Three New Cast Members Join Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' Sequel

Courtesy IMDB

On Thursday, Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures made the announcement that three new cast members were added to their untitled Superman/Batman film. The characters will be newly created for the film and will be portrayed by Academy Award winner, Holly Hunter, Callan Mulvey (“300: Rise of an Empire”) and actress Tao Okamoto (“The Wolverine”).

The film's director, Zack Snyder, commented on the casting:
“Holly has always been one of my favorite actresses; she has immense talent and is always captivating on screen. I had an opportunity to meet her a while back and knew instantly that I had to work with her, so as we began writing the script I made sure to create a role specifically for her.

“I just had the good fortune to work with Callan on ‘300: Rise of an Empire’ and was very impressed with his incredible talent,” the director continued. “He’s a fantastic actor and I’m looking forward to having the chance to work with him again. And, quite simply, Tao is a striking presence whose beauty is aptly rivaled by her amazing abilities as an actress. I’m really excited to have her joining us on this adventure.”

Hunter, Mulvey and Okamoto join fellow cast members who include; Henry Cavill who will return to star as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. Other recent casting includes Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons as Alfred, and “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

May 6, 2016 is the target date for the film's release.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons Added to 'Man of Steel' Sequel

Courtesy Cheezburger.com

The star studded cast of Warner Brothers' "Batman vs. Superman" just got even better. Entertainment Weekly is reporting not one, but two new additional cast members for the project, with Jesse Eisenberg taking on the role of super-villain Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons as Alfred Penyworth.

Despite earlier rumors that Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad") would be taking on Clark Kent, director Zack Snyder went with a less obvious choice by casting 30-year-old Eisenberg. In an interview, Snyder stated “Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940[...] What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman. Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.”

Jason Momoa Joining 'Batman vs. Superman' Film?

Superman who?

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jason Momoa is in talks to join Zack Snyder's untitled, star studded "Man of Steel" sequel. It was recently announced that 28-year-old Israeli actress, Gal Gadot, would be stepping into the role of Wonder Woman, joining Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel and Ben Affleck as Batman.

While it is currently unclear as to what role Momoa would be playing, there is a little speculation that narrows it down. First up is Justice League member, the Martian Manhunter, who is a super-powered alien that is trapped on planet Earth. However, it has been long rumored that the films villain would be Doomsday, a scientifically engineered Kryptonian killing machine. Doomsday infamously "killed" Superman back in 1992, and his appearance was even hinted at in the extras on "Man of Steel" Blu-ray.

Known for roles that showcase his beefy physique, such as Khal Drogo ("Game of Thrones") and Conan ("Conan the Barbarian"), Momoa could fill either role quite well.

Neither Snyder or Warner Bros. had any comments on this news at the moment.

-Nowal Massari

Gal Gadot Cast as Wonder Woman in 'Batman vs. Superman'

Courtesy IMDB

The sequel to "Man of Steel" has its Wonder Woman! "Diana Prince" will be played by 28 year-old Israeli actress and model, Gal Gadot. She will be joining Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill in the yet-to-be-titled sequel to Zack Snyder's summer hit.

According to Snyder, “Wonder Woman is arguably one of the most powerful female characters of all time and a fan favorite in the DC Universe. Not only is Gal an amazing actress, but she also has that magical quality that makes her perfect for the role. We look forward to audiences discovering Gal in the first feature film incarnation of this beloved character."

Gal has been in the last three "Fast and Furious" films but this role will clearly be her biggest. What do you think? Will she be able to fill the boots?

The tentatively titled "Batman vs. Superman" is due in theaters July 17, 2015.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Possible Titles For 'Batman vs. Superman' Revealed

Back in July, we reported on the Comic Con-generated news that Batman and Superman would be teaming up in a new film. Media outlets have been using the title “Batman vs. Superman” for the Zack Snyder-directed “Man of Steel” sequel, but is this the official title? Probably not.

