Bad Boys 4 in Development With Will Smith, Martin Lawrence

Sony has hired a writer to pen a script for a fourth Bad Boys movie, with the plan for Will Smith and Martin Lawrence to return to the roles. Chris Bremner, who was brought on to rewrite the much-delayed Bad Boys for Life, will write the fourth installment, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Bremner was credited as a screenwriter on Bad Boys for Life with Peter Craig and Joe Carnahan. The report says the fourth movie isn't expected to take as long to get to theaters as the 17 years it took from Bad Boys II to Bad Boys for Life, although THR notes Bremner's schedule isn't completely free; he is currently writing a third National Treasure movie for Disney, among other projects. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/10/bad-boys-for-life-exclusive-seatbelt-clip"] Bad Boys for Life is in theaters now and absolutely demolished Dolittle at the box office. Bad Boys for Life made $6.4 million on Thursday night previews, with shows starting at 4 p.m. It's the best preview number in January history, and box office forecasts have bumped the opening weekend from $38 million to over $50 million. In our review of Bad Boys for Life, we called the movie "good" and said, "if you like the franchise you'll likely love this outrageous sequel." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=59-movies-to-geek-out-over-in-2020&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN who saw Bad Boys for Life yesterday and thought it was awesome.....wait did they say National Treasure 3???!!? HOLY CRAP!!!!

Bad Boys 4 in Development With Will Smith, Martin Lawrence

Sony has hired a writer to pen a script for a fourth Bad Boys movie, with the plan for Will Smith and Martin Lawrence to return to the roles. Chris Bremner, who was brought on to rewrite the much-delayed Bad Boys for Life, will write the fourth installment, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Bremner was credited as a screenwriter on Bad Boys for Life with Peter Craig and Joe Carnahan. The report says the fourth movie isn't expected to take as long to get to theaters as the 17 years it took from Bad Boys II to Bad Boys for Life, although THR notes Bremner's schedule isn't completely free; he is currently writing a third National Treasure movie for Disney, among other projects. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/10/bad-boys-for-life-exclusive-seatbelt-clip"] Bad Boys for Life is in theaters now and absolutely demolished Dolittle at the box office. Bad Boys for Life made $6.4 million on Thursday night previews, with shows starting at 4 p.m. It's the best preview number in January history, and box office forecasts have bumped the opening weekend from $38 million to over $50 million. In our review of Bad Boys for Life, we called the movie "good" and said, "if you like the franchise you'll likely love this outrageous sequel." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=59-movies-to-geek-out-over-in-2020&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN who saw Bad Boys for Life yesterday and thought it was awesome.....wait did they say National Treasure 3???!!? HOLY CRAP!!!!

DC Comics Teases the Final Battle Between Batman and Joker

Warning: this article contains some spoilers for recent issues of Batman! [poilib element="accentDivider"] A major showdown is brewing between Batman and the Joker, and DC Comics has given it a name - Joker War. DC's solicitation for Batman #93 gives us our first taste of what Joker War entails. Issue #93 serves as the finale to new writer James Tynion IV's first major story arc, as Batman confronts Gotham City's newest supervillain, the Designer. But even as that battle plays out, Joker is planning his latest and greatest attack on the Dark Knight. [caption id="attachment_2289123" align="aligncenter" width="2062"]Batman #93 cover by Tony Daniel. (Image Credit: DC) Batman #93 cover by Tony Daniel. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Here's the full synopsis for Batman #93: Batman faces off with the Designer as “Their Dark Designs” reaches its epic climax! In the last year, Batman has lost more than he could have imagined, and now he faces a cost so dear it will change the course of his life. And there is worse on the horizon. In the midst of all the horror, he can feel the drumbeat of battle. “Joker War” is coming, and Gotham City will never be the same. Recent issues of Batman actually give us a pretty good idea of what Joker has in store for his arch-nemesis. 2012's Batman: Death of the Family revealed Joker has known Batman's secret identity for years. To date, Joker has never bothered to act on that information, as he doesn't want to spoil his carefully cultivated relationship with Batman. But as shown in Tynion and Guillem March's backup story in Batman #85, Joker has suddenly realized he can use that knowledge to strike at Batman where he least expects. [caption id="attachment_2289139" align="aligncenter" width="936"]Art by Guillem March. (Image Credit: DC) Art by Guillem March. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Batman #86's backup story continues that plot thread, showing Joker systematically destroying his headquarters and killing off his henchmen as he prepares for his criminal master stroke. As far as Joker is concerned, this is going to be his final battle with Batman, and he wants to make it a good one. It's probably safe to assume Joker War will deal directly with the Clown Prince of Crime's decision to target Bruce Wayne. Will Joker leak Batman's identity to the public? Will he declare war on Wayne Enterprises? Whatever happens, it sounds like it's going to be a rough year for Batman. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels-of-all-time&captions=true"] Batman #93 is written by James Tynion IV and drawn by Guillem March and is scheduled for release on Wednesday, April 15. We're expecting Joker War to begin as early as May's Batman #94, likely culminating in Batman #100 later this year. For other big developments in the Batman franchise, see how DC is paying tribute to a fallen hero, find out how Flashpoint's Batman survived and learn which iconic Batman: The Animated Series villain is finally making their DC Comics debut. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/17/unboxing-dc-multiverse-action-figures-from-mcfarlane-toys"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

