#the direct

[natlacentral]

Avatar: The Last Airbender star Dallas Liu, who portrays Zuko in the hit Netflix series, sat down with The Direct's Russ Milheim to talk all about his character, the Prince's rivalry with Katara, his hopes for Season 2, and more! A rundown of the discussion can be found below: 00:00 - People Think Zuko is the Best 01:12 - Zuko's Modern Day Mixtape 03:02 - Comfort Episodes of Original Avatar 04:15 - Has He Seen Korra? 04:55 - Korra Easter Eggs? 07:56 - OG Zuko Vs. Live Action 09:34 - Zuko and Iroh's Eventual Fracture 10:35 - Hardest Part of Bringing Zuko to Life? 12:07 - Did He Audition For Anyone Else? 13:38 - Was Firebending the Hardest of the Elements? 16:43 - His Rivalry With Katara 19:31 - Zuko and Azula 21:10 - Zuko's Tired 22:35 - Who'd Be a Good Live Action, Older Zuko? 23:35 - Fancasting Toph 24:39 - When Might Season 2 Start Filming? 26:20 - Interest in Joining the Naruto Movie? 29:00 - Most Important Piece of Experience From Avatar

#Youtube #dallas liu #interview #the direct #natla #atla #avatar the last airbender #avatar netflix #netflix avatar #netflix atla #atla netflix

[hldailyupdate]

Harry Styles' MCU debut as Starfox in Eternals' post-credits scene led many to wonder if it was simply for fan service, but a new update from one of Marvel Studios' producers offered a promising future for the character.

The aforementioned post-credits scene saw Styles' Eros and Pip the Troll arriving in the spaceship of Thena, Makkari, and Druig to offer their help in finding the rest of the Eternals that Arishem took at the end of the movie.

Starfox's MCU return is one of the biggest question marks of the franchise, and the hopes have dwindled after a discouraging sequel update from Barry Keoghan.

Despite that, a reassuring development about Starfox's MCU return emerged.

Speaking as a guest in Deadline's Crew Call Podcast, Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore was asked if Harry Styles' Starfox debut wasn't "just a stunt."

Moore responded by saying, "no," saying they didn't cast the former One Direction member "for a tag:"

“No, we certainly didn’t cast Harry for a tag. I mean, again– And a character [that] maybe I have too much affection for, ’cause he’s had some problematic runs in publishing, but... ”

When Moore mentioned that Starfox had some problematic runs in publishing, Deadline pointed out that the question was brought up due to the movie.

Moore continued by sharing that Eternals director Chloé Zhao was the one responsible for bringing Styles into the fold:

D’Alessandro: “That was your film, Eternals. That’s why I brought it up.”

Moore: “It was. Yeah, no, and Chloé [Zhao] is a giant Harry Styles fan and… I’d always pitch like, ‘Eros, he’s really cool.’ And she’s like, ‘It’s Harry Styles.’ And I was like, ‘Are you sure?’ And she was obsessed, and chased him down, and got him into the movie."

The MCU producer then reassured that "there are more stories to be told" with Starfox, noting his "really interesting connection" with Thanos.

Moore also teased that "there's no limit" to how good Starfox will be in his return:

"But there are more stories to be told with that character. He’s fascinating. He has a really interesting connection with Thanos; they’re half-brothers and share the same father. He has an interesting power set. He’s a complicated character, but a really fun character. And I think… having met Harry Styles, he is as charming as you want him to be. And I think there’s no limit to how good that character’s going to be once we get to bring him back.”

It is unknown when Starfox will return, but in a past interview, Styles mentioned that he "[doesn't] imagine [he'd] do a movie for a while," joking how "it'd be funny if [Eternals] was it" for his MCU debut.

The actor also admitted how “[he] think[s] there’ll be a time again when [he’ll] crave it,” but that he’s currently focused on his music career at this stage.

Still, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige teased that Styles will have a role to play at some point in the franchise's future, even using the word "exciting:"

"Yes, the adventures of Eros and Pip is something that’s very exciting for us."

