Category Archives: TV Adaptations

Exclusive Game of Thrones Philosophy Book Giveaway

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Optionated is incredibly excited to offer our readers a chance to win this fantastic companion book to the “Game of Thrones” television series and book series. If you are a fan of either you do not want to be without a copy of Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series.)

The book is an in-depth look at the philosophical issues behind HBO’s Game of Thrones television series and the books that inspired it.

What You Get:

5 winners will receive a free copy of Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series).

About the Book:

George R.R. Martin’s New York Times bestselling epic fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, and the HBO television show adapted from it, have earned critical acclaim and inspired fanatic devotion. This book delves into the many philosophical questions that arise in this complex, character-driven series, including: Is it right for a “good” king to usurp the throne of a “bad” one and murder his family? How far should you go to protect your family and its secrets? In a fantasy universe with medieval mores and ethics, can female characters reflect modern feminist ideals?

    • Timed for the premiere of the second season of the HBO Game of Thrones series
    • Gives new perspectives on the characters, storylines, and themes of Game of Thrones
    • Draws on great philosophers from ancient Greece to modern America to explore intriguing topics such as the strange creatures of Westeros, the incestuous relationship of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, and what the kings of Westeros can show us about virtue and honor (or the lack thereof) as they play their game of thrones

Essential reading for fans, Game of Thrones and Philosophy will enrich your experience of your favorite medieval fantasy series.

How To Enter:

Please send an email with your name and shipping information to contest@bsckids.com with the subject stating Game of Thrones. If you follow us on Twitter (@optionated_) or like us on Facebook, you get two entries to win! Winners will be announced on March 26th, just in time for the premiere of season 2!

Good Luck!

Giveaway items provided by Wiley Publishing

Two More Game of Thrones Trailers Released

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The popular HBO television series based on the books of George R.R. Martin will begin anew come April 1st. With this rapid approach of the season 2 premier of Game of Thrones, we can watch online as marketing gears up for the upcoming coming war.

No, not the war depicted in the storyline, but the war for our consumerist souls. HBO at this point expects a huge viewership turnout for the season premiere, but it wants more. AMC’s The Walking Dead broke cable rating records simply with a mid-season premiere. From what I can tell, the success of this was based on the infectious nature caused by the season 1 fanbase, trailers, teasers, stills, and rocking posters, exactly like what a movie production does. So HBO’s marketing team must have noticed this because it’s seems to have revved up their campaign as of last month.

Since December, we’ve seen multiple production trailers shot at exotic locations; anywhere beyond the city or town you live in is exotic really. Lots of behind the scenes talking to the cast either enjoying their lovely stay in tropical where ever, or freezing their butts off in depressive Iceland.

Then after The Walking Dead did it’s thing on television in February, we got hit with Game of Throne teaser posters, tag lines “War is Coming!”, stills and the release of the first full trailer for season 2, which they call Power and Grace. Yes, they even named their trailers.

Of course, there’s a reason for going to all this trouble. It’s because HBO stands to make a lot more merchandising. There’s the HBO branding and their affiliated products; like online players; DVDs, props; I’m sick of seeing these GoT swords everywhere. The new hot button item that’s going to come out are the two new GoT video games. One of them which is a massive multiplayer online role playing game. Sure it’s free to play now, but how much would a hardcore GoT fan pay for their own dire wolf? A dollar? Ten? How about a hundred?

Not to be outdone by The Walking Dead, HBO’s marketing team has gone a step further and released two new trailers, more hip and cool than the last. One trailer is called The More You Love, which examines the theme of love and how all characters entwined to it seem to walk a path of death and agony in the GoT. It’s loaded with imagery combined with intense words and phrases, like the image of a shadowy Arya Starks simply stating, “Anyone can be killed.” The trailer ends with a jaded viewpoint, “The more people you love, the weaker you are.”

I wouldn’t be surprised if the HBO marketing team was split into two and pitted against each other. Their task, to create a better trailer, because the second trailer takes an entirely different path in drawing attention.

