Rian Johnson Is Still Defending The Last Jedi As New Star Wars Trilogy Rumors Spread

Rian Johnson Is Still Defending The Last Jedi As New Star Wars Trilogy Rumors Spread

It has been a year and a half since Star Wars: The Last Jedi came out, and writer/director Rian Johnson is still engaging with fans and critics on social media. In that respect, he is very different from Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. And yet both Johnson and the tag team of D&D are working on their own Star Wars trilogies.

Disney recently announced release dates for three new Star Wars movies -- 2022, 2024, and 2026. There were no details on whether those dates were for Rian Johnson's trilogy, the Game of Thrones showrunners' trilogy, or what. It's almost like Lucasfilm purposely dangled out a troll carrot.

ABC (owned by Disney, like Lucasfilm) correspondent Clayton Sandell reiterated there's no official confirmation on who is making the newly dated Star Wars films:

However, that hasn't stopped another rumor from spreading that Rian Johnson's trilogy was cancelled. That is not based on anything substantial, but it is feeding the hopes of non-fans. Just a few months ago, Johnson addressed a rumor that he was stepping away from his trilogy by saying it wasn't true, he was still working on it.

Meanwhile, Rian Johnson recently had another debate with a Star Wars critic. It started with Johnson re-posting a Mary Sue joke, and a non-fan replied with "omg look at me, I ignore criticism of story and only point to ridiculous examples." Johnson kept it light with jokes, but he did try to make a counter-point about The Last Jedi criticism over Snoke's death vs. the lack of similar criticism over the Emperor's death in the original trilogy:

Rian Johnson has no problem getting into debates with Star Wars: The Last Jedi fans, critics, haters, or people somewhere in between. He's passionate about the stories and he's a fan himself.

Over on the other side, the Game of Thrones showrunners don't engage at all. That's not a criticism, it might be the better way to go. Depends on your perspective. It's not like Game of Thrones hasn't seen its share of criticism, though, and the final season in particular has been met with many complaints. (And not just because that random coffee cup error distracted attention from other major events. They let Ed Sheeran do the same thing a couple of years ago.)

The Game of Thrones showrunners literally plan to go into hiding on finale night, turning off their phones. I can't imagine Rian Johnson doing that. Again, that's not a judgment on which trilogy should move forward first. It's also not a zero sum game -- that whoever gets this trio of release dates wins and the other team loses and their Star Wars project dies. I don't have a clue what Lucasfilm has planned on that front.

I don't have a favorite in this race either, since we don't know enough about the proposed plots yet. It's not clear what's coming to the big screen after the Skywalker Saga ends this December with The Rise of Skywalker. We know some Star Wars stories will be told on Disney+, including The Mandalorian, but nothing has been said yet about either Rian Johnson or the GoT guys' projects moving to the streaming service.

What about you? Would you rather the newly dated Star Wars trilogy be from Rian Johnson or the Game of Thrones showrunners? I don't know that there's a third option besides maybe a mix from both, but go ahead and suggest it anyway.

The Hellboy Reboot Will Surprise A Lot Of People, Ian McShane Says

The Hellboy Reboot Will Surprise A Lot Of People, Ian McShane Says

It's no secret that superhero movies are everywhere. Comic book adaptations have been proven the most profitable and popular genre in the business, with plenty of studios making their own attempts at box office supremacy. Guillermo del Toro adapted the Hellboy comics back in the early 2000's, and now a reboot is heading to theaters starring Stranger Things' David Harbour as the title character.

Joining David Harbour in the new Hellboy cast is Ian McShane, who has been seen in the John Wick and Pirates of the Caribbean franchises, as well as Game of Thrones. McShane is taking on the role of Hellboy's father figure Trevor Bruttenholm, which was played in the original Hellboy movies by John Hurt. According to the 76 year-old actor, the new movie is going to pack plenty of surprises. He recently said:

Hellboy, yeah! I think that’s going to surprise a lot of people. David [Harbour of Stranger Things] is a marvelous actor. He just fills out the role. It was nice and bittersweet taking over [Professor Bruttenholm] from a dear old friend of mine, John Hurt. But it’s not Part 3. It’s a complete reboot of [Guillermo del Toro’s] Hellboy, and I think they picked the right guy in David. It was a pleasure to work with him and be in Bulgaria for three weeks, a country I’ve never been to before. Greatest fresh vegetables I’ve ever tasted. And the scripts are funny and smart and bright, and the action is fantastic, and I have grandkids who love all that. They can’t wait.

