Category Archives: Optioned Books

Jena Malone To Play Johanna Mason In Catching Fire

Months and months of speculation have surrounded the casting of two key roles in The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire. Thankfully, one mystery is close to be solved. Actress Jena Malone has been offered the role of Johanna Mason in the adaptation and is currently in negations for the part.

Johanna is the female tribute from District 7. Sarcastic and mean-spirited. She is also described as having a “wicked” ability to kill. She reveals that she has no friends or family in District 7 during the 75th Hunger Games, stating “there is no one left I love.” She won her original Hunger Games by pretending she was a weakling and a coward, so no one regarded her as a threat, but when only a few tributes remained, she revealed herself as a vicious killer. Johanna teams up with Katniss, Peeta, and Finnick in the Quarter Quell, bringing Beetee and Wiress with her. Katniss describes her presence as being akin to having an older sister who hates you.

I had never considered Jena for the role but the more I do, the more I like her in the role. I have seen her play mean, sarcastic, as well as vicious. She has the wide range of acting ability to handle the part.

While nothing is completely final yet, it seems things are finally moving forward. The role of Finnick Odair has yet to be resolved with casting rumor still swirling regarding who will land the part.

Catching Fire is scheduled to hit theaters on November 22, 2013.

Justin Long May Be Headed To The Ten O’Clock People

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It has been reported that actor Justin Long is in negotiations for the lead role in the big-screen adaptation of Stephen King’s short story “The Ten O’Clock People.” Long is best known for his roles in the films Galaxy Quest, Jeepers Creepers, Dodgeball, Live Free or Die Hard, He’s Just Not That into You, and Drag Me to Hell, and his personification of a Mac in Apple’s “Get a Mac” advertising campaign. He also appeared in the hit tv series “New Girl.”

Long would play Brandon Pearson in the modernized adaptation. Pearson is a smoker who is trying desperately to quit for health reasons. He soon discovers, however, that there is a horrible aspect of reality that only those attempting to quit (like himself) can see. Many of the people living among us, even those in positions of power (like the VP of the United States) are actually inhuman monsters disguised as people.

The story, published in 1993, comes from King’s Nightmares and Dreamscapes collection. Unlike several of King’s stories which take place in fictional places and settings, “Ten O’Clock People” takes place in the distinctly recognizable Boston, Massachusetts.

Filming will begin Sept. 10 in New York.

Tom Holland (Fright Night, Child’s Play) will direct to feature. Currently there is no word on when the film is expected to hit theaters.

For more information, check out Optionated’s previous coverage of this project here.

Hunger Games Star Jennifer Lawrence Talks New Director

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Catching Fire, the sequel to the phenomenal movie The Hunger Games switched directors at the last minute, with Gary Ross leaving the sequel and Francis Lawrence picking it up. Many fans are worried what this change in vision can do to the much anticipated sequel. To quell fears, actress and star of the first movie, Jennifer Lawrence, has said quite a few nice things about the director and what he has in store.

Jennifer had this to say:

I really like his take, which is a lot of what I liked in [The Hunger Gamesdirector] Gary Ross. It’s the realistic grasp of the story instead of all the details of the imaginary things… The new movie will be very real, which is what I’m excited about.”

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth will reprise their lead roles as Katniss, Peeta and Gale, with Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, and Woody Harrelson also returning to their respective roles.

The coveted roles of Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason have not yet been cast despite several rumors of who is in the running.

The film is set to be released in theaters November 22, 2013.

Comic-Con Full Schedule of Adaptations Panels – July 15th

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The San Diego Comic-Con has posted the schedule for Sunday, July 15. You can view the full schedule of panels regarding adaptations below:

SUNDAY, JULY 15

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con How-to: Publishing Industry: From Manuscript to Industry:

So you have the desire to write a book and get it published, but what does that really mean? Agents, editors, publishers, reviewers, self-publishing, traditional publishing, print on demand, ebooks, foreign language-the list goes on. What does it mean to “write for profit,” and what are the pitfalls to watch out for? Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake gives you some insights into the real world that is the Publishing Industry. Warning: this seminar is not for the weak of spirit. Room 2

10:00-11:00 The Annual Jack Kirby Tribute Panel:

There might not be comic book industry were it not for Jack Kirby…and if you don’t know who that is, you really don’t belong at this convention. Each year, his friends and co-workers gather to talk about Jack and his work and to marvel (no pun intended) at the length and breadth of his influence, not just on comics but on TV, movies, and all the arts. This year, the dais will include Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Stan Goldberg (Marvel colorist), Paul Dini (Batman), and Charles Hatfield (Hand of Fire), all chatting with moderator Mark Evanier (Kirby: King of Comics). Room 5AB

