WandaVision’s Stan Lee Easter Egg Has Been Confirmed

Warning: Spoilers for WandaVision through Episode 8 follow. [poilib element="accentDivider"] WandaVision director Matt Shakman has confirmed that Episode 7 of the MCU sitcom contained a Stan Lee Easter egg in its opening credits. In an interview with ScreenRant, Shakman, who directed all nine episodes of WandaVision's first season, referenced the blink-and-you'll-miss-it Stan Lee Easter egg hidden within the title sequence of Episode 7, "Breaking the Fourth Wall," after an eagle-eyed fan on Twitter pointed out that the comic legend's birthday (12/28/22) appeared on the Wanda license plate, glimpsed at 4:12. "There certainly are some [Easter eggs] that folks have noticed that are important," Shakman teased. "A certain license plate, perhaps, in an opening title recently. We have to honor Stan Lee, of course." [caption id="attachment_2482072" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image credit: Marvel Studios / Disney+[/caption] "We were very careful about the breadcrumbs that we left, because it is a mystery and a puzzle box," he continued. "You want to make sure that all the pieces of evidence add up. And then there are fun little easter eggs on the side - many of which people have found already, if not all of them, and then analyzed. We were trying to build this story, and make sure that we were putting out all the little pieces that would eventually add up to complete the puzzle." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=wandavision-all-the-marvel-and-tv-easter-eggs-in-every-episode&captions=true"] Various Easter eggs and references to Marvel's storied history have been scattered throughout all eight episodes of the MCU sitcom so far, with WandaVision's second post-credits scene in Episode 8, "Previously On," showing SWORD Director Tyler Hayward activating a copy of Vision, one who looks just like our favorite Synthezoid but for one key difference - he's all white. White Vision appeared in the comics as a reconstructed version of the android character, with his white costume dating back to a 1989 storyline called Avengers West Coast: Vision Quest. Across these pages, Hank Pym attempted to put Vision's dismantled body back together but ultimately failed to restore his artificial mind, resulting in Vision being reborn with no memories or latent humanity. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/27/wandavision-episode-8-wtfs-going-on-with-vision-is-he-a-new-villain-mcu-canon-fodder"] It remains to be seen whether White Vision will be going head-to-head with Wanda's Vision in the season finale of the Disney+ series or whether he could, in fact, help to bring O.G. Vision back to life by assisting him through Westview's Hex barrier. All will be revealed in WandaVision's ninth and final episode, which will be arriving on Disney+ on March 5, 2021 with a "satisfying and also surprising" conclusion. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

WandaVision Parody Sees Jimmy Fallon and Elizabeth Olsen Travel Through Time

Warning: Spoilers for WandaVision through Episode 8 follow. [poilib element="accentDivider"] WandaVision star Elizabeth Olsen joined Jimmy Fallon for a time-hopping comedy sketch on the latest episode of The Tonight Show. The duo teamed up for Wednesday's episode of the late-night talk show to pay homage to the WandaVision series, with a five-minute sketch (aptly titled "FallonVision") transporting Fallon and Olsen through various eras of television. The show's sets and backdrops, wardrobe choices, and presenting styles all appeared to be inspired by different talk shows throughout TV history. The mock interview opens in the 1950s-era with a black-and-white segment that sees Fallon welcoming Olsen to the show, as part of the press tour for her fictitious new movie "The Boxcar Gals and the Fellas From Tulum." The show then shifts through several decades, mimicking the sitcom-surfing concept that debuted in the Disney+ show, and ends with a major twist that we should have seen coming all along. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/03/wandavision-director-reveals-secrets-of-scarlet-witchs-origin"] The season finale of WandaVision is slotted into the Disney+ listings for March 5, 2021, one week after Episode 8 of the MCU sitcom, "Previously On," saw Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) take Wanda on a trip down memory lane, forcing her to revisit some of her most traumatic moments. The episode left us with five theories and three lingering questions, which we hope to have some light shed on this week. However, if the answers don't arrive in the next episode, we might discover more in Marvel Studios' brand new documentary series, Assembled, which is set to start streaming exclusively on Disney+ from March. The show will take viewers "behind-the-scenes of the shows and movies of the MCU, following the filmmakers, cast and crew, and Marvel heroes every step of the way." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=wandavision-all-the-marvel-and-tv-easter-eggs-in-every-episode&captions=true"] The first episode will pull back the curtain on WandaVision, offering fans fresh insight into the production's concept and sitcom influences, filmmaking methods, and the "challenges and ultimate rewards" of performing an entire episode in front of a live studio audience, with exclusive commentaries from Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff) and Paul Bettany (Vision), plus other MCU stars. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Super Nintendo World: Orlando Park Opening Reportedly Delayed to 2025

