Five New Ways For Tony Stark To Nearly Die

We're rejoicing at the release of the new Iron Man 3 poster here at GG♥SF HQ. In many ways, it's kind of perfect. There's drama, action, and the delicious Robert Downey Jr. What's not to love?

Well, now we mention it...

It seems that Iron Man 3 will see Mr Stark plummet to his almost-death once again.

This will mark the third time Tony has hurtled back towards earth, barely protected by a wrecked suit. Presumably he'll survive the fall once more, because that's how these things work, but did they really have to do it again? Seriously. We love a slo-mo death-spiral as much as anyone, but wouldn't it be nice if Iron Man was nearly killed off in slightly more imaginative fashion?

Because we love a bit of bad taste banter, we've come up with a few near-death experiences Marvel should've thought about for the Golden Avenger before they resorted to the patented plummet once more:

#1. Drowning
Stark's suit is capable of going underwater, so why don't we see him do it more? Not that we want him to veer into Namor or Aquaman territory, but a bit of oceanic exploration would give us variety. Just think of the possibilities for a mid-dip mechanical failure. Get out of that one, Stark.

#2. Collision with an inanimate object
We learned when we were kids that it's funny when people crash in to things. And there's plenty of thinks on this beautiful planet of ours that might get in Tony's way. Skyscrapers, bridges, Mount Rushmore… if Stark's going at enough speed, any one of them could be deadly.

#3. Collision with a moving object
A natural progression from #2, but one with the potential for a little more excitement, dramatic tension and, most importantly, a much bigger explosion. Of course, this could happen in the air - plane, rocket, hot air balloon, etc - prompting that now familiar tumble to terra firma, but wouldn't it be more fun if he was simply hit from behind by a train or a tank or a really big truck?

#4. Magneto
We've seen this battle happen on paper before. Tony Stark's technology is so advanced that it can pretty much defeat any foe. Pretty much. The notable exception is, of course, the Master of Magnetism, whose powers can easily outsmart and overcome Iron Man's advanced armour. And yes, we know there's always the convenient option of a bit of suit de-magnetisation for Tone, but we're very purposefully ignoring it for the purposes of this feature, mostly because this is a fight we'd love to see played out on screen.

#5. A good beating
This one's easy. You just can't beat a bit of good, old-fashioned fisticuffs, can you? Hulk's simple defeat of Loki in The Avengers Assemble was perfect, which leads us to think that maybe the best way for Iron Man to nearly meet his maker would simply be to get his face smashed in. Of course, Stark and Banner have got quite the bromance going on, meaning Hulk probably wouldn't be the one to deliver the beating in this case (probably), but he's certainly not the only big bad in the Marvel cannon who could cave in that mask with a well-aimed punch or two.

Just a thought. Mull it over while you watch the new Superbowl teaser trailer and let us know if you've got anything to add to the list.

Iron Man 3 will open in cinemas on 26th April, 2013.

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Rogue, Pryde & Iceman Return For X-Men: Days Of Future Past

It looks like worlds are most definitely set to collide in geekgasmic fashion next year.

Stars of the original film franchise Anna Paquin (Rogue), Ellen Page (Kitty Pride) and Shawn Ashmore (Iceman) will reprise their roles in the upcoming sequel to X-Men: First Class.

Director Bryan Singer announced the news on Twitter, posting: "Very excited to welcome #annapaquin, @ellenpage & @shawnrashmore to #XMen #DaysofFuturePast - thank you @BrettRatner for letting them live!"

Of course, the signings make sense. Shadowcat plays a major part in the 1981 Uncanny X-Men story which will involve both the 1960s First Class mutants, and a future version of the original trilogy characters, who live in a dystopian future in which mutants are hunted down.

Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Ian McKellen’s Magneto and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine are also confirmed to appear alongside Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy as the younger Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and Nicholas Hoult as Beast.

Singer, working from a script by Simon Kinberg, is set to kick off shooting soon.

We're sure we're not the only ones who can't wait to see a veritable orgy of X-Men on screen when the film hits cinemas on 18th July, 2014.

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JJ Abrams To Direct Next Star Wars Film?

JJ Abrams - may the force be with you

This morning the internet and Twitterverse exploded when it was revealed that Hollywood’s golden boy JJ Abrams was reportedly due to take on the juggernaut that is the Star Wars franchise. 

According to numerous Hollywood based news outlets like Deadline and The Wrap, Abrams is set to direct Star Wars: Episode VII after being wooed by Disney execs. George Lucas is expected to take on a consultancy role, while writing credits go to Toy Story 3 scribe Michael Arndt. 

So Abrams is swapping his phasers for sabers eh? Can’t say we disapprove. He’s breathed new life in to the Star Trek franchise, with its sequel already tickling the anticipation of fan boys and gals world wide. 

And what with Star Wars' definite downward spiral (we’re sorry George, but we’ll never, ever be able to get past Clone Wars or that orange, flappy muppet of a CGI travesty, Jar-Jar Binks *shudder*) into – dare we say it – mediocrity, it needs some capable and experienced hands. 

He’s proved he can do it – Super 8, Mission Impossible III and the aforementioned Star Trek are all good to excellent films. But more than that, he’s a massive fan boy with what we hope is an intrinsic feel for the original magic of the first three films. 

Of course, before we get too ahead of ourselves this is all just alleged and yet to be confirmed, with both Lucasfilm and CAA, which represents Abrams, declining to comment. However, with the film already appearing on Abram’s IMDB page and lots of well-placed news sites sticking their necks out, it’s looking rather likely, don’t you think? 

GG♥SF Verdict: May the force be with you Abrams.

