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  • 7 Actors Who Could Play James Gunn’s ‘Young’ Superman (Instead of Henry Cavill)

    7 Actors Who Could Play James Gunn’s ‘Young’ Superman (Instead of Henry Cavill)

    The DC Universe (DCU) has experienced quite a shakeup of late. With James Gunn and Peter Safran being named co-CEOS of the DCU in October, the changes have been swift and impactful. So far, the duo seems to be aiming to retire most of the regiment’s former heroes. One of the first to go was Henry Cavill’s Superman. Cavill was actually the actor who launched the DCU with his role as Clark Kent (a.k.a. Superman) in the 2013 film Man of Steel. He would go on to portray Superman in various DC titles on the big screen until 2016.

    Aside from the release of the director’s cut of Justice League (Zack Snyder’s Justice League), Cavill went on a 6-year hiatus from the DCU as Superman. However, Black Adam, which premiered in October 2022, brought with it a cameo that held Superman’s long-awaited reintroduction. For a while, Cavill’s future as Superman seemed bright. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson began promising fans that a Black Adam vs. Superman was imminent, and Cavill himself took to Instagram to announce his return.

    However, just weeks after Cavill’s return, Gunn and Safran took over DCU and decided to retire Cavill’s Superman in favor of rebooting the DCU entirely and focusing on a fresh start for the majority of the main characters.

    Who will be the next Superman?

    So far, Cavill’s replacement as Superman in the DCU has not been announced. However, Gunn did unveil the reason for Cavill’s departure. In a Tweet, he revealed that a young Superman project is on the horizon. While Superman will be a part of Gunn’s and Safran’s DCU, they are seeking to focus on an “earlier part” of Superman’s history. Hence, the duo seems to be seeking an actor younger than Cavill to portray the role of Superman.

    This bit of information is not a lot to work with. However, here are 7 young actors who boast the star power, acting skill, and physical appearance to potentially take on the role of a young Superman.

    Austin Butler

    Austin Butler as Elvis, sitting at a piano looking directly into the camera to his side.
    (Warner Bros.)

    Austin Butler is an actor on the rise in Hollywood after his electric performance as Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic Elvis. In addition to Elvis, he has starred in The Shannara Chronicles and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. He is slowly starting to be picked up by big franchises and blockbusters, too, as he will star in Dune: Part Two in 2023. In addition to being a trending and talented actor, he boasts the looks of Superman. At 6’0” with chiseled features, hair that can be dyed black, and piercing blue eyes, he is the spitting image of a young Superman. Fan art has already highlighted how natural he would look in the Superman suit. At 31, he may be veering on the older side for the role, but he can still pass for a young man in his 20s for a few years. Plus, fans are already putting in a good word for him with Gunn.

    Jacob Elordi

    Jacob Elordi in a car as Nate Jacobs in Euphoria
    (Warner Bros.)

    Another fan favorite that has arisen for the role of young Superman is Jacob Elordi. While he has less of an expansive resume than Butler, he is also a trending actor who has found star power among the younger generation. His roles in The Kissing Booth trilogy and Euphoria have given him a whirlwind rise to fame. Plus, the fact that he’s 25, has chiseled features, and stands at 6’5” also adds to his appeal as Superman. He is a perfect age, has the fan power, and looks for Superman, but, given his relatively fresh career, it’s unclear if he would have the acting prowess to take on a role like Superman.

    Wolfgang Novogratz

    Wolfgang Novogratz as Chris and Natalie Dyer as Alice in Yes, God, Yes
    (Vertical Entertainment)

    Wolfgang Novogratz is another name that has come up in the discussion of who could be a young Superman. Like Elordi, he is another actor who has gained momentum and popularity with younger audiences. He is known for starring in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, Yes, God, Yes, and The Half of It. Novogratz may not have the star power of some other choices on this list, but his experience in the coming-of-age genre could help him fit in well with the role of a fledging young superhero. At 6’3” with a fit physique and chiseled features, he also looks the part of Superman.

    David Corenswet

    David Corenswet as Jack Castello in Hollywood
    (Netflix)

    While many fans tapped Elordi as Superman, many also mentioned David Corenswet’s name alongside his.

    Corenswet has been active on the Hollywood scene for over a decade now. He boasts credits in such works as Look Both Ways, Hollywood, and We Own This City. However, he is still in need of a breakthrough role, and Superman could be that for him. Meanwhile, he has the acting skills for the job with his impressive performance in Hollywood, combined with the fact that he started off performing in theatre and has been acting since he was a child. At 29, he is the right age for the role and also boasts Superman’s characteristics with his chiseled chin, blue eyes, jet black hair, and a height of 6’4”. It’s just unclear if DC would take a chance an on actor who hasn’t yet had his breakthrough.

    Eli Goree

    Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in Regina King
    (Amazon Studio)

    Eli Goree is another name that arose quickly when it was revealed that DCU was looking for a young Superman. His name had already been in the running for Superman after it was announced Ta-Nehisi Coates was developing a Superman reboot centered on Calvin Ellis. However, young Superman offers another perfect role for the young actor. The award-winning actor has starred in Riverdale, The Peripheral, and One Night in Miami. Needless to say, he has proven that he boasts incredible talent in a wide range of genres. At 6’2,” 28 years of age, and the physique to portray a professional boxer, he is an excellent choice for Superman.

    Adam DiMarco

    Adam DiMarco as Albie in White Lotus
    (Warner Bros.)

    Adam DiMarco is another actor on the rise who bears a resemblance to Superman. He is most well-known for starring in Pillow Talk and The White Lotus. DiMarco isn’t the most prominent actor in Hollywood, but his roles in Disney channel originals like Radio Rebel and Zapped gained him a large fanbase. DiMarco also boasts an uncanny physical resemblance to Superman, plus charisma and acting skills. At roughly 31 years old, he is a strong candidate for a young Superman, and the role could give him his much-needed official breakthrough.

    Fionn Whitehead

    Fionn Whitehead as Tommy in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk
    (Warner Bros.)

    Fionn Whitehead only recently entered the film industry, kicking off his debut as the lead protagonist in the critically acclaimed Christopher Nolan film, Dunkirk. While the first film he starred in gained eight Academy Awards, he has gone on to star in Emily and the upcoming Great Expectations film. At 25 years old, his breakthrough in Dunkirk was unexpected and impressive. It wouldn’t be surprising for some big franchises to be casting their eyes on the relative newcomer, Whitehead, for future roles.

    David Alvarez

    David Alvarez as Bernardo in West Side Story
    (20th Century Studios)

    At age 28, David Alvarez is a relative newcomer to Hollywood, with his most significant acting credit being his role as Bernardo in the 2021 musical, West Side Story. Aside from West Side Story, Alvarez has only appeared in short films. However, he has been acting his whole life and was one of the youngest actors to receive a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his stint as Billy Elliot in Billy Elliot the Musical. Nabbing his first feature film debut in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story is the only testimony needed for his acting skills. He’s also the right age for Superman, in physical shape for the role, and has the necessary experience and skill.

    (featured image: Marvel Comics)

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  • Bond Producer Reveals Some Criteria for the Next James Bond Actor

    Bond Producer Reveals Some Criteria for the Next James Bond Actor

    James Bond has been delighting fans ever since 1953, when Ian Fleming first debuted the iconic character in his novel Casino Royale. The British Secret Service agent would go on to be featured in 12 novels by Fleming and 2 short-story collections, before the iconic film franchise began in 1962, starting with Dr. No, which saw Sean Connery as Bond. Since then, 25 James Bond films have been released. This makes the James Bond film series the longest running film series ever, as well as the highest grossing film series of all time.

    Seven actors, in total, have portrayed Bond over the years. Once one actor outgrows or departs from the role, the role is simply recast, and the film series lives on. All the actors who have played Bond are Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. All of them fit Fleming’s physical description of Bond: slimmer build, grey-blue eyes, black hair, and a serious mouth. They also embody his personality well, portraying him as smooth, charming, cunning, and very intelligent.

    Craig was the most recent actor to portray Bond. He starred in a total of 5 films as Bond, holding the role from 2006 all the way through 2021. His 2021 film No Time to Die marked his last film as the character. With Craig bowing out, the role of Bond is open once more. Ever since he first announced that No Time to Die would mark his last Bond film, fans have been speculating about who the next actor to portray Bond will be.

    Aaron Taylor-Johnson is reportedly a frontrunner for Bond

    The latest development in the search for the next Bond is that Aaron Taylor-Johnson has reportedly been tapped as a frontrunner. Taylor-Johnson has been gaining momentum in recent months as he starred in blockbuster films like Tenet, The King’s Man, and Bullet Train. He was also recently tapped to play Kraven the Hunter in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) after previously appearing in the MCU as Pietro Maximoff. However, if the reports are true, he could be gearing up to land his biggest role yet.

    Insiders have alleged since November that Taylor-Johnson had a secret audition with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. The audition reportedly went well, and Taylor-Johnson met all of the standards Broccoli is looking for. However, given his busy slate of upcoming films, it is questionable if he’d be able to commit to the role of Bond. Despite the rumors, no official casting decision has been made yet.

    Who will be the next Bond?

    As of now, the search for the next Bond is still ongoing. The producer of the next James Bond film, Broccoli, last indicated in July that there wasn’t anyone in the running for the role. This is because the franchise is looking to wholly reinvent Bond. The role has seen little diversity, with Bond remaining relatively the same over the years. Hence, a reimagining is long overdue and means that the next James Bond film is still a ways away. Broccoli states that filming likely won’t start for 2 years, so the new Bond will likely be cast closer to that date.

    However, we can still speculate about the new Bond. Over the years, the one actor who has consistently risen as a fan-favorite to be Bond is Idris Elba. He’s clearly the fan favorite for the role, though he himself hasn’t indicated much interest in it. However, he already seems to naturally boast Bond’s signature personality and would give the role the reimagining it needs. Still, though, the casting of Bond can go in any direction, with numerous actors who fit the bill being considered or cast by fans.

    Among the top choices for the role are Elba, Lucien Laviscount, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, Regé-Jean Page, Henry Golding, ‎Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Richard Madden. However, we don’t even know for sure yet whether Bond will even be cast as a man next time around. After all, we already know Lashana Lynch makes an excellent agent 007, and she is also one of the top names in the running for Bond. Only time will tell who will take on the coveted role of Bond next.

    James Bond producer says next 007 will be “thirty-something”

    No frontrunners have emerged in the search for the next Bond, but on October 1, 2022, No Time To Die producer Michael G. Wilson did list a certain qualification for the next potential Bond actor/actress while speaking with Deadline. Wilson stated the role is not going to go to any Gen Z actors/actresses. He reports that they’ve considered younger actors in the past, but that Bond is an experienced veteran. A kid just coming out of high school, or even college, simply doesn’t fit who Bond is. Check out Wilson’s statement below:

    We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.

    It’s unclear if Wilson is confirming that the next actor to portray Bond will be thirty-something, or if thirty-something and older is what they’re looking for and he’s just specifying the minimum age. If it’s the former, than things certainly look good for the likes of Taylor-Johnson, Golding, Madden, Lynch, and Page, but not so good for Elba, Hardy, Ejiofor, or Cavill. If they’re looking for 30-something and older, then that means the vast majority of fan choices for Bond are still fair game. Not many actors under 30 were being speculated seriously about for Bond, though some media did mention Tom Holland or Jacob Elordi for the role.

    (featured image: MGM)

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  • A Timeline of Jeremy Renner’s Controversies | The Mary Sue

    A Timeline of Jeremy Renner’s Controversies | The Mary Sue

    Despite being one of the most widely recognized names and faces in Hollywood, actor Jeremy Renner—who reportedly injured himself while ploughing snow over the New Year’s 2023 weekend—has also been at the center of several controversies over the last decade. Some, like his insistence upon killing his Marvel character Hawkeye, are more innocuous than others—like accusations that he made death threats against his ex-wife, Sonni Pacheco.

    Here’s a chronological breakdown of the Jeremy Renner controversy.

    Jeremy Renner wanted Hawkeye to die in The Avengers

    In 2016, Renner did a Q&A where he admitted that he wanted his MCU character, the heroic archer Hawkeye, to die in the first Avengers movie. As reported by Vulture, Renner said that he was frustrated by Hawkeye’s plot in The Avengers: “I was just getting to know who Hawkeye was, and then zap, I go round like a zombie, I’m like Loki’s minion.”

