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.

The Amazing Spider-Man Planned as Trilogy

In a recent interview with the producers of The Amazing Spider-Man, Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach hinted that the superhero film was set to be a trilogy. The sequel is already in the works, currently being written, but the producers stated that they had planned for the franchise to be at least a trilogy.

Tolmach stated,

“We knew that it was going to be more than one, and at the very least three. We’re going to let this movie tell us what the story is.”

Now it has officially been confirmed via the official Facebook page that the franchise will definitely be a trilogy. A post on this past Monday said,

“It’s finally here! The Amazing Spider-Man is the first installment in a movie TRILOGY that will explore how our fave hero’s journey was shaped by the disappearance of his parents.”

They even made it a point to capitalize “trilogy” just in case you missed it.

Sony has confirmed that the sequel is scheduled to open May 2, 2014. There is no word on whether or not Marc Webb will take the trilogy or like so many other directors before him, will leave before the sequel.

In case you haven’t seen the film yet, the official plot summary:

One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

The Walking Dead Game’s Second Episode Critically Praised

Telltale Games has released the much anticipated second episode of its game series based on Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead.

Episode Two: Starved for Help is now available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, and on the PlayStation Network for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.

PC and Mac versions are also available from the in-game menu.

In the newest installment, players can continue their story based on the decisions they made in Episode One: A New Day.

Episode Two was met with critical praise at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), winning GameSpy’s Best Adventure Game award.

IGN.com nominated Starved for Help for Best Xbox 360 Game, Best PC Game, Best PS3 Game,, Biggest Surprise, and Overall Best Game of Show, saying “…gut-wrenching does not even begin to describe Episode Two.”

Xbox Magazine said Episode Two is “…promising even more intensity than its nerve-jangling predecessor.”

The game’s story centers around Lee Everett, a man convicted of a crime of passion, who is trying to survive in the world devastated by the undead. Players experience life-changing events, encounter new and familiar characters, and visit locations that foreshadow the ordeal of Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes.

The Walking Dead offers a tailored game experience, in which player actions and decisions affect the course of the story across the entire series.

Starved for Help is the second release in a series of five episodes.

Each episode can be purchased for 400 Microsoft Points on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360, and for $4.99 per episode or as a $19.99 season pass on PlayStation Network.

The Walking Dead is also available as a $24.99 five-episode season pass on PC and Mac from the Telltale Online store and other digital outlets.

True Blood Gets Renewed For A Sixth Season

HBO’s massively popular series, “True Blood,” has been (not surprisingly) renewed for a sixth season. The Emmy Award-winning series is based on the popular Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris.

The 6th series will have to continue on without show creator Alan Ball. He previously announced his plans to leave the show after the fifth season.

Based on the popular Southern Vampire Mysteries series written by Charlaine Harris.

SEASON FIVE CREDITS: Alan Ball Creator/Executive Producer Gregg Fienberg Executive Producer Brian Buckner Co-Executive Producer Mark Hudis Co-Executive Producer Angela Robinson Co-Executive Producer Raelle Tucker Co-Executive Producer Alexander Woo Co-Executive Producer

SEASON FIVE SERIES REGULARS: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley, Alexander Skarsgard, Christopher Meloni, Chris Bauer, Kristin Bauer van Straten, Lauren Bowles, Valentina Cervi, Nelsan Ellis, Scott Foley, Janina Gavankar, Lucy Griffiths, Todd Lowe, Joe Manganiello, Michael McMillian, Denis O’Hare, Jim Parrack, Carrie Preston, Deborah Ann Woll

First Look: Charlie Adlard’s Alternative Issue #1 Walking Dead Magazine Cover

Titan Magazines and Skybound have announced the launch of The Walking Dead official magazine. The new release will be based on the best-selling comic book series, graphic novels and Emmy-winning AMC television series.

“The Walking Dead” continues to wow and rope in new fans with its groundbreaking comic book as well as being the highest rated basic cable drama. To build on its success and offer even more exciting content to the fans, The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine is set to answer questions and quench the thirst of fans.

Nick Landau, Titan Publisher commented on the new project by saying,

“We’re very excited to be publishing the quarterly The Walking Dead Magazine with Robert Kirkman and Skybound, which will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for fans to get unlimited access to the show and comic.”

The magazine will feature an inside look at the comic book as well as show in a fully sanctioned quarterly publication. Readers will get exclusive access to in-depth interviews with creator Robert Kirkman, showrunner Glen Mazzara, and executive producer David Alpert. There will also be interviews from the lead actors of the series. Kirkman as well as series artist Charlie Adlard will also make appearances within the pages of the magazine.

Kirkman stated,

“This magazine will be your one stop destination for all the news pertaining to the comic, TV show, video game, toys, games, and whatever else exists in the ever-expanding Walking Dead universe! If it’s happening, you’ll find out all about it right here!”

There will also be plenty of behind-the-scenes information and pics from Greg Nicotero and how he creates his on-screen zombies.

The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine debuts in the U.S. on October 23, in the UK on November 8, and in Australia & New Zealand on December 18 with 100 pages of all-access awesomeness. Issue #1 of The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine also comes with an alternative cover featuring an exclusive, colored zombie scene by Adlard. This alternative cover will only be available through comic book stores.

Fans of The Walking Dead are urged to like the magazine on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with developments and deals. Also, the magazine is currently offering fans a special preorder subscription saving of 20% off the cover price.

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

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.

The Amazing Spider-Man Does Well Internationally

Sony’s highly anticipated franchise reboot The Amazing Spider-Man opened internationally last week in 13 Asian markets over the weaken. The film fared well in the market, grossing $50.2 million in three days. The film earned $13.4 million on 1,213 screens in Korea, making it the third-highest opening for a Hollywood movie behind the last two Transformers movies.

The Amazing Spider-Man opened 24% higher than Spider-Man 3 and 10% higher than The Avengers, SuperHeroHype reported.

In Japan, the film earned $11.4 million on 1,092 screens, which was 84% of the country’s weekend box office. The movie made $6 million in India, and had successful openings in the other Asian countries, according to SHH.

The Amazing Spider-Man opens in North America on today in theaters across the country.

Check out the trailer below.

Spidey isn’t the only big money maker for Sony this weekend. Men in Black 3 has reached $599.4 million worldwide, which made it the highest-grossing film in its sci-fi comedy franchise.

First Photos Of The Prison In Walking Dead Season 3

Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly and AMC, two new photos have been released from the upcoming season 3 of “The Walking Dead.” We already know that season 3 is going to take place at the prison, a place they have been teasing fans about for months.

Along with the photos, showrunner Glen Mazzarra has also talked why he loves the setting of the prison so much. He stated,

I’m incredibly proud of the prison. I think our crew has done a great job. It’s a huge sense of scale and magnitude I haven’t seen on any other show as far as construction. What’s important to us is the prison itself is now a character in the show. It’s a haunted house, it’s scary, it’s frightening, and there are parts of the prison that are always terrifying, that are always inaccessible to our group. It’s not necessarily the blessing that the prison in the comic book turned out to be.”

The third season will see the return of the main characters as well as the addition of a few new ones. The highly anticipated addition of David Morrissey who will portray The Governor, the major antagonist in the comic series and Danai Gurira will portray Michonne, the hooded figure that saves Andrea in the season two finale and one of the most loved characters from the comic book series.

“The Walking Dead” airs Sundays at 9pm on AMC and will premiere its third season this fall.

Hunger Games Star Jennifer Lawrence Talks New Director

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

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