Warner Bros released the official synopsis for ‘The Batman’ revealing the film’s tone.

“THE BATMAN is an edgy, action-packed thriller that depicts Batman in his early years, struggling to balance rage with righteousness as he investigates a disturbing mystery that has terrorized Gotham. Robert Pattinson delivers a raw, intense portrayal of Batman as a disillusioned, desperate vigilante awakened by the realization that the anger consuming him makes him no better than the ruthless serial killer he’s hunting.”

‘The Batman’ looks to be the darkest Batman film today. His struggle with anger and the balance of vigilantism is similar to Oliver Queen in ‘Arrow’ season 1. We will see a rogues gallery including Catwomen, Riddler, and Penguin. We predict we will also see Batman’s many “mob boss” villains. ‘The Batman’ will hit theaters on March 4, 2022.

The Spider-Man: No Way Home roster continues to grow. Haden Church’s Sandman and Rhys Ifans’ Lizard are confirmed for the new film according to Empire Magazine. They join Electro, Vulture, Doc Ock, Green Goblin, and more. Sandman was last seen in 2007’s Spider-Man 3, which served as the character’s origin story. Lizard/Dr. Curt Connors popped up in the first Amazing Spider-Man in 2012. 

Spider-Man: No Way Home is set up to be the most ambitious MCU film outside of an Avengers. Captain America: Civil War was huge, but Spidery is spanning studios and decades for this rogues gallery. Marvel boss Kevin Feige shared how mind-blowing it is to bring on Sami Rami to work on Dr. Strange 2 while making a Spider-Man using his old villains. 

“It’s absolutely surreal to be working on a Doctor Strange movie with Sam Raimi in one part of the office, and then working on a Spider-Man movie with Jon Watts and Alfred Molina as Doc Ock in another room. That has been a mind-blowing part of the last 10 years of my life.”

Kevin Feige to Empire

We are anxiously waiting for the second Spider-Man trailer, and what it may reveal. Will we see more villains or finally see the other Spider-Mans (Spider-Men)? Once the new trailer releases, we will share it here and on our Tik Tok!

https://www.tiktok.com/@geekfreakspodcast?lang=en

Sources: Empire, ECBM, ComicBook.com

New dates for delayed Marvel movies:

• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Delayed from March 25, 2022, to May 6, 2022
• Thor: Love and Thunder – Delayed from May 6, 2022, to July 8, 2022
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Delayed from July 8, 2022, to November 11, 2022
• Indiana Jones 5 – Delayed from July 29, 2022, to June 30, 2023
• The Marvels – Delayed from November 11, 2022, to February 17, 2023
• Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – Delayed from February 17, 2023, to July 28, 2023
• Untitled Marvel – Moved forward from November 10, 2023, to November 3, 2023.

Marvel announced earlier today more of their films are delayed. Why are movie delays becoming more common in the industry? This will likely affect the moviegoers of the future, but how? According to industry insider Deadline, “Some titles are contending with finishing scenarios while others are in production.” Meaning all delayed films are still in production, but facing new struggles. The continuing COVID protocols are necessary but tend to crew slow crews with testing, limited staffing, and frequent audits. Another cause for delays is the ongoing negotiations with the IATSE Union. Union leaders are demanding more pay and restructured streaming residuals. As the distribution of media continues to change, these contracts need to be updated. The talks are ongoing, but progressing to the later stages. While delays are commonplace in the film industry, they are not frivolous. Protecting the crew from the spread of COVID is everyone’s top priority. And the negotiations of a new pay system will lead to a more stable future for both the studios and their massive workforce. As an audience, we will have to temper our excitement when we see a new trailer. People will need to shift their mentality from exciting summer blockbuster to “it’ll be done, when it’s done.” 

Sources: Deadline, IGN

Shang-Chi’s opening numbers offer some light at the end of the tunnel for the theater industry. The film raked in $71 million in domestic box office sales last weekend. That does not include Labor Day earnings of $19 million. The totals are not outstanding but, when put in context, are impressive.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has a few things working against it. First, a pandemic and thriving Delta variant. Many are still staying home to avoid large crowds. We saw its effects on Black Widow; the film had a large opening day but trailed off by Sunday. Fans went out, but walk-up theatergoers never showed up.

Another threat to Shang-Chi’s success is its heroes mainstream premier. He is not a well-known character, like Captain America or Thor, so sales rely on advertisements to raise his awareness. Shang-Chi is also the first Asian lead in a superhero film, meaning the film would be making history.

So how did the movie perform? Shang-Chi’s $71 million is on the lower end at first glance. But when we compare it to other MCU films in a similar situation, we can see how strong it really was.

