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The history of Star Wars fan restorations began in earnest with the «Despecialized Edition» project from Petr Harmáček. Beginning in 2010, Harmáček undertook the tall task of creating new edits of the original trilogy using a variety of sources. While these versions were widely praised by other fans, some believed the project could be taken even further. Since then, additional efforts have been made to restore the original cuts using original 35mm film prints, color alteration, and other techniques.

At the moment, the most advanced instance of this is Project 4k77 — an effort begun in 2016 using original film print scans to create a version of the first «Star Wars» cut that would look serviceable on modern 4k screens. After 4k77 was completed, yielding a finished product that’s pretty close to the genuine artifact, the group of fans known as Team Negative 1 began working on Project 4k83 and 4k80, restoring «Return of the Jedi» and «The Empire Strikes Back,» respectively.

These projects have been celebrated for their historical significance. Many believe that regardless of how one feels about Lucas’ changes, it’s wrong not to have the original cuts available for historical and preservational purposes. Unfortunately, because the projects are fan-led and unsanctioned by Lucasfilm, their legality is in a constant state of limbo. The solution most fans still hope for is a proper release of the theatrical cuts from Disney itself.

«Blue Is the Warmest Colour» tells the story of Adèle (Adèle Exarchopoulos), who falls for Emma (Léa Seydoux), and the film follows their relationship from Adèle’s time in high school into adulthood. The film blew away the competition at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the coveted Palme d’Or. One of the film’s most important scenes depicts the couple having sex, and it’s 10 minutes long.

That’s a long sex scene for a movie, and when Seydoux and Exarchopoulos sat down with Marlow Stern at the Telluride Film Festival, they talked about how embarrassing it was to shoot. They spent 10 days filming the scene, which appears to show unsimulated sex — it was simulated, but it’s nonetheless realistic. One of the reasons is the demands director Abdellatif Kechiche placed on his actors. The actors said that their lack of experience in cinema, combined with the power that directors have in France, led to a very uncomfortable shoot.

Both actors said they’d never work with Kechiche again, which was entirely due to the horrible time they had making the movie. Seydoux described filming the sex scene as humiliating, and Exarchopoulos said, «Most people don’t even dare to ask the things that he did, and they’re more respectful — you get reassured during sex scenes, and they’re choreographed, which desexualizes the act» (via The Daily Beast).

It seems like only a matter of time until Doctor Doom enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With a «Fantastic Four» movie currently in production and slated to arrive in 2025, it makes sense to introduce him to the franchise relatively soon. Now that Disney and Fox’s respective Marvel properties are free to exist in the same universe, Doom can enter the fold without any restrictions. Marvel Studios rarely drops clues if they don’t plan on following through, and the social media response to the «Deadpool 3» trailer indicates that the fans want this menace to be the next major threat to this cinematic universe. «THIS BETTER BE DOCTOR DOOM,» wrote one passionate fan.

Furthermore, a villain of Doom’s magnitude would undoubtedly add some stakes to the MCU, especially with Marvel reportedly pivoting away from Kang the Conqueror following the legal controversies surrounding Jonathan Majors. As it stands, though, we don’t know what the plans are. Still, the Doom tease in the «Deadpool 3» trailer has certainly raised some interesting questions.

How Michael Cera’s Cream Made Twitter Come Together

The Verizon Super Bowl ad does an effective job of combining Beyonce’s star power and the mythology surrounding her to create a unique and self-aware advertisement that’s just damn fun to watch. And having Beyoncé playfully wink at the success of «Barbie» is just a win all-around. While Beyoncé doesn’t have the clout to break Verizon’s 5G network, she did break the internet with her Super Bowl ad. 

«Barbie is beyonce approved. Don’t cry Oppenheimer,» joked X (formerly known as Twitter) user @aftersunfilm. «Beyonce boosted #Barbie Oscar campaign!!! They should be grateful lol!» wrote X user @vincentlao18. While it remains to be seen if Beyoncé’s ad helps win «Barbie» some Oscars (it’s nominated for 8 golden statues, including Best Picture), it certainly does add to the singer’s CV. 

After trying around half a dozen stunts to destroy Verizon, Beyoncé gives up by ending her Super Bowl ad by teasing new music. Shortly after the partial «Barbie»-themed ad premiered, the songstress took to Instagram to announce the release of two new singles, as well as her long-awaited follow-up to her 2022 album «Renaissance.» How’s that for breaking the internet? 

The years-long public «feud» between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is an appropriate way to advertise their upcoming film, as Logan and Wade Wilson will likely share a similar dynamic on the big screen. When the two are matched up in the comics, they often have a love-hate relationship. Actually, «love» might be too strong of a word. They butt heads plenty, but they also have to team up more than once, leading to often hilarious results.