DC Comics Teases the Final Battle Between Batman and Joker

Warning: this article contains some spoilers for recent issues of Batman! [poilib element="accentDivider"] A major showdown is brewing between Batman and the Joker, and DC Comics has given it a name - Joker War. DC's solicitation for Batman #93 gives us our first taste of what Joker War entails. Issue #93 serves as the finale to new writer James Tynion IV's first major story arc, as Batman confronts Gotham City's newest supervillain, the Designer. But even as that battle plays out, Joker is planning his latest and greatest attack on the Dark Knight. [caption id="attachment_2289123" align="aligncenter" width="2062"]Batman #93 cover by Tony Daniel. (Image Credit: DC) Batman #93 cover by Tony Daniel. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Here's the full synopsis for Batman #93: Batman faces off with the Designer as “Their Dark Designs” reaches its epic climax! In the last year, Batman has lost more than he could have imagined, and now he faces a cost so dear it will change the course of his life. And there is worse on the horizon. In the midst of all the horror, he can feel the drumbeat of battle. “Joker War” is coming, and Gotham City will never be the same. Recent issues of Batman actually give us a pretty good idea of what Joker has in store for his arch-nemesis. 2012's Batman: Death of the Family revealed Joker has known Batman's secret identity for years. To date, Joker has never bothered to act on that information, as he doesn't want to spoil his carefully cultivated relationship with Batman. But as shown in Tynion and Guillem March's backup story in Batman #85, Joker has suddenly realized he can use that knowledge to strike at Batman where he least expects. [caption id="attachment_2289139" align="aligncenter" width="936"]Art by Guillem March. (Image Credit: DC) Art by Guillem March. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Batman #86's backup story continues that plot thread, showing Joker systematically destroying his headquarters and killing off his henchmen as he prepares for his criminal master stroke. As far as Joker is concerned, this is going to be his final battle with Batman, and he wants to make it a good one. It's probably safe to assume Joker War will deal directly with the Clown Prince of Crime's decision to target Bruce Wayne. Will Joker leak Batman's identity to the public? Will he declare war on Wayne Enterprises? Whatever happens, it sounds like it's going to be a rough year for Batman. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels-of-all-time&captions=true"] Batman #93 is written by James Tynion IV and drawn by Guillem March and is scheduled for release on Wednesday, April 15. We're expecting Joker War to begin as early as May's Batman #94, likely culminating in Batman #100 later this year. For other big developments in the Batman franchise, see how DC is paying tribute to a fallen hero, find out how Flashpoint's Batman survived and learn which iconic Batman: The Animated Series villain is finally making their DC Comics debut. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/17/unboxing-dc-multiverse-action-figures-from-mcfarlane-toys"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