When Will Harry Styles' Starfox Return?

Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore's latest reassuring comments indicate that there is indeed a plan to bring Harry Styles' Starfox back into the MCU. This should ease the worries of many fans, especially after Ms. Marvel actress Iman Vellani felt "weird" about the actor's debut.

Adapting Starfox's story into the MCU is not an easy feat. Jim Starlin, the character's creator, even admitted that he “[has] no idea” how the MCU will handle the character, seeing as he’s a “sociopath” and “sexual predator.”

Still, Marvel Studios' expertise in handling complex stories amid a shared universe setup is poised to be more than enough to handle a complicated character like Starfox.

As for when Starfox will return, the long-rumored Eternals sequel is the best bet. Although a past rumor revealed that a solo Disney+ project could be in the cards for Starfox, it remains to be seen if it will come to fruition.

However, Pip the Troll actor Patton Oswalt offered optimism about a Starfox/Pip project, noting that Marvel's projects about lesser-known characters always seem to "end up kind of really blossoming."

Whatever the case, the future is bright for Harry Styles' Starfox.

via The Direct. (10 January 2023)

#harry styles #harry update #marvel #star fox #the direct #article #january 2023

[gebo4482]

Spider-Verse: Sony Announces Surprising Villain for Miles' Next Appearance (thedirect.com)

#the spider within #miles morales #spider man #animation #short films #short movies #the direct

[honoka-marierose]

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige removed a key element from Loki Season 2's ending according to the show's composer Natalie Holt.

Throughout the Multiverse Saga, the Marvel boss provided several notes to previous projects under Phase 4 and Phase 5.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse director Sam Raimi revealed in the film's audio commentary Feige wanted to remove the first encounter between Strange and Mordo in Earth-838 since he felt that "it was a little corny," but the filmmaker refused.

In June 2023, Secret Invasion director Ali Selim shared that there were ideas for the series that Feige "killed" because "he has a plan going down the road."

Ms. Marvel director and showrunner Adil El Arbi also pointed out in July 2022 that Feige had a special request for the show's mutant reveal, with the MCU boss telling him to "just shoot [the scene], put the [X-Men theme] on, and that’s it."

Loki's Ending Song That Almost Came to Be

In an interview with Marvel Entertainment, Loki Season 2 composer Natalie Holt talked about the one change that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige made to the series' final moments near the end of post-production.

At the end of Season 2's finale, Mobius and Sylvie overlook a suburban house belonging to one of Mobius' Variants. As Sylvie walks away and the camera stays on Mobius pondering his future, a rock-inspired tune starts playing. The music intensifies through the final shot of Loki protecting his secured timelines and continues to play through the credits.

The original plan devised by Holt and crew was for this song to be accompanied by lyrics.

Holt explained how she had been working with a songwriter to craft words for the epic closing song:

"I wanted to write a song [for 'Loki']. I’d been working in the studio with a songwriter, trying to come up with a song using the 'Loki' theme."

However, as the series was wrapping up, Feige altered such plans for Loki's emotional ending to be accompanied by poetic lyrics, as he thought that they would "feel too leading:"

"Kevin Feige just said, 'I don’t like having lyrics here. It feels too leading.'

But what is left is this sort of underneath of a song."

Holt reflected on Feige's advice, admitting that "it seemed to work better" without lyrics:

"It seemed to work better without lyric’s help, because when you add lyrics into a song it does make it very specific. So yeah, it has the feel of a sort of rockier version of the theme though."

Why Loki's Score Works Better Without Lyrics

Given Loki Season 2 ended with a poignant moment for Tom Hiddleston's God of Mischief, it's fitting that it was accompanied by the perfect score from Natalie Holt.

Kevin Feige's advice to not put lyrics in Loki Season 2's finale score is understandable since including them would've spoon-fed the viewers what kind of emotion or reaction the creators wanted them to feel.

