Who else is thankful for Hasbro’s Black Series of ‘Star Wars’ prop replicas? I am. For years I bought and sold ‘Star Wars’ props on eBay. Man, did those prices get insane during the prequel years. Eventually, all my stock was gone, and I had nothing left for myself.
Then along comes Hasbro with this line of relatively inexpensive replicas. Sure, they may not be super screen-accurate. If you’re putting it up on the wall or on a bookshelf, who will notice? These certainly beat the ones you find at the Halloween stores every year by far.
Now that many of the main characters have had their goods appear in the Black Series, we’re going to start seeing some fan favorites hit the market. The veteran of Yavin, Hoth, and Endor finally gets some love! Yes, Wedge Antilles has made the list with a brand new helmet!
BleedingCool.com reported on the reveal from Hasbro Pulse Fan Fest. During the Star Wars panel, new merchandise was shown off. This, personally, is my favorite thing that popped up.
Those who own Luke’s helmet may notice a number of similarities. In essence, these are the same helmet. It just has different paint and “decals.” I’ve got Luke’s myself, and for the price, it’s a good deal. Buy a motorcycle helmet mount on Amazon and it makes a great bit of decor.
This version of the x-wing helmet does feature different voice lines. It’s great for those of us who miss Wedge. He was underused in both ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ and ‘Squadrons.’
STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES WEDGE ANTILLES BATTLE SIMULATION HELMET – (HASBRO/Age: Adult/Approx. Retail Price: $99.99/Available: Summer 2021). Whether piloting an X-wing or a Snowspeeder, WEDGE ANTILLES wore his iconic helmet into battle against the evil EMPIRE. Featuring highly detailed deco, movie-inspired design, interior padding, electronic lights, and sound FX, this full-scale STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES WEDGE ANTILLES BATTLE SIMULATION HELMET is a great addition to any fan’s STAR WARS collection. Three internal speakers create an immersive surround sound battle simulation experience while synchronized LED lights inside the visor simulate blaster fire from enemy vehicles. Flip the switch inside the helmet to choose between a simulation of piloting WEDGE ANTILLES’ X-wing at the Battle of YAVIN or his Snowspeeder at the Battle of HOTH, featuring communication from R2-A3. Includes helmet and instructions.
[Source: BleedingCool.com]
Hasbro Pulse Reveals ‘Star Wars’ Black Series Wedge Antilles Helmet
Exclusive Interview: DJ Slope Talks ‘Pac-Man: The Complete History’
YouTuber Daniel Ibbertson (DJ Slope) has put together part one of a multi-part series focused on a legendary video game franchise. ‘Pac-Man: The Complete History‘ takes us through the yellow puck’s unusual origins. How did the pellet muncher grow into such a hit? Was he really inspired by pizza?
From the often mistaken origin story to the oddity called ‘Baby Pac-Man,’ DJ Slope dives deep into the game’s history. Mr. Ibberson sat down with us to talk about the documentary and what we can expect from the upcoming second installment.
We talk about more than just the documentary during the interview. We discuss the research process. Dan goes into some of the tricks of the trade when it comes to video editing, as well. Check it out below!
If you’ve got an hour to spare, below you can find the first part of the documentary:
The second part of the complete history should be up next weekend. Stay tuned.
For more of DJ Slope’s documentaries, include his investigative research into the numerous scams found on Kickstarter and IndieGoGo, click here. Early access to his videos and other exclusive goods can be found on his Patreon.
New Report Exposes The Controversy Surrounding ‘The Last Of Us’ PS5 Remake
The original version of ‘The Last Of Us’ is getting a remake for Sony’s PS5 video game console, but not without controversy. A new report reveals that video game developers Visual Arts Service Group (VASG) were originally tasked to develop the project, but were demoted in favor of Naughty Dog.
Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier writes that Sony’s desire to develop video game franchises lead to some decisions that gave Naughty Dog the upper hand again.
The San Diego-based VASG was tasked with developing the game following the release of ‘The Last Of Us Part Two’ which the team had done support work. However, Sony seemed ambivalent to the remake project, refusing to give the group the proper funding. Sony Worldwide Studios exec Hermen Hulst was shown a portion of the game’s development but apparently did not like what VASG founder Michael Mumbauer showed him, again refusing to increase the budget of the game.
As a result, Sony demoted VASG to serve as support staff and gave the project to Naughty Dog, who then received more financial support for the remake. Schreier reports that this caused an exodus by several VASG employees, including Mumbauer, who had left Naughty Dog to found the group in 2007.
