Venom 2 Promo Teases Connection to Spider-Man

Sony has released another quick teaser for the highly-anticipated sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage. The comic book film, which stars Tom Hardy and Woody Harrelson, stands as the next major blockbuster poised for release. Audiences are ready for the carnage, and if this new spot is any indication, this (brief) sequel should have a lot of it.

The new promo reinforces the few plot points that have already been gleaned from the major trailers, with Cletus Kasady/Carnage (Harrelson) making life extremely difficult for Eddie Brock/Venom (Hardy) once he obtains his iconic red symbiote. Naomie Harris‘ Frances Barrison/Shriek does get several shots in this 30 seconds, though her own transformation has yet to be seen. There’s a quick shot of her in a car with the image running and blending together, possibly during her eventual change. A shot of a mansion on fire can also be seen, with what could be Kasady and Barrison walking away from the destruction (or carnage, if you please).

Secrets also appear to be a major highlight of this spot, with both Kasady and Stephen Graham‘s Detective Mulligan making mention of this. A quick blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of a spider being squished also comes in halfway through the promo, a long-shot of a nod to audiences’ clamoring for Hardy’s Venom and Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man to eventually meet. The promo also makes it known that tickets are now available for the sequel, which will open the floodgates for a very theatrically-crowded October.

Related: Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ Dolby Poster Pays Homage to Comic Book Art

Venom: Let There Be Carnage has passed off the director’s chair to Andy Serkis, an exciting prospect given the actor/director’s knack for motion capture. Kelly Marcel, one of the screenwriters from the original, has come back to pen the screenplay, with Hardy himself also having a story credit. Filming officially began back in November of 2019, with an original intended release date of October 2, 2020. Michelle Williams and Reid Scott are set to reprise their roles as Anne Weying (Brock’s ex-fiancée) and Dr. Dan Lewis, respectively.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage will release in theaters on October 1, and tickets are now available. Check out the latest promo below:

Star Wars Editor Marcia Lucas Criticizes Disney Sequel Trilogy, Says J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy “Don’t Get It”

In J. W. Rinzler‘s new book Howard Kazanjian: A Producer’s Life, about the producer of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars editor Marcia Lucas does not mince words in voicing her dislike of the Disney-produced Star Wars films, believing that those in charge of the franchise “don’t get it.”

Lucas made her name as an editor working on Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. She went on to be nominated for an Oscar for George Lucas‘ film American Graffiti and won the award for her work on the original Star Wars. She was also an editor on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, though she was uncredited for the former.

In her quote from Rinzler’s book, Lucas says that she likes the President of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy as a person, but doesn’t think she or director J.J Abrams, who directed The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker, understand the magic of the iconic sci-fi series:

“I like Kathleen. I always liked her. She was full of beans. She was really smart and really bright. Really wonderful woman. And I liked her husband, Frank. I liked them a lot. Now that she’s running Lucasfilm and making movies, it seems to me that Kathy Kennedy and J.J. Abrams don’t have a clue about ‘Star Wars.’ They don’t get it. And JJ Abrams is writing these stories — when I saw that movie where they kill Han Solo, I was furious. I was furious when they killed Han Solo. Absolutely, positively there was no rhyme or reason to it. I thought, You don’t get the Jedi story. You don’t get the magic of ‘Star Wars.’ You’re getting rid of Han Solo?”

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Lucas goes on to be highly critical of the decision to kill Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi:

“They have Luke disintegrate. They killed Han Solo. They killed Luke Skywalker. And they don’t have Princess Leia anymore. And they’re spitting out movies every year. And they think it’s important to appeal to a woman’s audience, so now their main character is this female, who’s supposed to have Jedi powers, but we don’t know how she got Jedi powers, or who she is. It sucks. The storylines are terrible. Just terrible. Awful. You can quote me…JJ Abrams, Kathy Kennedy — talk to me.’”

The interview took place between the releases of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, so these excerpts don’t provide any insight on how the famed editor felt about the ending of the Skywalker Saga, though from her past comments, it would be hard to believe that her impressions of the sequel films have changed. Rinzler, unfortunately, passed away on July 28, missing the publication of his new book. Howard Kazanjian: A Producer’s Life was published on September 14.