The opening of a Super Nintendo World theme park in Orlando, Florida has reportedly been delayed by around two years to 2025. The Orlando Sentinel reports that construction work on Universal's upcoming Epic Universe park – which includes a Super Nintendo World area – has recommenced following pandemic-related shutdowns. However Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings told the Sentinel that Universal had now pushed the park's opening to early 2025. Epic Universe construction halted indefinitely last year due to economic uncertainty, but has now begun again. Little is known about the new park, other than that there will be a Super Nintendo World section included. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/18/super-nintendo-world-direct-presentation"] Comcast CEO Brian Roberts discussed the Nintendo park at a Morgan Stanley financial conference: “We have high, high hopes for what it means. It’s a whole interactive gaming experience. We’ve been investing in parks and hotels, so as we look at the next 10 years, it’s hard not to see an exciting road map ahead for the parks business.” The first Super Nintendo World theme park is due to open in Osaka, Japan this year – although the date is still unknown after Osaka Prefecture announced a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Japanese park gives us a good sense of what may be coming from the North American versions, including a gamified visiting experience, Mario Kart and Yoshi rides, and a surprisingly complex layout. Shigeru Miyamoto himself recently offered a virtual guided tour of the park. Aside from the Orlando park, Super Nintendo World will also become a part of Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Singapore. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Rockstar Parent Company CEO Says It Won’t Settle For ‘Simple Ports’ Of Older Games

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar Games parent company Take-Two Interactive, has discussed the company's approach to remasters, saying that it won't settle for "simple ports" of its older games - including the upcoming version of GTA 5 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. As transcribed by VGC, Zelnick made the statement during a Morgan Stanley technology conference, when asked about the importance of remasters for Take-Two going forward. “Remastering has always been a part of the strategy. We’ve done differently than the competition – we don’t just port titles over, we actually take the time to do the very best job we can making the title different for the new release, for the new technology that we’re launching it on," Zelnick said. "We improve the technology, we upgrade the visuals, and we make performance enhancements. And that’s why I think our remastered titles typically do so well.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2011/10/25/breaking-news-gta-5-announced"] Attention then turned to the forthcoming next-generation port of 2013's GTA V, which was revealed back in June of 2020 and will be available for free at launch on PS5. "I’m confident that Rockstar is going to deliver just a great experience, but you can’t do that if you’re just doing a simple port,” Zelnick said. This suggests that Take-Two and Rockstar aren't interested in simply porting their games to modern consoles without, as Zelnick puts it, "making the title different" in some capacity – which could give us an idea of the company's future remaster plans. When GTA V came to Xbox One, PS4 and PC, the GTA Online player cap was boosted, and a first-person mode was implemented, among other features. In other Rockstar Games news, a recent report suggested that a new GTA is in development, with Rockstar reportedly making changes to fix crunch culture. Take-Two Interactive recently reiterated its plans to release 93 games in five years. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Call of Duty: Warzone Leak Suggests Multiple New Modes, Including a Casual Sandbox

A series of Call of Duty Warzone voice lines have leaked, suggesting the game will introduce new 'Plague', 'Exfiltration' and 'Sandbox' modes – the latter of which might include racing activities. As spotted by PC Gamer, ZestyCODLeaks posted the news on Twitter, with a link to a video containing all of the leaked lines. They point towards a trio of new modes which could be introduced in the future, although no dates have been suggested for when they might arrive. "We can't lose Verdansk, find those damn zombies," reads one of the lines related to a mooted Plague game mode. The narration talks about how "Verdansk is lost" and overrun, and there are multiple mentions of "plague zones," the players should avoid. "Extraction cancelled, nuke inbound for Verdansk," barks the narrator, likely when the mission has failed. The suggestion is that players will have to try and reclaim Verdansk from a zombie horde and then exfiltrate. If they fail, the map will be nuked. There are also voice lines related to a Sandbox mode, with lines talking about "an area of operation" full of activities. The voice lines mention an obstacle course and also talk about helicopters and vehicles completing laps, suggesting a racing minigame will be implemented. One of the more curious voice lines reads "reach the finish without touching the ground," suggesting a 'the floor is lava' style course will be playable. The final mode is referred to as Exfiltration in the leaks, with lines ordering players to secure and then "protect the radio until exfil." The radio has a "signal strength" mechanic, and the lines suggest it is an objective item that other players can carry, as one voice line is "take down the radio carrier." Zombies teasers started popping up in Call of Duty Warzone in early February, with Zombies landing in Verdansk with the launch of Season 2. In other Call of Duty Warzone news, Activision recently said that a 500GB PS4 may no longer be able to fit Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/23/call-of-duty-warzone-review"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Disney+ Live-Action Pinocchio Casts Joseph Gordon-Levitt and More

