Category Archives: Marvel

A Day With the Cast of Ant-Man and the Wasp

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A Day With the Cast of Ant-Man and the Wasp

By Jonelle

When I was offered the opportunity to preview Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp and attend the press junket, I jumped on the chance to do so. I’ve loved Paul Rudd way back to the TV show Sisters. Not many people will remember that show. The first Ant-Man was hilarious. Paul Rudd in Civil War was amazing, I think one of the best things about that film. I was excited to see the movie and listen to the stars discuss their experience working on the film. Ant-Man and the Wasp arrives in theatres everywhere on July 6th!

The press conference was held at the beautiful Langham Hotel located in the picturesque Pasadena, California. Food and drinks were provided before the conference, but I graciously passed. Walking into the conference hall, the very first thing I saw was the giant-sized Hello Kitty Pez dispenser. 

Of course, the most exciting part of the day was seeing the cast. I just was want to say that, what producer Kevin Feige has done for the MCU is wonderful. This is a producer who wants to make movies that fans can love. In attendance were Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Laurence Fishburne, Hannah John-Kamen, Director Peyton Reed and Producer Kevin Feige. I’m not going to lie, I wish Michael Pena would have been there too, he’s so freaking hilarious.

Evangeline Lilly; Paul Rudd; Hannah John-Kamen; Michael Douglas; Laurence Fishburne; Peyton Reed; Kevin Feige.

Just like with the previous Ant-man film, Paul Rudd is one of the writers. He’s very, very funny in the movie. This film is supposed to be sequel to not only the original Ant-Man, but also to Captain America: Civil War. You first see Scott under house arrest for teaming up with Captain America. Scott is just a regular guy trying to make a life for himself and his daughter Cassie. Paul mentioned that he had a daughter roughly Cassie’s age, and that now, she’ll be expecting a slide just like the one built in the movie.

Evangeline Lilly & Paul Rudd. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Considering that this is the first film after the release of Avengers: Infinity War and the big-bad Thanos, Hannah John Kamen was asked about her “villainous” character in the film. She said that she didn’t look at Ava/Ghost as being a true villain. The actors agree that in the MCU good and evil is not always black and white. The “villains” in these stories, like Ghost, have redeemable qualities. Well, maybe not Thanos. Evangeline Lilly mentioned that her seven-year-old likes to “taunt” her by saying how much he loves violent films. She tells her son that there are no such things as bad guys. Bad guys are just good guys who have lost their way and a true hero is the one who “reminds them of their goodness.” Isn’t Scott one of those redeemable guys who lost his way, and now look, he’s a hero himself.

Hannah John-Kamen. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Not necessarily new to the MCU, so-to-speak, but back from the DCU, is Laurence Fishburne. He was the voice of the Silver Surfer in Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He plays Dr. Bill Foster who becomes Black Goliath.

After the press conference, we were taken to another room where we received a tote bag with some goodies. I got a T-shirt, a Wasp action figure and a vintage looking poster for the film.

As many already know, I’m a FunkoPop collector. Once again, Marvel and Funko didn’t disappoint. I am now in a mad search to find the Scott and Hope Ant-Man and the Wasp Pops to add to my collection. They also have a Ghost Pop. Aren’t they just the cutest?

Other merchandise on display included a series of children’s books, Legos and Invicta Limited Edition Ant-Man and the Wasp watches. I remember Little Golden Books when I was a kid. There is definitely a vintage vibe going on. I’m not sure if that was done on purpose or not, but I’m really liking the throwbacks to my childhood.

There was one action figure that looked so lifelike, even down to the abs and facial hair. It’s like they actually did shrink Paul Rudd into a miniature version of himself. This was probably the coolest piece of merchandise, (other than the adorable Funko Pop figures) on hand. I couldn’t stop staring at this one action figure.

Some of the costumes were also on hand. The Wasp’s suit is really the coolest suit worn by a female superhero in the MCU. It’s much cooler than Ant-Man’s suit, hello it has wings. A sentiment stated in the film, by Scott himself.   

Overall the day was amazing. The hotel was beautiful. I had an awesome time getting to hear about the actors’ take on their characters. I loved listening to their banter back and forth.  I loved looking the all the new merchandise on hand, especially the adorable Funko Pop collectables and that amazing replica of Scott Lang, AKA Paul Rudd. You won’t want to miss this one! In theaters everywhere on July 6th, but until then take a look at the trailer below! 

Like ANT-MAN AND THE WASP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marvelstudios  

Follow ANT-MAN AND THE WASP on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntMan  

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ANT-MAN AND THE WASP arrives in theatres everywhere on July 6th!