    His solution was to simply kill off his character—but not in any particularly heroic way. Renner said, “I’m giving you an option, if you just want to kick me out of this movie. Just, you know, at any given moment, if you wanna kill me off, daddy’s gonna be having a heart attack.”

    While these comments aren’t particularly bad when taken at face value, Renner reportedly said he faked multiple heart attacks on set, which is much more egregious. It’s one thing to be frustrated about a storyline, and another to make your fellow cast and the film crew think you’re in serious danger.

    Following Age of Ultron, Renner slut-shamed Black Widow

    During the press tour for Avengers: Age of Ultron in 2015, Renner and co-star Chris Evans were asked their thoughts regarding Black Widow’s changing affections toward Clint Barton, Steve Rogers, and Bruce Banner. Renner replied, “She’s a slut.” Evans burst into laughter and followed up with, “She’s a complete whore.”

    Although Black Widow is a fictional character and Renner and Evans weren’t saying these things about Scarlett Johansson (who played the MCU hero), these comments were met with understandable backlash from fans. The next day, Entertainment Weekly reported that both actors had released statements.

    Evans said, “Yesterday we were asked about the rumors that Black Widow wanted to be in a relationship with both Hawkeye and Captain America. We answered in a very juvenile and offensive way that rightfully angered some fans. I regret it and sincerely apologize.”

    Renner’s statement was more of a non-apology: “I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone. It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour.”

    A couple weeks later, Renner appeared on Conan and seemingly doubled down on both the slut-shaming and the fact that comments made about fictional characters shouldn’t be taken seriously. According to Polygon, Renner joked, “If you slept with four of the six Avengers, no matter how much fun you had, you’d be a slut. Just saying. I’d be a slut.” He also seemed unconcerned about getting in “a lot of internet trouble.”

    Renner’s ex-wife, Sonni Pacheco, accused him of abuse

    Renner married Sonni Pacheco in 2014 and the pair had a daughter, Ava, before separating less than a year later, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Their divorce was finalized in 2015, with the pair agreeing to a joint-custody agreement. Then, in 2019, amid a custody battle (and following the downfall of the Jeremy Renner app), Pacheco publicly accused Renner of a series of violent behaviors toward her and their daughter.

    According to ET, Renner allegedly repeatedly threatened to kill Pacheco and himself, even putting a gun in is mouth and then firing it into the ceiling one night while Ava slept. In court documents acquired by the outlet, Pacheco alleges that in a separate incident, a nanny overheard Renner say he was going to Pacheco’s house to kill her and then himself, because “it was better that Ava had no parents than to have her as a mother.”

    The documents also claim Renner has an ongoing history of substance abuse and that he was under the influence around his daughter, in addition to having cocaine within her reach at his home.

    Also in 2019, Pacheco accused Renner of biting a then-four-year-old Ava on the shoulder in 2017, as reported by Page Six. Court documents claim Ava told Pacheco, “Daddy bit me,” and that she said, “It’s OK Mommy, it was an accident. I told him to never do it again.” The documents also say that Ava “explained that the bite happened when [Renner] was being mean and yelling.”

    Renner denied these allegations, stating that Ava was pinched by her seatbelt and that they would play “a nibble game called Ava burrito.” According to the docs, he laughed and added, “But not a bite. Tell her she’s spicy. And the game ensues. Haha. Nibble game are fake nibbles.”

    These accusations are disturbing, to say the least. Pacheco has filed for sole custody of Ava and asked for Renner’s visits with their daughter to be supervised. Meanwhile, Renner has also filed for sole custody and requested monitored visits between Ava and Pacheco. At the time of this writing, the case has not been settled.

    In 2020, Renner accused Pacheco of withdrawing $50,000 from Ava’s trust fund for herself, and in 2021, he told Men’s Health that he wouldn’t publicly address any of Pacheco’s claims (aside from calling them “nonsense”). “I don’t respond publicly or privately to nonsense,” he said. “It only empowers it … If you respond to it, you give it gas. I don’t fuel shit fires. I just don’t do it. I refuse to.”

    (featured image: Marvel Studios)

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  • What the Heck Is Going on With ‘Spider-Man: Lotus’?

    What the Heck Is Going on With ‘Spider-Man: Lotus’?

    With numerous Spider-Man projects on the horizon, you may or may not have heard of Spider-Man: Lotus. Unlike the upcoming Spider-Man: Freshman Year, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, or the rumored The Amazing Spider-Man 3, Spider-Man: Lotus is not affiliated with either Marvel or Sony. Instead, it is a fan film created by YouTuber Gavin J. Konop and has been described as a not-for-profit passion project. An official trailer for Spider-Man: Lotus was released a year ago and the film is believed to be releasing sometime next year, though it was initially slated for a 2022 release.

    For a fan film, though, Spider-Man: Lotus has garnered a surprising amount of attention. The first full-length trailer garnered over 2.6 million views and subsequent teasers and trailers have also racked up hundreds of thousands of views. Many viewers were pleasantly surprised by how good the film looked. Spider-Man: Lotus boasts an interesting premise as it is a psychological drama that explores Peter Parker’s/Spider-Man’s (Warden Wayne) response to losing his girlfriend, Gwen Stacy (Tuyen Powell). Amid his grief and regret, he begins to form a relationship with a terminally ill child who looks up to him.

    In even more recognition that was surprising for a fan project, MCU filmmaker John Watts and Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield both got wind of the project and expressed their support for it. However, just shortly after gaining recognition and praise, things hit a snag when Spider-Man: Lotus ran into a scandal of racist and homophobic messages from its creators. This started back in June, when leaked text messages from the director, Konop, and the lead actor, Wayne, surfaced that contained racial slurs and homophobic messages. The film started trending on Twitter as the whole production received backlash for its racist cast/crew.

    Wayne’s racist messages were the first to leak on social media, as users shared snapshots of extremely racist messages he sent, which all included the use of racial slurs. It is unclear who leaked the messages, but they were reportedly from 2017, and social media users quickly decried that the star of the film had used such offensive and derogatory language.

    Shortly after the messages were leaked, Warden released a long statement on Twitter acknowledging the messages. He apologized for using the offensive language and claimed that he was unaware of how hurtful/insensitive it was to say such things back then. Warden further explained that he had been raised in a homeschooling Christian conservative family, and didn’t have his first phone until he was 18. As a result, he says he was living in a bit of a bubble and started associating with other people who used offensive language and encouraged him to do so, too. He admitted he was stupid and ignorant as a kid and has allegedly been working on improving himself.

    However, before the backlash over Wayne’s racist messages could even be fully processed, Konop was the next member of the Spider-Man: Lotus team to be exposed. Screenshots of his messages also arose and saw him use the N-word and R-word, as well as insult Watts after Watts had praised Spider-Man: Lotus (before this scandal arose). The Green Goblin actor, John Salandria, also came under fire after he stated that he was bothered by the sentiment of some of Konop’s messages, but not by the fact that he used the N-word.

    Konop also released a statement addressing the controversy. His message was oddly similar to Wayne’s statement, where he apologized, but also made the excuse of being a stupid kid. He also alleged that the message of him seemingly trashing Watts was a fake, photoshopped screenshot. Konop also denied rumors that he had mistreated or underpaid his crew and that he had abandoned the project.

    Will Spider-Man: Lotus still premiere?

    According to Konop’s video in September, Spider-Man: Lotus is still set to premiere. Despite the backlash, he denied that he was abandoning the project and said that it was very much still going forward. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances and additional work needed, the film still does not have a release date. The last update Konop gave was on November 17, when he said that the rough cut of his film was being screened.

    As a result, it does seem like Spider-Man: Lotus is still happening. Whether it should happen is an entirely different question. While Wayne and Konop did apologize, their apologies were filled with excuses and weren’t well-received by viewers. Additionally, Salandria’s comment further gives the impression that the apologies may not have been sincere and that Spider-Man: Lotus as a whole was fostering an environment of racism and discrimination. It can’t be a coincidence that three major members of the cast/crew were all accused of racism, homophobia, and of using offensive language. Regardless of how good a message Spider-Man: Lotus has been touted as having, its creators aren’t ones who have earned audiences’ support.

    (featured image: Gavin J. Konop)

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  • Both Daniel Craig and Rian Johnson Confirm the Bright Future of ‘Knives Out’ Franchise

    Both Daniel Craig and Rian Johnson Confirm the Bright Future of ‘Knives Out’ Franchise

    Knives Out premiered in 2019 after director and screenwriter Rian Johnson first conceived the idea for the film back in 2005. However, other commitments, including his work on the films Looper and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, resulted in the film not officially becoming a reality for over a decade. Knives Out wasn’t officially announced until 2018, but it proved to be worth the wait, enjoying widespread critical acclaim upon its debut in 2019.

    Knives Out was a box office success, and received rave reviews from critics, attaining a nearly perfect 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film introduced a detective, or gentleman sleuth, to rival Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, in Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc. Additionally, Knives Out was a testimant to the appeal of an eccentric, abstract, and deeply flawed ensemble cast. Plus, the star-studded nature of the cast and the bevvy of A-list actors who signed on to the film also held its own appeal.

    Needless to say, Knives Out was a raging success, so much so that Netflix paid a hefty sum of over $450 million for the rights to the film and set out to make it into a franchise. Here’s how many Knives Out films there are so far and how many there are anticipated to be.

    1. Knives Out

    Knives out cast
    (Lionsgate)

    First of all, we have Knives Out which, as said above, was the 2019 film that started it all. The film follows Detective Blanc as he investigates the suspicious death of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), a wealthy novelist discovered dead shortly after his 85th birthday. Due to his fortune, nearly every member of Harlan’s greedy family is desperate for his inheritance and, therefore, a suspect. Fortunately, the esteemed private detective, Blanc, has been anonymously hired to probe the murder and soon gets to the bottom of the family drama and murder mystery.

    2. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

    The main cast of Netflix
    (Netflix)

    Following the success of Knives Out, Netflix purchased the rights to the film’s sequels and ordered two standalone sequels. The first of the sequels to premiere was Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The film hit the streaming platform on December 23, a month after enjoying the widest limited theatrical debut of a Netflix film so far. Craig’s Benoit was the only major Knives Out cast member who returned for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. This is because he tackled an entirely new mystery, featuring five wealthy friends who are invited to their benefactor, Miles Bron’s (Edward Norton), birthday party on a secluded island. Blanc inexplicably shows up on the island with the friends, but his unexplainable presence proves worthwhile when a dead body turns up, and the death is ruled a homicide. As in the first film, everyone is a suspect and nothing is as it seems.

    3. Knives Out 3

    Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in Knives Out sitting on a throne of knives
    (Lionsgate)

    Even though Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery only just premiered, the franchise has already confirmed a third film. This is because, when Netflix acquired the rights to the franchise in 2021, they acquired the rights to both Knives Out 2 and Knives Out 3. Given the Netflix deal, and the success of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Knives Out 3 is all but 100% guaranteed to happen. Johnson has already confirmed that he is planning out the film. There was about a three-year gap between the first and second film, but that was also taking the COVID-19 pandemic into account. Hence, Knives Out 3 can likely be expected to premiere in 2024 or 2025, at the latest. While Blanc, the star of the franchise, is expected to return, no other details of the film have been released.

    4. Knives Out 4 (?)

    Helen (Janelle Monáe) and Benoit (Daniel Craig) talking in Glass Onion
    (Netflix)

    So far, there are only two Knives Out films that have premiered, and one that is planned. However, Knives Out 4 is definitely a possibility. The franchise has experienced a very high level of success, both for the original film and the sequel. If the third film can carry on the momentum, we could be looking at a Knives Out 4 in the future. After all, both director Johnson and franchise star Craig, have indicated they will stay involved in the franchise as long as the other does.

    Craig told Variety, “If he [Johnson] keeps writing them, I’ll keep doing them. That’s what makes it easy then, he’s such a wonderful writer that it’s there on the page for me to do.” Meanwhile, Johnson countered with, “I’m going to keep making these until Daniel [Craig] blocks me on his phone.” So, the Knives Out franchise could go on for quite a while, especially if it turns out to be a competition between Craig and Johnson about who will stick to the franchise longer.

    (featured image: Netflix)

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  • 5 Best Steam Winter Sale Deals on Awesome Games

    5 Best Steam Winter Sale Deals on Awesome Games

    As someone who has been using video games as socialization and therapy over the last few years, having a SteamDeck has allowed me to play things on a whole new level. Playstation and X-Box games, but on a handheld? A dream. Plus, I can link it to my TV if I want to. There is a holiday sale going through January 5th, 2023. Here are some games I highly recommend picking up if you have been sitting on them.

