Joker 2 Set for October 2024
Warner Bros Discovery has set a date for Joker: Folie Á Deux, according to a report from Deadline. The hotly-anticipated sequel to the Joaquin Phoenix-starring Joker is now slated to arrive in theaters on October 4, 2024. Given the title, which is a french medical term from a mental disorder that affects more than one person, many are speculating the film will introduce their version of Harley Quinn. Rumors are that Quinn would be played by Lady Gaga and that the movie might also be a musical. Now we know that fans will find out for sure in a couple years.
Kindt Sets Bang! and Mind Mgmt at Netflix
Two of comic creator Matt Kindt's comic book titles are in development with Netflix, according to a report from Deadline.
Bang! is being developed as a live-action feature film with none other than Idris Elba attached to star. Kindt is co-writing the script with Zak Olkewicz (Bullet Train). David Leitch, known for comic book adaptations like Deadpool 2 and Atomic Blonde is attached to direct. Elba is a producer on the project. Leitch and partner Kelly McCormick are producing under their 87 North banner.
The story involves a secret agent brought out of retirement when a series of novels surface, designed to brainwash its readers.
Another Kindt title, Mind MGMT, is set as a TV series at the streamer. The book involves a case of mass amnesia which leads to a top-secret government program of weaponized psychics, hypnotic advertising, talking dolphins, and seeming immortals. Curtis Gwinn (Stranger Things) is developing the series.
Both books were published by Dark Horse Entertainment. Mike Richardson and Keith Goldberg are producing on both projects for the company.
Garfield Reboot Slated for 2024 Release
Sony Pictures Entertainment has set a release date for its new Garfield movie. The film, which stars Chris Pratt and Samuel L. Jackson, is now slated for theaters on February 16, 2024, according to a blurb on Deadline.
Madame Web Casts Zosia Mamet
Deadline reports that actor Zosia Mamet is the latest addition to the cast of Sony Pictures Entertainment's ambitious Madame Web movie. As with most casting reports on this film, Mamet's role is unknown. The actor was seen most recently in a breakout performance on The Flight Attendant on HBO Max. Madame Web was recently rescheduled for an October 6, 2023 release and is rumored to be a dramatic keystone story in Sony's Spider-Verse.
She-Hulk Abandons Marvel Wednesdays For Thursdays
Since the launch of Marvel Studios' Loki, Disney+ has staked out Wednesdays as "New Marvel Day." Until earlier today, it looked like that trend was going to continue with the premiere She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Now the social campaign for the show announces that the series has been rescheduled. The new premiere date is August 18 (instead of August 17) with new episodes appearing on the streamer every Thursday.
DC's Stargirl Gets Season 3 Poster
With season three of the series on the near horizon, the social campaign for DC's Stargirl has dropped a new piece of promo art. The new image features lead actor Brec Bassinger in full costume, flexing with the cosmic staff. In the background are what look to be video monitors displaying the faces of various allies and enemies.
The network hasn't revealed much about the new seasons other than actor Joel McHale has been promoted to series regular as Starman returns in the present day. Season three starts August 31 on The CW.
The Sandman Desire Poster
We are just days away from the streaming release of The Sandman. The social media campaign for the series has issued two new pieces of key art to whet your appetite.
First up is an image of actor John Cameron Mitchell as a character called Hal. More interesting is the next countdown image of actor Mason Alexander Park playing The Endless sibling known as Desire. Watch the new series August 5 on Netflix.
Batgirl Canceled by Taxes
Yesterday's cancellation of the Batgirl movie surprised many. The vague reasons involving the film not fitting into Warner Bros Discovery's new strategy for DC Films did not satisfy chatter on social media, leading folks to speculate that it is really about social justice issues or the poor quality of the product.
Deadline posted a follow-up report on the eleventh-hour demise of both Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, and the underlying reasons are a bit more rational. While its true that WBD wants to prioritize theatrical for DC Films, the other prevailing reason is: taxes.
With the recent merger of Discovery and Warner Bros, the new company has a window of opportunity through the middle of August to exercise "purchase accounting." The practice allows WBD to erase certain losses via this maneuver, which carries significant tax benefits. Cutting the films now will save WBD tens of millions down the road.
