Marvel Confirms Andy Serkis Is Playing KLAW In 'AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON'

Disney blog Stitch Kingdom has got ahold of a batch of high resolution images from Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron. The images include a still of Andy Serkis and reveals his character to indeed be Ulysses Klaw as listed by Marvel.

We had our senses that Serkis was playing Klaw just by his facial hair alone. Not to mention his necklace that included an animal claw, very subtle Marvel.

This character confirmation of sorts seemingly also gives the impression that Wakanda's presence will be bigger than previously expected. Something that might have been hinted to in the second trailer.

Klaw is primarily known as the most well-known of Black Panther rogues.

There hasn't been word if we'll see Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa in the film but there have been hints he could show-up at the very end with a cameo but that remains to be seen.

It's expected some of T'Challa's story will be told in Captain America: Civil War, we shouldn't be shocked to see Serkis' Klaw involved in that film as well since the role is expected to crossover a couple of films.

SOURCE: STITCH KINGDOM

New AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON Trailer Hinting To BLACK PANTHER Big Time?

Marvel Studios has posted a second teaser trailer for Avengers Age of Ultron and it's looking like it's already attempting to setup Phase Three films. There are at least two possible scenes in the trailer that hinting to two characters that could have links to both upcoming film Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther. We had confirmation a while back that Wakanda would make an appearance in the film.

Check out the impressive but short new teaser trailer below.

Is Andy Serkis playing iconic Black Panther villain Ulysses Klaw?

Here we have a better look at the character Andy Serkis is playing in the film. The assumption is that he is indeed playing Uyselly Klaw, the main antagonist to T'Challa aka The Black Panther played by Chadwick Boseman who will be first seen in costume in Captain America: Civil War.

It's expected that Civil War could explore T'Challa's rise from prince to becoming the new Black Panther and ruler of Wakanda.

He seemingly has tattoos all over his neck/throat, and is sporting a diamond earring. I could see this version of Klaw for the films could be more of a mercenary or assassin, possibly hired by someone to kill or kidnap a members of the royal family of Wakanda.

Klaw could end-up similar to Bane, but without the nuclear weapon. When he was busy running around starting military coups and securing mineral rights by force for large amounts of cash. I wouldn't be shocked if Hydra or A.I.M. are Klaw's employers.

The royal family have spent ages holding-back trade and relations with other countries, an aspect that will be explored in Civil War.

T'Challa's family double as monarchy and protectors, one who is worthy enough taking the mantle of the Black Panther and ruler.

Setting up both Wakanda and Klaw seems like a good move on the part of Marvel. Considering there might be a point in the film when Ultron heads to Wakanda to outfit his robot body with a layer of the rare mineral vibraninu, only found there.

Who the hell could this be?

Another possible shout-out to Black Panther is this quick shot of a mystery person disrobing in a cave. Looking at this person's frame I would have to assume it's an extremely fit lady.

I originally though this could be a Kree or Nebula but after resizing the image, you can clearly see that blue tint was coming from the background. This person could definitely be from Wakanda.

The possibility of a female Black Panther sign me up!

Some are claiming this could be T'Challa's sister Shuri, who also becomes a Black Panther at a point in the comics. She would eventually have her own run of comics as the titular hero. Establishing Wakanda's royal family would make a lot of sense but doesn't mean we'll see T'Challa before Civil War.

The Doja Milaje are ready to kick some ass.

Another more interesting suggestion comes from Comic Book stating that this could be member of the elite warriors of Wakanda known as The Dora Milaje.

The Dora Milaje are the personal bodyguards of the Black Panther. They are extensively trained and highly skilled martial artists and with various weapons. They are some of the fiercest warriors in the Marvel Universe.

We've been dying for more badass ladies in the Marvel cinematic universe and more importantly women of color. The Dora Milaje would be an excellent addition to the Marvel universe and could help beef-up the Black Panther movie.

SOURCE: MARVEL

Marvel Announces BLACK PANTHER Movie For 2017 And Confirms Chadwick Boseman For The Role

Today was Marvel's huge event at the El Capitan Theatre. They made some massive announcements, which we'll go over in a little bit. The biggest one being, that they've greenlit a Black Panther movie. Setting the release for November 2017 and confirming actor Chadwick Boseman (42, Get On Up) for the role. LatinoReview was the first site to stand-firm Chad was set for the role. They have been proven right, yet again.