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New (and Gorgeous) Oz the Great and Powerful Poster Revealed

Those lovely chaps over at Digital Spy are a jammy lot. The lucky ducks will be exclusively releasing a new set of character posters ahead of Disney’s new –and awesome looking – film, Oz the Great and Powerful. 

First up is a great shot of Rachel Weisz set against the fantastical backdrop of the mystical land of Oz. Weisz plays the fearsome witch Evanora who has positioned herself as the royal advisor and protector of Emerald City. 

Oz the Great and Powerful is a prequel film based on the books written by L. Frank Baum and the official synopsis is as follows: When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot.

Fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. 

Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. 

As well as starring Franco, Kunis et al, Oz also features the vocal talents of Zach Braff (yanno, JD off Scrubs) and is directed by Sami Raimi (The Evil Dead, Army of Darkness). 

The next poster to be revealed on Digital Spy will be tonight at 10pm GMT and tomorrow (25th January) at 5pm and 10pm.   

You can catch Oz the Great and Powerful in UK and US cinemas from 8th March.

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Merlin's Morgan Triumphs At NTAs

We've long waxed lyrical about what a flipping fabulous actor Colin Morgan is, so it was incredibly gratifying to see him pick up a gong at last night's National Television Awards.

The actor beat the likes of Matt Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch to triumph in the Drama Performance: Male category.

Morgan thanked fans for their "fantastic support", adding: "It's been a five year journey for ourselves, so it's a huge honour to end on a high after that and get the recognition from the fans."

While he wasn't positive about the prospects of a Merlin reunion, he was enthusiastic about remaining in touch with his fellow cast members, telling reporters: "I don't think that's going to happen. But who knows - let's see what happens when the future comes. We're definitely going to stay friends. We just made loads of friends on the show - that's the important thing, I think."

Morgan's Merlin co-stars, meanwhile, took to Twitter to congratulate their buddy. Aww.
"Don't know if it was obvious by the way I kept hitting him, but was and still am, beaming with pride for NTA 'Best Actor' Colin Morgan," quipped Bradley James.

Rupert Young, who played Sir Leon, also called Morgan "a legend and a worthy winner", while Alexander Vlahos (Mordred) described his co-star as "magnificent".

"Colin Morgan deserved that so much," wrote Vlahos. "Very fortunate to call him a friend and work alongside him."

The Irish actor will appear opposite Gabriel Byrne in forthcoming BBC One detective serial Quirke later in 2013.

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Has Emma Frost Been Frozen Out Of X-Men: Days Of Future Past?

If there's one complaint we have about X-Men: First Class, it's that the kick-ass character of Emma Frost was woefully underused. 

Despite January Jones' admirable ability to carry off the character's skimpy wardrobe, she didn't really have much to do, except stand around looking hot - a shameful waste of an intelligent, witty, powerful X-Man.

So it would be a pity, but no surprise if Frost was left out of the sequel altogether. Which looks like it could happen.

In an interview with Collider, Jones revealed she's completely in the dark when it comes to Bryan Singer's sequel, Days Of Future Past.

"I don't know that I'm in it, I don't think Emma's in this one. Well they haven't told me if I am," she said.

"I wouldn't put it past them though, I got the script for the first one on the airplane on the way there.

"It's called Days of Future Past, I think, and I think it's more about James [McAvoy] and Michael [Fassbender] and then Patrick [Stewart] and Ian [McKellen], and I think it's gonna go back and forth with those, so I don't think Emma's in those bits. I don't know, I really don't know."

Have you got that, people? She doesn't know.

If Mr Singer were to recruit Frost to the cause, we respectfully request that he makes good and proper use of the White Queen. She's more than just a big pair of boobs, after all.

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GG♥SF Meet Mariah Huehner

The end of February sees the London Super Comic Convention return for its second year, welcoming the great and good from the world of comics including Neal Adams, J Scott Campbell, Kieron Gillen, Frazer Irving and… well, there's loads of 'em. Check out the website and you'll see what we mean.

One such luminary is Mariah Huehner, the New York Times bestselling writer of the graphic novel True Blood: All Together Now, Anne Rice’s Servant of the Bones, Angel, Illyria: Haunted, and the upcoming Emily & The Strangers for Dark Horse Comics.

If that weren't enough she has also edited the New York Times Bestselling graphic adaption of Peter S. Beagles The Last Unicorn, Womanthology: Heroic, Womanthology: Space!, and the Eisner Award Winning Lucifer and Fables.

It's an impressive CV, so when the lovely organisers of LSCC asked if we'd like to interview the woman who's worked on so many titles we've enjoyed, we jumped at the chance.

GG♥SF: You've written stories for True Blood books, Angel and BtVS and count Lucifer and Fables among the books you've edited. Basically, it sounds to us like you've got the best job ever - is that how you feel about it?
Mariah Huehner: I kind of really do, I have to say. It's still work and there are days when I want to throw my laptop across the room, but all in all, I'm very lucky. And I seriously can't believe the things working in comics has allowed me to do and experience. I've worked with the most amazingly talented and met some of my story idols. You really can't complain much when part of your job was meeting Alan Ball and going over story ideas.

What is it that you love most about this world?
MH: The comics world? I love the way you tell a story through words and pictures in a way that's different than any other storytelling medium, including film. I love how you can guide a reader through the story but they can still choose to linger over details at their own pace. I love the collaborative process of making a comic, of finding a story that's perfect for the format and no other.

What I love about the world in general is that it's always changing and full of as many stories as there are people to think them up and share them.

What's your opinion on the UK comics scene?
MH: Hm, this is a tough one. I've worked with a lot of UK creators over the years so I'm not sure I view it as all that removed from the US scene, and I'm not as familiar with it as I should be. They seem intertwined to me, especially when I worked at Vertigo.  We sort of pilfered a lot of Brits when I was there.