Despite the Delay, Cyberpunk 2077 Devs Will Still Have to Crunch

Following the news of the Cyberpunk 2077 delay was an investors Q&A with executive Adam Kiciński where it was confirmed CD Projekt Red developers will be putting in crunch hours to get the sci-fi RPG out by September. During the investor's call, a participant inquired, "is the development team required to put in crunch hours?" Kiciński responded, "To some degree, yes – to be honest. We try to limit crunch as much as possible, but it is the final stage. We try to be reasonable in this regard, but yes. Unfortunately." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/08/27/cyberpunk-2077-gameplay-demo"] In response to another question from the same participant about pushing back the release date, Kiciński elaborated more on why the team decided to delay Cyberpunk 2077 three months ahead of launch. "Why three months before release? Well, we have been waiting and there always comes the moment to decision. We are constantly evaluating the game and we decided if we are to delay this is the right moment, and that with the decision to add five months we would be really sure that we can deliver what we had planned." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=7-cyberpunk-games-to-play-while-youre-waiting-for-cyberpunk-2077&captions=true"] Cyberpunk 2077 was initially set to release on April 16, 2020. It was then postponed to September 17 despite President and CEO Adam Kiciński confirming it's, "complete and playable." The CD Projekt Red executive stated the reason for the delay is needing more time for "playtesting, fixing, and polishing." In the same investor's Q&A, it was also revealed the Cyberpunk 2077 Multiplayer Mode would likely not be playable until after 2021. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-2020-video-game-release&captions=true"] The ethical treatment of game developers has been a major topic of discussion over the years. Vulture's interview with Rockstar Games' VP Dan Houser shed light on crunch culture at Rockstar Games and propelled the issue into mainstream news. Since then, many more stories about game developers and crunch in studios have come to light, including one about CD Projekt Red. With increased awareness of the issue and efforts from game developers to unionize, we may start to see an increase in game publishers and developers taking more time to release their games in the best condition possible. For more on CD Projekt Red's upcoming sci-fi RPG, read up on everything we know about Cyberpunk 2077.

Despite the Delay, Cyberpunk 2077 Devs Will Still Have to Crunch

Following the news of the Cyberpunk 2077 delay was an investors Q&A with executive Adam Kiciński where it was confirmed CD Projekt Red developers will be putting in crunch hours to get the sci-fi RPG out by September. During the investor's call, a participant inquired, "is the development team required to put in crunch hours?" Kiciński responded, "To some degree, yes – to be honest. We try to limit crunch as much as possible, but it is the final stage. We try to be reasonable in this regard, but yes. Unfortunately." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/08/27/cyberpunk-2077-gameplay-demo"] In response to another question from the same participant about pushing back the release date, Kiciński elaborated more on why the team decided to delay Cyberpunk 2077 three months ahead of launch. "Why three months before release? Well, we have been waiting and there always comes the moment to decision. We are constantly evaluating the game and we decided if we are to delay this is the right moment, and that with the decision to add five months we would be really sure that we can deliver what we had planned." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=7-cyberpunk-games-to-play-while-youre-waiting-for-cyberpunk-2077&captions=true"] Cyberpunk 2077 was initially set to release on April 16, 2020. It was then postponed to September 17 despite President and CEO Adam Kiciński confirming it's, "complete and playable." The CD Projekt Red executive stated the reason for the delay is needing more time for "playtesting, fixing, and polishing." In the same investor's Q&A, it was also revealed the Cyberpunk 2077 Multiplayer Mode would likely not be playable until after 2021. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-2020-video-game-release&captions=true"] The ethical treatment of game developers has been a major topic of discussion over the years. Vulture's interview with Rockstar Games' VP Dan Houser shed light on crunch culture at Rockstar Games and propelled the issue into mainstream news. Since then, many more stories about game developers and crunch in studios have come to light, including one about CD Projekt Red. With increased awareness of the issue and efforts from game developers to unionize, we may start to see an increase in game publishers and developers taking more time to release their games in the best condition possible. For more on CD Projekt Red's upcoming sci-fi RPG, read up on everything we know about Cyberpunk 2077.

