Marvel, Please Cast Ryan Potter for Spider-Man
Over the weekend, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Marvel Studios had not yet cast the role of Peter Parker — who is either going to have a cameo or a pivotal role in next summer’s Captain America: Civil War before launching into his own franchise within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Back in April, news sites were reporting Ender’s Game star Asa Butterfield was the frontrunner for the role, but Marvel is still screen testing several young actors.
One young actor who isn’t being tested — but should — is Ryan Potter who is best known as the voice of Hiro Hamada in Disney’s Big Hero 6. And I’m not the only person who thinks so!
Continue reading “Marvel, Please Cast Ryan Potter for Spider-Man“
Hollywood’s Strange Erasure of Asian Characters
Originally posted at Reappropriate
A mere week after I wrote a post swearing off of sharing fan news, the fandom insidiously pulled me back in.
This week, rumours began circulating that Tilda Swinton was in casting negotiations for Marvel’s upcoming Doctor Strange film starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role. Swinton is being considered for the role of the Ancient One, a nearly-immortal Tibetan sorcerer who becomes the young Doctor Strange’s mystic tutor and personal mentor.
That’s right. Tilda Swinton — a British actor whose Wikipedia article notes that she can trace her Anglo-Scot heritage back to the Middle Ages and who is about as far from “Tibetan” as one might get — may be cast to play a racebent and genderbent version of one of the few Asian characters of prominence in the Mystic Marvel world.
Continue reading “Hollywood’s Strange Erasure of Asian Characters”
Riddick: A Meditation
[I did not include the Riddick-verse video games or animation as I am unfamiliar with the material.]
In 2000, a little movie named Pitch Black dropped in select movies houses. I had no idea what it was about, but the posters and the one trailer I saw intrigued me. I was also a lightweight David Twohy fan based on his 1996 alien invasion film, The Arrival. So, me and my boy Corey walked into the theater without any expectations. When the film ended, we sat quietly through the credits. We said nothing to each other until the lights asserted themselves. I looked at him, and he looked back and almost in unison we said some variation of: ‘What the hell did we just see?’ Without any verbal confirmation, we sat in the theater and watched it again.
Superman: Truth, Justice, & the Asian American Way
On the eve of June and the post-Convergence DC Universe next week, we are in breathless anticipation to see the new, more diverse DC Universe as promised by the publisher’s “DC You” campaign. Part of that diversity is represented by the all-star writing talent attached to the flagship books of DC’s most iconic character: Superman.
Hard NOC Life was honored to welcome Action Comics writer Greg Pak (@gregpak) and new Superman writer Gene Luen Yang (@geneluenyang) — whose preview story you can read here right now — on the show to talk all things Man of Steel.
Continue reading “Superman: Truth, Justice, & the Asian American Way”
NOC Recaps Daredevil: Papa Don’t Preach
At this point, the similarities between Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk both wanting to make their city a better place have been repeated a few times. Yep, they’re two sides of the same coin; we get it. Well, there’s another strong tie that binds; they both have serious daddy issues. Matt’s came earlier and now we get to see a big reason why Fisk is who he is. I mentioned there may have been a hint at potential childhood trauma on the fourth episode recap, and my, my; “hint” seems so wrong after this. In addition, Matt ends up in Karen and Foggy’s (and Ben’s) investigation, and Fisk’s grip on his empire starts loosening, creating tension among the consortium in “Shadows in the Glass.”
You Come For The King, You Best Not Miss
This I had to share. Sorry/Not Sorry.
So after writing the piece on why the Black Panther is Marvel’s Answer to Batman, a racist troll decided to ice-skate uphill on social media:
Old Film Reviews: One-Armed Swordsman
Originally published at BadAzz Mofo
The Shaw Brothers studio in Hong Kong was responsible for producing some of the greatest Wushu martial arts films of all time. In the 1970s kung fu flicks flooded American drive-in theaters and grindhouses, and some of the most memorable films came courtesy of Shaw Brothers. But the style and genre of film most Americans associate with Shaw Brothers was relatively new to the studio, part of a new generation Wushu films that was ushered in during the 1960s with titles like the seminal classic One-Armed Swordsman.
NOC Recaps iZombie: Dying Under the Influence
Trait of the Week: Journalism and alcoholism.
This week’s iZombie case of the week was a bit more important to hold onto because it had reveals and ramifications for the story at large. Poor Liv is still reeling from Lowell’s death. When she gets the chance to eat a victim who’s prone to drinking her weight in booze, she takes it up, but the case she catches and Major’s post-Candyman episode threaten to suffocate her.
Continue reading “NOC Recaps iZombie: Dying Under the Influence”
10 DC Comics Superheroes Who Deserve a Vehicle
As more DC Comics projects are announced, it often leads to the question of who deserves his or her vehicle in the form of a movie, TV series, direct-to-dvd animated film, etc.