10:00-11:00 DC Comics: Young Justice:

They may be young-but they’re still heroes! Find out what’s happening for The Legion of Super-Heroes, Teen Titans, Blue Beetle, and more as more DC Comics-The New 52 unfolds in this panel featuring Tony Bedard (Blue Beetle), Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), and Scott Lobdell (Teen Titans, Red Hood and the Outlaws). Room 6DE

10:00-11:00 Stunted Fools, Scary-Ass Clowns, Enlightened Orangutans, and Other Devilish Charmers: Humor in Science Fiction and Fantasy:

“The pen is mightier than the sword if the sword is very short, and the pen is very sharp.” And these authors’ pens are…very sharp. But, as The Hitchhiker’s Guide so sagely advises, DON’T PANIC. Humor is everywhere you look in science fiction and fantasy. So wrap your towel around your head to ward off noxious fumes, and join in for an irreverent hour celebrating sly wit and unholy humor with some of the most devilish quipsters, wisecrackers, and satirists writing today. Warning: you will snicker. And you may just laugh out loud. John Scalzi (Redshirts) plays ringmaster to panelists Richard Kadrey (Devil Said Bang), Doyce Testerman (Hidden Things), Rob Reid (Year Zero), Ned Vizzini (The Other Normals), Gini Koch (Alien Diplomacy), Nathan Long (Jane Carver of Waar), and Nick Hurwitch (co-author of So You Created a Wormhole). Room 25ABC

10:30-11:30 Global Sensation Merlin Celebrates Season 5:

International hit series Merlin returns to Comic-Con to celebrate its upcoming fifth season premiere with a presentation of advance footage, a peek behind-the-scenes, and access to its stars and creators. Leading the panel are Colin Morgan, the magical title character of Merlin, and Katie McGrath, the wickedly beautiful sorceress Morgana. The pair will be joined by co-creators and executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, as well as some fan favorite, gotta-be-there-to-see guests. Popular hostess and “writer of all things geek” Jenna Busch moderates the festivities, which will include an eye-opening offering of Merlin’s expansive new entertainment scope, some unique prizes, and a few special-for-Comic-Con surprises from the series that airs in more than 180 countries. Room 6BCF

10:30-12:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #13: Super-Bodies: Overcoming Disability Through Superheroism:

Scott Daniel Boras (Arizona State University) examines the abject bodies of popular depictions of mutants, monsters, and aliens as they emerge in relation to key historical events, and also dominant social tensions that play out on the body. Ultimately, these bodies are depicted as being both utopian and dystopian at the same time, highlighting how even our greatest heroes are also often monsters. Rachelanne Smith (California State University, Sacramento) makes the case that the superhero is directly linked to the classic literary tradition of the flawed hero. The defects in the hero are the means through which we can better relate to and accept him. Using Professor X as a case study, Smith explores the relation between the strength of the hero and his or her corresponding flaw or disability. José Alaniz (University of Washington, Seattle) examines how Marvel’s The Human Fly — “the wildest superhero ever-because he’s real!” — flouts the genre’s usual conventions, possessing no superpowers but overcoming a devastating injury through sheer willpower, and simultaneously challenges and reaffirms accustomed notions of both superheroism and disability. Room 26AB

11:00-12:00 The Chilling Archives of Horror Comics Zombies Panel!:

Blood will curdle and flesh will crawl as IDW/Yoe Books terror team co-editors Craig Yoe (Eisner Award-winning comic historian) and Steve “Karswell” Banes (host of The Horrors of It All vintage comics blog) unearth the lurid, dark history of 1950s comics with an unnerving panel focused on pre-Code horror’s most despicably dead subject-zombies! This hour-long discussion and Q&A is guaranteed to rot your mind! All attendees dressed as a zombie will get a prize! Room 32AB

11:15-12:15 Marvel: Women of Marvel:

From Ms. Marvel to the X-Men, from tumblr to Twitter, women in comics has been one of the most talked-about topics in comics for the last year. Join the conversation as women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel discuss what it’s like working as a woman in comics today and what it means for the future of the industry. These ladies are smashing through the four-color ceiling! Panelists include editors Jeanine Schaefer and Sana Amanat. Room 5AB

11:15-12:15 DC Entertainment: Meet the Publishers:

