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Tag: marvel

  • ‘Echo’ Is Another Marvel TV Miss. Plus, ‘White Lotus’ Season 3 Casting and the ‘Mandalorian’ Movie.

    ‘Echo’ Is Another Marvel TV Miss. Plus, ‘White Lotus’ Season 3 Casting and the ‘Mandalorian’ Movie.

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    Chris and Andy talk about the news that, among others, Carrie Coon and Parker Posey have been cast in the next season of White Lotus (1:00). Then they talk about the news that there will be a Mandalorian movie and what that means for a potential Season 4 of the show (23:36). Finally, they discuss the newest Marvel TV show, Echo, and how—like many other Marvel shows before it—it struggles to strike the right tone (34:51).

    Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald
    Producer: Kaya McMullen

    Subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Stitcher / RSS

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    Chris Ryan

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  • All the Echo season 2 news we’ve heard so far

    All the Echo season 2 news we’ve heard so far

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    Echo season 1 ends with a bang, with Echo (Alaqua Cox) going up against Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) again after confronting him in Hawkeye. Along the way, she reconnected with her roots, her family, and her sense of self, putting her on the track to becoming a hero.

    It’s enough to make you wonder where Echo might show up next. So far, Echo has only appeared in Hawkeye and Echo, but with the MCU branching farther than ever, it seems like there are a lot of places a hothead superhero could pop up — including, potentially, a second season of her own show?

    Here’s everything we know about Marvel’s future plans for Echo and Echo:

    Is there going to be an Echo season 2?

    As of this writing, Disney hasn’t confirmed if there will be a season 2 of Echo. For now, the show is being billed as a miniseries, just like Hawkeye before it. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the show won’t be coming back.

    When will Echo show up next in the MCU?

    So far, neither Alaqua Cox nor Echo have been confirmed to show up anywhere else in the MCU. But there is a Daredevil show in the works (and in the reworks) that seems like an opportunity for her; after all, they had a pretty great fight in Echo.

    And if Hawkeye is any indication, this doesn’t have to be the end for Cox’s Maya Lopez. Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop showed up in a teaser scene at the end of The Marvels as Hawkeye’s heir apparent, meaning Echo could find an analogous slot somewhere in the MCU. (Even if, for now, it’s still unclear what Kate will be doing as part of Kamala’s team.)

    When might Echo season 2 debut on Disney Plus (or Hulu)?

    If there is an Echo season 2, it might be a while before it actually comes out. Echo was first announced in November 2021, right after Cox showed up as Echo in Hawkeye. With the show only getting released some two years later, the earliest we’re likely to see Echo season 2 would be 2026.

    What does this mean for the Marvel Spotlight?

    Photo: Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios

    Echo was a unique release for Marvel, not just because it was the first one to drop on Hulu (and in full) instead of Disney Plus. It was also the first entry in the new Marvel Spotlight umbrella, something Echo producer Richie Palmer says Echo was the right show at the right time to be.

    “I think it was us saying, You know what? Echo wants to be its own thing. So let’s allow it to be,” Palmer tells Polygon. “We wanted to figure out, when we were bringing Maya Lopez to life, how do we honor that aspect of the comics? How do we keep it dark and gritty and separated from everything else that was going on?”

    “And then Kevin [Feige] came in, as we were editing the show, and we were seeing how dark we were pushing it. And he was saying, Don’t hold back on the violence, don’t hold back on the grit and this grounded tone, it’s what’s making this show so unique and special. So Marvel Spotlight kind of came from Kevin.”

    With Spotlight offerings being framed as an opportunity for more casual viewing, even sans any other MCU knowledge, it’s unclear if shows like Echo are being designed (or promised, or even considered for) a second season.

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    Zosha Millman

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  • John Ridley Says Scrapped Marvel TV Series Was About the Eternals: “A Good Version”

    John Ridley Says Scrapped Marvel TV Series Was About the Eternals: “A Good Version”

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    John Ridley revealed that his scrapped Marvel project from nearly a decade ago was actually based on the Eternals.

    The Oscar winner said during a recent appearance on the Comic Book Club podcast that while the TV series he was developing at ABC in 2015 is “not in the works anymore,” it was a “television version of The Eternals, but good.”

    “My version or the good version was so fucking weird,” Ridley recalled. “There was my version, a good version, which is good to me, which that doesn’t mean anything. There was the version that [Marvel] ended up doing, which I don’t think that version was particularly good. I’ll be honest.”

    A few years later, Marvel Studios produced the film Eternals in 2021, directed by Chloé Zhao and featured a star-studded cast including Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, Kit Harington and Richard Madden. The movie followed the Eternals, immortal beings who lived on Earth and protected it from the less-evolved Deviants.

    Ridley, who won an Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for 12 Years a Slave, proceeded to detail the pilot episode of his series, saying, “My version started with, the first thing you see is a young man, probably about 17, 18 years old. And he’s sitting there. He’s sitting there for a moment. And then he lifts his hands. He has a drill in it. And he turns the drill on. And he puts the drill to his ear. And he starts pushing it in. And then it goes from there. … That’s how it starts. And then I think you see another kid. He sleeps in the bathtub, covers himself with foil. It’s just a really weird story about these people who are, I mean, it’s just weird.”

    But the writer-director admitted his version was a “really hard property [to develop].” He later realized that “the best thing to happen for everybody was that it didn’t happen with me, because I don’t know that it would have been entertaining [for all].”

    Ridley added, “I do mean what’s entertaining to me is often not populist, which is great for a lot of the work I do, but this needed to be a little bit more popular, it really did.”

    During the time that Ridley’s series was in development, Marvel Television was producing other shows such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Carter and Jessica Jones. But Marvel TV was later combined with Marvel Studios, with several shows, including the Eternals series, being scrapped.

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    Carly Thomas

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  • What do the most-Googled searches of 2023 tell us about the year? Here’s what Americans wanted to know, and what we found out.

    What do the most-Googled searches of 2023 tell us about the year? Here’s what Americans wanted to know, and what we found out.

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    The news we followed, the people who fascinated us, the culture and trends that grabbed our attention — Google’s “Year in Search” data for 2023 sheds light on the top trending topics Americans wanted to know about this year.

    From celebrities and athletes to TV shows and box-office hits, people across the country turned to the search engine for answers to pressing questions like “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” and recipes for McDonald’s hit beverage of the year, the Grimace Shake.

    While we may not have gotten all the answers, here’s what some of the top searches in the U.S. have to tell us about the past year:

    The stories we followed

    This year, the world was shocked by the war in Israel and Gaza, which was Google’s most-searched news story of the year. Following the deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel by the militant group Hamas, Israel vowed to destroy the group and launched airstrikes and a ground operation into the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian territory controlled by Hamas.