I'm a huge Mike Carey fan, for instance, I'll read anything he writes and he's a lovely person to boot. Mark Buckingham is not only a wonderful artist but a truly sweet person who gives the best hugs. That sort of cross-pollination is one of the reasons I'm so excited to be going to the London Super Comic Convention. I haven't been to London before, so there's that. But there's also all the fellow writers artists I'll get to share a pint with, finally. So I guess my thoughts on UK comics are: they're great!

There's been a lot of debate in recent months about women in comics - with regard to how those working in the industry don't get the recognition they deserve, and how female fans are perceived - what's your take on it? Is it something you have strong opinions about?
MH: My opinions on it are so strong I've written a bunch of posts/blogs and have intense discussions pretty regularly on my Twitter. It's really important to me that we don't stop discussing it and working towards a more inclusive geek/nerd culture.

I was really disappointed in all the 'Fake Geek Girl' nonsense a few months ago and ended up writing a piece that was re-published on The Newstatesmen. There's just no way to get around the highly gendered nature of that mess. I've been doing this for over 10 years now and I know a LOT of other women in the industry. They are all talented, dedicated, amazing people who work hard to put out the books people love. So the combined effect of seeing them (or myself) either ignored or debased is disheartening to say the least. Women contribute so much to geek/nerd/comics culture, every day, in so many ways. The idea that any of us get to decide what is an "acceptable" way to be a nerd/geek for someone else is absurd. 

I have no interest in participating in any sort of gatekeeping behavior. I don't care how someone identifies as a geek/nerd, what they love, or how they display that love, so long as they're having a good time and not hurting anyone. Which they aren't, no matter what some folks might think. Someone else's costume choice, or character preference, or story obsession, can't hurt you. So, trying to define geeky/nerdery along gender lines or claiming anything is being "ruined" by fictional "fake" geek girls is just beyond obtuse. No one can ruin the things you love unless you let them. And frankly, cos-playing and the like are fun. They bring a whole other dimension to things. I do think a lot of girls and women express their geek/nerd differently, or often with more craft-based activities, and that's pretty awesome. People need to stop assuming they know what a geek/nerd "really" is.

That said, conventions like Geek Girl in Seattle are, I think, actively challenging those idea and I always come away feeling really hopeful and encouraged. This past year there was a LOT of discussion about this topic because of a similar issues with gamers and Anita Sarkeesian. The parallels are undeniable and I've gotten my own share of nasty remarks. It's hard at first, but, I'd rather be visible and talking about it than not. It's important because I want more people reading comics and participating with the industry, not less. The more inclusive we are the more likely that is.

You've worked on comic book adaptations for some of our favourite shows - how does that experience differ from working on original titles? Do you feel pressure to meet fan expectation?
MH: Each licensed property is different, depending on who you're working with and the story world. You typically have certain defined parameters, characters, and "rules". And they go through an approval process with the licensor. Something that's creator owned is your own, so while you still need to work with an editor, it's your world. You call the shots. They're both challenging. With licensed work you have an established world to adhere to and add to, while still maintaining the "feel" of the original in whatever medium it was originally in. With your own work you have to set limits for yourself or the story can go off track and become a mess. And in that sense it's all on you, which is quite a lot of pressure. With a license you can kind of rest on "well, that's how this character was in the show/movie, so, we can't mess with that!"

For instance, both True Blood and Angel involved vampires and various supernatural characters. But the worlds are quite unique, the tone and pacing differ, and the characters are on journeys that might have thematic similarities, but require individual arcs. Not to mention dramatically different "voices". Whedon has a very specific rhythm to his dialog and so does Ball, they are not interchangeable. So we were always adjusting, making sure you could "hear" the character voices in your head as much as possible.

When I've worked on original titles, my own or as an editor, it's a little different. The creator is usually intimately involved and invested in the story, so the challenge there is making sure the story they want to tell is the story that's coming across.

As for fan pressure: Yes and no. I mean, I certainly care what fans think, you want them to read and enjoy the work. There's no point to it if they don't. At the same time, you can't write stories based on what fans want because that's different for each one. Stories by committee rarely turn out that coherent. So you have to trust that you're telling a worthwhile story and hope they think so, too. I find that if you're sincerely doing that, telling a story you believe in, fans will see that.

Do you have a favourite project on your CV - something that was particularly close to your heart?
MH: You know, I'm proud of everything that I've worked on for various reasons. One of the most recent books I've worked on, Emily & The Strangers for Dark Horse, is something I'm very pleased with. Getting to write for tween/teen girl audience with a character like Emily, who's snarky and inventive, was fantastic.

There's also Illyria: Haunted, which is something that's very personal to me, because of the strong emotional attachment I have to A Hole in the World (the Angel ep). I also told this short, two-page story in Womanthology: Heroic, about a small moment in a zombie Apocalypse I was really pleased with because it's tough to write something in such a small amount of pages. I chose to draw it as well so it was particularly challenging.

A project I'm working on called Monstrous Parts is an anthology combining prose, comics, poetry, and art, to discuss women and body image. That's intensely personal, but the people participating are amazing, and I should be launching a crowd-funding campaign for it in February or March.

What can you tell us about the titles you're working on at the moment? Do you have any secrets or spoilers you can spill?
MH: Well, my latest comic, Emily & The Strangers comes out on January 30th from Dark Horse Comics. I co-wrote it with Emily's creator, Rob Reger, and it was a complete blast. The artist, Emily Ivie, is so incredible, I can't even tell you. There are gadgets and inventions and science and ghosts and rock 'n' roll. I really hope people check it out.

Obviously there's aforementioned Monstrous Project, and I have a few pitches in to a few places, and I'm working on a short story I can't talk about just yet. So it's going to be a busy year, thankfully.