It looks like Hellboy is going to be a blockbuster that somewhat defies genre, at least according to Ian McShane's description of the project. The script will feature comedy and brightness, while the R-rated reboot will also be far more violent and bloody than Guillermo del Toro's set of films. So basically, there's no telling what's coming down the pipeline.

Ian McShane's comments to the New York Times are sure to excite fans of Hellboy, as well as moviegoers who are curious about the new adaptation. Comic fans are always looking to how accurately the work on the page will be adapted for the silver screen. Guillermo del Toro brought the colorful world to life through his movies, but the PG-13 rating prevented them from being as brutal as the title character is wont to be. So that'll likely be one big way the upcoming movie will surprise audiences.

But Ian McShane also referenced how comedic and light Hellboy will be at the same time. The trailers showed how much attitude David Harbour will have as the big red guy, and it'll be fascinating to see how "funny and smart and bright" the bloody superhero adaptation ends up being.

All will be revealed when Hellboy arrives in theaters on April 12, 2019. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Apparently Matt Reeves' Batman Movie Could Include Robin

Apparently Matt Reeves' Batman Movie Could Include Robin

After months and months of speculation, rumors, denials, and silence, Warner Bros. and Matt Reeves have finally found their new Batman in Robert Pattinson. The actor was a frontrunner for the role and reportedly closed negotiations to wear the cape and cowl. With one major piece of the puzzle in place, it's now time to begin finding all of the others. There's speculation about what other characters will appear in The Batman, and one outlet claims that the film may include Batman's faithful sidekick Robin.

Very little is known about Matthew Reeves' upcoming Batman movie, but the director has previously stated that it would be a noir-based detective story focused on Batman's investigative work. As for the characters that could appear in the film, it's been rumored that the Penguin and Catwoman would be the main villains of the film.

Those are odd choices, considering those specific characters were already the villains of Batman Returns, but there's nothing weird about the other rumored characters. Forbes has heard from sources that Commissioner Gordon and Alfred will also appear in the film (which is a bit of a no-brainer). However, the outlet has heard that "potentially" Robin will appear as well.

I think that moving forward, everyone should take every bit of Batman news with a grain of salt for the next few months. Studios and sources have denied several stories that were later officially confirmed, and it's clear that Warner is keeping everything about this film on lockdown.

However, if Robin is a part of the film, that's pretty major. The character has not been in a live-action movie since the Joel Schumacher days, and he was only alluded to in the more recent Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Of course, there was Joseph Gordon Levitt's character in the Dark Knight Rises, but he was never in costume.

If Robin is in the film, Matt Reeves has his pick of the litter. Multiple characters have been Robin in the comics, with the most well-known being the original Dick Grayson. Other characters include Jason Todd (famously killed by the Joker), Tim Drake, and Bruce Wayne's own son Damian Wayne.

Damian seems unlikely considering that this version of Batman is supposed to be younger, so he probably hasn't had enough time to have a 13-year-old son. I'm sure fans would like to see Dick Grayson in the film because that means we could see him become his popular alter-ego Nightwing one day...assuming that Nightwing live-action film isn't still happening.

There are sure to be a lot more casting and plot details to follow in the coming months, so stick with CinemaBlend and we'll keep you updated as soon as new information becomes available. Here's everything we know so far about The Batman.

Universal Studios Orlando Will Let Harry Potter Fans See A Blast-Ended Skrewt For The First Time

Universal Studios Orlando Will Let Harry Potter Fans See A Blast-Ended Skrewt For The First Time

All this week the Universal Orlando Resort has been revealing new details about the upcoming new roller coaster for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The ride will include a number of creatures and obstacles that we have seen in the Harry Potter movies before, but the final creature revealed today will be one that nobody has ever laid eyes on. The blast-ended skrewt is a creature fans will be familiar with, but they'll be able to actually see it for the first time on board the attraction. Check it out.

While Blast-ended skrewts are mentioned several times in the Harry Potter novels, and even appear in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, as part of the Tri-Wizard Tournament maze, they weren't used as part of the film version, which means nobody has actually seen what a blast-ended skrewt looks like in the cinematic version of Harry Potter.

That changes in June when Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure roller coaster debuts. The attraction is designed around guests taking a Care of Magical Creatures class from Hagrid, one where the blast-ended skrewt is actually the main topic for the session. However, as it usual for Hagrid, things go slightly awry.

Blast-ended skrewts are a sort of magical scorpion. They are surrounded by armor so strong that magical spells can't penetrate it. They have tails that shoot fire and males are capable of stinging, while female have suckers. They also apparently smell like rotting fish. I can't say I'm excited to get the scent of that as I fly past one on the roller coaster.

