Marvel Boss 'Heartbroken' About Black Panther's Oscar Loss

Marvel Boss 'Heartbroken' About Black Panther's Oscar Loss

A decade after the injustice of The Dark Knight’s Best Picture snub, a superhero movie was finally nominated for the Academy Awards’ highest honor. That film was Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, a box office behemoth and cultural phenomenon that went on to collect three golden statues, but missed out on Best Picture. That was a disappointment to many, including Avi Arad, the former Marvel Studios CEO and Chairman and longtime Marvel producer. Speaking about Black Panther’s Oscar loss, Avi Arad said:

I was heartbroken that Black Panther didn’t get the Academy. It could have, but you know, [the voters] they always looked at superheroes like it was a ‘Yabba dabba doo’ kind of a thing versus something that mattered or something that was going to last.

Despite no longer being with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad was still rooting for Black Panther to get the win for Best Picture at the 2019 Academy Awards, so much so that he was heartbroken when the statue went to Green Book instead. Avi Arad clearly believed that Black Panther was deserving of the award, but as he told Deadline, he thinks that Academy voters still look at superheroes as some Fred Flintstone silliness that is beneath more traditional Oscar films.

That Academy bias against from superhero movies is well established, but the tide has slowly begun to turn, especially after The Dark Knight, with movies like Logan earning an Oscar nomination and Black Panther’s 7 nominations. Nevertheless, Avi Arad still seems to believe that some voters feel that superhero movies don’t matter and won’t stand the test of time.

You can certainly understand Avi Arad’s investment in comic book movies and desire to see them not only succeed, but also be recognized as art with value that is deserving of the kind of recognition that films considered more highbrow receive. Avi Arad has been working on Marvel projects for decades and believes in the brand.

Avi Arad was an executive producer on the beloved 90s X-Men animated series, and the 2000 X-Men film that began the comic book movie age. He’s had his hands in the genre’s highs like Spider-Man 2 and its lows like Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer. It must mean a lot to him to see the genre come so far, and it makes sense that he would want it to finally attain the respect and legitimacy that a Best Picture win rightfully or wrongly confers.

Alas, Black Panther did not win Best Picture, but it did win three other Oscars: Best Costume Design, Best Original Score and Best Production Design. Avi Arad wanted it to win more, but Best Picture was always a long shot and it is certainly a trend in the right direction. And he is far from the only one who is disappointed with how Best Picture turned out.

The night wasn’t a total loss though, far from it. Through his Avi Arad Productions, Avi Arad was a producer on Sony’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which took home the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

The next Marvel film Avi Arad is a producer on is this summer’s Spider-Man: Far From Home, continuing the producer’s long tenure with the web-slinger. Far From Home hits theaters on July 5. Check out our 2019 Release Schedule to keep track of all the biggest movies coming your way this year.

I'm More Excited About The MCU's Future Now That Endgame Is Over

I'm More Excited About The MCU's Future Now That Endgame Is Over

I loved Avengers: Endgame as much as anybody. While I'm not quite ready to say it's my favorite movie ever, though some are, I was absolutely shocked at how satisfying it all was. However, at the same time, as I think about Endgame now, I find myself not so much thinking about what happened as I am thinking about what is going to happen. The best part about Endgame is that it's over and now some really interesting stuff can happen in the MCU.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe takes it cues from the comic books that came before it. The entire interconnected continuity concept was born from the simple idea that all the Marvel comics take place in the same world, and that individual adventures are happening more or less simultaneously with each other.

However, while Marvel's comics have been going on for decades, and a host of interesting stories have taken place, some things have been constant throughout. Mainly, the heroes themselves.

Occasionally, as part of a big story line, we'll see major characters die or otherwise change. Steve Rogers has been killed before and others, like Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, have taken on the mantle of Captain America. Peter Parker has had his body taken over by the consciousness of Doctor Octopus. Comics are weird.