We also have a piece of official concept art, which gives a mix of the traditional costume with some modern sleekness attributed to the cinematic universe. T'Challa will also have a big role in Captain America: Civil War, which will lead to the hero getting his own solo outing. Mark Bailey's script might still be the blueprint, but a new writer or director wasn't announced at the event. This also begs the question, is Andy Serkis indeed playing Klaw in Age of Ultron? Exciting times for Marvel fans indeed!

SOURCE: MARVEL

Marvel Teasing BLACK PANTHER Villain In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Trailer?

The trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron, leaked yesterday and it only took a couple of hours for Marvel to release the HD version. A very smart move on their part, and we can get closer looks at all the footage that is being shown. One frame is getting fans excited that the studio could already be teasing future films. In this case it's  Black Panther, some are saying this link could be the character that Andy Serkis (Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, King Kong, Star Wars Episode VII, The Hobbit, Lord of The Rings) is playing. You can see the creepy and stunning trailer below.

Fans are speculating that this flash of Andy Serkis is enough to figure-out who he's playing in the film. Pointing-out his fantastic Lincoln beard is extremely similar to that of Ulysses Klaw, a major supervillain in the Black Panther comics. I can't say he doesn't look like him, but we've seen misdirections by Marvel and Whedon before. While we do know that Wakanda (home of The Black Panther) will be making appearance in the sequel. There hasn't been any sign that T'Chaka or T'Challa will be showing-up. It looks like he's in some sort of prison uniform or maybe a kaki HYDRA outfit. Perhaps, apart of their African branch? We know that movie will head to South Africa, where Hulk fights the Hulkbuster.

The prison aspect and Serkis' long standing work with motion capture makes me believe he could also be playing a rebooted version of Emil Blonsky (sorry, Tim Roth). Andy's mo-cap company worked on the film and with actor Mark Ruffalo for his Hulk performances. It wouldn't be hard to see Ultron create his own version of the Masters of Evil, we already see seeds of this with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver seemingly working alongside Ultron. I'm sure it's possible Ultron could gather other meta-humans good or bad to join his cause, including the Hulk-level villain Abomination (who is a canon member of the Masters of Evil). There had been rumblings for a while now, that the Masters of Evil would somehow feature in the film.

I will also point-out that Klaw is a member of the Masters of Evil, along with the established Advanced Idea Mechanics which was introduced in Iron Man 3.  The A.I.M. link could lead him to be involved with HYDRA. Since we've seen Baron Strucker revealed to be heading experiments, a villain who actually created A.I.M. as a splinter group of HYDRA. I wouldn't be too shocked to see Klaw working with Strucker, or running his own division of the terrorist group (perhaps, trying to get ahold of Wakandian technology for weapons?). Setting-up a villain for a future film via this sequel would be a great play by Marvel. Considering that younger Marvel audiences would be aware of Black Panther, thanks to the cartoons and comics. However, not so much with mostly obscure villain Klaw.

This tidbit would also suggest that Marvel Studios has found an actor to play T'Challa, our favorite Wakandian Avenger. There have been plenty of names who have put themselves into the mix or were rumored including Michael K. Williams (12 Years A Slave, Boardwalk Empire, The Wire, The Road, Kill The Messenger), Idris Elba (Pacific Rim, Thor, Luther), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Serenity, Children of Men, 12 Years A Slave), Denzel Washington (Equalizer, Training Day, Man on Fire), and John Boyega (Attack The Block, Star Wars Episode VII). However, it seems like the casting rumors halted once Chadwick Boseman (42, Gods of Eygpt, Get On Up) was reportedly a front-runner.

Do you think Marvel is about to announce plans for Black Panther?

Lucasfilm Confirms And Reveals STAR WARS EPISODE VII Cast, Release Date Set For December 2015

Lucasfilm has officially announced the cast of J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII. We have confirmation that original actors such as Mark Hamill, Carrie FIsher, Harrison Ford, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker will be returning in their respected roles.

They've also revealed that new additions include Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver and Max von Sydow, have also joined the Star Wars universe. We weren't expecting this reveal to include this many cast members, but it's a pleasant surprise. Their roles haven't been explained, and likely won't be for a long time. The studio did however snap a photo of the cast doing a table-read of the new script.