That relationship, anchored by the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman, looks like it will be at the center of the upcoming film, which is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 26. The two previous played the same characters opposite each other in 2009’s «X-Men Origins: Wolverine» — a critical flop that famously butchered the Deadpool character in the eyes of fans. Marvel Studios has a real chance to do the iconic comic book duo justice in 2024, but there’s a lot we still don’t know.

While the moment Emily Blunt learned about her Oscar nod may not have been the most glamorous, it was a cathartic moment for the actor. In her interview on «Happy Sad Confused,» the star explained that she had tried to avoid getting her hopes up about the epic biopic’s (and her own) awards potential. «It’s all quite scary, the anticipation of it, and I think you just try not to listen to buzz because buzz can be built on sand sometimes,» she said. «And so when it did happen, and when it happened in such a far-reaching way for all of us in the movie and every crew member, it was magical.»

Soon after the announcement of Blunt’s nomination and the numerous other nods for «Oppenheimer» (including best picture), the actor gave a reaction statement to People. «I’m completely overcome and overjoyed. Weak-legged and immensely grateful for this moment,» it reads. «It goes without saying that this staggering film has changed my life.» She extended heartfelt well-wishes to her co-stars and collaborators (lovingly referred to as «OppenHomies»), praising the work everyone did on the historical drama. «We are a family in this, so to raise a glass alongside my friends is a euphoric feeling indeed.»

As for whether Blunt will end up winning best supporting actress, all will be revealed during the 2024 Oscars ceremony on March 10.

The most obvious easter egg in the «Deadpool and Wolverine» trailer is a subtle callback to the legendary «Secret Wars» comic, with a shot of Deadpool on his back being overshadowed by Logan as he bears his claws — which resembles Magneto’s helmet on the fifth cover from the miniseries. The TVA soldiers from «Loki» also make an appearance, and Aaron Stanford’s Pyro gets a brief close-up. You can even spy a giant, fallen 20th Century Fox logo in the background as Deadpool brandishes his guns, half-buried in the snow — a fourth wall break if ever there was one. And let’s not forget the possibility that Cassandra Nova might pop up in the film somehow — no actress has been attached to the character as of yet, but she appears to be Professor X’s twin in the commercial.

It’s a «Deadpool» movie, so in-jokes and references will fly fast and furious when «Deadpool and Wolverine» is finally released on July 26.

You’d think that even after the death of Ivan Reitman, «Triplets» could still find a way to go forward. After all, there was a full script, a prepared cast, and production was ready to begin. According to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Reitman, son of the late director, was the one who stepped in and stopped the project from moving forward.

«Jason Reitman literally stopped the project when his father died,» Schwarzenegger told The Hollywood Reporter in 2023. «His father wanted to do it really badly. I wanted to do it really badly. Danny DeVito wanted to do it really badly. We had the financing. When his father passed away, Jason says, ‘I never liked the idea’ and put a hold on it.»

While fans may be sad to learn that «Triplets» might never happen, there is hope for a reunion between Schwarzenegger and DeVito beyond the Super Bowl State Farm commercial. «I’m developing another movie with Danny,» Schwarzenegger said in the same interview with The Hollywood Reporter. «He’s so much fun to work with and so talented.»

Pyro appears in a single shot of the first «Deadpool & Wolverine» trailer, perching on a platform of some kind next to an armored soldier. «God, I love this part,» he says, almost growling, before the trailer cuts away. For right now, it’s hard to guess what exactly his role in the story will be. Presumably, he’ll be a villain once again, as he seems to be leading the mysterious crew of wasteland combatants glimpsed in a couple of other shots.

One thing that does stand out is Pyro’s outfit, which, while much more conservative, still evokes his comic book looks. The red-on-yellow color palette from the comics is muted here, but the effect comes through, and he wears a pair of goggles that will remind longtime fans of his various masks.

We’ll have to wait and see just how big Pyro’s role will ultimately be when «Deadpool & Wolverine» premieres in theaters on July 26. Regardless, though, it’s great to see Aaron Stanford back in the role.

«Moana» stands out as one of Disney’s most notable projects from the 2010s and a highlight for Dwayne Johnson. The film was nominated for two Oscars, including best animated film, though it would end up losing the award to Disney’s own «Zootopia.» Despite that loss, one could argue that «Moana» is far more culturally relevant than «Zootopia,» as the musical flick continues to dominate on streaming nearly a decade after its release. 

What makes «Moana» stand out in the current streaming landscape? Probably its catchy musical numbers, which were written in part by Tony sensation Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Johnson-voiced film features now-beloved tracks, like «How Far I’ll Go,» which was nominated for best original song, and the extremely, almost obsessively catchy «You’re Welcome,» which has a whopping 1.6 billion views on Disney’s official YouTube Vevo channel. 

