Some days, there are bits and bobs of news that don’t have quite enough meat on the bone for a full article. Still, they’re cool tidbits worth getting some love. We round them up for you in our Quick Hits column.
DC FanDome Drew A Whopping 22 Million Views
This past Saturday, Warner Bros. conducted a grand experiment with DC FanDome, a virtual fan event that essentially took the place of the panels DC normally would have shown during San Diego Comic-Con – you can read our recap here. From a content standpoint, it was a massive success, with multiple trailer reveals, surprise announcements, and virtually every single star of DC movies and TV making an appearance in some way. It was successful from a viewership standpoint, too: Warner Bros. confirmed to Variety that DC FanDome generated 22 million views across 220 countries and territories in 24 hours. Those views came mainly from the direct livestream on the DC official site, but also livestreams from influencers and other outlets. The success of the event raises some questions. Movie and studio panels have become the most anticipated part of San Diego Comic-Con for many people. With Warner Bros. proving their own event works, at least virtually, and Disney growing their D23 event to include Marvel and their separate Star Wars Celebration event, you have to wonder if we’re seeing the death of movie studios coming to SDCC in favor of running their own proprietary events.
Robert Pattinson Shares His Favorite Video Game
Robert Pattinson has been everywhere lately, between Tenet and upcoming The Batman, which recently released a buzzy teaser trailer despite still being in the middle of filming. But during a recent joint interview he did for Gamespot to promote Tenet, talk turned away from movies and toward video games as he was asked if he had a favorite video game. Turns out, Pattinson is indeed a gamer and has a clear favorite. “Mine I think is a lot of people’s favorite game: Final Fantasy VII. Still one of the most… probably one of the only times I’ve cried in my life is when Aeris dies…My first love,” he laughed. Solid choice, Pattinson. Solid choice.
Warner Bros. Drops Behind-The-Scenes Featurette For ‘Tenet’
The hype around Tenet is, well, a lot right now. The movie has become something of a polarizing event in the U.S., from the controversy over Warner Bros.’ refusal to budge from a theaters-only release stance to mostly positive but sometimes mixed reviews. Still, it remains hugely anticipated for a number of people who plan to see it once their local theaters are once again open. Obliquely addressing the reasons for its theater-only stance, Warner Bros. dropped a behind-the-scenes video that dives into the use of Imax cameras, the dizzying visuals and huge scale of it. If you’re a movie nut who loves the how-to of how a movie is made, it’s a very cool featurette. Check it out:
Ryan Reynolds Co-Writing And To Star In Comedy Movie ‘Upstate’
Outside of Deadpool 2, Ryan Reynolds isn’t known as a feature writer. But that’s set to change with Netflix comedy Upstate. Deadline announced Reynolds will be co-writing the script with longtime screenwriter John August, who previously worked together on The Nines. The plot is being kept under wraps for now, but the original script is set to be a vehicle for Reynolds, who is maybe one of the most naturally funny human beings on the planet. Reynolds and August will also serve as executive producers. It’s a continuation of Reynolds’ growing relationship with Netflix. Last year, he starred in Michael Bay’s 6 Underground for the streaming services and is currently in the middle of shooting for action movie Red Notice opposite Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot.
A ‘Troll’ Movie From ‘Tomb Raider’ Director Roar Uthaug Is Happening
More Netflix news as the streaming service continues to throw insane amounts of money at original projects. Next up is Norwegian creature feature Troll, and the streaming platform has tapped Tomb Raider director Roar Uthaug to direct. The film is inspired by the Scandanavian legend of the monstrous troll: Trapped in the mountains of Norway for 1,000 years, a troll wakes from its slumber and goes on a rampage through the Norwegian countryside on its way to the capital of Oslo. The script is based on an original idea by Uthaug, which he says he’s been developing in his mind for over 20 years. Espen Horn and Kristian Strand Sinkerud of Norwegian production company Motion Blur will produce.
‘The New Mutants’ Director Josh Boone Says He’d Love To Direct A ‘Power Pack’ Adaptation One Day
Director Josh Boone is making his interview rounds to promote his movie The New Mutants, which hits theaters this weekend. (You can read our own interview with him here.) One of the stops on his tour was Screenrant, who asked him what his dream project would be. His answer was a surprising one: Boone said he’d love to make an adaptation of Marvel’s Power Pack comics. The Power Pack, who first appeared in the comics in the ’80s, are a group of preteen superhero siblings – Alex, Julie, Jack, and Katie Power – as they fight villains and save the day. Boone’s desire was inspired by his 9-year-old daughter and her love of comics and it made him want to do a kids’ superhero movie: “I think like a kids’ Marvel movie would be awesome, with the aliens coming and all the dueling alien races, giving them their powers and all that,” he explained. “That would be so much fun.”
