Spider-Man is coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe!...

It's been long rumoured and finally it's been officially announced. Sony Entertainment will be collaborating with Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige co-producing with Sony's Amy Pascal, to bring Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and collaborate on the next solo film to be released 28/07/2017. It's worth noting two things from the statement the new Spider-Man will first appear in a Marvel cinematic Universe film, most likely this will be Captain America: Civil War, and that Sony still have financial and creative control along with distribution rights and still have ownership of the character. I just hope that they take advantage of having the likes of Kevin Feige when creating the next film and also that this will turn out to be the Spider-Man we've all been hoping for.

On a disappointing note to this announcement it is being reported that Andrew Garfield will not be keeping his role as Spider-Man in these future instalments which is a shame as I really enjoyed his portrayal of the character. If this is true we will get a new casting for the character which will surely happen soon if it he will first be appearing in Civil War as rumoured. The big question is, will this be Peter Parker Spider-Man? Could they decide to go with Miles Morales, if they were too it would certainly be controversial but considering the amount of Peter Parker we have had in recent years Mile Morales wouldn't be unwelcome as far as I'm concerned. But the fact this this is most likely linking in with Civil War the chances are much higher that this will still be Peter Parker hitting the big screen.

I look forward to more news and announcements on this one. For the official Marvel release click the link below.

Click me I'm the link

Avengers Age of Ultron hitting cinemas even earlier in the UK!!

Avengers Age of Ultron will now be hitting UK cinema screens on the 23/04/2015, that's one day earlier than originally advertised. That's a whole 24 hours less to wait for the biggest Comic* film this year and a different day to the holiday form I was gonna fill out, will have to correct that.

*(I would say biggest film this year, but on a personal note that will always be Star Wars.)

Also there is a new TV spot which I haven't yet posted so check this out below;

Ant-Man's first trailer has arrived! And it's human sized!

So after a long wait the Ant-Man trailer is finally here and human sized for that matter. I'm still not sure what to make of it yet. I am looking forward to seeing how Marvel take on one of their original but unconventional character's. So far the trailer only gives us a better look at Hank Pym, Michael Douglas, and Scott Lang (Ant-Man), Paul Rudd. What do you make of the trailer and what has been revealed so far? Check out the trailer below and some posters also;

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here's what I'm looking forward to in 2015 so far...

After a great New Years eve, a few to many drinks, and a days recovery. Another year has flown by, and now its time to look ahead. Here's what I'm looking forward to in 2015 from the world of comics, movies, tv and more...

So to begin with...

STAR WARS! STAR WARS! STAR WARS!

The comics are back at Marvel with Star Wars #1 coming out this month and their not holding back with their creative teams. Star Wars #1 has the superstar creative team of Jason Aaron and John Cassaday. Princess Leia is being written by none other than Mark Waid and illustrated by Terry Dodson. Darth Vader is written by Kieron Gillen and drawn by Salvador Larroca and Adi Granov. There is also a comic coming out involving Kanan from Star Wars Rebels. Its important to remember that this is all considered canon.

Obviously there is the new film Star Wars Epidose VII: The Force Awakens coming out at the end of the year, hoping for more trailers not to spoil it but to get a better idea of things, and hopefully plenty more inbetween. We'll be getting more Star Wars Rebels, more books and hopefully some cool memorabilia, statues and actions figures. I already have my eye on the statues coming out for Star Wars Rebels.

COMICS! COMICS! COMICS!

There's plenty to look forward to in the world of comics in 2015 but here a just a few I can't wait for;

Marvel's new titles;

Marvel continue to release exciting titles with exciting creative teams. New artists, new writers. The one issue I am really looking forward to from the 2015 solicitations so far is the Thor Annual #1 released in February, with stories from various creators, including Noelle Stephenson and drawn by Marguerite Sauvage, so more of a anthology if you will.

Image Comics are continuing there fine form of publishing comics by great independent teams. 2015 will finally see the release of Southern Cross by Beckly Cloonan and Andy Belanger! Also lets not forget Injection should soon get a release date for its first issue coming from the fantastic, already tried and tested, team of Warren Ellis, Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire. With Image Con coming soon in the new year there will probably be plenty more to be excited about in no time.

