Fantastic Four livestream on Disney+

Disney+ will livestream the blue-carpet event for Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” offering subscribers an exclusive front-row seat to a world premiere for the first time ever. The star-studded event will unfold at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, celebrating the upcoming theatrical debut of Marvel’s First Family. The livestream kicks off on Tuesday, July 22 at 3am BST, with a full replay available to stream following the event.

This unprecedented live experience marks a new chapter for Disney+, bringing fans closer than ever to the excitement, glamour, and behind-the-scenes action of a red-carpet film premiere. From celebrity arrivals to cast interviews and special surprises, the livestream provides Disney+ subscribers around the world exclusive access, including a special sneak peek at the film before it opens in cinemas.

The film’s cast and filmmakers will be in attendance, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, director Matt Shakman, producer Kevin Feige, executive producers Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, and Tim Lewis, and composer Michael Giacchino, as well as a host of other talent and filmmakers.

Read the official synopsis:

"Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet.

Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal."

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas on 25th July.

Will you be watching the livestream on Disney+? Are you looking forward to The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Let me know in the comments below.

Pedro Pascal dances away the blues with AirPods

Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) stars in Someday, a short film directed by Spike Jonze (Her) promoting Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

After playing the titular Mandalorian in the successful Star Wars live-action spin-off series on Disney+, Pascal is no stranger to wearing advanced technology.



The dancing evokes the iconic iPod campaign of the early noughties.

Pascal stars next in the second season of The Last of Us and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

What did you think of Someday? Will you be buying AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation? Let me know in the comments below.

First Steps for The Fantastic Four

Marvel Studios dropped an official teaser trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps on February 4th! We all see what you did there, Disney!



Read the official synopsis:

"Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet.

Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal."

The action-adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne and Sarah Niles.

Chris Evans (Captain America: The First Avenger) made his Marvel debut as Johnny Storm in 2005’s Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Rise of the Silver Surfer, alongside Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba and Michael Chiklis. Evans, 43, briefly returned as the Human Torch for an hilarious cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas on 25th July.

Are you looking forward to The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Let me know in the comments below.

Make Mine Mighty Marvel Masterworks

As fellow fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) dust themselves off following the latest revelatory episode of WandaVision on Disney+. Marvel Comics has announced an enticing new collected comic book series for younger readers. Mighty Marvel Masterworks.

Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #1-10 and material from AMAZING FANTASY (1962) #15, MIGHTY MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN – WITH GREAT POWER will feature Peter Parker's web-slinging adventures from the very beginning — including the tragic origin that started it all; the first appearances of the Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson, Doctor Octopus, the Sandman, the Vulture and Electro; and guest-star nods from the Fantastic Four and Human Torch!

Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR (1951) #1-10, MIGHTY MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 1 will feature the fateful cosmic voyage of scientist Reed Richards, pilot Ben Grimm and siblings Sue and Johnny Storm, who became known to the world as Mr. Fantastic, the Thing, the Invisible Girl and the Human Torch —the Fantastic Four. See the first of their many extraordinary adventures including their first battles with legendary villains such as the Mole Man, the Skrulls, the Puppet Master, the Sub-Mariner, and the diabolical Doctor Doom.

Collecting UNCANNY X-MEN (1963) #1-10, MIGHTY MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE X-MEN – THE STRANGEST SUPER HEROES OF ALL will feature Professor X's original teen team as they set off on a mission to forge peace between man and mutantkind. Meet Cyclops, Angel, Beast, Iceman and Marvel Girl and thrill to their first encounter with the Master of Magnetism, Magneto, and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.

Own the very foundation of the Marvel Universe in new must-have collections! Check out Michael Cho's cover for MIGHTY MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN – WITH GREAT POWER as well as the Exclusive Comic Book Shop Cover by Steve Ditko and pick up the MIGHTY MARVEL MASTERWORKS when they hit stores this summer!

Will you be collecting Mighty Marvel Masterworks later this year? Let me know in the comments below.

See the Parr family reunite in Incredibles 2

The first sequel to Disney Pixar's Incredibles, ostensibly a fun riff on Marvel's Fantastic Four directed by Brad Bird, is released later this year and you can now watch the latest trailer.



Here's the official synopsis to Bird's long-awaited sequel:

"Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose superpowers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible."

Incredibles 2 is in cinemas 15th June.

Deadpool to remain R-Rated at Disney

Whilst the X-Men franchise has witnessed diminishing returns since First Class. Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, was a deviant delight. So much so, I regretted not seeing the movie at the cinema. Opting instead to watch it at home on Sky Cinema.

With Disney's acquisition of Fox film and television assets, fans have been fearful about Deadpool's future as part of the extended Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Bob Iger, Disney CEO, has seemingly quashed those fears. Deadpool will remain an R-Rated franchise.

"It [Deadpool] clearly has been and will be Marvel branded. But we think there might be an opportunity for a Marvel-R brand for something like Deadpool," he told The Hollywood Reporter (THR).

"As long as we let the audiences know what’s coming, we think we can manage that fine."

Deadpool 2 and X-Men: Dark Phoenix are unaffected by the deal. However, expect X-Men and Fantastic Four to be rebooted into the MCU in the future.

