Harley Quinn & her Squad Beat Iron Man out of the Top 50 Box Office + Extended Cut Confirmed!

By: Adam Basciano

It took 9 weeks for Suicide Squad to be knocked out of the top 10 at the box-office. The film has proven to have longevity and good “legs.” Granted, the films legs aren’t nearly as nice as Margot Robbie’s, but not much compares to my fantasy wife. 😉 In North America, Suicide Squad has amassed a total of $321,020,274. That number is significant because it means that domestically, Harley Quinn and her Squad has beat out both Iron Man and Iron Man 2. Furthermore, Suicide Squad has knocked the first Iron-Man starring Robert “Just Playing Himself” Downey Jr, out of the top 50 Domestic films at the box office. With its international play, Suicide Squad has made $418,000,000. The two figures combined puts Suicide Squad at a worldwide grand total of $739,020,274 to date. That puts it ahead of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Since the release of Suicide Squad, we’ve heard both Jared Leto and Margot Robbie discuss how plenty of their scenes together were cut from the film. Well, we’ll finally get to see them when Suicide Squad hits home entertainment. Warner Brothers has announced that an extended cut of the film will be released on November 15 on Digital HD, and December 13th on Blu-Ray. The film is said to be 13 minutes longer and will feature more of the backstory between Harley Quinn and The Joker! I can’t wait!

(Sources: Box Office Mojo, Warner Brothers)

 

Ben Affleck Confirms Solo Bat-Film Title + Syfy Casts Superman’s Grandfather!

By Adam Basciano

Ben Affleck is currently doing promotional rounds for his upcoming film, The Accountant. No matter what outlet is interviewing him, he keeps getting asked for details about his in development stand alone Batman film. While the director, writer and actor couldn’t reveal much, he told The Associated Press that, the script is coming along nicely and he is really happy with it. He also confirmed a long-standing rumor that the film is currently titled “The Batman.” In an interview with Collider, he also elaborated on why he selected Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke. “He’s a great villain because—I just had an instinctive feeling that he would match up with him well. You know, I’m a big admirer of that character as well, especially in the New 52 the way that they did Deathstroke, and I thought that it could work.” I think the title works perfectly, and the fact that Ben references The New 52 Deathstroke shows that he is one of us, a comic book reader and fan. There’s no doubt that The Batman is in good hands.

Having recently cast a member of the Zod family for SyFy’s Superman prequel “Krypton”, the producers have now cast their male lead aka, Superman’s grandfather.  “British up-and-comer Cameron Cuffe has landed the lead role in Krypton, Syfy’s in-the-works prequel series set two generations before Superman’s home planet went boom. Cuffe will play the Man of Steel’s granddad Seg-El, the scion of the once prosperous El family who is blessed with an intuitive brilliance for all things technical; he is now living in Krypton’s lowest caste after his family was stripped of its rank.” The actor is a relative unknown, but has plenty of theater experience in Britain and has a Superman look about him. I am more than comfortable and confident with this casting decision. I look forward to seeing the pilot, which should air at some point in 2017.

(Sources: The Associated Press, Collider, TV Line)

 

Podcast: Simply Superman/Batman Season 2 Episode 10 – Supergirl Season 2 Trailer + Celebrating Batman!

By: Adam Basciano

In episode 2.10 – Adam and Sam discuss the brand new teaser trailer for SUPERGIRL SEASON 2 and also in celebration of BATMAN DAY, the guys talk about some of their favorite BATMAN films and also their favorite actors who have put on the cape and cowl! We also discuss the Batman Tactical Armor & the first image of J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon in Justice League.

http://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-qfjt3-62f44c

 

New Image Of Ben Affleck As Batman In Justice League + Official Images Of Clark Kent & Superman on Supergirl!

By: Adam Basciano

Justice League director,  Zack Snyder took to social media to announce that Ben Affleck’s time filming on Justice League is coming to an end. To commemorate this fact, Zack Snyder released an official image of Ben Affleck as Batman in his new “tactical” Batman costume. This particular costume has protective armored plates in the abs and shoulder areas. The costume also has goggles. From what I understand, the new armored up bat-costume is a response by Batman because he is fighting Parademons and god-like threats. The goggles are said to help Batman pilot one of his newer vehicles. When looking at this Batman costume, you can see elements of the graphic novel Batman: Noel, drawn by artist Lee Bermejo, as well as similarities to the costume designs in the Batman “Arkham Asylum” video game series. Even the ears on the cowl are a little different and somewhat call to mind  Batman’s earliest comics incarnations from 1939. I really like this new look and can’t wait to see it in action.