Andy Serkis (Tintin, King Kong, Hobbit, Lord of The Rings, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, Rise of The Planet of The Apes) is also mentioned in the press release. I have to assume he'll be playing a motion capture character, due to his extensive background with it. Yet, he's just a great actor so they could use him anyway they want to.

A release date has also been confirmed for December 18th, 2015.

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

SOURCE: LUCASFILM

More Monkey Business For Matt Reeves, Will Direct And Co-Write PLANET OF THE APES 3

It's starting to sound like 20th Century Fox is thrilled with Matt Reeve's sequel to Rise of The Planet of The Apes. As Deadline reports that the studio is looking to bring him back to direct Planet of The Apes 3. The teaser trailer is beyond impressive and gives us a hint to the dystopian future depicted in the second film, after the outbreak. Which was setup at the end of Rise. Reeves will also co-write the film with screenwriter Mark Bomback. It's assumed that Andy Serkis will return, but it's unknown if human characters played by Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman could be back for the sequel.



Details have been scarce for Dawn of The Planet of The Apes but it seems like the human group led by Gary Oldman's character could somehow end up at-odds with the apes and Caesar, sparking an all out war between the groups. This war hasn't been revealed for Dawn, but in the teaser trailer the bleak reality of this group could lead to desperation and violence. Harking back to Battle For The Planet of The Apes which saw surviving humans militarized and attacking the ape/human colony on the outskirts of the city. The reboot has exchanged the nuclear threat with a more plausible (post-Cold War) viral outbreak which is immune to the apes, but almost wiped out the entire human race.

The Apes films are known for being serialized and we've come to assume that the studio will keep making more films until they're unsuccessful. I can't imagine how many films Andy Serkis has agreed to be involved with, as he's currently the Roddy McDowall of the reboot. This franchise as a whole is my second favorite science fiction series (first being the Alien saga), so I'm all for more films. Noticing the serious tone Reeves has brought to Dawn, I think his involvement is for the better.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Kerri Russell Joins DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Variety reports that Felicity actress Kerri Russell (MI3) has landed a role in Matt Reeve's Dawn of The Planet of The Apes. The rest of the growing cast includes Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman and Kodi Smit-McPhee.

Kodi Smit-McPhee Joins DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Deadline reports another Australian actor has joined the cast of Dawn of The Planet of The Apes. As Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Road, Let Me In, ParaNorman) will re-team with Let Me In director Matt Reeves, joining Andy Serkis and fellow Aussie Jason Clarke in the film.

Jason Clarke To Star In DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, Film Set 15 Years Later

THR reports that Australian actor Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty, Lawless, Public Enemies) has been cast the lead in Dawn of The Planet of The Apes which will be directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In). The film continues the events of Rise where a viral outbreak is posed to wipe-out a majority of the human population on Earth. This is a giant upgrade from James Franco leading the last installment. No word on the actual plot or Clarke's character but the film is set 15 years after the events of the first film. Andy Serkis has been confirmed to be reprising the iconic role of Caesar.

YODA And JABBA Spin-Offs In The Works At LucasFilm?

AICN is reporting that they're hearing that Disney/LucasFilm are hot to get production started on the first of many spin-off Star Wars films. They say that the first one will focus on Master Yoda. Details are scarce but it could involve him during his 800 years of training jedi or after the events of Episode III. I would be curious to find out if this is the same project that Zack Snyder was pitching to the studio which was going to be inspired by The Seven Samurai. Either way the studio wants Yoda to be the first spin-off.

Someone on twitter quickly suggested Andy Serkis if they go with a motion capture/CGI mix for Yoda. Serkis has been the biggest name in the motion capture performance playing Gollum in LOTR/Hobbit films, Caesar in Rise/Dawn of The Planet of The Apes along with Captain Haddock in the Tintin films. An excellent choice but they could also look to use a more puppet/CGI rig that could see Frank Oz return as well.

They also briefly mention that a Jabba film is also in the works. That could follow the criminal world of the Huts and very well could be combined with Joe Johnston's Boba Fett. Joe had been mentioning in interviews back in 2011 he was pitching a Boba Fett movie to Lucas.

