Most of us in America are pretty exhausted today, but we’re not too exhausted to do our job and share some movie news with you good folks. In today’s Movie Morsels, we’ve got the latest word on the next Batman solo film, courtesy of actor Joe Manganiello, as well as a behind-the-scenes video on the live-action Ghost in the Shell, new photos from Avengers: Infinity War and Power Rangers, and more!
The Batman
We’ve seen Batman battle a lot of his most iconic enemies in film and television, but we’ve never seen the Dark Knight take on one of the most iconic villains in the entire DC Universe: Slade Wilson, a.k.a. Deathstroke the Terminator. Oh sure, ol’ sword-slinging Slade has become a fan-favorite foe of Oliver Queen on television’s Arrow, but wouldn’t you like to see him battle the most popular DC hero of all? Answer: sure, you would! So let’s all say a silent prayer of thanks that we have a quality, charismatic actor playing him in Ben Affleck’s The Batman. Joe Manganiello won quite a few fans through his roles on True Blood and Magic Mike, and now it looks like he’ll be doing the same when he makes his big-screen debut next year.
Speaking with pro wrestling announcer Mark Madden on his podcast, Manganiello had a few words to say about the film, painting a much rosier picture than writer Bret Easton Ellis did when he recently stated the film’s script was in dire straits…
“When I met Ben,” Manganiello says, “we sat down and we talked about, you know, the role. We talked about the movie. His take is a fresh take but I think the audience is going to be surprised. Because it’s a road that no one’s really gone down that’s completely integral to, you know, who Batman is. And I think it’s gonna be refreshing but at the same time completely familiar. But it’s going to take this franchise in a direction that I think A LOT of people are going to be really happy about. It’s going to be gritty and action packed and cerebral and all of those elements that people love about Batman.”
Ghost in the Shell
The live-action Ghost in the Shell adaptation has drawn a lot of fire for what many perceive is the whitewashing of the manga/anime’s central character. But a new look at the film on TV’s Entertainment Tonight tries to show that there’s plenty of heart going into making it. In the following video, actress Scarlett Johansson talks about the lessons the film offers for her own daughter…
Avengers: Infinity War
Brothers Joe and Anthony Russo are busy scouting locations for their next Marvel movie, the hugely anticipated Avengers: Infinity War. And because the directors are so generous to their fans, they’ve shared a photo of their latest locale on Instagram. Your guess is as good as mine as to where this could fit into the film’s story, which is so big it apparently includes most every single hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe…
[Facebook]
Power Rangers
I was a little too old when the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers were in their ’90s heyday to appreciate their multicolored costumed adventures. But no matter how old one is, there’s no denying that the team’s outfits in their upcoming big-screen reboot are, well, baller as all hell! Just take a look at this photo of their supersuits, as well as the suit of their archenemy Rita Repulsa, as played by Elizabeth Banks…
Now You See Me 3
Finally today… No, I can’t believe that they’re making a third Now You See Me movie either. People must really, really, really like magicians, especially those who may or may not have genuine supernatural powers. Lionsgate has just signed on two screenwriters to tackle Jon M. Chu’s Now You See Me 3: Neil Widener and Gavin James, who are also scripting San Andreas 2 and Paramount’s Battle Of Alcatraz.
[Deadline]
What do you think of today’s top stories? Let us know below!
Featured Image: DC
Images: DC/Warner Bros, Lionsgate