However, in the case of the comics, the story always returns to the status quo. Steve Rogers is always Captain America again. Peter Parker is always Spider-Man again, even if other, similar heroes are born from these changes.

And this is why Endgame's conclusion has me excited. It certainly seemed going in that the plan was for some parts of the MCU to reach a true end, and while it was always possible the franchise could chicken out in some way, it did not. The way the story ended, it seems like the Marvel Cinematic Universe has done something the comics have never had to do: change permanently.

Tony Stark is dead. Steve Rogers has passed his shield on to Sam Wilson, apparently making him the new Captain America. These changes are almost certainly going to progress through the MCU for a long time, and likely forever.

Even before we knew the ultimate fates of some of these characters, we knew that MCU was going to be a different place in the future because the five year time jump was going to be kept. Rather than resetting the MCU back to at or before Thanos' snap, five years of time has still moved forward for half the universe.

While the possibility of a Robert Downey Jr. or Chris Evans appearance in the future of the MCU isn't entirely off the table, the fact is that bringing these guys back for the long term would be incredibly expensive. And while the profit on Avengers: Endgame is probably enough that Marvel could afford RDJ for a few more years, that doesn't seem likely to happen.

Part of the problem when Steve Rogers dies in the comics is that you know he'll be back eventually. This makes whatever happens in between feel less important. In fact, frequently, the point of bringing in a new person to play a particular role is get fans back on board with the standard bearer when things begin to get stale.

However, here, the MCU has to try and get the audience to buy into new heroes completely. If you decide you don't like Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, whether or not that's what he's actually called, you can't just wait around until the storyline that brings back Chris Evans gets here. That's not going to happen.

Marvel Studios needs to get the audience on board with these new heroes. These are the people who are going to carry thing for the next several years.

With the new MCU, we simply don't know what's going to happen next. We may still get more Captain America movies, but they will star an entirely new character, and as such will be very different. We might even get a new Iron Man movie at some point, but again, it's not going to be anything like the ones that we've already seen.

In addition to the fact that old characters are moving away and letting characters that had been supporting heroes take the lead, there's also the fact that, with the five year time jump that the MCU received in Endgame, the world looks like a very different place which also means entirely new young heroes. We saw that Scott Lang's daughter Cassie was not eliminated by Thanos' snap. so she's now five years older compared to all those who were brought back to life or stuck in the Quantum Realm. In Marvel Comics, she becomes a hero in her own right and is now just about the right age to do that in the MCU.

I have no idea where things are going in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but there are a few places where I'm confident things won't go, and that's exciting. I'm confident we're not going to simply be brought back around to the beginning. That works on the page, where the characters never need to age, but on the big screen, one way or another, time passes.

This first step, with Sam Wilson carrying the shield and Iron Man gone, among other minor changes, isn't a step into entirely new territory, but because we won't be taking any steps backwards, where things go from here is still mostly uncharted. Every potential change from here on out happens in an MCU where these other changes have happened.

Whatever the MCU ends up doing with the Fantastic Four or the X-Men, they'll never meet Tony Stark or Steve Rogers. These may seem like small details, and maybe they will be, but they could also push the storytelling into entirely fresh directions. The repercussions of a world without the original Captain America can be drawn out much further than they ever have been in the comics.

Phase 4 of the MCU will certainly be a different world, but more importantly, so will Phase 5, 6 or however many more of these we're going to get. Every change has the potential to compound those that came before. I honestly hope the MCU really does keep going because the more things change in real, permanent ways, the more opportunity we'll have to see really inventive stories that we might never see in a comic book world where things never change all that much.

The Story Behind Captain America’s Butt In Avengers: Endgame

The Story Behind Captain America’s Butt In Avengers: Endgame

Spoilers ahead for Avengers: Endgame. Don't read on if you haven't seen it!

After a long year of waiting, Avengers: Endgame is in the midst of its theatrical run, and making an insane amount of money in the process. The Russo Brothers managed to do the impossible, surpassing Infinity War, and cramming in everything and the kitchen sink in the process. While the stakes were at an all-time high in the wake of Thanos' snap, there were still plenty of comedic beats put into the massive blockbuster.

