Thursday December 20th 2018

Top 20 things to know before you go see Aquaman in theaters this weekend:

20. Ocean Master's real name Orm means "snake" in Swedish.

19. During the duel between Arthur and Orm, an octopus plays a drum solo. The octopus is Topo, Aquaman's octopus sidekick from the 1950s-60s.

18. At the start of the movie, when Tom (Curry) is taking care of Atlanna, he uses a bandage over her suit. This would of course do nothing as the bandage has to be on a person's skin.

17. This film marks the fifth collaboration between director James Wan and actor Patrick Wilson.

16. This is James Wan's third non-horror film and his first superhero film.

15. This is the first DCEU film to be shot entirely with digital cameras.

14. Producer Peter Safran's wife Natalia Safran plays the Fisherman Queen.

13. Filming wrapped for Cast and Crew on the 20th of October 2017.

12. This is the sixth film in the DCEU.

11. Dolph Lundgren is the first actor to star in both the Arrowverse and the DCEU.

10. The film's working title was "Ahab", taken from the classic story "Moby Dick".

9. Jason Momoa added blonde highlights and blue contacts to look more like the Aquaman from the original comics.

8. The film is based on Geoff Johns's 2011 "Aquaman" comic.

7. James Wan chose to direct Aquaman over The Flash.

6. Director James Wan cites Raiders of the Lost Ark, Romancing the Stone, and Creature from the Black Lagoon as influences on this film.

5. Nicole Kidman attended her first Comic-Con just this year to promote this film.

4. The budget is estimated at $160,000,000.

3. Although Aquaman unfolds largely in an aquatic world, the film was not shot underwater.

2. You’re not a true Jason Momoa fan until you binge watch the TV show Stargate: Atlantis.

1. Aquaman had absolutely no claim to the throne of Atlantis, because he's not the king's son, but the product of infidelity on the part of the queen.

Sonic the Hedgehog movie already ticking off fans

The Sonic the Hedgehog movie is almost an entire year away and it is already ticking off fans.

They released two posters that caused floods of complaints from fans.

This from a movie that people have been trying to make for almost a quarter of a century.

This is director Jeff Fowler's first full length movie and it's already not going well.

The screenplay is by the team of Patrick Casey and Josh Miller who have also never created a screenplay for a major motion picture.

Jim Carrey will be Dr. Ivo Robotnik, Ben Schwartz will be the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, and James Marsden will be Tom Wachowski.

Going on just that information, what are your feelings on the movie?

https://screenrant.com/sonic-hedgehog-movie-legs-hate-response/

Battlestar Galactica reboot

Jay Basu of The Girl in the Spider’s Web, Charlie’s Angels, & Labyrinth fame will now be the writer for Universal’s Battlestar Galactica reboot.

BSG fans have been split ever since the last installment for the SYFY network.

While some prefer the original version with Lorne Greene playing Commander Adama.

Some of course prefer the much more emo-driven sequel with Edward James Olmos playing his descendant Admiral William Adama.

With this being called a re-boot instead of another continuation of the story, it's anyone's guess which side of the fan-base this will please.

https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1020251-jay-basu-to-write-battlestar-galactica-reboot-for-universal

Live Action Aladdin Blasted

Entertainment Weekly has posted what is being called their most controversial 'First Look' image in a long time.

Will Smith knew it was a brave move to step into the role the late Robin Williams made so iconic.

Now people can't stop talking about how goofy he looks and how the creators should have went with a CGI Genie.

Director Guy Ritchie may be to blame as he wanted Smith to be imposing, but not overly buff.

Which part do you find most laughable? His goatee, ponytail, or single earring?

People are also blasting Mena Massoud's look as Aladdin himself due to his straightened hair.

Do you think this movie will bomb or succeed despite these setbacks?

https://variety.com/2018/film/news/first-look-will-smith-genie-aladdin-remake-1203093253/

Is This Nerdy?

Many of you may not be aware of the classic Jimmy Stewart film Harvey, but I am willing to bet that you have seen it referenced many times.

Netflix is trying to pull off a remake of the movie with with writers J. David Stem and David N. Weiss.

But why should nerds care about this dramedy from December of 1950?

This movie has been referenced in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Field of Dreams, Memoirs of an Invisible Man, The Shawshank Redemption, the show Farscape, Donnie Darko, the cartoon series Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, Bob's Burgers, and several more.

So I ask you all, is this nerdy?

https://deadline.com/2018/12/harvey-remake-netflix-shrek-2-writers-1202521960/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_(film)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042546/

Wednesday December 19th 2018

Marvel Didn’t Cancel Daredevil

Daredevil was canceled by Netflix.

Amy Rutberg played Marci Stahl on Daredevil.

In a recent interview with Inverse she talked about how shocked Marvel was about the cancellation.

“My contacts at Marvel were very surprised. Any of the rumors that it was a Marvel decision are wrong, I think it was purely a Netflix decision. That comes from personal conversations with people high up at Marvel. They were surprised,”

I don't think it could be more clear, but will Netflix ever give an official reason why?

https://www.indiewire.com/2018/12/daredevil-canceled-netflix-marvel-amy-rutberg-1202028447/

With a cast that features Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, and David Harbour as the titular character, I am tempted to just respond with "Needs more Ian Mcshane."

But I say that about anything with Ian Mcshane, and no matter how often it's still true, I will dive a bit deeper here.

It seems that David Harbour lacks the comedic timing to pull off the writers attempts to increase the humor.

This version comes off as darker than the Ron Perlman Hellboy movies, which explains why they tried to increase the comedic relief.

But this trailer makes it seem that there is zero chemistry going on here, but that's just my opinion.

Please click the link in the show notes and let us know in the comments what your thoughts are.

https://youtu.be/PuV92mmp1cU

Should Hakuna Matata Trademark Be Revoked?

Disney trademarked the phrase "hakuna matata" back in 1994 for the now iconic movie The Lion King.

The problem is that it is a common Swahili phrase and has been around for way longer than their copyright.

Which makes it a bit shocking that there is just now a petition for Disney to give up the copyright.

It currently has almost 70,000 signatures with a goal of 75,000 signatures.

With the saying being a part of the culture in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo many are saying that the Trademark should be revoked.

The trademark office has a well set precedent for rejecting applications for common phrases, but can it be taken away decades after?

Or will public pressure force Disney to give up the trademark out of fear of backlash?

https://www.change.org/p/the-walt-disney-company-get-disney-to-reverse-their-trademark-of-hakuna-matata

Steve Dash has died.

The actor and stuntman is most known as the stunt double for Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Part 2.

A former cop who worked as a stuntman and actor beginning in 1977, he had small roles in Wolfen and The Jazz Singer.

That led to work on Sylvester Stallone’s Nighthawks where he met Cliff Cudney.

Cudney hired him to replace Warrington Gillette who was originally scheduled to play Jason in Friday the 13th Part 2.