As co-publishers of DC Entertainment, Jim Lee and Dan DiDio are the driving forces behind DC Comics-The New 52, DC’s digital initiative, Before Watchmen, and much more. This up-close-and-personal panel gives you a chance to step up and ask questions about your favorite comic book publisher’s publishers! Say that five times fast! Room 6DE

12:00-1:00 Comic-Con How-To: The Art of Writing with Gregg Hurwitz:

Actor, author, and award-winning audiobook narrator Scott Brick talks to author Gregg Hurwitz about his work. Hurwitz’s books include The Crime Writer, Trust No One, and You’re Next. He’s also written for comics, including Marvel’s The Punisher MAX and Wolverine and DC’s Batman: The Dark Knight. Room 2

12:30-1:30 Marvel: Amazing Spider-Man:

There’s no turning back for Spider-Man! The Lizard is back, and only Spider-Man has a chance of curing him! Find out all the details on what’s going on with your favorite wall-crawler on the eve of his 50th Anniversary in August. That’s right, Marvel’s editor-in-chief Axel Alonso and others will be taking any and all questions from you, the fans! With earth-shattering announcements that will change the life of Peter Parker for another 50 years, this is one panel that no Spidey fan can miss! Room 6DE

2:00-3:00 Max Brooks: Zombie Survival 101:

Max Brooks, screenwriter and author of bestselling books The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks, is the world’s leading authority on the defense against a ghoulish uprising! Renowned for his campus and convention lectures nationwide, Brooks comes to San Diego Comic-Con to share his insight into the rotting minds of the undead, reveal how the Zombie Survival Guide came into existence, and field questions from zombie-phobic fans! You dare not miss this lecture — your very life may depend on it! Room 7AB

2:00-3:00 Cover Story:

Comic-Con’s annual discussion about the art of the comic book cover. Mark Evanier interviews special guests Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher), Becky Cloonan (Conan), and Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales) about their cover work, including design, execution, and what worked-and didn’t-on some of their very own covers. Room 25ABC

4:00-5:00 15 Years Since Philosopher’s Stone: Harry Potter Fandom in 2012:

Seven books from J. K. Rowling — or ten, depending on how you count — plus hundreds of thousands of fanfics. Eight studio movies — plus dozens of popular fanfilms, musicals, and songs. One theme park — but soon there’ll be three or more! An international museum exhibition — and piles of fan-made shirts, crafts, fanart, CDs and DVDs. An encyclopedic website — and fancons, fan-made wikis, and history courses on the impact of the Harry Potter fandom. We’ll look back at 15 years of Harry Potter fandom and try to predict — better than Trelawney! — where we go from here. Room 6DE

Comic-Con 2012 Adaptations Panels – Full Schedule July 14th

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The San Diego Comic-Con has posted the schedule for Saturday, July 14. You can view the full schedule of panels featuring material that is regarding adaptations or in someway related to past, present, and upcoming adaptions below:

SATURDAY, JULY 14

10:00-11:00 After Earth:

Enter the world of After Earth with an in-depth panel that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the universe of the upcoming film and comic book. With the film now in post-production and set to hit theaters next June, screenwriter Gary Whitta (Book of Eli) and director of photography Peter Suschitzky (The Empire Strikes Back) will discuss the making of the film. They will be joined by comic book artist Beni Lobel (Spanish horror comic anthology Cthulu; G.I. Joe comic books; Torchwood: Web of Lies motion comic), and writers Robert Greenberger (Iron Man, Batman, and Hellboy novels) and Michael Friedman (Star Trek and X-Men novels) — the creators of the comic book After Earth: Innocence, which will introduce Kitai and Cypher Raige (played by Jaden and Will Smith in the After Earth film). Also joining the panel is Eisner Award winner Peter David (Star Trek novels and comic books; The Incredible Hulk), who is writing the After Earth prequel novel and also created the After Earth bible with Greenberger and Friedman.