    A missile explodes in Gaza City during an Israeli air strike
    A missile explodes in Gaza City during an Israeli airstrike on Oct. 8, 2023.

    MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images


    The second most searched story of the year, according to Google, was the frantic search in June for the OceanGate Titan submersible, which vanished on a dive to the Titanic shipwreck site with five people aboard. Tragically, everyone on the tourist vessel was killed when it imploded under the pressures of the deep sea.

    Americans also did a lot of searching for updates on hurricanes, with Hurricane Hilary, Hurricane Idalia, and Hurricane Lee rounding out the list of top 5 most-searched news stories. 

    The people we were curious about

    NFL player Damar Hamlin became the No. 1 most-Googled person on the list after the Buffalo Bills defensive back collapsed on the field in cardiac arrest during a Jan. 3 game. Hamlin has since made a full recovery and returned to play this season. Hamlin was also Google’s most-searched athlete of 2023.

    Damar Hamlin
    Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills after a game on Sept. 19, 2022.

    Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images


    Actor Jeremy Renner was the No. 2 most-Googled person in the U.S. in 2023 following a New Year’s Day snowplow accident that left him hospitalized with over 30 broken bones. Renner was run over by the vehicle while trying to protect his nephew. He has since made a remarkable recovery. Renner was also the No. 1 most-Googled actor of the year.

    Also high on Google’s list is the NFL’s Travis Kelce, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who helped bring home a Super Bowl victory in Feburary. Kelce, who was the No. 3 most-Googled person and No. 2 most-Googled athlete in the U.S. this year, has also been publicly dating pop superstar Taylor Swift since July. 

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have dinner at Waverly Inn on Oct. 15, 2023, in New York City. 

    Gotham/GC Images via Getty Images


    Ranking 4th and 5th on the most-Googled people list were former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, who was ousted from the network in April, and internet personality Lil Tay, whose death was falsely reported in August.

    The nation also searched for information on a number of beloved celebrities we lost in 2023, with “Friends” actor Matthew Perry‘s death being the most-Googled of the year. Perry was found dead at his home in Los Angeles at age 54 following a ketamine overdose in October.

    Matthew Perry shooting
    Matthew Perry shooting “Friends” in 1998.

    Mathieu Polak/Sygma via Getty Images


    Iconic singer-songwriter Tina Turner, TV host Jerry Springer, “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffet, and singer and activist Sinéad O’Connor filled out the top 5 on the list of most-Googled celebrity passings of 2023.

    What kept us entertained

    “Barbenheimer” dominated the U.S. box office, with the Greta Gerwig-directed “Barbie” and biopic “Oppenheimer” smashing records in their July joint-opening weekend. The two films were Google’s No. 1 and No. 2 most-searched movies of 2023 in the U.S.

    Barbenheimer

    Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images


    Alejandro Gómez Monteverde’s “Sound of Freedom,” the 2022 Oscar-winner “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” and the third installment of popular Marvel franchise “Guardians of the Galaxy,” occupied the third through fifth spots on the most-Googled films list.

    “The Last of Us,” starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey and based on the popular video game of the same name, was the most-Googled television show in the U.S. in 2023. Pascal was also the fifth most-Googled actor.

    Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal attend an event for HBO’s “The Last Of Us” on April 28, 2023 in Los Angeles.

    FilmMagic/FilmMagic for HBO via Getty Images


    When it comes to music, the controversial country hit “Try That in a Small Town” was the most-Googled song of the year, and the musician behind it, Jason Aldean, the most-Googled singer of the year in the U.S. in 2023. The track amassed widespread attention in July following the release of its music video, which depicted protesters confronting police officers.

    2023 Country Thunder Wisconsin - Day 3
    Jason Aldean performs onstage at Country Thunder Wisconsin

    Joshua Applegate / Getty Images


    Recipes, memes and more

    In one of the more surprising results, McDonald’s Grimace Shake was the No. 1 most-Googled recipe in the U.S. in 2023. The purple milkshake inspired a viral TikTok trend this summer, with users trying Grimace’s berry-flavored beverage and then pretending to die.

    The top Google search that began with the phrase “How often…” was in response to another viral Internet trend that encouraged users to ask men, “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” The question took the No. 1 spot on Google’s most-searched trend list in the U.S. as well. 

    The most-searched “Explained” query on Google was “The Menu explained,” referring to the 2022 film starring Ralph Fiennes as a celebrity chef, and Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult as a couple who dine in his restaurant.

    And finally, the most-Googled meme in the U.S. of 2023 was Kevin James, referring to an image of the actor with his hands in his pockets and smirking at the camera. 

    Promotional portrait of actor and comedian Kevin James, in character for his role on the TV sitcom “The King of Queens,” late 1990s.

    TONY ESPARZA / Getty Images


    Google’s top search lists

    See more of Google’s top-searched lists below, and read the U.S. data in full here:

    News:

    1. War in Israel and Gaza
    2. Titanic submarine
    3. Hurricane Hilary
    4. Hurricane Idalia
    5. Hurricane Lee

    People:

    1. Damar Hamlin
    2. Jeremy Renner
    3. Travis Kelce
    4. Tucker Carlson
    5. Lil Tay

    Passings:

    1. Matthew Perry
    2. Tina Turner
    3. Jerry Springer
    4. Jimmy Buffet
    5. Sinéad O’Connor

    Actors:

    1. Jeremy Renner
    2. Jamie Foxx
    3. Danny Masterson
    4. Matt Rife
    5. Pedro Pascal

    Athletes:

    1. Damar Hamlin
    2. Travis Kelce
    3. Brock Purdy
    4. Lamar Jackson
    5. Jalen Hurts

    Musicians:

    1. Jason Aledean
    2. Ice Spice
    3. Oliver Anthony
    4. Peso Pluma
    5. Joe Jonas

    Songs:

    1. Try That in a Small Town – Jason Aldean
    2. Rich Men North of Richmond – Oliver Anthony
    3. Unholy – Kim Petras and Sam Smith
    4. Ella Baila Sola – Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma
    5. Boy’s a liar Pt. 2 – Ice Spice and PinkPantheress

    Movies:

    1. Barbie
    2. Oppenheimer
    3. Sound of Freedom
    4. Everything Everywhere All At Once
    5. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

    TV Shows:

    1. The Last of Us
    2. Ginny & Georgia
    3. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
    4. Daisy Jones & The Six
    5. Wednesday

    Recipe:

    1. Grimace Shake
    2. Lasagna soup
    3. Chicken cobbler
    4. Black cake
    5. Pumptini

    Meme:

    1. Kevin James
    2. Ohio
    3. Police girl
    4. Folding chair
    5. Smurf cat

    Trends:

    1. Roman empire trend
    2. Moon phase trend
    3. AI yearbook trend
    4. Instagram notes number trend
    5. Fruit Roll-Ups trend

    Explained:

    1. The Menu explained
    2. No One Will Save You explained
    3. Silo explained
    4. Reptile explained
    5. Israel Palestine conflict explained

    C Mandler


    1630512655666.jpg

    C Mandler is a social media producer and trending topics writer for CBS News, focusing on American politics and LGBTQ+ issues.