Some sources have said that he died due to complications from diabetes.

https://celebritydead.wordpress.com/2018/12/19/steve-daskewisz/

Tuesday December 18th 2018

Deadpool Creator Joins Fight To Return Hugh Jackman To Wolverine:

The creator of Deadpool and X-Force is joining the fight to convince Hugh Jackman to become Wolverine one more time.

Ryan Reynolds has been very vocal with his insistence that Jackman play Wolverine again, but Jackman has clearly yet politely declined numerous times.

So in comes Deadpool and X-Force creator Rob Liefeld to try to convince the actor to return.

“Yes, of course, everyone. I am one of those, I even wrote a letter. I’m holding out hope that Hugh Jackman wakes up one morning and goes, ‘Yeah, what was I thinking? I should still be Wolverine’.”

Last month Liefeld posted a lengthy letter to Instagram on the topic.

Dear @thehughjackman just checking in to reassure you per your recent comments that, yes, fans absolutely desire on the deepest possible level of affection and excitement that we can collectively muster to see you return as Wolverine alongside Ryan as Deadpool. Being in the comic business for 33 years and speaking as someone who has crafted a few memorable encounters between Logan and Wade, I can guarantee and confirm an audience and a reaction like nothing you have ever before experienced!! Wolverine is my favorite character in the history of comics, he inspired every aspect of Deadpool’s creation!! Please give some consideration to unsheathing your claws for one more glorious adventure!

Any bets on this all being planned ahead of time and Hugh Jackman has already agreed to do it behind the scenes?

https://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/12/17/x-force-creator-wants-to-see-hugh-jackmans-wolverine-in-the-film/

Top Five Reasons Mortal Engines Bombed at the box office

5. Young Adult is a horrible category:

I don't care what age you are, we all just want a good movie. Yet suits who sit behind desks asking 'What do the kids like?' keep getting it wrong. It doesn't matter if the hero is a teen. If it's a good story people of all ages will go see it. Trying too hard to cater to Young Adult just comes off forced and people of all ages are feeling burn out with how fake it is.

4. The Hobbit:

Sure we all loved Peter Jackson's work on The Lord Of The Rings, but The Hobbit was a disappointment to many. It being stretched to three movies made the plot run a bit thin. Although fans didn't hate it near as much as The Last Jedi, we all know what happened to Solo because of the hatred for the Rian Johnson debacle.

3. Small fan base for the books:

Most are just now hearing about this book series this weekend. So now they will scramble to read the books over the next few months. Meaning that if the books are good enough, it might be a massive hit when it hits streaming outlets.

2. Unknown Cast:

Other than Hugo Weaving, the other cast members lack any passionate fan base.

1. Competition:

With Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, Ralph Breaks The Internet, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald, Once Upon A Deadpool, along with every other movie crowding the box office right now, the movie theater is a brutal cage match with few survivors.

https://variety.com/2018/film/news/peter-jackson-mortal-engines-box-office-flop-1203090907/

Kevin Smith On Spider-Man

Just as we at Nerds Drink Whiskey are massive fans of Kevin Smith, Kevin Smith is a massive fan of Spider-Man.

So much so that he has put together an amazing 20 minute explanation of every Spider-Man movie and tv show.

This may be something that people need to watch three or four times to fully absorb the concentrated information offered.

In fact, many are saying this should be watched before you go see Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse.

The clip is only 22 minutes long, so it will take you an hour and 12 minutes to watch it 3 times.

Good luck!

https://youtu.be/KOnpjyHDQuI

Monday December 17th 2018

This weekend nerd and geek cinema kicked off it's two week takeover with three brand spanking new movies. The competition is going to be fierce and brutal, so some are bound to get buried. Let's take a look at the results.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse made $35,400,000 making it the champion of not just nerd and geek movies, but the box office overall.

Ralph Breaks the Internet gained the fourth spot for the weekend, adding $9,589,000 to its four week total.

Mortal Engines was the victim of this vicious battle raking in only $7,501,000 in its first weekend. The movie is a passion project of Peter Jackson reuniting him with Lord Of The Rings star Hugo Weaving.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald did a solid 5th week making $3,650,000.

Once Upon a Deadpool may be considered a disappointment with only $2,600,000 in its first week, but with it being a re-edit this is nothing but profit.

Next weekend the competition gets even more ruthless with Aquaman, Bumblebee, and Mary Poppins Returns joining the fray.

Please post your reviews of any of these movies in the comments. What movies should we all rush to?

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance cast members and first images:

Want to know who will be the voices involved in the upcoming Netflix prequel of The Dark Crystal? Leading the voice cast are Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nathalie Emmanuel, as Rian, Brea and Deet, three Gelfling heroes. Other Gelfling characters are voiced by Helena Bonham-Carter, Eddie Izzard, Shazad Latif, and many more. Adding their voice talent to The Skeksis & Mystics are Mark Hamill, Keegan-Michael Key, Simon Pegg, Andy Samberg, and several others.

Based on original 1982 production of The Dark Crystal, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a prequel set many years before the events of the original movie.

Netflix has announced a few details of what the plot will be: "The world of Thra is dying. The Crystal of Truth is at the heart of Thra, a source of untold power. But it is damaged, corrupted by the evil Skeksis, and a sickness spreads across the land. When three Gelfling uncover the horrific truth behind the power of the Skeksis, an adventure unfolds as the fires of rebellion are lit and an epic battle for the planet begins."

http://netflix.com/thedarkcrystal

http://www.henson.com

http://www.facebook.com/hensoncompany

http://www.twitter.com/hensoncompany

http://www.instagram.com/hensoncompany

Karen Gillan is out promoting The Party's Just Beginning that she is the director, writer, and star of.

The movie is available on Amazon Prime now, but what we want to talk about are her words about part three of Guardians of the Galaxy.

In a recent interview with People magazine she talked about her role as Nebula and the future of the series without James Gunn.

“Our director won’t be with us any longer but we are excited to continue the Guardians of the Galaxy story and keep delivering to the fans. That’s the most important thing. I don’t have any details as to when [the next Guardians film will come out] but there’s a script in existence.”

There is no way James Gunn is coming back, so who do you think can save the Guardians Of The Galaxy?

https://io9.gizmodo.com/karen-gillan-offers-an-update-on-guardians-of-the-galax-1831132078

Friday December 14th 2018

Stan Lee's Into The Spider Verse Cameo.

Stan Lee has very few of his infamous cameos left.

But his cameo in the just released Spider-man: Into the Spider Verse is a gut puncher.

Some may consider the following a spoiler, but as far as I know it is not.

Miles Morales enters a costume store to buy a Spider-Man suit.

He gets a cheap looking copy of Peter Parker's red and blue suit and wonders if it will fit.

The store clerk is Stan Lee who responds with "It always fits, eventually."

https://www.cnet.com/news/stan-lee-spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-posthumous-cameo-will-warm-your-heart/

Original Hulk Lou Ferrigno hospitalized!

Don't worry, he's out now, and attending events with actor Dolph Lundgren.

Ferrigno just turned 67 last month and looks great for his age.

He ended up in the hospital after a pneumonia vaccine.

He posted on Twitter Wednesday, "Went in for a pneumonia shot and landed up here with fluid in my bicep."