Fast 10 and 11: Justin Lin Calls Them “One Chapter in Two Movies”

Justin Lin’s got a lot to celebrate and enjoy right now with the success of F9: The Fast Saga, but you know how it goes with these massive film franchises; we can’t help but be a little greedy and look to the future! It was recently announced that the next installment in the main saga, Fast and Furious 10, will make its way into theaters in the Spring of 2023, with Vin Diesel revealing that filming will begin in January of 2022.

While we don’t have a release date for the final film, Fast and Furious 11,Tyrese Gibson did reveal that the plan is to shoot these last two installments back to back. While I’d like to bet Lin and the folks at Universal know what they’re doing with this hugely successful franchise, filming two massive blockbusters one after the next is bound to feel like a bit of a marathon for Lin and the Fast family.

While celebrating the digital and Blu-ray release of the F9 director’s cut, I got the chance to catch up with Lin and asked him about the potential challenges that could come with filming Fast 10 and 11 back to back. He began:

“There’s an ambition of what we want to do and there’s also real world issues that we’re encountering. But I feel like, for me, I don’t want to be greedy. I want to do what’s best for the process.”

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Lin also took a moment to emphasize the importance of the story structure they’re rolling with for these final two films. Fast and Furious 10 and 11 won’t be two separate stories, but rather, one chapter told over the course of two films. Here’s how Lin put it:

“The idea of the last chapter being two films is correct. I have to say, I’m so glad — because I think when I first entered this franchise, a sequel was not a given. You had to earn it, you know? And so to be sitting here talking to you and go, ‘Oh yeah, there’s gonna be two more movies!’ I’m like, ‘Wow.’ It means a lot. So, every day when I wake up, I’m trying to reconfigure and make sure hopefully whatever we’re talking about process wise is gonna yield the best result. But I think having one chapter in two movies is correct. That’s where I sit today.”

Looking for even more from Lin? Be sure to check out our full chat at the top of this article to hear more about his priorities when putting a director’s cut together and also about his attention to detail as a creator. The F9 director’s cut will be available to own on digital, Blu-ray and 4K UHD on September 21st.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2021: Full Menu Revealed

Well, it’s that time of the year again. You know, the one where we sit down and eat frightening food and scary drinks? Doesn’t ring any bells? Well, Universal Studios Hollywood is making sure that you can have your helping of their traditional Halloween-themed dishes at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Halloween Horror Nights is an event that, on selected dates, will serve frightening feasts, terrifying treats, and monstrous merchandise named after or inspired by some of Universal Studios’ most famous – and scariest – characters. These events run on selected nights all the way to October 31 – and Universal recommends parkgoers to buy their tickets in advance because Halloween Nights tend to sell out.

 

RELATED: Universal Studios Hollywood Reveals Full Halloween Horror Nights Lineup, Including ‘The Purge’ Terror Tram

Nothing says “family dinner” like a restaurant run by cannibals. If you are a fan of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre maze, the infamous Leatherface Texas Family BBQ will be waiting for you to die — I mean, dine with grilled favorites like:

  • BBQ Pork Ribs
  • BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich served with crinkle-cut fries
  • Texas Chili & Cheese Nachos: Texas Chili with smoked brisket and chuck roast topped with cheese, pickled jalapeños and sour cream drizzle
  • 22” Monster Hot Dog
  • Sweet Dessert “Bloody” Funnel Fingers with Powdered Sugar & Strawberry Sauce
  • Specialty Cocktails

Since we mentioned dying, you can make a pit-stop to celebrate the dead and toast the living at Plaza de los Muertos. Inspired by Los Angeles’ diverse culture, Little Cocina is set up with a choice of draft and canned beers, as well as handcrafted cocktails (Marigold Floral Crown, Smoked Margarita, and The Chamoy Fireball) served in a festive light-up skull mug. It also includes:

  • Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce
  • Green Chili & Cheese Tamale, served with salsa roja
  • Grilled Elote Corn brushed with a lime butter and topped with spices
  • Horchata Churro Bites
  • Chamoy Pineapple Spears

Just because it’s prehistoric doesn’t mean it’s not scary. Get ready to dine at the Terror Lab, in the shadow of Jurassic World – The Ride. Modeled after an experimental test lab gone bad, the Terror Lab’s menu features:

  • French Bread Pizzas: house-made hoagie roll topped with either cheese or pepperoni
  • Mixed Drinks on ice (Vodka Mule, Rum Mai Tai, Paloma, Margarita)
  • Specialty Cocktail, including one with an insect lollipop
  • Seasonal “Halloween Horror Nights” Beers

A French-themed bistro will be adjacent to the Universal Plaza. Classic horror fans will enjoy imbibing on a variety of wines or the signature Sangria along with French-inspired grab-and-go items such as assorted Quiche or ham and brie baguette sandwich and Halloween Horror Nights-themed cookies.