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  • Marvel’s What If? Season 2 Episode 5 Release Date & Time on Disney Plus

    Marvel’s What If? Season 2 Episode 5 Release Date & Time on Disney Plus

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    The Marvel’s What If? Season 2 Episode 5 release date and time have been revealed. The episode will air on Disney Plus. In this season of What If…?, The Watcher guides us through the multiverse, presenting MCU characters in distinctive situations. In the episode titled What If… Captain Carter Battled the Hydra Stomper?, the long-lost Hydra Stomper is rediscovered, and Captain Carter’s mission to save her former love, Steve Rogers, results in a confrontation with new foes.

    Here’s when the episode is coming out.

    When is the Marvel’s What If? Season 2 Episode 5 release date and time?

    The Marvel’s What If? Season 2 Episode 5 release date is December 26, 2023.

    The official release time for Marvel’s What If? Season 2 Episode 5 has not been announced. However, Disney Plus typically releases new episodes of its series at 12:01 A.M. PT. Therefore, the estimated release time for episode 1 is expected to follow this schedule:

    • 12:01 A.M. Pacific Standard Time (PST)
    • 3:01 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
    • 9:01 P.M. British Summer Time (BST)
    • 10:01 P.M. Central European Summer Time (CEST)

    Where to watch Marvel’s What If? Season 2 Episode 5

    Viewers can watch the upcoming episode on Disney Plus.

    To access episode 5, simply subscribe to Disney Plus, offering two subscription plans catering to your preferences. The standard plan costs $7.99 per month and grants access to content with advertisements. Alternatively, the premium plan, priced at $13.99 per month, allows ad-free content streaming.

    In Season 2 of What If…?, The Watcher continues guiding viewers through the multiverse, introducing both new and familiar MCU characters. Notable scenarios include Nebula’s involvement with the Nova Corps, Peter Quill’s confrontation with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, and Happy Hogan’s mission to save Christmas. The season runs from December 22nd to December 30th, 2023, concluding with the season finale on December 30th.

    The official synopsis for Marvel’s What If? reads:

    “Season two continues the journey as The Watcher guides viewers through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU.”

    Here is the HBO Max January 2024 schedule. These new TV shows and movies are coming to the streaming service…

    Here is the Peacock January 2024 schedule. These new TV shows and movies are coming to the streaming service next…

    The Paramount Plus January 2024 schedule has been revealed. This confirms all of the new TV shows and movies coming…

    The Disney Plus January 2024 schedule has been revealed. This details all of the new TV shows and movies coming…

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    Anubhav Chaudhry

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  • Marvel drops actor Jonathan Majors after a jury finds him guilty of assault and harassment

    Marvel drops actor Jonathan Majors after a jury finds him guilty of assault and harassment

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    Marvel drops actor Jonathan Majors after a jury finds him guilty of assault and harassment – CBS News


    Watch CBS News



    Actor Jonathan Majors was found guilty of two counts of assault and harassment in New York on Monday. Marvel has announced it is dropping him from all future projects. CBS News’ Jericka Duncan reports.

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    Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.


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  • Marvel Just Dropped Actor Jonathan Majors After He Was Convicted of Assault | Entrepreneur

    Marvel Just Dropped Actor Jonathan Majors After He Was Convicted of Assault | Entrepreneur

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    Marvel and The Walt Disney Company have dropped up-and-coming star Jonathan Majors from all current and future projects. The decision came just hours after a Manhattan court found Majors guilty of assaulting his former girlfriend earlier today.

    Majors’ career was poised for major stardom after appearing as villain Kang the Conquerer in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” According to the Los Angeles Times, Marvel had slated him to play a lead role in a 2026 film, “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.”

    But now his future in Hollywood is questionable after a New York jury convicted the 34-year-old of one misdemeanor assault charge and one harassment violation. He was acquitted of a separate assault charge and aggravated harassment.

    The judge asked Majors to stand and face the jurors as the verdict was read. He showed “no immediate reaction, looking slightly downward, and declined to comment as he left the courthouse,” according to the Associated Press.

    Related: ‘That ’70s Show’ Star Convicted on Two Counts of Rape. He ‘Drugged’ His Victims.

    Assault in SUV

    The incident occurred last March when Majors was accused of attacking his then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in a chauffeured SUV. Jabbari, a British dancer, said Majors hit her in the head, twisted her arm behind her back, and squeezed her middle finger until it fractured. Prosecutors said the confrontation left her in “excruciating” pain.

    But Majors’ attorney, Priya Chaudhry, argued that Jabbari was the aggressor in the relationship and made up the ordeal in the town car.

    The jury did not agree, and now a promising young star faces an uncertain future.

    “The evidence presented throughout this trial illustrated a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion far too common across the many intimate partner violence cases we see each and every day,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement after the verdict.

    Majors is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6, 2024, and he faces up to a year in prison.

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    Jonathan Small

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  • Social Media Explodes Over Jonathan Majors Being Dropped By Marvel After Assault & Harassment Conviction

    Social Media Explodes Over Jonathan Majors Being Dropped By Marvel After Assault & Harassment Conviction

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    The Marvel bag has officially been fumbled

    Source: Lia Toby/Getty Images

    Social media is ABLAZE over Jonathan Majors being dropped by Disney/Marvel Studios after being convicted of reckless assault in the third degree and harassment.

    According to THR, the actor, 34, is officially out at Marvel after the conviction which puts the future of Majors’ character Kang The Conqueror–a major villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe–in jeopardy.

    With new girlfriend Meagan Good sticking by his side, the verdict was delivered by the NewYork jury after about five hours and three days of deliberation.

    Majors was found not guilty of another count of assault in the third degree and aggravated harassment in the second degree. The four counts stem from an altercation with Majors’ ex-girlfriend and former Marvel co-worker Grace Jabbari. He faced up to a year behind bars for the misdemeanor charges.

    “At the Manhattan D.A.’s Office, we are committed to centering survivors in all of our work. The evidence presented throughout this trial illustrated a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion far too common across the many intimate partner violence cases we see each and every day,” Bragg said.