Other creatures that riders will see include Fluffy, Hagrid's three-headed dog, Cornish pixies, who will be damaging a familiar flying car, centaurs, one of which takes aim at riders with a bow and arrow, and devil's snare. All these things live in the Forbidden Forest where the attraction is set.

It's great to see this new attraction not only bringing to life the things we've seen on film, so that fans can experience them in person, but also expand the mythology of Harry Potter in new ways that we've never seen before. Since J.K. Rowling has played a key role in working with Universal to create the Wizarding World, we can assume this design is as canon as anything else in the films or books.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was celebrated when it first opened for being the most immersive theme park experience ever created. It was designed to not just create attractions themed to the franchise, but make you feel like you were truly standing inside it. The newest part of the world opens at Universal Orlando Resort June 13.

See What Zac Efron Could Look Like As Green Lantern Kyle Rayner

See What Zac Efron Could Look Like As Green Lantern Kyle Rayner

Warner Bros. has recently handed out some upcoming release dates for a few of its in-progress DCEU movies, including The Batman, James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, and a planned Aquaman sequel for December 2022. There are still quite a few announced DC movies that have yet to take the next step. such as Green Lantern Corps, which will be penned by Geoff Johns. Enter digital artist Mizuri, who created an edit of Zac Efron as Emerald Knight, Kyle Rayner to try for size. Take a look:

Wow, this looks great! The artist was inspired to fan-cast Zac Efron in Green Lantern Corps on Instagram after a recent rumor that the actor is being considered for an undisclosed role in the film. Following the rumor, fellow artist, BossLogic previously imagined Efron as Hal Jordan, but Mizuri has a different take for the 31-year-old actor to play.

Kyle Rayner is a much newer Green Lantern character than Hal Jordan, and could more easily differentiate himself from the infamous 2011 film starring Ryan Reynolds as the classic hero. Kyle Rayner first appeared in a 1994 comic, as a scrappy but talented freelance graphic artist living in Los Angeles.

He is given the last Green Lantern ring from Ganthet, who becomes the surviving Guardian after Jordan goes on a violent rampage and murders the entire Green Lantern Corps following the destruction of his hometown, Coast City. The hero dons a much different mask and costume in the comics to differentiate himself from Jordan’s Green Lantern. Take a look below at the character:

The addition of Kyle Rayner in Green Lantern Corps would be exciting for tons of fans, and Zac Efron could certainly pull off the look-- along with already having some impressive acting chops. Mizuri has brought about an intriguing idea for the movie in the works, though it’s unclear if Kyle Rayner is among consideration in Green Lantern Corps.

Emerald Knights Hal Jordan and John Stewart have been said to be both joining the DCEU project, though casting and little else has been confirmed for the film. Green Lantern Corps writer, Geoff Johns said the script is still in early stages of development back in summer 2018 and we’ve heard little else since.

The idea of Zac Efron joining the movie either as Hal Jordan or Kyle Rayner is an exciting possibility for the filmmakers to keep in mind as the movie hopefully moves forward.

After the actor gained popularity for his High School Musical role in 2006, he has packed on muscles for Neighbors and Baywatch. He has also taken on more meaty parts, such as playing serial killer Ted Bundy in the upcoming Netflix film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, coming to the streaming service sometime in 2019.

Endgame Screenwriters Confirm The Father Of Peggy Carter's Children

Endgame Screenwriters Confirm The Father Of Peggy Carter's Children

MASSIVE spoilers ahead for Avengers: Endgame. Seriously, they're huge.

Avengers: Endgame recently wrapped its third weekend in theaters, and the fandom hasn't stopped discussing and dissecting every frame of the Russo Brothers' massive blockbuster. The 22nd movie in the MCU was built upon the events of the previous installments, and provided a fitting end to a variety of plot lines and OG Avengers. Chief among them were Chris Evans' Captain America, who was finally given the joy he deserves.

After defeating Thanos for good, Steve Rogers traveled through the MCU's timeline, returning the Infinity Stones to their rightful place and dimensions. But when he returned to the year 2023, he was an old man. Steve finally got to have his dance with Peggy Carter, although the marriage to his true love raises the question: are her kids from the current timeline Cap's? Endgame writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely recently addressed this fan theory, with McFeely saying:

It was always our intention that he was the father of those two children. But again, there are time travel loopholes for that.