Ferrigno was the star of the late 1970s TV series "The Incredible Hulk" along with Bill Bixby as Dr David Banner.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/14/health/lou-ferrigno-hospitalized-bn/index.html

Avengers Endgame Website forwards to Deadpool?

So for some reason Marvel and Disney didn't think to reserve the websites avengersendgame.com and avengersendgamemovie.com.

So someone going by the Twitter handle @AGuyInChair bought them on the same day Avengers Infinity War hit theaters.

How he figured out the name so early seems unclear at this time.

What is clear is that all he wants from Marvel is two tickets to the premiere of Avengers Endgame.

When neither Disney nor Marvel responded to his offer, he decided to have some fun.

So he had the domains forward to the website for Once Upon a Deadpool.

Ryan Reynolds got involved and things only got more entertaining.

He sent @AGuyInChair a care package featuring the Ryan Reynolds owned Aviator brand gin.

To which @AGuyInChair immediately offered up for anyone who could get him two tickets to the premiere of Avengers Endgame.

Ryan Reynolds responded on Twitter with “This isn’t to say I’m proud of what you did. Just that I happen to love you.”

Still no response from Disney or Marvel though it seems.

https://comicbook.com/movies/2018/12/14/ryan-reynolds-comments-avengers-endgame-domain-redirecting-deadpool/

Thursday December 13th 2018

No Daredevil Until 2020?

Canceled Netflix Marvel Shows Have A Two Year Wait For Disney Streaming Service.

There is a clause in the contract that prevents any Netflix Marvel show from moving to Disney+ until two years after cancellation.

For Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and Daredevil this means the year 2020.

For The Punisher and Jessica Jones this could mean 2021 with their next seasons already in the works.

But with Scarlet Witch, Loki, Winter Soldier, and Falcon shows already planned for Disney+, the timing might be just what the all powerful mouse has in mind.

https://www.geeksofdoom.com/2018/12/13/netflixs-marvel-shows-cant-appear-on-disney-for-two-years

Birds Of Prey movie adds Chris Messina to the cast.

Messina will play the character Victor Zsasz.

Victor Zsasz is known to kill with a knife, cuts a tally in his own flesh to keep track of his kills, and feels that he is doing his victims a favor by freeing them from existence.

Chris Messina is known mostly for playing Danny Castellano on The Mindy Project.

Birds Of Prey is not slated for release until February of 2020.

https://io9.gizmodo.com/birds-of-prey-has-cast-another-intriguing-batman-villai-1830970745

Did you think that Ian Ziering's career was over again now that the Sharknado series is over?

Ziering will play Daniel Cassidy in Swamp Thing for the DC Universe digital subscription service.

The series will not air until sometime in 2019, but is said to be a key recurring role.

The show will also feature Crystal Reed for her second character within the DC Universe (she also plays Sofia Falcone on Gotham).

The series will be written by Mark Verheiden and Gary Dauberman.

https://deadline.com/2018/12/swamp-thing-ian-ziering-daniel-cassidy-dc-universe-series-1202518771/

Doctor Who will not release new episodes in 2019.

The BBC has officially announced that the next series (or what we call seasons in the United States) won't be released until 2020.

BBC News Entertainment Correspondent Lizo Mzimba has said that it is because “Doctor Who has almost uniquely complex filming requirements and a lengthy post-production period.”

The show does seem to be becoming a bigger and bigger challenge to make with recent series getting a reduction of episodes, increasing gaps of time between each series, and even specials becoming less often.

There was even rumors that showrunner Chris Chibnall threatened to leave if he wasn't given more time on the next series.

Do you believe this or do you think it's just excuses?

https://wegotthiscovered.com/tv/bbc-explains-doctor-who-season-12-delayed-2020/

Wednesday December 12th 2018

More cast members have been announced for The Mandalorian.

We already knew that the show will star Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, and is being created by Jon Favreau.

Today they also announced the casting of Giancarlo Esposito, Nick Nolte and Werner Herzog.

Herzog may be best known as a legendary director, but was only added as an actor.

At a rumored cost of $100 million for a 10-episode season, The Mandalorian should be one of the flagship- shows of the upcoming Disney streaming service.

https://techcrunch.com/2018/12/12/mandalorian-pedro-pascal/

Jeffrey Dean Morgan is returning to Supernatural.

Don't get too excited, it's only for episode 300.

He will of course be returning as John Winchester, the father of Sam and Dean Winchester.

Morgan has talked about returning to the show for over a decade.

The last time he was on the show was the Season 2 finale All Hell Breaks Loose.

Part two of that finale aired on May 17th 2007.

Even back then scenes with Jeffrey Dean Morgan had to be filmed weeks in advance using blue screen due to the actor's limited availability.

The 300th episode, titled "Lebanon," will air Thursday, February 7th.

https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/12/supernatural-jeffrey-dean-morgan-300th-episode

They canceled Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Daredevil, and probably The Defenders.

So fans are pretty worried about Jessica Jones and The Punisher.

Well fans have at least one more season of The Punisher as Netflix have added a very short teaser at the end of their official January preview reel.

Immediately after the video was posted, The Punisher himself Jon Bernthal posted an image of him as the character.

Many have connected a lack of social media activity to previously canceled Marvel shows on Netflix.

Will fans talk up this new season of The Punisher enough to get it a season three?

https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/netflix-teases-punisher-season-2

The Predator raked in $160.5 million at the box office after a budget of $88 million when it was released in theaters just a few months ago.

This seems to be impressive enough to get The Predator its own Christmas special.

Ok, it's actually going to be aired as a Holiday Short during BoJack Horseman on Wednesday December 19th.

This will be one day after The Predator is released on Blu-Ray December 18th.

Am I the only one more interested in this short than I was in the fourth sequel to this movie franchise?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/12/18138147/predator-holiday-short

Tuesday December 11th 2018

Today's Nerd News is sponsored by the reindeer you see in the intro of our weekly show.

Those reindeer are handmade by my wife and are for sale!

Just follow the link to the etsy page in the show notes.

It's not too late to get them before Christmas.

They are extremely limited to only a small few made each year.

So buy them now before someone else does!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/652749686/reindeer-with-bells-fawn-brown-legs-move

When it comes to Godzilla: King of the Monsters, much of the press has been focused on Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown.

But the latest trailer makes it seem like the real stars are the bad kaiju poised to battle Godzilla himself.

King Ghidorah, Mothra; and Rodan will of course grab the attention of any Godzilla fan, but will that be enough?

Is this one of those rare cases where even a good story isn't necessary?

Will the battles be epic enough to keep fans happy?

https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/10/18134554/godzilla-king-of-the-monsters-trailer-king-ghidorah-mothra-rodan

Solo: A Star Wars Story just can't catch a break.

First there was that whole director problem (that the movie never really got over).

Then it receives the low box office from fans so extremely disappointed in The Last Jedi.

Now it seems that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has officially disqualified the films score from Oscar consideration.

The reason is that Disney didn't make the November 15th deadline to submit.