    “Today, a jury determined that pattern of abuse and coercion culminated with Mr. Majors assaulting and harassing his girlfriend. We thank the jury for its service and the survivor for bravely telling her story despite having to relive her trauma on the stand.”

    Majors did not testify during the trial, denied all allegations against him and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Jabbari’s protective order against Majors remains in place ahead of the actor’s sentencing set for Feb. 6.

    Naturally, social media exploded over the news that lead to an endless barrage of jokes, speculation, and debates across the multiverse.

    Do you think Jonathan can recover from this? Tell us down below and peep the social hysteria hysteria over Jonathan’s conviction on the flip.

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    Alex Ford

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  • Sideshow Reveals First Look at New Spider-Man Sixth Scale Figure

    Sideshow Reveals First Look at New Spider-Man Sixth Scale Figure

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    Sideshow Collectibles has offered up the first look of the new Spider-Man sixth scale figure from Hot Toys, which is set to be available for pre-order later this month.

    The new Spider-Man sixth scale figure will be an “ultra limited-edition” according to Sideshow and will be available on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 12 p.m. ET.

    People looking to pick up the figure will need to RSVP on Sideshow’s site now to do so, and any remaining pieces left will be released on a first come, first serve basis.

    Check out a first look video of the Spider-Man figure from Sideshow Collectibles below:

    Spider-Man figure comes with a variety of accessories

    The Spider-Man sixth scale figure is a vibrant and colorful take on the character and features a classic look for the hero.

    Alongside the Spider-Man figure, the sixth scale figure will also come with interchangeable eyes, a camera accessory, different spider-web shooting effects, a Green Goblin miniature, and a comic art-inspired backdrop to display the figure with.

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    Anthony Nash

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  • These Coffee Table Books Make the Perfect Gift for the Pop-Culture Lover in Your Life

    These Coffee Table Books Make the Perfect Gift for the Pop-Culture Lover in Your Life

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    If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.

    Sofia Coppola fans can finally get a little closer to the inside of the famed director’s mind — or, more literally, a peek at the self-proclaimed mess she creates while in the process of filmmaking.

    One of the best art books released this year was “Sofia Coppola Archive: 1999-2023,” which offers a visual account of Coppola’s entire career, personal archives and ephemera. The book brims with photos of miscellaneous items that now boast nostalgic value — from a poster of the Sundance premiere of “Virgin Suicides” to a marked-up copy of the Vanity Fair article that inspired “The Bling Ring.” It also includes an extensive first look at her latest biopic on Priscilla Presley, “Priscilla.”

    Aside from the “Sofia Coppola Archive,” there are dozens of coffee table books for movies and TV lovers that make the perfect gift this holiday season.

    From the “Sofia Coppola Archive” to Spike Lee’s best-selling “Spike,” check out the best pop-culture coffee table books to gift this year. 

    ‘Sofia Coppola Archive: 1999-2023’

    Ahead of Coppola’s eighth feature film “Priscilla,” the famed director is publishing a book tracking her prolific, decades-long career. The art book will be filled with behind-the-scenes photos and ephemera from her most popular films — from shots of Kirsten Dunst on the set of “The Virgin Suicides” to an extensive first look at her upcoming biopic on Priscilla Presley.

    Sofia Coppola Archive $65 Buy Now

    ‘Spike’

    Lee’s  360-page photo book spans the prolific director’s life and career to date, packed with behind-the-scenes images from his most impactful films, never-before-seen photographs by Lee’s brother David Lee and insider images that immerse the reader into the director’s creative process and cultural impact. All of the inspiring imagery and visual storytelling is packed inside a gorgeous fuschia cover, overlaid with a unique typographic design inspired by the LOVE/HATE brass rings in”Do The Right Thing” that any Spike Lee fan will recognize and appreciate. 

    Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt’s Creek

    Already a #1 bestseller on Amazon, Dan and Eugene Levy’s forthcoming book “Best Wishes, Warmest Regards,” out Oct. 26, chronicles the the life of the beloved sitcom. At 350 pages, the collector’s item is broken into season-specific and themed sections, including personal essays from cast members, Q&A’s and behind-the-scenes set photos.

    The Art and Soul of Dune

    The “Dune” companion book, which releases the same day as the blockbuster film, is perfect for fans of Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novels. Written by “Dune” executive producer Tanya Lapointe, with a forward by Denis Villeneuve, the 240-page book offers unparalleled insight into the making of the film. The pages include exclusive interviews with stars such as Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson and Oscar Isaac, in addition to details about the film’s costume design, sets and editing process.

    Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

    Covering everything from the silent years to the rise of modern film in the 1960s, it includes rare and previously unpublished interviews with some of the biggest stars, including Mickey Rooney, Kirk Douglas, Jane Fonda, Julie Andrews and an excerpt from Richard Burton’s final interview. It examines the studio system, Hollywood stars plucked from obscurity and every side of old glamour. There are rare archival photographs from on set and behind the scenes, ranging from musicals to Westerns.

    Criterion Designs

    The peak coffee table book for any true cinephile, The Criterion Collection’s official design book is a showcase of some of the most influential films in history, from avante-garde experiments to big-budget blockbusters. In addition to a complete gallery of every Criterion cover since the collection’s first laserdisc in 1984, the 300-page book features supplemental art, never-before-seen sketches and concept art.

    Tachen/Amazon

    A celebration of the story of Stan Lee. This gorgeous and lengthy look chronicles the history of man who helped launch Marvel and so many treasured Marvel characters. A must have for serious comic book fans, and a lovely addition to the coffee table that add just the right of geek chic to your book collection.

    Read More: Best Gifts for Marvel Fans 

    The Road to Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War

    The MCU has only grown bigger in the past year, making it the perfect time to give Marvel fans this comprehensive look into the inimitable franchise. The 2018 book, released in tandem with “Infinity War,” celebrates the characters and concepts that converged in the iconic film.

    This Was Hollywood: Forgotten Stars and Stories

    Amazon

    Authored by the woman behind the popular @ThisWasHollywood Instagram account, this in-depth look into the real world of classic Hollywood is backed by Turner Classic Movies. Come for the history lessons, fascinating backstories, historical ads and images stay for Puzzums, “the cat who conquered Hollywood.”

    Amazon

    A gorgeous exploration at the elaborate backdrops from your Hollywood favorites. Each painted backdrop a masterpiece onto its own, this is the definitive collection of the most astounding cinema landscapes. Including notes on “The Wizard of Oz” “The Sound of Music,” “Cleopatra” and more.

