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03/08/16 @ 4:08 pm EST
Writer Phil Hester talks about Gold Key: Alliance #2 (of 5), on sale in May from Dynamite. Cover is by Felipe Massafera.  BYRON BREWER: Phil, as issue #2 approaches in May, tell us what it feels like to handle all these classic characters, re-establishing a comics Universe?PHIL HESTER: I don’t really think of it like that. I’m most concerned with telling an exciting, moving story. If we’re true to the core of the characters and approach the story with an honest effort to entertain, the “epic” aspects will take care of themselves. I hope! BB: I know there have been some revamping of the characters. For the uninitiated, can you kind of re-introduce the cast please, tell who they are as apart from what readers may expect?PH: In the classic Gold Key books, Magnus is a human hero raised by an enlightened robot to battle the wicked robots and general human complacency rampant in the year 4000 A.D. In this run, Magnus is an agent with the Diplomatic Security Service tasked with investigating the use of A.I. and robotics in foreign militaries around the world here in 2016.Classic Samson is a barbarian hero defending the last remnants of humanity in and around the post-apocalyptic ruins of New York, now known as N’Yark. In our current continuity, Samson is the product of a covert scientific project called NY: Ark created to safeguard the existence of humanity should a nuclear war break out. Sadly, he was badly injured by a renegade scientist from the project and now wanders the streets of New York like a mentally unstable homeless man.Turok and his kid sidekick Andar were valiant Native American warriors who found themselves cut off from their tribe in the Lost Valley, a hidden ecosystem still populated with dinosaurs, cavemen, and an abundance of peril. In our new continuity, Turok is the star of a nature show produced by Andar. The show focuses on Turok’s role as a ranger protecting endangered dinosaurs in the tribal park administered by Turok’s people. How and why dinosaurs survived in this corner of the southwest remains a mystery, but it has greatly enriched the tribe.The classic Dr. Solar was a nuclear physicist transformed by an act of sabotage into a being capable of transforming his body from matter to energy at will, making him an almost incalculably powerful super hero. Our modern Dr. Solar is nearly the same, except she is a young woman who has decided to use her powers to directly benefit the oppressed rather than dress up in long underwear and electrocute bank robbers. BB: In a non-spoilery manner, can you tell us anything about the “sinister force” threatening this universe?PH: While all four heroes seem to be dealing with their own separate menaces, it soon becomes clear that they all trace back to the same source, a source that seems to know how the classic Gold Key versions of the heroes and the current ones are related. BB: How is it working with artist Brent Peeples?PH: It’s a joy to watch him grow with each issue. It’s always exciting to collaborate with someone who is on an upward trajectory, and I think anyone who picks up the book will quickly see that Brent has a bright future in the superhero business. BB: What are the challenges facing you here, Phil, handling classic characters seen through a modern lens?PH: Mostly fan expectations. When dealing with characters with such long histories, you are always going to encounter fans who are locked into a very specific era of that character’s history. With Magnus, you’ll get old coots like me who are fans of the Russ Manning era, then a second subset who are rabid for the Valiant era, then younger readers who were introduced to the Dark Horse effort and even the recent Dynamite reboot. My goal is to approach the character in a way that’s respectful to all those past experiences, but introduce some new angles that will let the core truth of the character shine in a new environment. 07/20/25 @ 2:48 pm EST
James Gunn’s Superman has proven to be more than just a reboot—it’s a box office revival for DC Studios. In its first 10 days, the film has soared past expectations, delivering impressive numbers both in the U.S. and abroad. It has earned $235 million domestically, holding strong in its second weekend, dropping only 54% to bring in $57.2 million, a better-than-expected hold for a superhero film. The film now ranks as the biggest domestic hit for DC since Aquaman in 2018. It has already surpassed the lifetime domestic total of Justice League ($230M) and Thunderbolts ($189M). Overseas, Superman brought in $171.8 million, bringing its global total to $406.8 million all while the film faced challenges in some international markets due to Superman’s strong American identity, but still managed solid numbers in Latin America and parts of Europe. Top international markets include: UK: $9.8M, Mexico: $8.8M, Brazil: $5.9M, Australia: $5.3M and France: $4.2M. With a reported $225 million production budget, the film is on track to recoup costs and potentially reach $600–700 million globally. It has already outgrossed Marvel’s Thunderbolts ($383M) and is closing in on Captain America: Brave New World ($415M). Studio insiders project a domestic finish between $350M and $400M, with international markets expected to contribute further as word-of-mouth spreads. The film’s success has reignited interest in Superman across platforms: Man of Steel viewership surged on HBO Max. Christopher Reeve’s Superman: The Movie and the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story saw massive streaming spikes. Even Peacemaker Season 1 got a boost, showing the ripple effect across DC content. In just 10 days, Superman has not only proven its box office muscle but also reestablished the character as a global icon. With strong legs and a clear runway before Fantastic Four arrives, the Man of Steel is flying high—and the future of DC looks brighter than ever.  ...