    The Witcher Franchise

    All three games in The Witcher series are currently on sale, and you can pick them up for just under $15.00 with taxes. It is a steal, especially since The Witcher III just got some upgrades, and the game has only continued to be popular in the five years since it was first released. I have just picked up the third game, which is a lot of fun. Playing as Geralt is interesting; there is enough open-world stuff to stay engaged, and with so many different endings, you are encouraged to keep playing and find the one that is most pleasing to you. It took me a while to get into the series, but I’m glad I finally did.

    STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order

    While unsupported on the SteamDeck itself (for now *fingers crossed*), if you have another means to play it would definitely be worth it to check out this epic installment in the Star Wars video game series. The deluxe edition is $6.99, and you can even pick up a bundle with all three games for $17.64. That is an over 80% discount from what they would usually cost.

    Assassin’s Creed Franchise

    You can get eleven Assassin’s Creed games for less than $100 on Steam. But if you are like me and want to be a hot queer woman, you can get AC: Odyssey at 65% off. The bundle does not include the latest installment in the series, Valhalla, but is also discounted. As someone who has always wanted to play this series, I will take advantage of this sale personally to see what all the hype is about.

    Civilization VI

    I am addicted to Civ VI, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive that you can buy the entire thing (all expansions, including the most recent one) for $29.59. I already own Civ on the Switch, but I decided to get in on the SteamDeck because of the price and because I could get the new Leader Pass DLC. It is … so much better on the Deck. It feels more like the desktop game, the graphics are a lot better, and despite only downloading it last night, I spend two hours straight playing it. If you have been waiting to check out Civ VI and get the latest DLC on the cheap…it is now.

    Take a Risk on an Indie

    Not to cheat in the final part of this listicle, but I mean it. When games go on sale, I think it is the best time to invest in trying out an Independent game to expand your horizons about what gaming looks like. One of the things that I have truly enjoyed about Steam is that it helped me have access to a whole new roster of games on the handheld market. I love Nintendo, and I’ve sincerely enjoyed playing their selection of Indie games—but it is on a new level on Steam. We talk a lot about abusive work environments in some major gaming companies, so it is also important to celebrate the games that are made with love, care, and respect. Some games on sale from smaller companies are: Hades, Slay the Spire, Skullgirls 2nd Encore, Valheim, and Tunic.

    (image: Steam)

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  • 7 Best Netflix Alternatives | The Mary Sue

    7 Best Netflix Alternatives | The Mary Sue

    It’s strange to imagine the days when Netflix was essentially the only option in terms of streaming. People had very little choice but to subscribe to Netflix (considering the fall of video rental chains) to access certain content. Fast forward some years and people are no longer without options. In fact, there are loads of streaming services for folks located in the US (Canada is unfortunately still far behind).

    Of course you don’t need to cancel your subscription today. This list merely offers you some alternatives if Netflix isn’t doing it for you as much. And believe me, Netflix often cancels or discontinues the content we enjoy. Keep reading to discover other lesser-known options (aside from Hulu or Peacock for US-based folks) that you may not know about for your streaming pleasures.

    Plex

    Hannigram in Hannibal s2 finale
    (NBC)

    Plex is a free (with ads) streaming service that you can download onto your device or console of choice. It’s not better than Tubi by any means, but it’s FREE and the selection is decent. And if you’re a horror nerd you can find Black Christmas (1974), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Hannibal (series), Better Watch Out (2016), and more on the app. It’s crucial to mention that Hannibal isn’t as widely available anymore. Netflix really dropped the ball when they removed it and so Plex decided to give us what we want (and for free no less).

    Tubi

    Gon and Killua in Hunter x Hunter
    (Madhouse and Viz Media)

    Tubi is a dream come true as far as free (with ads) apps go in this world. Please don’t fret when it comes to the selection either because it’s got you covered. The selection on Tubi is even more vast than Plex and there are countless genres you can watch. If you’re missing Skins (UK) and don’t want to watch poor quality YouTube uploads – Tubi has got you covered. Looking for top notch anime? Tubi has got you covered. Craving horror classics or newer releases? Tubi likely has what you’re looking for. There’s plenty to find on the app and you won’t be disappointed.

    Shudder

    Cecilia bloodied up with her phone on in the movie Sissy
    (Shudder)

    Shudder is undoubtedly one of the top streaming services out there. The horror, thriller, Shudder exclusives etc. selection is f*cking superb. The only downside I can come up with is how the app isn’t available for consoles and there’s no option to download content for offline use. Otherwise? You won’t be bored browsing the wide selection of horror content. The service is always adding new titles and there’s an obvious passion for the genre built into the app. It’s also one of the more affordable (knock on wood) services out there right now. The app is available for download on your device of choice.

    Amazon Prime

    Margot in I Know What You Did Last Summer
    (Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios)

    I understand the reluctance to support this app (Amazon is horrible, I know). However, as far as paid streaming services it’s not that bad. Depending on your taste, Prime Video exclusives like The Wilds, The Boys, I Know What You Did Last Summer (series), Paper Girls etc. may satisfy your craving for content. The wide variety of films and TV series available outside of their exclusives are great too. And Amazon Prime gives you the option to add-on subscriptions (like AMC+ for example) which are available both in the U.S. and internationally. So if you’re looking to watch Interview with the Vampire 50+ times over then you’re good to go.

    You can download the app on your device or console of choice. And visit your country’s Amazon website to find more information about the service.

    Funimation

    Beautiful moment near the end of Attack on Titan s3 finale
    (Funimation Studios)

    There aren’t a lot of anime exclusive streaming services, but Funimation is a wise choice. Of course some will argue that Crunchyroll is better, but it all comes down to preferences. Funimation has a free option, has relatively affordable plans, and if you’re interested in dub as well as sub, this has you covered! You’ll find popular series like Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Death Note, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (part 1-3 only), Jujustu Kaisen and more.

    The app is available on your device or console of choice and more information can be found here.

    Crave

    Aki, Audrey, & Max being cute in Gossip Girl s2
    (HBO Max)

    Crave may not scratch every itch, but it’s a Canadian app that allows individuals located in Canada access to all sorts of content. You can access HBO, HBO Max, Showtime titles like House of the Dragon, Euphoria, Game of Thrones, True Blood, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Gossip Girl (2021- ), The L Word: Generation Q and so on. There are only two plan options though and the better one is more expensive. But those are the only downsides if I’m being honest.

    Disney+/Hulu

    Angela Bassett as Marie Laveau American Horror Story
    (FX)

    Disney is a giant and has no problem trying to crush accessibility where their releases are concerned. If you’re a big fan of Disney movies and series, Marvel, or Hulu exclusives then you’ve got very limited options for streaming. Popular series like WandaVision, American Horror Story, and She-Hulk can be watched on Disney+ and Hulu. And surprisingly some of the most talked about 2022 horror films are available on the Hulu platform as well.

    (featured image: Netflix)

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  • Did Steam Leak the Star Wars: Jedi Survivor Release Date?

    Did Steam Leak the Star Wars: Jedi Survivor Release Date?

    ‘Tis truly a bountiful season for Star Wars fans! We’ve got the Star Wars live-action television series from Disney+ with season three of The Mandalorian coming soon after Andor’s recent season 1 ending. Their animated docket is also full, with a new season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch coming on the heels of this fall’s Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi animated anthology series. Star Wars has also had great success with their foray into video games, especially with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. So what’s going on with its sequel, Jedi: Survivor, and did we just find out its release date via Steam?

    As fans might recall, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order takes place five years after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The game follows a former padawan, Cal Kestis, who managed to survive Order 66 and is now being hunted by two Imperial Inquisitors (Second Sister and Ninth Sister) and Darth Vader. He is tasked with tracking down a Holocron that holds the names of force-sensitive children across the galaxy before the Inquisitors can get their hands on it. By the end of the game, Kestis has rescued the Holocron, and his partner, Cere (a former Jedi Knight), has reconciled with her former padawan, Trilla … a.k.a. Second Sister. Unfortunately though, Vader kills Trilla for failing to stop Cere and Kestis. Cal decides to destroy the Holocron in an effort to keep the force-sensitive children on its list safe. 

    When will Star Wars Jedi: Survivor be released?

    a close up of the grand inquisitor
    (Image: EA/Respawn)

    New rumors rocked the gaming world and Fallen Order fans in early December 2022, when screenshots from the game were supposedly leaked. The screenshots reveal an alleged release date of March 15, 2023. Other sites also reported rumors that the game would be releasing March 16, 2023, based on information on the game’s Steam page that has since been removed. The Jedi: Survivor site has deleted any information regarding the release, so we can only speculate on whether or not the rumors of a mid-March release date are true. After all, it was also rumored that the release date would be officially announced during the 2022 Game Awards on Thursday, December 8!

    And the rumor about the release date being revealed during the Game Awards turned out to be correct! Stars Wars Jedi: Survivor dropped the official reveal trailer during the ceremony! Along with the trailer was the official release date: March 17, 2023! So get your lightsabers ready because March is only a few months away!

    What else do we know about Star Wars Jedi: Survivor?

    Rumors about Star Wars Jedi: Survivor have been circulating ever since EA announced not one but three new Star Wars games: a first-person shooter, a strategy game, and a sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order. One rumor (from Bespin Bulletin) that has been proven correct was the announcement of Fallen Order‘s sequel at Star Wars Celebration 2022. The new sequel, titled Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was announced during the event’s festivities along with a new teaser trailer.

    The new game will continue to follow the young Jedi Cal Kestis as he tries to escape the Empire. The new trailer was light on plot, but we gleaned some important details. Cal seems to have lost not only the found family of allies that he gained during Fallen Order, but it seems his lightsaber has fallen into the hands of the Inquisitors. Speaking of which, it appears that the Grand Inquisitor is going to be coming after Cal directly.

    Along with the teaser trailer, it was announced that the game will be releasing officially in 2023. However, a specific date was not given. The game will be coming to next-gen consoles like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, but the rumors circulating that the game will only be released on those platforms was neither confirmed nor denied. It is quite possible that players who still use PS4 and Xbox One will be out of luck if they want to play Jedi: Survivor. This is a frustrating possibility for many gamers, considering that there is still a shortage of current-gen consoles on the market, and PS5s are still incredibly hard to come by.

    (via: The Direct, featured image: EA/Respawn)

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  • Rex Orange County Controversy, Explained | The Mary Sue

    Rex Orange County Controversy, Explained | The Mary Sue

    There are so many indie musicians out there that I guarantee you’ve heard most of them at least once, even if you think you haven’t. In this case, if you’re on Instagram and/or TikTok, you’ve probably heard Rex Orange County’s songs multiple times. He’s got a distinct sound and style that give the impression of an endearing, soft-hearted sort who’s just out there lookin’ for love. This made him one of mainstream indie’s most endearing figures of the last decade, and one I used to be a fan of, too.

    Alas, a tale as old as time: A “good boy” aesthetic doth not a “good boy” make.

    Rex (real name: Alexander O’Connor) has been charged with assaulting a woman six times over the course of two days. I’ll spare you the more horrific details, but the crux of it is that the facts are pretty damning, and O’Connor will be going to trial on January 3, 2023.

    Fans were wondering what was going on this past July when he suddenly canceled all upcoming tour dates. O’Connor went on to lament this cancellation because he loves touring and didn’t want to let anyone down—a willfully careless statement if not for the fact that he’s apparently eager to “clear his name” and prove his innocence in court.

    And sure, we weren’t there and we don’t know the whole story, but again, the facts are damning. It’s an unfortunate aspect of these kinds of music scenes that so many “good boys” end up power-tripping to the degree that they feel they’re untouchable. Often, it’s the people they sleep with who bear the brunt of it, as consent can become blurred when someone strongly believes in their “inherent” goodness. It happened to me, and it’s happened to many people I know.

    If you want more examples, well damn, where do we even start? We could start with Burger Records dissolving after so many of their artists turned out to be serial users and abusers. More recently, we could talk about Arcade Fire and the allegations of sexual misconduct against frontman Win Butler. Off the top of my head, I can think of several other “sweetheart” artists who’ve been accused of heinous behavior, including members of Summer Salt, Bane’s World, Sun Kil Moon, PWR BTTM, The Growlers, and on and on and on.

