Marvel fans PlayStation Showcase winners

Aside from PlayStation 5 (PS5) timed exclusive Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake, Marvel announcements from PlayStation Studios' Insomniac Games piqued my interest during PlayStation Showcase 2021.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Marvel's Wolverine were teased exclusively for PS5.



"We’re so thrilled to continue the journey of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales in their most epic single-player adventure yet, coming exclusively to PlayStation 5 consoles in 2023," writes Insomniac Games' head of franchise strategy and studio relations Ryan Schneider on the PlayStation Blog.

Schneider goes on to add that Tony Todd (of Candyman fame) will be voicing the alien symbiote Venom and confirmed that both Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter will be reprising their roles of Peter Parker and Miles Morales respectively.



These PS5 exclusives are some way off. But there'll be plenty of time to buy Sony's elusive consoles between now and 2023.

Are you looking forward to Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac Games? Let me know in the comments below.

Fears, tears and rebirth in WandaVision

Spoilers for the final episode of Marvel Studios' WandaVision streaming on Disney+. If you haven't caught up with, or started watching, WandaVision and don't want to find out what's going on, please look away from the screen now.

Here is a Marvel superhero story not afraid to explore the aftermath of losing a loved one and the suffocating grief therein. Would Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) choose the dark path, like Anakin Skywalker did in Star Wars, in her desire to save Vision (Paul Bettany) and their twins in an alternate Westview of her making?

The House of M meets The Wizard of Oz.

Fan theories were swept away as Wanda and Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) engaged in a bombastic battle of wits in crimson skies over Westview as Vision versed White Vision (assembled by S.W.O.R.D.), culminating in the birth of the Scarlet Witch. Agatha taking the high ground was a knowing nod to Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi's fateful duel in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

The virtual water-cooler conversations surrounding the multiverse theories detracted from the self-contained story being told. Don’t get me wrong, it was fun to speculate with fellow fans on social media (especially in lockdown) as Easter eggs were subtly dropped throughout the series.

However, it took away from focusing on Wanda and Vision - two characters I fell in love with during Avengers: Infinity War. Evan Peters cameo didn’t usher in the X-Men, and I’m fine with that as it’s on me for having that expectation. But the producers would have known his casting would generate buzz.

Wanda, reborn as Scarlet Witch, reversed the damage she had wrought upon the innocent townsfolk of Westview and banished Agatha, in plain sight, before leaving with the Darkhold in her quest to learn the darks arts and find the twins. Scarlet Witch's actions will have grave consequences for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and, seemingly, Spider-Man: No Way Home this holiday season.

For nine glorious episodes, WandaVision’s off-kilter sitcom mystery box opened up with chutzpah worthy of director JJ Abrams (Lost), went, somewhat predictably and messily, full-blown Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) before ending with a heartbreaking Spielbergian familial farewell in suburbia. All the while, Olsen and Bettany were its beating heart.

Underscored by composer Christophe Beck's (Frozen) lush orchestrations evoking his Emmy-winning soundtrack for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. WandaVision broke down the walls of a fairytale illusion, with inherent moral and ethical implications, and shook me to the emotional core by the series finale’s end.

14 years ago this June, mum died in the wake of an NHS never event. Time doesn’t dilute or heal such trauma and unquantifiable loss. When Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) told Wanda she would have used her powers to bring her mum back... Well, that would have profoundly resonated for similarly affected fans.

It was overwhelmingly too close to home. And in a week a beloved member of my family passed away (not COVID-related) in lockdown, which, like others facing such a predicament, means I won't be able to attend their funeral.

Saying goodbye to the first Marvel Studios Disney+ spin-off is such sweet sorrow. Marvel Studios' Assembled: The Making of WandaVision, an original special streaming on 12th March, will fill the void before The Falcon and the Winter Solder begins the following Friday on Disney+.

What did you think of WandaVision's series finale? Let me know in the comments below.

WandaVision showrunner talks Family Ties

Major spoiler for Marvel Studios' WandaVision streaming exclusively on Disney+. If you haven't caught up with, or started watching, WandaVision and don't want to find out what's going on, please look away from the screen now.

At the end of the latest episode, following an argument with Vision (Paul Bettany), Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) answers the door to see her twin brother, Pietro!