07/19/25 @ 2:18 pm EST
HBO Max’s The Penguin has officially cemented its place as one of the year’s most celebrated limited series, earning 24 Emmy nominations—the most in its category and second only to Severance across all shows. The gritty Batman spinoff, starring Colin Farrell as Gotham’s infamous crime lord Oz Cobb, has captivated critics and audiences alike with its noir aesthetic, powerhouse performances, and meticulous production design. In the acting categories, Colin Farrell received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, adding to his Golden Globe and SAG wins for the role. Cristin Milioti, who plays Sofia Falcone, earned a nod for Outstanding Lead Actress. Deirdre O’Connell was recognized for her supporting role as Oz’s mother, Francis Cobb. Behind-the-scenes the show also scored with nominations across technical categories, including: Outstanding Writing for Lauren LeFranc’s episode “A Great or Little Thing”, Outstanding Directing for episodes helmed by Helen Shaver and Jennifer Getzinger, Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup, honoring the transformative work that turned Farrell into the scarred and bloated Penguin, Outstanding Music Composition, with Mick Giacchino’s haunting score earning its own spotlight. The Penguin was recognized for: Production Design, Casting, Cinematography, Hairstyling Title Design, Sound Editing and Mixing, and Stunt Coordination and Performance. With 24 nominations, The Penguin now holds the second-highest Emmy nod count for a comic book series, trailing only HBO’s Watchmen (26 nominations in 2019).  07/19/25 @ 2:09 pm EST
With all the coverage for Superman, James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, seems to be everywhere being asked everything. In a recent set of interviews, he has offered fresh insights into the future of several iconic heroes in the evolving DC Universe. Gunn confirmed that a new Wonder Woman film is actively in development, with a script currently being written. He expressed strong enthusiasm for the project, calling it “a very distinct take” that will differ significantly from the Gal Gadot-led version in the previous DCEU continuity. The DCU’s Batman reboot, The Brave and the Bold, is also in the scripting phase. Gunn emphasized that production won’t begin until the screenplay meets his high standards, stating, “I’d rather wait a year than go too soon”. This film will introduce a new Batman and explore his relationship with Damian Wayne. However, Gunn is mindful of overlapping timelines with Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II, which is set for October 2027, and has hinted that the two films won’t release in the same calendar year. Fans hoping to see The Flash and Aquaman in the near future may be disappointed. Gunn revealed that neither character is expected to appear in the DCU for at least the next two years, pushing their potential returns to 2028 or later. This strategic delay allows DC Studios to rethink their approach after mixed receptions to their last solo outings.  07/19/25 @ 1:58 pm EST
Sony Pictures Animation has officially shifted the release date of Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, the highly anticipated conclusion to its animated trilogy, from June 4 to June 25, 2027. While the delay is a modest three weeks, it marks yet another adjustment in the film’s long and winding journey to theaters. Studio insiders revealed that the new date was chosen to better align with summer break schedules—by June 25, all U.S. schools will be out, compared to only 65% on the original date. This strategic timing is expected to boost attendance among younger audiences and improve performance in international markets. Beyond the Spider-Verse picks up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of Across the Spider-Verse (2023), with Miles Morales on the run in an alternate universe. Directors Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson return, while the screenplay is penned by franchise architects Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham. The trilogy began with Into the Spider-Verse (2018), which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and grossed $384 million globally. Its sequel, Across the Spider-Verse, earned a staggering $690 million and cemented the franchise’s reputation for bold storytelling and groundbreaking animation.  07/05/25 @ 1:54 pm EST