    Many survivors feel vindicated regarding the charges against O’Connor. We’ve been saying for years that just seeming like a good, sensitive person doesn’t actually make you one. Putting on that façade is, in our experience, often just an obvious tell for covert abusive behavior. People are complicated and aren’t always capable of softness, so when someone really goes the extra mile to seem “sweeter than the rest,” it should set off alarm bells. They probably want something from you, and they want to disarm you so they can get it. Maybe it’s money, fame, affection—whatever, the bottom line is: Don’t trust that shit.

    And look, I get the appeal. I was obviously there once. We want to believe that everyone in the world is capable of such beauty and sweetness. But no genuine goodness could ever come at such a dire expense.

    Regardless of how the trial pans out, I wish the best for O’Connor’s accuser and hope she finds some peace in the coming year.

    (featured image: RCA Records)

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  • Will Doctor Doom Be in ‘Black Panther 2?’

    Will Doctor Doom Be in ‘Black Panther 2?’

    With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever finally in theaters, one question can finally be laid to rest: is Doctor Doom in this movie, or not? Multiple rumors over the past few months indicated that he’d be making an appearance, but here’s the final verdict.

    Victor Von Doom in the comics and the MCU

    In the comics, Doom is a super genius and the ruler of Latveria. Born in a Romani camp in Latveria, Doom loses his mother to Mephisto, and grows up obsessed with getting her back. He accepts a scholarship to the same university that Reed Richards, a.k.a Mister Fantasic, attends, and he and Richards become friends. When Doom tries to free his mother by building a machine that can project astral forms into other dimensions, Richards tries to help. Ignoring Richards’ help, Doom activates the machine, which promptly explodes and scars his face. After that, it’s a life of crime for Doom!

    The comics establish Doom as one of the most intelligent people on Earth. He masters both science and sorcery, meaning that his powers are on par with heroes like Tony Stark and Stephen Strange. Throughout his long history as a supervillain, Doom has dealings with both Atlantis and Wakanda. He forms an alliance with Wakanda during the superhero civil war, and later, when Atlantis is destroyed, he opens Latveria up for Atlantean refugees … as part of one of his evil schemes, of course.

    Although Doom multitasks as one of Marvel’s Big Bads, including the main protagonists in 2015’s Secret Wars comic series, he’s traditionally been the nemesis of the Fantastic Four, since he blames Richards for the accident with his astral projection machine. With both a Fantastic Four movie and a Secret Wars adaptation coming up, it’s only natural for Doom to appear in the MCU soon.

    The first rumor

    So why have people been speculating about a Doctor Doom appearance in Black Panther 2 in the first place? Where did the rumors come from?

    It all started with a post at Bleedingcool.com, which has since been deleted. Before it disappeared, though, The Direct reported the following:

    According to this rumor, Doom’s role is “very minor” as the movie uses him to “imply that the war between Wakanda and Atlantis [now Talokan] was down to Doom’s interference.” The report doesn’t confirm if Doom will actually make an appearance or not, although the production team is reportedly working on a costume as well.

    That’s it. That’s the whole rumor. There’s really not much to see here. But later, something else surfaced.

    Alleged concept art

    In July 2022, an alleged bit of concept art surfaced on the r/MarvelStudiosSpoilers subreddit. The art shows a computer generated Doom confronting another figure in what looks like a warehouse or cargo hold.

    As you can see, it’s Doom in his full regalia, looking like he just stepped out of the comics. The Reddit post has the tag “BP: Wakanda Forever.”

    Again, though, there’s zero evidence that the image is authentic. It’s unclear where it came from—whether it’s a genuine bit of concept art that’s been leaked out of context, or a scrapped idea, or something that was completely fabricated by someone unaffiliated with Marvel.

    So is Doom in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?

    Sorry, Doom fans—Doctor Doom doesn’t make an appearance in Black Panther 2. In fact, in October, producer Nate Moore officially stated in an interview that Doom isn’t in the movie. But don’t give up hope! We’ve still got plenty of Multiverse Saga to go.

    (Via: The Direct, featured image: Marvel)

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  • All Actresses Who Have Played Wednesday Addams Ranked Worst To Best

    All Actresses Who Have Played Wednesday Addams Ranked Worst To Best

    Netflix’s Wednesday premiered on November 23, 2022, marking the first live-action Addams family TV adaption since The New Addams Family in 1998. The series is directed by the gothic horror king, Tim Burton, and sees Jenna Ortega take on the titular role of Wednesday Addams. Wednesday is also a unique series in that it is the first Addams family adaption to focus solely on one member of the family. However, it’s no surprise that Wednesday was picked as the main protagonist.

    Wednesday is the one member of the Addams family who, in nearly every interpretation, manages to shine on her own and isn’t too dependent on her family as Gomez, Morticia, and Pugsley tend to be. Additionally, she boldly breaks the mold of what a little girl is expected to be by being independent, unemotional, fierce, and with a morbid sense of humor. Ortega did a masterful job of portraying Wednesday as an “outcast” at odds with both her family and the world. However, Wednesday has been onscreen since 1964, with several actresses portraying the character and each putting their twist on her. Here is every actress who has portrayed, or voiced, Wednesday, ranked worst to best.

    7. Cindy Henderson

    Cindy Henderson as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (1973)
    (Taft Broadcasting)

    Cindy Henderson was the second actress to portray Wednesday and the first to lend her voice to the character in an animated series. Henderson voiced Wednesday in the 1973 animated series The Addams Family. However, the show only ran for one season and Henderson never reprised her role as Wednesday afterward. She largely stepped away from the film industry after the 70s. Meanwhile, although The Addams Family cartoon was strange, funny, and ghoulish, it didn’t quite do justice to Wednesday. She wears a pink dress in the series and is portrayed as rather timid, sweet, and happy. Henderson gave her a soft, sweet voice but without adding much personality to it.

    6. Nicole Fugere

    Nicole Fugere as Wednesday Addams in Addams Family Reunion
    (Warner Home Video)

    Nicole Fugere portrayed Wednesday in the 1998 film Addams Family Reunion and in the TV series The New Addams Family, which ran for one season between 1998 – 1999. Fugere was the last live-action Wednesday before Ortega. She made a strong Wednesday with her interest in the macabre and her intense rivalry with her brother, Pugsley (Brody Smith). However, she didn’t quite nab the melancholy and woeful portrayal of Wednesday that Charles Addams initially imbued into the character. Instead, she leaned more to the remorseless, frightening, and sadistic side of Wednesday. While she was masterful at portraying Wednesday’s severe side, she made the character a little flat by not exploring her more sorrowful and sophisticated side.

    5. Chloë Grace Moretz

    Chloe Grace Moretz as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (2019)
    (Universal Pictures)

    Chloë Grace Moretz was the third actress to voice an animated Wednesday. Moretz portrayed Wednesday in the 2019 animated film The Addams Family and its sequel, The Addams Family 2. Though the films follow the whole Addams family, they hone in on Wednesday. The first film sees Wednesday befriend a girl from school and consider adding a bit of color to her life. Meanwhile, the sequel explores Wednesday growing older and feeling distant from her family. Moretz does a fantastic job of finding a balance between Wednesday’s sadism and melancholy. She also provides Wednesday with a nice icy tone. The only issue is that Wednesday changes a bit too quickly throughout the films, and sometimes the characteristics that make her Wednesday fade a bit.

    4. Debi Derryberry

    Debi Derryberry Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (1992)
    (Turner Entertainment)

    Debi Derryberry portrayed Wednesday in the 1992 animated series The Addams Family. The Addams Family was released in the wake of the live-action The Addams Family film in 1991, which reignited interest in the macabre family. It ran for 2 seasons and was an enjoyable and quirky take on the Addams family that included funny one-liners and some slapstick humor. Derryberry is an American voice actress most well known for portraying Wednesday Addams and Jimmy Neutron. Derryberry offered a very unique take on Wednesday. Her Wednesday wasn’t as macabre, dark, or menacing as some other iterations, but Derryberry masterfully kept the emotion out of her voice and gave Wednesday a very mature and sophisticated tone. It certainly meshed well with the idea of Wednesday being an old soul or a “child of woe.”

    3. Lisa Loring

    Lisa Loring as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (1964)
    (ABC)

    Lisa Loring was the very first actress to take on the role of Wednesday. She portrayed Wednesday in the 1964 live-action sitcom The Addams Family. Loring was just a tender 6 years old when she took on the role. At such a young age, she wasn’t quite old enough to nab the melancholy aspect of Wednesday. She just couldn’t help looking and sounding adorable and innocent. However, she did manage to pull off Wednesday’s signature death stare and an innocent interest in the macabre. Loring was a very realistic young Wednesday, one who showed traits of morbidity and melancholy that made it clear she wasn’t quite the innocent little girl that she appeared to be on the outside.

    2. Jenna Ortega

    Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in Wednesday
    (Netflix)

    Jenna Ortega is the most recent actress to play Wednesday. She made her debut on November 23, 2022, when Netflix dropped the first season of Wednesday. Ortega, by far, offers the most layered version of Wednesday yet. From the onset, though, she masterfully portrays the “child of woe” with an expression of perpetual, subtle sadness. She also captures Wednesday’s maturity, sophistication, and brilliance. Where she differs from previous interpretations is in her psychic powers, anti-social personality, humor, and her disdain for her mother. In some ways, these are good changes as they make her transition from a child to an adolescent realistic. At the same time, it slightly tarnishes the legacy of the Addams family, which was that they always perceived themselves as normal and were a close-knit loving family, who taught others to embrace their peculiar, but harmless, differences.

    1. Christina Ricci

    Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams in Addams Family Values
    (Paramount Pictures)

    While Ortega was a worthy successor of Wednesday, she couldn’t quite top the iconic legacy of Christina Ricci’s take on the character. Ricci took on the role of Wednesday in Barry Sonnenfeld’s 1991 film The Addams Family and its sequel, The Addams Family Values. Ricci shined as Wednesday because she perfectly encompassed everything that Charles Addams had intended her to be. She was dark, yet not overly complex, choosing to shield herself in a constant haze of gloom and sorrow. However, Ricci’s Wednesday, though maintaining her inability to express emotion, still was able to express skill and passion as she tormented her brothers or challenged America’s white-washed Christopher Columbus history. Ricci proved the most masterful take on Wednesday because she could give her a personality and a place in her family, without having to change her fundamental characteristics of morbidity and lack of emotion.

    (featured image: Netflix)

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  • Given the Controversy Surrounding ‘The Flash’ and Its Star, Ezra Miller, Should the Film Be Released?

    Given the Controversy Surrounding ‘The Flash’ and Its Star, Ezra Miller, Should the Film Be Released?

    We’ve been hearing a lot about the DCEU lately—especially given Warner Bros. merging with Discovery—and several projects have either been canceled or had their fate appear up in the air. But one film, in particular, has seemed uncertain for quite some time now—and the history behind it (and its star) has left many confused as to why it continued to move full speed ahead. Ezra Miller has been the subject of a disturbing and (seemingly continuous) downward spiral that has left both fans and spectators alike in shock and disgust. But just when did these controversies start and what does this mean for the actor’s upcoming DCEU standalone film The Flash? Should it be canned?

    Trigger warning: This story will contain mentions of abduction, abuse, and grooming. 

    Miller’s Background

    Ezra Miller in Fantastic Beasts- The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
    (Warner Bros.)

    Born in 1992 to a well-known publisher and a dancer, Ezra Miller came from a privileged background and first got their glimpse into the world of acting while starring in the Robert Wilson and Philip Glass opera White Raven. They would, later on, star in Afterschool, which premiered at Cannes, playing a high school loner who unexpectedly witnesses a death. Following the film’s release, Miller dropped out of school. In a 2012 interview, they spoke of their high school experience as an era where they often burnt and broke things. Miller’s big break would come in 2011—with the release of We Need to Talk About Kevin. In the movie, Miller plays the titular Kevin who goes on a murderous rampage on school grounds using a crossbow, which, by the way, Miller has kept (an odd keepsake considering its role in the film).

    When 2012 rolled around, Miller played fan favorite Patrick in the adaptation of (the highly-popular YA novel) The Perks of Being a Wallflower, alongside Emma Watson and Logan Lerman. During filming for the movie, Miller had one of their first documented run-ins with the law, after being pulled over in Pittsburgh because of a broken brake light. Police found 20 grams of marijuana on them, but the charge for drug possession was dropped. However, the judge did give the actor two citations of disorderly conduct. In 2015/16 Miller’s star rose, with roles in the Stanford Prison Experiment and the Fantastic Beasts franchise. By 2016, they would finally make their first appearance as the Flash in Batman v. Superman. However, there was some other odd, though seemingly harmless, behavior they exhibited during this time period—including singing a weird rendition of Rihanna’s ‘Work’ and giving an interview in gibberish while dressed as Toadette from Mario Kart. However, as time progressed, this erratic behavior turned increasingly violent.