IGN reports that Sony Bend originally wanted to make a sequel to 2019’s ‘Days Gone,’ but that project was rejected in favor of two developments from Naughty Dog. These projects are thought to be a standalone spin-off of ‘The Last Of Us’ and a new addition to the ‘Uncharted’ franchise.
Little is known about how the remake will work with the gameplay or if additional features will be included. ‘The Last Of Us’ is one of Sony’s most popular video game franchises with the sequel being award-winning and critically acclaimed, though many fans protested the graphic death of Joel, the first game’s protagonist.
‘The Last Of Us’ was previously remastered for a PS4 release.
Paul Dano Cast As Steven Spielberg’s Father In Upcoming Biopic Based On The Director’s Life
The award-winning ‘There Will Be Blood’ actor Paul Dano has been tapped to play ‘Jaws’ filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s father in an upcoming biopic loosely based on the Oscar-winning director’s childhood.
According to Deadline, the character will be based on Spielberg’s dad, but will have a “separate and original voice.” Dano joins a cast featuring ‘Oz the Great and Powerful ‘ actress Michelle Williams as the ‘Jurassic Park’ director’s mother and ‘The Interview’ lead Seth Rogan as a “favorite uncle.”
The biopic is currently untitled and will be the first time the ‘The Lost World’ director has shared screenwriting duties since ‘A.I.’ He partners with frequent collaborator Tony Kushner, who worked on the scripts for other Spielberg projects ‘Lincoln’ and ‘Munich.’ The Amblin project is produced by Spielberg, Kushner, and Kristie Macosko Krieger.
There is not much else known about the project. Amblin has been tight-lipped on giving details about the feature. Spielberg has occasionally referenced his childhood in Arizona, citing it as an inspiration for many of the characters he has developed.
Spielberg’s personal story will follow his remake of ‘West Side Story,’ which was delayed due to the pandemic. Kushner wrote the screenplay for the romantic musical.
Dano is also featured in the upcoming Matt Reeves’ DC Comics project ‘The Batman,’ where he will play the antagonist known as The Riddler. He previously portrayed the younger version of the Beach Boys co-founder and leader Brian Wilson in the biopic ‘Love & Mercy.’
Michelle Williams has also portrayed real-life personalities, playing actress Marilyn Monroe in ‘My Week with Marilyn’ and J. Paul Getty’s former daughter-in-law Gail Harris in ‘All The Money In The World.’
Rogan played Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in the film ‘Steve Jobs’ as well as a script advisor in ‘The Disaster Artist,’ the James Franco film based on the life of filmmaker Tommy Wiseau.
ANIME NEWS: Harmony Gold and Big West Reach Agreement to Distribute MACROSS Sequels and Films
Big news was announced today for fans of both Robotech and the anime Macross, the source material for the earliest part of the Robotech Saga.
Harmony Gold has penned an agreement with Big West (co-producer of the original Macross series) that will open the way for both parties to work together on the future of both the Macross and Robotech franchises.
For years, Harmony Gold has been derided by a vocal portion of the anime fan community for tying up the rights to Macross here in the States, and now it would seem like the runway is cleared for a closer working relationship between the two parties.
In 2019, it was announced that Harmony Gold would extend its agreement with Tatsunoko Productions, shocking many anime pundits who assumed that as of 2021, the Robotech brand would be no more.
Here’s the official press release, courtesy of Harmony Gold PR…
BIG WEST CO. LTD., STUDIO NUE, INC. AND HARMONY GOLD U.S.A. ANNOUNCE EXPANSIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE FUTURE OF ROBOTECH AND MACROSS WORLDWIDE!
April 9, 2021 – Tokyo, Japan & Los Angeles, California – Landmark agreement between the anime companies will allow immediate international distribution of most Macross television sequels and films, while affirming Harmony Gold’s rights to the Robotech franchise. Both companies will cooperate on the international distribution of future Macross and Robotech projects post 2021.
Tokyo based BIGWEST Co. LTD. and Los Angeles based Harmony Gold U.S.A. announced an agreement regarding the worldwide rights for the legendary Macross and Robotech franchises. This expansive agreement signed by both companies on March 1, 2021, ends two decades of disagreements and will allow Big West and Harmony Gold to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential of both the Macross and Robotech franchises worldwide.
The landmark agreement immediately permits worldwide distribution of most of the Macross films and television sequels worldwide, and also confirms that Big West will not oppose the Japanese release of an anticipated upcoming live-action Robotech film. The agreement also recognizes Harmony Gold’s longstanding exclusive license with Tatsunoko for the use of the 41 Macross characters and mecha in the Robotech television series and related merchandise throughout the world excluding Japan.