As a creator, what do conventions mean to you?
MH: For me, they're a really lovely way to interact with fans and fellow creators. I've had nothing but wonderful experiences with fans at signings and it means a lot to hear from them directly. I honestly love the whole sort of experience of conventions, with people enjoying their geek/nerdery and having a good time together.

Do you attend them as a fan, too?
MH: Not for a few years now, I can't ever seem to find the time! I do still get to have fan moments, though, where I meet creators whose work I love and get to chat with them a little. Cons like Geek Girl I find more "relaxing" where I can actually attend panels and hang out more.

What's the weirdest (printable!) experience you've ever had at a con?
MH: I don't think I've had any non-printable experiences at cons, thankfully. As for weirdest... I think the most surreal was doing press and signings for the first True Blood: All Together Now hardcover at NYCC. We did an actual press junket type thing, photo stuff, interviews, and signings with hundreds of people. That was completely strange but awesome.

What are you looking forward to at LSCC? What are your must-sees, should you get the time?
MH: If I don't get to see Mike Carey and Mark Buckingham and, at the very least, have some tea, I will be super disappointed. But mostly I'm just really keen to check out the con. They have an awesome guest list and panels, so, I'm sure I'll be making a schedule for myself as it gets closer. Wandering around cons, though, has always yielded the most interesting finds for me. I'm looking forward to seeing what surprises it has in store. 

The London Super Comic Convention takes place on February 23rd and 24th at the Excel Centre, London. Get yourself some tickets and we'll see you at the bar.

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Pine Promises Star Trek 2 Bromance

From Holmes and Watson to Frodo and Samwise, we love a good bromance.

So we're chuffed to bits to hear Chris Pine reveal that Star Trek: Into Darkness will concentrate on one of the greatest of all time - Kirk and Spock.

The characters might not have got along famously in JJ Abrams first film, but the actor has promised that the relationship between the pair will play a key role in the upcoming sequel.

"The definition of who these two people are definitely comes to bear in this film. It's central to what happens in the story," he told MTV.

"Spock is a logical man of cold reason who is run by laws, regulations and prescriptions. Kirk is a guttural, by-the-heart, instinctive and impulsive guy. Those two ways of looking at the world are central to these characters and their journey."

Zachary Quinto went on to reveal that Benedict Cumberbatch's villain John Harrison is a formidable foe for the heroes of the Enterprise.

"There's reason to worry," he warned. "There is an insidiousness and ruthlessness and fierce intelligence to him that almost undermines the interconnectivity of the crew. The stakes are much higher."

And for his part, Abrams is convinced we'll be weeping by the time the credits roll.

"The goal of this movie is to make you cry," he said. "If the movie does its job, then by the end of the movie, you will have had a reaction involving the eyes. If the movie works, then there's definitely an emotional component.

"[It is] very much about hope, about love, about romance, and about facing something that is truly terrifying and finding a way through the connection of your family and surviving and being stronger afterwards."

Star Trek Into Darkness will be released on May 17.

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Dear James Gunn... Carrey? Sandler? Really?

Last September, we did a tweet on Twitter about how much we love James Gunn after his absolutely adorable announcement confirming he'd been chosen to helm Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy. He then favourited that tweet (see pictorial evidence below), which made us love him more. (Yep, we're that shallow. What of it?)

Then there was the whole hoo-ha over that blog post, an incident which put him at a stern 'Hmm' in our estimations, and the ensuing humble apology, which earned him a couple of notches up again, to 'Oh', or thereabouts.

But now we have a real dilemma. If the latest rumours about Guardians of the Galaxy are true, Gunn could be about to make a mistake that sends him crashing all the way down to 'Ugh' on our scale of approval. But then, if he pulls it off, he could slide all the way up to 'Ooh', or even 'Ahh'.

[Ed's note: We're worried this might've stopped making sense at the end of the first paragraph. Apologies to those mightily confused. We're running on tiredness and tea today.]

What are we talking about? We're talking about the possibility that Jim Carrey and, more controversially, Adam Sandler - Adam Sandler - will star in the movie.

Yeah. You see our problem now, don't you?

We're back at 'Hmm'.

According to Latino Review, insiders are claiming that the pair are in talks. For what roles, nobody knows, though current speculation suggests that Marvel is after Carrey and Sandler's voice talents for Rocket Raccoon or Groot.

Rumours surrounding the casting of Guardians of the Galaxy's main man Star-Lord remain in circulation, with the latest names linked with the role including Wes Bentley, Chris Lowell, and Cam Gigandet. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Krasinski, Garrett Hedlund, James Marsden, Sullivan Stapleton and Lee Pace are also on the list.

Guardians of the Galaxy is scheduled for release on August 1, 2014.

Yes, our love can be bought. No, we're not ashamed.

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Batman Movie Reboot For 2017?

We love Batman. Bruce Wayne, in whatever guise, wins as far as we're concerned.

But, as much as we're fond of The Dark Knight, isn't it kind of overkill to reboot the movie version of the character just five years after Christopher Nolan's epic and genre-defining trilogy starring Christian Bale came to its gripping conclusion?

Rumour has it that Warner Bros is planning on bringing Gotham's hero back in 2017 with a new on-screen incarnation of the Caped Crusader, to be introduced in 2015's Justice League movie (which, incidentally, is likely to serve as the launch vehicle for a bunch of solo DC hero movies including Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Flash).

Is it really necessary?

Well, no. Not really. But Hollywood never let necessary get in the way of anything, did it?