    The Present Controversies

    In February of 2020, early reports from Business Insider discussed what appeared to be a cult-like commune in Iceland—led by Miller. While there, Miller displayed multiple instances of violence in bars, including putting a woman in a chokehold, in a video that went viral, where he was also accused of screaming at her and spitting in her face. Fast forward to January of this year, and Miller would film a video of themself (on their since-deleted Instagram) directed at the Ku Klux Clan, saying:

    “This is Ezra Miller—a.k.a. the Bengal Ghouls, the Mad Goose Wizard—and, um, this is a message for the Beulaville chapter of the North Carolina Ku Klux Klan. Hello. First of all, how are you all doing? Um, it’s me. Look, if y’all want to die, I suggest just killing yourselves with your own guns, okay? Otherwise, keep doing exactly what you’re doing right now—and you know what I am talking about—and then, you know, we’ll do it for you if that’s what you want,” the actor says in the clip. 

    Two months later on March 27th, ‘The Flash Enters the Speed Force’ from the Snyder Cut won the all-new (and questionable) Oscars Fan Favorite Moment on the same day Miller was arrested in Hawaii, following another altercation in a bar. Apparently, the Barry Allen actor had issues with how the patrons sang Lady Gaga’s ‘Shallow.’ I wish I were making this up. But I’m not.

    Anyway, Miller was bailed out by the couple they were living with in Hawaii. However, two days later, the same couple filed a restraining order against them, after the actor allegedly stole a passport and wallet from the pair. In April, we are still in Hawaii by the way, the actor would again be taken into custody after throwing a chair at a woman. A chair. All these, so far, are the least of what Miller has done. It only gets worse from here. 

    In June, Miller would again trend after the parents of a teenage activist accused the actor of grooming their child. In these TMZ-obtained documents, it is narrated that Miller and the teen met at a protest when they were 12 and Miller was 23, and the actor allegedly flew the latter to London to visit them on the set of Fantastic Beasts. (The teen was only 14 at the time, while Miller was 25.) Their parents also allege Miller was giving their underage child alcohol and drugs. The, now adult, teen has since rebutted their parents’ claims that Miller has been intimidating them and using force to keep them by their side—in a statement on Instagram. That said, a 25-year-old bringing a 14-year-old child to stay with them in another country is problematic and inappropriate at best.

    At around this timeframe, Miller would post memes on their own Instagram poking fun at how the police cannot find them. By June 16, The Daily Beast would publish a harrowing report detailing yet another alleged victim of Miller’s. This time, a 12-year-old child. According to the victim and witnesses, Miller made uncomfortable comments and physical gestures toward the child, and then, while playing a board game with the group, Miller exploded in anger, and when questioned (his trigger was a claim that a boardgame was cultural appropriation), showed a weapon on their person and made a threatening statement. A judge granted the family a temporary harassment prevention order following this and further incidents.

    During the same month, another investigation (this time from Rolling Stone) would reveal that Miller has a farm in Vermont where they house three young children and their mother alongside unattended guns and marijuana plants. Toward the latter end of June (yes, we are still in this month for this story), an exclusive report from Variety recounted yet another experience of a victim, this time from a woman who alleged that Miller both harassed and insulted her. 

    “I asked them to leave about 20 times, maybe more. They started insulting me. I’m a ‘transphobic piece of shit.’ I’m a ‘Nazi.’ It became so, so stressful for me. They were going around my house, looking at everything, touching everything, spreading tobacco leaves on the floor. It felt disgusting and very intrusive,” the woman, simply identified as Nadia in the report, recalled. 

    Miller’s latest run-in with the law came with reports of them being arrested in Vermont for felony burglary. They had allegedly stolen several bottles of alcohol.

    What happens to The Flash?

    Ezra Miller plays Barry Allen/The Flash in the DCEU's Justice League.
    (Warner Bros)

    The question on everyone’s mind right now is, well, what happens with The Flash? Given the recent announcement canceling Batgirl (also known as my personal villain origin story), should we expect the same treatment for Miller’s rendition of the famous speedster? Surprisingly, the answer is both yes and no. 

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, executives over at the Warners’ lot are exploring three options:

    First, since Miller has recently been spotted with their mother and seems to be inclined to receive professional help, the studios are reportedly thinking of having the actor give an interview explaining their behavior this past…year? This tell-all would then be supposedly followed up with limited press for the film, which would still open in theaters. In a statement to Variety, Miller seemed to be starting an apology path, saying:

    “Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment,” Miller says. “I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.”

    The second option would also mean the film would still be released. BUT without Miller doing any press. And the role would be recast for future Flash appearances (Grant Gustin comes to mind. Anybody?).

    The third, and allegedly final, option is what most people are expecting: scrapping it. And while, given the severity of the accusations against Miller, that certainly would seem appropriate on one hand, on the other, this option would hurt everyone else who worked on the 200-million dollar film, too (recasting/refilming scenes would be nearly impossible, as Miller is in every scene).

    The Numbers Look Bad for Miller

    A recent survey conducted by A Morning Consult revealed that more than two among five adults in the United States would rather see the film canceled in its entirety. Only a third of its respondents answered that they would prefer for the movie to be postponed and have its main lead recast, while 14% answered that the studios should just release it as it is. 

    Interestingly, a glaring 70% agreed with fully supporting a studio in having a problematic actor/actress removed from doing press for the film, while over 61% said they would support having a troublesome star’s name removed from credits. Coincidentally, this is exactly what happened with Miller’s latest film Dalíland where production icily decided to cut their name in the cast list for the official TIFF announcement. 

    In an interview with Vanity Fair, the film’s director Mary Harron went on record about her experience filming with Miller, whom she apparently already had in mind to play a young Salvador Dalí over a decade ago when she first thought of developing Dalíland.

    “It might have been different, especially if we were shooting, if there had been bad behavior during that. But this all happened after the film was not only filmed, but edited and mixed and done. I also felt like everybody shot all those things in good faith. Nothing bad happened during our filming, and the film is the film.” She further adds, “I’m not condoning anything they’ve done wrong. I think it doesn’t matter how talented someone is, if they’ve done anything wrong, they have to face it. I also think that clearly this is not just a young star acting out. This is much more serious. This seems like something that needs a serious intervention, which I hope has happened.”

    Not Guilty Plea

    Miller pleaded not guilty to the previously mentioned burglary charges in a Vermont court. The charges came after Miller was accused of breaking into an occupied home in Stamford, Vermont. Upon investigation, it was discovered that several bottles of alcohol were missing and appeared to have been taken. They appeared with their lawyer via a virtual proceeding in a Bennington Superior Court and conceded to an agreement where they would no longer contact the property owners or make any to return to the said residence. 

    “Ezra Miller this morning pled not guilty to one count of burglary and one count of petit larceny in Vermont Superior Court and accepted the court-imposed conditions of not contacting or entering the home of the inhabitants,” The Flash star’s lawyer Lisa B. Shelkrot said in a statement, “Ezra would like to acknowledge the love and support they have received from their family and friends, who continue to be a vital presence in their ongoing mental health.”

    As previously reported, Miller has since taken accountability for his actions and issued an apology, citing complex mental health issues and agreeing to seek treatment. They have received support from fans and former colleagues like director Mary Harron, while their spokesperson has insisted that Miller is taking their therapy very seriously. 

    In a recent September 2022 interview with Vanity Fair Miller’s former fiancée Erin had this to say: “The Ezra I knew wasn’t violent or physically abusive toward anyone. To think back is painful because we had a deep love and he was good to me. For years he convinced me and all our friends that I was abusive…. But looking back, I would be calling out his disrespect and he wouldn’t take responsibility and just call me abusive because of my reaction. I could have handled it better. I didn’t know the term gaslight back then. I was emotionally fucked up for years.”

    According to Erin, she and Miller went their separate ways after the latter was given advice by a spiritual counselor that she was a parasite. When asked about her current feelings for Miller, she shared that it’s a little more complicated: “I can make excuses for him all day, but I don’t want to anymore. The illusions of grandeur need to be called out. I will love Ezra always, and I don’t want him to continue down this dark road.”

    What do you think should happen to The Flash?  

    (featured image: Warner Bros.)

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  • Elon Musk Finally Done Pretending He Had Any Intention of Keeping Trump off of Twitter

    Elon Musk Finally Done Pretending He Had Any Intention of Keeping Trump off of Twitter

    There had been rumors for weeks that Donald Trump’s Twitter account would be reinstated by Elon Musk as part of his takeover of the social media network. But given Trump’s announcement that he would run for president again, and subsequent news that Facebook will cease fact-checking him as a result, people were left to wonder more than ever … would the Elon Musk-run Twitter allow his return? Well, we finally have our answer.

    After launching a poll about the matter on his personal account—which is apparently how critical decisions like this are made now at Twitter.com, despite that he once claimed it would be done by a “moderation council” of diverse opinions—Musk has stated that Donald Trump’s account will indeed be reinstated:

    While the poll was ongoing, Musk also seemed to side with users who claimed that the votes against Trump’s return were part of a bot campaign—kind of the entire 2020 election in microcosm, making it once again painfully easy to see why Musk and Trump might get along:

    What first made us think Elon Musk would allow Trump to return to Twitter?

    Elon Musk own words

    Straight from the mouthpiece (or flapping jaws) of Twitter’s CEO, Elon Musk has previously called Trump being banned from Twitter “a mistake” and outright said he would restore the former president’s Twitter. Musk tweeted out in October that “Twitter will be forming a content moderation council with widely diverse viewpoints. No major content decisions or account reinstatements will happen before that council convenes.” No one knows who or what the content moderation council will be, but Musk has already shown to be playing fast and loose with content moderation on the platform. He has also stated that banning Trump from Twitter was a mistake. 

    Trump’s Potential 2024 Presidential Run

    Trump is announcing something later tonight and many speculate that he will be announcing his run for the 2024 Republican candidacy. While a lot of Trump-endorsed candidates didn’t do well in the midterms, the Republicans control the House and the Supreme Court.

    And why were we not entirely sure?

    Advertisers

    Twitter is already losing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue due to an “Impersonation Epidemic,” that made large companies lose faith in the company. Doubling down on the toxicity by allowing the head insurrectionist back onto the platform would almost certainly lead to a mass exodus of advertisers and the revenue they bring.

    General populace

    Many Twitter users have already left the platform in protest of the lax policies that have allowed hate speech to run rampant and both celebrities, and average users have stated their likelihood to leave the platform if Trump were to return.

    Trump himself

    Donald Trump has stated that he would not return to the platform, even if his account were restored. He instead has promoted his own social media site, “Truth Social,” which has struggled to gain a following. Trump himself rarely posts on the app.

    In the end, we can only hope that reason (or at least Elon Musk’s own self-interest) will prevail.

    (featured image: Alyssa Shotwell)

    Original story by Kimberly Terasaki. Updated by Dan Van Winkle with confirmation on November 19.

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  • Father, Rank Every ‘God of War’ Game From Worst to Best | The Mary Sue

    Father, Rank Every ‘God of War’ Game From Worst to Best | The Mary Sue

    Boy … You wish to know which of the God of War games was the greatest of all my adventures? Why do you let this trouble your mind? We are currently on an adventure, doing battle against the Norse gods. Focus on the task at hand. I will suffer not foolish questions.

    I can feel you staring at the back of my head, boy. Keep quiet and kill that draugr.

    Boy … I GROW WEARY OF YOUR INSOLENCE! IF YOU DO NOT—(whispering to self) Deep breaths… He is still a child. I am kind. I am gentle. I am turning over a new leaf. I shall count backward from 10 … 9 … 8 …

    Very well, Atreus. I will tell you which of the God of War adventures was the mightiest and which your generation would call “trash.” But suffer me not to rank the mobile games. They do not count. I like them not. Read on, boy, for a thorough ranking of the God of War games from worst to best.

    My least worthy adventure: God of War: Ascension

    A Cyclops watches warriors battle in God of War: Ascension
    (Sony)

    To be honest, boy, I barely remember what I did during this game. My deeds were forgettable at best. I broke my vow to Ares, yes. But there had already been a game about that entire plot line: the original God of War. Indeed, there were some thrilling levels in this game. My battle with Aegaeon the Hecatonchires—a giant with 50 heads and 100 arms—was indeed a highlight, but the rest of the game went … downhill from there. There was also a silly dodge mechanic that made combat much more difficult. I spent five games doing it one way! Why should I suddenly be expected to do it another? It was nonsense. And what fool thought it would be a good idea to incorporate multiplayer?