Writers Lawrence Kasdan (Empire Strikes Back, Return of The Jedi, Raiders of The Lost Ark) and Simon Kinberg (X-Men Days of Future Past) were hired to write unnamed off-shoots, so it's possible they're already working on treatments/outlines. LucasFilm is said to be looking at Marvel Studios for inspiration releasing solo adventures then a giant even film (an Episode installment) every 2-3 years.

James McAvoy Wants To Play Gandalf In THE SILMARILLION

First off, Peter Jackson and New Line/Warner Bros. haven't announced any plans to explore another trilogy based on the Silmarillion. The book is a prequel to both The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings, it's unknown at this point if they even own the rights to make films. However, this hasn't stopped James McAvoy from campaigning for a role in it. He tells TotalFilm that the next role he'd like to tackle would be Gandalf in The Silmarillion. I'm not too familiar with the book but I expect the studio would consider turning it into a third trilogy.

“I’d like to play Gandalf..It’s called The Silmarillion! It’s a collection of poems and songs that chart the ancient history of Middle-earth. My true geek is coming to the fore, but they’re really, really beautiful stories. In part of that is the genesis of Gandalf, or Mithrandir, or Stormcrow, or any of his many, many names. Anyway, maybe that’s the one!” 

The Hobbit's current success has proved audiences are still hungry for more Middle Earth adventures. An Unexpected Journey has almost made $800 million worldwide already and won't be exiting theaters anytime soon. Warner Bros. (New Line) originally budgeted for two Hobbit films ($500 million) but they added more to the budget. Including new Battle of The Five Armies scenes to be shot expanding the project into a trilogy. It's possible the studio could strike while the iron is hot and start development on the Silmarillion.

The catch seems to be Peter Jackson is exhausted making these films and likely won't be returning to direct any more installments. Originally, Guillermo del Toro was hired to direct the Hobbit only to exit over lengthy production delays. Jackson reluctantly took the director's chair but brought in Andy Serkis as his second unit director. Serkis has shot a ton of scenes for the trilogy and will be spearheading the Five Armies shoot for There And Back Again. I wouldn't be shocked if they do make these films Andy Serkis could end up being the one to direct them. As Jackson had been mentoring and grooming Serkis to direct future projects during the Hobbit production.

Apes Wielding Guns In DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Andy Serkis' performance as Caesar was an excellent step in the right direction of the Planet of The Apes franchise one thing really bothered me about it. Mainly, my problem was that the apes didn't pick up and use guns which they have for most of the series. It seems like director Matt Reeves is going to be rectifying this. As an image was posted on the film's Facebook page via IGN featuring an ape holding a gun. This image of course is teasing the evolution of the apes and how they might become slightly more dangerous than the previous film. UPDATE: Apparently the image is fake.

Matt Reeves Will Direct DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Deadline confirms that director Matt Reeves (Let Me In, Cloverfield) will helm Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes for 20th Century Fox.

'DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES' Coming May 2014

20th Century Fox has announced the release date for the sequel to Rise of The Planet of The Apes titled Dawn of The Planet of The Apes. The film is set for a May 23rd 2014 release date with Andy Serkis returning as Caesar along with director Rupert Wyatt. Details on the sequel haven't been made official but  the film likely will focus on the new ape society becoming the dominate species while the human population is wiped out by a deadly virus.

Scott Z. Burns Hired To Rewrite 'PLANET OF THE APES 2'

HeatVision reports that 20th Century Fox has hired Scott Z. Burns to help rewrite the script for Planet of The Apes 2. The untitled sequel to Rise of The Planet of The Apes is gathering speed with a draft already written by Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa who wrote the first film. Burns is best known for Bourne Ultimatum, Contagion and the in-development film version of The Man From UNCLE.

Director Rupert Wyatt and actor Andy Serkis are currently locked for the sequel, no word on James Franco. I think James Franco monotoned performance was one the worst aspects of the film it's possible his character could be done away with or even recast. Normally with the Planet of The Apes sequels the humans leads are usually replaced new actors with each installment, hopefully this trend continues.

The next film will likely continue the viral sub-plot that should eventually wipe out a majority of the human population. Human survivors align themselves with Caesar and his new society. In the sequel to the original film that Rise was based on, a group from this new society goes into the now abandoned city sparking aggression with the militarized surviving humans set on wiping out the apes. These humans are armed to the teeth with guns, vehicles and tanks. It's doubtful this sequel will go that far into the lore.

