Fans of the Transformers franchise were excited to learn that Paramount tapped ‘Creed 2’ director Steven Caple Jr. to helm the feature with ‘Army of the Dead’ scriptwriter Joby Harold and ‘Zodiac’s James Vanderbilt penning the script.
The question on everyone’s mind was whether or not it would continue Michael Bay’s ‘The Last Knight’ or Travis Knight’s prequel ‘Bumble Bee.’ One 4chan user claiming to work for Paramount Pictures posted alleged leaks which were copied onto TF fansite Seibertron, who cautioned users to take these leaks with a grain of salt.
“You may have heard that new leak about Beast Alliance, well, it’s not a beast wars movie and it has nothing to do with beast wars,” the leaker writes. “Beast Alliance is just a working title, lots of movies have weird titles like this that have nothing to do with the film, Star Wars had lots of them.” However, he does acknowledge that the character Cheetor from Beast Wars will likely make some sort of appearance.
The leaker described the Autobots and Decepticons featuring their Generation One designs and that the movie is a “heist type film like Ant Man” with the Transformers racing to steal an unknown object where “energon is involved.”
Purportedly, the movie is “Set after Bumblebee 2018 film, it acknowledges it but not the rest of Bayformers” and will feature new human leads of white, black, and Latino origins. The leaker assures readers that “Steven Caple Jr. understands the IP from what I saw.”
“Small cast of robots, a little bigger than 2007 film. Movie emphasises on love and heart like Bumblebee rather than lore,” the leak continues. “Now keep in mind, I know all this stuff from some small plot lines I got to read and concept art I saw but it seems this is the direction they are going. Very Indiana Jones/Ant Man heist adventure film than previous films. I also saw a new face for Bumblebee, no idea if they will use it or not, it gave Bumblebee a mouth but the head design was similar to the previous film (Bumblebee 2018 movie) one. Robots are also thicker in the concept art.”
Fan favorites Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee, Arcee, Brawn, Ironhead, Wheeljack, Megatron, Star Scream, Soundwave, Shockwave, and other Seekers will appear in the film.
“There might be more, it seems Cheetor is part of the film as a guardian of the artifact. I did not see his design, only for Prime, Bumblebee, Starscream, Soundwave and Megatron.”
“The designs are updated. They are still bulky and thicker. Very G1. Nothing like Bayverse, the Bumblebee I saw has a face with a mouth and it looks cute,” the leaker writes. Megatron looks very big, he is taller than Prime and has his fusion cannon. Starscream has a new head, very sleek and G1 and humanoid. Soundwave has a body that makes him look like he transforms into some type of van, his head is more G1 now and updated. They are more detailed overall. Megatron also has a humanoid face with the bucket helmet thing.”
“Apparently there will be some Cybertron scenes in the film, the planet will look the same as in Bumblebee,” he concludes. “Optimus head is the same as in Bumblebee.”
Obviously, these alleged leaks should be treated as rumors as none of this has been confirmed.
The leaks do not mention ‘Charm City Kings’ director Angel Manuel Soto’s Transformers film or if they connect in any way.
Alleged Leaks Could Shed Light On Upcoming Live-Action Transformers Film
New ‘Thundercats’ Movie Coming From ‘Godzilla Vs Kong’ Director
It looks like someone else is going to take a crack at the ‘Thundercats’ franchise. The original show was an 1980’s icon and later it was rebooted in an anime style in 2011. Recently Warner decided that they should make a new kiddified version called ‘Thundercats Roar’ which was, frankly, garbage.
Now it seems Warner is bringing in their director from the ‘Godzilla Vs. Kong’ film, Adam Wingard, to direct a new CGI/Animation Hybrid film.
I have to admit, after ‘Thundercats Roar’ I’m wary of yet another attempt to revive the beloved franchise. Where I have hope is that Mr. Wingard seems to actually care about the show.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Wingard talked about his history with ‘Thundercats’
He discussed how it was a “dream project’ for him and how he was obsessed with the show in high school and even aided in his decision to become a filmmaker. He even spent his 10th grade year writing his own ‘Thundercats’ screenplay. Like a lot of us pop culture geeks, he was made fun of for it.
