Comic Con: ‘Once Upon a Time’ readies fans for ‘Frozen’ arc

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Don’t hold your breath, Oncers. Though ABC is touting this as the official “Season 4 Trailer” it serves simply as a series recap and does not contain new footage. Bummer, I know. But here it is nevertheless, and it will get you amped for what’s to come in Storybrooke this fall.

Major takeaways from this year’s Once Upon a Time panel at Comic Con: Giancarlo Esposito, fresh off his three year stint on NBC’s now-cancelled Revolution, will return as Regina’s Mirror. Actor Michael Socha, who played the Knave in the short-lived spinoff Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, will make his way to Storybrooke. Colin O’Donoghue’s Hook will begin to sport modern attire in the new season. A musical episode is not in the cards (for now). And in terms of the hyped Frozen storyline, showrunners Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz presented a brief clip (not available online) of Anna and Elsa (played by Georgina Haig and Elizabeth Lail, respectively) leaving flowers at their parents’ grave. Frozen characters joining the show include the aforementioned queen and princess, Kristoff (Scott Michael Foster), Hans (Tyler Jacob Moore), and Grand Pabbie the Troll King (voiced by John Rhys-Davies).

[Via TVLine]

Comic Con: Ridley Scott debuts ‘Halo: Nightfall’ first look

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Here’s a first look at Ridley Scott’s original live-action digital series Halo: Nightfall. Though Master Chief is nowhere to be found in this debut trailer, the scene is set for a Prometheus-like adventure into the gritty unknown. Here’s the scoop:

Taking place between the events of Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, Halo: Nightfall follows the origin story of legendary manhunter Jameson Locke (Mike Colter) and his team as they are caught in a horrific terrorist attack while investigating terrorist activity on the distant colony world of Sedra. Led by Locke, the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) agents are forced to coordinate with a Sedran commander with a remarkable history and deep-rooted mistrust of ONI. As the plot unravels, they’re drawn to an ancient, hellish artifact where they’re forced to fight for their survival, question everything, and ultimately choose between their loyalties and their lives. Agent Locke is a new character in the Halo universe poised to play a major role in Halo 5: Guardians releasing on Xbox One in 2015.

Halo developer 343 Industries and Ridley Scott’s Scott Free Productions premiered the trailer at Comic Con announcing the series’ director Sergio Mimica-Gezzan (Battlestar Galactica, Pillars of the Earth, Heroes) writer Paul Scheuring (Prison Break), and cast led by Mike Colter (The Good Wife).

“In science fiction, we’re always searching for new frontiers. We’re drawn to the unknown,” said Scott. “With Halo: Nightfall, we’re pioneering a new medium in terms of interactive storytelling on Xbox.  It’s going to be fun for long-time fans to see how the worlds come together with an ambition to attract new fans along the way with what we’ve created.”

Halo: Nightfall will come packed inside Halo: The Master Chief Collection and it will be made available to all Xbox Live subscribers beginning on November 11.

[Via Xbox Wire]

Comic Con: ‘Bates Motel” unearths actors’ “audition tapes”

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Those who attended the Bates Motel panel at this year’s Comic Con were privy to never-before-seen “audition tapes” headlined by series stars Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Nestor Carbonell, Olivia Cooke, and Max Thieriot. You’re probably wondering why those words are in quotations; well, I won’t ruin the surprise. Just got a box of tissues ready because soon enough tears of laughter will be streaming down your face. This here is pure gold.

Also during the panel it was announced that Kenny Johnson–who plays Caleb, Norma’s brother and Dylan’s biological father–will return as a series regular in season three. Also, Nicola Peltz–Norman’s friend-that-he-would-do-anything-for Bradley Martin–will return to the show after leaving early on in season two to shoot the new Transformers movie; again, unfortunately, she will not be present full-time but she’s expected to enter the fold later in the season.

Bates Motel returns to A&E this fall.

Comic Con: ABC celebrates ‘LOST’ 10 years later

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The groundbreaking drama LOST premiered to a room full of eager fans at 2004’s San Diego Comic Con. Ten years later the Alphabet network that fostered it produced a short yet impactful two minute commemorative video featuring some of the series most memorable scenes bookended by words from showrunners Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof. The video embedded above ran on a loop at ABC’s booth during this year’s Comic Con. If you couldn’t make it out this year watch it now and relive the emotional bliss that was and forever will be LOST. Jack’s bearded rallying cry “We have to go back,” Charlie’s hand inscribed with the message “Not Penny’s Boat,” Jack and Locke’s heated faith argument, Jack’s “Kate, dammit, run!,” Ben tearfully pushing the donkey wheel with all his might to (boom) move the Island–it’s all there. Enjoy.

Comic Con: Zack Snyder outs Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman

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During Warner Bros.’ Hall H presentation, director Zack Snyder tweeted out this first official image of Israeli actress Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in his upcoming film Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Welcome the sexy, badass Amazon into the fold and dive into the comments sections to share you thoughts on her modern, gritty look. What do you think?