Several actors have already been linked to the role of Batman in both Justice League and the proposed reboot, including Armie Hammer, soon to be seen in Lone Ranger, and Dark Knight Rises actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Speculation persists over whether Man of Steel star Henry Cavill will reprise his role as Superman in Justice League, and if we'll see Ryan Reynolds return as Green Lantern, but no official casting details have been confirmed.

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Sin City 2: Rejoice! For Bruce Willis Is Back!

GG♥SF got very excited when we learnt original co-directors and show runners Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller were teaming up for Round 2 of Sin City. We got even more excited when we learnt the delicious and talented Joseph Gordon-Levitt would be joining much of the original – kick-ass – cast. 

So imagine our excitement levels today when we heard that Robert Rodriguez had confirmed Bruce Willis would be resurrected and returning as embattled cop, Hartigan. Yay! 

Attending the Sun Dance festival to acknowledge the 20th anniversary of his first movie, El Mariachi, Sin City co-director Rodgriguez thrilled fans with news of Willis’ confirmed role, teasing: “"Bruce is back, you'll be seeing him." 

Unfortunately for us, Rodriguez was loath to let another hint about Willis’ involvement pass his lips, but he was more forthcoming about JGL’s character, describing him as "a very cocky gambler who comes in and tries to beat the biggest villain in Sin City at his own game.” 

According to Rodriguez, this action all takes place in the story sequence, "The Long, Bad Night” and it doesn’t sound like things go well for JGL, with Rodriguez going on to state: "You have to start with someone very likable so that you're like, 'No! Not him, not him.” 

As for the actual filming – well, it all sounds a bit fractured to GG♥SF. "The only story we've shot out is one of the intro [stories]. That's completely done," said Rodriguez. However, the other three stories, which all make up "A Dame to Kill For", are being shot in "bits and pieces, as actors become available." 

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" is based on Frank Miller's classic stories, with new tales in which the town's most hard boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more repulsive inhabitants. 

Stories making up the movie include, Just Another Saturday Night, The Long Bad Night and A Dame to Kill For, with the dame yet to be cast. 

Speaking of casting, as well as Brucie, other returning Sin City alumni include Mickey Rourke as Marv, Michael Madsen as Bob, Jessica Alba as Nancy Callahan (tongues back in boys) and Rosario Dawson as Gail. 

As well as new face, JGL, other new additions come in the form of Jeremy Piven, Ray Liotta and Juno Temple. 

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is due out in American cinemas 4 October 2013.

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Emilia Clarke "Excited" For Game Of Thrones Season 3

The first of April is no day for fools this year, unless you count the weirdos who won't be tuning in to the epic third season of Game of Thrones.

And you don't need to take our word for it. The Khaleesi herself, Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) is proper excited.

I've never in my life been more excited to see a season as season three," Clarke declared to Access Hollywood, adding: "It's gonna be good."

But the actress remained coy when questioned further on the secrets of the series, which is based on George R.R Martin's A Storm Of Swords.

"[There's] just so much more [drama]," she teased. "Well, from me, I'm not sure - [you'll] have to wait and see!"

Co-star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister) also described the upcoming season as "amazing", though he admitted that he initially didn't have high hopes for the show.

The Danish actor revealed: "I read the script for the pilot and I thought, 'This is never gonna work' because it was so big and, you've seen the show - it's just so epic that you think, 'How are they gonna shoot this?' and even doing it, I go to work and I go, 'How the hell are they gonna do this?' because we have two full-sized units working, sometimes three, [and we shoot in] four different countries... It's a circus.

"I can say this much: I love doing that show," he continued. "It's just amazing, the writing is amazing.

"When we started, I was just praying we would make it to season three because that was my - that was the season... where everything - a lot of great things happen."

HBO premieres Game of Thrones' season three premiere on March 31 on HBO in the US and it will debut a day later on Sky Atlantic in the UK

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Agyeman Rules Out Who Return

Martha Jones might not have been the most popular Doctor Who companion, but there are plenty of fans who would love to see Freema Agyeman return for a guest appearance.

Well, tough.

The actress has ruled out a cameo for the show's upcoming 50th anniversary, but admitted that she's not totally separating herself from the Whoniverse.

"I'm doing two things for the 50th but nothing to do with being in the drama," Freema revealed in an interview with Crave Online.

"I got misquoted hideously once saying that there are some rumblings going on about being involved in the 50th in terms of the drama. It's not.

"It's in terms of conventions and interviews and things like that, which we're all doing stuff to promote the 50th. We have to. It's the Doctor Who family and we want to."

Steven Moffat has promised that the show will "take over television" later this year, but little else is known about the special episode.

Tenth Doctor actor David Tennant recently refused to comment on The Jonathan Ross Show about rumours that he will appear in a multi-Doctor special, while it has been announced that classic Doctor Who stars Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann will all record a Big Finish multi-Doctor audio drama in celebration of the anniversary.

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Top 5 ‘Coolest’ Super Heroes

On this wintery, snowy day in London, it got us thinking here at GG HQ about the ‘coolest’ super heroes – i.e: ones that use snow and/or ice as their major weapon in battle / super power.

Below are our top 5:

1. Storm
One of our favourite superheroes of all time, Storm comes out on top in this ranking. First appearing in the Marvel series in 1975, she’s one of the most powerful mutants on Earth and now a long standing member of the X-Men. She can manipulate the weather creating tornadoes, thunderstorms, blizzards and hurricanes, along with the ability to flash freeze objects and create wind tunnels strong enough to elevate herself and others. Born as Ororo Iqadi T'Challa, she is the princess of a tribe in Kenya, descended from a line of witch-priestesses that have natural gifts for sorcery. 
We love this quote from her: “I am a woman, a mutant, a thief, an X-Men, a lover, a wife, a queen. I am all these things. I am Storm, and for me, there are no such things as limits".