“...My real obsession with Thundercats came in high school, the pinnacle of me deciding I wanted to be a filmmaker, and pushing in that direction…I actually spent most of my 10th grade year, I completely blew it. I didn’t pay attention in school, made terrible grades. And the reason? I was writing my Thundercats screenplay through my entire tenth grade year. And I was hand writing it. The screenplay itself ended up being 272 pages long. I still have it. It was one of those things where I would carry around my notebooks and talk about it. I didn’t even realize the kids in my class were making fun of me as they would ask me questions about my Thundercats screenplay. It was only one day my friends asked me and I was excitedly telling him all these things about my Thundercats screenplay. And I heard him turn around to some of the girls in the class, these were girls I had crushes on, and he’s making fun of me for writing Thundercats! Because it was ridiculous. But that was the first moment where I had a though that maybe I would not be able to make the Thundercats movie.”
This gives me a bit of hope for a true spiritual successor to the franchise. But, like many fans, I’m afraid to get my hopes up.
Now, it’s 20 years later, and he heard that there was a “Thundercats” script and he asked if he could rewrite the script with Simon Barrett. The project was already being developed by Dan Lin and Roy Lee, who were producers on “Death Note” that Wingard directed. It seems that Lin and Lee are also staying on as producers. The early script treatment was done by David Coggeshall. Since ‘Godzilla Vs. Kong’ is looking like it will perform well, they apparently said ‘yes.’
It sounds like he’s going to try to do something new, but keep the Thundercats themselves.
“They gave me the reins. I saw this as an opportunity to do a new type of fantasy sci-fi spectacle film that people have never seen before. It’s got a rich mythology; the characters are fantastic. The colors. I want to do a Thundercats film that takes you back to that ‘80s aesthetic. I don’t want to reinvent the way they look; I want them to look like Thundercats. I don’t want to do it live action, either. I don’t want it to look like Cats, I don’t want those kinds of issues, no disrespect to that director whom I don’t mean to throw under the bus any more than everyone else has. I want to do a movie you’ve never seen before. A hybrid CGI film that has a hyper real look and somehow bridges the gap between cartoon and CGI. That’s the starting point, and Simon Barrett and I are getting into the script now.”
Of course fans will have to see more before forming opinions on it, but if Wingard can actually do what he says he wants to do with it, and they let him, it’s possible we could get the respectful version that fans have been wanting since the 2011 reboot ended too soon.
If he ever wants to chat about how cool ‘Thundercats’ is, he’s more than welcome to drop us a line.
I look forward to seeing more. I want to believe.
You can read more of Mr. Wingard’s interview on Deadline.
Featured Image –Mental Floss
Amidst Series Cancellation, Jump Announces Black Clover Anime Feature Film
While very few details were given, the teaser features some key graphics of the series protagonist Asta, his adopted brother Yuno, and Captain Yami of the Black Bulls.
According to Crunchyroll Anime News, Shueisha will announce more details regarding the plot and how it connects to the anime. The official English Twitter account also shared a key visual that highlights Asta’s signature smirk.
Black Clover movie officially announced!
♣️ INFO: https://t.co/C7ZiEpNahW pic.twitter.com/25ULdLPvGj
— ♣️ BLACK CLOVER ♣️ (@BlackClover_EN) March 28, 2021
The movie announcement comes on the heels of the shocking news that ‘Black Clover’ will end its run as a television series at the end of March. After 170 episodes, the show will conclude with the ‘Spade Kingdom’ story-arc, bringing the highly acclaimed anime to a close.
“Yes, Black Clover will release its final episode on the 30th of March. One thing Black Clover fans loved about the show is its consistency in delivering episodes on time, unlike other popular animes,” reports Republic World. “Creating high-quality anime takes a huge amount of time and effort so seasons are always delayed or one season is released after 2 or 3 years (like One Punch Man, Attack on Titan). Black Clover has stood out by delivering episodes on time without affecting the quality of animation. It’s a commendable achievement.”
Some media outlets have speculated that the series is coming to a close as it is catching up to the manga’s ongoing story. Similar to ‘Attack On Titan,’ it is not permanently canceled, but merely being placed in suspended animation until the manga can continue to provide further story-arcs for the anime.
Mangaka and ‘Black Clover’ creator Yūki Tabata has stated that he hopes that the fantasy series can have a run as long as other popular anime such as ‘Naruto’ or ‘One Piece.’
Dwayne Johnson Announces Release Date For The Long-Awaited ‘Black Adam’ Film
According to an Instagram post from Johnson’s official account, the long-awaited superhero film is set to release July 2022.
“A disruptive and unstoppable global force of a message from the man in black himself,” the caption reads. “BLACK ADAM is coming July 29, 2022. The hierarchy of power in the DC Universe is about to change.”