BvS:DoJ releases May 6, 2016.

Movie trailer round-up: ‘The Hobbit’, ‘Sin City 2’ & ‘Hot Tub Time Machine 2’

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Peter Jackson’s final movie in the Hobbit trilogy is The Battle of the Five Armies and it’s promising to be the most emotionally intense installment yet. Here’s the latest synopsis and the first teaser trailer rests above.

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town. 

Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. 

As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies hits theatres December 17. Eye a fancy new poster below.

Jump after the break to view more trailers. Continue reading Movie trailer round-up: ‘The Hobbit’, ‘Sin City 2’ & ‘Hot Tub Time Machine 2’ →

Abrams reveals Episode VII’s X-Wing Starfighter in new fundraiser clip

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Director J.J. Abrams is back to remind Star Wars fans that his UNICEF fundraiser “Force for Change” is still in effect. He shares that people from over 119 countries have participated so far and you can too at Omaze.com. [The chance to win a trip to the set and be in the movie is now over. The winner will be announced next month.] Now, as Abrams is spilling the details the camera in the clip above slowly pans out to reveal his version of the famed X-Wing Starfighter.

Star Wars Episode VII releases December 18, 2015.

FX renews ‘Fargo’ & ‘Louie’

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FX has renewed Fargo and Louie for a second and fifth season, respectively.

EP Noah Hawley took big risk adapting and twisting the Coen brother’s classic film for the small screen and it paid off. Fargo on FX, starring Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton, proved to be a highly addicting, violent, and incredibly intriguing character study. Hawley thinks there’s more to explore in this inspired world he brought back to life and in its second season we will travel back in time to revisit Keith Carradine’s character Lou Solverson, albeit at a younger age. The 10-episode Fargo was always billed as an event series, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a new season will play out sort of like FX’s other series American Horror Story with new characters and an entirely new plot. Though Fargo season 2 will deviate from AHS in that it will take place in the world as its first season and will carry over familiar characters (played by different actors, of course). Lou will be much younger in 1979, and his daughter Molly (portrayed by the talented Allison Tolman in season 1) will be but four years old. In terms of plot, the new season will explore the “Sioux Falls” incident that Lou mentioned a couple times in the show’s first year. Expect more Fargo in 2015.

Moving on to Louie, the comedian produced (and directed and wrote and edited and starred in) arguably the best season of his dramedy this year. Standouts “Elevator” and “In the Woods” pushed the envelope in terms of pure creativity. FX head John Landgraf puts it nicely: “Louie’s fourth season was once again groundbreaking. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking — always thought provoking. The show went to narrative and cinematic places no comedy has gone before and we look forward to seeing what Louis comes up with next.” A 7-episode fifth season is expected to air in Spring 2015.

[Via TVLine 1, 2]

Jason Mraz’s new album ‘YES!’ inspires a short film about love

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Jason Mraz’s fifth studio album YES! hit shelves on Tuesday and you can pick up a copy today digitally at iTunes and physically at Amazon. Jason’s collaborative effort with Raining Jane boasts 14 tracks led by the charming single “Love Someone” which now is featured in a three-part short film posted on YouTube. “We Can Take The Long Way” is essentially a long-form music video featuring three songs from YES!: “Love Someone,” “Hello, You Beautiful Thing,” and “Long Drive.” It follows a pair of good looking youths finding, embracing, and giving back love. Jason describes the short like this:

Making a music video is challenging. To me a song is personal: its story, message, or melody resonating uniquely with each listener. And adding moving pictures can sometimes paint a mood or suggest an attitude that is different from the way the listener may hear the song in his/her heart. “We Can Take The Long Way” is an effort to not make one finite music video, and instead tell a story about love and life with several songs from ‘YES!’ playing a supporting role. I recommend you turn down the lights, crank up the volume, snuggle up to your beloved, and enjoy the film.

His YouTube channel also includes live renditions of 12 tracks from the album recorded at his very own Organics’ Avocado Ranch. Also, check out a stripped down version of the single at Time; in addition to the performance Jason shares the inspiration behind the track and the new album in general.

The #SummerOfYES! has arrived.

‘Homeland’ showrunner teases season 4 (first trailer inside!)

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“I can guarantee that Dana Brody will not be back for Season 4.”

Let’s start with that choice quote from Homeland executive producer Alex Gansa at the TCAs on Friday. Moving on…

With the demise of the show’s male lead Damian Lewis (who so elegantly played Nicholas Brody), Homeland‘s fourth season serves somewhat as a series reboot. This time around the action takes place in the Middle East and it follows Claire Danes’ Carrie Mathison in the field dealing with political ramifications that comes with US troops withdrawing from the area.