Contrary to popular belief, DC does in fact have a rich diverse variety of engaging characters. The (most frustrating) problem is that they refuse to properly utilize them. More than a few of said rich diverse superheroes have amassed mainstream crossover appeal. Yet, DC does not capitalize on these opportunities.
But that’s okay. Help has arrived. Help in the form of yours truly. The following is a list of 10 characters (among countless others) who need their own mainstream project like yesterday.
Continue reading “10 DC Comics Superheroes Who Deserve a Vehicle”
NOC Recaps iZombie: In the Line of Fire
Trait of the Week: Super Sniper Skills, PTSD
iZombie’s best strength is definitely its characters. While packaged in a procedural format, this week I once again found myself glazing over at the case o’ the week — despite our visit from Veronica Mars alum Percy Daggs III (WALLACE!). But we were treated to a surprise twist at the end of the episode that highlights the show’s strength in its characters. In “Patriot Brains,” Liv confronts Lowell about Blaine, Ravi learns whether or not he is doomed to zombie-ism, and Major convinces everyone not on Team Z that he is having a psychotic break.
Did Xena: Warrior Princess Inspire Legend of Korra?
In the 1990s, Xena: Warrior Princess — starring Lucy Lawless — ruled TV. Her chakram, armor, and famous warrior cry helped elevate Xena to one of the 25 best TV shows of all time. It’s 2015, and we have a new TV super woman, and her name is Korra, the Avatar (voiced by Janet Varney). The Legend of Korra is the Nickelodeon animated series that tells the story of a young woman who has the power to control the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Her power to control the elements makes her the most powerful human on the planet. Korra is tasked with bringing balance to the world by merging the spirit and human world in perfect harmony.
Being a fan of both Xena and Korra, the wheels started turning in my head, so I came up with a theory that the creators of Legend of Korra had a little Xena inspiration.
Continue reading “Did Xena: Warrior Princess Inspire Legend of Korra?”
Why Cassandra Cain is the True Successor to the Bat Mantle
With Batman being the most human of DC’s Trinity, there’s always the looming question of who takes over once Batman either retires or makes his final stand as the Caped Crusader. More than that, who could truly replace the Batman?
Gotham certainly doesn’t lack for champions. From Nightwing to the Robins to the Oracle and Batgirl, the Dark Knight has trained more than capable operatives to continue the good fight in his absence.
But are any of them as driven and intense as the original article?
Continue reading “Why Cassandra Cain is the True Successor to the Bat Mantle”
Star Trek is a Television Program — Period
In the last few months, there has been plenty of talk about Star Trek. Whether it is the news that Simon Pegg (Star Trek reboot-verse Scotty) has been hired to make the franchise less “Star Trek-y” or Popular Mechanics’ wonderful “8 Things a New Star Trek TV Series Must Have,” or the legion of fan films, or Adam Savage’s construction of the Enterprise’s Captain’s chair, or the frequent talk about how Trek has influenced the real world — all this, but there is no Trek property. No show. No amusement park. No decent toys to speak of. Just speculation, scuttlebutt, and rumor. Yes, there is a new film coming sometime in the future, but do we really need it? Continue reading “Star Trek is a Television Program — Period”
Putting Faith to Purpose: An Origin Story
A great visionary by the name of Cindi Mayweather once said, “Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I didn’t have to become perfect because I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness.”
My name is Dennis R. Upkins. I’m a speculative fiction author who writes urban fantasy, YA, and superhero fantasy. Storytelling has always been my calling, but sometimes fate has to put you on the path. The key is to be astute when the signs present themselves.
It was two years ago and I had a homecoming of sorts as I was back in Atlanta for Gaylaxicon/Outlantacon. The con was a smashing success but that was to be expected. What wasn’t expected however was the revelation I would receive repeatedly throughout the weekend.
Continue reading “Putting Faith to Purpose: An Origin Story”
Why The Tomorrow People Didn’t Take
With more than a few articles revolving around a certain Scarlet Speedster (I so wouldn’t know anything about that), our fearless leader Keith Chow has deemed this unofficial Flash Week here at the N.O.C.
In keeping with the theme, I wanted to switch gears and review another CW series that featured a few Flash alums, The Tomorrow People.
NOC Recaps Daredevil: Sticking it to Matt Murdock
I love Stick! Sticky Sticky Stick! I lost my mind on this one. It’s still hard to pick a favorite, but this episode is a strong candidate. This is the first time the character has appeared off the page — because we are not counting the terrible Elektra movie — and after Daredevil/Matt, he’s right there as my next favorite character. Why? I think it goes like this: having grown up on many (mostly shitty, some good) martial arts flicks and having trained for years, there’s this stereotypical Mr. Miyagi idea of what a teacher — a sensei — should be like. Kind, gentle, wise, patient, caring, loving, etc. I’ve even had some that sadly seemed to be playing the part.
