Cool Bruce Willis Poster for "RED"

Just because it looks cool!

Superman/Batman Movie Coming In September?! Yes, but it's animated.

If I told you a Superman AND Batman movie was being released in September of THIS year, you'd probably be ecstatic right? Well then I'd have to follow it up with "not exactly". It's the latest from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment and their line of awesome animated DC Universe movies. These straight-to-DVD movies are a fanboy's dream. I have them all and think they're great translations from the comic books.

The latest is Superman/Batman: Apocalypse. It's a sequel to the successful Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. The movie will be released on DVD (1 and 2 disc) as well as Blu-Ray on September 28th. Included is an animated short featuring Green Arrow!

Later this month Batman: Under the Red Hood will also be released on DVD and Blu-Ray. You can check out these trailer here. Check this post, you can expect to get even more Batman in your living room. Warner Brothers and DC's next DVD is Batman: Year One, based on the Frank Miller novels. Like I said above, I'm a big fan of these DVD/ Blu-Ray's and love what they're doing. Let's hope Marvel takes a page from DC and helps me to forget what was Planet Hulk.

What now? Who should play Hulk in "The Avengers?"

So we've established Edward Norton will not be playing the Hulk anymore. It was rumored a few days ago, and I posted about it. Then the poop really hit the fan when Marvel's president of production made an official statement about WHY Norton was fired... cause he's a jerk, basically. THEN, Norton's agent responded by calling Marvel's comments "unprofessional" and in "mean spirit". Read both official statements here.

So now Matt and I sound off on who should play the Hulk after the jump.

How about Eric Bana? To remind everyone, he played Hulk in Ang Lee's version in 2003. That's FattMatt's idea by the way. I think Bana is such an underrated actor, and I thought he did what he could with Hulk; but Ang Lee ruined that film in my opinion. The action was awesome, I mean look at that scene in San Francisco, it's spectacular. The cast was great, Jennifer Connelly, not Nick Nolte. Connelly was so much better as Betty Ross than Liv Tyler was in the 2008 film. But the notorious "daddy issues" ruined the 2003 film. Lee could not balance the action and the emotion of the film; and generally misfired on the tone of the movie. Bana wont be brought back because now Marvel believes in the look of the actor matching the look of the character more than anything else. So now we get a few weeks of playing the guessing game. Matt votes Bana. Me?

I'm going to go in a different direction; Cillian Murphy. Now hold up, don't go off on me yet. Hear me out. Murphy looks EXACTLY like the modern Bruce Banner, down to the hair split down the middle of his head. In recent versions of the comics and animated DVD's, Banner is a tormented soul who would rather die than deal with being the Hulk. Murphy can play that, very easily. He was great in the recent 'Batman' movies as Scarecrow, and was a doctor at that. Murphy may not seem like the immediate choice, but he's a good one.

Who do you vote should play Bruce Banner? Should it be an established actor like Matt and I are suggesting? Or an "unknown" like Marvel is hoping for? Either way, we're all going to agree to disagree.

Edward Norton fired by Marvel. Both Marvel and Norton's representative comment...

Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige has brought down the hammer, Thor style!  Just the other day we heard that Norton would not reprise his role as Hulk in The Avengers movie.  Now it's getting ugly.  In my posting of the news, my guess was that Marvel just simply didn't want to deal with the very difficult Norton any more.  I was correct!  Here's the email sent to Hit Flix by Kevin Feige:

We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.

Wow!   Norton just can not work collaboratively with anyone.  He's got a great work ethic and is as talented as they come, but this is not an individualistic business.  It's an industry built on collaborative work.  I'm not surprised at all though.  What did we expect out of him?  Here's the response to Feige's comments by Norton's agent Brian Swardstrom also forwarded to Hit Flix:

This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.

We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige's mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige's statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans.

Brian Swardstrom
WME

Daaaaaaaaang, Swardstrom was NOT OK with Feige's comments.  This is a pretty typical response from an agent when an actor gets fired.  And that is exactly what happened here, Norton WAS FIRED.  Like Feige's comments confirmed, it had nothing to do with money, Norton's just too difficult.  To me, this means there's no hope of Norton returning to the ensemble film, but I've seen crazier things happen.  For now, we just have to mope until Comic-Con when hopefully some names will be out there for the role.  We'll let you know as soon as we do.

Edward Norton WILL NOT play the Hulk in "The Avengers" movie?

This is a late story lighting up the web. Fanboys like myself are cringing at the thought that this story ends up being real. Hit Fix broke the story just a few hours ago. Seems as though Marvel is back to their cheap ass ways and doesn't want to shell out the dough necessary to sign Norton to the superhero super-team, The Avengers. The movie has been set in motion for years; and as of last month, 90% of the cast was in place, now this? What's going on? What's the real story? Can we blame them?

As far as I knew, Norton was in. In most interviews he was adamant about coming back IF the story and director were right. Hit Fix reports that the rumored director of The Avengers, Joss Whedon and Norton met, and were both excited about getting started on the project. Well now Marvel is rumored to want an "unknown" for the project. What the heck happened?