    My second least worthy adventure: God of War: Chains of Olympus

    Kratos from God of War: Chains of Olympus
    (Sony)

    This game was released exclusively for the PSP, and I believe that it suffers for this very reason. My deeds are larger than life! They are of mythological proportions! And yet they were rendered on such a puny little screen! Insulting. Nevertheless, the combat was enjoyable. I was often drunk on the blood of my enemies, yet I had to sober up often to solve silly puzzles by pushing blocks around. It was degrading. The narrative is also nothing to write home about. I was an errand boy for the fickle gods. Nothing of note happened until the last act. But I had to slog through the rest of the game to get there.

    A worthy game: God Of War (2005)

    A screenshot of gameplay from the original God of War video game
    (Sony)

    This title is where my adventure began, and is therefore worthy, even if it was a humble beginning. My particular brand of hacking and slashing elevated the hack-and-slash genre to new heights. My combos were as beautiful as they were brutal. And my narrative was good. I had firmly decided to stand against the gods, and players cared about my quest for vengeance. The only downside to the game was the silly puzzles I had to complete. So many blocks I dragged, and for what? The platforming aspect was also a foolish choice. I am nimble on my feet, but I am a Spartan soldier, not an Italian plumber. Were I granted mushrooms and flying tanuki costumes to aid me on my quest, it would have been a different matter. But the gods were cruel, and I was given no such boon.

    A game worthier, still: God of War: Ghost of Sparta

    A screenshot of gameplay from the game God of War: Ghost of Sparta
    (Sony)

    This is the second PSP game that was ever created to detail my exploits, and yet I do not mind that it was not released on a major console. The game does not hinder itself by relying on scale and instead rewards creative gameplay. Players were also treated with a deeper look into my psyche. They got to know my family—my mother and my brother. There was pathos in this tale, enough to move even the finest of Greek tragedians. The game also takes place in Atlantis—a thrilling setting! Who is immune to the fascinating mysteries of an underwater city? No mortal man, for certain.

    An exceedingly worthy game: God of War III

    Cover art for the game God of War 3
    (Sony)

    This game began with a thunderous BANG and did not stop! Who can forget my climb up Mount Olympus to do battle with the gods? Who can forget when I gouged out Poseidon’s eyes? Who can forget when I tore off the head of Helios and used it to light my way in the darkness? Who can forget when I slayed my own father, and then myself? I wish I could, boy. I wish I could. Those memories are painful to me now, but when I was a young man they thrilled me to no end. Indeed, they thrilled a generation of gamers as well. And I am thankful. Had it not been for this game, my business in Greece would have remained unfinished. And I would not have had the … privilege … of becoming your father.

    The worthiest game of my youth: God of War II

    Kratos, depicted from behind, in the game God of War 2
    (Sony)

    I began this game in a foul mood. To vent my anger, I destroyed the mighty Colossus of Rhodes. I was then betrayed by the gods and sent down into the underworld. I slew Hades, the God of Hell. I railed against fate itself. And I had a good time doing it. I immensely enjoyed this game’s fluid combat and breathtaking boss battles. I even enjoyed the puzzles. I never thought I’d see the day.

    Fatherhood, a worthier game still: God of War (2018)

    Kratos and his son Atreus in the fourth God of War game
    (Sony)

    Fatherhood changed me, Atreus—for the better, this I know. And learning how to be a father to you proved to be my greatest adventure of all. In doing so, the world saw a new side to me, just as I experienced a new side to myself. I became older, more mature, and more world-weary. I was filled with grief, and yet that grief was healed by love. I am told that our first adventure together moved the gaming community to tears, just as it has moved me. And what glorious things we did! We fought dragons, my boy. We conquered Valkyries. We made the gods of this northern land tremble.

    My worthiest game of all: God of War: Ragnarok

    Official art for God of War: Ragnarok featuring Kratos and the main characters from the game
    (Sony)

    My worthiest adventure of all is the one that you and I are on. I have seen you grow into a strong young man, and you are now a fierce warrior in combat. Our deeds are on a grander scale than ever before. We are cataclysmic. We stand against the King of the Gods—the Allfather, Odin. We stand against his son as well—the God of Thunder, Thor. Our battles have been awe-inspiring. Our story runs deeper than before, as does our love. I only hope that we see it through to the end. Whatever end that may be, I am glad to meet it with you.

    (featured image: Sony)

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  • The 10 Best Funko Pops to Gift the Collectors in Your Life This Christmas Season

    The 10 Best Funko Pops to Gift the Collectors in Your Life This Christmas Season

    It’s officially time to whip out the Christmas lists and start planning what you’re going to get your friends and family and everyone in between this holiday season. Meaning that it’s also time for Funko Pops of all shapes, sizes and fandoms to shine once more.

    I still can’t explain it myself, but these little big-eyed figurines truly make for some of the most evergreen gifts. Funko Pop collectors will be happy to add some new pieces to their stacks, fans will be thrilled to have something new related to their favourite fandoms, and there’s also plenty of options for those who aren’t as deep into fandom life.

    So here are ten of the newest Funko Pop series, either recently released or soon to be available, to perfectly stuff any stocking this year.

    Legally Blonde

    Do you have any lawyer friends? Or just know someone who is obsessed with this 2001 Reese Whiterspoon-starring cult classic? Then you’ll be happy to know that Funko has finally released a series all dedicated to Legally Blonde. It includes four different pieces—Elle with Bruiser as they arrive at Harvard, one with Elle in her iconic pink sunbathing outfit, and two versions of the Bunny costume, one regular and one diamond.

    A picture of the three Pop figurines in the Legally Blonde collection

    BTS in the Butter MV

    This is the third series that Funko Pop has released featuring K-Pop superstars BTS—and it definitely deserves a spot on the shelf of any ARMY you might know. After one Love Yourself: Answer and one “Dynamite”-themed set, this time it’s all about BTS’s second smash-hit English single “Butter.” The series features the seven members of BTS in their music video outfits— which you can get as individual Funko Pops or in the pack that contains all seven of them.

    The latest seven figurines in Funko Po

    House of the Dragon

    Game of Thrones Funko Pop are some of the most loved ones out there, so you can bet you can find a whole new series of figurines dedicated to its prequel House of the Dragon to gift to the ASOIAF-fanatics in your life. This first release of HotD Funkos includes Rhaenyra Targaryen, in the outfit she wore when she was officially named Princess of Dragonstone, as well as her dragon Syrax; Alicent Hightower in the famous green dress and Alicent Hightower brandishing the Valyrian knit to attack Rhaenyra; Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake; King Viserys Targaryen; Otto Hightower; and two versions of Daemon Targaryen—one regular and one with the dragon egg he stole in Episode 2. A figurine of Daemon’s dragon Caraxes will also be released soon—but as for me, I’ll be sitting here patiently waiting for Funko to announce an Aemond Targaryen figurine, especially with his sapphire eye in full view. 

    The figurines in Funko's latest collection dedicated to House of the Dragon

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has just hit the theatres and of course, Funko Pops dedicated to the protagonists of the movie are bound to follow. This new series includes new versions of returning characters, like M’Baku, Queen Ramonda, Okoye, Nakia and two Shuris (one in the Sun Bird and one outside), as well as the new characters introduced in Wakanda Forever like Namor, Ironheart, Attuma and Namora. A second series dedicated to Wakanda Forever is also releasing soon, with even more figurines reprising the characters’ many different looks from the movie.

    More of the Funko being released for Wakanda Forever

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

    Yet another MCU series, the second movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange produced a wide array of Funko Pop figurines—almost as many as there are universes, one could say. Among the new additions, you can fill your loved ones’ collections with are several new versions of Doctor Strange, as well as Scarlet Witch’s new look from the movie. The two are also featured in a Pop Moment figurine, immortalizing the battle between Dead Strange and the Scarlet Witch. You can also find figurines of America Chavez and Christine Palmer, as well as the movie’s other side characters like Sara and Master Mordo.

    Doctor Strange Sara Funko POP

    New MCU Backlights

    Target exclusives go hand in hand with Funko Pops, and their uniqueness definitely makes them valued pieces in any collection. Especially if they’re splashed in the bright colours of the Backlight series. This new wave of MCU designs, which hit Target back in February, features a whole array of characters from Marvel’s most recent streaming shows, like Loki’s Sylvie, WandaVision’s Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye’s Kate Bishop, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’s Captain America and What If…?’s Infinity Killmonger.

    The new Funko Pops of the MCU Backlights Target Exclusive series

    Turning Red

    This 2022 Disney movie was an ode to all fangirls, covering all the bases from fan art to boy bands. And of course, there are Funko Pops to add it permanently to your collection. The three-piece series all revolves around the movie’s protagonist, Mei Lee. There’s one figurine of her human form and two of her red panda form (one regular and one flocked). The panda Pop is actually part of the Pop Super collection, meaning that it stands a lot taller than usual Funko Pop figurines, and it will definitely make itself well known in any display! 

    The Funko Pop figurines in the Turning Red collection

    Alice in Wonderland

    If you know any Disney Classic fans or maybe you want to surprise a really careful collector, then this Pop-In-A-Box Cheshire Cat exclusive might be what you’re looking for. Released in the first part of the year and featuring everyone’s favourite pink-and-purple cat in his iconic “disassembled” state, this Pop actually comes in two versions—one regular and one flocked, with the Cheshire Cat’s eye and smile also glowing in the dark.

    The Funko Pop figurines dedicated to Alice in Wonderland's Cheshire Cat

    Avatar

    With Avatar: The Way of Water just around the corner, it’s no surprise that Funko has announced a new series all about James Cameron’s one-of-a-kind visual masterpiece. The five-piece series is actually based on the first Avatar, featuring Jake Sully in his Avatar form, the movie’s antagonist Miles Quaritch and two versions of Na’vi princess Neytiri, one in her regular clothes and one in her battle outfit. A Pop Rides figurine of Jake Sully astride the fearsome Toruk completes the collection, which is actually scheduled for release a couple of months into the new year—but it definitely makes for a nice pre-anticipatory gift nonetheless.

    The figurines of Funko's collection dedicated to James Cameron's Avatar

    Wednesday

    Another series that technically releases after the holiday season but it’s still worth looking forward to is the one dedicated to Netflix’s Wednesday. Three figurines have been announced so far—two of Wednesday in her Nevermore Academy school uniform (one regular and one diamond) and then the eldest Addams’ daughter playing her cello. 

    The figurines of Funko Pop's new series dedicated to Netflix's Wednesday Addams

    (image: Funko)

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  • ‘Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches’ Release Window, Cast, and More | The Mary Sue

    ‘Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches’ Release Window, Cast, and More | The Mary Sue

    AMC has hit a gold mine with Anne Rice’s work, first with The Vampire Chronicles (Interview with the Vampire ), and now fans will be getting Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches on their screens as a series.

    Although I’m not personally familiar with the books, I do see the appeal of them—not to mention how there isn’t a mile long list of adaptations to compare it to. Having Alexandra Daddario be the lead of the series does help, too. She’s becoming somewhat of a scream queen, with her most popular mentions being Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013), American Horror Story: Hotel, and We Summon the Darkness (2019).

    Though how much in the way of details have been revealed about the film? Keep reading to find out about this upcoming supernatural horror drama.

    What’s the plot and release window for Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uwIto8dn4U

    The trailer promises an enriching story and very spooky moments. Daddario (who is playing Rowan) certainly has the range for horror with a more serious tone. And given everything that’s been revealed about the series, we’re certainly getting some intensity.

    The premise is as follows:

    “Brilliant neurosurgeon Dr. Rowan Fielding learns she is the heiress to a dynasty of powerful witches haunted by a sinister spirit.”

    – AMC

    Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches will premiere on January 8th on AMC as well as AMC +.

    Who will be in the Mayfair Witches cast?

    • Alexandra Daddario as Dr. Rowan Fielding
    • Harry Hamlin as Cortland Mayfair
    • Tongayi Chirisa as Ciprien Grieve
    • Jack Huston as Lasher

    Recurring:

    • Annabeth Gish as Deirdre Mayfair
    • Beth Grant as Carlotta Mayfair
    • Erica Gimpel as Ellie Mayfair
    • Jen Richards as Jojo

    Who is behind the series?

    Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches is based on Anne Rice’s novel series Lives of the Mayfair Witches. But this TV series adaptation’s creator is Esta Spalding. Production credit is as follows:

    Executive Producers

    • Esta Spalding
    • Michelle Ashford
    • Mark Johnson
    • Anne Rice (she passed away on December 11, 2021)
    • Christopher Rice (who is Anne Rice’s son)

    Here’s what both Esta Spalding and Michelle Ashford have said about the series:

    “The world of witches has fascinated and terrified for centuries, and yet Anne Rice’s particular lens on witches explored something new altogether—women who are powerful, and often brutal, and always committed to subverting our current power structures.”

    – Esta Spalding and Michelle Ashford

    For now, you can check out the first 2 episodes of Interview with the Vampire to satisfy your Anne Rice adaptation cravings.

    (featured image: AMC)

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  • 10 Best Batman Movies, Ranked

    10 Best Batman Movies, Ranked

    Batman has been gracing the big screen since as far back as 1943. The iconic Caped Crusader hit the big screen just four short years after he was first introduced in DC Comics. Of course, considering it was 1943, the very first theatrical Batman serial was rough. A very young Wilson Lewis played a not very compelling costumed Batman in a plot that was filled with war propaganda and racism. By 1949, Batman had received another far less offensive serial, Batman & Robin. However, the production was pitifully cheap and still didn’t come close to capturing the essence of what we now think of as Batman.

    It wasn’t until 1966 that the hero received his first proper theatrical film adaption in Batman. Adam West took on the role and engaged audiences with his campy heroic take on the Caped Crusader. By 1989 Warner Bros. began their initial Batman series which saw Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney take on the role of Batman throughout four films. Sadly, the franchise ended on a sour note when the fourth installment, Batman & Robin badly missed its mark and featured a lackluster Clooney in the role of Batman.

    However, that didn’t stop Warner Bros. from giving Batman another go with The Dark Knight trilogy starring Christian Bale. Just a few short years later, Warner Bros. introduced Ben Affleck as the DC Extended Universe’s (DCEU) Batman and also confirmed that Keaton will return as the character in The Flash. Meanwhile, Matt Reeves’ The Batman was released this year in a separate universe from the DCEU. Needless to say, more Batman films are definitely on the horizon. To prepare for them, let’s look back on the 10 best Batman films, ranked from worst to best.

    10. Batman Forever

    Val Kilmer as Batman in Batman Forever.
    (Warner Bros.)

    Batman Forever premiered on June 16, 1995, and marked the third installment in Warner Bros.’s original Batman series. The film was quite different from its two predecessors as it saw Val Kilmer replace Michael Keaton as Batman and Joel Schumacher step up as director in place of Tim Burton. Batman Forever follows Batman as he contends with the villains Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and The Riddler (Jim Carrey) while also balancing his personal life as he takes in an orphan boy named Dick Grayson (Chris O’Donnell) and pursues a relationship with Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman).

    Batman Forever received mixed-to-negative reviews. The drastic shift in tone from its predecessors and the replacement of Keaton with Kilmer placed the film at a disadvantage. It also suffered from being overstuffed and too campy with villains who were way too zany. While Kilmer offered a unique take on Batman, it can’t be denied it was a step down from Keaton’s masterful portrayal. With that being said, Batman Forever is still one of the most fun and entertaining Batman films to watch. While Carrey and Jones were a little over the top, they did still boast an alluring charm and charisma in their performances. It isn’t the best Batman film out there but it’s at least worthy of a watch.

    9. Justice League (2017)

    The Justice League of the DCEU.
    (Warner Bros.)

    Justice League premiered in 2017 and marked Ben Affleck’s second starring role in the DCEU as Batman. The film sees the catastrophic threat of the villain Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds) arise in the wake of Superman’s (Henry Cavill) death. Batman steps up to face the threat, alongside Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot). However, the threat is bigger than just the two of them. As a result, Batman rallies a team of meta-humans to join his fight against Steppenwolf. Among his recruits are Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher).

    Justice League received largely mixed-to-negative reviews. The expectations that came with its huge budget and large-scale superhero team-up also added to the letdown of the film. Justice League took on an unexpectedly light tone that didn’t mesh with the original direction of the franchise that Zack Snyder had established. Additionally, the plot suffered from being predictable and the film held too many empty action sequences. However, the cast of Justice League was delightful and boasted heartfelt performances. It also created some excitement with its superhero crossover and action. While it lacks depth, it’s not bad as a basic, action-packed superhero flick.

    8. Batman (1966)

    Adam West as Batman in Batman TV series
    (20th Century Fox)

    Batman was the very first full-length live-action Batman film that premiered in 1966. It didn’t have much of a precedent to follow aside from the low-budget theatrical serials from 1943 and 1949. The film is based on the 1966 TV series of the same name and stars Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. Batman sees Batman and Robin team up to confront some of Batman’s most iconic villains including Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), The Joker (Cesar Romero), The Riddler (Frank Gorshin), and The Penguin (Burgess Meredith).

    Batman is, by far, the campiest film on this list. However, the campy tone was both intentional and very well-framed. The cheesiness and campiness are done so well that it makes the film endearing and delightful. Its goofiness has an undeniable charm to it, and West is as masterful as Batman in the film as he was in the TV series. While it doesn’t come close to the maturity and depth of other films on this list, it is a fun and enjoyable film for true fans of Batman and for those who appreciate classic filmography.

    7. The Dark Knight Rises

    Tom Hardy as Bane in the Dark Knight Rises
    (Warner Bros.)

    The Dark Knight Rises was the final installment in Nolan’s trilogy and premiered in 2012. The film takes place eight years after the events of The Dark Knight and sees Batman still in exile after taking responsibility for Harvey Dent’s (Aaron Eckhart) death. While lying low seemed like the best option for Gotham, that changes when Bane (Tom Hardy) arrives on the scene. The mysterious and dangerous villain seeks to finish Ra’s al Ghul’s plan and cause the destruction of Gotham.

    The Dark Knight Rises was a worthy conclusion to the trilogy. It was emotionally moving and featured masterful performances and directing by Nolan. However, it was at a disadvantage by following The Dark Knight, which was the best installment in the franchise. Plus, the whole film felt off because the third installment should have included The Joker, but could not do so due to Heath Ledger’s passing. This led to Bane being the primary villain. Though masterfully portrayed by Hardy, Bane fell flat in the wake of The Joker and Two-Face. He lacked motivation and depth, and the plot as a whole was rather messy. However, it was such a well-made film that these flaws are hardly noticeable.

    6. Zack Snyder’s Justice League

    Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, and Ray Fisher in Zack Snyder
    (Warner Bros.)

    After the Joss Whedon-directed Justice League premiered and failed, fans began to call for Zack Snyder’s initial director’s cut of the film to be released. Warner Bros. heeded fans’ desires and released Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021. The film’s plot is identical to that of Justice League, in which Batman (Ben Affleck) recruits a team of metahumans to fight a nefarious villain. However, the Snyder version is nearly double the length, providing more much-needed context, character development, action, and depth.

    Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a much more sophisticated and developed film than Justice League. The visuals are grand, the characters are fleshed out, and the film has a consistent tone. Zack Snyder’s Justice League is very good in comparison to the initial film, but on its own, it doesn’t hold up so well. It is an overly long film with a very basic plot and relies too heavily on action and CGI. Zack Snyder’s Justice League fixed where Justice League went wrong on the characters, but little else.

    5. Batman Begins

    Christian Bale, flocked by bats, in Batman Begins.
    (Warner Bros.)

    Batman Begins marked the start of Christopher Nolan’s reboot Batman series, The Dark Knight trilogy. The film follows a young Bruce Wayne who is still grappling with the trauma of witnessing his parents’ murder when he was a child. While traveling to instill a deeper understanding of the criminal underworld, Wayne becomes acquainted with Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), who views Gotham as a wretched city that must be destroyed. Wayne rejects this philosophy and returns to Gotham under the guise of his Batman persona to prove the city can be saved without resorting to murder.

    Batman Begins is a historic movie that revolutionized how film approached Batman. It was the first Batman film to embrace a truly dark and gritty tone. Additionally, Bale offered a masterful portrayal of Batman as a flawed and vengeful human. Batman Begins was serious, mature, with advanced visual effects, and outstanding acting performances. With that being said, the film works well as an origin story but it featured an underwhelming villain and at times felt stiff and underdeveloped. It’s a hard film to rate because, for its period, it was a particularly sophisticated superhero film, however, when compared to its successors, its flaws are more noticeable.

    4. Batman (1989)

    Michael Keaton as Batman in 1989's Batman.
    (Warner Bros.)

    Warner Bros.’s 1989 film, Batman, marked the first truly modern Batman film. It ditched the cheap production and campy humor of the serials and films before it and delved into a more nuanced exploration of the iconic hero. The film follows Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), a man haunted by his parents’ brutal deaths, who fights crime in Gotham under the disguise of Batman. However, when the Joker (Jack Nicholson) shows up in the Gotham criminal underworld, Batman finds himself faced with his most challenging opponent yet.

    Batman is a groundbreaking and historic film. Director Tim Burton has a strong style and the product is appealing. The film has a very noir feel to it and the brooding tone that would become characteristic of future Batman films. Meanwhile, Keaton and Nicholson were phenomenal in their performances as Batman and the Joker. At the same time, Batman‘s legacy may be a bit better than its actual quality. The film had flaws, such as shifting from the source material in some areas, choppy dialogue, and suffering from a plot that isn’t too exciting. Despite the flaws, though, it contains a clear vision from Burton and showed viewers everything that a Batman film could be.

    3. The Batman

    Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne standing in front of a light
    (Warner Bros.)

    The Batman premiered in 2022 and is a standalone film set outside the DCEU. The film follows Batman (Robert Pattinson) as he investigates a mysterious series of murders in Gotham. His investigation becomes more urgent as he finds himself dealing with a sadistic killer who targets him with cryptic riddles and clues. However, he digs up more than he intended as he uncovers deep-set corruption in Gotham and a flawed family legacy. These difficult truths leave him struggling with the question of whether Gotham even deserves to be saved.

    Matt Reeves’ created a truly intriguing and powerful film with The Batman. Like Batman (1989) it capitalizes on that noir feel and brooding tone. Pattinson’s Batman is a very fleshed-out and humanized character who is conflicted over how to carry on his family’s legacy and whether to maintain his superhero identity. The film also offers a nice dose of comic book accuracy by delving into Batman’s detective role. The Batman has some minor flaws, such as not fleshing out several of its characters and dragging a bit with its slow pacing. However, it captured a clear vision and dazzled with its touching, resonating noir atmosphere.

    2. Batman Returns

    Michael Keaton as Batman
    (Warner Bros.)

    Tim Burton and Michael Keaton returned for Batman‘s sequel, Batman Returns, which premiered in 1992. Batman Returns sees Batman pitted against a formidable villainous duo, The Penguin (Danny DeVito) and Max Shreck (Christopher Walken). The duo becomes a trio when Shreck’s former assistant, Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), transforms into Catwoman. However, things become fairly complicated when an attraction develops between Catwoman and Batman.

    Burton managed to return with a sequel that exceeded its predecessor. While it didn’t quite boast the same legacy as Batman, it further captured Burton’s brilliant vision. The film benefits by being even edgier and grittier than Batman and fully embraces its noir tone. Meanwhile, DeVito and Pfeiffer stole the show with their brilliant performances. Their villains were so masterful that few foes in live-action Batman films have been able to top them. Together, Keaton, DeVito, and Pfeiffer marked one of the best lead casts of a Batman film. There are very few flaws in the haunting and brilliant film, aside from Batman getting a bit overshadowed by his foes.

    1. The Dark Knight

    Christian Bale as Batman in The Dark Knight
    (Warner Bros.)

    The Dark Knight premiered in 2008 and is one of the greatest superhero films ever made. The film is the second installment in Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy. It follows Batman as his reign as Gotham’s protector is elevated with the aid of Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). However, Gotham falls into a state of perpetual chaos as a deranged criminal, The Joker (Heath Ledger), shows up and plays mind games with Batman in an attempt to make him forgo his moral code.

    The Dark Knight flawlessly meshed an action-packed superhero film with a mesmerizing psychological crime thriller. The Dark Knight is nearly flawless. It is bold and intense, action-packed yet intricate, and features one of the greatest live-action performances of a villain. Ledger stole the show with his nuanced psychological portrayal of The Joker, which can be described as nothing short of brilliant. Meanwhile, the film also featured a very intriguing commentary on ethics and terrorism. What made The Dark Knight so brilliant is how deep it actually goes while remaining an exciting, superhero movie on the surface. It brought something new and refreshing to the superhero genre and few films have topped it since.