While it would've been unique for the score to be a full-blown song while Loki's ascension is happening, hearing a powerful theme without words is more impactful and thrilling for the viewers.

#marvel #marvel comics #marvel studios #mcu #marvel cinematic universe #loki #loki tv #loki series #loki season two #the multiverse saga #kevin feige #the direct

[thevibraniumveterans]

(🤣 - from 🐍)

#mcu #black panther wakanda forever #wakanda forever spoilers #the direct #rolling stones #mcu namor #k’uk’ulkan #tenoch huerta #interview article #twitter #sorry 🤣

[frary-us]

Toby Regbo - Reverend James Trenchard

"Toby Regbo's Reverend James Trenchard is Frederick's brother who becomes a priest. 

James and Frederick have been estranged and are no longer on speaking terms. Despite that, James leaves a wedding gift to Frederick, much to the surprise of his family.

In Episode 1, James tries his best to mend his relationship with his brother. 

Harry Potter fans may recognize Regbo for his role as a young Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The actor also appeared in Mr. Nobody, Treasure Island, and One Day. 

Hannah Onslow - Emily Dunn

Hannah Onslow is part of the cast of The Next Chapter as Emily Dunn. 

Emily is Clara's older sister who is slightly jealous that she is getting married and she's not. She also protects Clara since she believes that Frederick will only hurt her. 

Desperate to find love, Emily suddenly gets attracted to Frederick's brother, James Trenchard. 

Onslow's notable credits include Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Ridley Road, The Doll Factory, and Empire of Light."

#Belgravia: The Next Chapter #TV Series #MGM+ #Cast #The Direct #Jan 2024 #Toby Regbo #Rev. James Trenchard #Descriptions #Pro-Toby #I'll Alway Support Toby #Talented #Hannah Onslow #Emily Dunn #Harriet Slater #Clara Dunn Trenchard #Ben Wainwright #Frederick Trenchard #Edward Bluemel #Dr. Stephen Ellerby #Excerpt #Link #Period Drama

[timegears-moved]

hi pokemon hiiiii if you announce any main series shit during the presents im kmsing myself /j

#bwark #i will maybe accept sv dlc. i won't be happy but it's not as load bearing as a whole new game #other than that the only thing ive got going for the presents is a new pmd based on spike chunsoft being listed in the official page for #the direct #i hope it's a wholly brand new pmd game i don't want an explorers remake #explorers doesn't need a remake. and rescue team dx was a slight let down so #come on ive been waiting to play as a popplio in a pmd game since 2016 i think it's about time i get my wish granted

[professorambrius]

Jeremy All In to Return As Hawkeye

Jeremy is totally all in to return as Hawkeye!

#My post #Jeremy Renner #Jeremy Renner Update #Jeremy Renner's Recovery #Clint Barton #Hawkeye #MCU #Marvel Cinematic Universe #Jeremy Renner's future #Jeremy Renner's career #The Direct

[itsmoonknight]

Doctor Strange 2 Soundtrack Features Spoilery Song Titles

Doctor Strange 2 Soundtrack Features Spoilery Song Titles Possible Spoilers in Doctor Strange 2 Soundtrack Film Music Reporter shared the full list of titles on the official soundtrack for Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness composed by Danny Elfman, which will officially release prior to the film on May 4. Some song titles tie into clear moments, such as "The Apple Orchard" for Wanda's time at her cabin in the film's trailers, "Strange Statue" for the statue of one of Strange's Variants, and "Gargantos" for the alien monster's introduction in the movie. Others are much vaguer, helping to keep the movie's spoilers hidden until the film debuts on May 6. The full list of all 32 soundtrack titles can be seen below: 1. Multiverse of Madness (2:37) 2. On the Run (2:17) 3. Strange Awakens (0:43) 4. The Apple Orchard (3:18) 5. Are You Happy (1:08) 6. Gargantos (2:50) 7. Journey with Wong (1:44) 8. Home? (4:08) 9. Strange Statue (1:43) 10. The Decision Is Made (1:14) 11. A Cup of Tea (3:58) 12. Discovering America (0:47) 13. Grab My Hand (1:14) 14. Battle Time (3:11) 15. Not a Monster (2:38) 16. Forbidden Ground (2:29) 17. Tribunal (2:13) 18. They’re Not Coming Back (1:00) 19. Stranger Things Will Happen (2:56) 20. Buying Time (3:39) 21. Book of Vishanti (2:45) 22. Looking for Strange (1:38) 23. Strange Talk (3:32) 24. Lethal Symphonies (1:48) 25. Getting Through (5:34) 26. Only Way (2:51) 27. Trust Your Power (2:54) 28. They’ll Be Loved (3:59) 29. Farewell (2:29) 30. An Interesting Question (3:13) 31. Main Titles (2:36) 32. An Unexpected Visitor (0:32) Developing... via The Direct https://ift.tt/7zBUv56