MOVIES! MOVIES! MOVIES!

There are plenty of decent films to look forward to this year. First one I'll be heading to a cinema to see this year is Big Hero 6 from Disney Animation, the first Disney animated film inspired by a Marvel comic, although there have bee several creative changes. Already out in America this will be in UK cinemas the earll part of 2015 and I am really looking forward to it. There's even an animated Stan Lee cameo I understand.

Marvel Studios Avengers Age of Ultron hits our screens at the end of April. I don't think I need to say much more. We will get another trailer in a couple of weeks time. Hopefully we will see a few more of the new characters. Mainly just a short glimpse of the Vision played by Paul Bettany would be nice. The Vision is one of my favourite characters, and if you like what you see I strongly recommend you check out the Avengers A.I. comic by Sam Humphries and Andre Lima Araujo!! Anyway this is my second most anticipated film of the year!!

Another Marvel Studios film to hit the screen this year is Ant-Man, which will finally be released. Long has it been in development and hitting a sticky patch when fan favourite director Edgar Wright withdrew from the film, the mastermind who had put together the film. Creative differences may have been the reason for the split, but Marvel found a new director and during this Tuesday's two hour premier of Marvel's Agent Carter we will finally get a teaser for the film released, but there are a couple of teasers of the teasers below.

I have been a Pixar fan since I was 5 and my dad took me to see Toy Story in the cinema, the first film I ever saw on the big screen. For the first time Pixar did not release a film in back to back years. That means this year will see the release of Inside Out, which I had my apprehensions about at first but after seeing the below trailer I can not wait for! The other film by Pixar that should be seeing a release this year, but currently doesn't have a trailer is The Good Dinosaur, which I am also really looking forward to.

STAR WARS! STAR WARS! STAR WARS! I reckon we will find out more in April during the Star Wars celebration and coming out a week before Christmas this film will be like an early Christmas present. I am excited to see how JJ Abrams rejuvenates this franchise, the cast is exciting and the first teaser has left me asking more questions than giving me answers. MILLENIUM FALCON!!

VIDEO GAMES! VIDEO GAMES! VIDEO GAMES!

Batman Arkham Knight (02/06/2015)

A game that has been delayed from 2014, a fan favourite and one that genuinely looks stunning and to really take advantage of the next gen consoles power! One of the reasons I wanted a PS4 and I can not wait to get this when it is finally released. Here's to hoping there are no more delays.

Star Wars Battlefront (2015)

The game I have been waiting for since Battlefront 3 was cancelled. The game I was hoping would be put into production when Disney brought Lucasarts. Battlefront 3 in production by EA DICE the studio behind the popular Battlefield series. We won't see a firm release date for this until later in the year but at the moment it has been announced we are looking at a Holiday 2015 release.

Final Fantasy XV (2015)

The game I have been waiting for since the release of Final Fantasy 13. Originally named Final Fantasy Versus 13. I really am excited for this game, no firm release date yet, a Demo will be available for those who buy Finaly Fantasy Type-0. Check out the trailer below for the stunning gameplay footage!

Witcher 3 (19/05/2015)

I'm very much a fan of a good RPG. Having found the start of Dragon Age Origins a little tedious, although I have been told it gets good after about the first 5 hours. I have been looking out for a new franchise. I had heard a little about the Witcher series. Unfortunately it has had an odd release the first game on PC the second on PC and Xbox and finally the third to come out on all next gen consoles. I've decided to grab the Witcher 2 to play on my Xbox and also grabbed the first novel featuring the Witcher by a Polish author, I've been looking for a new series of books to read and the fact these inspired a game that I am really looking forward too is even better. Witcher 3 is another game that has been delayed a couple of times but hopefully this means we will have a problem free launch unlike some games that have been released recently.

SUBSCRIPTIONS! SUBSCRIPTIONS! SUBSCRIPTIONS!

I have this thing where I sign up to subscriptions in the new year. A couple of these I have been looking to subscribe to for quite some time. One of these is Loot Crate, the other is Marvel Unlimited. I got my first Loot Crate at the end of last year and I look forward to getting January's and starting of a new years worth of these! Marvel Unlimited is something I have been looking to get for a while as well to be able to catch up on those critically acclaimed arcs that I couldn't afford to buy or miss. Also for the extensive back catalog other than recent modern titles.