SuperHeroMoviesNews just reported that Warner Bros. has secretly registered new domain names that hint as possible titles for the film. Their choices? Drum roll please…

“Man of Steel Battle the Knight”
“Man of Steel Beyond Darkness”
“Man of Steel Black of Knight”
“Man of Steel Darkness Falls”
“Man of Steel Knight Falls”
“Man of Steel Shadow of the Night”
“Man of Steel The Blackest Hour”
“Man of Steel The Darkness Within”

Do you agree with the possible titles? If you had your choice, which would you pick? Any other suggestions for WB?

Whatever the title turns out to be, the film is scheduled to be released July 17, 2015.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Man of Steel' Finds its Kryptonite in an Honest Trailer

Now this trailer may be funny but it just may upset lovers of "Man of Steel." We don't claim to be Team Marvel or Team D.C. so let us know what you think of their take on the summer blockbuster.

Keep in mind, Honest Trailers also took on Marvel's "Iron Man 3"and "Thor." They've also waved their magic wand over "Transformers,""World War Z," and "Titanic." Just click on the links and enjoy!

"Man of Steel" is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Bryan Cranston is Lex Luthor -- Maybe

The end is drawing closer for fans of "Breaking Bad," but IF the rumor mill is correct, Bryan Cranston should stick to the chrome dome look. While it has yet to officially announced or confirmed, Cosmic Book News reports that Cranston has been cast in the "Man of Steel" sequel/ "Batman vs. Superman" movie as Superman's nemesis, Lex Luthor.

News of Cranston stepping into the role of another baddie might soften the blow (for those it bothered) that Ben Affleck has been cast as the Dark Knight. Well, fellow nerds, we had better get used to the idea of Affleck as Batman, because he has reportedly signed a deal for 13 appearances, to Cranston's reported six as Luthor.

The news of Cranston portraying one of DC Comics most infamous villains is said to be made official after "Breaking Bad" ends. The sequel is set for a summer 2015 release date.

And please keep in mind that we're talking about news that's gained traction on the Internet, so if this is wrong, well, don't blame us.

-Nowal Massari

Ben Affleck Cast as Batman in Upcoming Film

Courtesy comicbook.com

Big news out of Hollywood! After much speculation on who would portray the Dark Knight, Warner Bros. announced today that Ben Affleck will be replacing Christian Bale as the new Batman.

Variety is reporting that the Zack Snyder-directed and yet-to-be-named movie featuring Batman and Superman will be released on July 17, 2015 and feature Affleck in the role of Bruce Wayne.

Warner Bros. president, Greg Silverman stated, “We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some.”

We learned last month at San Diego Comic Con that the film would be a reality and that Henry Cavill would be returning as the Man of Steel.

Snyder is stoked to be working with Affleck, “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”

We’ll keep you updated on any more developments.

-Larissa Mrykalo

It's Official! Batman and Superman Will Join Forces in 2015

Photo: Courtesy of fanpop.com

The Warner Bros. panel at SDCC ended with a big announcement today. Confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, a Batman and Superman team-up is taking place and we can expect to see this DC duo on the screen in 2015.

After a surprise panel visit from Zack Snyder, crowds learned that he will be directing the follow-up to the hugely successful Man of Steel and Henry Cavill will be returning as the lead.

According to the press release, "The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures."

Stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, and Diane Lane will also be reprising the roles they played in Man of Steel. No word on who will play Batman.

Zack Snyder stated, "I'm so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can't wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let's face it, it's beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world."

In a statement from DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson, "Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DC Entertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe."

Man of Steel's David Goyer along with Zack Snyder will script the film, and Christopher Nolan will executive produce with Emma Thomas, Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Monstrous weekend at the box office

We think it’s pretty cool that the top four films at the box office this weekend were featured on our Summer Movie Preview list but that just proves what audiences crave, right?

Disney Pixar’s Monsters University taught the zombies of Brad Pitt’s World War Z a lesson and took the top spot, grossing $82 million. WWZ took in a respectable $66 million but it has a way to go before recouping its almost $200 million budget.

Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel remained strong in third place and added an additional $41.2 million making its total take a whopping $210 million. It did however cost $225 million to make but we’re confident that will be recovered soon.

The Seth Rogen/Jonah Hill comedy This is the End brought $13 million to its kitty for a nice $57.9 million. End’s budget was a mere $32 million, so the bawdy boys should be happy!

Did you hit the theaters this weekend? Which film did you “contribute” to? Let us know!

-Larissa Mrykalo

Man of Steel leaps June box office in single bound

Did you see Man of Steel this weekend? Probably. It seems that everyone has and the box office take is a good indication. According to Forbes, The action-packed Zack Snyder-directed superhero flick brought in a currently updated figure of $128.7 million domestically which is a new record for a June opening.

According to Forbes, “If you count that whole figure as its opening weekend, then it not only trumps the $116.1 million debut of Alice In Wonderland for the second-best opening weekend for a non-sequel behind The Hunger Games' $152 million but becomes the 12th biggest debut ahead of the $128.1 million debut of Iron Man 2.”

Supes did have some other supernatural competition with the Seth Rogen comedy, This is the End. According to EW, This is the End garnered “an impressive $32.8 million debut, holding it down in second place and already recovering its $32 million budget.”

-Larissa Mrykalo

Super Changes In 75 years Of The Superman Shield

In Man of Steel Henry Cavill’s Superman says the emblem on his chest stands for hope, but as Amy Adams’ Lois Lane points out, it’s an “S” on this planet. But that “S” sure is one of the most recognized symbols on the planet. There is probably some social sciencey study to back it up, but trust me, everyone knows the Superman shield.

But it hasn’t been the same iconic symbol over the course Superman’s 75 years. Since his debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938, the “S” has undergone major changes. The most popular is likely the curvy serif red “S” on a yellow background, framed by the red and geometric five-sided shield. However, Superman started off with a police badge-esque shield and simple “S” on his first cover, and over time, it traded yellow for black, gained and lost weight, went sans-serif, became a three-dimensional accouterments and even went electric blue-and-white for a little while.

You needn’t take my awkward descriptions of the symbol though. In a bit of infographic goodness, HalloweenCostumes.com has created a visual evolution of Supes’ shield. They cover a lot of ground with descriptions of each iteration but I wouldn’t be a nitpicky nerd if I didn’t point out they neglect to discuss all the various animated variations -- as well as the 1988 Superboy series where Clark sported a shield most closely resembling the early ’90s comics (vertical upper serif, diagonal left edge, rounded bottom serif) with lots of room between the “S” and the shield border.

Still, this is a cool visual guide to the Superman “S” and is the fun piece of trivia to annoy your friends with as you’re waiting in line this weekend to see Man of Steel. Head to MTV Geek to check out the infographic.

-Aaron Sagers

Henry Cavill talks 'Man of Steel,' and playing a hero vs. villain

BY AARON SAGERS

This weekend we officially welcome Henry Cavill to the big leagues. Despite leading roles in The Tudors and 2011's Immortals, his star turn in Man of Steel, opening today, will likely launch the British actor into the next level of stardom.

Along with a few other journalists, I got a chance to chat with Cavill in 2011, only days before he began filming Man of Steel with Zack Snyder. This isn't the most groundbreaking interview, but I found it interesting to look back and revisit what the man who would be Superman had to say. It is especially interesting because the role of Supes can make an impact on an actor -- good and bad.

Will Cavill be able to remain a down-to-earth guy who doesn't take his work overly seriously, as he seemed in this interview? Will his gig as The Last Son of Krypton afford him the chance to play as villains as he wishes? And will we ever see him return to TV? 

Take note of his answers below and think about them on Monday when the box office receipts come in. Because that's when everything might change for Henry Cavill...