Do you sense that Disney is setting this movie up as its scapegoat for the Rian Johnson problem?

https://www.cbr.com/solo-a-star-wars-story-disqualified-from-oscars/

As if Jason Mamoa hasn't already won over the attention of every female on the planet, he just solidified it even more.

In a recent interview with The Mirror he proclaimed that he was constantly crying on the set of Aquaman.

'I was constantly crying. I was raised by a single mother and I'm very connected to my emotions.'

He says he gets his softer side from his mother Coni.

He followed that with 'I'm not going to nor-mally get hired to play those emotional things – and I'm capable of it. I'm just trapped in a big, dumb body!'

So how long do you think it will be until he announces that his next major motion picture is some intense drama with tons of Oscar potential?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6476241/Jason-Momoa-says-constantly-crying-set-Aquaman-gushes-mum-Coni.html

If it seemed like anime is everywhere recently, it might not be your imagination.

The Hollywood Reporter just published a story that says the industry raked in $19.1 billion in 2017.

Streaming was a big reason for this with Netflix, Hulu, and of course Crunchyroll playing a big part.

If someone was just getting into Anime, what would you recommend they start with?

https://comicbook.com/anime/2018/12/09/anime-industry-2017-revenue-profit-popular-money/

Monday December 10th 2018

This weekend had the second lowest box office of the year, but next weekend should be massive.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Mortal Engines, and Once Upon A Deadpool will be released just days from now.

This is followed with Aquaman, Bumblebee, and Mary Poppins Returns on December 21st.

So you can call this 'The calm before the storm.'

Ralph Breaks the Internet still topped the box office with $16,253,831.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald raked in $6,953,846 for the weekend.

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/

Netflix has released a teaser for season three of Stranger Things without releasing a single scene from the upcoming season.

They released the episode titles and that the show will be based in the year 1985.

The show titles announced are “Suzie, Do You Copy?,” “The Mall Rats,” “The Case of the Missing Lifeguard,” “The Sauna Test,” “The Source,” “The Birthday,” “The Bite,” and “The Battle of Starcourt.”

Some speculate that the Suzie mentioned in the first episode is Max Mayfield's mother Susan Hargrove.

Maybe the second episode is a trip to the mall that doesn't go as planned?

It's a pretty safe bet that the last episode will be a big fight against this seasons evil beast.

Please post the most ridiculous predictions possible in the comments.

Let's have some fun with these vague titles.

https://bgr.com/2018/12/10/stranger-things-season-3-episode-titles/

Bumblebee won't be released into theaters until December 21st, but it's already getting a 100% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Since that's only based on 12 reviews, that should be taken with a massive sized grain of salt.

Maybe people are just THAT happy that Michael Bay isn't in charge of the Transformers franchise anymore?

Or could it be that Travis Knight's work on Coraline, ParaNorman, and The Boxtrolls received so much respect that the hopes are extremely high.

Only time will tell if this sixth movie in the Transformers franchise can live up to those high expectations.

Will Bumblebee live up to the hype?

Post your thoughts in the comments.

https://comicbook.com/movies/2018/12/09/transformers-bumblebee-100-percent-rotten-tomatoes/

BUCKETHEADS: A Star Wars Story (2018 Fan Film)

Sometimes a Star Wars Fan Film is released that everyone needs to stand up and take notice of.

BUCKETHEADS is one of these fan films.

Shot in September 2017 in Vancouver, BC, Canada, it had over 76 people directly involved in the project.

The story covers one battle from the Stormtroopers point of view.

Clocking in at 13 minutes and 34 seconds, it is highly recommended.

So please watch it and let us know what you think in the comments.

https://youtu.be/t6GUxb0kCCA

Friday December 7th 2018

Alright, let's face it. The only Nerd News people care about today is that brand spanking new Avengers Endgame trailer.

So for today's Nerd News I present to you Trailer Trash Talk. It's not about that third cousin that loves Five Finger Death Punch, Affliction Wear T-Shirts, and still thinks chicks dig the stench of Axe Body spray. Nope, this is where we talk trash about a new movie trailer! So let's get started!

Watch the actual trailer at https://youtu.be/hA6hldpSTF8

Avengers: End Game will be released on April 26, 2019 instead of the previously announced May 3, 2019 release date.

I encourage you to post your thoughts in the comments, call me out for any mistakes I made, or just fill in the things that I missed.

Thursday December 6th 2018

Kevin Smith Visits Star Wars Set

Kevin Smith recently visited the set of Star Wars nine.

As always, he had nothing but good things to say about it on a show called GMA Day.

As often happens, he got very emotional, and cried after watching a performance many are guessing was Mark Hamill.

"I wept on set because I saw somebody give a career-best performance. Somebody I’ve seen in these movies before. I rolled a tear, it was so darn powerful."

Click the link below to see the entire clip from GMA Day on Slash Film.

https://www.slashfilm.com/star-wars-episode-9-set/

Guillermo del Toro Pinocchio Not For Kids

I can't be the only one who had zero interest in yet another adaptation of the story of Pinocchio.

Then I heard that Guillermo del Toro was the one behind it all, and suddenly I was down right excited.

I am aware that this stop motion version of Pinocchio being done for Netflix is not news.

I also understand that Del Toro being the writer, producer and director of this musical is not news either.

But the part I do find interesting though is that Del Toro is making it clear that this will not be a family friendly version of the age old tale.

“It’s not a Pinocchio for all the family. Of course. Pinocchio during the rise of Mussolini, do the math. A puppet during the rise of fascism.”

Del Toro continues with “He’s a creature that is created through unnatural means from a father that he then distances [himself] from, and has to learn about failure and pain and loneliness.”

https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3536559/guillermo-del-toro-teases-animated-pinocchio-film-netflix-not-family/

Bumblebee director not directing Guardians Of The Galaxy 3

Bumblebee director Travis Knight is not directing Guardians Of The Galaxy 3.

In a recent interview he was blunt in his denial.

"I'm a huge fan of what Marvel did, it's no surprise for anyone to know that as a child I was a huge fan of comics. But no, it's just a rumor!"

So will Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 ever be made?

I still say that Kevin Smith is the only one on the planet that could take the job without massive backlash, but he seems loyal to DC so far.

https://www.comicbookmovie.com/transformers/bumblebee/bumblebee-director-travis-knight-responds-to-reports-that-he-will-direct-guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-a165114

Warwick Davis Not Returning To Leprechaun

Warwick Davis has been a fan favorite across many nerdy film franchises.

He is the most well known Ewok from Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi, Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter movies, and of course the star of the Leprechaun films.

Yeah, he was also Marvin in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Nikabrik in the The Chronicles of Narnia, and so many others, but this isn't just me reading his entire IMDB page.

This is about the one franchise he isn't interested in returning to; Leprechaun.

He will not be in Leprechaun Returns when it hits theaters December 11th.

That role will go to someone named Linden Porco instead.

In a recent interview Davis explained his reason why.