In After Earth, one thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind’s new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige (played by Will Smith) returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai (played by Jaden Smith). When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai’s craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father. Today, he gets his chance.
Room 6A

10:00-11:00 Planet of the Apes in Comics: Past, Present, and Future:

Planet of the Apes has come back to comics in a big way thanks to BOOM! Studios! Tom Mason (former editor of Malibu’s Planet of the Apes) and current Planet of the Apes editor Dafna Pleban talk with writers Daryl Gregory, Gabriel Hardman, and Corinna Bechko about their critically acclaimed series. Learn what’s next for Planet of the Apes, as well as secrets behind the past of this comic franchise. Room 9

10:00-11:00 Film and TV Production Designers of the Art Directors Guild:

In collaboration with a highly skilled art department, the production designer lays out the design plan that will guide a small army of illustrators, set designers, decorators, carpenters, sculptors, painters, and artisans of every sort in creating small worlds to warm the heart and entire civilizations to fire the imagination. Designers include Suzuki Ingerslev (True Blood), Bill Creber (original Planet of the Apes), Rick Heinrichs (Dark Shadows), Thomas Walsh (Vampires), Dominic Watkins (Snow White and the Huntsman), and moderator John Muto (Terminator 2:3D). Room 25ABC

10:30-11:30 Marvel Television Presents:

Marvel’s head of TV, Jeph Loeb, brings the scoop on season 2 of the hit animated series Ultimate Spider-Man, along with a never-before-seen episode…and a glimpse of the other heroes joining Marvel Universe on Disney XD! Plus, get the update on other hot Marvel Animation Studios projects, including Marvel Knights Animation, Marvel anime-and more surprises from Marvel Television. Room 6BCF

10:30-11:30 Creating Animated TV Series:

What does it take to create an animated series? Do you have to be a writer? An artist or animator? Both? Neither? What do you need to have to pitch an idea, and what are the studios and networks looking for? Members of the Writers Guild of America’s Animation Writers Caucus who have created and developed series, along with network/studio executives who buy them, talk about pitching and answer your questions. Featuring panelists Alan Burnett (The Batman, Green Lantern: First Flight), David Corbett (executive director, North America, RGH Entertainment), Henry Gilroy (Clone Wars, GI Joe: Renegades), Craig Miller (Pocket Dragon Adventures, Beast Wars), Andrew Robinson (Kaijudo: Rise Of The Duel Masters, Young Justice), and others. Room 8

11:00-12:00 Funky Winkerbean’s 40th Anniversary:

Comic-Con special guest Tom Batiuk takes you on a humorous and an informative journey through the Funkyverse as he delves into the origin and history of his syndicated comic strip Funky Winkerbean. Joining him is Alex Sinclair, colorist on DC Comics-The New 52’s Justice League, Green Lantern, Earth 2, and Before Watchmen: Comedian and the talented guy who was the primary colorist on Batiuk’s Pulitzer-nominated book Lisa’s Story. Join Tom and Alex for 40 years of Funky. Room 4

11:00-12:00 Archie Comics: The Hottest Publisher in Comics:

The era of Archie continues! After another year of dominating the headlines with groundbreaking storylines, innovative storytelling, and the best comics on the market, the Archie gang converges on San Diego to reveal what’s next! The panel includes Archie Comics co-CEO Jon Goldwater, co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit, president Mike Pellerito, editor-in-chief Victor Gorelick, cartoonist Dan Parent (Kevin Keller), writer Michael Uslan (Life With Archie), iVerse Media CEO Michael Murphey, MoonScoop Entertainment’s Mike Young, producers Don Murphy and Susan Montford (Real Steel), writer Alex Segura (Archie Meets KISS), writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark), and a handful of major, newsworthy surprises! Want to learn everything that’s in store for America’s favorite redheaded teen and all his friends? This is the place to be! Panel attendees will get a copy of the latest issue of the hit Life With Archie series! Room 9

11:00-11:45 Once Upon a Time:

Magic is coming! Moderator William Keck (TV Guide Magazine senior editor and columnist) takes you to Storybrooke, where a curse placed on its fairytale inhabitants by the Evil Queen has been broken and reality and myth have merged. It’s a place where magic is about to be introduced, but with it comes its own set of consequences. Co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (Lost, Tron: Legacy) and Adam Horowitz (Lost, Tron: Legacy), along with Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Jennifer Morrison (House), Lana Parrilla (24), Josh Dallas (Thor), Emilie de Ravin (Lost), and Meghan Ory (Vampire High) engage in a Q&A about their hit TV series. Ballroom 20

11:00-12:00 comiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital:

With over 75 million comics and graphic novels downloaded since its debut, comiXology has revolutionized how people read and buy comic books. Recently hailed by the New York Times as the iTunes of comics, here is your opportunity to discover what is next! Join comiXology cofounders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts for an open discussion on…everything digital. All topics are game! Room 23ABC

11:15-12:30 DC Comics-All Access: OGNs:

It’s been a big year for DC Comics’ award-winning, original graphic novels, and it’s only going to get bigger! Get unfiltered access to behind the scenes of your favorite and most talked about original graphic novels Publisher! Joining the all access party will be some of the industry’s top talents, including Anthony Bourdain (Get Jiro!), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Langdon Foss (Get Jiro!), Geoff Johns (Batman: Earth One), and J. Michael Straczynski (Superman: Earth One), so don’t miss out! Room 6DE

11:30-12:30 Save the Date: Your New Favorite Film:

This may be the first comic book film that isn’t based on an actual comic book; instead, Save the Date uses the style and sensibility of indie comics by renowned graphic novelist Jeffrey Brown as a jumping off point to tell a contemporary story of the trials, pain, and happiness of modern love. Explore the challenges and advantages of working in film versus comics with cartoonist/screenplay co-writer Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Darth Vader and Son), director Michael Mohan (One Too Many Mornings), and producers Jordan Horowitz (The Kids Are All Right) and Michael Roiff (Waitress), and discover how the cast has been influenced and inspired by comics and geek culture, with Lizzy Caplan (Party Down), Alison Brie (Community, Mad Men), Martin Starr (Freaks & Geeks, Party Down), Geoffrey Arend (500 Days of Summer), and Mark Webber (Scott Pilgrim). Join them for a lively session moderated by Noel Murray (The A.V. Club). Room 5AB

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Klaus Janson:

Penciler, inker, and writer — and Comic-Con special guest — Klaus Janson (Daredevil, Dark Knight Returns, The Avengers) makes a rare convention appearance to discuss past, present, and future projects. Join Klaus and his friends Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra: Assassin, Stray Toasters) and David Mack (Daredevil, Kabuki) as they offer a preview of their upcoming maxi-series Daredevil: The End of Days. Room 9

12:00-1:00 CBLDF Master Session: Charlie Adlard:

With his work on The Walking Dead, Charlie Adlard has proved to be a master of abstract anatomy, suspenseful storytelling, and the imaginative depiction of a familiar but terrifying world. Get a glimpse of his approach to creating the definitive zombie narrative of the 21st century at this CBLDF Master Session. The pieces created will be auctioned off at CBLDF’s Art Auction tonight. Room 11AB

12:00-1:00 The Naked Truth About Tarzan and Jane: The First 100 Years of Spectacular Tarzan Imagery, and One of Literature’s Best-Loved Couples as They Enter Their Second Century:

Bestselling novelist Robin Maxwell (Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan) and author Scott Tracy Griffin (Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration) gather with illustrator Joe Jusko (The Art of Joe Jusko) to discuss these iconic literary characters. Join them for a presentation and Q&A session hosted by Jim Sullos, president of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Incorporated, the official licensing entity for Tarzan and John Carter of Mars. Room 25ABC

12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #10: Focus on Steve Englehart:

Steve Englehart (CAC and Comic-Con Special Guest) has been the lead writer for both Marvel and DC on several occasions and a founding father of Malibu’s Ultraverse. His redefinition of Batman and the Joker as mature adults influenced how the characters were depicted in both comics and film for the last three decades. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) moderates a discussion of Englehart’s stellar career writing the adventures of Captain America, Silver Surfer, Doctor Strange, Coyote, Night Man, the Justice League, and dozens of other characters. Room 26AB

12:00-1:00 Nerdist Channel:

Chris Hardwick (the host of BBC America’s The Nerdist and AMC’s Talking Dead) and some very-relevant-to-your-interests talent from the Nerdist Channel on YouTube will engage in lively conversation about the current channel lineup and upcoming shows and specials, and also reveal some exclusive footage and surprise announcements about the future of Nerdist Industries. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

12:45-1:45 DC Comics: Before Watchmen:

It’s not the end of the world. It’s the beginning! You don’t want to miss this panel about the most talked about comic book series of 2012! DC Entertainment co-publisher Dan DiDio, VP/art direction and design Mark Chiarello, senior editor Will Dennis, and creators Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Darwyn Cooke (Before Watchmen: Minute Men), Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr Manhattan), J. Michael Straczynski (Before Watchmen: Nite Owl), Len Wein (Before Watchmen: Ozymandias, Curse of the Crimson Corsair), and others talk about this game-changing event! Hurm! Room 6DE

1:30-2:30 Minimates Turn 10: Small Toys, Big Plans:

Some of the team behind the popular Minimates line are here to unveil new products and answer your questions about the 2-inch, fully articulated mini-figures. From Marvel Comics to Battle Beasts to The Walking Dead, Diamond Select Toys director Chuck Terceira, Art Asylum founder Digger Mesch, and marketing supervisor Zach Oat will share insider info about all their upcoming lines, as well as submit to a Q&A session and debut the next stop-motion animated Pirate Raiders episode. Plus, there’ll be a Minimates prize drawing at the end of the panel. Room 8