The second trailer is called Seven Devils, and like really good trailers for movies, has a really cool song attached to it. It’s exactly like an Apple commercial at this point. It has lodged an annoying catchy songs in my head and I can’t stop hitting repeat on my music player. The song is also called Seven Devils and it’s by an English indie pop band called Florence + The Machine. So there isn’t a mainstream saturation of this song; yet. If this band wasn’t popular before, I would not be surprised if this trailer puts the band on the map or on the charts.

The sound of this song has the biorhythm beats like early Sarah McLachlan, vocals like Annie Lennox, mixed with the primal sound of a shaman’s drum. It’s the the touch of Celtic that makes the entire trailer and actually makes me excited to watch the Game of Thrones for once.

Check out the latest Game of Thrones trailers below and judge for yourself.

Trailer #2: Seven Devils

 

Trailer #3: The More you Love.

Robert Kirkman Discusses Shocking Death on The Walking Dead

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:::Warning Spoilers Ahead For the Latest Episode:::

Most fans of “The Walking Dead” are no stranger to death in the series. But even with that in mind, sometime a death is still just shocking and unbelievable. If you have read the comic books that this show is based on then you know that the death in last night’s episode occurred wayyy earlier than expected. It was an unfortunate night for everyone who watched.

I can safely say I was not prepared for the death of the fan-favorite character Dale. Dale is played by Jeffery DeMunn and he made his final appearance during the last episode. And yes, his exit was just as gruesome as you would expect from “The Walking Dead.” In case you missed it and need to know, Dale was injured by a roaming zombie and then mercifully euthanized with a bullet to the head by Daryl, played by Norman Reedus.

Robert Kirkman, who is the executive producer of the AMC hit series took time to discuss the decision to kill the character of Dale.

“Dale’s death comes at a time where he’s very much needed, [Rick and the gang] are trying to make this decision on what to do with Randall. The farm is becoming increasingly dangerous. There is still tension between Rick and Shane, despite the fact that it appears that they’ve put much of their differences behind them for now. They need that moral compass [in Dale], and it’s been taken away.”

Kirkman has also promised fans that Dale’s death will not go in vain. It will have some major repercussions on the rest of the cast and the season. You can bet that among those it will affect the most will be Carl as he was partially responsible for the death of Dale. (Earlier in the episode, Carl had gone into the forest alone and taunted a *seemingly* immobile zombie, which you guessed, would be the one to injure Dale.)

“It’s interesting to see Carl doing kid stuff: going out on his own, trying to prove he’s strong enough to kill a zombie, proving that he’s deserving of carrying a gun,” Kirkman said. “He instigated this whole situation. We’re going to deal with his emotions and what comes from him causing Dale’s death to a certain extent. That’s definitely one of the big repercussions where Dale’s death affects these characters.”

Fans of the comic books will note that Dale’s death is a deviation from the original comic book text. In the comics, Dale goes on to survive several SEVERAL issues before finally being bitten by a zombie.

Kirkman explained the changed by saying,

“One of the things we wanted to do is show how dangerous these zombies actually are. We were sitting around the writers’ room early on in the planning of season two, and we thought, you know, there aren’t a lot of zombies actually succeeding in what they’re trying to do. They eat people here and there, but we’ve never really had a zombie actually take down one of our main characters — at least not for a while, not since the first season. We wanted to remind people how dangerous these creatures are. It also threw a wrench in everyone’s plans to take Dale off the table, so those two ideas merged into one until we eventually came to offing this character.”

One of the biggest loses from the death is not the character it self, but the actor. DeMunn has long been one of the favorite actors on the show. Kirkman, however, has said that they did not treat his departure lightly.

“It’s a tremendous loss,” he admitted. “It’s difficult. It’s difficult for the cast, because they’ve become pretty much a family hanging out in rural Georgia. They keep each other company. It’s definitely a big deal [losing Jeffrey]; it sucks for everybody. Jeffrey in particular brought a serious sense of gravitas to the role and definitely legitimized this show by gracing us with his presence. We were lucky to get an actor of his caliber. He added a lot to the show, and his presence is definitely going to be missed.”

But Kirkman defended the choice with one last line.

“this is ‘The Walking Dead.’ It would be inaccurate to portray this show as anything other than completely dangerous, and in order to do that, you have to lose characters from time to time.”