Spider-Man swings into the Marvel Cinematic Universe

My spider-sense is tingling. Sony and Marvel have agreed to bring the beloved web-slinger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Sony retains control.

Alas, Andrew Garfield will not be standing side-by-side with Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey, Jr. and friends in Captain America: Civil War. Andrew Garfield acquitted himself well as Peter Parker and will be missed.

"We always want to collaborate with the best and most successful filmmakers to grow our franchises and develop our characters. Marvel, Kevin Feige and Amy, who helped orchestrate this deal, are the perfect team to help produce the next chapter of Spider-Man," said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. "This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans."

This is a smart move for Sony Pictures. The studio has, arguably, driven the Spider-Man franchise into the ground, creatively, due to its historical deal with Marvel. The theatrical rights would revert back to the Disney-owned company if Sony stopped producing endless reboots with mixed results. Fans were poorly served, for the most part, and the box office reflected that.

“I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie,” says Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige in the announcement. “Amy has been deeply involved in the realisation on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel’s involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years.”

Going forward. It'll be interesting to see whether or not Fox announces a similar deal with Marvel to take The X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises into the MCU fold.

Due to the addition of Spider-Man. Marvel's release schedule for Phase III is subject to change.

Are you stoked Spider-Man is joining the Avengers? Let me know in the comments below.

Chronicle director to helm second Star Wars spin-off

Josh Trank, director of Chronicle and the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, is helming the second standalone Star Wars movie, which quickly follows Lucasfilms' hiring of Godzilla's Gareth Edwards for the first spin-off.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh into the family,” said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation. That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars, and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of Episodes I through IX.”

“The magic of the ‘Star Wars’ universe defined my entire childhood,” Trank said. “The opportunity to expand on that experience for future generations is the most incredible dream of all time.”

Would you like Trank to direct a Boba Fett or Han Solo spin-off? Let me know in the comments below.

Who Wants to Be a Superhero?

“Surprisingly sparkly, like a summertime comic book… it’s hard not to get caught up in all the inner-child fun.”
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

“There’s no shortage of fun… you have to tune in to believe it in this entertaining series.”
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

“This funny show is a nice surprise. 4 Stars ****”
PEOPLE MAGAZINE

“A summer pleasure.... this is summer camp!”
USA TODAY

“The SCI FI Channel outdoes itself...”
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

“Amid all the laughs there’s a feel-good element to ‘Superhero.’ The show proves that the Stan Lee generation has finally taken over the universe....Genuine cast makes ‘Superhero’ superior.”
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

UK PREMIERE - SERIES
WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO? BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL
SATURDAY 5, SUNDAY 6 AND MONDAY 7 MAY FROM 7PM

If you think you’ve seen every possible reality TV show known to man, think again… you haven’t seen anything quite like this before. From the production stable of legendary comic-book writer, editor and creator STAN LEE (SPIDER-MAN, HULK, THE FANTASTIC FOUR, X-MEN) comes this smash hit, six-episode competition reality series that allows ordinary folk to become superheroes! And the prize for such an incredible deed? Something equally remarkable… immortality!

Fed up of creating fictional superheroes, STAN LEE embarks on a quest to find a real-life character who can save the day. But this is no easy task. Featuring a hilarious, X-FACTOR-style audition process, each contestant begins with an original idea for a superhero, a self-made costume, and their best superhero mojo. From thousands of hopefuls, STAN LEE chooses 11 lucky finalists who move together into a secret lair. There they begin their transformations — and the competition to become a real-life superhero.

In each episode, the aspiring hopefuls are faced with a series of challenges that are designed to reveal their true natures. With their mettle tested to the max, the contestants try to overcome their limitations, and do what it takes to prove that they are truly super. How? Well, forget feats of impossible strength… the modern-day saviour needs to display courage, integrity, self-sacrifice, compassion, and resourcefulness — traits that every true superhero must possess.

With contestants ranging from the scantily-clad Monkey Girl (“ooh ohh, ah ah”), to the unashamedly bold Fat Momma (who wears a belt of Krispy Kreme doughnuts for whenever she needs a sugar rush of super-human ability), these superheroes are surprising to say the least. But don’t count them out just yet. In the end, one lucky finalist will have the inner strength and nobility to open the gates to immortality, in a new comic book developed with Stan Lee. And that's not all — the winning character will also appear in an original SCI FI Channel movie!

Now onto its second series in the USA, something tells us that the world is going to be a far safer place if STAN LEE continues to churn out real-life superheroes. But don’t just take our word for it: tune in every day over the bank holiday weekend at 7pm and see for yourself WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO?

DID YOU KNOW?

* STAN LEE makes a cameo appearance in a forthcoming episode of HEROES (Mondays at 10pm on SCI FI) – as a bus driver. The episode, titled UNEXPECTED, will receive its UK premiere on May 28.

* Movie sequels SPIDER-MAN 3 and FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER are both scheduled for UK release later this year.

* Rumours currently circulating around Hollywood are tipping BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN star JAKE GYLLENHAAL to play Captain Marvel in New Line’s potential movie, SHAZAM! The studio is reportedly looking to bid on a big franchise along the lines of BATMAN and SUPERMAN and think the DC comics character is the perfect project.