However, this time Pietro's played by Evan Peters (X-Men: Days of Future Past) and not Aaron Taylor-Johnson who was killed in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

This not only plays to the introduction of the multiverse - setting the groundwork for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness - but also the long-established sitcom trope of recasting characters. Series showrunner Jac Shaeffer explains:

“We loved the idea of [bringing him back],” Schaeffer told Marvel.com. “And then we were like, how in the world are we going to make this make logical sense? Like, how do we justify this? Because that's the thing, you can hatch a million great ideas, but to make them land, to make them be grounded, to make them feel organic to the larger story.”

Schaeffer continues:

“We thought like, how do we give him this entrance, and then enjoy that, and then make it crazy? And we had long had the idea of the trope of the brother, or the relative, or whoever comes to town and like, stirs things up with the family — that sitcom trope. Everybody was really excited. I think Kevin [Feige, Marvel Studios president] wanted to make sure that there was a reason for it, that it made sense. And I hope that’s what we did.”

New episodes of WandaVision premiere every Friday exclusively on Disney+.

What do you think will happen next? Let me know in the comments below.

A multiverse of madness in House of MCU

Spoilers ahead for the latest episode of Marvel Studios' WandaVision on Disney+!

On A Very Special Episode... Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) are back in time to the eighties in an homage to Family Ties.

The twins, Billy and Tommy, are rapidly growing up in the town of Westview as they deal with the sudden death of a family pet and are told they can't change things (ironically something their mother did by reanimating their father against his wishes).

Wanda proves why she's the strongest Avenger and could have beaten Thanos, single-handedly, if he hadn't called in an airstrike in Avengers: Endgame! Is anyone a match for the Scarlet Witch? Just don't suggest Captain Marvel to Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris)!

Vision gets to use a Commodore 64, an 8-bit computer that formed an integral part of my formative computing years. Then he breaks free of Wanda's mind control and challenges her in a scene that, once again, deftly showcases the acting abilities of both Bettany and Olsen. It's heartbreaking stuff, and I'm fully invested.

And then... BOOM!

The big cameo we were teased that changes everything in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Wanda's twin brother, Pietro AKA Quicksilver, played by Evan Peters (X-Men: Days of Future Past), seemingly turns up at the front door, literally, and the multiverse of madness begins with the first X-Men from the Fox film franchise to crossover to the MCU. This opens the cosmic floodgates.

Do you think a recast Pietro (originally played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the MCU) is really back, and what impact will the multiverse have on the Doctor Strange sequel, currently filming in London with director Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead) at the helm, and Spider-Man 3 rumoured to feature multiple incarnations of Peter Parker? Let me know in the comments below.

WandaVision cameo comparable to The Mandalorian

Like the Golden Globe-nominated live-action Star Wars spin-off, The Mandalorian, Marvel Studios' Disney+ series are fully interconnected within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in a way not possible for Marvel's Netflix spin-off series, which folded before the launch of Disney+ in 2019.

Actors Paul Bettany (Vision) and Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff) have both teased a major cameo in WandaVision comparable to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in The Mandalorian's second season finale.

Speculation ranges from Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) to Sir Ian McKellen (Magneto). Given WandaVision is inspired by House of M, a seminal comic book series written by Brian Michael Bendis, it's possible Pietro AKA Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) will return but all may not be as it appears.

New episodes of WandaVision premiere every Friday exclusively on Disney+. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, starring Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan in the titular roles, continues Phase 4 on Disney+ on 19th March.

Who do you think WandaVision's major cameo will be? 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.

Disney+ includes classic Marvel animated series

Disney+ is available as a free trial in the Netherlands and beta testers have unearthed classic Marvel animated series including X-Men (1992) and Spider-Man (1994). These are staples from my undergraduate years and were available, briefly, when Netflix launched in the UK with a retro rush.

The free 2-month trial runs until 12th November and there's a roster of 4K HDR content including Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Captain America: The First Avenger, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Free Solo, Aladdin, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Mary Poppins Returns, A Wrinkle in Time, Christopher Robin, The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2.



Disney+ will pull from a vast back catalogue including Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar and 20th Century Fox when it launches in the US, Canada, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand this November. The House of Mouse's nascent streaming service will be available on a range of devices from iPhone to PS4 and will launch in the UK early 2020 due to existing distribution deals (notably with Sky).

Are you looking forward to Disney+? Will you be subscribing? Let me know in the comments below.

Marvel's superhero Stan Lee passed away. 'Nuff said.

Earlier this year Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko passed away. Yesterday, fellow Spider-Man co-creator and arguably the 'face' of Marvel, Stan Lee, died at the age of 95.