When compared to other pandemic-era films, Shang-Chi killed it. Black Widow pulled in $80 million. Black Widow is an established Avenger, giving it an advantage. Meanwhile, Shang-Chi towers over other pandemic-era releases. Even popular films like A Quiet Place: Part II with $48 million and F9 with $70 million fall short.

Shang-Chi beats out many MCU premier films. Captain America and Thor had $65m, Ant-Man had $57m, and Hulk brought in only $55m. In recent years, Marvel movies are guaranteed hits, but Shang-Chi at least holds up to some big names.

Shang-Chi was a test of sorts. Disney stated so a couple of months passed. They wanted to see how the film would do without the Disney+ backup plan. Shang-Chi will launch on the streaming platform on October 18th. The film’s success would decide The Eternals’ fate. It would either release as planned or be delayed. Disney has not revealed a decision yet. Sony believes the film is a good sign. They have moved up the Venom: Let There be Carnage release to October 1st.

The true test for Shang-Chi comes next weekend. Can the film hold up beyond the opening weekend and Labor Day boost? If it can, this may be the hope theaters needed. The industry might be back in business.

*This is part of our “Geek Freaks: Happy Campers” series. We will be posting news again starting August 16th once the team is back in the office.

Today we are looking at Top 5 DC movies. In recent years, the brand has suffered from poor showings. But full-length DC films have been around since 1951, and some have become pop culture staples. For this list, we are only using live-action movies. Here are our Top 5 DC films.

5. Watchmen (2009)

4. Superman: The Man (1978)

3. Wonder Women (2017)

2. Joker (2019)

1. The Dark Knight (2008)

Honorable Mention: The Suicide Squad (2021)

Honorable Mention: Batman (1989)

Honorable Mention: Batman Returns (1992)

Black Widow roared onto the Box Office charts on its opening day. Unfortunately, by the weekend, there was a sharp decline. The initial rush was chalked up to Marvel super-fans returning to theaters. But the drop-off was due to Disney’s hybrid release. They released Black Widow both in theaters and on Disney+. Home viewers had to pay a premium of $30. For many, this was well worth it as they prefer the safety of their homes. With the Delta variant spreading, you can hardly blame them. Disney still wins as they receive money with both releases, but others around the project have lost big.

Scarlett Johansson claims in her suit that Disney has breached their contract with the Disney+ release. While the contracts are not available to the public, Wall Street Journal sources claim Johansson will lose nearly $50 million. Johansson’s attorney, John Berlinski, states Disney is only doing hybrid releases to keep stocks from plummeting.

Disney’s responded by saying the suit is completely false and distasteful due to the pandemic. But Scarllet’s team was concerned about hybrid releases before COVID. In 2019, Scarlett’s represetatives asked for reassurances that Black Widow would release not release on Disney+. Marvel Chief Counsel Dave Galluzzi told them the movie would release with the “traditional theatrical model.”

Disney is also claiming Scarlett will actually make more money with this release.

“Disney has fully complied with Ms. Johansson’s contract and furthermore, the release of ‘Black Widow’ on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20 million she has received to date.”

Disney Spokesperson to CNN Business

We have a lot to learn from Johansson’s lawsuit over the coming months. Hybrid releases are likely here to stay. It gives studios more control over their product and bolsters their many streaming services. How this effects the stars and theater companies is still being hammered out. Scarlett’s fame gives her the best voice to represent other stars in the same situations. As this story develops, we’ll keep you updated.

*Update: According to Matthew Belloni, former Hollywood Reporter editor, Kevin Feige is “Angry and Embarrassed” over Disney’s handling of the lawsuit. He lobbied against the hybrid release, believing it weakened the MCU brand. Via Matt Belloni

** Emma Stone is now “weighing her options” on suing Disney. Cruella also had a hybrid release and had a weak opening weekend. Two stars going after Disney will have a massive impact on the precedent about to be set. Via The Week

Sources: CNN Business, Wall Street Journal

Marvel boss, Kevin Feige, is changing up a major MCU business practice. In the early days, Marvel would make splashes by signing cast members to monster contracts. These multi-picture deals locked in Chris Evans to 6-films and Samuel L. Jackson to 9-films. These were common practices in Hollywood’s adolescence, but not seen in decades. But, Kevin Feige has said in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, they are done with the big contracts.

“That got a lot of attention way back when, with I think Scarlett, and Hemsworth and Evans and Sam Jackson. It varies now. It varies, project to project, cast to cast. Really, what we want are people that come in, are excited to be in the universe, are excited at the opportunity to do more things, as opposed to being locked into contractual obligations.”