The wise part, sure, and ninja master indeed, but stereotype be damned. Dude’s an asshole! An arrogant, mean, crotchety old piece of shit asshole. This is the way Miller created and wrote Stick, and Scott Glenn knocks it out the fucking park. I couldn’t get enough. The Golden Broken Arm is yours sir.
Continue reading “NOC Recaps Daredevil: Sticking it to Matt Murdock”
NOC Recaps Arrow: City’s Under Attack, Must be May
Before getting into it, I just wanted to thank all of you readers for joining me in my recaps this season. I’ve been having so much fun writing these (even when I take a week to do it) and the community that I’ve developed here at The Nerds of Color is one that I truly cherish. Can’t wait for more superhero TV adventures this fall (SUPERGIRLLLLL!!).
Continue reading “NOC Recaps Arrow: City’s Under Attack, Must be May”
NOC Recaps The Flash: No Fate But What We Make
It is time to bust out my time-travel movie reference arsenal, because things are about to get heavy, Doc. Yes, this recap title is a Terminator quote, and dammit does it apply. I am about to recap the crap out of The Flash’s first season finale, so SPOILER ALERT: you can’t go back in time and unread what you’re about to read if you haven’t already seen this magnificent episode of superhero time travel television. Alright, here I go:
Continue reading “NOC Recaps The Flash: No Fate But What We Make”
(Re) Enter The Nightshade: Why The Flash Should Reintroduce this Character from the ’90s
With over 4.5 million viewers, The Flash has been one of this season’s most definitive breakout hits. Last night, the freshman series delivered a finale that had audiences wanting season two like yesterday.
While many, like myself, were skeptical, The CW drama brought its A-game right out the gates: an impressive affable cast; superb storytelling; and crossovers with its popular sister show, Arrow. Even an overarching mystery that has offered more than a few surprise twists that has left viewers (new casual fans and hardcore comic geeks alike) eager to find out what’s going to happen next.
Another component of The Flash’s success is that show runners haven’t hesitated to utilize the Scarlet Speedster’s rich mythos, be it the comics or CBS’ 1990 series.
NOC Recaps The Flash: With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies?
If last week’s “Rogue Air” is anything to go by, tonight’s episode will be a beautifully worked and satisfying finale leaving us with lots to look forward to in the second season. Before I recap the penultimate episode below, I want to bring attention to the title “Rogue Air.” This show (and Cisco) has made it clear that names are important, so why the partnering between the words “rogue” and “air?” Team-ups and partnerships were a major theme of the episode, and “rogue” obviously refers to Captain Cold’s teaming with The Flash, then his betrayal to form his own team of Rogues. But “air?” Could it be alluding to Ferris Air and a possible test-pilot Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern coming into Barry’s life? The presence of The Flash’s superfriends and Arrow’s changing-of-the-suit-color to make room for another guy who likes green leads me to believe YES YES HELL YES.
Alright, onto the recap.
Continue reading “NOC Recaps The Flash: With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies?”
Why There Must be an Arrow/Flash/Supergirl Musical Crossover
The latest issue of Variety features a profile of super-producer Greg Berlanti — who will have six(!) different shows on three different networks next season. It’s a great profile about one of the most prolific producers in Hollywood. But what got the internet buzzing was the magazine’s cover, featuring Berlanti flanked by the stars of his most recent superhero offerings: The Flash’s Grant Gustin and Supergirl’s Melissa Benoist.
Because they’re both Glee alums, it got me thinking about the potential for not only a Flarrow/Supergirl crossover, but why that crossover needs to be a musical episode!
Continue reading “Why There Must be an Arrow/Flash/Supergirl Musical Crossover”
NOC Reviews Mad Max: Fury Road
As humankind ventures deeper into a digital being, Mad Max: Fury Road reminds us that we still live in an analog world. Life after the apocalypse will have no synthesized dings or chimes for audio cues, we will have only the roar of revving engines, bursting flamethrowers, war drums, and a gas-powered electric guitar to warn us that danger is in the distance.
It took 30 years for George Miller to return to the wasteland, but the timing couldn’t have been any better. Miller has taken the uncompromising arthouse nature of the original Mad Max movies, and combined it with 30 years of experience and the technology to create the fully realized, seemingly impossible world of Fury Road.
The result is an action movie that will be the benchmark to which every one to follow will be judged.
NOC Recaps Daredevil: Say Hello to My Little Friend
The Russian that we love to hate ends up taking one for team Murdock in “Condemned.” We get our first Fisk/Murdock confrontation (via walkie talkie), get to see Urich working the case, and in my opinion, get the best Easter Egg of them all to this point.
Continue reading “NOC Recaps Daredevil: Say Hello to My Little Friend”