The live-action Pinocchio remake for Disney+ continues to fill out its cast. Cynthia Erivo will play the role of the Blue Fairy for the film, per The Wrap. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also announced as the voice of Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio's wisecracking companion. Other casting news includes Keegan Michael-Key as Honest John, the swindling fox antagonist, and Lorraine Bracco as Sofia the Seagull, a new character that did not appear in Disney's 1940 original animated film. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/11/disneys-pinocchio-live-action-remake-official-teaser"] They join a cast led by Tom Hanks as Gepetto and Luke Evans as The Coachman. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will voice Pinocchio. Director Robert Zemeckis, who worked with Hanks on films like Forrest Gump and Cast Away, is helming the project. Production is set to begin this month and the film will debut on Disney Plus. No release date has been announced yet. Gordon-Levitt is known for his roles in The Dark Knight Rises, Inception and Looper. Last year, he starred in The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Project Power. Erivo starred in Bad Times at the El Royale and Widows. More recently, she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in 2019's Harriet. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-upcoming-disney-live-action-remake&captions=true"] Pinocchio is just one of several live-action remakes that Disney is planning for both theatrical and streaming releases. Emma Stone stars in Cruella, an origin story for the 101 Dalmations villain, which is set to hit theaters on May 28. Other upcoming projects include a follow-up to The Lion King directed by Barry Jenkins and a Beauty and the Beast prequel series. Disney unveiled many live-action reimaginings during the company's Investor Day last December. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

New Nintendo Switch With Larger Screen, 4K Output In the Works

Nintendo is allegedly set to reveal a new model of the Nintendo Switch with a bigger Samsung OLED display later this year that will be able to output 4K ultra-high definition graphics when in docked mode. As reported by Bloomberg, Nintendo is planning to unveil this new model in hopes that the "larger touchscreen can prop up demand in time for the holidays." Samsung Display Co. will start mass production of 7-inch, 720p-resolution OLED panels as early as June 2021 with an "initial monthly target of under a million units." These displays would then be sent to assemblers in July. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/02/how-nintendo-is-winning-next-gen-with-a-last-gen-console"] For reference, the current Nintendo Switch model features a 6.2-inch, 720p-resolution screen. This new screen would look as if you extended the current Switch's screen that replaced most of the black bezel around it. “The OLED panel will consume less battery, offer higher contrast and possibly faster response time when compared to the Switch’s current liquid-crystal display,” said Yoshio Tamura, co-founder of display consultancy DSCC. The report also claims that Nintendo has decided to go with rigid OLED panels for this new model, a "cheaper but less flexible alternative to the type commonly used for high-end smartphones." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-top-25-switch-games-fall-2020-update&captions=true"] This deal will benefit Samsung Display as the market prices for the rigid OLED panels were falling due to excess supply. This will also hopefully benefit Nintendo as this partnership will help them in a time where semiconductor shortages are causing delayed for PS5s, Xbox Series X consoles, and graphics cards. This rumored "Switch Pro," as some have called it, has been in high demand from fans for some time. Nintendo has been tight-lipped about any new model, and Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently said they will not be announcing a new model "anytime soon." IGN asked several industry analysts about their predictions on when and if we'd see a new Switch in 2021 or beyond, and the responses are range from no Switch pro this year to one possible coming before the year ends. Many also believe that Nintendo has no reason to rush out a Switch Pro as the console is still selling incredibly well. Its lifetime sales recently passed 79.87 million - which passes the Nintendo 3DS - and its been the best-selling console for nearly two years. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/01/21/is-a-switch-pro-coming-in-2021-nvc-544"] Nintendo recently held its first Nintendo Direct since September 4, 2019, and it showcased some of the biggest games coming to the Switch in 2021 and beyond. It appears they just may have some other secrets up their sleeves. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Guilty Gear Strive Delayed Until June

Guilty Gear Strive has been delayed until June 11, pushing it two months further back from its previous April 9 date.