    Paul Thomas Anderson: Masterworks

    A master class of the masterworks of Paul Thomas Anderson. Page through the director’s entire film career starting at “Hard Eight,” into “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “Punch Drunk Love,” “There Will Be Blood,” “The Master,” “Inherent Vice” to “Phantom Thread.” And yes, there is a section dedicated to his music video work as well and earlier short films.

    Tachen/Amazon

    Minimal Film

    Amazon

    Your favorite films deconstructed into minimal representations of their cinematic impact. This art book, designed by Matteo Civaschi includes art house wonders to blockbusters. From “E.T.” to “Jurassic Park” to “Psycho” see how this artist translates the screen to the page.

    Amazon

    Authored and curated by the genius himself, explore the early development of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece “My Neighbor Totoro.” View the origin of the beloved Miyazaki world with early concept art and cell renderings. Read lengthy interviews with Miyazaki and his collaborators and fall in love with Totoro all over again.

    The Art of the Venture Brothers

    Amazon

    ‘The Venture Bros.’ reign at Adult Swim might be over but the legacy will live on, perhaps on a streaming service but definitely in this art book. Authored by Ken Plume the book boasts an introduction by Patton Oswalt and long conversations with the series co-creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer.

    Steven Universe: End of an Era

    Amazon

    Celebrate the conclusion of “Steven Universe” a lovely cartoon about family, love and space gems who fight other space gems to protect the Earth. With art and interviews from the creator Rebecca Sugar, this book extends the life of this treasured animated series.

    The Art of Pixar: The Complete Color Scripts and Select Art from 25 Years of Animation

    Courtesy of Amazon

    A must for any fan of animation, this book explores the world of Pixar over the last 25 years, taking a deep dive into both shorts and feature films. From classics like “Toy Story” and “A Bug’s Life” to newer releases like “Up” and “Cars 2,” it delves into the directors, writers and team of artists behind the scenes. Sharing the complete scripts in color and development art, it offers a glimpse at rare artwork and insider info.

    The Art of Horror Movies: An Illustrated History

    Courtesy of Amazon

    Don’t read this one before bed! A must for horror movie lovers, this illustrated tome captures the thrill of suspense on every page, making it one of the best coffee table books on movies for horror fans. Chronologically spanning the entire history of horror films, from the silent to the present, it contains over 600 rare images from a range of sources, including posters, lobby cards, advertising, promotional items, tie-in books and magazines, and original artwork. Director and screenwriter John Landis, of “An American Werewolf in London,” wrote the foreword.

    Read More: Best Gifts for Horror Fans

    Moments That Made the Movies

    Courtesy of Amazon

    Every great movie has that scene that just sticks in your head forever. This book captures 72 of them from films over a period of 100 years. Each one will instantly bring you back to that scene, such as the romantic moment between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in “Casablanca” and when Jack Nicholson bursts through the door with an ax in “The Shining,” as well as scenes from “Citizen Kane,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “The Red Shoes,” “The Piano Teacher” and “Burn After Reading.” Each is accompanied by a thoughtful essay, explaining its significance and role in film history, deftly written by David Thomson.

    Cinemaps: An Atlas of 35 Great Movies

    Courtesy of Amazon

    Who knew that cartography and cinema made such a fascinating combination? This creative book applies mapmaking to 35 of the best movies of all time, so you can follow your favorite characters along on their iconic journeys. Join Indiana Jones in his adventures in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” from Nepal to Cairo, Marty McFly through the Hill Valley of 1955 and 1985 in “Back to the Future” and Jack Torrance through the hallways of the Overlook Hotel in “The Shining.” You can also navigate through “King Kong,” “The Princess Bride,” “North by Northwest,” “Fargo,” “Pulp Fiction” and “The Breakfast Club.” Each film has a hand-painted 9-inch-by-12-inch map in great detail accompanied by essays and trivia from each movie.

    The Wes Anderson Collection

    Courtesy of Amazon

    Wes Anderson doesn’t just make movies — he creates entire universes on the sets of his films. From the super saturated colors to the incredible costumes to the whimsical set decorations, every single detail is unique and intricately planned. The essence of a few of his beloved films — “Bottle Rocket,” “Rushmore,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou,” “The Darjeeling Limited,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and “Moonrise Kingdom” — is captured in this New York Times bestselling overview. The book is written by film and television critic Matt Zoller Seitz with an introduction by Michael Chabon. And if you want more, check out this charming photo collection of real life landscapes that are “Accidentally Wes Andrerson.” and more Wes Anderson-themed gifts here. 

    ‘Star Wars’ Art: Ralph McQuarrie

    Courtesy of Amazon

    The galaxy far, far away will seem a lot closer once you have this collection on your coffee table. “Star Wars” forever changed the way moves are made and that goes beyond just science fiction films. George Lucas brought incredible innovation to the entire film industry. These books showcase the complete artwork of Ralph McQuarrie, the artist who turned the ideas of Lucas into tangible imagery, ranging from C-3PO and R2-D2 to the Millennium Falcon to Darth Vader’s helmet. McQuarrie is undoubtedly the most influential artist in the history of “Star Wars” and these volumes showcase his conceptual paintings, costume designs, storyboards, matte paintings, posters, book covers, album covers and even Lucasfilm’s annual holiday cards. There are also rare unpublished interviews and tidbits from McQuarrie’s colleagues on the art.

    Read More: The Best Intergalactic Gifts for ‘Star Wars’ Fans 

    Courtesy of Amazon

    Any film geek worth their salt knows about Mondo. If you’ve ever treasured a stylized movie poster or clever arty nod to current and classic film, you’ve probably played homage to a Mondo print. And now you can view them all in one massive collection of Monday classics.

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  • ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ Animated Series Announced at Marvel Studios

    ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ Animated Series Announced at Marvel Studios

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    A “Black Panther” animated series is in the works at Marvel Studios.

    Titled “Eyes of Wakanda,” the new project was teased on Monday night by Marvel executive Brad Winderbaum at an event to promote the second season of the studio’s inaugural animated series, “What If…?”.

    “Throughout Wakandan history, brave warriors have been tasked to travel the world retrieving dangerous vibranium artifacts. This is their story,” reads the official logline, per Marvel. The studio has been developing multiple series set in Wakanda with “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler, and a source tells Variety Coogler will also be involved in the forthcoming animated project. Coogler is currently under a multi-year overall TV deal with the Walt Disney Company through his Proximity Media banner.

    Along with “Eyes of Wakanda,” the sizzle reel at the “What If…?” event highlighted two other previously announced animated series: “X-Men ’97,” expected to debut in 2024, and “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” previously titled “Spider-Man: Freshman Year.” There was no mention of “Marvel Zombies,” the third animation title previously announced by Marvel’s in-house animation department.