So while the death of this character, as he put it, sucks, there is at least a good reason behind it. No one wanted to see Dale killed this early on, but sometimes you have to remember, zombies are not playthings…. they will kill those you love. When Z-day comes, just remember that. (Oh and also don’t taunt a zombie even if you think it is immobile)

AMC Accidentally Leaks Major Walking Dead Plot Twist

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:::Warning Don’t Read If You Don’t Want To Know The Death:::

For anyone who watches or has watched AMC’s “The Walking Dead” you are no stranger to its intense plot and crazy revelations as the goup tries to survive. Most of us tend to not like knowing the fate of characters early on but now most of us don’t have a choice because AMC has accidentally revealed the shocking death of one of the main casts members way before it happens.

Most fans have known there was going to be a shocking death at the end of the second season but AMC has officially let the cat out of the bag.

Due to a mistake within the marketing department for the network’s DVD release, it was revealed that Shane is soon to be dead. Shane, played by Jon Bernthal, is going to be killed at the end of season 2 (although this isn’t a surprise to those who read the comic books.)

On the AMC website there is a ad for The Walking Dead Limited Edition Season 2 Blu-ray 4 Disc Set which will be released in August. The ad has one little line that has thrown fans into a tizzy.

The ad says that the bonus features include:

“the making of the barn, an extended zombie gut scene, Shane’s last episode…”

This mistake has definitely gone under fire by fans all over the world. Fans tend to not like spoilers but AMC has said that the ad was not meant to go on the site.

“The post on the AMC store was completely unauthorized, AMC said in a statement. “The matter is currently under investigation.”

“The Walking Dead” producer, Gale Anne Hurd, recently teased the “jaw dropping” second season finale by saying, “I have a feeling even with inveterate tweeters during episodes…there may be some significant periods of silence, because people may not be able to click on their keyboards.”
And now it is painfully obvious what she meant.
I have been dreading Shane’s death ever since it became obvious he was ready to move on to another show (Bernthal was in talks to play the lead in TNT’s L.A. Noir pilot)
As mentioned earlier, Shane’s death is hardly a surprise to readers of Robert Kirkman’s original comic books. In the comics Shane is killed relatively early on in the series and in one of the most shocking ways possible.

Personally, I loved Shane (even if he got a tad bit rape-y in that one episode) and am a little bummed to know of his impending death as we watch the series progress.

New Game of Thrones Season 2 Poster Released

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With little less then a month to go till the season 2 premiere of “Game of Thrones”  HBO decided to reveal its new season 2 poster. It is similar to the first poster released as it features the “war is coming” thematic element, but is a bit more artistic then its minimalist counterpart. You can see the new poster above.

The second season that premieres on April 1st, is said to be focusing primarily on the events of “A Clash of Kings” the second book in the “A Song of Fire of Ice” series.

Game of Thrones is the HBO series based on the book series written by George R.R. Martin. The series was highly anticipated even in the early stages of development. The first season was very well received by both viewers and critics. It was so highly rated that the second season was picked up only two days after its premiere in 2011.  It was nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards and Best Television Series – Drama at the69th Golden Globe Awards; Peter Dinklage also won both ceremonies’ Best Supporting Actor award (Emmy and Golden Globes). Other accolades include an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series and an Emmy win for Outstanding Main Title Design.

Season 2  had to introduce many new characters into casting for the second season that began in May 2011. Owing to the very large cast of characters in Martin’s novels, the producers had to fill a great number of additional speaking roles.