Moving forward, both parties will cooperate on distribution regarding future Macross and Robotech projects for the benefit of both franchises.
Big West Representative Director, Kaya Onishi added, “Stories that feature Valkyries, a transformable realistic mecha, in action among the galaxies while diva’s sing in the background, as well as love triangles involving the pilots and singers. That was and continues to be the concept behind the Macross series, and I am happy that I can now help bring Macross to people all over the world on the 40th anniversary of the series. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Harmony Gold Chairman, Frank Agrama for his courageous decision in this matter.”
Harmony Gold USA Chairman, Frank Agrama stated, “This is an incomparably historic moment for both Harmony Gold and Big West and the anime industry overall. This is also an exciting moment for fans of Robotech and Macross worldwide. I thank my friend, Big West Representative Director, Kaya Onishi for her hard work to help us reach this long-desired resolution that protects both of our franchises while building a better tomorrow for both our companies.”
We’ll have to wait and see what exactly this deal will materialize like for both Robotech and Macross fans, but it seems like it could be a good sign for the Macross purists?
So what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
[Source: Harmony Gold PR]Chris Pratt Announces Release Date For New Film ‘The Tomorrow War’
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ actor Chris Pratt announced on social media that his new film has an official release date and that it will appear on a streaming service.
“(The Tomorrow War) officially being released on Amazon, July 2nd,” Pratt wrote on Instagram. “I’m so proud of this film!! My baby is all grown up!! This was the first feature film I ever executive produced. And honestly, it’s just so fantastic. I honestly can’t believe how good it is (humbly-we crushed it).”
He continued, “It’s emotional, action packed, funny, scary, moves well and leaves you floored! It’s just really, really good! It’s testing through the roof!!! For real. You can’t fake that stuff. Every day people watched this movie and gave it an A+!! This movie honestly has it all. Don’t take my word for it. See for yourself July 2nd. Thanks Amazon for being an amazing partner. Gonna blow you away with this one!!!”
Deadline reports that director Chris McKay shared Pratt’s enthusiasm for the sci-fi thriller.
“I’m so proud of this incredible cast and crew who worked under challenging circumstances to create a unique, original sci-fi action movie… something that’s increasingly rare,” the ‘Dolittle’ director said. “Watching this team of actors and artisans effortlessly blend action, horror, comedy, and drama was a dream come true for me … and I hope will thrill audiences this summer,”
‘The Tomorrow War’ is billed as a science fiction action film with the premise, “The fate of a futuristic war rests upon one man’s abilities to confront the ghosts of his past. Humanity is losing to an alien invasion, so to fight back, scientists develop a way to draft soldiers from the past to fight the war.”
Besides the ‘Jurassic World’ star, it also features Yvonne Strahovski, Betty Gilpin, Keith Powers, Mike Mitchell, Sam Richardson, and J. K. Simmons.
All Sports Television Network Is Bringing Arena Football To Their Viewers
Broadcasting TV channel All Sports Television Network has picked up the Champions Indoor Football league pro-team Wichita Force to “introduce” the sports franchise to their viewers.
All Sports President Roger Neal Smith expressed excitement for the deal.
“We are excited about bringing arena football to our viewers,” he said according to EIN Presswire. “Arena football is a very fast-paced game that is still largely unknown by football fans. We are looking forward to the opportunity to provide die-hard football fans the opportunity to watch their favorite sport during the spring.”
Wichita Force managing partner Jeff Martin echoed those statements saying, “After a challenging year, we can’t wait to have our players back on the field for the best season yet.”
He continued, “We always want to partner with the best, so we are thrilled to team up with All Sports Television Network to bring our games to fans everywhere.”
This comes on the heels of the announcement from the Champions Indoor Football that Todd Walkenhorst would be replacing Ricky Bertz as league commissioner.
“This has been a transition that we have discussed for a while,” Walkenhorst said in a press release. “I am grateful to the league and the owners who have worked with me to make this timing work for everybody involved. I know that Ricky was ready to put more time into the Omaha franchise, and this is a year that really needed his extra focus. It is obviously a challenging time for all businesses and people. I am looking forward to working with our teams, players, and fans to move forward through this season and beyond.”
The Champions Indoor Football is a professional arena football league that was formed after the merger of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League and Lone Star Football League.
The league canceled their 2020 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but that the 2021 season would proceed with six teams, including the reactivated team Dodge City Law.
Italy Officially Ends Film Censorship Practices
In a symbolic gesture, the government of Italy is ending its censorship legislation that has been in place since 1914. Though the practice has largely ended, the laws were still set in place allowing the Italian government to censor a film or request cuts from a filmmaker based on moral reasons.