“It’s about seeing Carrie Mathison for the first time doing the job she was trained to do — being a case officer in a foreign capital,” Gansa shared in an interview with EW. “We’re going to see what an intelligence officer does on the ground. How she recruits assets, how she deals with the foreign government and her country team — the people she works with in the embassy — and the host country’s intelligence services. That is a complicated and murky world, one that we hope is filled with intrigue and drama and adventure.”

What else? “About six months” have passed since season 3 ended; Carrie’s had her baby but it’s left back in the States so, no, you won’t be seeing her balancing motherhood and taking down terrorists. In terms of her mental stability, “she’s quite stable,” says Gansa. “Where she is managing her grief about her loss of Brody is a different question.” Speaking of Brody, Gansa says it isn’t outside the realm of possibility for Lewis to reprise his role via flashbacks. “He was such as significant part of Carrie’s life that just to drop him completely would feel wrong, because Carrie is grieving for his loss.”

Gansa also commented on the status of fan favorites Saul Berenson and Peter Quinn. “Saul plays a central role this season, albeit a different role, a reversed role. Saul in the past was Carrie’s boss. Now that he’s in the private sector he finds himself working underneath her and at her behest, so there’s a role reversal that takes place there.” And then: “Everybody is clamoring for a relationship between [Quinn and Carrie]. And it is certainly something we’re toying with. However the question is whether Carrie is in any kind of emotional state to be open to a romance of any kind and does Quinn realize that’s the case. But it’s enough to say he watches over her this season because he cares about her so much.”

For more on season 4, check out the interview with Gansa in full at EW.

Now, jump after the break to glimpse what’s in store. It’s true: There’s no place like Homeland. Which returns October 5 on Showtime. And how incredible is that season 4 key art hanging above? Best one yet. Continue reading ‘Homeland’ showrunner teases season 4 (first trailer inside!) →

More ‘Better Call Saul’ details emerge

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Breaking Bad‘s Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould showed up at this year’s TCAs to promote their next venture, spinoff Better Call Saul, and some interesting tidbits surfaced.

First off, the series is set in 2002; but like Breaking Bad, it will bounce around in time. “I think the best way to answer this is that you saw, from Breaking Bad, we like nonlinear storytelling,” shared Gilligan. “I would definitely point you in the direction of anything that is possible on Breaking Bad is possible on Better Call Saul. It’s fun for us to be as nonlinear as possible.” Also, when we meet Bob Odenkirk’s Saul Goodman in the pilot that won’t be his name; much like Walter White’s transformation into Heisenberg, viewers will witness Jimmy McGill’s transformation into Saul Goodman.

An official show description sheds some more light: “The series is set six years before Saul Goodman meets Walter White. When we meet him, the man who will become Saul Goodman is known as Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer searching for his destiny, and, more immediately, hustling to make ends meet. Working alongside, and, often, against Jimmy, is ‘fixer’ Mike Ehrmantraut, a beloved character introduced in Breaking Bad. The series will track Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman, the man who puts ‘criminal’ in ‘Criminal lawyer.’”

Since the show will bounce around in time, there is a possibility for Breaking Bad favorites like WW to enter the fray. In fact, one Bad character in particular was discussed at the TCA panel: Giancarlo Esposito’s Gustavo Fring. On his potential to show up in Saul Gould said, “There’s always a chance, yeah…with Gus there is so much more to say about that character, and we certainly love Giancarlo. Having said that, we’re trying to make something that stands on its own that has an entertainment value that’s not just seeing a series of old favorites. It’s not the series equivalent of a clip show. So we try to balance these things out. But I agree there’s so much to be said about Gus — although in the series it always seemed to me that Saul didn’t know Gus directly. He knew a guy who knew a guy.”

Better Call Saul premieres on AMC in 2015. Eye two new images from the production above and after the break (below, that’s Odenkirk with Michael McKean who plays Saul’s brother Chuck in the series).

[Via Deadline; TVLine; EW] Continue reading More ‘Better Call Saul’ details emerge →

Three ‘SNL’ featured players booted prior to 40th season

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Rookies Brooks Wheelan and John Milhiser will not be making their way back to Studio 8H this fall when Saturday Night Live returns to celebrate its 40th season on air. It’s no surprise, really, since Lorne and his creative team did not give the first-year players much screen time to begin with. What is surprising, however, is that second year featured player Nöel Wells has also been given the slip. She might not have bee as strong as other female SNL cast members like Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong, but she certainly showed promise here and there. It’s a shame we never got to see her Dana Brody.

Also exiting (after five seasons) is Nasim Pedrad who is moving on to star in the new Fox sitcom Mulaney. We won’t soon forget you, Bedelia and Shallon.

As SNL’s September premiere looms on the horizon, more casting changes are likely to be announced. Deadline reports that SNL writer turned featured player Michael Patrick O’Brien has a hazy future with the show; he may either get booted or return to writing duties behind the scenes.

[Via Deadline; image via Hollywood]