Marvel’s Black Panther Movie

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Marvel’s Black Panther

By Erin

The time has finally come! The next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther, is out!  In 2016, we welcomed T’Challa/Black Panther to the big screen and he was introduced to us in “Captain America: Civil War,” the record-breaking hit film that pitted the Avengers against one another. When the Black Panther character debuted in the ’60s it was a daring move for the Marvel bullpen of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to introduce this new character, an African character who is smarter than many of the other heroes and is stronger than most of the other heroes. To be able to put that on the big screen fifty years later is incredibly exciting to see!

Over the years, plans for rolling out a “Black Panther” chapter into the Marvel Studios pipeline had been discussed, but it ultimately came to fruitation when Feige opted to showcase Black Panther in “Civil War” as a springboard for a stand-alone feature film, so here we are with this masterpiece.

Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) ©Marvel Studios 2018

“Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, afer the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, he returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to take his rightful place as King. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life. It’s a very powerful film and I wanted to share some fun facts about the film before (or after if you’ve already seen it!) you head out to go see it.

  • Marvel’s Black Panther character made his debut in the comic book world in “Fantastic Four Vol. 1” Issue 52, published in 1966.
  • An important part of the Black Panther lore incorporated into the film is the Dora Milaje, the cadre of strong fierce women who serve as the personal security force to the King and royal family. These tall, statuesque, bald-headed warrior women, who move as one, command attention wherever they go.
  • Led by Danai Gurira’s character, Okoye, the Dora Milaje security force features an international contingent of women from all over the world, including Florence Kasumba who returns to play Ayo, a character that first appeared in Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Civil War.” The Dora Milaje were cast from a pool of actresses, stunt women and Broadway dancers so that each individual Dora could have specialized skills that they brought to the table.

Okoye (Danai Gurira), Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Ayo (Florence Kasumba) Photo: Matt Kennedy© Marvel Studios 2018

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Meet the Cast of the Black Panther!

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Meet the Cast of the Black Panther!

By Erin

Marvel Studios is coming out with one of the most anticipated super-hero films ever; Black Panther, the story of T’Challa, a young African prince who takes on the mantle of King and Super Hero, and the centuries-old legacy that comes with it. T’Challa returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to become king, but when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Long known for its revolutionary creative vision, Marvel Comics has introduced its audiences to a diverse roster of Super Heroes since 1939, most notably with the groundbreaking Black Panther character that made its first appearance in “Fantastic Four Vol. 1” Issue 52, published in 1966. Arriving in theatres everywhere on February 16, 2018, you won’t want to miss this one!

Before going out to see it, check out what the cast had to share with us at the press conference about this amazing film!

In attendance was:

  •         Chadwick Boseman (“T’Challa / Black Panther”) 
  •          Lupita Nyong’o (“Nakia”)
  •          Michael B. Jordan (“Erik Killmonger”)
  •          Danai Gurira (“Okoye”)
  •          Angela Bassett (“Ramonda”) 
  •          Forest Whitaker (“Zuri”)
  •          Andy Serkis (“Ulysses Klaue”)
  •          Martin Freeman (“Everett K Ross”)
  •          Daniel Kaluuya (“W’Kabi”)
  •          Winston Duke (“M’Baku”)
  •          Letitia Wright (“Shuri”)
  •          Director Ryan Coogler
  •          Producer Kevin Feige

Chadwick Boseman. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

The first topic that was discussed was about when Chadwick Boseman got the call to play Black Panther in Civil War, and if he knew that role would end up having a movie based solely around him later on?  

Chadwick: The initial phone call from Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Nate Moore and the Russo Brothers was one where they essentially said, ‘We want to bring your character into the Marvel Comic Universe – as a stand-alone, but this is the best way to introduce him in Civil War.’  So I was aware of it.  And I think when I was shooting Civil War, I was not aware that other people weren’t aware that this was going to happen, because it was such at the forefront of my mind and when we did the introduction at El Capitan.  So – I’m sorry that you didn’t know that. But at the same time, I love the fact that it’s a surprise to people.

Many props were given to the ladies of Wakanda. All the ladies are so powerful, so beautiful, and so regal on that screen.  This film is Black Panther, but could also have been called The Bad-Ass Women of Wakanda.  For real. “The bad ass women of Wakanda” term came from the moderator of the press Junket, Nischelle Turner from E.T. (Entertainment Tonight). Beautiful Angela Bassett plays the queen and she shared how proud she was of the film.

Angela:  I was so pleased that this story, written by Ryan, and Joe Robert Cole, and Marvel, that it supported that. In African culture, they feel as if there is no king without a queen. I think in this story, it highlights the queen, the warrior, the general – the young sister.  I was so proud to have my daughter, and my son there last night, because in their faces, and in their spirit –and they were feeling themselves. And they stood taller after last night.

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