1:45-2:45 Marvel Video Games:

Learn all about Gazillion’s Marvel Heroes MMO, Ubisoft’s Avengers: Battle for Earth and more future Marvel games-including an announcement from Activision and High Moon Studios that is sure to be a hit! Q&A will follow. Room 6A

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Gary Gianni:

Comic-Con special guest Gary Gianni discusses his work illustrating one of Ray Bradbury’s last published books, painting the Game of Thrones 2014 calendar, and the future of illustrated storytelling in the digital realm. Room 4

2:00-3:00 Will Eisner and the Graphic Novel:

Moderator Paul Levitz (writer, 75 Years of DC Comics, Legion of Super-Heroes, former Eisner publisher), Klaus Janson (artist/inker, Daredevil, The Dark Knight Return, comics educator, SVA), Denis Kitchen (artist, author, publisher; Eisner’s agent and longtime friend), Charles Kochman (editorial director, Abrams ComicArts), and Diana Schutz (comics educator; executive editor, Dark Horse Comics; Eisner’s editor) explore the pivotal role Will Eisner’s evangelism of the comics artform plays in the evolution of the American graphic novel, followed by a short Q&A period. Room 23ABC

2:30-5:00 Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Preview Their Upcoming Lineups:

Warner Bros. Pictures: Man Of Steel

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey-From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Jackson returns to Middle-earth in an adventure that begins 60 years before the events depicted in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The first of two films adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduringly popular masterpiece, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows titular Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who-along with the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and a band of 13 Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage)-is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. The film’s ensemble cast includes Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lily, and Andy Serkis as Gollum.
Hall H

2:45-3:45 Marvel: Avengers vs. X-Men:

The battle between the Avengers and the X-Men rages on in this cosmos-shattering event! All your favorite superheroes enter-and only one team will emerge victorious. You’ve got questions, and these people have the answers! Editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, chief creative officer Joe Quesada, X-Men editor Nick Lowe, SVP of creator and content development C.B. Cebulski, and others are on hand to lay out what’s going on with the epic battle surrounding the X-Men’s Phoenix Five and the Avengers. Room 6BCF

4:30-5:15 True Blood Panel and Q&A session:

Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated True Blood kicked off its 12-episode fifth season June 10 on HBO. The series follows the exploits of waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who can hear people’s thoughts; vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer); and vampire Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård). Oscar and Emmy Award winner Alan Ball created and serves as executive producer of the series, which is based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. The series and this panel also features Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam Swynford De Beaufort, Joe Manganiello as Alcide Herveaux and Chris Meloni as Roman Zimojic. Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly. Ballroom 20

5:00-6:00 Costume Designers and Illustrators: From Concept to Reality:

Join a discussion with the creative minds that help bring your favorite sci-fi, fantasy and comic book characters to life on the big screen through the art of costume design and illustration. Learn how Costume Designers Guild members Shawna Trpcic (The Cabin In The Woods), Monique Prudhomme (Underworld Awakening), and Varya Avdyushko (Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter) and costume illustrators Christian Cordella (Snow White, Hunger Games, Thor), Constantine Sekeris (Green Lantern, Thor, Star Trek), Phillip Boute Jr. (Man of Steel, Star Trek, Hansel & Gretel, Twilight), Brian Velenzuela (Star Trek, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice), and Rosi Gabl (xXx, Mission To Mars) take costumes from concept to reality. Room 24ABC

6:00-7:00 Marvel Studios: Iron Man 3:

Producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hall H

6:00-7:30 A Tribute to the Legendary Ray Bradbury:

Some called him the greatest writer of fantasy of all time. He was a writer of legendary science fiction, an inspiration to generations, and a good friend of Comic-Con. We lost him on June 12, and now many of his friends and colleagues gather to celebrate this extraordinary figure. The guest list is still being finalized as this guide goes to press, but it should include authors William F. Nolan, George Clayton Johnson, Marc Scott Zicree, Joe Hill, and Margaret Atwood, along with figures from the worlds of motion pictures and television. Your hosts are Bradbury biographer Sam Weller (Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury) and Comic-Con special guest Mark Evanier. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Bradbury character. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

7:30-8:30 Unlocking Arkham: The Forensic Psychiatry of Batman’s Rogues’ Gallery:

