We’re halfway through May, and summer movie season has kicked off in a big way. Even with the writers strike, Hollywood news isn’t slowing down, nor is the box office. This week finds Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse smashing the box office, an exciting Marvel update, Zack Snyder doing Zack Snyder things, and more.
As always, Atom Insider brings you a few hand-picked stories we think you’ll like. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Blows Away The Box Office
After the critical and commercial success of the original Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, it was inevitable that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse would be just as big, if not bigger. That was more than confirmed during its opening weekend when it snagged $208.6 million globally, making it Sony’s biggest animated launch ever. Currently, it’s sitting at $236.6 million, and that number is set to grow in the next few weeks. It’s especially promising considering it hasn’t even opened in every overseas market yet. Glowing reviews and excellent word of mouth have contributed to its success, as well as the important repeat viewers, with plenty of double-dipping to see it a second time. If there is an early contender for Best Picture at the Oscars, it’s not too outlandish to say Across the Spider-Verse might be it.
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon Will Be A Two-Parter With Multiple Cuts
Never one to shy away from being bombastic with his cuts, director Zack Snyder has revealed that his upcoming Star Wars-inspired Rebel Moon will be his most ambitious yet. First, he announced the space opera will actually be a two-parter, splitting the lengthy story into halves. More interestingly, however, is the fact that each part will get multiple cuts. One, Snyder explained, will be a cut “that anyone can enjoy and watch,” and the other will be a more adult-oriented, harder cut. “I think for fans of mine and people who are ready to take a deeper, harder dive, that’ll be fun for them,” he said.
The story follows a peaceful colony set at the edge of the galaxy. When the planet’s peace is threatened by the tyranny of the Regent Balisarius and its ruthless armies, one woman with a mysterious past is sent out into the universe to rally other colonies and people to their cause. Snyder has reportedly been thinking about this story since he was in college, so it will be interesting to see the fruits of that long-term passion.
Chris Hemsworth Laments He Won’t Ever Work With Scorsese and Tarantino
Chris Hemsworth recently had a candid and long-ranging interview with British GQ, and in it, he revealed the potential downside of his name forever being attached to Marvel. When asked about unfavorable comments both Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese have made about actors in superhero movies and comic book movies in general, Hemsworth was honest: “That’s super depressing when I hear that. There goes two of my heroes I won’t work with. I guess they’re not a fan of me.”
To be fair, that is depressing. But it also really highlights the double-edged sword that is an actor finding their big breakthrough with a franchise or iconic role they’ll forever be associated with. The actors of the MCU are all incredibly talented actors who shouldn’t be pigeonholed into one particular role, nor all painted with the broad brush that is big tentpole movies. Still, Hemsworth had an eloquent summary of it all when he continued, saying, “I’m thankful that I have been a part of something that kept people in cinemas. Now, whether or not those films were to the detriment of other films, I don’t know. I don’t love when we start scrutinizing each other when there’s so much fragility in the business and in this space of the arts as it is.”
First Look At Upcoming Captain America 4, Now Titled Captain America: Brave New World
Marvel has released the first look at Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford on the set of Captain America: Brave New World (formerly subtitled New World Order).
The two are looking at footage and in an animated discussion about it, clearly having fun in each other’s company. Ford steps into the role of Secretary Ross, taking over for the late William Hurt. Hurt unexpectedly passed away last year after a bout with cancer.
In other changes, Marvel made the wise decision to change the title from Captain America: New World Order to Captain America: Brave New World. Considering the fact the original subtitle has become a phrase associated with wild anti-semitic conspiracy theories, it’s more than the right call on the part of the studio. Cap should never be muddied by that association.
Oppenheimer Will Be Christopher Nolan’s First R-Rated Project In Over Two Decades
Finally, in a quick bit of news, the recent TV spot for Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer confirmed it will be R-rated. This makes it Nolan’s first R-rated project in over two decades, with his last movie with that rating being 2002’s Insomnia. The R rating is reportedly for “some sexuality, nudity, and language.” Check it out:
Trailers & Clips of the Week
Expend4bles – Official Trailer
When are we getting an Expendables/Fast & Furious franchise crossover?
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – Voice of the Transformers Featurette
It’s always so much fun to see how they accomplish things behind-the-scenes of movies, right?
Talk to Me – Official Trailer 2
This trailer is going to live in my head rent-free.