Kevin Smith On Zack Snyder, 'Man of Steel', And 'Justice League'

We back Kevin Smith against a wall to
talk about 'Man of Steel'

BY AARON SAGERS

It is standard practice for journalists to look back when new buzzworthy stuff is happening. It's kind of our bag. Instead of just covering the news, we like to catalogue and revisit everything that has come before. On some level this makes sense so we can continue to contextualize things through a modern lens. Then again, it also helps us create "lists," which is really just lovely bait for Web traffic. In this way, we're kind of like the best of obsessive nerds who keep lists, but this is especially true for big, buzzworthy movies.

So it goes with Man of Steel. Just as we prepare to see whether Zack Snyder's take on the character redefines the hero and sets the stage for a Justice League movie, everyone is taking another look at previous Superman treatment. For instance, head to MTV Geek to check out my interview with the last movie Superman, Brandon Routh.

Kevin Smith is one of those dudes who will always be linked to Superman movie lore (which, in turn, is part of modern Hollywood lore), and he's worth chatting up anytime a new Supes film project pops up. Back in 1996, Smith's geek cred had become well-known due to Mallrats -- before everyone was a geek -- and was hired to re-write Superman Lives/ Superman Reborn, a vehicle that would be directed by Tim Burton and would star Nicolas Cage. Smith was a hired gun who had to fulfill a lot of dictates on the rewrite (like Superman in a black costume who doesn't fly that fights a giant spider). Smith's draft was eventually discarded by Burton, who inevitably left, as did Cage.

'Man of Steel' 13-minute preview

Thanks to Warner Bros. for posting 13 very epic minutes full of clips and commentary of Man of Steel. The preview includes insight from not only star Henry Cavill, but also Russell Crowe, Amy Adams and director Zack Snyder, as well as many other involved with the film.

Man of Steel is described as a “modernization” of the Superman tale and, even though they’re dealing with a superhero, the events in the film can happen. The filmmakers wanted it to feel “as real as possible.” They also discuss the evolution of his new “skin suit” and the meaning not only behind its design but also the infamous “S” symbol, which, on Krypton, means “hope.”

Watch the video here and let us know if you’ll be heading to the theaters on June 14 to check out this amazing new adventure! And don't forget about Man of Steel Free Comic Book Day on June 12.

-Larissa Mrykalo

How does the 'Man of Steel' shave? Gillette asks Kevin Smith and more

In a clever campaign tying into the new Man of Steel movie, razor maker Gillette enlists the help of Kevin Smith, Mayim Bialik, the MythBusters and Bill Nye the Science Guy to ask how Superman shaves.

Nye has some theories as to how Supes goes from super-sexy bearded Clark Kent to the smooth and (still) sexy Man of Steel part way through the film.

One of his theories is that he “grinds” his beard away without damaging his skin. Now, we know this is all in good fun and kudos to Gillette for jumping on the Man of Steel  speeding train.

You could use the hashtag #HowDoesHeShave to have some more fun with this campaign but we really want to know if you prefer him with or without his beard.

Man of Steel opens June 14.

-Larissa Mrykalo

DC announces 'Man of Steel' free comic book day

Two days before the release of Man of Steel, DC Comics and Sears are joining forces to bring yet another day of free comics. This June 12, Man of Steel Day has been declared and according to Newsarama, “Fans who go to a local comic shop will receive a free copy of All-Star Superman #1 Special Edition, reprinting the first chapter of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's seminal Superman tale. Shops will also have posters and Man of Steel-branded bags to promote the movie.”

As if this isn’t exciting enough for fans of Kal-El, the site is reporting that not only will Superman Unchained #1 by Scott Snyder and Jim Lee be out, but there will be a “special sale on comiXology and the DC Comics app, putting 201 Superman comic books on sale for $.99 through the digital retailer.”

Man of Steel flies into theaters on June 14. Advance tickets are already on sale over at Fandango and your purchase includes a free download from the soundtrack. Free stuff for everyone!

Also, according to the official press release from DC Comics, local comic book retailers will be offering “DC Collectibles’ all-new line of 12” Man of Steel statues that capture the film’s characters, Superman, Jor El, Zod and Faora, in stunning, highly-realistic likenesses.”

