A lot of new things to see and talk about in this weeks edition of the Geekly News Round-Up!
Ben Affleck doesn't direct the Batman movie, new spots for Logan and GotG vol.2, a new Justice League image and more!
Ben Affleck Leaves The Batman Directors Chair
Probably one of the worst news regarding geek news in a while came last week, when Ben Affleck released a statement with Variety that he will step down from the position of director of the solo Batman movie.
“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions, Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film. I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director. I remain extremely committed to this project, and look forward to bringing this to life for fans around the world.”
I feel that most of the official statement is PR speech and that the real reason behind Affleck leaving that position behind has to do with him not having expected the backlash against BvS in early 2016 and the negative critical and financial reaction to his recent directorial feature "Live By Night". I feel that 2016 has been a mega stressful year for Affleck and that the Batman role in BvS did not really turned out how he exactly had hoped. All that plus being constantly asked about the Batman movie during press for other movies, which he stated made him go crazy, was probably too much for him. So yes, I feel that, at least in part, fanboys have driven off Affleck from the Batman.
This is a very disappointing development, as Affleck as an oscar winning director would've been a great choice for the director's chair, but not all hope is lost. Affleck says he will stay on as producer and actor and that they are currently looking for another director (George Miller from Fury Road and Matt Reeves from dawn of the Planet Of The Apes are among the front runners for that), so if they find a great replacement, the solo Batman movie will be fine.
I, however, am not even entirely convinced that Affleck will stay on as an actor, but that remains to be seen.
Just for the record: I loved BvS and Batfleck, so I hope everything turn out well.
Stranger Things Season 2 Trailer
The Super Bowl premiered a few really awesome new trailers yesterday. Chief among them the first awesome look at the second season of Stranger Things, which sees favorite characters return and a new, GIANT threat coming up from the upside down. Check it out above and feast your eyes on all the Ghostbusters references!
New Guardians of the Galaxy vol.2 Trailer
Thanks to the Super Bowl (GO PATS!) we have a new look at the upcoming Marvel Studios movie Guardians of the Galaxy vol.2! Check it out above! It gives us new glimpses at old favorites, new characters and aliens, action and humor! Check it out above!
Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.
New Logan Spot
Our favorite mutant, Wolverine aka weapon x aka the man called Logan, got a new spot for his upcoming movie as well! Check it out above! It gives us a few new scenes and beats we haven't see before, but doesn't spoil anything mayor. Can't wait GODDAMMIT!!!
In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.
New Life Trailer
The second trailer for the Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds led science fiction/horror movie Life has premiered during the weekend! Check out the new, somewhat spoilery look into the movie above!
I am a sucker for good and creepy sci-fi/alien encounter movies, so I don't even need to watch it to know I am already in!
Life tells the story of the six-member crew of the International Space Station that is on the cutting edge of one of the most important discoveries in human history: the first evidence of extraterrestrial life on Mars. As the crew begins to conduct research and their methods end up having unintended consequences, the life form proves more intelligent than anyone ever expected.
New Justice League Picture
Thanks to Games Radar debuting a new image from DC Comics upcoming mega 2017 team up extravaganza we have another really cool look at some of the Justice League! Wonder Woman leads the pack, while Aquamomoa and Cyborg look ready for anything!
The shot seems to take place in some sort of alien structure, maybe inside the kryptonian scout ship from MoS and BvS, or an apocoliptian vessel by the New Gods... who knows?! I sure as hell can't wait to find out!