2. Mr Freeze
Created in 1959 as a super villain in the DC comics, Mr Freeze mainly serves as an enemy of Batman. He is a scientist who discovered a way of cryogenically freezing his terminally ill wife hoping to sustain her until a cure was found. A fight breaks out in the lab he’s working in one night and he becomes engulfed in cryogenic coolants. Consequently he is dependent on sub zero conditions and has to wear a cryogenic suit to keep him alive. He commits crimes in order to fund his research and becomes more and more sadistic as time goes on. We remember him best in Batman & Robin (1997), played by pun loving Arnie, with such quotes as: “Ice to see you”, “chill out” (etc). Brilliant.

3. Iceman
I know, another X-Men, but we couldn’t leave out one of the founding members. Created in 1963, he has the ability to freeze everything around him and can also turn himself into ice. Portrayed by Shawn Ashmore in the X-Men movies, we’re sure that we haven’t seen all of the Ice Man’s capabilities as yet. He is thought to have not reached his full potential. Born as Robert Louis ‘Bobby’ Drake, he first uses his powers by turning a bully into a block of ice after the bully tries to take his date away from him. He ends up in Professor Charles Xavier’s care and becomes a fully fledged member of the X-Men.

4. Jack Frost
Not to be confused with the kid’s movie, or the dodgy ‘thriller’, the Jack Frost that makes the grade here is one of the first creations of Stan Lee in 1941. Jack Frost has the ability to create snow, sleet and ice. Either fashioning sheets of ice into simple structures such as walls etc, or creating snow flurries to disarm his enemies. So far as he can recall he originated in the Arctic with no memory of his past. He later took on the name Blizzard, and in modern Marvel is introduced as an enemy of Iron Man.

 

5. Sub-Zero
It might seem strange to add in a video game character to this top 5, but we think it’s appropriate given the nature of this ranking. One of the original characters in the video game Mortal Kombat in 1992, Sub-Zero has the ability to generate and control ice. He was called Ninja to begin with, but was changed after a member of the design team watched The Running Man where the first villain that Arnie fought was called subzero (not hyphenated). 1995 saw the movie Mortal Kombat, where Sub-Zero was played by a French martial artist.

Those that didn’t quite make the cut:
Thor 

Although we would love to put Thor in all our of top 5 listings, unfortunately he doesn’t quite make this one. He has a strong affinity with the weather (lightning primarily) and his enemies do live on the ice planet (Jötunheim), but Thor has many more powers that would sit above this one.
Superman  

Superman creates the Ice Palace as his temple to Krypton on Earth, but this is just too tenuous for our top 5. He can also breathe freezing air to put out fires and can cool objects to sub-zero temperatures, but again he has many more powers to add to the mix so doesn’t make the cut this time.

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First Official Kick Ass 2 Photo

The first official photo of Kick Ass 2 has been released. Showing Aaron Taylor-Johnson return as Kick-Ass, alongside new addition Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes; the head of a new team of crime fighters, Justice Forever.

Also starring Chloe Moretz (Hit Girl), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (The Mother Fucker), Nicolas Cage (Big Daddy) and Clark Duke (Battle Guy), Kick Ass 2 will be hitting UK cinema screens in July 2013.

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Don Cheadle: Iron Man To Go On “Existential Journey”

There are many choice words we could use to describe Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man - genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist to list but a few. 

Introspective and philosophical would not be two of them. But according to co-star Don Cheadle, this time round we’ll see Stark going on an “existential journey.” 

Cheadle, who plays Stark's friend, James "War Machine" Rhodes, said in a recent interview with E! News: "The tone is there's more of an existential journey that Tony's on trying to come to grips with this thing that he created that is creating him, too."

"Who's really in control? And the toll that it takes on his relationships." 

What kind of madness is this? Are we likely to encounter a forlorn Tony Stark reciting angsty prose, “to be, or not to be?”, “doth mother know you weareth her drapes?”?

Apparently not. 

According to Marvel top exec, Kevin Feige, despite the darker themes, Iron Man 3 “is not a serious movie.”. And Cheadle backs this up, adding in his interview: “And then lot of shit blows up.” 

Hurrah! And we should think so too. 

As well returning stars RDJ and Cheadle, other actors reprising their roles include Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts and Paul Bettany voicing the marvellous Jarvis. A new addition to the cast comes in the form of Sir Ken Kingsley as big bad, The Mandarin. 

Iron Man 3 hits UK cinemas 26 April. Make sure you book your tickets kids – shit's gonna blow.

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Hugh Jackman Looks Badass And Brawny In New Wolverine Pic

He might be currently seen in cinemas doing singing and dancing and some sort of jazz hands malarkey [Editor's Note: We haven't seen Les Misérables, we don't know if there are jazz hands, but there's definitely singing in the trailer], but Golden Globe winner Hugh Jackman proves his vein-popping, macho credentials in the latest image released from The Wolverine.

*Sigh*... singing, dancing, acting... is there anything this guy can't do?

 

James Mangold's sequel will see the character "without a master, without a purpose. Kind of a soldier who is cut loose", according to the director.

"A lot of that story and a lot of beats from that saga are in there, and a lot of characters," he told Entertainment Weekly. "Without being religious about it, I think it's a very admiring adaptation."

Mangold went on to expand on Logan's (Hugh Jackman) arc in the film, which takes place after X-Men 3: The Last Stand, confirming that he spends much of the story isolated.

"I felt it was really important to find Logan at a moment where he was stripped clean of his duties to the X-Men, his other allegiances, and even stripped clean of his own sense of purpose.

"I was fascinated with the idea of portraying Logan as a ronin - the definition of which is a samurai without a master, without a purpose. Kind of a soldier who is cut loose.