Another exciting bit of news from the release is that, thanks to a DC Entertainment partnership with Random House, Man of Steel will soar into more than 1000 libraries across the U.S. on Saturday June 15 to offer visitors buttons, bookmarks and Superman comics.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Paranormal Pop Culture Summer Movie Preview 2013

EW thinks MoS is the superest movie
of the summer. What do you think?

BY LARISSA MRYKALO

It may not exactly feel like it today on the East Coast, but it is springtime. Of course this means that these long months braving the winter indoors should be rewarded with... well, more time indoors. But indoors inside a movie theater for thrilling blockbuster movies! Yup, it is that time again for super heroes, monsters, demons, zombies and massive production budgets.

Now while the Summer Movie Season doesn't really kick off until May 3 when Robert Downey Jr. returns as Tony Stark in Iron Man 3, we here at Paranormal Pop Culture kind of think the season already began. G.I. Joe kickstarted things on March 28, and last week -- two decades after it initially stomped into our hearts -- Jurassic Park was re-released on 3D. It also managed to open in the fourth spot at the box office. Meanwhile the top spot belongs to Evil Dead, Fede Alvarez' franchise reboot of the Sam Raimi classic. But as scary as Evil Dead might be, you needn't be afraid of a dearth of entertainment for the coming five months.

Read ahead, ye film fanboys and fangirls, for a preview of what's to come...

Guillermo del Toro preps 'Dark Universe' flick- is it tied to 'Justice League'?

Courtesy DC Comics

One of the reasons I'm a big fan of Guillermo del Toro is that he's such a well-rounded nerd who loves the paranormal/supernatural in addition to sci-fi and super heroes. Obviously this is no shocker, but it's always a pleasure to hear he's working on new projects that combines those loves.

For instance, in a recent interview with IGN about Mama, which he exec-produces, del Toro chatted about his involvement with the DC Comics Dark Universe movie revolving around supernatural heroes. He said he's working on the outline and has found a "very, very good writer" for the screenplay that will pleasantly surprise fans.

The darker side of DC Comics is currently represented by a few titles, including Justice League Dark, a super team who deals in the supernatural. The team features Deadman, Zatanna, Madame Xanadu and Shade The Changing Man - along with Constantine (played by Keanu Reeves in the 2005 movie of the same name based on the Hellblazer comics). Another character who would be in the movie, and has received his own feature treatment in the past, is Swamp Thing - who del Toro calls a "rock star." The Demon Etrigan and The Spectre will also join in the action.

The director says that DC is feeling very confident with the film possibilities of its characters, especially based on their expectations for Man of Steel. Speaking of which, considering the timeline of this project, it will likely live or die based on the box office of the new Supes movie, as well as the success of the impending Justice League vehicle. Moreover, it would make sense for their to be a cameo from a JL hero in the Dark Universe movie to connect it to the larger DC-verse.

Check out the video from IGN after the jump.

'Man of Steel' trailer takes flight

Courtesy Warner Bros.

The Man of Steel trailer has arrived, and I'm digging it.

The trailer shows us a lot: Young Clark, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Ma and Pa Kent, Henry Cavill as Supes in costume, Russell Crowe as Jore-El, a glimpse of Michael Shannon as Zod, Amy Adams as Lois. Even better, we get a few shots of super powers, such as Superman getting punched into a vault, and pushing into the ice to launch himself into flight.

This looks cool. The forlorn angelic choral piece in the background - and shots of distraught Kents, a tormented Clark - paint this to look pretty similar to Superman Returns. But it also does have a super-powered grittiness (Superman in handcuffs, Clark floating in the water among wreckage, talk of letting children die) that leads me to believe it really could exist in the same world as Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight flicks.

I don't there is enough here to really make a judgment yet, but as for the first big taste, I'm looking forward to this. I do think, after interviewing him, that Cavill definitely has the quiet gravitas to do a good Kal-El. And personally, I'm craving a kick-ass Superman movie. I really hope Zack Snyder pulls this off and that, this summer, we'll believe a man can fly (again).

Check it out and sound off!

-Aaron Sagers