"You know what we did six Leprechaun films and around Halloween people always watch them and love them. Horror is an interesting medium, I think it's different when you have kids, you look at horror in a slightly different way. Since I finished the Leprechaun films I had kids and I see the world through their eyes and to be in a horror movie right now is probably not quite right, I will wait until my son turns 18 and then I'll do some horror again."

https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2462885/warwick-davis-explains-why-he-didnt-return-for-the-new-leprechaun-movie

Wednesday December 5th 2018

Jake Gyllenhaal confirms Mysterio role in Spiderman

Gyllenhaal posted to Instagram today that he is not playing the iconic superhero Spiderman.

This is not news to anyone as there have been set photos of him in the Mysterio costume.

It is however the first time anyone from the movie has officially confirmed Mysterio in  Spiderman: Far From Home.

Spider-Man: Far From Home is scheduled to be released on July 5th, 2019 in the United States.

https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/12/jake-gyllenhaal-confirms-mysterio-role-in-spider-man-far-from-home/

Who is Captain Marvel's cat?

In the comics the cat was called Chewie and named after everyone's favorite Wookie.

In the upcoming movie the cat is called Goose and is named after a revenge loving nerd from Top Gun.

No matter if you call it Chewie or Goose it is a Flerken and has enough tentacles coming from its mouth to make a fan of Japanese anime blush.

Within its body it holds pocket realities, bubbles of space, and time that existed in other worlds.

It can understand human conversation and is helpless if muzzled.

Like my dog Awesome, it can eat anything, but unlike my dog, it won't get sick.

Will Guardians of the Galaxy member Rocket Racoon identify Goose as a Flerken like he did in the comics?

Will Nick Fury lose an eye while gushing over the cute little furball?

My guess is no on both of these.

Look for Goose on the latest Captain Marvel trailer linked in the show notes.

https://youtu.be/0LHxvxdRnYc

Yesterday we reported about how Ryan Reynolds won't give up on Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine.

Today we learn that The Russo Brothers Joe and Anthony have announced that both Deadpool and Xmen will definitely arrive in the MCU.

Being the directors of Avengers 4, they would know.

Disney CEO Bob Iger has also made it clear that it will all fall under one roof.

"I want to be careful here because of what's been communicated to the Fox folks, but I think they know. It only makes sense for Marvel to be supervised by one entity. There shouldn't be two Marvels."

So is Ryan Reynolds fight to get Hugh Jackman back to play Wolverine just a tease of what's to come?

https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a25409449/x-men-deadpool-marvel-mcu-avengers-4-directors/

Tuesday December 4th 2018

No matter how clear Hugh Jackman is about never returning to the Wolverine character, Ryan Reynolds won't give up on the idea.

Earlier on The Ellen Show he told the host that "I would love to do a Deadpool, Wolverine mashup at some point, some kind of Logan thing. I don't know. He's on this kick ball change kick right now. I can't seem to bring him back. I can't seem to bring him back to the violence and mayhem. I'm trying. I talk to him every other day. Every other, other day he takes the call. But yeah, no, it's not really a rivalry. It's war."

Who do you think will win this war of wills? Will Ryan Reynolds convince Hugh Jackman to return to Wolverine one more time?

https://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/12/04/ryan-reynolds-hugh-jackman-deadpool-war/

Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan just adopted both a donkey and an emu.

He may play the villain Negan on The Walking Dead, but he obviously has a soft spot for animals.

The donkey and the emu have been best friends and didn't want to be separated.

The two cuddle up and sleep together and will become frantic and agitated when apart.

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue Founder Jennifer Gordon says they received 2,000 inquiries to adopt the two, but feel that the AMC star has the resources to make sure the two are given the best home.

https://pagesix.com/2018/12/04/jeffrey-dean-morgan-adopting-donkey-and-emu-because-theyre-bff/

Game Of Thrones star Kit Harington says that one decade of his life is enough.

"It was emotional to leave the job, definitely, But I wouldn't say I was sad: If, like me, you go all the way back to the pilot of 'Game of Thrones,' that's almost 10 years of your life."

Although he has made it clear he is grateful for the show that made him famous, there is no chance he would ever go back.

"It was a huge emotional upheaval leaving that family," he said. "But would I want to go back and do more? Not on your life."

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-46370461

It took only three months of filming in New York City, but filming has wrapped on Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker.

This Joker film is a stand alone movie and is not connected with the main DCEU Joker currently played by Jared Leto.

The movie is directed by Todd Phillips, and also stars the legendary Robert De Niro as Murray Franklin.

The movie is an origin story with The Joker's real name being Arthur Fleck.

This has led many to believe that the movie will end with the twist of this being an impostor.

One of the longest running gags of The Joker is that he has no true origin, has no 'real' name, and does everything to keep it that way.

https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1014701-joker-wrapped-production

After the failure of Iron Fist on Netflix, Marvel might be looking to bring another martial arts character to the limelight.

Shang-Chi may not be one of Marvel's most well known comic book properties, but Marvel loves bringing their more obscure characters into the MCU.

Wonder Woman 1984 co-writer Dave Callaham has been hired to write a screenplay.

Callaham is of Chinese descent and a Brown Belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu.

Do you think this will be another smash hit for the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

https://news.avclub.com/forget-iron-fist-marvel-studios-is-making-a-shang-chi-1830839668

So a second slightly less vague trailer has been released for Captain Marvel.

Am I the only one disappointed that they don't show the cat turning into a monster like in the comic?

Also, the cat is no longer named after the most popular wookie, but is now named after Goose in Top Gun.

Although the trailer tries to make it clear that she bleeds blue blood, is Kree, and a hero, take it all with a grain of salt.

Well, except the part where she's the hero. I think we can assume that part is still canon.

Marvel is great at leading us to believe they gave us full spoilers in a trailer, just to make the plot twist in the movie have more impact.

Click the link in the show note to see the trailer for yourself, then post your thoughts below.

https://youtu.be/0LHxvxdRnYc

Hopefully you’ve heard that the Nerds Drink Whiskey Christmas party is on Saturday.

Yes we will have both our shot glasses and low ball glasses to give away.

But we will also have our brand spanking new shirts to give away!

We have tried to make sure we have every size, but get yours before we run out of your size!

We don’t know when we will be able to print up more shirts, so this might be your only chance.

See you on Saturday at Dogger’s then?

https://www.facebook.com/events/188954781983246/

Monday December 3rd 2018

Movies for Nerds and geeks have once again ruled the major motion picture box office.

Ralph Breaks The Internet leads the pack with a total of $25,756,000 for the weekend.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald raked in $11,200,000 during its third week.

Venom is still printing money in the ninth week with a $380,000 weekend total.

But keep in mind that the real invasion is still on the way.

December 14th three movies are unleashed.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Once Upon A Deadpool, and Mortal Engines.

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/

Pollyanna McIntosh revealed that “things are in process” for the Rick Grimes movie trilogy.

The trilogy will be overseen by chief content officer Scott Gimple.

McIntosh also told fans at the Fan Fest San Jose that she assumes that she will be involved.

It is also been strongly hinted that the trilogy will give more detail about the well-equipped helicopter group.

