Seehorn) and daughter (Katelyn Nacon) start to strain, surreal events begin unfolding around him – a doppelgänger moving into the house next door, a car falling from the sky, and an unusual teenage boy forging a friendship with him. He slowly starts to piece these events together to ultimately reveal that there’s more to his life story than he once thought.”
The movie is produced by Chad Simpson, Dennis Masel, and Chadd Harbold.
Playmates Versus Series Now Pits TMNT Against Street Fighter!
Playmates Toys is on a roll with their TMNT VS series. Over the past year, we’ve seen the mutant brothers face off against Cobra Kai and the Power Rangers. Now, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will spare with Capcom’s iconic Street Fighter characters.
We learned from Figures.com that the first images from the new Versus series had been released. These initial images show Ryu challenging Leonard and Michelangelo facing off against Chun-Li. In total, there are plans for four sets, one for each Turtle. Playmates Toys intends to pair Raphael with Guile and Ken with Donatello.
The figures are on the same scale as the previous two packs. Each character is 6″ tall. Based on the images below, only the Turtles appear to have accessories. Don’t expect any effects parts like a Hadouken or sonic boom. These sets are due to show up on store shelves this Fall, and the price point will probably be around $50 each.
The paint job used for the Turtles oddly contrasts the Street Fighter characters. Leo and Mikey look like a cross between the original Mirage Comics and the ’87 cartoon with a heavy emphasis on shading. Meanwhile, Chun-Li and Ryu are basic, with no shading or washes applied.
The Leaders Face-Off:
- Ryu VS Leonardo
Authority VS Exuberance:
- Chun-LI VS Michelangelo
Strength VS Strength:
- Guile VS Raphael
Restraint VS Intellect:
- Ken VS Donatello
It’s a concept that I’m surprised has been used before between the two franchises. So while the Marvel VS Capcom series is most likely dead in the water, a TMNT VS Street Fighter game could renew interest in the classic crossover fighting game genre.
What do you think of Playmate Toys’ latest offering? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Figures.com]
Groovy! Earthworm Jim Toys Are Back!
Phew. I remember being in a Service Merchandise store the first time I saw Playmates Earthworm Jim figures. I think this was about the time his series had just launched on The WB and a couple of years before that awful N64 game. It’s too bad that the franchise faded into a state of semi-obscurity. Well, there is that Intellivision Amico debacle, but I’m staying far away from that.
Thankfully, studios like Premium DNA are around to resurrect the bionic suit-wearing invertebrate. Yes, the same people who brought us all those Santa figures now have the license to create toys based on EWJ’s games. We spotted this first wave over at the Big Bad Toy Store.
The first four figures include Jim, Psy-Crow, Professor Monkey-For-A Head, and Bob the Killer Goldfish with Henchcat #4. Each figure is priced at $54.99, and this wave is expected to arrive during Q2 of 2023.
- 2 Head sculpts
- 3 Pairs of hands
- 3 Snot figures
- Blaster
- 2 Head sculpts
- 3 Pairs of Professor hands
- 3 Pairs of Monkey hands
- 3 Beakers
- Banana blaster
- 3 Head sculpts
- 3 Pairs of hands
- Fish bowl gripping hand
- Armor
- 3 Head sculpts
- 3 Pairs of hands
- Removable helmet
- Hook blaster
- Bare feather arms
- Bare feather tail feathers
In the comments section below, let us know what you think about these EWJ figures.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]
The Eighth Wonder Of The World Returns To Super7’s ‘Ultimates’ Series!
Without Andre the Giant, professional wrestling would not have become the mainstream success we know it as today. Sure, sports entertainment would still be a regional powerhouse, but it was the Eighth Wonder of the World who gave it the push it needed.
As he appeared in his legendary match at Wrestlemania 3, Andre is Super7’s latest Ultimates action figure. This is a follow-up to the toymaker’s earlier Yellow Trunks version of the pro-wrestling icon.
The Black Singlet version of Andre should be shipping out in Spring 2023. He can be pre-ordered right now for $55.00.
Other wrestlers might need flashy costumes or outlandish personas to attract attention, but when you’re the Eighth Wonder of the World, your mere presence is enough! This 8” highly articulated Andre the Giant ULTIMATES! figure features the wrestling legend in his iconic black singlet, and includes interchangeable heads & hands and a beer can accessory. To say that this ULTIMATES! figure would be a giant addition to your collection is an unavoidable pun, but it’s also a completely accurate statement.
The Giant comes with the following accessories:
- 3x Interchangeable heads
- Neutral head
- Intense eyes head
- Grimacing head
- 8x Interchangeable hands
- 2x Gripping hands
- 2x Chopping hands
- 2x Fist Hands
- 2x Open hands
- 1x Beer can
Just one can of beer? Tales are told that the Giant usually had 24+ beers after a match!
I’d like to see an everyday version of Andre, outside of the squared circle, dressed in his Sunday best, with a few crates of wine and maybe a few six-packs of beer.
I only ever got to meet Andre one time. Unfortunately, it was not long before he passed away. Although you could tell he was in pain and unable to walk, the Giant was nonetheless kind to fans and made what time he could for those who saw him.
What are your favorite memories of Andre’s days as a professional wrestler? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Super7]