    As of May, no live-action projects set in Wakanda have been ordered to series, and the studio overall has dialed back its slate amid criticism — including from Disney CEO Bob Iger — that Marvel had oversaturated the market. The “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” spin-off series “Ironheart,” starring Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos and Alden Ehrenreich, was pushed from its fall 2023 release date; Marvel has not yet announced when it will premiere. The studio has a single feature film — “Deadpool 3” — set for release in 2024, along with the streaming series “Echo” in January and “Agatha” in the fall.

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    Bbell96

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  • Vincent D’Onofrio Says Daredevil: Born Again Could Fall Under Marvel Spotlight Banner

    Vincent D’Onofrio Says Daredevil: Born Again Could Fall Under Marvel Spotlight Banner

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    Daredevil: Born Again star Vincent D’Onofrio has said that he believes the upcoming Disney+ show will fall under the Marvel Spotlight Banner.

    While on BroBible’s Post Credit Podcast, the actor was asked if he thought the new Daredevil series would be part of the Marvel Spotlight Banner. The purpose of the banner, which will include the upcoming Echo series, is to highlight more grounded stories that are focused on characters instead of the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s overall continuity.

    “For sure,” D’Onofrio stated. “That’s my opinion, I imagine it would be. Nobody has said, ‘Hey, did you know this? This is happening’ — nobody said that. But it is of the same tone and feel [as Echo]. The attention that the big bosses are giving to it is extraordinary and Charlie [Cox] and I are just amazed at how much they care about this series. I can’t imagine it being treated any less.”

    In October, it was reported that Daredevil: Born Again was undergoing a “significant creative reboot” after the production break that came from the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Head writers Chris Ord and Matt Corman were quietly taken off the project alongside the series’ directors, while certain scenes and episodes that were already finished will be retained with further serialized elements added.

    When did Daredevil and Kingpin debut in the MCU?

    Both Daredevil and Kingpin made their MCU debuts in 2021. Kingpin guest-starred in the Disney+ Hawkeye series, and Matt Murdock briefly appeared in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Charlie Cox also guest-starred in two episodes of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, where he showed off a lighter side of the hero.

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    Spencer Legacy

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  • Arkane Lyon Celebrates Blade's 50th Anniversary By Announcing a New Blade Game

    Arkane Lyon Celebrates Blade's 50th Anniversary By Announcing a New Blade Game

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    Marvel is immovable, unflinching, it’s not going anywhere as far as the cultural zeitgeist is concerned. And while the video game scene for Marvel has been a little hit or miss in the past few years, this new announcement from Arkane Lyon and Bethesda has us excited. At The Game Awards this week, Arkane Lyon announced that they were currently working on a brand new Blade game.

    Check out the trailer for yourself down below:

    It was just a cinematic trailer, but it was enough to get us hyped up. We got a short glimpse of Blade at the barber shop, and the developers mentioned that the game would be set in the heart of Paris. It’s a third-person action-adventure game where players will get to play as the vampire slayer, hunting down monsters in France.

    Blade is still too early in its development cycle to have a release date or window just yet, but we’ll keep you updated as more info comes our way.

    About the author

    Zhiqing Wan

    Zhiqing is the Reviews Editor for Twinfinite, and a History graduate from Singapore. She’s been in the games media industry for nine years, trawling through showfloors, conferences, and spending a ridiculous amount of time making in-depth spreadsheets for min-max-y RPGs. When she’s not singing the praises of Amazon’s Kindle as the greatest technological invention of the past two decades, you can probably find her in a FromSoft rabbit hole.

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    Zhiqing Wan

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13652 – The Grey Hulk Origin

    WTF Fun Fact 13652 – The Grey Hulk Origin

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    Do you know the grey Hulk origin story? Wait…did you even know there was once a GREY Hulk?

    The Incredible Hulk, known for his iconic green skin and colossal strength, didn’t start off green. In 1962, Marvel Comics debuted the Hulk as a grey-skinned goliath.

    Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Hulk was envisioned as a misunderstood creature, akin to Quasimodo or Frankenstein’s monster. The aim was to make him relatable and devoid of any specific ethnic association.

    The Unplanned Transition to Green from the Grey Hulk Origin

    During the initial comic series, the colorist faced challenges with the grey ink. This inconsistency led to the Hulk’s skin appearing green in some editions. Interestingly, Stan Lee embraced this accidental green hue, and it became a defining feature of the Hulk’s character. Interestingly, the serendipitous twist gave the Hulk a distinct and now-iconic appearance.

    In the world of comics, changes often get woven into the storyline. The Hulk’s color change was explained as a consequence of ongoing gamma exposure affecting Bruce Banner, the Hulk’s alter ego. As a result, the simple narrative device allowed the transition from grey to green to fit seamlessly into the Hulk’s story.

    The Emergence of Grey Hulk’s Persona

    The Hulk’s color change wasn’t just cosmetic. It introduced a new aspect to Bruce Banner’s persona. The Grey Hulk, also known as Joe Fixit, was an intelligent, calculating figure, quite different from the savage and primal Green Hulk. As a result, the new identity even saw the Grey Hulk working as a gangster in Las Vegas, showcasing a complex character far removed from the original concept.

    Bruce Banner’s struggle with his dual identities led to a significant storyline involving therapy sessions with Doc Sampson. These sessions aimed to integrate Banner’s personalities. Eventually, they led to the creation of “The Professor,” a persona where Banner’s intellect controlled the Hulk’s strength. This concept found its way into the MCU’s “Avengers: Endgame,” where Banner and the Hulk merge into a single entity, illustrating how the character has evolved over the years.

    The Impact of a Coloring Error

    The Hulk’s journey from grey to green highlights how creative decisions can shape a character’s legacy. What began as a coloring issue led to an iconic change that deeply influenced the Hulk’s character development. This change not only established the Hulk’s visual identity but also paved the way for exploring multiple facets of Bruce Banner’s personality.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “Yes, The Hulk Was Originally GREY in Marvel Comics” — ScreenRant

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    WTF

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  • How Many MCU Movies Have Been Produced So Far?

    How Many MCU Movies Have Been Produced So Far?

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    Captain America (Chris Evans), Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.), and the Avengers in Avengers: Endgame

    The Marvel Cinematic Universe officially began in 2008 with the release of Iron Man. In the fifteen years since then, the MCU has unfolded through more movies than I thought possible.

    What started with a few lone superhero movies turned into an almost nebulous entity of team films and solo stories that all connect. We’ve gone from watching origin stories of famous comic book characters to seeing the Avengers team come together. The movies have also taken audiences from Earth to adventures in outer space. The MCU started small and grew into a behemoth. However, the huge money maker has stumbled with its last few theatrical releases. Many blame their superhero fatigue on the sheer amount of MCU projects out there.