This news follows the announcement that former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan will portray Kent Nelson also known as the superhero sorcerer Dr. Fate. Bleeding Fool reports that Brosnan joins Johnson, along with Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, Adrianna Tomaz as Isis, and Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone.
‘The Commuter’ director Jaume Collet-Serra was tapped to direct ‘Black Adam.’ Johnson had previously worked with the European filmmaker on Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise.’
“Cool news announcing Spanish thriller filmmaker, Jaume Collet-Serra as my director for DC’s BLACK ADAM,” Johnson said according to ScreenRant. “Jaume and I have worked together for the last two years making, DISNEY’S JUNGLE CRUISE – and I’ve been very impressed with his passion, work ethic, style, vision, tone and quality. He’s hungry to break new ground with BLACK ADAM and give the fans something very cool and special.”
“I raise a double tequila,” he added. “welcoming Jaume and can’t wait to bring to life the world’s anti-hero in black.”
Black Adam is the nemesis of Shazam, the titular hero played by Zachary Levi in the 2019 superhero comedy film. As of yet, there has been no announcement as to whether Levi will make an appearance in this Warner Media feature.
The movie received its own panel at the DC Fandome in August 2020, where Johnson showcased a slate full of action-packed ‘Black Adam’ concept art from Jim Lee and Boss Logic.
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi Cast Announced For Upcoming Disney+ Series
The cast of the upcoming ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ show for Disney+ has been announced today. This comes after several postponements due to script changes and the pandemic.
Ewan McGregor is returning as Obi-Wan Kenobi, he’s also an executive producer on the series along with Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Deborah Chow, and script writer Joby Harold.
Hayden Christensen is also returning to play Darth Vader. Of course Christensen is known for playing Anakin Skywalker in the prequel series leading up to the character becoming Vader at the end of ‘The Revenge of the Sith.’ The events in the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ show happen 10 years later.
Other actors have been announced for the show including:
Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell, and Benny Safdie.
Joel Edgerton and Bonnie Piesse were in the prequel films as Owen and Beru Lars. They are returning for the new show, which makes sense. It also makes me wonder if they will indeed put a young Luke Skywalker into the series.
The new show synopsis is as follows:
“The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of ‘Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith’ where Kenobi faced his greatest defeat, the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker turned evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.”
Let’s just hope that Kennedy does a better job overseeing this series than she had with keeping the sequel trilogy story on track and making the “High Republic” a success.
Filming on this new series is to begin in April. The new show has it listed as a six episode series for the Disney+ streaming platform.
Source: Disney
PS4 Bricked By A Dead Battery
If you’ve ever dabbled with retro gaming tech, it will be no surprise how important the tiny puck battery found in some consoles and cartridge games is. In some cases a dead battery means you lose your saves. In other cases, it can result in the total bricking of your system.
The specter of death may be setting its sights on the PS4. Sure, it may not be that old of a console, but Sony’s infrastructure that allows games, both digital and physical, to function has a flaw that is dependent on the tiny CR2032 battery.
We caught wind of this story via Niche Gamer where the death of the PS4’s internal clock battery results in the ‘ce-34878-0‘ error message. If the system cannot access the needed servers to re-verify your system, downloaded games will be locked and the same goes for those you may have on disk.
This error is because Trophies on PS4 require the internal system clock (the one you can’t see / alter) to be correct, so people cant change their PS4 date/time to make it look like they got trophies earlier than they really did. If your PS4 clock battery dies, all your games die https://t.co/8y9aZzL9vC
— Lance McDonald (@manfightdragon) March 23, 2021
Now, replacing a CR2032 isn’t too taxing on a technical level. Thankfully, Sony didn’t pull a Philips where the CD-i’s battery was housed inside of a casing that had to be chipped away at to replace. The repair steps for the PS4 are relatively easy if you’ve ever pulled apart a console of a PC.
This repair option is only a temporary fix. A replacement battery will die, eventually. That may come well after Sony has decided to shut down servers for older systems’ libraries. CR2032 batteries can be tough little pucks, though. They can last several years, even into the decades. Ultimately it will be down to Sony.
We found this guide showing a system teardown and battery replacement that will help:
It’s Showtime! New Beetlejuice Exclusive Items From Fun.com
The ghost with the most has ended up with a fashion line on Fun.com and our very own Pinkie Boo just got three of the exclusive pieces to review! She’s a huge Beetlejuice fan.
Let’s take a look!
Fun.com Exclusive ‘Beetlejuice’ Unisex Sneakers – $39.99
There are a wide range of sizes available.
She did buy her regular size and it fit fine.