    (featured image: Warner Bros.)

    —The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—

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  • The 10 Best Anime Gifts To Give The Otaku In Your Life – The Mary Sue

    The 10 Best Anime Gifts To Give The Otaku In Your Life – The Mary Sue

    So you’ve been seeing someone for a little while. They’re super sweet, quirky, and tons of fun. You two have amazing chemistry, and sometimes you lay awake listening to them breathe thinking they could be the one. You’ve just taken a huge step in your relationship. They’ve decided that they can trust you enough to come out to you as an anime nerd. And when I say “nerd” I mean full blooded otaku. They’re obsessed. You’re not exactly familiar with those people, but you’re willing to try new things. After all, they’re the love of your life, right? And you want to show your appreciation for them by getting them a gift. But you don’t know anime very well, so you have no idea what they’d like! Have no fear, with this list, you’ll find the perfect gift to elevate your relationship from “going steady” to “canonically shipped.”

    10. This Survey Corps Blanket/Hoodie

    If your partner is into anime, then that means that they’re into being comfortable. Anime is best enjoyed at night in comfy clothes with a steaming bowl of ramen. You’re still figuring out instant ramen, but you know that you can provide the comfort. This Attack on Titan hoodie perfect for getting your otaku to S-rank comfort levels. Because it isn’t really a hoodie. It’s a heavy flannel blanket with a hood which is even better. Think of the OPTIONS here. Your otaku can wear it around the house all day solo and then you two can snuggle up under it while they explain to you what a “waifu” is. If you get them this, odds are you’re gonna be one soon enough.

    9. The World’s Coolest Light

    (via Fun.com)

    If you’re a person of means (i.e. you got a couple hundo to spare) then this Goku light would make a phenomenal gift. I mean LOOK AT IT! IT’S SO COOL! It’s one of those plasma ball lights that follows your fingers when you touch it! And it’s also GOKU CHARGING AN ATTACK. And it actually charges FASTER than any of the attacks do in the actual Dragon Ball Z show! Seriously, those guys take years to charge up one move.

    8. Cowboy Bebop On Blu-Ray

    Most anime is perfectly acceptable to stream, but some anime is so good that it should be owned. Cowboy Bebop is one such anime. This anime is special, and it is not to be denigrated by commercials on streaming services. Nor should it be subject to fickle licensing regulations. By getting your otaku this Blu-Ray set, they won’t have to worry when Netflix threatens to take Bebop off their platform.

    7. Anime Style Drawing Course

    For all the anime that your otaku watches, odds are they’ve thought about making their own at some point or another. AND THEY CAN. If you get them an anime drawing course, they could end up becoming the next great mangaka! That’s someone who draws anime professionally, in case you didn’t know. There are tons of courses online, and you can start your otaku off with this drawing course by Udemy!

    6. Cook Anime: Eat Like Your Favorite Anime Character

    People watch anime for one reason and one reason only: fanservice. Don’t tell you’re otaku this! They’ll only get offended and deny it. But it’s true! And the biggest source of fanservice in anime is not hot, well-endowed characters bouncing around, it’s the FOOD. Anime food is looks so good it’s pornographic. And now your otaku will be able to cook delicious anime meals FOR THEMSELVES! And also for you. See, this is one of those presents that benefits the giver too. They’ll be begging you to come over and try dish after dish, and you’ll be happy to oblige them.

    5. Persona 5: Royal

    (via Atlus, Sega, SEGA of America)

    Sure lots of people watch anime, but how many people get to say that they’ve played an anime? With Persona 5: Royal, your Otaku can be one of those lucky few! Persona 5: Royal is one of the best (if not the best) Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs) of all time! It has everything an otaku loves! High school! Demons! Power ups! Combat! Cute mascots! Hours upon hours of content! This game is long, and will keep your otaku entertained for months. Be warned, this game is part dating sim, so they will virtually cheat on you.

    4. Fresh-Ass Anime Kicks

    (via Amazon)

    Anime has a chokehold on street wear style, and for good reason. Anime looks cool. Period. There are millions of options when it comes to anime clothes, from shirts, to beanie hats, to jacket and the like. But the chillest of all anime fashion is the shoes. See the above image? That is hand painted. You can buy them on Amazon for cheap, but you can also find them on Etsy of you don’t want to give real-life-anime-villain Jeff Bezos more money.

    3. A Cute Lil’ Stuffed Guy

    As another form of fanservice, anime is full of adorable characters to appeal to our more G-rated urges. Those urges are to huge and squeeze. You can’t go wrong with this stuffed Pochita from Chainsaw Man, but you could also go with a classically squeezable lil’ guy like Totoro from the minds of Studio Ghibli. You could also do Kon from Bleach or the adorably evil Kyubey from Madoka Magica.

    2. An Anime Portrait

    (image: sunrise)

    Does your otaku dream of looking as precious with you as Inuyasha does with Kagome? You bet your ass. Well guess what, you CAN. There are COUNTLESS artists on freelancer sites like Fiver that will do an anime portrait of you and your special lil’ otaku. You could be kissing on a park bench in Tokyo, or maybe flying through the clouds on castle in the sky. Or you could be pinning them up against a wall with your leg above their shoulder. They’ll REALLY be into that one.

    1. Fresh Air

    (studio ghibli)

    If your otaku is like me, they’d rather be INSIDE watching anime then braving the terrors of the outside world. HOWEVER, going outside is GOOD FOR YOU (so I’m told). Maybe it’s time to get your otaku to try new things? Give their anime obsession a rest for a day. An hour? Five minutes? If you can’t hoax thwm out of the comfort of their cave, try sweetening the deal with the prospect of throwing these rubber kunai knives from Naruto or swinging an actually sharp replica of Zangetsu from Bleach. They’ll be happy you did, even if they hiss when the cold light of day touches their sensitive flesh.

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  • Every Batman Voice Actor, Ranked According To How Much Gotham Deserves Them – The Mary Sue

    Every Batman Voice Actor, Ranked According To How Much Gotham Deserves Them – The Mary Sue

    Apparently a lot of people are “vengeance” and “the night” these days.

    Batman is one of those roles that can make a career overnight. I mean, just look at Robert Pattison. The dude is a killer actor, and always has been. He was nailing it in movies like The Lighthouse and Good Time, but the unwashed masses didn’t think of him as anything else but “The Twilight Guy” until his stellar performance in The Batman.

    Batman has left an indelible mark on the pop culture psyche, and many a star have sought riches and glory taking up the cape and cowl. But what about the unsung crusaders? The ones that truly live in shadow? The ones whose faces we don’t see. I’m talking of course about Batman’s voice actors. Their secret identities are often as mysterious as the identity of Batman himself (hint: he’s Bruce Wayne), but today we are going to shine a light on those actors that live in the darkness of the vocal booth. Here they are, every Batman voice actor, ranked according how much Gotham deserves them as a hero.

    10. Benjamin McKenzie – Year One

    batman year one
    (Warner Bros.)

    Gotham could use a hero like Benjamin McKenzie in a pinch, but there are better choices on this list. The choice made sense on paper. Benny shot to fame in the early 2000s by playing a rich bad boy type in The O.C., but the problem is that he didn’t have a lot of experience as a voice actor. While a film actor has the benefit of having their whole face in the shot, voices actors have a camera trained only on their vocal cords. Nuanced performances on film can sound flat in the vocal booth, simply because there isn’t a facial expression to go along with it. Because of this, Benjamin McKenzie’s performance falls a little flat.

    9. Diedrich Bader – Batman: The Brave and the Bold

    Animated heroes of Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
    (Warner Bros.)

    Gotham is doing a little bit better with a hero like Diedrich Bader in the Batmobile Driver’s Seat, but not by much. Batman: The Brave and the Bold was a series meant to portray the lighthearted aspects of crime fighting in Gotham (assuming there are any), but Bader’s performance doesn’t really reflect this. He sounds like every other tough guy. It’s not the wrong choice, it’s just not as interesting as some of the other vocal performances on this list. To be fair, many of these actors had some of the greatest Batman scripts ever written to work with. The Brave and The Bold is cute, but the odds weren’t in Bader’s favor.

    8. William Baldwin – Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths

    Animated Batman.
    (DC)

    Now we’re getting somewhere. Gotham City deserves a hero like William Baldwin on at least a biweekly basis. He only voiced the character once in Crisis On Two Earths, but he did a pretty phenomenal job. He has a vocal quality that makes Batman sound grounded and commanding. A good Batman portrayal has got to have some authority behind it, and Baldwin delivers on this front. The only reason that he isn’t ranked higher is because he did the role once, while other people on this list are veterans.

    7. Will Arnet – The Lego Movie

    lego batman
    (Warner Bros.)

    The people of Gotham City deserve a laugh, and Will Arnet is just the guy to give it to them. Will Arnet gets points because he did the exact opposite of what everyone expects Batman to be. Batman is serious, reserved, quiet, and commanding. Will Arnet was whiny, bombastic, loud, and goofy. It was a refreshing change of pace to see Batman play the fool FOR ONCE.

    To be fair, Will Arnet isn’t really doing much voice acting here; he’s basically just doing Will Arnet. But that’s what movie stars do, and in this case, it works. His performance is buoyed by a hilarious script and great casting, but we still gotta give credit where credit is due.

    6. Rino Romano – The Batman

    Animated Batman firing a weapon.
    (Warner Bros.)

    Gotham deserves Rino Romano on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and maybe even Saturdays when it’s date night. Romano’s Batman was still relatively wet behind the ears, as he had only been fighting crime for three years, and Romano nailed Batman’s youthful “I’m pretty sure I know what I’m doing?” vibe. As the series progressed, Romano’s portrayal of Batman aged like a fine wine. He grew darker and more mature as Batman gained experience (and further psychological trauma).

    5. Adam West – Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders/Batman vs. Two-Face, 2016-2017

    Batman and Robin animated.
    (Warner Bros./DC)

    Adam West was the hero that Gotham deserved first. His goofy, quivering voice is marvelously comic book-y, and has cemented him as a campy cinema legend. Hearing him reprise his role as an older man was a joy to listen to. To be fair, West wasn’t quite able to age his voice down to the young man that Batman is portrayed as in these two titles. But who cares? Adam West is Adam West. Always a pleasure, never a chore.

    4. Troy Baker – Batman: The Telltale Series

    Bruce Wayne in Telltale Games
    (Telltale Games)

    Here come the big guns. Gotham deserves Troy Baker every night of the week, with time off for holidays and vacations. Troy Baker is one of the greatest voice actors of his generation, giving an Oscar-worthy performance Joel in The Last of Us and Ocelot in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The man is able to put so much gravity, world-weariness, and pain into his voice. It’s astonishing. Needless to say, his Batman is right on the money.

    3. Bruce Greenwood – Under The Red Hood

    Batman in Under the Red Hood.
    (DC/Warner Bros.)

    Bruce Greenwood was made to be the hero that Gotham deserves. His vocal performances are simply stunning, and he could play Batman 365 days out of the year. His voice has an effortlessly “Batman” quality, and it doesn’t sound like he’s “putting on” a voice whatsoever. It helps that he had the script of Under The Red Hood to work with, as it’s one of the finest Batman films ever made, animated or otherwise.

    2. Peter Weller – The Dark Knight Returns

    Animated Batman in The Dark Knight Returns.
    (DC/Warner Bros.)

    Peter Weller is the hero that Gotham deserves until it is old and grey. And that’s exactly the kind of Batman that P.W. plays. Weller has the luxury of working on what is arguably the greatest Batman story ever told. Batman returns to Gotham as an old man, barely able to do the job like he used to. Every word sounds pained and weary, but with an underlying resolve that makes the listener feel that Batman is willing to fight to his last breath.

    1. Kevin Conroy – Batman: The Animated Series

    Kevin Conroy grins in a split image with animated Batman
    (image: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for ReedPOP / Fox)

    Kevin Muthafuckin Conray is the hero the Gotham City DOESN’T deserve because he’s TOO GOOD FOR THEM. He’s the ULTIMATE BATMAN. He IS vengeance. He IS the night. He’s not only the greatest Batman voice actor, but the greatest Batman actor IN GENERAL. His voice is powerful, sharp, and commanding, but he can also add the wit and suaveness that so many other Batman actors lack. He is a billionaire playboy, after all. Kevin Conroy is a national treasure, and will forever be Batman until the bat signal shuts down for good.

    (featured image: Warner Bros.)

    —The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—

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