Kevin Feige

When Marvel was first launching their empire, they had a plan. Small solo films that weaved together into a climaxing Avengers. Multi-pictures (and a ton of cash) were needed to prove this crazy project would work. After phase 1, the machine was built. Marvel then needed the staples to stick around as they built out the cosmic and magic sides of Marvel. Over phases 2 and 3 they created a massive MCU featuring over 29 “main” heroes and the doorways to everything in Marvel’s backlog. Finally, the staples could retire.

A side effect of this new empire was its weight on the industry. Instead of convincing a slumping Robert Downy Jr or little-known Chris Evans to join, then build them up. They have the likes of Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldbloom popping in to shine for a film, then leave. They combine star power with up-and-comers to create their new cast. They even started pulling in new directors, as long as the play by MCU rules. Stars have started to see Marvel as a fun and quick job. Many have stated they joined because their kids “forced” them too. Marvel is so big, they don’t need to lock anyone down.

Kevin Feige is also looking to the future, beyond the blockbusters. Disney+ is performing well, and it is the golden age for episodic content. How do you sign Tom Hiddleston to 5 movies and a multi-season deal as Loki? What if he says no to the film but approves of the series? Marvel wants to ensure they stay on top of the pop culture conversation. And are adapting, and possibly inventing, the new version of franchise entertainment.

I worry about changing characters midstream. It’s the first concern of many fans when they hear this statement. The change in Hulk was jarring for the well-informed and lost on the average movie-goer. We have a cool-looking Shang-Chi releasing this year. But Simu Liu could decide he doesn’t care for the character before the next Avengers. The selfish part of myself feels like it’s a waste of my investment. Of course, I don’t want actors to feel enslaved to a studio. I just grew up enjoying the called shots of the MCU. I trust Kevin Feige, I mean look at what he’s done so far, but this is a risky move. Feige may have just made it harder to make phases 4 and 5 a coherent continuation of the grand Marvel story.

Geek Freaks regular, Diana, had a chance to join the Avengers last week. She came back with a pile of souvenirs and pics!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Breakout

This ride has been a staple of California Adventures since its reopening in 2017. Riders rise and quickly drop in the 183 ft high ride. Rocket Raccoon joins you on this wild adventure. And of course, there is Star Lord’s awesome mixtape blasting.

Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure

Web Slingers is the newest ride in the park and the highlight of Avenger’s Campus. Similar to the Toy Story ride, you sit in a cart and blast rogue Spidey Bots. Diana did not get any of the perks, but riders can upgrade their skills with some souvenirs. Riders are giving web-shooting devices to take down the bots before they overrun New York.

Avenger’s Headquarters

This is the meeting place for all the Marvel heroes you want a selfie with. Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Black Widow, and much more. They’re all here!

Ancient Sanctum

This outdoor garden stroll brings you into the world of Doctor Strange. Ancient ruins and artifacts look beautiful and detailed. If you visit in the evening, you’ll see multicolored lighting descending from the trees. A must-visit for sure.

Pym Tasting Lab and Kitchen

No Disney trip is complete without getting some expensive but worth it food. Check out the OG Antman’s lab for half-shrunken food and tasty craft beers. The place is decorated with super-sized soda cans and condiments. We suggest you grab a quantum pretzel while your there.

Diana and her family loved Avenger’s Campus and give it a “solid A!” She wants to note that the rides were limited by COVID restrictions. So when you go, it may be more crowded. We want to say thanks to Diana for taking some pictures and giving us the scoop on Avenger’s Campus. Also, congrats to her and her new fiance Paul who got engaged while at Disneyland!

Flash director, Andy Muschietti, reveals another suit for his upcoming film. Andy posted a close-up of the Supergirl logo, just as he has done in the past with The Flash and Batman. At first glance, it seems similar to Henry Cavill’s Superman logo. Upon a closer look, you can see an elegant pattern woven through the “S.” The checkered fabric is throughout the suit but each color has a unique pattern.

The detail in the DCEU has always been a highlight. They have tapped Oscar-nominated costume designer Alexandra Byrne for The Flash. Byrne is a veteran in the superhero world. Previously she worked on Dr. Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Avengers.

This version of Supergirl will be played by Sasha Calle. She is relatively new to the scene but most notably played Lola Rosales on The Young and The Restless. Calle is joining Ezra Miller, playing the Flash, and Micheal Keaton, playing Batman. There have been rumors of a standalone Supergirl film and this could be a soft pitch for the idea.

DC is putting a lot of effort into this film. Flash is a staple of the Justice League, and need him to help carry the franchise against the MCU machine. The Flash film is using one of the best DC stories, Flashpoint. Flash returns to his mother’s death in an attempt to save her. He succeeds but returns to a world on the verge of destruction. He must team up with alternate versions of DC heroes to restore the timeline.

We’ll keep you updated as filming news is revealed. Here is the previously revealed Flash and Batman suits.