#Marvel #mcu #Doctor Strange 2 Soundtrack Features Spoilery Song Titles #The Direct

[oncorhynchus-nerka]

VERY IMPORTANT a dam in the Netherlands, the weerdsluis lock, is directly on a migratory path for spawning fish. They have a worker stationed there to open the door for the fish, but they can take a while to open it. So to keep the fish from getting preyed on by birds they installed a doorbell. Only, the fish don't have hands to ring the doorbell. If you go to their website, they have a LIVE CAMERA AND A DOORBELL that YOU RING FOR THE FISH when they're waiting, and then the dam worker opens the door for them! I can't express how obsessed I am with this. look at this shit. oh my god.

Please check on the fish doorbell once in a while :)

#self #last night i kept stimming thinking about this LOVE IS AO REAL. AUGH #i dont like damming but this is a step in the right direction AND it gets the public involved #i love that! more public interactions like this in ecology please! thats how you bring change! thats how you make ppl see the beauty in life #marine biology #ecology

[sayruq]

If you're going to do something similar you have to make sure the store knows you're targeting Israeli products specifically

#yemen #jerusalem #tel aviv #current events #palestine #free palestine #gaza #free gaza #news on gaza #palestine news #news update #war news #war on gaza #direct action #rafah under attack #rafah #gaza genocide #genocide

[natlacentral]

Netflix Avatar Star Gets Candid on the Show’s Critical Reviews (Exclusive)

One of the stars behind Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender got honest about some of the reviews critics gave the show.

Fans were extremely excited ahead of the live-action series' release, especially since everything about the project looked so accurate to the original series.

Sadly, when Avatar finally aired, the reception to it was lukewarm. Critics were vocally disappointed by many aspects of it—though parts of it got constant praise, such as the performances from Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Dallas Liu as Uncle Iroh and Zuko.

The show currently sits at a 60% critic approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 73% audience score.

[ Avatar Netflix Season 2: Dallas Liu Reveals His Big Hopes for Upcoming Episodes (Exclusive) ]

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee Gets Honest About Critical Reception

Avatar: The Last Airbender star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee shared his honest thoughts with The Direct at Paleyfest 2024 about the reviews the Netflix series received when it was released.

Lee admitted he "was actually really surprised at how critical some of the outlets were towards it:"

"That's a really good question. There was the gamut of responses that I was expecting, like, I was hoping that fans would really dig it. I was actually surprised at how critical some of the outlets were towards it. It was almost like--and I'm biased, I'm biased, because you know, I'm part of it."

"It looked like some of those reviewers just had already made up their minds beforehand," the actor continued:

"But from my point of view, it looked like some of these reviewers just had already made up their minds beforehand, based on everything that they heard instead of the actual, like actually watching the show. And they were ready to just pick it apart. Whereas the fans really sort of embraced it. And were like, I don't know about this, I'm cautiously optimistic. But the majority of them really enjoyed it."