    So, how many Marvel Cinematic Universe movies are there?

    The MCU has 33 films in total as of 2023. It sounds like way more than could be out there, right? Somehow, I always think of the MCU as a thing that can be binged over a weekend. I was pretty shocked when I realized just how many were in the series. Here is a full list of all the films:

    • Iron Man (2008)
    • The Incredible Hulk (2008)
    • Iron Man 2 (2010)
    • Thor (2011)
    • Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
    • The Avengers (2012)
    • Iron Man 3 (2013)
    • Thor: The Dark World (2013)
    • Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
    • Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
    • Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
    • Ant-Man (2015)
    • Captain America: Civil War (2016)
    • Doctor Strange (2016)
    • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
    • Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
    • Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
    • Black Panther (2018)
    • Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
    • Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
    • Captain Marvel (2019)
    • Avengers: Endgame (2019)
    • Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
    • Black Widow (2021)
    • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
    • Eternals (2021)
    • Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
    • Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
    • Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
    • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
    • Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
    • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
    • The Marvels (2023)

    This list doesn’t include the short films or multiple television shows that are also officially canon in the MCU. So many films coming out in the same year might explain why so many people have experienced superhero fatigue recently. At first, Marvel waited one or two years before releasing another MCU film. From 2015 onward, Marvel released two to three movies per year. As much as I love comic book superheroes, there is only so much of it that audiences can take in a single year. Not to mention the creative strain on the teams working on these films. In 2021 alone, four MCU movies came out.

    Recently, however, the team at Marvel Studios decided to dial down the release schedule and only have Deadpool 3 on the calendar for 2024. Hopefully, producing fewer superhero movies at once will allow the the studio to catch its breath and once again focus on quality over quantity.

    (featured image: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

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    D.R. Medlen

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  • Chris Evans Addresses Rumors Of OG ‘Avengers’ Team Reuniting For New Marvel Project

    Chris Evans Addresses Rumors Of OG ‘Avengers’ Team Reuniting For New Marvel Project

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    The gossip surged after Variety reported that the super-powered group were teaming up again.

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  • Marvel Snap will still ‘flourish in the future,’ despite ByteDance’s exit from gaming

    Marvel Snap will still ‘flourish in the future,’ despite ByteDance’s exit from gaming

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    TikTok owner ByteDance is looking to get out of mainstream gaming, including at its subsidiary Nuverse, the publisher of Marvel Snap. ByteDance confirmed Monday in a statement to Polygon that it will “restructure” its gaming business. The decision is expected to lead to hundreds of layoffs, according to Reuters, which first reported the news. ByteDance has not confirmed the scope of its layoffs.

    “We regularly review our businesses and make adjustments to center on long-term strategic growth areas,” a ByteDance representative said in a statement. “Following a recent review, we’ve made the difficult decision to restructure our gaming business.”

    Though ByteDance is divesting from Nuverse, Marvel Snap “will continue to operate and flourish in the future,” according to a tweet posted early Monday on X (formerly Twitter) by the official Marvel Snap X account. The game is developed by Irvine, California-based indie studio Second Dinner.

    Reuters, citing four unnamed sources, reports that ByteDance has no plans to enter the mainstream gaming market again. The company’s casual games publisher Ohayoo — which work with Chinese social media platform Douyin — will not be impacted, nor will the casual games that run on TikTok. Beyond Nuverse, ByteDance is reportedly looking to sell off mobile gaming subsidiary Moonton Technology, Reuters reported. Earlier this month, ByteDance restructured its virtual reality company Pico, resulting in hundreds of employees being laid off, TechCrunch reported.

    Nuverse had 3,000 employees in 2021, according to TechCrunch — a number that has remained relatively consistent over the years, the outlet said, citing Chinese tech news outlet LatePost.

    ByteDance has invested heavily in the video game industry over the past few years as it looked to compete with Chinese gaming giants Tencent and NetEase. Marvel Snap was a success in the U.S., reaching a reported $116 million in revenue. Other Nuverse games include One Piece: The Voyage and Warhammer 40,000: Lost Crusade. Moonton Games is responsible for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Watcher of Realms.

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    Nicole Carpenter

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  • Paul Rudd on His “Very Restrictive” Diet When Preparing to Play Ant-Man

    Paul Rudd on His “Very Restrictive” Diet When Preparing to Play Ant-Man

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    Paul Rudd is sharing the “horrible” and “restrictive” diet he underwent to prepare for his role in the Ant-Man franchise.

    During a recent appearance on the Off Menu podcast, where guests talk about their “dream menu,” hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster asked the actor what type of water he preferred.

    “When I was having to train for the Ant-Man movie, and I was on a very restrictive diet, my reward was sparkling water,” he responded, laughing. “That’s how horrible that diet was. I was like, ‘Alright, I’m gonna have some sparkling water now, I’ve earned it.’”

    Rudd explained that while he was training and working out a lot, he would have “a lot of sparkling water” as a reward. Acaster proceeded to ask him if actually felt like a treat.

    “Yeah, it was great,” he said. “It wasn’t flavored, I wasn’t gonna go crazy.”

    The Only Murders in the Building actor noted that he mostly stuck to the strict diet and training for all his Marvel movies. He said, “Once you’re in it, it’s actually not too hard,” adding that he didn’t mind having “really boring food, every time, over and over again,” especially since he would wake up with “tons of energy.”

    But Rudd isn’t the only actor to open up about undergoing intense training and diet for a role, as Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Allen White, Robert Pattinson and Channing Tatum are among others who have previously shared their experiences in Hollywood.

    Rudd was later asked if other Marvel stars would “compare notes” on their training when working on ensemble films together, including Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame.

    “I mean, I think people kind of are,” he said. “But I also think I worked out harder than anyone, I would eat better than everyone, and I looked worse than all of them. I had to work out all the time, eat perfectly, just to look kind of bad. Not even like great.”

    The Living with Yourself actor continued, “I remember on Endgame, Chris Hemsworth would always have these Tupperware containers and he’s eating this gruel of just a mash of stuff. He’s working out, and then you stand next to a guy like that, and I just think, ‘Well, what’s the point of any of this?’ Why am I killing myself when that can exist, and then I look at myself and this exists. I can never achieve that. … That was the good thing that it was Ant-Man, it isn’t Thor. But I tried to work out, and it didn’t work.”

