Mark Hamill Defends Unexpectedly Controversial Star Wars Reunion Photo

Mark Hamill Defends Unexpectedly Controversial Star Wars Reunion Photo

Star Wars' Mark Hamill has not been quiet about wishing the new trilogy ending the Skywalker Saga included a reunion for his Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford's Han Solo, and Carrie Fisher's Princess/General Leia Organa. So it wasn't exactly surprising or controversial when he tweeted a fan-made image doctoring a shot from the first Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker trailer, adding Han, Leia, and Luke next to Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian. Hamill tagged that reunion photo with #MissedOpportunities:

However, the first comment under his tweet had this message:

You know this image comes from one of the alt-right portion of the fan base, right? Bad look sir.

Mark Hamill returned to Twitter to share a new version of the reunion photo, this time adding his Joker. He explained and defended his original post, but lightened the mood with some of his trademark dad humor in honor of Avengers: Endgame weekend:

Billy Dee Williams appreciated the Luke/Leia/Han/Lando reunion photo, and replied to Mark Hamill's tweet with his own light humor:

You should be used to getting everyone’s knickers in a twist……part of your charm man!

Most of Mark Hamill's replies have been supportive, with fans saying there was no need for him to have to defend himself. They understood he was just re-expressing his sadness at the "missed opportunities" of the final trilogy never having a full OG reunion. However, some commenters argued the source of what you retweet does matter -- especially if you are as influential as Mark Hamill -- since it may come across as support for the account that made it. Many other famous names, especially political figures, have been called out for such things in the past.

Mark Hamill wasn't trying to endorse anything other than more wishful thinking for What Could Have Been. He's been on that track for a while, even if the Disney suits would probably rather he drop it. What if this is all a long con and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker does give us some kind of Luke/Leia/Han reunion after all? Based on his many posts on the subject, it doesn't seem like that's the case, but you never know.

Mark Hamill even revealed he pitched an idea to director J.J. Abrams for Episode VII: The Force Awakens, bringing Luke Skywalker back into the story a little bit earlier in the film so he could reunite with Leia and they could all be there for Han Solo's goodbye. Now the character of Han is gone, and Carrie Fisher is gone in real life. Leia is still returning through previously unused footage, but the original trilogy reunion ship seems to have sailed.

At least we have Lando back in the mix for Episode IX, and the trailer showed him having a blast back in the pilot's seat. Of course, we can't forget Chewbacca -- even if this fan image didn't add him to the reunion. Chewie didn't get Leia's hug in The Force Awakens and he didn't get a place in this reunion photo. The Wookiee deserves better.

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker opens in theaters December 20. Here's what we know so far about the end of the saga.

E.L. James Admits People Are Already Circling Fifty Shades Author's The Mister For Movie Rights

E.L. James Admits People Are Already Circling Fifty Shades Author's The Mister For Movie Rights

E.L. James, the author of the Fifty Shades of Grey series, has a new book out on the shelves called The Mister. Even if you've never read the books, there's a strong chance that you are at least a little familiar with the three Fifty Shades movies. They went on to gross a combined $1 billion at the box office, and it sounds like some studios are hoping for lightning to strike twice. James claims that studios are already circling a movie adaptation of The Mister.

The author's three Fifty Shades books followed the often dicey romance of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. While the soap opera drama they faced often placed obstacles in their path, the series is really known for and associated with sex. Things get real steamy between these two, helping to propel the series to worldwide success.

E.L. James' newest book, The Mister, is similar in concept to Fifty Shades. The novel follows an entirely different couple named Maxim Trevelyan and Alessia Demachi. Maxim is a wealthy playboy aristocrat who falls for the mysterious Alessia, whose only possession is her dark past. And they totally have sex, though it's apparently more vanilla than Fifty Shades.

The Mister has only been out for about a week, but it's already apparently gotten attention from movie studios. E.L. James told the Metro that she has been approached by studios for a film adaptation, but didn't get any deeper than that. In her words:

People are asking, yes. I have been asked. It is a big commitment.

Obviously, that doesn't mean that a movie is storming into theaters next year. It sounds like conversations have only just started and there's no guarantee that a movie will even happen. I suppose some of that will depend on book sales, but that's already off to a good start. The Mister has sold 52,674 physical copies in its first week.

For the record, it doesn't sound like The Mister is well-liked at the moment. Critics gave the book negative reviews, but it's not like the Fifty Shades films were getting Oscar nominations. Critics usually weren't fans of the movies, but that didn't stop it from making money. Just because the book isn't getting good reviews now doesn't mean that a future movie won't.

It's still too early to tell if a movie about The Mister is in the cards, but so far the signs seem positive. For more movie news and updates, be sure to stick with CinemaBlend and we'll keep you informed as new information becomes available. In the meantime, there are plenty of other movies that we know for a fact are coming out this year. Don't forget to also to hit up our 2019 movie release guide to plan all of your theater visits for the ear.

Why Winston Duke Thinks You Need To See Us More Than Once

Why Winston Duke Thinks You Need To See Us More Than Once

Jordan Peele’s debut film, Get Out, earned him an Oscar and instantly announced him as a bold and exciting new filmmaker with a clever voice. His eagerly anticipated follow up, Us, arrives in theaters this week, and I can tell you (as someone who was lucky enough to catch it at the South By Southwest film festival) that you are going to want to go out of your way to see it. In fact, make plans to see it twice.

There’s a twist in Us. That’s all I’ll reveal. But the twist changes the movie, and a second viewing will open up several new avenues of discussion. I’m not alone in thinking that repeat viewings are essential. One of the movie’s stars, Winston Duke, spoke with AMC Theatres and told them, regarding repeat viewing of Us:

It’s one of the things where you can’t get the full scope of what’s happening from the first viewing. Once you get to the end of the movie, it’s interesting to go back to the beginning and see how those things tie in and see the little nuanced body language and behaviors that foreshadowed some of those things. There’s a lot of beautiful literary elements that play in this film. A lot of allegory. A lot of foreshadowing. Metaphors. I know on my second viewing, a lot of things came alive that definitely I didn’t even understand while I was making it.

Winston Duke is not blowing smoke, but it’s really hard to elaborate on what he is saying without giving away the true joys of Us. So, we will dance around it.

Think of it this way. You likely saw Get Out. Do you remember how many clues and references Jordan Peele included in that socio-political thriller that weren’t clear until after you knew, fully, where the movie was going? Us is like that. You will enjoy it the first time through. It’s terrifying, and highly engrossing. But once you fully understand Us, you literally will want to do a 180-degree turn and buy a ticket for the next showing, because you will NEED to see it again.

Here’s the trailer for Us, to prepare you for this movie’s unique brand of insanity.

Want to go in cold? I can’t say that I blame you. Here’s all that you need to know about Us. It follows a family, led by Winston Duke and Lupita Nyong’o, as they embark on a restful weekend by the sea. But they are in for horrors when they are confronted by home invaders who look exactly like themselves. Who are these people, and what might this mean?

Find out for yourself when Us opens in theaters on Friday, March 22.

Netflix New Releases: Movies And TV Shows Coming To Netflix Streaming In April 2019

Netflix New Releases: Movies And TV Shows Coming To Netflix Streaming In April 2019

Like a nimble lamb sprinting across the countryside, April springs forth from March's end, typically bringing a change of season in its wake. Much like the changing seasons, streaming libraries are moving from the previous month's goodies into a new calendar full of delights.

Naturally, Netflix is one of the biggest parties to get in on streaming new content, what with its habit of refreshing its lineup on a monthly basis. While last month's newcomers happened to be a quite exciting bunch, the approaching weeks should attempt to give the past a run for its money. Here are the films and series that will be making April another month worthy of a Netflix subscription. Take a look.

Week of April 1

Across The Line - 4/1/19

All the President's Men - 4/1/19

Bonnie and Clyde (1967) - 4/1/19

Deliverance - 4/1/19

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - 4/1/19

Evolution - 4/1/19

Freddy vs. Jason - 4/1/19

Friday the 13th (2009) - 4/1/19

I Am Legend - 4/1/19

Lakeview Terrace - 4/1/19

Monster House - 4/1/19

Obsessed - 4/1/19

Penelope - 4/1/19

Pineapple Express - 4/1/19

Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon: S2 - 4/1/19

P.S. I Love You - 4/1/19

Snatch - 4/1/19

Spy Kids - 4/1/19

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D - 4/1/19

The Bone Collector - 4/1/19

The Fifth Element - 4/1/19

The Golden Compass - 4/1/19

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - 4/1/19

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 - 4/1/19

ULTRAMAN - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/1/19

Valkyrie - 4/1/19

Kevin Hart: Irresponsible - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/2/19

Suzzanna: Buried Alive - NETFLIX FILM - 4/3/19

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Part 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/5/19

In The Shadows - 4/5/19

Legacies: Season 1 - 4/5/19

Our Planet - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/5/19

Persona: Collection - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/5/19

Roman Empire: Caligula: The Mad Emperor - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/5/19

Spirit Riding Free: Season 8 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/5/19

Tijuana - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/5/19

Unicorn Store - NETFLIX FILM - 4/5/19

Week of April 7

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!: Season 6 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/9/19

New Girl: Season 7 - 4/10/19

You vs. Wild - NETFLIX ORIGINAL- 4/10/19

Black Summer - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/11/19

A Land Imagined - NETFLIX FILM - 4/12/19

Band Aid - 4/12/19

Huge in France - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/12/19

Mighty Little Bheem - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/12/19

The Perfect Date - NETFLIX FILM - 4/12/19

The Silence - NETFLIX FILM - 4/12/19

Special - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/12/19

Who Would You Take to a Deserted Island? - NETFLIX FILM - 4/12/19

Week of April 14

Luis Miguel - The Series: Season 1 - 4/15/19

No Good Nick - NETFLIX ORIGINAL- 4/15/19

The New Romantic - 4/15/19

Super Monsters Furever Friends - NETFLIX ORIGINAL- 4/16/19

My First First Love - NETFLIX ORIGINAL- 4/18/19

A Fortunate Man - NETFLIX FILM - 4/19/19

Brené Brown: The Call to Courage - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/19/19

Cuckoo: Season 5 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/19/19

I, Daniel Blake - 4/19/19

Music Teacher - NETFLIX FILM - 4/19/19

Rilakkuma and Kaoru - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/19/19

Samantha!: Season 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/19/19

Someone Great - NETFLIX FILM - 4/19/19

Grass is Greener - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/20/19

Week of April 21

Pinky Malinky: Part 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/22/19

Selection Day - New Episodes - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/22/19

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/23/19

Bonding - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/24/19

The Hateful Eight: Extended Version - 4/25/19

The Ugly Truth - 4/25/19

The Protector: Season 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/26/19

ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/26/19

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power: Season 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/26/19

Street Food - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/26/19

The Sapphires - 4/26/19

Yankee - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/26/19

American Honey - 4/27/19

Week of April 28

Señora Acero: Season 5 - 4/28/19

Burning - 4/29/19

The Imitation Game - 4/29/19

Anthony Jeselnik: Fire in the Maternity Ward - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/30/19

Baki: Part 2 - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/30/19

Ingress: The Animation - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/30/19

Movie buffs, your April is set with a mix of recent buzz-worthy titles, old favorites, and Netflix originals. Arriving not too long after Netflix's The Highwaymen tells the story of the law enforcement agents who chased down Bonnie and Clyde, the 1967 film version of Bonnie and Clyde's story will also be available. So, if you're looking for a double feature, you've got your Sunday afternoon planned out. Meanwhile, The Hateful Eight: Extended Edition goes Digital this month as well. Before you get too excited, it's more than likely just the theatrical Roadshow version that was shown in 70mm. Still, if you want to relive the theatrical experience that graced limited screens during the film's initial release, this is the place to be.

As far as the new and original coming to Netflix's April streaming lineup, Burning, the Korean cinema smash hit from last year, will be joining the team. Just don't read too much about the film before you watch it, as it sounds like it's a film you need to go into ice cold. And rounding out the lineup is two titles that Netflix will definitely make waves with. The first being Brie Larson's long awaited directorial debut, Unicorn Store, which has finally secured distribution after an almost two year wait. The second title, The Silence, sees Kiernan Shipka as a deaf teenager who possessed heightened senses, and uses them during an apocalypse involving creatures that hunt sound. That doesn't sound like A Quiet Place at all.

Speaking of Kiernan Shipka, the TV branch of Netflix will be able to give you even more content featuring everyone's favorite teenage witch, as Chilling Adventures of Sabrina finally returns for Part 2 of its first season. And raising even more hell are stand up specials like Kevin Hart: Irresponsible and Anthony Jeselnik: Fire In The Maternity Ward; both ready offer their own unique, off kilter views of the world.

Though if you're looking for something a little less dark, there's always the comforts of the food programming that Netflix excels at. The latest entry into that very world is Street Food, a series dedicated to the delicacies you won't find in any standard restaurant. Finally, if your kids, or children at heart, have been missing Trolls: The Beat Goes On, Poppy and her pals are coming back in April for their sixth season of joy and song.

Now remember, the titles above are subject to change. So if there's any surprise reshufflings or changes to what's supposed to be in store, you'll be able to come back to this spot and see what's up. Other than that, happy hunting for premium content in the month of April! If you've got a title in mind you don't see on the list above, feel free to take a look at the Netflix schedule for new and returning shows in 2019.

Richard Madden As The Next James Bond? Rocketman Star On His 'Flattering' Odds

Richard Madden As The Next James Bond? Rocketman Star On His 'Flattering' Odds

Now that the new Batman has been found in the form of Robert Pattinson (probably), it's time to turn to another pop culture icon with casting rumors: James Bond. Daniel Craig is reprising the role for the final time, but that hasn't stopped people from speculating on who will pay James Bond in the next movie. One of the most popular rumors has been Richard Madden, and while the actor is flattered by the speculation, he denied being up for the part.

Ever since Daniel Craig famously said he'd rather "slit his wrists" than make another James Bond movie after the release of Spectre, rumors have run rampant about who the next Bond could be. Names have included Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hardy, and Idris Elba, but Richard Madden has become a recent favorite for the iconic spy.

Daniel Craig is evidently not slitting his wrists and will play Bond one last time in Bond 25, but after that it's anyone's game. Madden's name is once again popping up as a potential candidate, but the actor is (predictably) denying any intention to play the character.

Richard Madden might be an unfamiliar name to some, but fans will most likely recognize him from his work on Game of Thrones as Robb Stark. The actor also proved his action chops in the acclaimed BBC series Bodyguard, which helped add fuel to the James Bond fire. Madden can be seen in the upcoming Elton John biopic Rocketman, which premiered at Cannes this week to rave reviews.

Richard Madden was at Cannes this week promoting Rocketman, and it didn't take long for someone to ask him a James Bond question. One journalist told him that the odds of him playing James Bond increased 2-1, and the white suit that Madden wore on the red carpet certainly put James Bond in people's minds (via Variety). Here's what Madden said:

It’s very flattering to be involved in that conversation at all, but it’s all just talk, and I’m sure next week it’ll be someone different.

Well, he's not wrong that someone else will inevitably be the next rumor, but it's not like Richard Madden would be able to give any definitive answers if he were up for the part. However, Madden is also up for a lead role in Marvel's Eternals, which would presumably take up most of his time.

Thankfully, his Rocketman co-star Taron Egerton was there to have some fun with the situation. After Richard Madden gave his answer, Egerton starting humming the iconic James Bond theme, which got a good laugh from from Madden.

It's unclear who will play the next James Bond, but lets not put the cart before the horse. We still have to deal with Bond 25, which is slated to release in theaters on April 8, 2020. That's less than a year away, but you can keep yourself occupied with our 2019 movie release guide.

This Year's Easter Box Office Was The Worst In A Decade

This Year's Easter Box Office Was The Worst In A Decade

This past weekend, the latest film in Warner Bros. and New Line’s Conjuring Universe, The Curse of La Llorona, opened to a solid $26.5 million. That exceeds expectations considering that some predictions had it struggling to make $20 million. And yet, the overperformance of The Curse of La Llorona was not enough to stop this year’s Easter weekend box office from being the worst in over a decade.

Including The Curse of La Llorona’s solid debut, the domestic box office returns over the holiday weekend amounted to an estimated $103 million. According to The Wrap, that’s down 22% from last Easter when Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster Ready Player One was the big release. That $103 million is also the lowest the Easter weekend box office has been since 2005, when it totaled only $99 million, with the Ashton Kutcher comedy Guess Who leading the charge with $20 million.

It is true that the box office is in a slump this year compared to the highs of recent years, but this low Easter box office seems less a product of that and more the result of the calm before the Avengers: Endgame storm. Studios gave the Marvel event a wide berth, lest their films get snapped out of existence. So other than The Curse of La Llorona, the only other new wide releases over Easter weekend were Breakthrough and Penguins.

The faith-based Breakthrough capitalized on the Easter holiday with a third-place debut of $11 million. The latest Disneynature doc Penguins opened last Wednesday in advance of Monday’s Earth Day and made $2.4 million over the holiday weekend. A low-budget horror movie, a faith-based film and a nature doc are not exactly blockbusters to begin with, and the fact that Avengers: Endgame releases this week seems to have depressed audience turnout, with everyone preparing for the 3-hour MCU epic.

It wasn’t all bad though. Captain Marvel, which fell out of the top 5 last weekend, returned at number 4 over Easter, jumping 6% week over week to $9.1 million. That helped push the record-breaking film over $400 million domestic. That increase is perhaps the result of an Avengers: Endgame bump, as audiences rewatch MCU titles or get caught up before next week.

The Curse of La Llorona did manage to push Shazam! out of the top spot in its third weekend in release, but the DC superhero flick still pulled in $17 million to add to its solid run. Perhaps if last week’s Hellboy hadn’t crashed and burned so spectacularly in its opening, this Easter weekend box office wouldn’t have been the worst in 14 years. Alas, the attempted comic book reboot dropped 68% in its second weekend.

Despite this past weekend’s disappointing returns, in keeping with the spirit of the Easter holiday, the box office will rise again next weekend. Avengers: Endgame arrives on April 26 and all signs are pointing towards a massive opening ($300 million y’all, I think it’s happening), with some theaters running round the clock screenings over the weekend.

Check out our 2019 Release Schedule to see all the big summer movies looking to help the box office rebound and stay tuned to CinemaBlend for all your movie news.

Brigitte Nielsen Was Super Pregnant Filming Creed II

Brigitte Nielsen Was Super Pregnant Filming Creed II

In a surprise cameo, actress Brigitte Nielsen appeared in last year’s Creed II, reprising her role as Ludmilla Drago from Rocky IV. The years made Ludmilla even colder as she had abandoned her husband and son and at the film’s end, left ringside when it became clear that Viktor was going to lose. For Brigitte Nielsen, she had to play Viktor’s unsympathetic mother while being super pregnant herself, as she explained:

It actually helped me a lot, having four grown-up boys and having been through a divorce when my youngest boy was eight. I had a 10-year-old, a 14-year-old, and an 18-year-old. ... I was making that choice to leave again — it was a hell physically and emotionally because Ludmilla was in me. Of course it was tough, but it was overwhelming and it was purifying at the same time. I don't know why, but it’s so magical to be pregnant. I had so much inner energy, and thank god again that I’m almost 6’1 tall, because I was 7-and-a-half months pregnant and you couldn’t tell. I could still get away with it. But that was because of my height; had I been 5’2, it would show in a different way, obviously. But it was amazing, and very emotional.

Brigitte Nielsen wasn’t just pregnant while filming Creed II, she was super pregnant. As in third trimester, 7-and-a-half months pregnant. But as we’ve heard, the actress was excited to come back to the franchise and like the stone cold badass she was in Rocky IV and Red Sonja, Brigitte Nielsen was still up for the challenge of returning to the character that she first inhabited over 30 years ago.

It sounds like hiding her pregnancy onscreen wasn’t a major issue either because, as Brigitte Nielsen told The Hollywood Reporter, she wasn’t showing so much that her condition was super obvious. That meant that she could get away with appearing in the film without needing to make her character pregnant or using major movie magic make her look not pregnant. She attributes this to her over 6’ height. Apparently that made her pregnancy less noticeable than if she was not Amazonian in stature.

Despite being very pregnant with her fifth child during the filming of Creed II, that didn’t slow down Brigitte Nielsen who enjoyed the experience of being pregnant, and was full of life and energy to return to the character of Ludmilla Drago. It fits, because I don’t imagine former Soviet swimmer Ludmilla would let pregnancy slow her down either.

Brigitte Nielsen also brought some real-life experience as a mother into her role as Ludmilla. Having multiple children and having been through divorces like her character in the film, it was a tough emotional experience for the actress to play the callous character, a trophy wife whose investment in other people, even her own family, extends only as far as they can provide her with status and luxury.

Despite being nervous to reunite with ex-husband Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen’s return in Creed II was a boon for the film. More than just a fun cameo, it just added further connective tissue between Creed II and Rocky IV and the two franchises. The return of Ludmilla and her story in the film also added some motivation and pathos to Viktor and Ivan’s story. Like Rocky and Adonis, Ivan and Viktor were real people who had real struggles, they weren't just some cudgel of an oppressive regime.

The same story could have still taken place without Brigitte Nielsen, with the dialogue explaining her absence. But by appearing in the film we were able to see who Ludmilla was now and that in his hour of need, she abandoned her son. In that Viktor and Ivan learn to live without her and for themselves.

Creed II is now available on digital, Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD. Check out our 2019 Release Schedule to keep track of all the biggest movies headed your way this year.