If you thought Minions would sit this one out, you thought wrong. The Minion Café will be dressed appropriately for Halloween, with Despicable decorations and limited release items, including a Seasonal Felonious Float and a collectible Minion Pumpkin Popcorn Bucket.

There’s a lot more to discover on Halloween Horror Nights, from special Dufftoberfest in Springfield, U.S.A. to Voodoo Doughnuts at Universal CityWalk and collectible souvenir items. You can plan your whole experience ahead on the Halloween Horror Nights website.

Halloween Horror Nights dates are September 17-19, 23-26, 30 and October 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31.

You can watch a short trailer for the event below:

 

Funimation Fall 2021 Anime Lineup Includes The Heike Story and More

Funimation has a lot of exciting anime planned for their fall lineup. More than 20 shows are expected to air, including returning anime favorites like Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon to brand new and exciting series such as Ranking of Kings, The Heike Story, and The Vampire Dies in No Time. All shows will have a subbed or dubbed version.

Sadly, one of the most anticipated anime of the season, Demon Slayer season 2 is not on the list yet, as it has not received a release date. We do know that the new season is expected this Fall, so hopefully, it will not take long for Funimation to specify a release date for it.

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New series viewers can look forward to are:

The Heiki Story, airing September 15 – Biwa who is taken by the powerful Taira Clan, also known as the Heike, after their leader sees her amazing psychic abilities. However, all Biwa sees is a hopeless future of bloodshed, violence, and civil war. This anime is based on the 12th-century epic, Heike Monogatari.

Selection Project, airing October 1 – Idols are all the rage with this one. Nine girls enter the 7th annual “Selection Project,” a tv show that helps the girls purse their dreams to become idols.

Mieruko-chan, airing October 3 – The plot is seemingly simple: Miko can see dead people, but she chooses to ignore them, which leads to a variety of interesting results.

The Vampire Dies in No Time, airing October 4 – The world’s weakest vampire, Draluc, unwillingly aids legendary vampire hunter Ronaldo in his hilarious adventures to take down vampires, axe-wielding editors, and more.

Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, airing October 6 – The story follows Red, who is kicked out of his adventuring party. The title pretty much explains it all.

Taisho Otome Fairy Tale, airing October 8 – Shime Tamahiko, exiled due to his disability, meets his arranged bride who upends his lonely life.

Ranking of Kings, airing October 14 – Boji, a deaf prince and heir to the throne, looks forward to the future. He sets on an adventure with a friend to become the greatest king ever.

Rumble Garanndoll – This anime depicts a Japan where manga, anime, and idols are outlawed by alternate-world invaders who have taken over. The protagonist, Hosomichi joins a team of female freedom fighters made up of pilots and otakus.

Anime returning this season are:

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon-The Second Act, airing October 2 – lost twins reunite and together discover a dark secret about themselves.

Muschoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation 2nd cour – a story about an underachiever who is given a chance to start over when he gets reincarnated as an infant.

Included in the fall lineup are some anime that will continue airing from this summer, as well:

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 2 Part 2 – With Rimuru and the Jura Tempest Federation recovering from dark events that unfolded, the question is whether Demon Lord Clayman will finally be punished.

One Piece – Luffy continues on his adventure to claim the greatest treasure on Earth and become king of all Pirates.

Obey Me! – Lucifer and Satan, along with other five princes of hell attempt to manage their everyday lives at their demon academy.

Scarlet Nexus – Based in a future alternate reality and brain-based technology and society, this anime follows The Other Suppression Force, a team of people with supernatural abilities who have joined together to combat Earth’s enemies, mutants from the Extinction Belt. The game is based on the popular video game series of the same name.

KEEP READING: ‘Demon Slayer: Mugen Train’ Limited Edition Blu-ray Release Includes Audio Commentary and More