  • Stephen Dillane was cast as Robert’s younger brother, Stannis Baratheon, one of several pretenders to the Iron Throne.
  • Carice van Houten is set to play Melisandre of Asshai, the “Red Priestess” of the foreign god R’hllor, an influential advisor to King Stannis Baratheon.
  • Liam Cunningham was given the part of the former smuggler Ser Davos Seaworth, a bannerman of Stannis.
  • Gwendoline Christie was cast as Brienne of Tarth, a female warrior who joins Renly Baratheon’s guard and becomes a follower of Catelyn Stark.
  • Natalie Dormer appears as Lady Margaery Tyrell, a noblewoman from the Reach promised to be the wife of Renly Baratheon.
  • Gemma Whelan was chosen to play Yara Greyjoy, the Ironborn captain and sister of Theon. Named “Asha” in the novels, the character’s name was changed to avoid confusion with the Wildling Osha, Bran Stark’s companion.
  • Tom Wlaschiha was cast as Jaqen H’ghar, a prisoner and recruit of Yoren, as well as an assassin of the Faceless Men.
  • Rose Leslie will appear as Ygritte, Jon Snow’s love interest among the Wildlings.
  • Daniel Portman took the part of Podrick Payne, the squire to Tyrion Lannister. The 19-year-old Portman plays Podrick as about 16 years old, instead of about 12 as in the novels.
  • Among the other new cast members are Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos.
  • Kerr Logan as Matthos Seaworth;
  • Oliver Ford Davies as Maester Cressen;
  • Roy Dotrice as Pyromancer Hallyne, an elderly alchemist at King’s Landing;
  • Karl Davies as Alton Lannister, a character who does not appear in the books;
  •  Ben Crompton as ”Dolorous Edd” Tollet,
  • Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton;
  • Robert Pugh as the Wildling chief Craster;
  •  Hannah Murray as Craster’s daughter Gilly,
  • Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy, lord of the Iron Islands and father of Theon;
  • Ian Hanmore as Pyat Pree;
  • Fintan McKeown as Ser Amory Lorch.

You can see the set of teaser images from season 2 here, and watch the HBO GO trailer below:

Upcoming Adaptations for March 2012

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March 2nd

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax

Rated: PG

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, an adaptation of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

  • Cast: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White, Rob Riggle
  • Director: Chris Renaud
  • Genres: Animated, Family

March 9th

John Carter

Rated: PG-13

From Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes ‘John Carter’—a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). ‘John Carter’ is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

  • Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton, Willem Dafoe, Thomas Haden Church
  • Director: Andrew Stanton
  • Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Salmon fishing in The Yemen

Rated: PG- 13

From the director of Chocolat and the Oscar-winning® screenwriter of Slumdog Millionaire comes the inspirational comedy Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. When Britain’s leading fisheries expert (Ewan McGregor) is approached by a consultant (Emily Blunt) to help realize a sheikh’s (Amr Waked) vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert, he immediately thinks the project is both absurd and unachievable. But when the Prime Minister’s overzealous press secretary (Kristin Scott Thomas) latches on to it as a “good will” story, this unlikely team will put it all on the line and embark on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible, possible.

  • Cast: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas, Amr Waked, Tom Mison
  • Director: Lasse Hallström
  • Genres: Art House/Foreign, Drama, Romance

March 16

Being Flynn 

Rated: R

Nick Flynn (Paul Dano) is a young writer in the midst of trying to define himself. Though he misses his late mother, his father, Jonathan (Robert De Niro) has been out of his life for 18 years. However, when Jonathan is in danger of losing his job and apartment, he reaches out to Nick. Overwhelmed, Nick nonetheless prepares to welcome his father back into his life, but Jonathan quickly disappears again. When Nick later finds the man at a homeless shelter, he has a big decision to make.

  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Paul Dano, Julianne Moore, Olivia Thirlby
  • Director: Paul Weitz
  • Genres: Comedy, Drama

March 23

The Hunger Games

Rated: PG-13

In what was once North America, the Capitol of Panem maintains its hold on its 12 districts by forcing them each to select a boy and a girl, called Tributes, to compete in a nationally televised event called the Hunger Games. Every citizen must watch as the youths fight to the death until only one remains. District 12 Tribute Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has little to rely on other than her hunting skills and sharp instincts in an arena where she must weigh survival against humanity.

  • Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Amandla Stenberg
  • Director: Gary Ross
  • Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama

March 30th

Wrath of the Titans

Rated: PG-13

Sequel to the 2010 remake starring Sam Worthington as Perseus, who was born of a god but raised as a man and sought revenge for the death his family at the hand of Hades (Ralph Fiennes), the vengeful god of the underworld.

  • Cast: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Danny Huston, Rosamund Pike
  • Director: Jonathan Liebesman
  • Genres: Action/Adventure

Mirror Mirror

Rated: PG

One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event, Mirror Mirror. A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical adventure comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over. The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince, and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen.

