Tag Archives: Walt Disney Studios

Special ‘The Force Awakens’ Updates from Vanity Fair’s Star Wars Day Celebration

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It’s Star Wars Day! And in celebration, Vanity Fair snagged an exclusive first look at the upcoming J.J. Abrams joint, a little film called Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. The contemporary, pop culture and fashion mag brought portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz to shoot on location for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Leibovitz is no stranger to capturing iconic moments as she recently shot the Kanye West-Kim Kardashsian wedding dress cover for Vogue. Not only has VF pulled back the elusive SW curtain, but they have also confirmed a few character speculations many Bothans have been dying to know the answer to.

Thanks to this video, we are treated to our first look at Adam Driver on the set of The Force Awakens, who plays a Sith Lord by the name of Kylo Ren. What’s interesting about this incredible reveal is that it shows him in character without the mask, something the trailers have yet to include.

The photo shoot also brings us a closer look at Daisy Ridley in character as Rey who can be seen atop her speeder. (I got a chance to see the speeder in person at Star Wars Celebration last month.) There are also moments inside the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit with Ridley, as well as Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and John Boyega (Finn).

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Now while those pointing fingers at Driver to be the man behind the mask can rest at ease knowing they were right, we’ve not had any clue as to who Oscar winner Lupito Nyong’o would be playing. From the Vanity Fair article published today, we learn that Lupita has donned a mo-cap suit to embody her CGI rendered character, Maz Katana, a space pirate whose good fortune allow her to own a castle with many colorful guests, which you can see below.

Another huge confirmation in this month’s issue is that Gwendoline Christie is in fact the chrome Stormtrooper who goes by the name of Captain Phasma. She is a leader amongst The First Order, the remnants of the Galactic Empire. And on the other side of the coin, the Rebel Alliance is now known as The Resistance – maybe they’ll sing “Do You Hear the Ewoks Sing”? One can assume that Poe Dameron, played by Oscar Isaac, will be one of the top pilots of the Resistance.

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And on a hilarious note to end on, Abrams teased fans that he’d thought about killing the infamous Jar Jar Binks,

“I have a thought about putting Jar Jar Binks’s bones in the desert there. I’m serious! Only three people will notice, but they’ll love it.”

There are still many secrets to be uncovered, which we hope to see as we draw closer to the end of the year.

Directed by J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Force Awakens stars John Boyega as Finn, Daisy Ridley as Kira Rey, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata, Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma, Andy Serkis, Crystal Clarke, Pip Andersen, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow. They will join the stars of the original trilogy, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca, and Kenny Baker as R2-D2. The film is set to release on December 18, 2015.

May the Fourth be with you! This issue of Vanity Fair hits newsstands on May 12, the digital edition will be out May 7.

Source: Vanity Fair and StarWars-Universe

Review: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

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The Avengers Age of Ultron Screenshot Group Hero Action 2

Have we reached a superhero movie plateau? That’s a question I’ve been struggling over since I left Avengers: Age of Ultron with deeply polarizing thoughts on the film. Writer-director Joss Whedon has spent an impressive amount of time shaping the events of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to culminate to this very moment that I would consider to be the biggest nerdgasm cinema has ever achieved thus far. It’s a spectacular ballet of many moving parts. And as breathtaking as the movie may be, Age of Ultron definitely has the feeling that this marvelous house of cards producer Kevin Feige has built could come crashing down at any second. Continue reading →

Second ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Teaser Trailer – “Chewie, We’re Home” [50 Screenshots + 26 GIFs]

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All hands on deck! The hottest new teaser trailer for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens dropped during Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim today. Writer/producer/director J.J. Abrams and producer Kathleen Kennedy took to the stage with the film’s stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaacs, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, and Peter Mayhew to introduce the new teaser.

Take a moment.

Cry.

Breath.

Rewatch.

Repeat.