The Walking Dead returns with its back half of Season Nine Sunday, February 10th on AMC.

https://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/2018/12/02/the-walking-dead-rick-grimes-movie-details-helicopter-community-pollyanna-mcintosh-jadis-anne/

So Star Wars Galaxy Of Adventures was launched on YouTube Friday.

There is very clearly a reason why this was launched on Star Wars Kids instead of the main Star Wars outlets.

The videos seemed flooded with comments talking about how the videos were great and would indeed open up Star Wars to a younger audience.

When I tried to watch them, they came off as trailers to a show that would never happen.

They were so short, that there was zero story.

Because they were only select scenes, there was not even what could be called a short story arch.

In short, older nerds need not apply, but let us know in the comments if your kids enjoy them.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDe7m0POuwkL1gwnQ-FVhMw

Saturday December 8th at 1:00 pm the Nerds Drink Whiskey Christmas party begins.

We will be giving away our shot glasses, low ball glasses, and our brand new Nerds Drink Whiskey t-shirts!

Be entertained as the cast of Nerds Drink Whiskey exchange the worst Christmas presents they could find for each other.

And of course there will be whiskey tastings all at Dogger's in Yelm Wa.

We hope you can make it!

https://www.facebook.com/events/188954781983246/

Friday November 30th 2018

Friday November 30th 2018: Episode 20

Would You Eat Lab Grown Meat?

In our science story of the day, The Guardian reports on the future of lab grown meat.

It's estimated that this year Americans will eat about 220lbs of red meat and poultry each.

Forget about the environmental impact, animal treatment, health issues, effects of greenhouse gases, and think about all the outbreaks of e-coli.

I have always been a meat eater myself, but it disturbs me how my food soaks in it's own fecal matter its entire life.

Maybe if we treated our food better, our food would treat us better, then we wouldn't be getting sick so often?

There are tons of startups trying to solve this issue, but so many of us would have to stop being freaked out about our meat being grown in a lab.

Somehow they think that's better than our food being covered in its own waste for most of its life.

Memphis Meats, Future Meat Technologies, Just Inc, and others are leading the charge in developing cell-based meats in its laboratories.

Some investors include Tyson Foods, Cargill, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson.

So I ask you all this question: Would you be open to eating meat grown in a nice clean lab with no risk of e-coli?

Let us know in the comments?

And if any of these companies want to host a tasting challenge event, please get in touch.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/nov/29/meat-poultry-sustainable-affordable-solution-lab-grown

Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures

The original Star Wars trilogy has had many remasters, edits, and re-releases that have been repackaged, and resold to us fans Ad nauseam.

Yet this is the first one that I have to admit I am a bit excited about.

Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures will be the original Star Wars movies re-done as a kids cartoon.

Although most reports say that these shorts will not be a full re-creation of the original trilogy, it will be most classic moments.

The best part is that it will be free and available to everyone on YouTube.

Want more good news? It's available as of today!

https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/28/18116541/star-wars-galaxy-of-adventures-kids-disney-youtube-animated-shorts

DC’s First Latino superhero movie

When Black Panther was released I kept hearing stories of African-American children looking at those movie posters the way I used to look at Super friends.

They had a superhero that they not only look up to, relate to, but also try to model themselves after.

I can't be the only nerd that was left wishing that more young children could have that experience as well.

Something like that can't be done when it's some hand me down like the attempted Ghostbusters reboot.

It has to be its own unique and original thing.

So I am thrilled to hear that Warner Bros and DC comics are developing their first Latino superhero movie with Blue Beetle.

Although Mexican-American teenager Jaime Reyes is the third character to assume the mantle of the Blue Beetle, the movie will focus on this era of the character.

Because of this, the majority of people will be introduced to the character as Jamie Reyes.

The executive producer for this historic stand alone movie will be Zev Foreman.

https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1013285-dc-warner-bros-developing-blue-beetle-movie

Daredevil has been canceled

Deadline has confirmed what we have all feared, Daredevil has been canceled.

“Marvel’s Daredevil will not return for a fourth season on Netflix.”

With Iron Fist, then Luke Cage, and now Daredevil canceled there is not much hope for Jessica Jones and The Punisher?

However, it does seem that there is hope for the character being part of one of the other Marvel shows on the upcoming Disney+ streaming service launching next year.

Netflix added to their statement with “While the series on Netflix has ended, the three existing seasons will remain on the service for years to come, while the Daredevil character will live on in future projects for Marvel”

https://deadline.com/2018/11/daredevil-canceled-netflix-3-seasons-1202511521/

Netflix Marvel Heroes Were Almost In Infinity War

The list of heroes that were in Infinity War was seemingly endless.

But there was an end because they stopped at putting the Netflix Marvel characters in the movie.

/Film’s Peter Sciretta was able to get confirmation from The Russo Brothers at a Collider screening and Q&A recently.

They told him that although they tried, in the end it was too complicated to include the television Marvel Universe.

https://www.slashfilm.com/russo-brothers-q-and-a/

Blade Runner anime series hitting Adult Swim

This new series will be called Blade Runner-Black Lotus.

There will be 13 half hour episodes when the show first launches.

The series will be on both Adult Swim and Crunchyroll, which are divisions of WarnerMedia.

https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/blade-runner-anime-series-adult-swim-crunchyroll-1203047083/

Preacher has been renewed for a fourth season on AMC.

The production will now be moved to Australia however.

Production on Season 4 will begin in early 2019.

Season three has hovered just under a million viewers per episode, which might be the reason for the new location.

The first two seasons are streaming now on Hulu.

https://tvline.com/2018/11/29/preacher-renewed-season-4-amc/

Gloria Katz Has Died

It seems that every day the nerd and geek culture world loses another.

Today we are sad to announce that the writer of the screenplay for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom has died.

Gloria Katz also co-wrote American Graffiti with George Lucas, which many credit with opening the studio doors for the entire Star Wars franchise.

She died after a long battle with ovarian cancer, on her 49th wedding anniversary, at the age of 76.

https://celebritydead.wordpress.com/2018/11/29/breaking-news-15/

Thursday November 29th 2018

Thursday November 29th 2018: Episode 19

Netflix's Lucifer has new new king of hell

Writers posted a photo on Twitter of a script cover page with "[REDACTED]: King of Hell," on it.

The writers then made things even more clear by asking fans to guess who the new king of hell is.

This was the script for episode 10 of the upcoming fourth season.

So who do you think the king of hell is?

https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/11/28/lucifer-season-4-finale-title-teases-new-king-of-hell/

Are Daredevil fans a vocal minority?

There is a loud outcry from fans of Daredevil for a season four.

But data analysis of social media traffic hints that this could be just a vocal minority.

Business Insider hired Crimson Hexagon to do the data analysis.

Most of the cast and crew of Nerd's Drink Whiskey are big fans of Daredevil, so we want Netflix to #RenewDaredevil too.

But when online conversations are down, Netflix tends to cancel shows.

https://www.businessinsider.com/fans-want-netflix-daredevil-renewal-but-data-shows-interest-is-down-2018-11

National Board of Review listed Black Panther as a "Top Film."

