Disney buys Lucasfilm, new Star Wars in 2015

Well this just exploded the internet (At least the parts that Sandy hasn't knocked out). Disney has just acquired Lucasfilm for around $4 billion in cash and stock, and they're planning on releasing Star Wars: Episode VII in 2015, with additional films every 2-3 year. $4 billion is about the same pricetag Disney paid for Marvel Studios three years ago, and less than the $7 billion Disney paid to buy Pixar. This is the kind of news that makes you think it must be April Fools Day, but it's been confirmed on Disney's blog, and it's all over the news and Twitter is having a field day. Some fans are probably going to wish Star Wars would be left alone, but the Clone Wars isn't half bad and the toys just keep selling. George Lucas will serve as a creative consultant for the new films, while longtime Steven Spielberg collaborator Kathleen Kennedy will take over as President of Lucasfilm. I have mixed feeling, but I'm generally optimistic. More Star Wars films were absolutely inevitable, and the quality is all going to come down to script, director and cast. Fresh blood may be just what Star Wars needs. Too bad Joss Whedon isn't available.

The Bale Method

A few months ago I had the opportunity to participate in a short film directed by old theater acquaintance Joseph Lambert. We had a blast making it, so you should definitely check it out. It's a deep and thoughtful journey into the actors' psyche. And it's totally serious. I swear.

Tony Stark's world burns in the trailer for Iron Man 3

Released this morning on Apple Trailers, here's the first trailer for next summer's start to Marvel's Phase 2 films. It classic Shane Black style, it opens with falling snow, a detail celebrated by long-time Iron Man comic writer Matt Fraction. We get our first looks at the new Iron Man suit, plus Iron Patriot, and glimpses of Rebecca Hall and Guy Pierce. Also, Tony vs Iron Man? What? And then an evil bearded Ben Kingsley shows up and blows stuff up. You can watch the trailer at Apple here, and check out the new poster for the film. Edit: I would do screencaps, but ComicBookMovie already did.

Marvel going all out Iron Patriot

It looks like Marvel is re-launching the Iron Patriot across all three of their universes. Early set photos from the filming of Iron Man 3 first revealed the character, which was revealed at ComicCon this summer to be the new look for Don Cheadle's War Machine. For those not aware, Iron Patriot (think Iron Man with a Captain America paint-job) initially debuted in the comics during the Dark Reign storyline as Norman Osborn (aka, the Green Goblin, it's a long story). Of course, the film rights to Osborn belong to Sony along with Spider-man, so that particular story won't be appearing on film, and thus the spangled armor has been passed to War Machine. Not only that, but it appears Iron Patriot is getting a comic makeover as well.

Community will be back on Oct. 19... just not today

Well, here you have it. Community was scheduled to return to air today, but the powers that be have decided that won't be the case. Troy and Abed are here to explain that October 19th is a state of mind. Also a state of mind: Shows on NBC.

Breaking news: Coulson lives!

Just announced at New York Comic Con, Clark Gregg, AKA Phil Coulson will be starring in Joss Whedon's S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series for Marvel and ABC. (Spoilers for The Avengers. Highlight to read:)This means his dramatic death at Loki's hands, which was a major turning point of the film, has been overturned. This seems like a cop-out, but I think it's a good thing, and was probably planned ahead of time. It emphasizes Nick Fury's manipulation of the Avengers, setting them up to break away from S.H.I.E.L.D. and set up Civil War film. Gregg's character was a fan favorite from the Marvel films, going so far as to be added to the comics and Ultimate Spider-man cartoon. Meanwhile, casting descriptions of the other agents were leaked a few days ago. Anyway, heck yeah, Coulson lives. (Source: ComicBookResources).