ArcSystemWorks made the announcement Wednesday evening, citing feedback from the fighting game’s recent open beta test. ArcSystemWorks says they will use the extra two months to focus on improving online lobbies and server stability.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/21/guilty-gear-strive-i-no-gameplay-reveal-trailer"]

“We believe it best to use the extra time to improve the game’s quality and provide a better experience to all our players. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” ArcSystemWorks said.

Guilty Gear Strive, ArcSystem’s eagerly anticipated next installment in the popular anime-style fighting game series, has already received a relatively positive reception from the fighting game community. FGC members like Justin Wong and Jiyuna have praised the open beta’s netcode, saying it’s allowed for matches with international opponents with little to no lag.

One of the more common criticisms out of Strive’s beta was the game’s lobby system, a confusing social space wherein players must first find other players, whip out a sword signaling their willingness to fight, and then essentially hope the other player doesn’t back out. In short, many players saw it as more obtuse than even what’s come before in previous ArcSystems games, like Dragon Ball FighterZ.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/15/guilty-gear-strive-high-level-gameplay-of-every-beta-character"] Guilty Gear Strive was also previously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing it out of a 2020 release date. If you’re eager for more 2D/3D fighting goodness, here’s 25 minutes of high-level gameplay from the Strive beta. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer for IGN, and his heart is still blazing.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League: All 6 Chapter Titles Revealed

A little over 2 weeks ahead of its release, all 6 chapter titles of Zack Snyder's Justice League have been revealed. With a runtime that will clock in over twice as long as 2017's theatrical version of the project, Snyder has detailed how he specifically structured the lengthy project as six chapters. The film's official Twitter account announced each chapter title through a Twitter thread on Wednesday. Snyder had revealed the titles of the first two parts while speaking at IGN's Fan Fest in February. Spoilers ahead for all of the chapter titles of Zack Snyder's Justice League. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/27/justice-league-inside-the-snyder-cut-with-zack-snyder-ign-fan-fest-2021"] Here are the titles of each chapter.
  • Part 1: "Don't Count On It, Batman"
  • Part 2: "The Age of Heroes"
  • Part 3: "Beloved Mother, Beloved Son"
  • Part 4: "Change Machine"
  • Part 5: "All the King's Horses"
  • Part 6: "Something Darker
While some titles are more vague than others, this news gives fans some hints of what to expect from the film's narrative. Though Zack Snyder's Justice League is organized as individual chapters, it has been produced as a single, cohesive film. The streamer confirmed that the running time of the movie will be 4 hours and 2 minutes. It will feature two-and-a-half hours of unseen footage and won't include footage from Joss Whedon's reshoots for the theatrical version of the film. Zack Snyder's Justice League has seemingly gone through different structures during its production. The director originally revealed the project as a four-part series at DC Fandome last August. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=zack-snyders-justice-league-all-6-chapter-titles&captions=true"] Snyder offered a deep dive into the project during IGN's Fan Fest last month, including announcements of a team-up between Ben Affleck's Batman and Joe Manganiello's Deathstroke and a more fleshed-out arc for Batman. For more details about Zack Snyder's Justice League, read a breakdown of IGN's Fan Fest interview with the director. Zack Snyder's Justice League will premiere on HBO Max on March 18. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

PlayStation Plus Is on a Hot Streak

On this week's episode of IGN's PlayStation show, Podcast Beyond!, host Jonathon Dornbush is joined by Brian Altano and Tom Marks to dive into the new PlayStation Plus lineup, including brand-new puzzle game Maquette, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Remnant: From the Ashes, and Farpoint. The cast discusses PS Plus' latest hot streak, and how PlayStation Plus' games lineups have been faring overall in recent months since the PS5 launched. Plus, we discuss the latest Elden Ring leaks and the hype around the next FromSoft game, and much more! Watch the new episode above! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-ps5-games&captions=true"] Podcast Beyond! is live every Wednesday. For more on PS5, check out our PS5 console review and our PS5 wiki guide for tips on how to best use your system. And for more Beyond, be sure to watch the first episode of our Bloodborne let's play! [poilib element="poll" parameters="id=6dd2b926-8863-4080-99b2-d08eb61f67f6"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.