Not to be outdone, The CW released a plethora of new pictures from the first two episodes of Season 2 of Supergirl. Those episodes and images of course, feature Tyler Hoechlin as Clark Kent and Superman.  I think Tyler looks great as both characters. His Clark Kent is reminiscent of John Haymes Newton’s Clark Kent from the first season of TV’s Superboy. As Superman, Tyler has a bit of a Dean Cain and New 52 comic books mix going on. Clark Kent and Superman fly onto Supergirl when Season 2 debuts on October 10th 2016.

 

(Sources: Zack Snyder, The CW)

 

Suicide Squad Reaches Another Milestone At Worldwide Box Office!

By: Adam Basciano

Despite two new releases and being in its 6th week of release, Suicide Squad continues to do strong business at the box office. In North America, Suicide Squad found its way to 4th place on the chart, bringing in another $5,723,038. The film has now collected a total of $307,480,891. In foreign markets, Suicide Squad added $10.1 Million, for a new international gross of $392,600,000. When you add the two totals together, Suicide Squad has achieved the milestone total cume of $700,080,891. Congratulations to the incredible cast and crew on this achievement. Dear Warner Brothers, enjoy the success but while you’re doing so, do the fans a solid and announce the Suicide Squad sequel and that Harley Quinn spinoff film!

(Sources: Box Office Mojo)

 

Podcast – Simply Superman/Batman – Season 2 Episode 9: Suicide Squad Film Review!

By: Adam Basciano

A brand new episode of the Simply Superman/Batman Podcast is available for your listening pleasure.  In this episode, my co-host Sam J. Rizzo and I review the film Suicide Squad, the latest offering in the Warner Brothers/DC Films shared universe!

http://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-dp3gs-628891

 

Booster Gold Film Stands On Its Own + Black Lightning Headed To FOX Television & Dr. Manhattan Is The Flash’s Dad!

By: Adam Basciano

We’ve known for quite some time that Greg Berlanti, the genius producer behind the DC TV Universe, would be bringing the character of Booster Gold to the big screen. While the film is still being written by Zack Stentz, Mr. Berlanti did give a small detail about the in development film. “As of right now we have no connective tissue to those worlds,” Berlanti said when asked if the movie would be part of the DC Extended Universe that already includes Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Suicide Squad (with Wonder Woman and Justice League following in 2017). “It’d be a separate thing.”  I’m of two minds of this. On the one hand, I’m disappointed. The time travelling nature of the character could’ve been used as a plot point to explain and shed light on the future “Knightmare” vision, Bruce Wayne experienced in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.  On the other hand, being a separate entity from the main universe isn’t unheard of. The X-Men aren’t part of The Marvel Cinematic Universe and that’s worked out ok so far. Neither was Spider-Man at one point.  Also, could it be possible that Greg Berlanti sets this film in his DC TV CW Universe, effectively creating a second DC Universe on film populated by some of the TV characters, as well as some second tier characters, that wouldn’t fit in the DCEU proper? This could then culminate in a Crisis on Infinite Earth’s type of film. Then again, a good portion of the film going audience proved to be too stupid to understand that the “Martha” scene in BvS, was about much more then the two characters mothers having the same name.  So, the idea of multiple Earth’s or universes would be too much to take. Never mind that idea.

Speaking of Greg Berlanti, he’s bringing another character from the DC library to television. “Fox may soon be adding another DC Comics character to its roster.The network has given a pilot production commitment to Black Lightning, the black superhero drama from prolific superhero series producer Greg Berlanti, and The Game‘s Salim and Mara Brock Akil, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.” Being on FOX, that means it wouldn’t be in the same universe as The CW DC shows, however it’d make a great companion piece alongside FOX’s Batman prequel GOTHAM. Black Lightening has seen some time with the Justice League in the comics, so maybe a crossover that sees Black Lightening inspiring the young Bruce Wayne to become Batman in the future isn’t out of the realm of possibility.  The logline for the series is as follows; “The hourlong drama will center on Jefferson Pierce, who hung up his suit and his secret identity years ago. However, with a daughter hell-bent on justice and a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend Black Lightning.”

Returning back to film, The Flash big screen adaptation has added to its cast. “Sources tell Variety Billy Crudup is in talks to play the father of Barry Allen (aka the Flash) in the upcoming Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment film, which stars Ezra Miller as the title character.” DC fans will be well aware of Billy Crudup, as he played Dr. Manhattan in Zack Snyder’s Watchmen adaptation.  Billy Crudup joins former Watchmen cast mate Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the father of one of our DC heroes. Not only is it a cool little Watchmen reunion, but it makes for quite a coincidence given the role The Watchmen are playing in the comic books with DC Rebirth. The Flash is slated to hit theaters on March 16, 2018.

(Sources: Vulture, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety)

 

True Blood Star Joe Manganiello Set To Face Ben Affleck’s Batman as Deathstroke!