"War is over. What does he do? What does he face? What does he believe anymore? Who are his friends? What is his reason for being here anymore? I think those questions are especially interesting when you're dealing with a character who is essentially immortal."

The Wolverine will be released on July 25, 2013 in the UK, and July 26, 2013 in the US.

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S.H.I.E.L.D: The Latest

There's been all kinds of gossip floating around the internet regarding Joss 'The Great' Whedon's upcoming S.H.I.E.L.D pilot of late.

So here it is for you… in neat little bite sized chunks… which is in no way a feature cleverly designed to cover up the fact we haven't gotten around to reporting on a lot of it…

#1. The Series Will Focus On The Humans
What Whedon's well known for, and some might say he does best, is focus on the human story. So it should come as no surprise that the focus of this series will be on those usually in the periphery of the Marvel universe.

"You've got to bring a little bit of spectacle to it - it's gotta be bigger than your average cop show, but at the end of the day it's about the peripheral people," he explained to MTV News. "It's about the people on the edges of the grand adventures."

Whedon went on to confirm that the show's protagonists will not have any special abilities.

"There will be some people with powers, there will be effects - the spectacle of science-fiction story telling - but all played on a very human/small level," he elaborated.

#2. A Series Pick-Up Is Pretty Much A Given
Given the precedent and the popularity of big budget superhero blockbusters, the S.H.I.E.L.D pilot would have to be an epic fail not to get a full series.

ABC president Paul Lee revealed that he's got his fingers crossed at the TCA press tour, telling reporters: "It's not exactly about [Whedon's film] The Avengers but is attached to it. I can tell you it's a great story."

Lee described the spy drama as "intense and epic and... funny and silly".

"[Joss has] just got that ability to be super-entertaining and sort of super educated," he explained. "We'll certainly be investing in it. It's a big franchise for us."

#3. A Nick Fury Cameo Could Happen
Samuel L Jackson is an actor whose caliber would usually be above such small fry as a TV appearance, but he has nonetheless revealed he wants a part in the show.

"I keep hearing about it, and I haven't talked to Joss about it," the actor told MTV.

"But in my mind, I would tend to think that he would, if nothing else, be like Charlie in Charlie's Angels - at least [appear as] the voice!"

#4. Coulson Definitely Lives!
We're absolutely, positively certain that we saw Clark Gregg's Agent Phil Coulson kark it in The Avengers. Loki stabbed him through the chest with a big pointy thingy.

But as it's been confirmed that S.H.I.E.L.D will be set after the events of the movie, we guess we must have been mistaken.

Paul Lee confirmed: "There is no question that it is part of the Marvel Universe. In fact, the story takes place after the battle for New York."

We're looking forward to seeing how they get around that one…

And with that last bombshell, we think we're all caught up. If all goes to plan, we could be seeing the first episode of S.H.I.E.L.D. as early as this autumn. It's all incredibly exciting.

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Whithouse Teases Being Human Series 5

One of the things we love about this genre is that absolutely anything can happen. But there still have to be rules, and Being Human creator Toby Whithouse is adamant that he will follow one in particular in the latest series - dead characters, no matter how loved, are dead.

In a recent interview with SFX, Whithouse revealed that the fifth series finale will feature "cameos from two guests" who featured in Being Human's fourth series, but he absolutely ruled out return appearances from any of the show's former cast, including Aidan Turner, Russell Tovey and Sinead Keenan.

"Mitchell isn't coming back, because he's dead. And so are George and Nina!" he insisted.

So that's that. But the show boss did enthuse about his new big bad, Captain Hatch, played by the ever-fabulous Phil Davis.

"It’s a brilliant performance," he said. "Imbued with such presence and danger, and that effortless evil that Phil does so well. I wrote it, but I’m genuinely chilled by some of the stuff he does. And he’s not afraid of making himself look ghastly.

"Hatch goes through a transformation as we get towards the end, but up until that point Phil was happy to make himself look utterly rancid!"

And for his part Davis seemed pretty pleased with the character, too: "It was irresistible, because it’s so well-written. He’s very clever and very funny. He kills people with a smile on his face – or persuades them to kill themselves.

"I want the audience to enjoy his evil and be scared of him at the same time. I want them to be laughing and then stopping dead."

Whithouse also tantalisingly teased that the series finale will leave us guessing, saying: "There will be much discussion about the end…"

Much as we love Mitchell, George, Annie and Nina, we can't wait to see what's in store for our favourite supernatural misfits.

Being Human, starring Damien Molony, Michael Socha and Kate Bracken, will return later this year.

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Cor Blimey, Check Out Sam Claflin In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

We've long held a torch for scrummy Sam Claflin, but these first images from the upcoming Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, have nevertheless caused us to go all weak at the knees.

This marks our first glance at the actor in character as District 4 victor Finnick Odair, as he poses alongside  Jennifer Laurence's Katniss Everdeen. And surely we can't be the only ones who think he's looking a little sexy in his wetsuit?

And it sounds like he wants to do a good job with the acting, too, describing filming the infamous sugar cube scene, in which Finnick teases Katniss while wearing nothing beyond some strategically placed netting, as “the scariest moment of my life" in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "I’m on Twitter and so many people have been like ‘Don’t mess this up, or we will kill you,’” he added.

We'd wax lyrical about how sweet that is if we weren't too busy thinking about that strategically placed netting... 

Sorry. We'll stop now.

Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland will all reprise their Hunger Games roles in Catching Fire, while Jena Malone and Philip Seymour Hoffman join the cast. 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire hits cinemas on November 22, 2013.

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Del Toro Confirms Dark Universe, But Hulk Is On Hold

Celebrated director and GG♥SF favourite Guillermo del Toro has confirmed that he's involved in upcoming movie project, Dark Universe.

And we can't imagine a more perfect man to helm the movie, which focus on DC Comics' mystical characters.

"I'm working on it," del Toro told IGN. "I'm writing the outline and we're already in talks with a writer. A very, very good writer.

"People are probably going to be happy with who we have chosen. He accepted. I've been courting this writer, who I think is the perfect guy for this job. We're doing it. Hopefully it will happen."

The Warner Bros film's lineup will include Swamp Thing, The Demon, John Constantine, Deadman, The Spectre, Zatara and Zatanna. Del Toro said that he could not choose a favourite character. "You're talking about my childhood," he said.

"The movement for this happened before [The Avengers]," he continued. "They were already galvanized to launch Justice League and they were galvanised to make their universe cohesive... They are really, really, with Superman, very, very confident with what they have.

"They are now feeling they have two pillars. Batman and Superman... There's a foundation that now they can build on."

But with good news, comes a bit of bad, as the director has also revealed that development on his Hulk TV series has stalled.

The Pacific Rim director was attached to a new adaptation of the Marvel Comics property at ABC, revealing in October that he was waiting to meet with a new writer on the project.

But he recently told The Playlist that he has been met with "complete radio silence" since the release of The Avengers.

"I had one more meeting after Avengers with Jeph Loeb from Marvel and he said, 'We're working on it, we're waiting for a writer'," he explained.

"He gave me the name of the writer and their resume and I said, 'That sounds great, let's wait for him', because we had delivered a teleplay and I haven't heard since then."

Huh? Surely there's room at Marvel for both? We're hoping that this is simply a question of prioritising projects, rather than parking this one altogether.

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Will We See A Dr Horrible Sequel In 2013?

With Joss 'The Great' Whedon (all hail, all hail, etc, etc) working his nails to the bone on The Avengers sequel and the S.H.I.E.L.D TV series and, presumably, managing to have himself a life too, we wouldn't have thought that he'd have much time for anything else.

But it seems the word 'workaholic' means nothing to our hero.

The writer/director/genius wants to film a Dr Horrible sequel this year, too.

Blimey. We're weeping for him.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Joss revealed that a follow-up to his 2008 online musical Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is in the works.

"We really want to shoot it [in 2013]," he said. "We feel strong about the idea and we have a bunch of stuff written."

But Whedon, being only human, admits that he may not find the time for his labour of love, quipping: "I have a certain bandwidth issue I am trying to overcome."

Going on to discuss S.H.I.E.L.D, Joss has said he'll be involved in the series as his "schedule allows", explaining that The Avengers 2 is his priority.

"I have to maintain a fine balance between not hurting The Avengers... and [also] not be the guy who shows up once a month and undoes everything that's been done by everyone else," he explained.  

"One of the great things about having worked for so damn long is that there are so many people that I truly trust."
Whedon's brother Jed will work alongside Melissa Tancharoen and Jeffrey Bell on the day-to-day production of S.H.I.E.L.D, which will star Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson, alongside Ming-Na, Elizabeth Henstridge, Iain De Caestecker and Brett Dalton, with Whedon himself serving as executive producer and also direct the show's pilot episode.

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McAvoy Reveals Inner Geek & Gandalf Ambitions

Rejoice, fellow geeks, for today we have news that will make girls the world over very happy women indeed.

James McAvoy is one of us.

The actor admitted his inner geekdom to Total Film, cementing his status as THE PERFECT MAN in the process.

Of course, having starred in comic book adaptations Wanted and X-Men: First Class, it may come as no surprise that Yummy McAvoy has a predilection for the genre but it's nonetheless wonderful to hear.

The admission came when asked by the mag which character he might like to take on next.

“I’d like to play Gandalf,” he revealed, laughing, apparently. (Good God, he's got a sexy laugh. We're extremely jealous of TF's interviewer.)

“It’s called The Silmarillion!” the actor continued, when 'Gandalf: Origins' was postulated. “It’s a collection of poems and songs that chart the ancient history of Middle-earth. My true geek is coming to the fore, but they’re really, really beautiful stories.

“In part of that is the genesis of Gandalf, or Mithrandir, or Stormcrow, or any of his many, many names. Anyway, maybe that’s the one!”

Did you read that? His TRUE GEEK. It's enough to send us to a beautiful fantasy land… *sigh*. He should totally call us to discuss.

Our overactive imaginations aside, the thought of McAvoy as Young Gandalf is certainly something for Peter Jackson to ponder. If anyone's got the acting chops to live up to the awesome precedent set by Sir Ian McKellen, it's this man. 

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Star Trek: Into Darkness - New Pics!

The world is waiting to see what J.J Abrams has in store for us this May, when Star Trek: Into Darkness finally arrives in cinemas.

And if these new images are anything to go by, it's a whole lot of action as we see Kirk (Chris Pine) aiming a Phaser, Spock (Zachary Quinto) fleeing an explosion, and Simon Pegg's Scotty doing his best worried/scared face.

Star Trek: Into Darkness opens in the UK on 17 May 2013.

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Warren Ellis' Gun Machine: Check Out The Trailer

Warren Ellis piqued our curiosity about his new novel Gun Machine when he spoke about it at Kapow! last May, placing it firmly on our 'must-read' list for this year. 

The story follows Detective John Tallow, who unwittingly stumbles across an apartment filled with guns. Each weapon is discovered to be linked to an unsolved murder, leading the cop into a hidden world of crime that reaches to the very heights of Manhattan society. 

But if the book's intriguing premise hasn't convinced you, maybe the trailer, directed by Jim Batt, narrated by Wil Wheaton and featuring artwork by Ben Templesmith, will. 

It's pretty beautiful. 

Gun Machine was released this week.

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