In a twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Ryan Coogler’s breakout horror film Sinners—a 2025 box office juggernaut—owes part of its haunting aesthetic to a Marvel movie that never made it to set. The film’s eerie, period-perfect costumes were originally designed for Marvel Studios’ long-delayed Blade reboot, which remains in production limbo. According to Sinners producer Sev Ohanian, the film’s costume designer, Oscar-winner Ruth E. Carter ( Black Panther), had been working on Blade when the project was shelved indefinitely. That version of Blade, starring Mahershala Ali, was once envisioned as a 1920s-set vampire thriller—eerily similar in tone and era to Sinners. When Sinners was greenlit on a tight schedule, Carter had a warehouse full of unused, period-appropriate costumes. Marvel, in a rare behind-the-scenes collaboration, allowed Coogler’s team to purchase the wardrobe “at price”. While the main cast including Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and others wore custom-designed costumes tailored specifically for their characters, many of the extras in Sinners were dressed in the repurposed Blade costumes, giving the film a rich, textured authenticity without the usual prep time. First announced in 2019, Marvel’s Blade reboot has faced repeated delays due to creative changes, director exits, and industry strikes. The film was removed from Disney’s release calendar in 2024 and remains without a confirmed production date. Despite the setbacks, Mahershala Ali has expressed continued interest in the role, recently telling reporters, “Call Marvel. I’m ready”.  07/05/25 @ 1:29 pm EST
Nearly 50 years after One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest became a cinematic landmark, a new television spinoff is in the works—this time told through the eyes of the character who saw everything but said very little: Chief Bromden. Producer Paul Zaentz, nephew of the original film’s producer Saul Zaentz, revealed on the CK Café podcast that he has signed an agreement with the widow of author Ken Kesey to develop a TV series based on the 1962 novel. The first season will be told entirely from the perspective of Chief Bromden, the towering half-Native American patient who pretended to be deaf and mute in the original story. Zaentz explained that the series will begin within the psychiatric hospital, as in the original, but will then follow Chief’s journey after his dramatic escape—territory the original film never explored. While Milos Forman’s 1975 film adaptation won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Jack Nicholson, it famously diverged from Kesey’s novel by shifting the narrative focus from Chief Bromden to Randle McMurphy. Kesey was openly critical of this change. The upcoming series aims to restore the novel’s original point of view and delve deeper into the Chief’s inner world. Chief Bromden’s character—played by Will Sampson in the film—was a symbol of silent resistance and eventual emancipation. The new series promises to explore his backstory, his psychological trauma, and his life beyond the institution. It’s a chance to reframe the narrative around Indigenous identity, mental health, and the long shadow of institutionalization.  07/05/25 @ 1:20 pm EST
Julian McMahon, the charismatic Australian actor known for his iconic roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and the Fantastic Four films, has passed away at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed that he died peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon. He began his career as a model before transitioning to acting in Australian soaps like The Power, The Passion and Home and Away. His move to Hollywood led to breakout roles in Profiler and Charmed, where he played the complex and seductive demon Cole Turner. But it was his portrayal of Dr. Christian Troy in FX’s Nip/Tuck that cemented his status as a television icon. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and showcased his ability to balance charm, darkness, and vulnerability. He later brought gravitas to the role of Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four films, becoming one of Marvel’s earliest cinematic villains. McMahon’s career spanned decades and genres. He starred in FBI: Most Wanted as Jess LaCroix, appeared in Hulu’s Runaways, and most recently played the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix’s The Residence—a poignant nod to his real-life heritage. McMahon is survived by his wife Kelly and his daughter Madison, whom he shared with ex-wife Brooke Burns. In her statement, Kelly described him as a man who “loved life… and whose deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible”.  07/01/25 @ 3:12 pm EST