I don't recall the first time I saw the Spider-Man animated series, but it was enough of an influence on my nascent imagination that, much to my late mum's horror, aged 3 I climbed out of a bedroom window and onto a glass conservatory to channel Peter Parker.



Lee leaves behind an enduring legacy of superheroes. From Ant-Man to Thor. However, most importantly an ideology predicated on selflessness and a celebration of life in all its rich diversity.

In my teens, I sought solace in the flawed X-Men. They became a metaphor for disability, something I was struggling with in the wake of a life-changing childhood trauma and PTSD, and I wanted to be Cyclops. How I envied actor James Marsden in director Bryan Singer's X-Men that foreshadowed the triumphant Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) about to enter Phase 4.



Whilst I never got to meet 'The Man' himself, I was humbled earlier this year when his official website linked to this very blog. So much so, I thought I was seeing things and it was wishful thinking on the part of this lifelong Marvelite. Beyond poignant and with heartfelt thanks from this true believer!

Lee was a master marketer and nothing exemplifies this more than his countless cameos in Marvel films and television series. He wrapped cameos for Captain Marvel, Avengers 4 and Spider-Man: Far From Home, and most recently appeared in DC Comics' Teen Titans Go! Back in 1995, Stan Lee talked to Conan about his 50 years in comic books.



It's impossible to overstate Lee's influence on popular culture, and he'll always be the George Lucas of superhero storytelling for many fans (myself included).

Excelsior! RIP Stan Lee.

How did Stan Lee impact your life? Let me know in the comments below.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix moved to summer 2019

Just a few days after the first trailer dropped, X-Men: Dark Phoenix has been moved from this November to June 2019.

The upcoming movie has already been delayed due to reshoots ordered following a test screening earlier in the year. I'd suggest this time it's because of Disney's acquisition of Fox's film and television assets, and merging the disparate Marvel universes into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).



Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, Alexandra Shipp, Evan Peters, Tye Sheridan, and Kodi Smit-McPhee are all returning to the franchise. Simon Kinberg, who has produced every X-Men affiliated film since First Class and co-wrote The Last Stand, First Class, Days of Future Past, and Apocalypse, will make his directorial debut.

Stablemate Alita: Battle Angel has been moved from Christmas to February 2019. Most likely to avoid the holiday season stampede lead by Mary Poppins Returns, Aquaman and Bumblebee.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix is released in UK cinemas 7th June 2019.

Patrick Stewart returns as Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Star Trek fans (myself included) the world over are excited to learn Sir Patrick Stewart is reprising the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a new Star Trek spin-off for CBS All Access.

"I will always be very proud to have been a part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation, but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course," said the accomplished actor, who most recently played Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise.

"It is an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions with him."

Alex Kurtzman, the executive producer on the new untitled series, said: "It's a privilege to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart back into the Star Trek fold."

"For over 20 years, fans have hoped for the return of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and that day is finally here. We can't wait to forge new ground, surprise people, and honour generations both new and old," Kurtzman said in media reports.

Kurtzman is the new series showrunner for Star Trek: Discovery and is overseeing the franchise's expanded television universe in a 5-year deal.

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.

Disney buys Fox acquiring rights to original Star Wars

As expected Disney has bought 20th Century Fox for over $52 billion dollars. This encompasses film and television assets including Sky.

The Alien, Avatar, Buffy, X-Men and The X-Files franchises, to name just a few, will bolster the Mouse House's content ahead of launching its own streaming service to rival Netflix. The company will also have a controlling stake in Hulu.

Disney now has the rights to the original Star Wars movie, A New Hope, which Fox originally owned in perpetuity. Timely in the wake of The Last Jedi premiering in cinemas this week.

Bob Iger will remain Disney CEO through 2021. Presumably to oversee the successful acquisition that will disrupt the Hollywood studio system.

Disney and Fox deal could be announced this Thursday

A merger between Disney and Fox is expected to be formally announced this Thursday according to CNBC. The day before Star Wars: The Last Jedi is released in US cinemas.

If the blockbuster deal goes ahead it will have ramifications beyond Disney's Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) franchises.

From a genre perspective. This means Disney can unify its Marvel superhero strand (barring Spider-Man at Sony) ahead of the tenth anniversary of the release of Iron Man, and bolster the offering of the Mouse House's streaming service expected to premiere with a live-action Star Wars series in 2019.

Whilst Marvel fans may not see Hugh Jackman reprise the role of Wolverine in the MCU. The X-Men franchise, aside from Logan and Legion, has been running on fumes following the excellent First Class and is in need of a reboot.