“Well, it turns out that write his name 3 times won’t summon the ghost with the most! It has, however, resulted in this magnificent pair of shoes. These Unisex Striped Beetlejuice Sneakers are officially licensed Beetlejuice shoes from the classic Tim Burton film. The exterior of each shoe is designed to look like Beetlejuice’s suit and the side has Sandworm from Saturn patch on it. Just slip them on, and you might just feel like getting into the career of bio-exorcism yourself! (Note: saying his name 3 times won’t actually cause the shoes to materialize in your home.)”
Fun.com Exclusive Loungefly Mini Backpack – $74.99
This one was one of our favorites! We love the colors and design of this one.
The lining inside the bag has stripes like Beetlejuice’s suit, along with green bugs and his name.
Here’s the write-up:
“This bag is officially licensed from the classic 1980s film and is designed by Loungefly. That means that this bag is both durable and stylish, so you can wear it for everyday use! The bag features a faux leather shell that’s shaped like Beetlejuice’s face. It even has black and white stripes to recreate the style of his suit. The top zipper reveals the main compartment that’s big enough to fit all of your daily essentials inside and the outer pocket provides a nice little compartment for everything else you need. The shoulder straps are adjustable and help you customize the fit. It even features a handle on top for carrying! It’s an easy choice for any Beetlejuice fan! ”
Fun.com Exclusive Beetlejuice Women’s Jacket – $49.99-$69.99
This is a great piece if you just want a fun jacket or if you are doing a Beetlejuice costume!
The outside is black and white striped and the inside features a lime green lining with Beetlejuice, the sandworm, the tombstone and other images from the film.
Another great thing about this jacket is that it comes in sizes 2-28! So there is a nice range of sizes available.
My daughter sized up a size and that seemed to work out well for this piece as it’s more fitted. There is a measurement chart on the site to ensure you get the proper size!
Here’s the write-up:
“If you want a tame, middle of the road sort of blazer. Look elsewhere! This Made by US exclusive Beetlejuice blazer is officially licensed and officially bold. The striking black and white striped outer shell is inspired by Beetlejuice’s signature suit from the 1988 movie. The lining was designed by our in-house creative team. Printed with the Handbook for the Recently Deceased, the Sand Worm, and Beetlejuice with his gravestone, the green lining makes this blazer wild inside and out! The jacket cinches in front with a single button closure, which gives a casual fit. It also features false front pockets and a shawl collar for added style. Bold stripes and a striking lining will make this blazer a wardrobe staple all year round!”
All three of these items and more are currently available on Fun.com. Grab them while you can.
**Please note that we were given these items to review by Fun.com. Opinions are our own.**
Colour Pop X Animal Crossing Eyeshadow Collection Review
I am a huge Animal Crossing fan and I’m also a Colourpop eyeshadow fan, so when they were put together into a crossover collection I was immediately interested.
I’m not alone because the various parts of the collection keep selling out over and over again. I was lucky enough to get the entire eyeshadow collection and I do have the one Lip Tint Mini two pack coming.
There are four eye shadow palettes, themed to Animal Crossing characters.
Isabelle/ Five Star Island
Colors: Isabelle, Island Tune, Island Designer and Resident Rep.
Blathers and Celeste/ What a Hoot
Colors: Meteor Shower, Celestial, All Aflutter, and Who!
Mabel and Sable/Labelle of the Ball
Colors: Able Sisters, Tailor’s Ticket, Custom Design and Serene Sable
Tom Nook, Timmy and Tommy / Nook Inc.
Colors: Yes…Yes!, Made in the Shade, CEO, and Water Landing
The palettes are $12 each or you can get the complete 4-pack for $48
It comes with a “book sleeve” to hold them all.
The colors are mostly well pigmented. Some of the shimmers are iffy and require more pigment for it to show up.
They are also rather small, but I think it just adds to the charm.
Beyond the eyeshadow they have lip tint two pack kits for $12 each or the entire six piece set for $36. These keep selling out too.
There is also blush and glitter gel in the collection.
If you are interested in any of the individual items or collection pieces you can visit the site and see what’s currently in stock. You can also sign up for email restock notifications.
Overall I really enjoy the Colourpop eyeshadows and this collection is no different. I look forward to trying the lip tints as well.
Their Instagram offers a lot of great ideas on make-up looks with these palettes and other products they offer.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Source: Colourpop
Production Has Now Started On “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” According to Director Jeff Fowler
Sonic fans we have good news for you! “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” has begun production according to Sonic director, Jeff Fowler.
