While the question of which enemy Superman will face in Man of Steel was put to rest, another big superhero-movie mystery remains: Who’s the villain in The Avengers? Rumors began as far back as July 2009 that Earth’s Mightiest Heroes would become embroiled in a conflict between the militaristic Kree and the shape-shifting Skrulls, whose histories are intertwined with the major players in the Marvel Universe. The speculation reached a fevered pitch last December, when a New Mexico newspaper reported Josh Whedon's Avengers would united together against the Kree and Skrull. Marvel "sort of" dismissed the claim though.

    Attention then seemed to focus on the Incredible Hulk and/or Loki, in a storyline perhaps inspired by Marvel’s The Avengers #1. But in a sizzle reel shown last week at CinemaCon, Mark Ruffalo reportedly indicated the Hulk will be a hero rather than the out of control monster that brings the team together.

    That leaves us with the god of mischief, good ole' Loki, right? Not so fast. (I know, it's annoying right?)

    The Daily Blam! reports that, at Kapow! Comic Con in London, Thor co-star Tom Hiddleston “hinted strongly that he is not slated to be making an appearance in The Avengers, contrary to recent rumblings Loki will be the focus of the superhero film’s troubles.”

    Of course, that could just be a feint (after all, Man of Steel director Zack Snyder at one point characterized Zod’s inclusion as “just a rumor”) But it’s looking more likely that the Avengers are heading toward an old-fashioned intergalactic brawl — the kind of large-scale action a lot of fans were hoping for.

    Fingers crossed!

    The Avengers stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson and Clark Gregg. It opens on May 4, 2012.

Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon will be playing General Zod in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. He joins the all-star cast of Henry Cavill as Clark Kent, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Martha Kent and Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent.

Shannon emerged last month as a contender to play the main villain in Man of Steel. Of course earlier reports claimed Viggo Mortensen, as well as Edgar Ramirez, as the obvious candidates for the rumored role of General Zod. But lets be honest, what role hasn't Viggo Mortensen been rumored to play this year?


Made famous in 1978′s Superman and 1980′s Superman II by Terence Stamp, and recently resurrected in Season 9 of Smallville, Zod first appeared in April 1961, in the pages of Adventure Comics #283, where he was the megalomaniacal leader of Krypton’s military forces who attempted to take over the planet using an army of robot duplicates of himself. He was exiled to the Phantom Zone until he was released at the end of his sentence by Superboy. After attempting to conquer Earth, he was returned to the Phantom Zone, from which he escaped from time to time. Although different versions of the character have been created as well. especially the General Zod that comes to Earth to create a new Krypton.


Superman: Man of Steel is written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer and producer Christopher Nolan. Charles Rovan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder also are producing. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are executive producers. Filming is expected to begin this summer for a December 2012 release.

Here’s the official press release:

MICHAEL SHANNON TO STAR AS GENERAL ZOD IN “MAN OF STEEL” FROM WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES

BURBANK, CA, April 10, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Michael Shannon will star in the role of General Zod in director Zack Snyder’s new Superman film, titled “Man of Steel.”

Snyder stated, “Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

As General Zod, Shannon will go toe-to-toe with Henry Cavill, who plays the new Clark Kent/Superman in the film. The main cast also includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent.

Michael Shannon was honored with an Academy Award® nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sam Mendes’ “Revolutionary Road,” with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Shannon was most recently seen in the award-winning HBO drama series “Boardwalk Empire,” from executive producer Martin Scorsese. He will next be seen in Sony Pictures Classics’, “Take Shelter,” from director/writer Jeff Nichols.

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film. The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

“Man of Steel” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

   If you haven't already read the amazing works of George R.R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice Series and find that HBO's A Game of Thrones is not only enticing but quite possible your new favorite show but are a little overwhelmed by the complicated and unexplained plot, then worry no more! HBO just realesed a 25 minute documentary from the cast and crew of A Game of Thrones explaining you need to know and more about the land of the Westeros and all the lies within.

    Who are the central characters? Why is Jon’s last name Snow rather than Stark? What’s the Night’s Watch? What lies beyond the Wall? What’s up with the seasons in Westeros? The featurette covers all of that and more, so you’ll be ready for the April 17 premiere.

    Series regulars include Mark Addy as King Robert Baratheon, Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy, Sean Bean as Lord Eddard “Ned” Stark, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Ser Jaime Lannister, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Michelle Fairley as Lady Catelyn Stark, Aidan Gillen as Petyr Baelish (“Littlefinger”), Jack Gleeson as Prince Joffrey Baratheon, Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, Lena Headey as Queen Cersei Lannister, Isaac Hempstead-Wright as Bran Stark, Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen, Richard Madden as Robb Stark, Rory McCann as Sandor Clegane (“The Hound”), Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark and Maisie Williams as Arya Stark. Also featured in the ensemble cast are John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, James Cosmo as Lord Commander Mormont, Charles Dance as Lord Tywin Lannister, Ron Donachie as Ser Rodrik Cassel, Jerome Flynn as Bronn, Conleth Hill as Varys, Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo and Donald Sumpter as Maester Luwin.

    GAME OF THRONES follows kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noblemen as they vie for power. As the series opens, King Robert Baratheon, who is married to Cersei Lannister of the wealthy and corrupt Lannisters, asks Lord Eddard “Ned” Stark to come south and help run his kingdom after the questionable death of his right-hand man. Meanwhile, there is a threat to the throne from the east by the exiled teenage Princess Daenerys and her brother Viserys, whose family ruled the Kingdoms for many years before their bloody ouster. And there are rumors of strange things happening at the edges of the Kingdoms, north of the Wall, where Jon Snow, Ned’s bastard son, goes to be part of the brotherhood of the Night’s Watch, which is sworn to protect the Kingdoms.