Many Star Wars fans (myself included) have mused the Fox Fanfare maybe reinstated for Star Wars: Episode IX, directed by JJ Abrams, which closes the sequel trilogy in 2019. This will be followed by Rian Johnson's new trilogy.

Disney CEO Bob Iger has been on an acquisition trail that has witnessed Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm merged into the company. To infinity and beyond on the stock market...

20th Century Fox fanfare before Star Wars: Episode IX?

Disney is rumoured to be in talks to buyout 21st Century Fox’s film & television properties! Sparking suggestions The X-Men will become a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

As a Star Wars fan, I'm hoping this would bring the Fox fanfare, synonymous with watching the original and prequel trilogies, back. Star Wars: The Force Awakens was the first Star Wars movie, in the wake of Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm, not to include Alfred Newman's iconic music.

Fox fanfare before JJ Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode IX in 2019? This fan hopes so. But, what do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Marvel's mutants unleashed in The Gifted

Marvel and Fox have dropped an extended trailer for The Gifted.

The upcoming X-Men spin-off, with a pilot directed by Bryan Singer (X-Men: Apocalypse), isn't a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) over at Disney.



The Gifted joins Legion at Fox this Fall. The channel goes up against The CW with its DC Comics superhero stable including Arrow, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash and Supergirl. The multiverse goes from strength to strength and DC's Legends of Tomorrow transformed in the wake of new cast members and a soft reboot during its second series.

Could The Gifted lead to further X-Men spin-offs featuring Cyclops or Storm? Let me know in the comments below.

Bryan Singer brings the X-Men to Fox in The Gifted

Legion isn't the only X-Men cinematic universe spin-off to grace television screens in 2017. Franchise stalwart Bryan Singer has directed the pilot for The Gifted. An upcoming series from Marvel and Fox.

Action-adventure family drama THE GIFTED, from Marvel, tells the story of a suburban couple whose ordinary lives are rocked by the sudden discovery that their children possess mutant powers. Forced to go on the run from a hostile government, the family joins up with an underground network of mutants and must fight to survive.



Amy Acker (Angel) and Stephen Moyer (True Blood) head up the cast as parents of mutant children. A Stan Lee cameo has been teased on Instagram.

The Gifted premieres on Fox this Fall.

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.

Marvel's misfits conquer all in Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy, earning an estimated $94 million on its opening weekend, is the summation of my misspent youth reading Marvel comics! It's tantamount to seeing Star Wars for the first time. Yes, it really is that good.

Director James Gunn took to Facebook to thank the fans for their support. “Thanks to all of you who saw (and are seeing) ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ this weekend, from the bottom of my heart,” Gunn wrote in a letter he posted on Facebook on Sunday.

“The Guardians are a group of oddballs, outcasts, and geeks. The movie is for anyone who ever felt cast aside, left out, or different. It’s for all of us who don't belong. This movie belongs to you. And, today, I think we're doing okay.”

Marvel's X-Men, alongside stablemate Spider-Man, filled that billing with aplomb whilst living with the consequences of a traumatic head injury at school, but the Guardians of the Galaxy bring joyous misfit mayhem to the mix (tape).

Guardians of the Galaxy is a most satisfying take on the Spaghetti Western in space, wrapped in 1980s pop culture nostalgia with a spaceship named after a childhood crush! What's not to like?

Groot and Rocket Raccoon FTW! It's the most fun I've had at the cinema since Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier scuttled S.H.I.E.L.D. and rebooted a struggling television series in the process. As always stay until after the end credits have rolled.

Seen Guardians of the Galaxy? Let me know in the comments below.

Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart reprise roles for Bryan Singer's X-Men: Days of Future Past

Bryan Singer, back at the helm of The X-Men film franchise, took to Twitter to announce Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart's return!

“I’d like to officially welcome back James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, & Nicholas Hoult to #XMEN for #DaysOfFuturePast

Thrilled to announce @ianmckellen118 & @SirPatStew are joining the cast of #XMEN #DaysOfFuturePast #magneto #professorX More to come…”

X-Men: Days of Future Past is currently slated for release on 18th July, 2014. Can't wait.

X-Men arrive on the App Store

Konami has unleashed arcade classic X-Men (iTunes) onto the App Store. Uncannily timed to coincide with X-Men: First Class.

This is a Universal application and unreservedly recommended for fans of the X-Men. Downloaded the PSN version a few months ago and maybe tempted to double-dip.