Now keep in mind that this was alongside nine other movies.

Marvel is seriously trying for most categories at the Academy Awards.

This will probably increase hope in many circles.

I loved the movie too, but it's not at all the type of movie that gets a flood of Academy Awards.

Discuss the chances Black Panther has at the Academy Awards in the comments.

https://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/11/27/black-panther-top-film-of-year-national-board-of-review/

A major Star Wars Episode 9 leak has happened.

I call it major because there is so much detail that many on the subreddit called it a fake at first.

The leak comes from someone claiming to be an extra on the set, another extra has somewhat confirmed that this person knows things that only an extra would know.

The scene includes Poe, Finn, Chewbacca, Dominic Monaghan's character, Vera Calrissian, and even General Hux.

"A body is seated with a bag over their head. He gets dropped down. Revealed to be a cowering General Hux. He admits surrender and is searched by Domenic who prods him with an instrument and taunts him."

Read the entire leak by clicking the Reddit link in the show notes.

But do you think this is a legit leak or a fake?

https://www.reddit.com/r/starwarsspeculation/comments/9z9i8x/spoilers_episode_9_set_leak_description_will_not/

Kevin Smith blames himself entirely

A fan on Twiiter asked Kevin Smith "Sometimes I wonder what really happened between @BenAffleck and @ThatKevinSmith that made them not talk to eachother."

An extremely bold and sad response from Smith was given.

"If I had to guess? It’s because one of us has a big mouth and told too many candid stories that sometimes weren’t his to tell, and the other one is Ben."

Well, it looks like Kevin Smith blames himself entirely for the fallout, but is ready to offer a humble apology to his old friend.

Is the ball in Ben's court now or is this just the first step Kevin Smith needs to take to repair their friendship?

https://twitter.com/ThatKevinSmith/status/1067197488891867136

Game Of Thrones reunion special for big Boxset only?

The special even included Sean Bean, who fans will remember as Ned Stark.

The reunion special was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland earlier this year.

It was hosted by hosted by Conan O'Brien, but will not air on his show.

The rumor is that it won't air on HBO either.

The only confirmed way to see it will be as part of a major box set after the show ends.

https://www.cnet.com/news/game-of-thrones-reunion-special-officially-confirmed-by-hbo/

So Netflix has announced a live action Cowboy Bebop.

So how many of you are thinking, "Isn't that pretty much just Firefly then?"

There will be ten episodes, but no release date, or starting production date was given.

There was no casting announcements, but they did announce one very important behind the scenes person.

The original director Director Shinichiro Watanabe will serve as a consultant.

Although the Jazz soundtrack is extremely important to fans of the original animated series, original composer Yoko Kanno has yet to be attached to this live action version.

It should also be noted that the press release says "Based on the worldwide phenomenon," which tells me that this is an entire re-boot of the story.

As a huge fan of Firefly, I have been told repeatedly that I should watch Cowboy Bebop.

This announcement tells me that I better start binging it now, so I can complain about this reboot not being as good.

https://media.netflix.com/en/press-releases/netflix-announces-new-live-action-series-cowboy-bebop-based-on-the-japanese-original-animated-series-1

Wednesday November 28th 2018

Wednesday November 28th 2018: Episode 18

It's been just over two weeks since comic book legend Stan Lee passed away on Nov. 12th at 95 years old.

His cause of death has been announced as cardiac arrest with respiratory failure and congestive heart failure as underlying causes.

Aspiration pneumonia was listed as a significant condition contributing to death as well.

Aspiration pneumonia is a complication of pulmonary aspiration. Pulmonary aspiration is when you inhale food, stomach acid, or saliva into your lungs.

I personally experienced stomach acid in my lungs over a decade ago and I hate hearing that this icon of comics suffered with it on his way out.

We can all take solace in the fact that he is no longer in pain.

We will miss you forever Stan Lee. Excelsior indeed.

https://www.eonline.com/news/990930/stan-lee-s-cause-of-death-revealed

Stephen McDannell Hillenburg, the creator of Spongebob Squarepants has died.

He is said to have died of ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

Hillenburg was an American cartoonist, animator, and former marine-biology teacher.

Spongebob Squarepants was not only the longest-running American television series, but the highest-rated show ever to air on Nickelodeon.

Stephen Hillenburg was 57.

https://celebritydead.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/breaking-news-13/

Many years ago Russell T. Davies had an idea for a Doctor Who spinoff called Rose Tyler: Earth Defence.

The concept has now evolved into an audio adventure brought to you by Big Finish.

Billie Piper returns to the role as Rose Tyler for the four audio dramas.

The plot will be more about human stories than the big monsters and aliens she faced before.

Rose Tyler: The Dimension Cannon is set to release in September 2019.

https://io9.gizmodo.com/billie-piper-returns-as-rose-tyler-for-her-very-own-doc-1830660777

Pee-Wee Herman to be on 'Legends of Tomorrow' next Monday.

The episode is called "Hell No, Dolly" and will air December 3rd.

The episode is expected to feature the Legends as puppets, so this should be a perfect fit.

No word on if the actor Paul Reubens will actually be reprising his most iconic role, or playing a new unique character for the show.

Either way, you only have a few days to start binge watching, so you can catch up with the show in time.

https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/11/27/legends-of-tomorrow-season-4-episode-7-pee-wee-herman-cameo/

Netflix announces an animated Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.

Not just that but every major story created by author Roald Dahl.

So this will also include Matilda, The BFG, The Twits, and even Charlie And The Great Glass Elevator!

Also part of the deal is to pull off an imaginative story universe that expands far beyond the pages of the books themselves.

It all begins sometime in 2019... somehow.

https://news.avclub.com/netflix-to-be-your-golden-ticket-to-the-roald-dahl-exte-1830683687

Resident Evil producer Samuel Hadida has died.

He died after what is only being called a 'short illness.'

Hadida was also the producer of Silent Hill and True Romance.

He was 64 at the time of his death.

https://celebritydead.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/breaking-news-14/

Tuesday November 27th 2018

Tuesday November 27th 2018: Episode 17

From the 'Way out of our league' department: NASA reports that Insight has landed on Mars.

Insight stands for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport.

The lander took 7 months to reach its destination on a 300 million mile trip from Earth.

Insight will take two years to study the interior of Mars so that scientists may learn more about 'how all celestial bodies with rocky surfaces, including Earth and the Moon, formed.'

We at Nerd's Drink Whiskey can't pretend to understand it all, but we are in awe at the data gathered, analysed, and used by NASA to make our lives better.  

If this is what you use our tax dollars for, shut up and take my money! Go NASA!

https://mars.nasa.gov/news/8392/nasa-insight-lander-arrives-on-martian-surface/?site=insight

Tom Baker to release a Doctor Who novel.

The book will be based on a Doctor Who script that he helped write.

The original script was written with co-star Ian Marter while Baker was playing his role as the 4th Doctor.

The name of the book will be Doctor Who: Scratchman.

The story is said to cover the time of the 4th Doctor, so old school fans of the long running series should be thrilled at the news.

The book will be released on January 24th of 2019.

https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/25/18111578/tom-baker-fourth-doctor-who-scratchman-script-novel

Screenwriter Terry Rossio is in serious hot water after using a racial slur on his Twitter account.

Although mostly known for being a writer on Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Shrek, he also has writing credits on the upcoming (and controversial right out of the gate) Jonny Quest.

In a response on Twitter the writer compared being called an anti-vaxer to being called the 'n-word.'

Rossio is against vaccinating children, but it's the comparison that is causing the backlash.

Disney has fired Guardians Of The Galaxy writer and director James Gunn, celebrated novelist Chuck Wendig, and others very recently for less controversial things said on the same social network.

Disney has yet to announce if they will respond to the use of this racial slur with the same level of authority.

More importantly, no word on if Warner Brothers will still trust Terry Rossio to handle the character Hadji with the racial sensitivity necessary in the recently announced Jonny Quest reboot.

https://ew.com/movies/2018/11/26/pirates-of-the-caribbean-n-word-tweet/

Monday November 26th 2018

Monday November 26th 2018: Episode 16

Box Office Results:

Nerd movies are taking over your local theater.

In celebration, here are the box office totals of movies for nerds:

Venom has dominated with a worldwide total of $822,507,620 after Thanksgiving weekend.

Wreck It Ralph had a solid start with a worldwide total of $125,972,000.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald did horrible in the United States during its two weeks, but has a worldwide total of $439,717,238.

And keep in mind that Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) will hit theaters December 14th.

The very next week both Aquaman and Bumblebee hit theaters to ensure Nerds and Geeks don't get bored this holiday season.

Which movies are you most excited about? Feel free to post your reviews in the comments.  

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/

https://www.imdb.com/movies-coming-soon/2018-12/

Obi-Wan Kenobi is movie back on!?

Also, George Lucas will return to make it?

And why is Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson the one to leak this information?

At the DUP Conference he said "Which was the biggest grossing movie last year? Star Wars and where does George Lucas propose to make a follow up about Obi-Wan Kenobi? Northern Ireland."

Is this a course correction while Disney tries to repair the damage of Kathleen Kennedy and Rian Johnson?

Or is it the ravings of a crazy person that isn't aware that Lucasfilm made it clear that the Obi Wan Kenobi movie was dead?

It's all speculation at this point, so post your thoughts in the comments below.

https://movieweb.com/obi-wan-kenobi-movie-rumor-george-lucas-directing-ireland-2019/

A Judge Dredd tv show

Rebellion, based in nearby Oxford, is a comic book publisher and games developer

An Oxford based comic book publisher is taking over a print newspaper building to create a movie studio complex.

Rebellion's flagship productions are said to be a Judge Dredd tv show and a movie of extremely cult comic Rogue Trooper.

The studio will include Six soundstages, 220,000 sq ft, and 500 employees.

With such a major studio kicking things off with comic book based storytelling, is about as risky as it gets.

We wish them nothing but luck and it will be a dream if they pull it off.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-46289086

Friday November 23rd 2018

01 The Satanic Temple Settles Case Against Netflix

It looks like The Satanic Temple has settled their case against Netflix.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina used a Baphomet throughout season one, that looked almost exactly like the Baphomet used by The Satanic Temple.

Lucien Greaves of The Satanic Temple has announced that the lawsuit has been “amicably settled.”

The temple will be acknowledged in the credits for episodes of “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” that have already been filmed.

All other details of the settlement are confidential and will not be released at this time.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/22/arts/satanic-temple-sabrina-statue.html

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02 Stranger Things actress UNICEF’s Youngest Goodwill Ambassador

Millie Bobby Brown (who plays Eleven on Stranger Things) is now the youngest UNICEF's goodwill ambassador.

The internationally known actress is currently 14 years old.

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund made the announcement recently.

"Given UNICEF's global role as the world's leading voice for children and young people, to be the

youngest-ever Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF is more than an honor. It's a powerful privilege."

The third season of Stranger Things began production in April 2018, but will not be released until mid-2019 sometime.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/21/millie-bobby-brown-unicef-goodwill-ambassador.html

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03 George R.R. Martin Harassed by Stephen Colbert

George R.R. Martin was recently on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert where the host harassed him a little about his lack of focus on finishing The Winds Of Winter.

Martin just released his 700 page Fire and Blood with the acknowledgement that it's only the first half of his prequel story.

He promised Colbert that he would release The Winds Of Winter before working on the second half of Fire And Blood.

Martin has hinted several times that The Winds Of Winter will be the darkest of the books in the series.

https://ew.com/tv/2018/11/22/george-r-r-martin-game-of-thrones-origin/

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04 Hugh Jackman Is Done With Wolverine

Most of us understand that Hugh Jackman is finished playing the role of Wolverine.

Deadpool's Ryan Reynolds has been trying to convince him to return to the role.

But the actor has stayed firm that no matter how much he enjoyed it, he is done.

"When I saw Deadpool, I was like, wow that's cool. It's just a matter of time. It's a

bit like you're at the greatest party you've ever been at, you've been dancing for an hour

and a half, and then you're just like 'It's time, ok. If I stay any longer, it's gonna get

ugly.' It's like, it's time."

https://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/11/22/hugh-jackman-wolverine-time-to-move-on-x-men/

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05 The Crimes of Grindelwald rakes in $300M

Fantastic Beasts 2 has raked in $300M total so far!

This means that it has already passed its budget of $200 million.

It's six-day domestic total is up to $81m.

This is still well below the $814 million total for the first Fantastic Beasts movie.

In October 2016, Rowling announced that the Fantastic Beasts film series would be comprised of five films.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2018/11/22/box-office-fantastic-beasts-2-tops-300m-as-bohemian-rhapsody-passes-400m/#170940876ab2

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06 Wreck It Ralph On Fortnite

Fortnite has never been above a little bit of a crossover tie in.

In May they made Thanos a playable character.

This being a Wreck it Ralph weekend, it's not shocking that he has been seen in the game.

A Reddit user going by the tag MozzzyyTwitch saw the big guy on a movie screen at the Risky Reels location.

Of course Ralph Breaks the Internet has enough pop culture references to give Ready Player One a run for its money.

https://www.engadget.com/2018/11/22/wreck-it-ralph-fortnite/

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07 Is Venom Sequel Confirmed?

While we hold out hope that Jared Leto's Morbius won't be as disappointing as his Joker, Sony has confirmed a Venom sequel.

The first Venom has raked in $780.2 million so far world wide, so it's not shocking that a sequel is being made.

Morbius will be released on July 10th of 2020, while Spider-Man: Far From Home is scheduled for release on July 5th of 2019.

So the “untitled Sony-Marvel sequel” coming on October 2nd could only be the sequel to Venom.

So we have less time to wait until we see Woody Harrelson devour some scenery as Carnage.

https://news.avclub.com/it-looks-like-sony-just-quietly-confirmed-a-venom-seque-1830599763