My guess WAS the same as H.F., it's all about the Benjamin's baby. They don't want to pay for Norton's talents, so casting an unknown solves the problem. But after a little thought, I'm realizing that CAN'T be the problem. They already have big name actors, Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, and the list goes on and on. What was Norton going to possibly make on the movie that they can't afford? It just doesn't make sense!

My theory is this; Marvel just doesn't want anything to do with Edward Norton. The man has one of the most notorious attitudes in the business. He has problems on every set he's ever worked on, including 'Hulk'.  He fought with Marvel to re-cut the movie and lost, then refuses to do press?  Wow.  American History X is a prime example of Norton overstepping his boundaries as an actor. He apparently wasn't happy with director Tony Kaye's final cut of the movie; so Norton cut the film himself with the studio behind the directors back. When Kaye discovered what was going on, he tried to remove his name from the credits, to no avail.

After Marvel brought Norton in for 'Hulk', he wanted to change the script. Marvel agreed, which I still don't know why they would. Watch the special features to the movie and you quickly get a sense that director Louis Leterrier was not allowed to do anything without Norton's approval. After disagreeing with Leterrier about the final cut of the film, Norton refused to do any publicity for the film. What the hell is up with this guy? Is it really "the passion to turn in great work"? Or is he just an arrogant jerk?

I still think he's one of the most talented actors in Hollywood, but I also think like this; "walk like a duck, talk like a duck", you're probably the jerk everyone says you are. I would love for him to reprise his role as Bruce Banner/Hulk, but it looks like that's becoming less and less likely every day. Comic-Con is just around the corner, and yours truly will be there. As soon as we get confirmation one way or the other, we'll let you know!

My, how the mighty have fallen. Why, Mel Gibson, why?

This guy is suuuuuch an idiot.  I want to take a look at Mel Gibson in a nut shell.  My, how the mighty have fallen.

At one point, Mel Gibson was absolutely, hands down my favorite actor in Hollywood.  He was funny, he could bring emotion, he was in great action movies, he was the whole package.  He went on to direct Braveheart and win Oscars for said movie; he could do no wrong.

Passion of the Christ came out, and all but cemented the notion that "no publicity is bad publicity".  The movie was stomped on by Jewish-rights activists for it's portrayal of Jews in the film.  But the movie just kept making more and more money.  The guy could do no wrong!


Oh but he did wrong.  He got arrested in 2007 for a d.u.i. like everyone knows by now.  Then he goes off about Jews to the arresting officer.  What did we expect to happen?  The officer wasn't going to put it in the report?  He sure did put it in his report and the whole world attacked Gibson for his comments.

Time goes by, people begin to forget.  I guess time does heal all wounds.  It's 2010, it's been about 7 years since Gibson has been in a film (M. Night Shyamalan's Signs in 2002).  The movie is Edge of Darkness, and it performs below average for Gibson.  It's OK, it's cool.  Even Tom Cruise is having trouble at the box office these days, and he's just an idiot in general, not because he's Anti-Semitic.  So Edge of Darkness was to be the beginning of a return for Gibson.  And then THIS happens.

I don't want this blog to ever be a gossip column.  So when I heard that some celebrity gossip website got a hold of some tape, with Mel Gibson cursing and threatening his ex-girlfriend, I ignored it.  But today the tape is been made public and it is indeed Mel Gibson.  It is definitely Mel Gibson in the tape.  And it's as bad as the websites have been reporting.  He calls his ex every name in the book and throws an "n" word in for good measure.  This is so God awful, disgusting.

When is Gibson ever going to be punished for his actions, for his words?  I'm not talking monetarily either.  Well, it looks like people in and around Hollywood are just sick of his nonsense, and are going to do something about it.  The police have opened an investigation into an incident earlier this year where Gibson reportedly punched out two of his ex-girlfriends teeth in a domestic disturbance.  The new tape of Gibson belittling his ex-girlfriend is now evidence.

Second, his agency, William Morris Endeavor dropped him from their roster just hours ago!  After the general public all but forgot the d.u.i. charges and racial slurs, you go and do this you idiot?  Really?  Like really?  All we wanted, all IIIII wanted, was the Gibson of old.  The man in Ransom, the man in Braveheart and Lethal Weapon.  It's pretty apparent that I'm not going to see that man anymore, instead, the man in the picture to the right.  A mug shot so we can all remember how horrible a person Mel Gibson is.

Gillian Anderson Cast In "Johnny English" Sequel

Wait, there's a Johnny English sequel?! FatMatt came up to me 5 or 6 years ago and told me about a movie called Johnny English starring the always funny Rowan Atkinson. I trusted his judgment and bought the movie without ever watching it, and I loved it! Atkinson is so good as the goofy spy, not to mention the GORGEOUS Natalie Imbruglia acting rather than singing in the movie. The villain was so funny, and perfectly portrayed by John Malkovich.

The movie was great because it wasn't a complete spy spoof like the 'Austin Powers' movies were. There were realistic characters surrounding Johnny English the spy; he was just a moron. I really liked the movie and am curious about today's news. Gillian Anderson has been cast in the sequel. I have to admit I've never seen a single episode of "X-Files", or either of the two movies. I just have no desire for that type of material. And other than anything "X-Files" related, I don't know any of Anderson's work. We'll see what happens as the movie approaches. The article in Deadline had no other details.