By Adam Basciano

Late in August, we learned that the character of Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke would join the DC Films Universe, after actor Ben Affleck release costume test footage of the character on the set of Justice League. Immidiately fans started to speculate who the actor was underneath the mask and inside the armored costume. Speculation went straight to True Blood veteran Joe Manganiello. That thought process was correct. “DC Entertainment president and chief creative officer Geoff Johns confirmed the casting in his first interview discussing his new role overseeing Warner Bros.’ movies based on DC Comics characters.” I love this casting. Joe Manganiello is close in age to Ben Affleck , he’s physically imposing in the same way Ben Affleck’s Batman is and with the fight choreography displayed in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, we’re likely to get a fight sequence on the level of the one between Batman & Deathstroke in Batman: Arkham Origins. Also, Deathstroke is a villain we’ve never seen in any of the previous Batman film, so there’s a novelty to it. No word on whether the actor and character will appear in a cameo for Justice League, or when The Batman will be released but the fan in me needs it NOW!

 (Source: Wall Street Journal)

 

Suicide Squad Surpasses Superman! SyFy Wants You To Kneel Before Zod On Krypton!

By: Adam Basciano

Labour Day Saw Suicide Squad working its “legs” to achieve another box office milestone. Over the four day holiday weekend, the David Ayer directed DC Films adaptation collected $12,800,000. After a month of release, the film has now earned $300,217,209 in North America. In foreign takings Captain Boomerang and his fellow bad guys have added another $11.8 Million, for an  international total of $375,500,000, with Japan still to open. Worldwide, Suicide Squad has earned a super villains loot of $675,717,209.  With these numbers, Suicide Squad has gone past fellow DC Films entry Man of Steel, both domestically and worldwide. Hey Warner Brothers, any time you want to formally announce the Suicide Squad sequel or Harley Quinn Spinoff, I’m waiting!

Speaking of announcements, we have official news regarding SyFy’s upcoming Krypton television series.  The series has cast its female lead.  “British actress Georgina Campbell (After Hours) has landed the female lead of Lyta Zod. Campbell’s Lyta Zod is a member of Krypton’s military caste and the daughter of a general, Alura Zod. Lyta Zod serves as a cadet — and has also been having a clandestine, forbidden romance with Seg-El” The character of Seg-El is the grandfather of Superman and the role has yet to be cast. Remember, the series takes place two generations before the events that occurred in Man of Steel. Judging from that description, the series may have a little bit of Game of Thrones flavour to it.  It’s worth noting, that the pilot episode will film in Serbia. Check back here for details on more casting announcements as they become available.

(Sources: Box Office Mojo, Deadline)

 

Batman Introduces Deathstroke Into The DC Films Universe!

By: Adam Basciano

Ben Affleck is a busy guy.  He’s currently in London filming his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman, in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. He’s also in negotiations to star an direct a film for Fox, while at the same time co-writing The Batman stand alone film, which he will also direct and star in. The actor took a moment from his busy schedule to release a video onto social media. The video seems to be test footage, that introduces Deathstroke into the world of DC Films. The video is very short and shows an actor in full Deathstroke armor and mask, walking rather cinematically and ominously towards the camera. For those who don’t know Deathstroke, essentially the character is named Slade Wilson, Chosen for a secret experiment, the Army imbued him with enhanced physical powers in an attempt to create meta human super soldiers for the U.S. military. Deathstroke became a mercenary soon after the experiment when he defied orders and rescued his friend Wintergreen sent on a suicide mission by a commanding officer with a grudge.^{[ “} However, Slade kept this career secret from his family, even though his wife was an expert military combat instructor.” The character was created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez and first appeared in The New Teen Titans #2, before eventually getting his own book.  The character has appeared in several animated films and even was the main antagonist in the second season of Arrow, played by Manu Bennett.

In terms of where Deathstroke will make his DC Films debut, my initial though would’ve been Suicide Squad 2. However, Umberto Gonzalez of The Wrap indicates that sources have told him that Deathstroke will be the main antagonist of Ben Affleck’s solo Batman film. Mark Hughes of Forbes, believes it is likely that we will see Slade Wilson and his alter ego in Justice League, to set up his appearance in The Batman film. As for who is playing him on the big screen? No official word has been given. However, it could be True Blood alumni, Joe Manganiello.  The actor is currently in London, where Justice League is filming. More so, shortly after Ben Affleck released that Deathstroke footage, Joe Manganiello began following Justice League director Zack Snyder on social media. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the actor tested for the role of Superman in Man of Steel and admitted to testing for a role in Suicide Squad. Whether all this means he will play Deathstroke in the DC Films universe remains to be seen but one thing is certain, Deathstroke the terminator, is coming!

(Sources: Ben Affleck, The Wrap, Forbes)