The Simpsons Voice Actor Will No Longer Play Apu

Hank Azaria, the voice actor responsible for iconic Simpsons voices like Moe, Chief Wiggum, and Comic Book Guy, will be dropping one famous character from his repertoire: Apu. Speaking to /Film, Azaria confirmed that while the future for the character Apu on The Simpsons is still being decided upon, he won’t be voicing the character going forward. “All we know there is I won’t be doing the voice anymore unless there’s some way to transition it or something,” Azaria said. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-best-adult-cartoon-tv-series&captions=true"] Apu is an Indian immigrant in The Simpsons who runs the Kiwk-E-Mart convenience store in Springfield. The character has come under controversy since comedian Hari Kondabolu released his 2017 documentary, The Problem with Apu, which dove deep into the character and representation. Azaria has gone on record to say that he’s seen the documentary and would step down from voicing the character. However, no concrete plans regarding Apu’s future on The Simpsons has appeared. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/08/20/history-of-awesome-the-simpsons"] And even though Azaria says he’ll not be voicing the character, it’s unclear whether Apu will be phased out of the show or if someone else will be voicing the character going forward. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN. You can reach him on Twitter.

The Simpsons Voice Actor Will No Longer Play Apu

Hank Azaria, the voice actor responsible for iconic Simpsons voices like Moe, Chief Wiggum, and Comic Book Guy, will be dropping one famous character from his repertoire: Apu. Speaking to /Film, Azaria confirmed that while the future for the character Apu on The Simpsons is still being decided upon, he won’t be voicing the character going forward. “All we know there is I won’t be doing the voice anymore unless there’s some way to transition it or something,” Azaria said. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-best-adult-cartoon-tv-series&captions=true"] Apu is an Indian immigrant in The Simpsons who runs the Kiwk-E-Mart convenience store in Springfield. The character has come under controversy since comedian Hari Kondabolu released his 2017 documentary, The Problem with Apu, which dove deep into the character and representation. Azaria has gone on record to say that he’s seen the documentary and would step down from voicing the character. However, no concrete plans regarding Apu’s future on The Simpsons has appeared. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/08/20/history-of-awesome-the-simpsons"] And even though Azaria says he’ll not be voicing the character, it’s unclear whether Apu will be phased out of the show or if someone else will be voicing the character going forward. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN. You can reach him on Twitter.

20th Century Studios: Disney Dropping Fox Name, Rebranding Fox Searchlight

The Walt Disney Company is losing the “Fox” part of 20th Century Fox and its other studios as part of a big rebranding maneuver.

Variety reports that 20th Century Fox will be known as 20th Century Studios going forward, while Fox Searchlight Pictures will be Searchlight Pictures. However, no decision has yet been made about changing the names of 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 Television Studios.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/12/14/disney-officially-to-buy-21st-century-fox-for-524-billion-ign-news"]

Searchlight staff have apparently already had their email addresses changed, while the website fox.com will become searchlightpictures.com.

The first films affected by the rebranding will be Downhill, which will release with the Searchlight Pictures name and logo. Call of the Wild will similarly be released as a 20th Century Studios picture.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=fox-movie-and-tv-show-properties-possibly-headed-to-disney&captions=true"]

Disney completed its acquisition of 20th Century Fox in March 2019, making it the most powerful film studio of all time. The merger meant Disney acquired huge names, including the likes of Alien, Family Guy, Avatar, the X-Men universe, and many more.

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Chris Priestman is a freelancer who writes news for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

20th Century Studios: Disney Dropping Fox Name, Rebranding Fox Searchlight

The Walt Disney Company is losing the “Fox” part of 20th Century Fox and its other studios as part of a big rebranding maneuver.

Variety reports that 20th Century Fox will be known as 20th Century Studios going forward, while Fox Searchlight Pictures will be Searchlight Pictures. However, no decision has yet been made about changing the names of 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 Television Studios.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/12/14/disney-officially-to-buy-21st-century-fox-for-524-billion-ign-news"]

Searchlight staff have apparently already had their email addresses changed, while the website fox.com will become searchlightpictures.com.

The first films affected by the rebranding will be Downhill, which will release with the Searchlight Pictures name and logo. Call of the Wild will similarly be released as a 20th Century Studios picture.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=fox-movie-and-tv-show-properties-possibly-headed-to-disney&captions=true"]

Disney completed its acquisition of 20th Century Fox in March 2019, making it the most powerful film studio of all time. The merger meant Disney acquired huge names, including the likes of Alien, Family Guy, Avatar, the X-Men universe, and many more.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Chris Priestman is a freelancer who writes news for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.