Ronda Rousey as Captain Marvel: What Kevin Feige Thinks
MMA fighter and actress Ronda Rousey has made it very clear that she'd like to play Marvel's Captain Marvel. She first shared her interest in the part during a Reddit AMA, before posting fan art of her as the character to her Instagram.
She's far from the first actor to petition themselves for an uncast Marvel role, and that sort of enthusiasm is something that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige appreciates.
"I love it," he told me of Rousey's campaign during an interview at Los Angeles' Hero Complex Gallery promoting the October 2nd Blu-ray release of Avengers: Age of Ultron. "That happens occasionally, and I think that's a testament more to the strength of the characters."
HBO Considering Potential Watchmen TV Series
HBO is reportedly in talks with Zack Snyder to bring Watchmen to TV.
Collider's sources say that meetings have taken place between HBO and Snyder in regards to the DC Comics property. However, the site has no details about Snyder’s involvement or whether the series would be about the original graphic novel, the later prequel comics or even a sequel.
Snyder directed the 2009 Watchmen film, based on the critically acclaimed Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons comic book. Watchmen takes place in an alternate 1980s timeline, where superheroes have been outlawed or work for the government. It is known for its mature and graphic content. In 2012, DC Comics released a Watchmen prequel series of comic books called Before Watchmen.
No Man of Steel 2 for Mad Max Director
Contrary to prior reports, Mad Max helmer George Miller is not signed on to direct Man of Steel 2.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Miller confirmed that while he did in fact speak with Warner Bros. about possibly directing a movie set in the DC Comics universe, it's highly unlikely that he'll be directing Henry Cavill's Superman.
In fact, Miller would like his next project to be something far smaller in scope. "I hope the next film I make is a very small film without any special effects and not many stunts," he said.
iOS 9.0.2 Fixes Lock Screen Security Issue
The latest update to Apple's iOS 9 quietly addresses an exploit that allowed people to bypass the lock screen.
The flaw was discovered shortly after iOS 9.0.1 released, though even with video evidence, many thought the hack wasn't real. That didn't stop Apple from fixing the issue with the release of iOS 9.0.2, however, because it's often better to be safe than sorry.
On the Apple support page explaining this particular vulnerability, the tech company says that anyone "with physical access to an iOS device may be able to access photos and contacts from the lock screen." At the time, Siri was said to be the way to get through the lock screen, though Apple has since dealt with the problem by "restricting options offered on a locked device."
Activision Aware of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 Issues
Activision has acknowledged the bugs and problems that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 players are encountering in the sports game.
A company representative provided IGN with the following statement: "We are aware of the issues that players have experienced following the launch of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 and are working with the developer to address these so that we can continue to improve the gameplay experience for all of the Tony Hawk fans who have known and loved this franchise for more than 16 years."
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 released earlier this week in North America, immediately receiving a 7.7 GB update that's bigger than the file size of the shipped game. And Activision and developer Robomodo revealed a new art style for the sports game just two months ago.
Marvel Studios Boss Reacts to Anti-Superhero Comments
Superhero movies have been getting some shade recently from high profile directors, with Steven Spielberg predicting the genre will go "way of the Western" and Zack Snyder responding by saying "Batman and Superman are transcendent of superhero movies" versus "the flavor of the week Ant-Man." When I caught up with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige at an event promoting the Avengers: Age of Ultron Blu-ray release, I asked him for his take on the comments.
App Store Update: October 1
Every day hundreds of new apps make their debut on the App Store, and hundreds more are updated or reduced in price. We have sifted through the noise and highlighted those select few that might be worth your attention.
Note: The prices and deals compiled below are accurate at the time we published this story, but all are subject to change.
Shooty Skies – (Freemium)
The developers of Crossy Road take their endless blocky adventures up into the air.
American Horror Story: Hotel Main Title Sequence Revealed
Executive producer and co-creator Ryan Murphy has released the official main title sequence for American Horror Story: Hotel on his YouTube page. The video features creepy (and bloody!) new imagery of the eponymous haunted hotel, with neon-light credits -- and, intriguingly, the Ten Commandments -- interspersed throughout. Check it out:
Hotel is the fifth season in the American Horror Story anthology series, and stars new and returning cast members Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Wes Bentley, Matt Bomer, Chloë Sevigny, Denis O'Hare, Cheyenne Jackson, Angela Bassett and Lady Gaga.
Fast 8: Point Break, Incredible Hulk Directors Eyed
We learned last week that Universal's hunt for a director to helm The Fast and The Furious 8 was moving at a slower pace than the studio had hoped, reportedly due to the scrutiny and demands of producer-star Vin Diesel, who is the face and caretaker of the franchise. Reports at the time suggested Diesel was considering directing the sequel himself since franchise vets Justin Lin and James Wan are unavailable.
Now Deadline reports a rumor that cinematographer-turned-director Ericson Core (Invincible, the Point Break reboot) and Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk, The Transporter, Now You See Me, Clash of the Titans) are in the running to helm Furious 8. The site's studio sources also shot down rumors that Rob Cohen, who directed the first Fast and the Furious, might return to direct the eighth installment.
Halo 5’s Main Theme Now Available Online
The main theme for Halo 5: Guardians has surfaced online.
The track, created by composer Kazuma Jinnouchi, is titled "Halo Canticles" and features the iconic monk chants that have become synonymous with the franchise. Give it a listen, courtesy of YouTube user HALO Memes, below.
Developer 343 Industries has confirmed that its upcoming Xbox One exclusive won't feature a voting or veto system. The game also won't launch with Big Team Battle, though there are plans for it to be added in at a later date.