  • Cast: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Sean Bean, Nathan Lane, Robert Emms
  • Director: Tarsem Singh
  • Genres: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Goon

Rated: R

Though a misfit among his brainy family members, Massachusetts bouncer Doug Glatt (Seann William Scott) has a knockout punch that lands him a spot on a minor-league Canadian hockey team.

  • Cast: Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill, Marc-André Grondin, Kim Coates, Eugene Levy, Liev Schreiber
  • Director: Michael Dowse
  • Genres: Comedy

TV SHOWS:

GCB (formerly titled Good Christian Bitches and then Good Christian Belles) is an American comedy-drama television series created and written by Robert Harling, produced by Darren Star, and starring Kristin Chenoweth, Leslie Bibb,Jennifer Aspen, Miriam Shor, Marisol Nichols and Annie Potts. The series is based on the book Good Christian Bitches by Kim Gatlin.

Debut: March 4th

Network: ABC

The series follows Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb), former high-school “Queen Bitch,” a recently widowed mother of two, who returns to her hometown of Highland Park, Texas, an enclave of Dallas. Formerly rich, Amanda lost everything when her husband was exposed as stealing billions of dollars from investors and died in a car crash with his mistress. She meets the former schoolmates she used to mock: Carlene Cockburn (Kristin Chenoweth), the new “Queen Bitch,”; Sharon Peacham (Jennifer Aspen), who was beautiful in high school and is now heavy and insecure and does the bulk of Carlene’s bidding; glamorous gossip queen Cricket Caruth-Reilly (Miriam Shor), whose husband, Blake (Mark Deklin), is gay; and Heather Cruz (Marisol Nichols), a powerful Dallas real-estate agent.

Amanda and her teenage children move in with her 50-something mother Gigi Stopper (Annie Potts), who tries to influence Amanda’s parenting and style choices, and gives her advice about strategic maneuvering among these women. While Amanda has grown considerably since high school and wants to move on with her life, Carlene and the others still resent Amanda. They don’t believe she’s changed and are out to drive her away.

 

True Blood Loses Part of Its Bite: Alan Ball Steps Down

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HBO, the cable network announced on Monday night that writer and television producer, Alan Ball, would not remain the show runner for their hit show, “True Blood.”

Based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries novel series by Charlaine Harris, “True Blood” is about the co-existence of vampires and humans in a fictional world were vampires have revealed themselves to be unliving amongst humans. The American television series, which was created and produced by Ball will have to go without him for the potential sixth season. Yes, the same Ball who’s been recognized in the industry, winning an Academy Award for writing American Beauty and an Emmy for directing the pilot episode of his HBO series Six Feet Under. As much as Six Feet Under annoyed me, I couldn’t look away. It was also impressive to watch Dexter play an impressive such a neurotic role.

HBO states:

“When we extended our MULTI-YEAR overall deal with Alan Ball in July 2011, we always intended that if we proceeded to True Blood’s sixth season that Alan would take a supervisory role on the series and not be the day-to-day showrunner. If we proceed to season six, the show will remain in the very capable hands of the talented team of writers and producers who have been with the show for a number of years. This is the best possible world for both HBO and Alan Ball.”

One slight problem. “True Blood” just completed it’s fourth season and is gearing up for its fifth. HBO has yet to announce a sixth season. Even though it’s almost unthinkable to end a show that’s been lucrative; drawing more than 5 million viewers for new episodes, not including downloads; stranger things have happened. I still miss “Firefly.”

The cable network also went on to mention that Ball “will remain available as executive producer to consult and advise on “True Blood” and he will be free to develop new shows for both HBO and Cinemax. “Banshee”, on which Alan serves as executive producer, is the first in house series for Cinemax and is expected to begin production this spring.” In addition to this, Ball is also in the development process for a new HBO show, a medical drama about an abortion doctor.

“True Blood has been, and will continue to be, a highlight of not only my career but my life,” commented Ball. “Because of the fantastic cast, writers, producers and crew, with whom I have been lucky enough to work these past five years, I know I could step back and the show will continue to thrive as I look forward to new and exciting ventures.”

So what Ball and HBO are saying is that breakup from True Blood is mutual. Which when a couple say that, it’s often never the case. One of them will often be crying, sitting in a darkened room drinking a bottle of Jack. Listening to Linkin Park is optional, but often classic.