Can you even imagine if this was the first teaser they released back in November? I can’t even believe it’s been that long since we’ve seen footage and nothing has leaked aside from those character posters of Sith Lord Kylo Ren yesterday. This trailer has all new footage, not a single shot was repeated from the first one, and it’s even mixed with John William’s original score from Episode IV: A New Hope.

We have ourselves here a new looks at Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, and Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron. And of course, we cannot forget the iconic shot of Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) together again; and boy does it feel good. There is also an ominous shot of what appears to be Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his mechanical hand with R2-D2. Hamill can also be heard, in narration only, reciting a similar monologue from Episode VI: Return of the Jedi to an unknown person that he believes also has the powers of the Force. Who could it be?

Other questions we must inquire about: who is running the Empire now? Why didn’t they show any footage of Leia? And who’s that silver Stormtrooper?

This is what dreams are made of here people. Hopefully everyone’s excitement won’t be built up only to be let down if the movie doesn’t live up to our expectations.

Here’s the official teaser poster:

star wars: the force awakens teaser poster

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Directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams, Star Wars: The Force Awakens stars John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Crystal Clarke, Pip Andersen, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow. They will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa [Solo?] Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca, and Kenny Baker as R2-D2. The film is set to release on December 18, 2015.

 ***NEXT PAGE FOR BONUS GIF GALLERY SPECTACULAR***

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Marvel’s Full-Length ‘Ant-Man’ Trailer Boasts Sizable Fun (157 Screenshots)

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For those naysayers who thought Ant-Man wouldn’t live up to an Avengers-caliber hero based on its first teaser trailer, Marvel has now released a full-length trailer to put those fears to rest. Premiering a slew of new footage featuring title star in action, this final film to bookend Phase 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe looks to be a lot of fun.

I like it. And I wouldn’t be ashamed to say that the end of the trailer with Thomas the Tank Engine tickled my tummy. With all the Avengers running wild in Phase 2, this is only the second and final origin story fans will receive this round. There will be a whole batch of new characters to meet in Phase 3, but Hank Pym and Scott Lang are closing it out, taking a bow, and providing the encore to Avengers: Age of Ultron. But what a strange note to end it on?

The dynamic of comedy and action is a bit of step back in tone compared to Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It’s like Ant-Man is here to cleanse our pallet between Age of Ultron and Civil War. Based on this trailer, Ant-Man is a more intimate story on a literally smaller scale, and I kind of like that. After a high-stakes, action blockbuster like Age of Ultron, which I cannot wait to see, it will be interesting to gain Scott Lang’s perspective on the aftermath of it all.

The trailer shows a decent amount of the story and some of the fun action. Those who are unfamiliar with the character can get a good understanding of his capabilities – and they even play on the humor of those who agree his name is quite silly. With team Feige watching over Peyton Reed’s direction, I’m sure this film will fit adequately into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and we’ll all give a warm welcome to Paul Rudd just like we did Chris Pratt.

One spoiler note (highlight the text to unveil my thoughts): I’m sure I’m not the only one who assumes this, but I believe Marvel is playing down Ant-Man’s powers because in the comics not only can he shrink down to the size of an ant, but he can also grow to the size of a tall building. And I’m guessing him growing to that large scale size will be the big finale they’re keeping out of the promotions. End Spoiler.

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Here’s the official plot synopsis from Marvel:

Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Directed by Peyton Reed, Ant-Man stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne, Corey Stoll as Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket, Bobby Cannavale as Paxton, Michael Peña as Luis, Judy Greer as Maggie, Tip “Ti” Harris as Dave, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, Wood Harris as Gale, Jordi Mollà as Castillo and Michael Douglas as Hank Pym. This film is set to be released in theaters on July 17, 2015.