Spielberg Confirms Peter Jackson Is Directing Tintin Sequel

TotalFilm was able to get confirmation from Steven Spielberg on the fate of the sequel to The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of The Unicorn. While the film hasn't made a giant splash in North America gathering just $75 million in box office. It's been a massive success internationally raking in $300 million which solidifies the sequel to move forward. Steven confirms that indeed Jackson will be directing the sequel just as soon as he is done with photography on the Hobbit.

"Peter [Jackson]’s doing it. I wanted to do it, but Peter has to because we made a deal. I said, ‘I’ll direct the first one, you direct the second one.’


“And Peter, of course, is going to do it right after he finishes photography on The Hobbit. He’ll go right into the 31, 21 days of performance capture.


“We’re not telling the world what books we’re basing the second movie on yet.”

 It was originally announced that Spielberg would direct the first film with Jackson the second and the possibly of Spielberg returning for the third. However, there have been rumors that Andy Serkis who is currently the second unit director on The Hobbit could be groomed to direct the third film in the series. When Peter took over directing duties from Guillermo del Toro for the Hobbit it looked like Jackson wouldn't end being able to direct the sequel which was originally planned.

Evangeline Lilly Talks Hobbit And Her Role

The Hobbit is being split into two rather large films but for this to work the screenwriters had to include other pieces of Tolkien lore and other small stories leading to new characters. One of those characters is being played by Evangeline Lilly (Lost, Real Steel). Not much was known about the female elf warrior until now. Lilly reveals to EW details of the elf warrior Tauriel and that she will end up with greater screen time in the second film Hobbit: There And Back Again.

“Yes, she is a warrior. She’s actually the head of the Elven guard. She’s the big shot in the army. So she knows how to wield any weapon, but the primary weapons that she uses are a bow and arrow and two daggers. And she’s lethal and deadly. You definitely wouldn’t want to be caught in a dark alley next to Tauriel.”

Andy Serkis Returning For Rise Of The Apes Sequel

Deadline reports that Andy Serkis is likely becoming the new Roddy McDowall of the Planet of The Apes franchise. He just landed a deal with 20th Century Fox for the sequel to Rise of The Planet of The Apes. Serkis will reprise his role of Caesar and possibility other apes in the film. Director Rupert Wyatt along with writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver are also returning for the sequel. There is no word if either James Franco or Freida Pinto will be back for the next installment.

Since Rise was inspired by Conquest of The Planet of The Apes I expect the sequel could be inspired by next installment Battle For The Planet of The Apes. That film focused on the new ape community (after the rebellion) lead by Caesar with loyal humans helping teach and build the society. The characters would later enter the abandoned city only to find a vengeful group of surviving humans armed to the teeth. Now with the viral outbreak spreading around the human population it wouldn't be surprising to see desperate survivors being the villains in the sequel. I just hope they scale back on the length of the film's title.

Peter Jackson Confirms That He Will Direct Tintin Sequel, Script Is Done

Originally when it was announced that Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg would be bringing Tintin to the screen it was envisioned as a trilogy. Spielberg would direct The Secret of The Unicorn while Jackson would handle the second film The Prisoners of The Sun. That was until Peter had to come in and replace Guillermo del Toro on the two Hobbit films. Leaving in question who would direct both sequels. Now there is word from Jackson (via ThePlaylist/THR) himself he will indeed start production on Prisoners when he wraps The Hobbit. He also adds that a script from Anthony Horowitz is done.

The sequel would combine the stories from both Prisoners of The Sun and The Seven Crystal Balls. It's unknown if either Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish would be contributing to the project's screenplay. It would mean that the earliest the film would start production is late 2013 or early 2014.

Anthony Horowitz Working On Tintin Sequel

Author Anthony Horowitz has announced he will be writing the script for the yet untitled Tintin sequel. Horowitz admits he expects he won't be the only writer working on the script. He also confirmed that the film would use elements from the books The Prisoners of The Sun and The Seven Crystal Balls. Previously Stephen Moffat (Coupling, Doctor Who) penned The Secret of The Unicorn then Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish also came in to work on it. I assume Cornish and Wright will return for writing duties. Currently Peter Jackson who is expected to direct the second Tintin film is working on the two Hobbit films which will likely tie him up until 2014. It's possible Jackson could allow another director or bring back Steven Spielberg to make the sequel then direct the third and final film.