Remember when Netflix was a place that shipped red envelopes containing movies and television series to our doors? They still do that, of course, but they’ve become so much more. Their streaming service side of the business is overflowing with original content, and since they had their day at the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour, I have all sorts of updates for you. Keep reading today’s TV-Cap to find out about a renewal for Jessica Jones, a possible Punisher series for Netflix, a new animated series from Matt Groening, and to see an impressive trailer for Star Wars Rebels.
Side by Side. We live in fine times, friends. Proof? Supergirl and Martian Manhunter are in a live-action series together and flying through the skies. This short clip from the next Supergirl, airing January 18 on CBS, makes me grin from ear to ear. [Comic Book Resources]
This Sounds Promising. What’s that? You want more animated series from Matt Groening? Perfect because the talented creator has one in the works with Netflix. That’s literally all we know, but it’s enough to give me twinges of excitement–the streaming service seems like just the sort of place Groening can stretch his wings. [Nerdist]
Don’t Dream It. Well played, Fox. The network landed quite the performer for their adaptation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. They’ve nabbed Tim Curry, he played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the original film, to portray the Criminologist Narrator. This is perfect. [Nerdist]
Back in the Game. Tracy Morgan is bouncing back, and he’s signed with FX to star in a comedy pilot. John Carcieri and Jordan Peele are on board as writers of the show. It focuses on Morgan’s character, a man just released from 15 years in prison, and how he navigates the modern world and all that comes with it. [Nerdist]
Fresh Arrivals. Litchfield never has a dull moment. The fictional prison home of the ladies of Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black will open its gates for some new residents when the show returns with season four on June 17. Netflix announced the premiere date at the TCAs and series creator Jenji Kohan said the following about the next installment: “I can’t tell you much more than that because we want it to be a surprise but all the fun stuff like race and hate and some things from current events that we want to sort of filter through our lens.” [TV Fanatic]
Raise a Glass. In news that is not unexpected but is still awesome to hear, Netflix has renewed Jessica Jones. I was not ready to let the hot mess of a woman go, so I’m thrilled she’ll be back to fight and drink again. There’s no set timeline for the premiere of season two though because they have to figure out scheduling for other Marvel series first. It’s okay. I can wait. Maybe. [Nerdist]
Taking the Lead? The next season of Daredevil is bringing Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe spotlight. Jon Bernthal will have a major role to play in Hell’s Kitchen, and maybe he’ll reach beyond that. TVLine reports Netflix is close to green-lighting a spinoff series called The Punisher. [Nerdist]
Parallel Universe. The Fox-owned side of the Marvel universe plays things a little differently than the Disney owned side. For example, at least one of their live-action television series won’t take place in the same universe as the X-Men movies. Legion, which is close to being picked up by FX, will take place in a parallel universe. FX CEO John Landgraf spoke at the TCAs and said,”The US government is in early days of being aware of mutants, but not the public. I don’t foresee any characters moving back and forth (between the movies and the series).” [Nerdist]
Replacements. While we’re on the subject of X-Men TV spinoffs, let’s touch on Hellfire. The series about the Hellfire Club has to find new showrunners. Manny Coto and Evan Katz have moved on to work on 24: Legacy. That’s not a decision I can wrap my brain around but to each his own. [Nerdist]
This Is Where the Fun Begins. The winter premiere of Star Wars Rebels season two will air on January 20, and a new trailer for the back half promises the ride ahead is intense. Kevin Yost sure knows how to cut together a trailer for maximum emotional effect. The promo includes glimpses at a Kylo Ren-esque lightsaber, Princess Leia, the introduction of the “Old Master” who looks exactly like Darth Maul, Yoda, and a confrontation between Darth Vader and Ahsoka. I don’t know if my heart’s going to be able to take it. [Nerdist]
A Starring Role? Netflix is working on an adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, and they’re reportedly getting close to finding their lead. Neil Patrick Harris is apparently in contention for the role of Count Olaf. I think he’d be rather perfect for it; what about you? [Nerdist]
Some Additions. Netflix isn’t only making original series, they’re serving as a home for other shows that might not have one. Case in point: Black Mirror. They’re producing 12 new episodes of the Charlie Brooker show, and we’ve learned they’ve cast two new actresses: Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis. It’s not a ton of information yet, but hey, it’s something. [Nerdist]
What are your thoughts about the Star Wars Rebels trailer for the rest of season two? Did hearing Anakin’s voice make anyone else cry? Talk to me in the comments.
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FEATURED IMAGE: Disney XD/Lucasfilm