Lee explained how people should "approach different things with different sets of expectations," a mentality "that’s good for anything in real life:"

"And I think that's what we need to do is just sort of approach different things with different sets of expectations, in a sense, and not to prejudge and make up our minds before you have a chance to view anything. And I think that's good for anything in real life, is to really have an open mind, go in, experience it, instead of going, 'I'm going to judge this,' instead of, 'I'm going to watch this, and I'll see.' And then I will be critical or I will, you know, be judgmental, or whatever. But that's all you ask for in life. It's like not to be judged before the work is shown."

"It’s one of those things that have to grow," Lee noted, adding that it’s "very rare that something is pitch-perfect right out of the gates:"

"And I'm really impressed with the fan community for doing and embracing that. It was really kind of going well; it wasn't perfect, but we really did enjoy it. And then, at the end of the day, that's all you want. And we're learning, too. So, it's one of those things where things have to grow. It's very, very rare that something is pitch-perfect right out of the gates, right?"

When it comes to fan reception, Dallas Liu told The Direct how he "love[s] seeing just how stoked everyone is on the bending effects:"

"I'd say, like, I love seeing just how stoked everyone is about the bending effects in our show. I think Jabbar [Raisani] and his team really nailed that part of like, what everyone loves about the original."

Producer Jabbar Raisani revealed it is "the fan reception to the show" he's most proud of:

"I mean, really, the fan reception to the show, right? Like, we tried to make this thing that felt like the animated series, had the heart and soul of the animated series, but lived in breath in a live-action world and people responded to that. That was a very challenging thing to actually do."

Arden Cho, the actress who plays June, shares how she has been "really happy to see everyone enjoying and loving the show:"

"I think I'm really happy to see everyone enjoying and loving the show. And there's just so many different things that are being noticed. And yeah, I think I knew people would love this because everybody's working hard on it. And it's such a loved story to begin with. I'm so excited to be a part of it. But yeah, I think what I'm enjoying the most is sort of seeing the response to all the kids and everything and just the world [of Avatar]. I love the world... The world is so fun; it's so fun to be a part of it."

[ Avatar Star Dallas Liu Explains Zuko & Katara's Rivalry In Live-Action Show (Exclusive) ]

Letting Avatar: The Last Airbender Find Its Footing

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee has a point—countless shows have grown exponentially in quality as they went on. Some just take time to find their footing.

With Season 1 in the wild and audiences giving plenty of feedback, the creative team has every chance to improve upon the foundation they’ve already built. They don't even need to worry about whether they will be able to finish the story.

If Netflix can knock the next two seasons out of the park, there is a good chance fans can expect even more stories to be told in that universe. Maybe one of the upcoming new adult Aang movies could get an adaptation or even the Legend of Korra.

#natla #atla #avatar the last airbender #netflix avatar #netflix atla #avatar netflix #atla netflix #paul sun hyung lee #dallas liu #jabbar raisani #arden cho #article #the direct #paleyfest

[hldailyupdate]

“Chloé is a giant Harry Styles fan and… I’d always pitch like, ‘Eros, he’s really cool.’ And she’s like, ‘It’s Harry Styles.’ And I was like, ‘Are you sure?’ And she was obsessed, and chased him down, and got him into the movie.”

-Marvel Producer Nate Moore on Eternals Director Chloé Zhao being the one responsible for bringing Harry to play Eros. (10 January 2023)

via The Direct

#harry styles #harry update #nate moore #chloé zhao #marvel #star fox #the direct #quote #january 2023

[druid-for-hire]

[image id: a four-page comic. it is titled "immortality” after the poem by clare harner (more popularly known as “do not stand at my grave and weep”). the first page shows paleontologists digging up fossils at a dig. it reads, “do not stand at my grave and weep. i am not there. i do not sleep.” page two features several prehistoric creatures living in the wild. not featured but notable, each have modern descendants: horses, cetaceans, horsetail plants, and crocodilians. it reads, “i am a thousand winds that blow. i am the diamond glints on snow. i am the sunlight on ripened grain. i am the gentle autumn rain.” the third page shows archaeopteryx in the treetops and the skies, then a modern museum-goer reading the placard on a fossil display. it reads, “when you awaken in the morning’s hush, i am the swift uplifting rush, of quiet birds in circled flight. i am the soft stars that shine at night. do not stand at my grave and cry.” the fourth page shows a chicken in a field. it reads, “i am not there. i did not die” / end id]

a comic i made in about 15 hours for my school’s comic anthology. the theme was “evolution”