“Film censorship has been abolished,” said Culture Minister Dario Franceschini according to First Post. “And the system of controls and interventions that still allow the state to intervene in the freedom of artists has been definitively ended.”
Variety reports that the 1914 censorship laws prevented such films as Bernardo Bertolucci’s Last Tango In Paris in 1972 and Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Salò Or The 120 Days of Sodom in 1975 were banned from premiering in the country.
It’s an epochal change that the industry was strongly pushing for and will usher in self-regulation,” said the head of Italy’s distributors Luigi Lonigro.
Film director Pupi Avati, whose drama ‘Bordello’ was censored under the original laws, praised the move.
“It’s a form of self-regulation. We are mature enough,” he said. “It makes films more seductive, generating public interest, especially those with an erotic theme.”
The new rules will allow the filmmakers to classify their own movies based on the age of the audience children aged under six; over-14s (or aged 12+ if accompanied by parent); and over-18s (or 16+ accompanied by adult). A Film Classification Commission of 49 members will be led by a government-appointed president and will determine whether the age classification is sufficient for general audiences.
The Guardian reports that the last film to face censors was 1998’s ‘Toto Who Lived Twice,’ based on religious and moral objections.
A survey done by Cinecensura claims that over 10,000 films were affected by Italy’s film censorship practices. At least 274 Italian features, 130 American films, and 321 movies from other countries have been banned in Italy since 1944.
FIRST LOOK: The Powerpuff Girls DON’T Work Well in Live-Action.
In case you missed the memo, there’s a live-action Powerpuff Girls series coming to the CW. And yes, leaked set photos and video seem to indicate that the Powerpuff Girls work in live-action just about as well as you would have expected.
Per TMZ…
Granted, it’s principal photography and there’s only so much you can do with the original designs on grown women, buuuuuut yeah.
Twitter isn’t terribly impressed, either.
It was announced that the beloved Powerpuff Girls Cartoon Network series would get the “Riverdale treatment” by the CW earlier in the year courtesy of Diablo Cody, writer of Juno.
The internet reacted. Pretty negatively, we might add.
The ill-conceived pilot episode was greenlit nonetheless, with Disney Channel star Dove Cameron playing Bubbles, Chloe Bennet as Blossom and Yana Perrault as Buttercup.
Nicholas Podany has been cast as their arch nemesis Mojo Jojo. 
So an attractive young male is cast in a show rumored to take a cue from Riverdale. What can possibly go wrong?
Scrubs star Donald Faison has also been cast as Professor Utonium, for what is sure to be a very different take on the character than was was seen in the cartoon.
Nobody asked for this show. Nobody particularly seems to want this show. And the photos look like budget cut cosplay.
But hey, maybe it’ll surprise us.
[Source: TMZ]Mystery Science Theater 3000 Launches Another Kickstarter
MST3K is back on Kickstarter asking for money for another season. The campaign for Make More MST3K launched a Kickstarter today for another season and beyond.
The new Kickstarter campaign launched and already has over $1.1 million of it’s $2 million goal (as of this article.)
Basically the proved themselves and got Netflix to pick up two seasons, but now they’ve passed on a 3rd season:
“Sometime in late 2019, during our third live tour, we got word: even though Netflix liked how our new episodes came out, they wouldn’t be renewing us for a third new season.”
With this new campaign they are hoping to:
1. MAKE MORE MST3K episodes with a new, sustainable model, that lets you decide how long we should keep going, and lets us bring new episodes directly to you, without depending on a network to distribute or keep renewing us for new seasons.
2. BUILD “THE GIZMOPLEX”, our own virtual online theater, where we can host frequent live screenings, premieres, and community events – and you can host MST3K watch parties with friends whenever you want. More on that in a minute.
For those unfamiliar with the show Mystery Science Theater 3000, or MST3K, is a comedy show created by Joel Hodgson, started out on a Minneapolis TV channel in 1988 before moving to the Comedy Channel (Comedy Central) for several seasons. The show’s gimmick is that they riff on old movies.
I grew up watching this show with my mom and siblings and we’ve been fans for years (still miss Joel as the host.)
Fast forward to 2015 and there was a successful Kickstarter campaign to bring the show back, with over $5.7 million on the crowd funding platform.
The new version has Jonah Ray, Felicia Day and Patton Oswald.
Truth be told, I’m not a huge fan of the new seasons, but I know a lot of you might be. I definitely want to see it succeed and more shows able to do their own thing instead of being at the mercy of Hollywood.
You can check it out here!
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