Back by popular demand! Broadcast Thought’s original Comic-Con panel with updated information and insights! Arkham Asylum houses some of Gotham City’s most disturbed villains. But are they truly “insane”? From the vantage point of forensic psychiatrists utilizing real-world psychiatric diagnostic criteria, explore the mental disorders that plague The Dark Knight’s Rogues’ Gallery. Probe the minds of villains such as Two-Face, Riddler, Mr. Zsasz, Maxie Zeus, Harley Quinn, the Joker, and others. Are these characters psychotic, or are they psychopaths? What’s the difference? Learn as forensic psychiatrists H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. discuss the meaning of these terms and explain how criminal defendants are found “not guilty by reason of insanity.” See how Arkham Asylum compares to a real-world forensic hospital. Discover that truth truly is stranger than fiction. Bring your questions, and join the experts as they unlock Arkham Asylum and possibly set some of its “inmates” free! Room 7AB

True Blood Star Stephen Moyer Joins Devil’s Knot

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Stephen Moyer, most known for his role on HBO’s “True Blood” and being married to the adorable Anna Panquin, has announced that he has joined the cast of upcoming film Devil’s Knot.

Devil’s Knot comes from director Atom Egoyan and already has an all star cast including Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth. Other cast members include Alessandro Nivola, Kris Polaha, Collette Wolfe, Justin Castor and Kevin Durand.

The film will appear as a narrative take on the highly controversial and well known case of the West Memphis Three.

The famous case surrounded Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, Jr. and Jason Baldwin. The three were believed to be those responsible for the murder of three eight-year-old boys in 1993. All three were recently released from prison this year after spending two decades behind bars. The upcoming film will show the trial and conviction.

The film is based on the book, “Devil’s Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three” by Mara Leveritt.

Witherspoon is set to play Pam Hobbs, the mother of one of the original victims, Firth will play as Ron Lax, a private investigator on the case. Moyer will be portraying prosecutor John Fogelman.

There is no word on when the film is set to be released.

First Look At Tom Cruise In Jack Reacher Adaptation

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The first photo featuring Tom Cruise in the big-screen adaptation of Lee Child’s bestselling 2005 crime saga Jack Reacher, has been released and you can see it above. Cruise will play the titular character in the film, an ex-military policeman turned vigilante drifter, who is drawn into the case of a sniper who randomly targeted civilians.

The film, due in theaters Dec. 21, was adapted from the ninth novel in Child’s series, “One Shot.”

Cruise’s character in the film will differ from his usual ambitious, highly-stressed and charming roles, according to Entertainment Weekly, as this film’s protagonist is a darker and more stoic personality. Christopher McQuarrie, the film’s screenwriter and director, pointed out the dark aspect of Reacher.

“Someone asks him at one point in the story about the difference between a military policeman and a regular cop,” McQuarrie said. “Reacher points out that [for military police], every suspect is a trained killer.”

McQuarrie also told EW that Reacher has very little invested in the present.

“He is free from any sort of anxiety. He is truly not encumbered by all the bulls–t that makes up our daily lives,” he said. “He literally and figuratively has no baggage.”

Reacher does have one valued possession- his 1970 Chevelle SS, which is featured in the film’s just-released promotional photo. In the image, Reacher has just battered the car while escaping from police, who wrongfully suspect him of a murder.

Some fans of the Reacher book series have been quite vocal with their dissatisfaction with the choice of Cruise as their hero. The 5-foot-7 actor is physically far from the massive Reacher described in the text, but Cruise addressed this issue in a video aired at CinemaCon in April.

“For those of you who know the books, I’m obviously not 6-foot-5, like Jack Reacher,” Cruise said. “But Lee felt that I was the right guy to drive fast cars and kick the s–t out of people on-screen.”

Whether or not Cruise is able to pull of the character has yet to be seen. However, he may surprise everyone with his portrayal. We will just have to wait and see.

Ridley and Tony Scott Bringing “Coma” To A&E

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Fresh off the heels of mega production, Prometheus, Ridley Scott is at it again. He recently announced his newest project which will see him teaming up with his brother Tony Scott to bring Robin Cook’s novel “Coma” to the small screen in the form of an A&E series.

Coma is Cook’s first published novel and ws written in 1977. The book was a hit, landing on the New York Times best seller as well as being voted as the number one thriller of the year by The New York Times.

The Scott brothers will produce the series which will star Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) as Dr. Susan Wheeler. Geena Davis, James Woods, Richard Dreyfuss, Ellen Burstyn and Steve Pasquale will co-star.

