HBO Comments on Reported Game of Thrones, Ballers Leak
HBO is calling the recent theft of information relating to its programming the result of a "cyber incident."
In a statement, from HBO chairman Richard Plepler to employees, Plepler acknowledged the attack, saying it "resulted in some stolen proprietary information."
Among that information is "some of our programming," Plepler said. While not explicitly stating which programs were part of the leak, EW reports unaired episodes of Ballers and Room 104 have been posted online.
In addition to the programming, material from next week's episode of Game of Thrones has allegedly been stolen, with the hackers threatening to release more information "soon."
In his statement to HBO employees, Plepler promised teams are working to "protect our collective interests."
Dark Tower: What Makes Roland Deschain Special
Fans of Stephen King's Dark Tower series have only a short wait until the long-gestating feature film adaptation finally hits theaters. If you've been following Roland Deschain's adventures through all seven (okay, eight) books, you already know why he's the greatest gunslinger ever. But if you're still not sure what makes this hero such an unstoppable force in the fight against Walter O'Dim (AKA the Man in Black), we've got you covered.
Read on for 12 ways Roland stands out in any crowd. From his unmatched skill with firearms to his regal lineage and impressive proficiency in leatherworking (seriously), Roland truly breaks the mold. But be warned: This slideshow contains tons of spoilers from the books (and possibly the movie, depending on how closely it tracks with the books).
Avatar, Batman: TAS Voiceover Director Retires
Andrea Romano, voiceover and casting director behind dozens of projects including DC Universe Original Movies, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Animaniacs, and the original DuckTales, will retire this week.
Romano's work spans more than three decades of voiceover and animation casting direction, including having personally directed more than 10,000 voice sessions. Though Romano said in a statement she planned to continue working for another two to three years, she has decided to wrap up her current projects over the last few weeks following her diagnosis of optic neuropathy in one eye, which has caused blindness in that eye.
Andrea Romano
Orphan Director Picks Jungle Cruise Over Suicide Squad 2
Disney's upcoming Jungle Cruise movie will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra.
IGN can confirm that Collet-Serra (The Shallows, Orphan) is on board to helm Jungle Cruise, which stars Dwayne Johnson and is based on the Disneyland riverboat theme park ride of the same name.
As noted by Deadline, who first reported on Collet-Serra's involvement, this means the director will no longer be in the running to direct Suicide Squad 2. Earlier this month, it was reported that Collet-Serra was the frontrunner to helm the upcoming DC sequel.
Game of Thrones: Queen of Thorns’ Sharpest One-Liners
There's no doubt that Lady Olenna Tyrell, played superbly by Diana Riggs, is one of the most spirited old survivors in the realm.
Cunning and ruthless, but also clever and kind to those who deserved it, the grand matriarch of Highgarden struggled and schemed her way to wealth and power with a quick wit and a quicker tongue, most recently finding her way to the side of Daenerys Targaryen in an effort to exact vengeance upon House Lannister.
Riggs' performance has delighted us all, and on a series featuring countless acts of malice and misery, Olenna's clever dialogue and piercing words of wisdom gave us some of the show's most memorable encounters. Olenna has a way of pushing through all the niceties, or not-so--niceties, and getting to the heart the matter, often cutting someone down in the process.
Top Comics to Buy This Week: August 2, 2017
With dozens of comic books to choose from, let us show you which are the best coming out this week. Take a look at this list spotlighting our favorite comics that we know are money-well-spent and new books that look cool and are backed by some top-tier talent.
Check out our picks, then head to the comments to let us know what you’ll be buying this week!
By writer Greg Pak & artist Matteo Buffagni | Marvel
Bumblebee Spinoff Begins Production, John Cena Joins Cast
As the first Transformers spinoff Bumblebee starts production today, Paramount Pictures has announced that WWE superstar John Cena is the latest to join the cast.
Cena's role in the movie is unknown for now. The actor, whose film credits include roles in Daddy's Home and Trainwreck, will star alongside Hailee Steinfeld, who's leading the cast as a character named Charlie.
John Cena in Trainwreck
The film is set in 1987, where a battle-scarred Bumblebee is on the run and finds temporary refuge in a random junkyard in a California beach town. The Transformer is then discovered by Charlie, who quickly finds out Bumblebee's definitely not a regular yellow VW bug.
Atomic Blonde’s Box Office Compared to John Wick’s
Atomic Blonde may not have topped the box office in its opening weekend, but the film's debut did overtake one of the movies the Charlize Theron action film has been most compared to — John Wick.
Directed by David Leitch, one half of the directing duo behind John Wick, Atomic Blonde took in an estimated $18.6 million in its debut, while John Wick only pulled in about $14.4 million when it opened in 2014. (Even adjusted for inflation, John Wick wouldn't crack the $15 million-mark for its opening weekend.) With only three days to compare, Atomic Blonde took in approximately $1.5 million more per day of its opening than John Wick did.
The Long Dark Live-Action Movie Adaptation Announced
Developer Hinterland Studio's man-vs-nature survival game The Long Dark is being adapted into a live-action movie, the studio announced today.
Hinterland is partnering with Resident Evil movie series producer Jeremy Bolt, and his production company Bolt Pictures, on the project.
Raphael van Lierop, founder and creative director at Hinterland, will be penning the script. However, no director or actors are attached, and a release date for the film has not been set yet.
"My goal with Hinterland — starting with The Long Dark — has always been to create original entertainment properties that could span multiple mediums, exploiting the storytelling potential of each form," van Lietrop said.
Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! Headed West
Following its debut in Japan earlier this year, Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! will make its way to select theaters in international markets this November.
In partnership with Fathom Events, The Pokemon Company International will show the 20th Pokemon movie, which recounts Ash's earliest adventures from the anime, for two days, on Sunday, November 5, and Monday, November 6.
Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You poster