One of the best recurring bits in Avengers: Endgame were focused on Captain America's superpowered butt. Dubbed "America's ass" during the film, it's a joke that pays off big time in the time heist. When Steve Rogers fights and defeats a past version of himself, he admires the doppleganger's backside. Now Endgame writer Stephen McFeely has opened up about that joke's origin, saying:

It's a little meta. Chris Evans has never been comfortable with that outfit from the first Avengers movie. And so in the rearview, it's a little way to wink at how that was then, and this is now. And then it sort of just built from there. By the time we got to the fight scene where he defeated himself, his butt is on the ground and he was just sitting there for a callback.

Joss Whedon's The Avengers might have made history and blown our minds when it hit theaters in 2012, but there was an issue that Chris Evans had: his costume. And it's that disdain that ultimately fueled "America's ass" to get one final laugh during Endgame's second act.

Stephen McFeely's comments to LA Times shows how organically things can develop in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While there's still a larger narrative to consider, directors and writers are given the freedom to do their jobs, and make creative choices. Avengers: Endgame talks about Captain America's butt quite a few times, but the bit wasn't simply written for the movie. It came from a real life conversation between Chris Evans and the creative team of the movie.

Related: Paul Rudd Has A Valid Concern Over Ant-Man And Thanos’ Butt Theory For Endgame

As far as Captain America's costumes go, the one used in The Avengers is definitely more cartoonish. It's super colorful and carries less armor, in stark juxtaposition to the tactical gear he rocked in later appearances. But while the newer costumes may be more gritty and cool, you've got to admire just how colorful Joss Whedon made the first Avengers movie. It's too bad Chris Evans hated how his butt looked in the suit.

Avengers: Endgame's time heist was bigger and more ambitious than anyone of us could have imagined, and The Battle of New York from The Avengers ended up being a very important setting. Three different stones were in the city at that point, and a sizable team of Avengers traveled back to procure them. This put the modern Captain America in contact with Crossbones of 2012, as well as a past version of himself.

Two Captain Americas duking out was a wild and thrilling sequence, and the callback to Steve Roger's ass was icing in the cake of a masterful sequence. And the joke about Cap's backside likely worked so well because it came from a place of truth.

Avengers: Endgame is in theaters now. Be sure to check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

What It's Like To Work With Sylvester Stallone On Rambo V: Last Blood

What It's Like To Work With Sylvester Stallone On Rambo V: Last Blood

Sylvester Stallone will be returning to one of his classic action hero characters later this year in Rambo V: Last Blood. It will be the first time in over a decade that Stallone has played the character of John Rambo, but based on the testimony of his co-stars, the actor hasn't lost a step. In fact, quite the opposite, Stallone is a consummate performer and ever the professional.

Dimitri Thivaios is one of those costars and according to him, he learned more about acting watching Sylvester Stallone work than by actually taking classes. According to Thivaios...

[It] was amazing — he’s a hard-working , true professional that sees everything happening on set. You just get sucked into that vibe. I learned more from watching him work him in the time we were shooting than I did in all my years of acting class.

Sylvester Stallone shares a screenplay credit on Rambo V: Last Blood in addition to starring as the lead, so he's much more than simply an actor here. However, it seems clear based on Dimitri Thivaios' comments that Stallone had almost a director's perspective on the film, paying attention to everything that was happening on set. While Stallone isn't the director here, he's had more than his share of experience in the job, and thus probably uses those skills at all times.

Dimitri Thivaios is fairly new to acting, having made his career in the music industry under the name Dimitri Vegas. He's had a few roles in film and on TV in the past but they've been pretty small parts up until now. Exactly what role he's playing in Rambo V: Last Blood has not been revealed so it's unclear if it's another bit part or something more substantial.

The story will see John Rambo go from his family ranch in Arizona into Mexico after the daughter of a friend is taken by members of a cartel.

While the Rambo franchise doesn't have quite the passionate fan base that the Rocky movies have had, it is still a well loved character. Dimitri Thivaios himself says he has a particular attachment to the film as tells Variety that First Blood, the original film in the series, was likely the first action movie he ever saw as a kid.

He had to see it behind his mother's back, which isn't surprising. First Blood isn't just a bloody and violent action movie, it's fairly disturbing one, as, while John Rambo is the hero, he's also a man dealing with some serious issues as a result of his service in Vietnam.

Based on the title of the fifth installment, it doesn't feel like a stretch to believe that Rambo V: Last Blood will be the final part of this series. We'll see how John Rambo ends his story September 20.

Vin Diesel Breaks Silence Over James Gunn’s Reinstatement For Guardians 3

Vin Diesel Breaks Silence Over James Gunn’s Reinstatement For Guardians 3

It's an extremely exciting time in The Marvel Cinematic Universe, as the 22 film long Infinity Saga comes to a close with Avengers: Endgame. Moviegoers have spent a decade seeing each and every installment in the shared universe, and the future post-Endgame is largely a mystery. This includes the release date of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which hasn't been revealed since James Gunn was rehired as the film's director.

The highly anticipated Guardians threequel was originally set to be one of the first installments in Marvel's Phase Four, although James Gunn's firing last July put the movie on indefinite hold. He was recently reinstated as the movie's director, which is something the fans and cast seem thrilled about. Now Vin Diesel has broken his silence on the matter, recently posting on social media saying:

Later in the week I had the luxury of seeing [Marvel Studios president] Kevin Feige and [co-president] Louis [D’Esposito], and it’s amazing to see how sacred the Groot character is to the whole Marvel universe. Shout out to Alan Horn for using his heart to in making the right decisions for Guardians 3.

While not mentioning James Gunn by name, Vin Diesel thanks Marvel producer Alan Horn for making the "right decision." I think we all know that he means by that.

Vin Diesel's comments come from his recent Instagram post, and shouldn't exactly surprise the fandom. Following James Gunn's unceremonious departure from the Guardians franchise, the cast of actors wrote a letter in solidarity with their director/producer. Diesel was included, so his feelings about the Gunn's reinstatement make a great deal of sense.

Related: How Fast Groot Is Growing In The MCU, According To James Gunn

While not ever see physically onscreen, Vin Diesel's voice performance as Groot helped the character become massively popular when the first Guardians of the Galaxy hit theaters in 2014. And when the tree alien became an adorable baby in Guardians 2, the hype got even more real. And the last we saw him, he was a teenager age in Infinity War.

Check out Vin Diesel's Instagram video below.

It should be interesting to see where Groot goes in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. He'll presumably age more, and present another form of the character in the threequel. This may give the opportunity for Vin Diesel's real voice to be used, without the effects needed to bring the younger version of Groot to life in his most recent appearances. We'll just have to see.

It's currently unclear when Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will hit theaters, but you can catch up with Groot in Avengers: Endgame in theaters now. In the meantime, be sure to check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Sean Gunn Is Down To Join James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad

Sean Gunn Is Down To Join James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Three has been a massive success, as every single blockbuster has been a critical and box office hit. But there has been some controversy, namely James Gunn's departure from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Disney parted ways with Gunn over controversial tweets from a decade ago, and Guardians 3 was put on indefinite hold. But the director has already found his next project, pivoting to DC for The Suicide Squad.

James Gunn has a list of frequent collaborators, including Michael Rooker and his brother Sean Gunn. Sean Gunn plays Kraglin in the Guardians franchise, while also doing the motion capture acting for Bradley Cooper's Rocket Raccoon. So could he also have a role in The Suicide Squad? It seems he'd be down to join the developing project, recently saying:

It's interesting to me as an artist. It's even more interesting as a brother. My brother and I have worked together in many capacities, since we were kids. If he wants me to do something, I will do it.

Well, that's going to make fans of the Gunn brothers very happy. While there doesn't seem to be any concrete plans to include Sean Gunn in The Suicide Squad, the Gilmore Girls alum is down to join the project if his director brother needs him.

Sean Gunn's willingness to join The Suicide Squad is very exciting, although it seems that the villain-centric DC blockbuster is still in the early stages of development. Being related to the writer/director would presumably grant Sean with access to early information, including information regarding a possible role. News about James Gunn's involvement and new vision have only begun trickling out, so smart money says its too early to nail down something like a part for his brother.

In his same conversation with The Hollywood Reporter at the Captain Marvel premiere, Sean Gunn also explained how James Gunn puts the narrative first, so he won't be included in The Suicide Squad unless it makes sense. He said:

But one of the things I respect most about him is that he's a storyteller first and foremost. So he's not going to try to cram me in there if I don't belong. If he has a part for me, I'd be happy to go do it, but we also have our separate careers and I'm doing my own thing as well, so we'll just see what happens there.

Sean Gunn may be a frequent collaborator with his brother James, but that doesn't mean the filmmaker will put him in a project for no reason. There has to be a character that fits and properly moves the story forward. But they've clearly got a great working relationship, as Sean Gunn has appeared in the following projects by James Gunn: The Specials, Super, The Belko Experiment, and the first two Guardians of the Galaxy movies.

While it's unclear if Kraglin will appear, Sean Gunn's contributions as the on set Rocket will be seen onscreen when Avengers: Endgame arrives in theaters on April 26th. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Matt Reeves' Batman Birthday Post Had Fans Searching For Movie Clues

Matt Reeves' Batman Birthday Post Had Fans Searching For Movie Clues

It's Batman's 80th birthday and the old man is still going strong. The next big item on Batman's agenda is a new movie that's being developed by Matt Reeves. The director has kept details about the film under tight wraps, but in honor of Batman's birthday, he may have dropped a little hint that movie fans are trying to dissect. Check out this tweet from Reeves that seems to be teasing a new logo for The Batman movie.

Batman has had a bit of a rough time in cinema over the past few years, with some uncertainty as to what was going to happen to Ben Affleck's version of the iconic character. While people liked Ben Affleck's portrayal of the Dark Knight in the DCEU, it was still unknown if the actor would return to reprise the role in a solo film. The experience was apparently rough enough that Affleck decided to exit as the character, even while Matt Reeves was developing the first solo Batman movie since The Dark Knight Rises.

Simply known as The Batman, not many details are known about the movie. It will supposedly feature a younger Batman and will be a noir detective story that places emphasis on Batman's crime-solving ability. That sounds awesome but fans are hungry for more details as Reeves preps for the 2021 release date.

Well, Matt Reeves may have given another small tease hidden inside of his birthday shoutout for Batman. The writer-director tweeted a picture of Detective Comics #27, the first appearance of Batman, in honor of Batman's 80th birthday. However, it didn't take long for fans to notice what was behind the comic. It appears to be an out-of-focus screenplay for The Batman which was given away from the giant bat symbol on the cover.

Fans are speculating that this is an all-new bat symbol for Matt Reeves' film, though it's difficult to actually tell if that's the case. The image appears similar to the fat bat symbol used for Affleck's Batman, but it could be altered in various ways. Some are theorizing that it's based on Batman's first ever logo, which is right there in Detective Comics #27.

Whatever the case may be, it's clear people are ready to start getting more details about The Batman. Casting is one of the biggest concerns, with Matt Reeves apparently looking for a big name actor, but so far there are no confirmations. Hopefully, we start getting news about that soon.

The Batman is slated to arrive in theaters on June 25, 2021. There are still a ton of questions about the project so bone up on everything there is to know about The Batman with our handy guide. In the meantime, check out what's coming to theaters this year with our 2019 movie release guide.