#dinosaur #evolution #comic #prehistoric #animal #wildlife #paleontology #biology #poetry #comics #original #my art #archaeopteryx has no direct living descendants i know #but i wanted something aerial and the dinosaur to bird connection is classic and well known anyway #also the chicken over any other bird is very on purpose #its the mix of truth and comedy and genuineness and the fantastic in the mundane #its me asking you to see something so wonderful in something taken so un-seriously #and to love it both ways #also the jurassic park thing #where someone saw the reconstructed gait of a dino #and said. hey hang on. i know that walk. #and pulled up footage of a chicken walking #which jumpstarted the entire study into the link between dinosaurs and birds #in the end take whatever you want from it i just thought id provide some insight #i always like it when other artists do #the point is that i enjoy when people laugh at the end and when they dont #and i like it when they cry. i like it best when they both laugh and cry. eeaao intent #anyway mourn your losses but to live is to change #also hi guys i finally figured out tipping after 5 months so no more annoying ko-fi link

[honoka-marierose]

As production on Deadpool 3 is in a holding pattern due to the Hollywood strikes, the film’s leads and its director pass the time in other ways.

Deadpool 3 is rumored to be many things, but what is concretely known about the threequel is that Shawn Levy will direct Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as they return to their iconic roles of Wade Wilson and Wolverine.

Shawn Levy Shares Photo of ‘Three Amigos’

Deadpool 3 director Shawn Levy took to Instagram to share a photo of himself, and stars Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds sharing a meal together:

The caption on Levy’s post reads: “Three amigos waiting to shoot again...”

Indeed, production on Deadpool 3 is currently paused and will not resume until SAG-AFTRA reaches a new agreement with the AMPTP. The film was reportedly seven weeks into photography when the work stoppage commenced.

Will Deadpool 3 Get Delayed?

Will Marvel Studios push back Deadpool 3 due to the writers’ and actors’ strikes, as it has done with several other MCU projects? Put simply, the movie still has a fair chance of retaining its current release date if the strikes end soon.

Presently, the Writers Guild of America is once again in discussion with the studios. Talks have continued throughout the week with some apparent signs of progress being reported.

Only after a potential deal is agreed upon with the WGA, will the AMPTP reopen negotiations with the actors’ guild. Some in the industry are optimistic that everything could be back on track as early as October, but this is not currently set in stone.

If things go according to plan, though, Deadpool 3 won’t be subject to the same fate as Daredevil: Born Again and Captain America: Brave New World which have been pushed into release windows that are far later than originally projected

Marvel Studios’ Deadpool 3 is slated to hit theaters on May 3, 2024.

#marvel #marvel entertainment #marvel comics #deadpool #deadpool 3 #wolverine #logan #ryan reynolds #hugh jackman #marvel studios #mcu #marvel cinematic universe #the direct

[thevibraniumveterans]

Diversity in the MCU

In recent years, Marvel (and Disney) has been making some effort to diversify their stories, characters, and actors/actresses. There is still a very, very long way to go, even in the industry (even in the world around us, really) for proper representation of underrepresented communities.

As such, I don’t know if I have the right to post this, but I do think this deserves at least a bit of a look.

The first is an old article that I’ve only recently found.

The second I found also yesterday:

Do let me know what you think.

#mcu #spider man far from home #sm ffh #Zach Barack #transgender #variety magazine #ironheart #ironheart series #zoe terakes #transmasc #collider #the direct #diversity #trans representation #what do you think? #penny for your thoughts #reblogging #representation matters