The plot involves a medical student who discovers strange happening at her hospital after a few routine procedures lead healthy patients into comas on the operating table.

Coma was previously made into a feature film in 1978 under writer/director Michael Chrichton and MGM. The cast of the Chrichton film includes Geneviève Bujold, Michael Douglas, Elizabeth Ashley, Richard Widmark, and Rip Torn as well as Tom Selleck and Ed Harris in minor roles. The film was a commercial success with its overwhelming sense of paranoia presented in the film praised as being a major drawing point for audiences.

Black Swan writer John J. McLaughlin, and “Band of Brothers” director Mikail Salomon are also attached to the project, which is set to premiere on September 3.

Paddington Bear Movie Poster Revealed

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Be prepared to see a lovable childhood character come to live in a brand new way. The first promotional poster for David Heyman’s big-screen adaptation of Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear has been released. The poster features Paddington standing on the platform at the Paddington train station in London, from which he takes his name.

Check out the poster here, and be sure to share your thoughts below.

Heyman, who produced the massively successful Harry Potter films, as well as I Am Legend and Yes Man, has partnered with France’s StudioCanal to produce a live-action/CGI hybrid version of the British children’s series.

Paddington began in 1958 with the series’ first entry, “A Bear Called Paddington,” about a clever bear from Peru who is found at London’s Paddington train station and adopted by humans.

Paul King (The Mighty Boosh, Bunny and the Bull) will direct the film, so viewers may be in store for a particularly quirky experience. In a report from Empire Online, King assured Paddington enthusiasts that the new film will differ from Bond’s work only in style.

“There will be a mishap in the bath,” King said. “There will be hard stares, and he will be dressed correctly in a Peruvian bush hat and blue duffle coat.”

King also said there would be an origin story involved. I twas also reported that the film will not be an adaptation of an existing story, but “will draw inspiration from the whole series” and will feature a computer generated Paddington Bear interacting with a live-action environment.

The film, from Heyday Films and Warner Bros. Pictures, is set to be released sometime in 2014. There is no word yet on who will star in the adaptation.

Buzz Bissinger’s “Father’s Day” Heads to the Big Screen

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Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) recently announced that he will direct a big-screen adaptation of Buzz Bissinger’s “Father’s Day.” Currently, no studio is attached to the project, but according to ComingSoon, Universal Pictures has expressed interest. The company has a first-look deal with Berg who most recently worked with Universal on the big-screen sci-fi/action film Battleship.

“Father’s Day” is a memoir by the bestselling author of “Friday Night Lights” and “Three Nights in August.”

The summary from Bissinger’s website follows.

Buzz Bissinger’s twin sons were born three and a half months premature in 1983. Gerry weighed one pound and fourteen ounces, Zachary one pound and eleven ounces. They were the youngest male twins ever to survive at that time at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, the nation’s oldest. They were a medical miracle, but there are no medical miracles without eternal scars.

They entered life three minutes–and a world–apart. Gerry, the older one, is a graduate student at Penn, preparing to become a teacher. His brother Zach has spent his life attending special schools and self-contained classrooms. He is able to work menial jobs such as stocking supplies. But he’ll never drive a car, or kiss a girl, or live by himself. He is a savant, challenged by serious intellectual deficits but also blessed with rare talents: an astonishing memory, a dazzling knack for navigation, and a reflexive honesty which can make him both socially awkward and surprisingly wise.

One summer night, Buzz and Zach hit the road to revisit all the places they have lived together during Zach’s 24 years. Zach revels in his memories, and Buzz hopes this journey into their shared past will bring them closer and reveal to him the mysterious workings of his son’s mind and heart. He also hopes it will help him to better come to grips with the radical differences in his beloved twin boys, inverted mirrors of one another when defined by the usual barometers of what we think it means to be successful.

As father and son follow a pinball’s path from Philadelphia to LA, they see the best and worst of America and each other. Ultimately, their trip bestows a new and uplifting wisdom on Buzz, as he comes to realize that Zach’s worldview, as exotic as it is, has a sturdy logic of its own, a logic that deserves the greatest respect. And with the help of Zach’s twin, Gerry, Buzz learns an even more vital lesson about Zach: character transcends intellect. We come to see Zach as he truly is—patient, fearless, perceptive, kind, a sixth sense for sincerity. It takes 3,500 miles, but Buzz learns the most valuable lesson he has ever learned.

His son Zach is not a man-child as he so often thought, but the man he admires most in his life.