It’s sad to think that Ball and “True Blood” are breaking up. Especially when Ball recently casted the role of an ancient Authority vampire to a nine year old child actor. Just think how scarred the child will be if he only lasts a season on the show and never finds work again. Think Macaulay Culkin. No one wins when children are involved.

ABC’s Beauty and the Beast Casts Darius Campbell

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The Scottish platinum-selling, award winning singer and stage performer Darius Campbell lands his biggest gig yet as a lead. The role is for the part of Shiro, a mysterious “beastly” bodyguard in ABC’s upcoming adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Shiro will join forces with the war ready Princess Grace and her fiance Gorrick. While the leading lady role has not yet been casted, Gorrick however will be played by Australian actor Christopher Egan reports Deadline.

ABC’s version of Beauty and the Beast promises “a fantastical reimagining of the classic fairy tale set in a mythical, dangerous world wherein a beautiful and tough Princess discovers an unlikely connection with a mysterious beast.” Yves Simoneau is directing the show, from a script by Jonathan Steinberg; Jericho.

Yay! Another retelling of the classic fairy tale. In additional to the many literary remixes and reboots, I’m surprised that we haven’t felt the toxic effects of this over saturation yet. Since the hit comic book series Fables debuted and made waves, the entire market has been flooded with novels, television shows and movies. All clamoring to get their piece of the public domain money making venture.

The CW is also making a version of Beauty and the Beast as well. This one will be the remake of Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman’s cat faced beast; he really did look more impressive with the makeup; a series that was on the air from 1987 to 1990. Back when Fox made more compelling fiction than they air now.  It’s weird looking at Sarah Conner and Hellboy beside each other like that.  They don’t seem to be the loving type.

While this pilot for the show is the biggest gig that Campbell has landed in the states, he’s basically an unknown. While on the other side of the pond in the U.K. Campbell already has a reputation that has grown with him over the years. Campbell started out in entertainment notably as a finalist on the English version of Popstars and Pop Idol over ten years ago; he’s a karaoke star! This may have been the low point of his career as there are still some chuckles online about his debut. Over the years he’s transitioned more into theater, starring in a number of West End musicals, such as Chicago, Gone with the Wind, and Guys And Dolls. Campbell’s most recent stint was on a TV drama series in the U.K. This has marked his rise to this new role based on his merit and not the product of karaoke super-stardom. Hopefully this will be the mark of bigger and better things to come for him. Wait… Actually getting married to Natasha Henstridge was the moment things got good for Campbell. It seems his life is just a giant growing snowball of success. Bah!

To feel better about my lot in life, I’m going to watch Campbell in a clip from U.K.’s Popstars. This should at least give me some kind of relief to my jealousy.

The Walking Dead Governor: David Morrissey

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With AMC’s hit television show “The Walking Dead”, the development for season three is well underway. As the mid-season premiere for season two broke cable records as most watched show, it’d be a shame not to capitalize on the momentum. I’m more surprised a season four hasn’t been guaranteed yet; then I remember how “Heroes” turned to dung in the second season before my very eyes. I could have written a better storyline on a napkin while drunk.

So for fans of the comic who’ve been reading ahead in the series, we already have a general idea of what to expect; we’re just really hoping that certain storylines are followed over others. So it turns out we’re not going to be seeing the Governor until season three. That’s okay, they still have to find the prison first. What is awesome though for those hardcore into geek lore is who will play the Governor.

The part will be played by British actor, David Morrissey according to Deadline. Hmmm… British actor you say? If he’s worth his salt in anything, he’d have been in some kind of awesome British television show, right? His IMDB photo didn’t spark any recognition in my old brain matter, but it might be because he wasn’t wearing the costume. In the right set of clothes, Morrissey turns into the Next Doctor!

Hit with a Cyberman InfoStamp; patent pending; Jackson Lake in his fugue state is imprinted with all the factual events and collected observations of the Cyberman enemy known as the Doctor, simply the Doctor. The one, the only and the best!

That right there is all I need to know to be happy with the selection for the Governor. Mostly because I’m a biased because he was in the Doctor Who Christmas Special back in 2008.