Finally the other subscription I have signed up to is Beer Bods. I have recently got into drinking Ale. My dad is an Ale drinker, and for several years I have passed on going to the local Beer Festival with him. We have a new tradition before Football on a Saturday that sees us heading to a local Micro-Pub close to me before a game. Surprisingly I have really got into this and Beer Bods is an exciting subscription service that sends you 12 beers for 12 weeks and on a Thursday you try one of these. I look forward to receiving my first box of beers and what I'll be looking to enjoy.

TELEVISION! TELEVISION! TELEVISION!

I don't get much time to watch Television programmes but there are a certain few that I make sure I take the time to watch. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is one of the programmes I make sure I watch, the Season 2 mid-season/ winter finale was brilliant, and the series is going from strength to strength since the shake up of Captain America Winter Soldier. I don't want to give away to many spoilers but I strongly recommend if you are a fan of the cinematic universe you take time to watch this series.

A newer series to come out and fill the mid-season gap of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is Marvel's Agent Carter, this hits screens in America on Tuesday the 6th with a 2 hour premier, staring Hayley Atwell returning to her roll of Peggy Carter in Captain America The First Avenger. I'll be looking forward to checking this one out!

Like many I am waiting for Star Wars Episode VII to come out and also one of those that was sad to see the end of Star Wars Clone Wars series. But in Clone Wars place and to fill the gap while we wait for Star Wars Episode VII we have Star Wars Rebels! Rebels is several episodes in and returns to screens on Monday 5th. Set between Episode III and Episode IV we follow a screw of rag tag rebels and their stories! I look forward to there return tomorrow.

Game of Thrones! Game of Thrones! Game of Thrones!! I can't wait for Season 5. I don't think I need to say much more.

Get a Special Look at Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron"

So we have the announcement of every Marvel film of phase 3. More news and a date for Marvel's Agent Carter TV series and now Marvel Entertainment have posted the extra footage shown during Tuesdays episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Check it out below;

Marvel Studios: Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 3!

Squeeeee!! Well I stayed late at work to watch the event unfold on twitter and live blog and I wasn't disappointed! Quite frankly I was bouncing around the room at each announcement and my cinema trips for the next 5 years are already in the calendar.

Also those of you who may have been wondering like I had Ant Man is the final film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 2.

So to make this easier I will put the announcements into date order below.

May 6th 2016: Captain America: Civil War;

This sees Robert Downey Jnr join Cap in the film that will be based around the popular Marvel comics event created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven, and in my opinion is the best event in a long time but I am biased as this is what got me into comics. But obviously this is the Marvel Cinematic Universe take on the Civil War and unless certain agreements come about much as has been rumoured, Spider-Man and the X-Men will not be involved.

November 4th 2016: Doctor Strange;

So far all that is confirmed for this is the director Scott Derrickson. No confirmation was made regarding Benedict Cumberbatch having been given the role. But as always this doesn't mean it isn't true, but to be fair Marvel gave us all of this, can we really be upset they haven't announced the leading man for this film yet.

May 5th 2017: Guardians of the Galaxy 2;

Well this has been moved forward by a couple of months. Which is great news as it means I have a little less time to wait for my favourite Marvel film yet! I have a feeling this may get a new title before it is released like the previous sequels to the Marvel Cinematic Universe have received. We already know that James Gunn is directing again and he has confirmed he is happily working on the script right now!

July 28th 2017: Thor: Ragnarok;

Taking the original slot that was originally filled with the Guardians sequel. Christopher Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston have been confirmed to be returning to their roles of Thor and Loki. And for those who may not be familiar, and I will try not to go on for to long as this is one of my favourite mythologies, that Ragnarok is the end of the world scenario. So this has the potential to really be the best Thor film yet. Thor The Dark World was definitely a step up from the previous and I look forward to when we start to get more news regarding this third installment.

November 3rd 2017: Black Panther;

This title has been rumoured for a long while now, and has apparently been planned for some time and has been seeded with the universe prior to this announcement. There is certainly a few elements regarding Age of Ultron that people feel links with the Black Panther. Also the leading man of the film was announced and introduced to the crowd at the event, Chadwick Boseman, for me a relatively unknown actor.

May 4th 2018: Avengers: Infinity War Part I;

Well the film we all knew would be coming and also involving a certain item and obvious character, the Infinity Gauntlet and Thanos; and considering the films announced to this point then I can't wait to see which team will be lining up for this film. Maybe running up to Avengers Age of Ultron I'll take a look and the currect and prospective rosters by the time this film is released. Joss Whedon will be returning as Director and I am fairly certain we will be seeing the return of several actor/ actresses so far. Plus Downey Jnr has already been confirmed for Avengers 3 right? Or was that 2? I'll look that up.

July 6th 2018: Captain Marvel;

The biggest surprise for me was the announcement of the Captain Marvel film to be led by the female take on the character Carol Danvers. I for one hope this takes inspiration from the Jamie McKelvie redesign, the obvious casting choice is Katee Sackhoff but I have a feeling they may go for someone less known and not from a previous Sci Fi franchise, but hopefully I'm wrong. This is an exciting announcement and I look forward to finding out more regarding the character and will be intrigued as to how the announcement or first appearance of the character will take place.

November 2nd 2018: Inhumans;

Many believe this is Marvel's answer to the fact they do not own the X-Men franchise. But take a look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far has there been any requirement for the X-Men, NO! Considering the galactic nature that many of the films are moving too do the Inhumans make more sense? In my opinion yes! But being the Marvel fanboy that I am I am of course slightly biased. It will be interesting to see how things are set up for this film beforehand, Guardians of the Galaxy? Infinity War Part I? Its also heavily believed that the Inhumans are being set up in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Well theres plenty more to look forward until we hear more about this film.

May 3rd 2019: Avengers: Infinity War Part II;

Marvel's Avengers Age of Ultron Trailer!!

In 4 Months Past... Time Ran Out

So there has been a long absence since I last posted something on here. The incredible thing for me was that I didn't even get anything SDCC related onto the blog through July, life has just been far to busy and quite frankly my chrome book doesn't stand up to my previous laptop and can be annoyingly frustrating at times.

But back to the blogging, I'm not going to make any promises of this being my return, it may well even be another 4 months from this post that I finally post something else again, but we will just have to wait and see.

It has been a busy 4 months for the comic world and film and here is a quick well actually fairly long look at what caught my eye and I had hoped to post about.

Image Expo (Tokyo Ghost, Drifter, Injection, Southern Cross)

To begin, and to my surprise it is not Marvel related. The Image Expo that tagged itself to to the beginning of SDCC this year had some of the most exciting announcements of the convention. Image continue to produce some of the best independent comics out there, there philosophy is luring and attracting some of brightest and most promising talents in the business and the titles announced at this expo were testament to that. I am only going to write about the ones which caught my eye but there are plenty of titles to keep an eye out for in the Image solicitations as they are released month by month.

Injection #1 (Source Comic Book Resources)

The two which shouted out at me the moment they were announced while I was keeping up with the live blog of the event were Injection from the creative team of Warren Ellis, Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire, who just finished their run on probably one of the best arcs of Moon Knight I have read. The creative team alone has gotten me really excited for this one. The other title that screamed manically at me is Southern Cross from Becky Cloonan and Andy Belanger, if any of you have read my previous posts you will be well aware of my love for Cloonan's comics. Andy Belanger is a creator I am not particularly familiar with but I look forward to seeing his artistic talents in this creator owned voyage.

Other titles that grabbed my attentions were Tokyo Ghost from Rick Remender and Sean Gordon Murphy, Drifter from Ivan Brandon and Nic Klein. For all the other exciting titles keep your eyes peeled to the Image Solicitations as and when they are released.

DC Bat Universe (Gotham Academy, Batgirl, Gotham by Midnight, Arkham Manor)

Next, and still not Marvel, DC have suddenly and surprisingly announced a new group of Bat-centric titles from creators that have mainly had a independent background. In order of my favourites, Gotham Academy with the incredibly exciting creative team of Becky Cloonan, Brendan Fletcher and Karl Kerschl who will be taking us into the halls of a school funded by Bruce Wayne and being Gotham this will not be your run of the mill highschool. Then there is the re-vamp of Batgirl which sees the long standing fan favourite writer Gail Simone handing the character over to Brendan Fletcher, Cameron Stuart and newcomer Babs Tarr, this is yet another exciting line up and the preview work and what has been revealed so far has already gathered quite the online following including it's own tumblr by the creators for the flurry of fan art. Finally not to be forgotten from the hype of the previous two announcements there will also be Arkham Manor from Gerry Duggan and Shaun Crystal along with Gotham by Midnight from Ray Fawkes and Ben Templesmith. Arkham Manor sees Bruce Wayne's home become the new Arkham Asylum and Gotham by Midnight sees a group of detectives that investigate the mysterious in Gotham led by Spectre.

Gotham By Midnight

Spider-Verse (Spider-Gwen)

Okay now it's time for some Marvel news. Spider-Verse begins this month well the run up to with the Edge of Spider-Verse titles beginning to roll out. These being 5 one shot issues focusing on alternative universe Spider-Men or Women. From the known to the new, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Gwen which I am most excited for and already hope will receive her own stand alone title, Dustin Weaver creates is own alterate universe Spider-Man, there looks to be a sort of pulp horror Spider-Man and the second favourite of the 5 I'm looking forward to is the team-up of Gerard Way and Jake Wyatt for there interpretation of a alternate universe Spider-Man.

As mentioned the most exciting title for me from the 5 is Edge if Spider-Verse #2 from Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez, who sounds like a Marvel character himself but is part of the creative team from Vertigo comic FBPD. They will be bringing us an alternate universe Gwen Stacy who was in fact bitten by the spider. Rodriguez has killed it on the design and there have already been several Spider-Gwen cosplayers at comic conventions. I have high hopes for this issue and really hope I'm not disappointed, Latour has already stated should there be a demand he would be more than happy to write more Spider-Gwen.

The other Edge of Spider-Verse title that has caught my eye is the offering from Gerard Way and Jacob Wyatt. This has potential on so many levels as Jacob Wyatt is one of the rising stars, having worked on his creator owned title and recently on a couple of Ms Marvel issues and well Gerard Way has been around long enough with Umbrella Academy and Killjoys for us to know he can write a good comic it will be interesting to see what he does with his own take on a Spider-Man origin.

Marvel Star Wars (Star Wars Jason Aaron/ Cassaday, Darth Vader Gillen/ Larocca/ Granov &, Leia Waid/ Dodson)

SDCC saw the a announcement of some long awaited news since Disney acquired Lucasfilm and it was officially announced that Marvel will be taking over the Star Wars franchise when it comes to the comics and so the titles and creative teams were finally announced.

There will be a stand alone Star Wars title written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by John Cassaday. Darth Vader will get his own title written by Kieren Gillen and illustrated by Salvador Larocca and Adi Granov and finally Princess Leia will get her own solo title from Mark Waid and Terry Dodson. I can't help but think a better artist could have been found for Leia that more suited the Princess but Dodson may well prove me wrong. These have been confirmed for 2015 so I imagine in the coming months more info and hopefully preview art will be released.

Avengers NOW! All- New Captain America (FalCap) Thor (Female) Superior Iron Man (Tony Stark Gone Mad Scientist) 

Marvels big SDCC announcement was the upcoming Avengers NOW! initiative much like the Marvel NOW! and All-New Marvel NOW! initiatives this sees many new titles and characters beginning from #1 with creative changes, mainly focusing on the characters within the Avengers team. The 3 big announcements are the upcoming changes to the big three Avengers, Captain America, Superior Iron Man and Thor. The mantle and shield of Captain America will be finding a new wielded in Sam Wilson a.k.a Falcon now dubbed Falcap, Steve Rogers has had the super soldier serum removed from his system and now resembles a man of his proper age so obviously he is required to hand over the mantle to someone he trusts. This will be brought to us in the pages of All-New Captain America from Rick Remender & Stuart Immonen starting in November. 

Tony Stark will be moving to San Francisco and after the major fall out from Original Sin, his antics in New Avengers and the events at the beginning of AXIS see him become the Superior Iron Man, an adjective once again made popular by the successful run of another Marvel heavyweight Spider-Man, this sees Tony go a little mad scientist and he will come head to head with another Marvel character recently moved to the area Daredevil. This take on the character certainly sounds interesting and with a new creative team to Marvel of Tom Taylor & Yilidray Cinar may well be worth checking out.

Thor also gets a major shake up. Thor Odinson no longer being deemed worthy of Mjolnir finds the hammer in someone else's hands, a mysterious female. It has been pointed out that this is not Thorita, Lady Thor. This is Thor and the God of Thunder is now a woman. In Jason Aaron I trust and he will be joined on this new era of Thor by Russell Dauterman, he will certainly need to be giving his A-Game as he will be replacing the critically acclaimed Essad Ribic on art duties for the character. This female character who now holds the hammer is shrouded in mystery and it has been confirmed we will have to wait to find out who it is.

Other new titles announced for Avengers NOW! included Angela: Asgards Assassin from Gillen/ Bennett/ Jimenez and Stephanie Hans, Bucky Barnes: Winger Soldier from Ales Kot and Marco Rudy. Deathlok is getting a new series starting in October from Nathan Edmondson and Mike Perkins. Two Inhumans feature in the image, Medusa and Inferno, this may be a continued push for the Inhumans as a whole or NYCC may see the announcement of a solo Medusa title can't really see a solo series for Inferno. Scarlet Witch features in the image also another character that is currently in Uncanny Avengers I have more on my ideas as to why she is in the image in the AXIS section below. Doctor Strange and Ant-Man both are present in the image and with there solo films confirmed or in production it is likely they will see there own individual titles especially considering they were both heavily involved in Original Sin it's only a matter of time.

AXIS

With Original Sin coming to an end, well ended by the time this is posted, AXIS now known as Avengers & X-Men AXIS has been getting a big promotional push. From Special Edition NYC we learnt about the first arc of 3 issues coming in October "The Red Supremacy" which sees the return of the Red Skull in his Onslught duds. This arc sees both the Avengers and X-Men battling the Red Skull on Genosha where he has turned the once mutant country into his base with enslavement camps and this is where he is spreading his message of hate across the world with his new found Charles Xavier mutant powers.

We learnt more about the 2nd arc 'Inversion' during SDCC and since. This arc sees heroes becoming 'bad' guys and villains becoming 'good'. The X-Men team up with one of their greatest villains. Tony Stark goes a little mad scientist and moves to San Francisco to become the Superior Iron Man as teased during the Avengers NOW! initiative. With the AXIS of Evil apparently winning where does that lead the Marvel Universe and what can possibly take place in the third arc to rectify this. Marvel are churning out event after event at the moment and it is understandable why many are apprehensive about this but from the solicitation for both the first and second arc this may be just as exciting and successful as the Avengers vs X-Men event from 2 years past.

Theres also several big teases in the solicitations for the issues during the second arc. The formation of the Astonishing Avengers in issue 6, and with the Uncanny Avengers on hiatus during this event and Remender teasing he will be on a new book by the end of this AXIS is it difficult to put two and two together and believe this will be Astonishing Avengers? Looks as though Remender is just working his way through all the pre-fix adjectives that haven't been before the word Avengers. Bleeding Cool certainly seem to think so and they also think Esad Ribic will be on art duties. Also from the solicits that have since been released issue 5 teases a new sorceress supreme, could the Scarlet Witch be gaining the mantel of Sorceress Supreme and with Marvel's big publishing push for female led titles and the character appearing in Avengers: Age of Ultron next year could she be getting her own title, 'Scarlet Witch Sorceress Supreme'? This would certainly answer why she is in the Avengers NOW! promo image.

Guardians of the Galaxy

So the film I had been waiting 3 years for was finally released at the end of July and is now the highest grossing film in America this year, surprised? I'm not. I've seen the film 3 times now and it was everything I expected and some. I'm counting down the days until the release date is confirmed for the Blu-Ray and then I will be counting down the days until the release date. This film take the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a completelt new and exciting direction and with Guardians of the Galaxy 2 confirmed to be directed by James Gunn and already announced to be released in July 2014 I now only have another 3 years to patiently and excitedly await the sequel. If you haven't yet got to see this I stongly recommed you find a cinema that it still showing it and see it NOW!

And so to end this long and wordy post why not a few teaser videos for some TV shows and Video Games I'm looking forward to coming this Fall.

Star Wars Rebels: October

Agents of Shield Season 2:

Star Wars Episode VII: Set pics from Abu Dhabi and a secret UK location.

Well this has been in draft form for some while and since initially writing the below, JJ Abrams himself has got involved in the leaking of set pictures for the upcoming resurgence of this much loved franchise, so I will leave my writing below and add links to the sites with the pictures, which makes me only indirectly involved in helping anyone see the leaked set pics.

http://www.tmz.com/2014/06/02/star-wars-episode-7-photos-from-set-tmz-tv/

http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_ady00hdz/

Photos from sets in Abu Dhabi are showing promising images of  non CGI sets and animatronics much like the original trilogy. I am aware this is something that fans wished was used more in the prequel trilogy which unfortunately ended up being heavily CG dependent.

Also further images have been revealed of a possible Millenium Falcon construction and X-Wing, as Bleeding Cool have noted it looks like the design for what is presumably an X-Wing is closer to the Ralph McQuarrie design that its predecessor in the original trilogy. This seems to be a strong design point across all new Star Wars developments since Disney purchased the franchise. Star Wars Rebel's the CG Animated series is also strongly influenced by the original McQuarrie concept art, bringing in the original design for Chewbacca as a new species and character in the series. Not much can be taken from these set pics other than it is promising that they are sticking with traditional techniques rather than relying on that green screen.

Star Wars: Another Stand-Alone film confirmed with announcement of Director Josh Trank

Although we are yet to find out who, what and where these stand-alone films will include. Josh Trank ,the director of Chronicle the critically acclaimed film with its own take on super heroes, has been announced to be working on one of the stand-alone Star Wars movies beyond the core Saga. Trank is currently directing the new Fantastic Four for 20th Century Fox. We are certainly looking at Star Wars films aplenty in our future. For the official press release check it out below;

   

"In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney continue development of multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. The newest director to come on board is Josh Trank.

"We're thrilled to welcome Josh into the family," says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. "He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation. That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars, and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of Episodes I through IX."

Trank states, "The magic of the Star Wars Universe defined my entire childhood. The opportunity to expand on that experience for future generations is the most incredible dream of all time."

Trank captured imaginations worldwide with his critically lauded directorial debut Chronicle, a fresh and engaging take on the superhero genre. Trank is currently at work on The Fantastic Four for 20th Century Fox."

Star Wars: First Spin-Off Movie to be directed by Godzilla director Gareth Edwards

It has been officially announced that the next Star Wars film will be directed by Gareth Edwards with a screenplay from Gary Whitta. I gotta be honest I am not that familiar with there work, but from the statement below the important thing for me is they are fans of the films and from what I understand Edwards is a super fan of the original trilogy. The other exciting news is that we will get another Star Wars film within a year of the release of Episode VII. This could be seen as exciting as it is worrying, we may get a little bit of a Star Wars over load only time will tell. Now its just time to work out who or what the stand-alone movie will be about, many believe these stand-alone movies will be character based and popular guesses have been Yoda, Han Solo or fan favourite character Boba Fett. I find it difficult to see them doing a film about a younger Han Solo as that would require casting someone other than Harrison Ford. One thing I am certain of is that we are still to hear a lot of news regarding both this and the next instalment of the trilogy and for now I will just have to stick with being as nervous as I am excited for this new era in the Star Wars universe. See the official statement below.

"In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney have begun development on multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. Gareth Edwards will direct the first stand-alone film, with a screenplay by Gary Whitta. The film is due out December 16, 2016.

Gareth Edwards blazed into the filmmaking forefront with his acclaimed work on Monsters, a film he wrote, directed and served on as cinematographer and visual effects artist. The skill and vision readily apparent in Monsters earned him the high-profile spot directing this year's smash hit Godzilla.

"Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life -- join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited and honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm," said Edwards.

Gary Whitta's screenwriting credits include 2010's The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington. He is also well known as a journalist and editor in the video game industry, as well as part of the BAFTA award-winning team on Telltale Games adaptation of The Walking Dead.

Whitta states, "From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, Star Wars has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth, is literally a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself.""

"Ohhh... Yeahhh!" Guardians of the Galaxy Trailer! "I Am Groot!"

Star Wars Episode VII Officially Begins Production

So production has finally begun on Star Wars Episode VII, its official, and although it is believed there are still a few more cast announcements to be made, plus matching up the cast announcements with the characters they will be playing, excluding the original cast obviously.

After writing my May 4th post I realised how much I am actually excited for this and any news regarding it, along with the Star Wars Rebels series which I think looks awesome. So I have decided to put a Star Wars link on the navigation above and when any interesting Star Wars news catches my attentions I will put a post together with links to the source and everything. So until the next exciting bit of news, rumour or official, heres the image that was posted alongside the news that Star Wars Episode VII is now in production.

May the 4th Be With You! Happy Star Wars Day!!

So Happy Star Wars Day to all! May the 4th be with you! I have plans for Star Wars Day myself but first of all I thought I would do a round up of the recent news from the week leading to Star Wars Day and the trailers for Star Wars: Rebels released today, which look incredible I really like the new animation style.

Well first and foremost the huge new to have been released this week obviously is the news of the cast for Episode VII, this sees the return of the originals, Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Anthony Daniels (C3-PO) alongside the news comers some who have heavily been rumoured and associated in the press and many who are young British Actors. So joining the cast will be John Boyega (Of Attack the Block fame), Daisy Ridley (A relatively unknown British actress), Adam Driver (Heavily rumoured to be playing the villain), Oscar Isaac (Most recent role in Inside Llewllyn Davis by the Coen Brothers), Andy Serkis (Motion capture aficianado, just please don't be Jar Jar), Domhnall Gleeson (Who I know from About Time a brilliant rom com which I recommend) and Max von Sydhow (Personally not too familiar with). These are exciting castings and although the actors and actresses have not yet been linked to there specific characters they will be playing it is fantastic to know that castings are done, and I understand there is to be further news regarding another female character within the film. With San Diego Comic Con in July, where the first Star Wars film was originally announced, I am sure we will be hearing of more news and hopefully possibly get some character pictures soon. For the press release and image of the cast check this out below;

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

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

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

April 29th, Pinewood Studios, UK - Writer/Director/Producer J.J Abrams (top center right) at the cast read-through of Star Wars Episode VII at Pinewood Studios with (clockwise from right) Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Producer Bryan Burk, Lucasfilm President and Producer Kathleen Kennedy, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Writer Lawrence Kasdan. Copyright and Photo Credit: David James.

So to more recent news released just today we have the first two trailers for Star Wars: Rebels, I for one was very sad when I heard that Clone Wars would be coming to an end but the final series released on Netflix did a good job of bringing the series to a conclusion and with the recent announcement of what is and is not canon in the new Star Wars universe, which is basically the Films from I-VI obviously VII-VIIII alongside the character focused films that have been rumoured and the up and coming Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Clone Wars is also counted in this which brings a rich and interesting meaning to the Clone Wars between and during Episode II and Episode III. I have gone a little off point, what I was suppose to be saying is with the disappointment of the news that Clone Wars coming to an end and then the announcement of Star Wars: Rebels I was a little apprehensive at first and wasn't sure on the new animation style but I was wrong to be apprehensive and now with the two trailers released and character focused videos previously I can not wait for this to debut this fall. Check out the trailers below;

Finally here is a "Selfie Video" from JJ Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan wishing us all a Happy Star Wars Day! And moving forward with the soon to be filming I hope the Force will be with them.

Actually one last thing as mentioned before Disney finally made there statement regarding there stance on the Expanded Universe material and how this is no longer considered canon, and I will be writing a post on my thoughts on the matter, the Expanded Universe has a huge fan base, me included and there are several things which I am sad to see no longer have any real effect within the main Star Wars lore, but more on that from me at a later date.

May the 4th be with you all!