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    Carly Thomas

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  • Thanksgiving is Spider-Man’s holiday

    Thanksgiving is Spider-Man’s holiday

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    Marvel built its comic book revolution on the back of one idea: rendering colorful superheroes as relatable. In the mid 20th century, DC do-gooders were essentially square-jawed Sunday school teachers, which let Marvel corner the market on heroes with human depth and fragility. The Fantastic Four were vulnerable to insecurity and in-fighting. The X-Men represented the cost of bigotry on a wide scale.

    But Spider-Man represented this new wave best. Consumed by youthful everyman angst and desperate to find balance in his life, Spider-Man is broadly sympathetic. We identify with his struggles and his little glimmers of connection and triumph — which makes him the perfect superhero for Thanksgiving. And Spider-Man writers know it.

    Image: Jacob Chabot/Marvel Comics

    Thanksgiving has a complicated history, tied to the roots of American colonialism, and more recently processed through a lens of joyful capitalism. But feeding friends and family is perhaps one of the most humane acts we can pursue. It’s less about the spirit of giving, and more about admitting that people have innate, basic needs, like food and social comfort, and that those needs are best fulfilled when people work in tandem. Honestly, we should try to do it more on every other day of the year: The number of people volunteering to help feed the homeless and families in need peaks around November and December, but that energy needs to be carried through the preceding 10 months, too.

    Spider-Man represents these needs, even though very few of us have to balance photojournalist work, a fraught dating life, and pummeling Dr. Octopus. Peter Parker is often the most financially strapped among his Avengers buddies, and frequently the loneliest, too. Those are recognizable traits among many young people, even those without radioactive-spider powers. When you’re growing up and trying to figure out the world, it’s easy to feel lost and isolated. But feelings of loneliness spike during the holidays, meaning that there’s a good chance you’ll feel even more like Peter Parker when late November rolls around.

    Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) smiles sidelong at Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe) as Norman starts to carve the turkey at Thanksgiving dinner in Sam Raimi’s 2002 Spider-Man

    Image: Columbia Pictures/Disney Plus

    It’s what makes the Thanksgiving scene in the 2002 Spider-Man film so engaging. That whole movie is an exercise in heart-on-your-sleeve sweetness. Everyone who’s seen it knows the Thanksgiving dinner rapidly descends into chaos, with Norman Osborn ominously sticking his fingers into Aunt May’s sweet-potato casserole, figuring out Spider-Man’s secret identity, and delivering a grossly sexist diatribe to his son Harry, leaving Harry and Mary Jane at odds with each other. Aunt May and Peter clearly wind up with a ton of leftovers after everyone else storms out.

    But for Peter, who’s just lost his Uncle Ben and has been facing the initial trials of being Spider-Man, there’s a nice moment of personal respite at the opening of that scene, where he walks into a room where he knows he’s loved, bearing an offering of cranberry sauce,. Sure, everyone in that room is trying to hold things together. Mary Jane wants to impress Norman, Harry wants to impress Norman and Mary Jane, Peter loves Mary Jane but doesn’t dare hurt Harry, and Aunt May is finishing what’s presumably a dope turkey, in an attempt to care for all of them.

    It’s the trying that counts: Life can be hard, weird, and cruel, but while sitting down for a meal with our nearest and dearest, maybe for at least a little while, we won’t need to have it all figured out.

    Spider-Man, in a blur of motion, goes whipping by a Thanksgiving Day parade balloon of a turkey in a pilgrim hat, as a surprisingly chubby Venom pursues him in the Spectacular Spider-Man episode “Nature Vs. Nurture”

    Image: Sony Pictures Television/Disney Plus

    Not all Spider-Man Thanksgiving dinners end up falling apart, and some succeed in reminding Peter that he isn’t alone. The first season of The Spectacular Spider-Man ends with a bang: One of Peter’s closest pals, Eddie Brock, has become Venom, and has threatened everyone Peter holds dear. This comes just after Peter himself was infected by the symbiote, and went through the now-iconic throes of pushing everyone away. Aunt May has just gotten out of the hospital, and even noted jerk “Flash” Thompson has given Peter hell for how awful he’s been acting.

    Peter, attempting to make things right, opts to cook the Thanksgiving meal all by himself, but mostly succeeds in ruining the kitchen. No worries — Gwen Stacy and her father, along with a recuperating Aunt May and her doctor, all help out, and the episode concludes with a pleasant dinner. There are no big turns or twists, aside from Aunt May revealing that she’s publishing a cookbook. It’s just simple, earned solace in a life marked by chaos. Peter even gets a kiss from Gwen on his porch, a sequence conducted with a John Hughes sense of satisfying romantic flair.

    The Spider-Man balloon at the 88th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

    Photo: Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic

    Various Spider-Man comics have also dabbled in seeing what Thanksgiving looks like when you’re young and arachnid-themed, but real life has associated Spider-Man with the holiday, too. Spider-Man is the only Marvel character to rate a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Other Marvel characters have appeared on floats, but only Spider-Man has been inflated to 80 feet and pulled through the Upper West Side. (That also makes him the only Marvel character to have his head horrifically torn open by a tree branch.)

    From his first comic book appearance, Spider-Man has been a reminder that life is hard and complicated, and being a superhero doesn’t preclude anyone from experiencing ordinary frustrations, setbacks, and confusion. But no matter how Spider-Man’s Thanksgiving escapades turn out, they remind readers and viewers that the holiday is about the hope of mutual connection, support, and nurturing. Even if the girl of your dreams is out of reach and the Green Goblin is on your case, a table, some friends, and Aunt May’s rad turkey might just make everything better for a little while.

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    Daniel Dockery

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  • 16 Marvel-Themed Gifts That Will Make You the Hero of the Holiday Season

    16 Marvel-Themed Gifts That Will Make You the Hero of the Holiday Season

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    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    If you know someone who loves “The Avengers” as much as “Ms. Marvel” but aren’t quite sure about what kind of gift to get them for that special occasion — whether you’re looking for a unique birthday gift or are just getting a headstart on your holiday shopping — we know finding that perfect gift can be a struggle. The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand each year, so it can be difficult to nail down that ideal product that’ll truly wow them, and it’s only going to get harder as Marvel’s wondrous, fictional world continues to expand.

    There’s just so much merch available already, plus items like jewelry, comic books, action figures, and clothing. To help you on your hunt for the best gifts for Marvel fans, we’ve compiled the hottest Marvel-themed products on the market all in one place. Whether you’re looking for something for a Spider-Man, Moon Knight, or She-Hulk fan, you won’t have to worry because we’ve likely got some ideas for you right here. Best of all, they’re available to shop at a wide range of prices, too. So without further ado, here are all the best Marvel-themed gifts that are sure to make any die-hard fan giddy with excitement.

    — Additional reporting by Kyley Warren

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    Michele Mendez

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