Lights, camera, hedgehog. Production on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 starts TODAY! #SonicMovie2 pic.twitter.com/UsIgtZqn3s
— Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) March 16, 2021
Not much is known about the upcoming sequel to 2020’s blockbuster “Sonic the Hedgehog” film. But we do know that Ben Schwartz is returning as the voice of Sonic. Jim Carrey is also going to return as Dr. Robotnik, and Tom Wachowski has also said he was signed on to return.
We also know that the original “Sonic the Hedgehog” writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller will be returning for the sequel as well.
Tails will likely be in the next film as he was featured in the end credit scene from the first film. Fans are also convinced that Knuckles will be a big part of the second film due to the echidnas shown in the 2020 film. I know we personally are hoping this is indeed the case.
How the 2020 “Sonic the Hedgehog” film gave fans a bigger voice
Sonic the Hedgehog did incredibly well in theaters and home release and that is largely due to the simple fact that the production teams listened to the fans.
Originally the first Sonic film was supposed to release in 2019, but when the teaser poster and teaser trailer were initially released the response was overwhelmingly negative. Mostly due to the fact that Sonic was so off model for the character.
*Sonic silhouette movie poster is revealed*
“ew”
*Legs image released*
“ew”
*Concept art is leaked*
“ewwww”
*More concept art is leaked*
“ewwwwwww”
*Movie trailer is released*
“blue gremlin man why”
Paramount: “…Wait… … .. ….. …you mean you don’t like the design?”— Viva Reverie (@VivaReverie) May 3, 2019
Instead of pushing forward with the bad designs and vilifying fans, Jeff Fowler pushed the release back and promised to fix the issue.
Thank you for the support. And the criticism. The message is loud and clear… you aren’t happy with the design & you want changes. It’s going to happen. Everyone at Paramount & Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be… #sonicmovie #gottafixfast 🔧✌️
— Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) May 2, 2019
The result was a film that fans supported and in great number, even though a lot of media outlets posted several hit pieces on why “toxic fans” shouldn’t be allowed to have opinions. Those “toxic fans” supported the product and now there’s a second film coming.
It’s amazing what can happen if you respect the source material and listen when you are being overwhelmingly told the audience doesn’t like it.
Hopefully we get another great Sonic movie in 2022. But for now, just know that production has begun.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train US Release Date Announced For April
We finally have a US released date for the highly anticipated “Demon Slayer” movie “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.”
The release date for theaters, 4DX and IMAX in North America will be on April 23, 2021. Digital will release on Apple TV, Microsoft Store, Vudu, Google Play, and PlayStation Store June 22, 2021.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train arrives in theaters, 4DX, and IMAX screens in North America subbed and dubbed on April 23 and digital on June 22! 🚂
🎟️ Tickets on sale April 9th!
For more information: https://t.co/oFnqE19a0a#DemonSlayer #MugenTrain pic.twitter.com/JRIV3OUFVs
— Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (English) (@DemonSlayerUSA) March 16, 2021
Here’s the film synopsis:
“After his family was brutally murdered and his sister turned into a demon, Tanjiro Kamado’s journey as a demon slayer began. Tanjiro and his comrades embark on a new mission aboard the Mugen Train, on track to despair.
Tanjiro Kamado, joined with Inosuke Hashibira, a boy raised by boars who wears a boar’s head, and Zenitsu Agatsuma, a scared boy who reveals his true power when he sleeps, board the Infinity Train on a new mission with the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku, to defeat a demon who has been tormenting the people and killing the demon slayers who oppose it!”
Finally we will get to see the film in the United States! It’s already destroyed the Japanese box office record set by “Spirited Away.” The film has already grossed $350 million (¥38.61 billion) in Japan and $417 million worldwide. The global amount is about to go up significantly.
The ‘Demon Slayer’ manga has also been destroying records selling 82.3 million copies in 2020 according to the Oricon sales rankings.
Oricon’s Yearly Sales Ranking 2020 – Top 10. pic.twitter.com/8l8GStEYjv
— Shonen Jump News – Unofficial (@WSJ_manga) November 29, 2020
“Demon Slayer” is taking the world by storm and for good reason. It’s a great story, with beautiful art and animation and fantastic characters. We love it!
For those unfamiliar this is the basic synopsis of the series:
“A family is attacked by demons and only two members survive – Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko, who is turning into a demon slowly. Tanjiro sets out to become a demon slayer to avenge his family and cure his sister.”
Right now you can’t yet pre-order tickets, but they should become available on April 9, 2021.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