Talk about a long con. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely wrote all of The Russo Brothers' installments in the MCU, dating back to Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Considered one of the best MCU installments ever, that sequel revealed that Peggy Carter had two children. And now it looks like those kids are Cap's.

Related: The 25 Most Emotional Moments In Avengers: Endgame

This is quite a revelation for Marvel fans, and proved how far in advance some of Avengers: Endgame's narrative goes back. While the fandom has just been trying to process the myriad twists and endings that the blockbuster provided, the weeks since Endgame's release have caused new fan theories to pop up. This includes the lineage of Peggy's kids, which was been officially confirmed by the movie's writers.

In their same conversation with THR, Christopher Markus hinted that the Cap's role as a father might have an effect on the future of the MCU, saying:

It does introduce the idea that there are two children who have somewhat super soldier DNA.

Well, that a spinoff I could get into. Not one but two children of Captain America might have some of his powers, and they could make a crimefighting duo in the future. Considering Chris Evans has hung up his shield for good, it would be an interesting way to keep Steve Rogers in the story.

Captain America's ending with Peggy does make his romantic connection with Sharon Carter all the more weird, and was probably an awkward conversation for him to have with his wife in the past. We haven't seen Agent 13 since Captain America: Civil War, and it's unclear if she'll pop back up in Phase Four.

Avengers: Endgame is in theaters now, complete with Captain America's ending. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Keanu Reeves' John Wick 3 Circuit Workout Actually Looks Pretty Easy

Keanu Reeves' John Wick 3 Circuit Workout Actually Looks Pretty Easy

Keanu Reeves is one of those action stars who does most of his own stunts, and that was the case again for John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, which is coming out in two weeks. The John Wick films are "very hard on his body," trainer Patrick Murphy said. That makes sense, since John Wick is literally on the run for his life in Parabellum, and he's had to fight and shoot his way out of every situation in each movie. It's exhausting to even think about.

So trainer Patrick Murphy's job was to come up with a John Wick workout routine that would build up 54-year-old Keanu Reeves's muscle endurance without overtaxing him.

The result was a non-stop "circuit" workout that just keeps going, like John Wick himself. That said, based on the list of activities -- and the video Men's Health shared showing off the workout -- it actually seems doable for Average People like me. (Hopefully Keanu Reeves doesn't pull a John Wick and shoot me for suggesting his workout was easy. I just expected it to be something darn near impossible -- or at least as crazy as his impressive weapons training.)

Here's the routine Patrick Murphy created for Keanu Reeves, per Men's Health:

(Perform 20 reps of each exercise consecutively as a circuit, with as little rest as possible between moves. After finishing the round, rest for 2 minutes. Repeat for 6 total rounds.)

• Reverse Lunge Front DB Raise

• Bosu Lunge Shoulder Press

• Reverse-Step Resistance Band Row

• Squat with TRX Shoulder Iso-Hold

• Stability Ball Dynamic Plank

• Banded Lateral Walk Pallof Press

As Patrick Murphy explained of Keanu Reeves' routine to get fit for John Wick 3:

I would fit in, within the hour and a half, five to six circuits. Just think of Keanu Reeves performing a thousand reps a workout, minimal rest, and it was just go time. ... He wasn't lifting crazy heavy weights -- it was getting his body moving, getting his muscular endurance and stability -- it was just a mindset. He would leave the gym exhausted, but feeling great. Where his body got beat up was in all those scenes [filming the movie].

For a visual, here's the video with trainer Patrick Murphy showing some of the routine:

Keanu Reeves apparently has a history of injuries, so they wanted to be careful with that and not stress his body too much. But he still had a lot to do in John Wick 3 -- running, shooting, horseback riding, apparently even climbing some sand dunes in Morocco.

Franchise newcomer Halle Berry said she actually got injured trying to keep up with Keanu Reeves. She broke three ribs in rehearsals and needed a break. But after her own intense stunt work was all over -- including training with her character Sofia's own dogs -- she felt pretty badass herself.

Here's one of the training videos she recently shared on Instagram:

As she put it, through panting:

This is how hard you have to work in order to be in the John Wick world.

In Halle Berry's wrap post, after finishing her role, she emphasized that age is just an insignificant number. She and Keanu Reeves might be in their 50s, but they can kick ass like any 20-something.

So far it sounds like fans appreciate the results. Early reactions to John Wick: Chapter 3 have been very positive. The movie opens May 17. Keanu Reeves said he's up for continuing the John Wick franchise "as far as my legs can take me," so hopefully he keeps his legs in good shape for more.