Source: Marvel Entertainment

J.K. Simmons Approached for J. Jonah Jameson Role in Sony-Marvel Studios’ ‘Spider-Man’ Reboot

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J.K. Simmons Set to Return as J. Jonah Jameson in Sony-Marvel Studios' 'Spider-Man' Reboot

While rumors continue to churn surrounding who will fill the red and blue tights as the next Spider-Man, a familiar face will be returning in one of the most iconic comic book movie franchise roles of all time. That’s right, if the headline didn’t grab your attention, J.K. Simmons has been approached to reprise his role as Daily Bugle editor-in-chief J. Jonah Jameson. Learn more about this exciting news after the break. Continue reading →

Disney Officially Announces ‘Frozen 2’ is in Development

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Frozen Fever Screenshot Elsa and Olaf 1

This weekend, audiences will return to Arendelle in the upcoming Frozen Fever short, which is being screened before the live-action Cinderella movie. For those who believes that a short film isn’t enough to contain the world of Frozen can sleep well tonight because Walt Disney has officially announced today that a feature-length sequel is in development. Find out more details after the break. Continue reading →

Final Inside Out Trailer Explores the Mind of Riley [124 Screenshots]

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With just a few months to go, Pixar has released their last Inside Out trailer, which finally gives us a hint at what the meat of the story will consist of. Releasing this June, the animation studio is going to take moviegoers on a wild ride of emotions, literally. From Imagination Land to Dream Productions Studios, this latest Inside Out trailer gives us a lay of the land within mind of Riley, the little girl whose emotions we will spend the majority of the time with.

The previous Inside Out trailer does an excellent job setting up the mechanics of how the five emotions work inside our heads; they consist of Joy, Fear, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust. While the group takes turns managing Riley’s emotional state, from what this final trailer suggests, somehow Joy and Sadness get sucked out of their little base of operations and must find their way back. The world inside the mind of Riley that director Pete Doctor and company have created looks expansive, details of which I wouldn’t expect anything less from Pixar.

How will not having two core emotions at the helm play out for Riley? What affects will that have on her toward others and her parents? These are but a few questions that this trailer brings to my mind. What I really wonder about is whether or not Inside Out will touch on how present day parents deal with their kids’ emotions. Pixar movies tend to always hit home on big resonating themes that they could touch on certain disorders or imbalances that parents these days try to keep an eye out for as their kids develop as a person. With two emotions out of the picture, Riley might not be her usual charming self as we see in the dinner scene.

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Here is the official plot synopsis for Inside Out, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios:

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Directed by Pete Docter, Inside Out stars the voices of Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, Lori Alan, Kaitlyn Dias, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Inside Out hits theaters everywhere on June 19, 2015.

Source: Disney•Pixar

Second ‘Tomorrowland’ Trailer Makes the Impossible Possible [119 Screenshots]

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Tomorrowland Movie Screenshot Britt Robertson Casey Newton Pin

Despite George Clooney’s character, Frank Walker, being afraid of a clock ticking down to the imminent future, Disney fans have been eager for May 22 to come around so Tomorrowland can reveal its secrets. A second trailer has just been released, unveiling more of the story and giving us a better idea of who these characters are. It’s so much fun when you know little about a film because it’s an original property and not a sequel, isn’t it? You can watch the latest trailer and check out all of our screenshots after the break. Continue reading →

Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye to Appear in ‘Captain America: Civil War’

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Hawkeye in Captain America: Civil War

It’s a fact that Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) will be in a more prominent role in Avengers: Age of Ultron, but there has been much speculation as to whether or not the expert marksman would be showing up in Captain America: Civil War. Now there seems to be a definitive answer. Hit the jump for more info.

Continue reading →

New ‘Toy Story 4’ Plot Details Emerge

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New 'Toy Story 4' Plot Details Emerge

Although it was surprising to see a fourth Toy Story film being announced, what may be more surprising is the plot details lined up for the latest installment. As great of a dynamic duo they are, Buzz and Woody may be taking the backseat to a different kind of Toy Story. Hit the jump for the latest on Toy Story 4. Continue reading →