    The Social Network‘s Josh Pence reportedly has been cast as a young Ra’s al Ghul in The Dark Knight Rises. According to Heat Vision, Pence will take on the role played by Liam Neeson in 2005′s Batman Begins for flashback scenes set 30 years in the past. His casting would seem to confirm speculation that Marion Cotillard will portray Talia al Ghul, Bruce Wayne’s mentor-turned-nemesis, in the final chapter of director Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.

    Last month rumors flourished about what role John Levit-Gordon play, about a possible Robin appearance, and that Talia will take over for her father as the leader of the League of Shadows. Thankfully Pence's role helps us better assume that the latter is most likely true.

    If you ask me, I think Pence is an incredibly great casting decision for the role of young Ra’s al Ghul. Not only is he a great actor but can easily be perceived as a younger Liam Neeson.

    He joins a cast that so far includes Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and, presumably, Marion Cotillard. The Dark Knight Rises opens on July 20, 2012.

    Tim Miller, who worked in visual effects on X-Men and X2,  will make his directorial debut on Fox’s Deadpool, Deadline reports.

    The X-Men Origins: Wolverine spinoff, which is expected to star Ryan Reynolds as the merc with a mouth, features an R-rated screenplay by Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick that producer Lauren Shuler Donner insists stays true to its comic roots, with Deadpool breaking the fourth wall.

    Donner has described the movie as “a total reboot,” saying, “We’re either going to pretend that X-Men Origins: Wolverine didn’t happen, or mock it, which he could do.”

    So a debut director. Hero of Bust? Fingers crossed, because I know we all have that same deep, dark, fourth wall, desire for the greatest superhero/mercenary movie to ever see the silver screen, be no other than Deadpool.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Deleted Scenes

Including all 8 of the recently leaked scenes from the blockbuster hit: HP7 Part 1.

• Montage: Ron and Hermione Skimming Stones (watch now)
• The Dursley House: Harry and Aunt Petunia As They Leave House (watch now)
• The Granger House: Yaxley Searches Deserted Home (watch now)
• The Burrow's Shed: Ron Discusses Radios with Mr. Weasley (watch now)
• The Dursley House: Harry and Dudley Talk, Shake Hands (watch now)
• Ministry of Magic Lifts: Harry Tells Arthur He's Being Tracked (watch now)
• Tent: Trio Discusses Destroying The Locket (watch now)
• Rabbit Chase in the Forest (watch now)

3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack Features

• Maximum Movie Mode: Join host Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), and other members of the cast and crew, on an interactive journey through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1. Plus, revisit important moments from the previous films to prepare for the final battle that takes place in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.


• Dan, Rupert and Emma's Running Competition - While filming the escape scene from the Snatchers in Swinley Forest, Dan, Rupert and Emma engage in a little competition of their own. With colorful commentary by Director David Yates, see the competitive spirit on set and this hilarious rivalry between the three leads.


• Exclusive Sneak Peek of an opening scene from the highly anticipated upcoming film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2


• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: Behind the Soundtrack


• The Seven Harrys - See how Daniel Radcliffe recreated the personalities of the different characters that transform into Harrys in the hilarious Privet Drive scene.


• On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver and James - Accompany Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) and James Phelps (Fred Weasley) for a round of golf and get a glimpse into their 10-year friendship that developed while making the Harry Potter films.


• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Promotional Trailer - Join Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and other cast members from the Harry Potter films on their first visit to the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Release Date: April 11th (UK), April 15th (US)


Pre-Order: Click here!


DVD images: Front Cover | Back Cover

Blu-ray images: Front Cover | Back Cover

Entertainment Weekly has debuted The CW’s new promo spot for the final episodes Smallville, one that employs the opening notes of “The Planet Krypton” from John Williams’ legendary Superman score.

After repeated teasers, I think bug-eyed fans everywhere are ready for Clark to put on the Red and Blue tights. And after a glimpse of this promo with the Superman score, Tom Welling's epiphany voice-over, and the bright red "S" shield flying across the screen, I think it's safe to say: Superman at last!

The Rumors are now gone and facts comes into light. Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye appears in Thor, Marvel provides it with this second clip from the movie that provides a shadowy glimpse of the archer in action. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it look, but a look nonetheless. Now is he wearing the Hawkeye costume? I dont think he is but I'm sure there is no reason to worry.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore, Stellan Skarsgård, Kat Dennings Joshua Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Rene Russo, Clark Gregg and Samuel L. Jackson.

Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the epic adventure, Thor, which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

    Thanks to G4TV’s Attack of the Show we have a three-minute-plus clip of the Madhouse-produced Wolverine anime that will premiere within the next year on G4.

    Starring Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes) as the voice of Wolverine, the 12-episode adaptation follows Logan (Wolverine) as he learns that his girlfriend Mariko Yashida, who disappeared years ago, has been taken to Tokyo by her father, head of the Japanese crime syndicate and a supplier of AIM.

    Its time for the Comic Heroes and Villains Madness Tournament. For the next week you will be able to vote on which hero or villain you think is ultimately better. Your judgment can be based on powers, intelligence, speed, personality, or even if you think they look cool.
    Its just like March Madness, whichever character wins their round moves on to the next. Each week the voting will close for that round of the tournament and I will announce that weeks winners then post the voting polls for the next weeks round.