Originally the speculation on who would be the Governor was John Hawkes, based on the words of Tom Savini; who really wanted the role. Sorry Sex Machine. You can read about it here in the article The Rise of the Walking Dead Governor.

As Hawkes has the acting chops and Savini had the looks for the part; when compared to the comic book version of the Governor; I’m surprised a third person wasn’t considered who could satisfy both acting and looks. Maybe even some slicing actions for cutting off the hands of the enemy? That’s right, I mean Danny Trejo, the Machete! Oh well.

Savini didn't make the cut.

The Governor who appears in The Walking Dead graphic novel series, written and created by Robert Kirkman, is a twisted man who rules over a fortified township in a zombie plagued world. Not only is the character created as a returning antagonist, rapist and sadist, but has his own novel also penned by Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga as well in, “The Walking Dead: The Rise of the Governor.” The Governor will meet up with Rick Grimes and the rest of the Walking Dead in season three. If the television show remains true to the comic books, it won’t be pretty.

Either way, I’m happy to see David Morrissey get the part. Even if he has to play the despicable Gov.  Allons-y!

New Trailer For Game of Thrones Season 2

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HBO GO recently revealed a new “First Look” at the upcoming second season of “Game of Thrones.” The second season that premieres on April 1st, is said to be focusing primarily on the events of “A Clash of Kings” the second book in the “A Song of Fire of Ice” series.

Game of Thrones is the HBO series based on the book series written by George R.R. Martin. The series was highly anticipated even in the early stages of development. The first season was very well received by both viewers and critics. It was so highly rated that the second season was picked up only two days after its premiere in 2011.  It was nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards and Best Television Series – Drama at the69th Golden Globe Awards; Peter Dinklage also won both ceremonies’ Best Supporting Actor award (Emmy and Golden Globes). Other accolades include an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series and an Emmy win for Outstanding Main Title Design.

Season 2  had to introduce many new characters into casting for the second season that began in May 2011. Owing to the very large cast of characters in Martin’s novels, the producers had to fill a great number of additional speaking roles.

  • Stephen Dillane was cast as Robert’s younger brother, Stannis Baratheon, one of several pretenders to the Iron Throne.
  • Carice van Houten is set to play Melisandre of Asshai, the “Red Priestess” of the foreign god R’hllor, an influential advisor to King Stannis Baratheon.
  • Liam Cunningham was given the part of the former smuggler Ser Davos Seaworth, a bannerman of Stannis.
  • Gwendoline Christie was cast as Brienne of Tarth, a female warrior who joins Renly Baratheon’s guard and becomes a follower of Catelyn Stark.
  • Natalie Dormer appears as Lady Margaery Tyrell, a noblewoman from the Reach promised to be the wife of Renly Baratheon.
  • Gemma Whelan was chosen to play Yara Greyjoy, the Ironborn captain and sister of Theon. Named “Asha” in the novels, the character’s name was changed to avoid confusion with the Wildling Osha, Bran Stark’s companion.
  • Tom Wlaschiha was cast as Jaqen H’ghar, a prisoner and recruit of Yoren, as well as an assassin of the Faceless Men.
  • Rose Leslie will appear as Ygritte, Jon Snow’s love interest among the Wildlings.
  • Daniel Portman took the part of Podrick Payne, the squire to Tyrion Lannister. The 19-year-old Portman plays Podrick as about 16 years old, instead of about 12 as in the novels.
  • Among the other new cast members are Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos.
  • Kerr Logan as Matthos Seaworth;
  • Oliver Ford Davies as Maester Cressen;
  • Roy Dotrice as Pyromancer Hallyne, an elderly alchemist at King’s Landing;
  • Karl Davies as Alton Lannister, a character who does not appear in the books;
  •  Ben Crompton as ”Dolorous Edd” Tollet,
  • Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton;
  • Robert Pugh as the Wildling chief Craster;
  •  Hannah Murray as Craster’s daughter Gilly,
  • Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy, lord of the Iron Islands and father of Theon;
  • Ian Hanmore as Pyat Pree;
  • Fintan McKeown as Ser Amory Lorch.

You can see the set of teaser images from season 2 here, and watch the HBO GO trailer below: