TOP 5 STORIES FOR THE WEEK ENDING 08/30/2013
While Marvel Studios dropped some pretty big news this week - confirming Bradley Cooper for the role of Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy and announcing James Spader as the voice of Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron, the news that Ben Affleck would play Batman in Superman vs Batman was still this week's most buzzed about topic. Judging by fan reaction, Whedon has his work cut out in convincing comic book readers and casual fans alike that Ultron, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are going to meld with the existing Avengers roster in dynamic fashion.
The second most talked about topic is actually one that's FALSE. Bryan Cranston has not signed up to play Lex Luthor in the Man of Steel sequel. Sometimes the internet goes into a frenzy for hits and runs with the most unbelievable and uncredited stories imaginable as click-bait. I ask fans to keep in mind that the source of the rumor has also stated that Cranston would not be Luthor and that Mark Strong was the front-runner, then that Strong would return as Sinestro (just so they've covered all bases), the actor playing Batman would be in his 30's, Teen Wolf star Tyler Hoechlin screen tested for the role and a bunch of other malarkey that leaves me surprised anyone would believe anything originating there. Cranston has not been cast in the role, yet. Besides, how often do the names you first hear about actually end up winning the role?
Another rumor on the Star Wars front names Magic Mike's Alex Pettyfer and Peter Pan's Rachel Hurd-Wood as possible contenders for Episode VII roles. These remain rumors for now but the internet scuttlebutt is that official Star Wars casting news is coming very, very soon.
Over in Japan, director Zack Snyder was on hand for the premiere of Man of Steel. He talked about the amount of destruction in the film and revealed that he made his decision after examining various myths and legends in countries around the world.
James Spader Set To Play 'Ultron' In Joss Whedon's THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
Bradley Cooper Officially Signs On For 'Rocket Raccoon' In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Bryan Cranston Has NOT Been Cast As Lex Luthor In MOS 2...At least, Not Yet!
Alex Pettyfer & Rachel Hurd-Wood Have Apparently Read For Roles In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII
Zack Snyder Explains The Reason For The Mass Carnage In MAN OF STEEL
JUST MISSED THE CUT: The Batfleck news dropped last week but the media was quick to solicit responses from anyone even moderately tied to the news. Matt Damon, Justin Timberlake and Michael Keaton were but a few of the celebrities asked about Affleck donning the Bat cowl. Game of Thrones fans, it seems that actor Michiel Huisman is not playing a new character, he's replacing Ed Skrein as Khalessi love-interest Daario. Over on the animation front, a new still was debuted from Justice League: War which featured Wonder Woman in a new outfit that seems to please fans.
Justin Timberlake Wants To Be Riddler
Michael Keaton Signs Off On BATFLECK; Comments On Possibly Returning To The Franchise
Matt Damon Backs His Friend Ben Affleck's Batman Decision
UNCHARTED Movie Close, MASS EFFECT Movie 5 To 6 Years Away
Michiel Huisman Replaces Ed Skrein As Daario Naharis In GAME OF THRONES Season Four
Joss Whedon On How THE AVENGERS Prepared Him For AGE OF ULTRON
Wonder Woman Gets New Costume In JUSTICE LEAGUE: WAR
Vin Diesel Talks Groot; Says He Was Originally In Talks To Star In A New "Phase 3" Marvel Movie