Jim Shooter was a towering figure in the comic book industry—both literally and professionally. He began his career at just 14 years old, writing for DC Comics, where he made a splash with stories for the Legion of Super-Heroes. His early creations included characters like Karate Kid, Ferro Lad, and Princess Projectra, as well as the villain group Fatal Five. Here’s a snapshot of his legacy: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> DC Comics: Started as a teenage writer, contributing to Adventure Comics and Action Comics. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Marvel Comics: Rose to become Editor-in-Chief from 1978 to 1987. Under his leadership: <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Oversaw iconic runs like Uncanny X-Men by Claremont & Byrne, Daredevil by Frank Miller, and Thor by Walt Simonson. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Introduced creator royalties and launched the Epic imprint for creator-owned work. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Created the first major crossover event: Secret Wars. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Valiant Comics: Co-founded the publisher in the early '90s, bringing characters like Solar: Man of the Atom and Harbinger to life. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Also founded Defiant Comics and Broadway Comics, though both were short-lived. Shooter was known for his strict editorial style, which helped Marvel stay on schedule but also led to clashes with many creators. Despite the friction, his tenure is credited with revitalizing Marvel during a critical period. Jim Shooter passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 73. His influence on comics—both in storytelling and industry practices—remains profound. 
07/01/25 @ 2:50 pm EST
In the ever-watchful world of fandom sleuthing, even a simple Instagram follow can ignite a firestorm of speculation. That’s exactly what happened when filmmaker and DC Studios co-head James Gunn followed actress Adria Arjona on Instagram—a move that fans quickly interpreted as a hint she might be cast as the next Wonder Woman. But Gunn was quick to clarify: “ I followed Adria on Instagram, but everybody came out, ‘He just followed her, that means she’s Wonder Woman!’” he said in a recent interview with Extra. “ She’d be a great Wonder Woman, by the way. But she was in a movie that I made seven years ago. We’ve been friends and have known each other since that time. I followed her then, I didn’t just follow her.” The film Gunn referred to is The Belko Experiment (2016), which he produced and in which Arjona appeared. Their professional relationship and friendship date back to that project, making the social media follow less of a casting clue and more of a long-standing connection. Still, Gunn’s comment that Arjona “ would be a great Wonder Woman” has only fueled fan enthusiasm. With a new Wonder Woman film currently in development and the DC Universe undergoing a major reboot, speculation remains high—even if Gunn insists fans shouldn’t read too much into his Instagram activity.  06/28/25 @ 2:09 pm EST
In a move that blends personal branding with practical necessity, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star and co-creator Rob McElhenney has officially filed to change his name to Rob Mac. The decision, confirmed by McElhenney himself, marks a significant shift for the actor, writer, and entrepreneur whose surname has long been a source of confusion—and comedy. McElhenney, whose last name has famously stumped fans and media alike (despite Ryan Reynolds’ musical pronunciation tutorial), cited global business expansion as the primary reason. As his company, More Better Industries, continues to invest internationally—including ventures in Colombia and Mexico—he found that “McElhenney” was often mispronounced or misunderstood. “As our business and our storytelling is expanding into other regions of the world and other languages in which my name is even harder to pronounce, I’m just going by Rob Mac,” he told Variety. Interestingly, the name “Mac” isn’t just a simplification—it’s also a nod to his iconic Always Sunny character, known simply as Mac. It’s a full-circle moment that blends his personal identity with his pop culture persona. The name change is already being reflected in FX press materials for both It’s Always Sunny and Welcome to Wrexham, the Emmy-winning docuseries chronicling McElhenney and Reynolds’ ownership of Wrexham AFC.  |