Save for Rian Johnson’s «Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,» nine out of the 10 most-streamed films of 2023 are kid-friendly fare. That isn’t surprising when one considers how popular, convenient, and cost-effective an option streaming is for parents who want to occupy their children. Nielsen says that streaming viewership in 2023 was up by 21% compared to 2022, signaling a major pivot in how Americans consume film and television. And for the House of Mouse, the success of «Moana» after all these years is a boon. Disney has recently faced some hefty losses in the form of «The Marvels» and «Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,» which is probably why it’s so adamant about turning «Moana» into a large, company-defining franchise.

Given that this is a follow-up to a film about tornados, the very nature of this meteorological beast is unpredictable. It’s understandable, then, that unlike other legacyquels we’ve had over the past few years, «Twisters» will be breaking away from the trend, forging its own wild path, and not looking too much to the past for help. Glen Powell told Vogue, «There are no characters from the original movie back, so it’s not really a continuation. It’s just its own standalone story in the modern-day.»

Of course, with it being modern day, the technological advances that have happened since the 1996 film will make the wild ride of storm chasing even more gripping, and that is on full display in the newly released trailer. From the bracingly realistic special effects to the awesome new technology used by the characters, this spiritual successor looks to build on what captivated audiences in the ’90s and up the ante for the 2020s. 

Brace yourself — «Twisters» arrives in theatres on July 19, 2024.

After its 2003 opening at New York City’s Gershwin Theater, «Wicked» became a runaway hit. In April 2023, in the wake of «The Phantom of the Opera» ending its run as Broadway’s longest-running musical, «Wicked» surged ahead to become the fourth longest-running musical in history with its 7,486 performances — unseating «Cats.» At this time, the «Wizard of Oz»-spinoff’s run is only surpassed by «Chicago,» «The Lion King,» and, still, «Phantom of the Opera.»

Changing the perspective of the familiar story of «The Wizard of Oz,» «Wicked» shows us life from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West. She’s introduced to us as Elphaba, a teenager struggling with her fate as an outcast with green skin. After finding an unlikely friend in Glinda, Elphaba runs afoul of Oz’s corrupt government, dividing the friends for years. 

The musical is one of the most spectacle-packed experiences on Broadway, especially the Act 1 finale, where Elphaba first soars on her broom and belts out the triumphant anthem «Defying Gravity.» Watching this play out on the big screen over two films will definitely be exciting.

«Wicked Part 1» will belts its colorful story into theaters on November 27, 2024.

Yes, we saw Patrick Stewart’s brief appearance as Professor X in the «Doctor Strange» sequel. But»Deadpool 3″ will pave the way for how the MCU will use, alter, or kill off previous versions of Marvel characters. That’s an unenviable task for any film to accomplish, but so far, fans seem more excited about the multiversal potential this gives «Deadpool 3» to play with on-screen — particularly with Hugh Jackman wearing Wolverine’s signature yellow suit.

Fans cheered when the first shot of Wade and Wolverine side-by-side hit the internet. Since taking up the claws in 2000 with «X-Men,» Hugh Jackman’s Logan had never worn the original Wolverine suit, but that’s now set to change thanks to «Deadpool 3» director Shawn Levy. Speaking to EW, Levy shared that getting Jackman to look like the angriest bumblebee with claws was always in the cards. «Like the rest of the world, I’ve waited two decades to see Wolverine in a whole movie with Deadpool, and I don’t know if this is our last shot at Wolverine on screen, so I was going to make goddamned sure we get the old yellow and blue just once, and that we get it right.»

Prepare yourself, folks. The MCU’s biggest release of 2024 looks to be rife with pains, maims, and offensive incidents only Deadpool could deliver. Bring it, bub.

«Deadpool & Wolverine» will tear into theaters on July 26, 2024.

«I like a lot about Snake [Plissken],» Kurt Russell said of his «Escape from New York» character in a 2024 interview with GQ. «He’s an escape artist is really what he is, and he’s doomed to never be able to escape the one thing he wants to escape from, and that’s himself.»

Now 72 years old, Russell remains the Hollywood icon he’s been for decades. After «Escape from New York,» he went on a tear through the rest of the ’80s and early ’90s, starring in movies like «Overboard,» «Tequila Sunrise,» «Tombstone,» «Stargate,» and «Tango & Cash.» He hasn’t slowed down in recent years, either, whether starring in Quentin Tarantino’s «The Hateful Eight,» playing Ego in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or chewing scenery as Mr. Nobody in the latter-numbered «Fast and Furious» films.

Most recently, Russell teamed up with his son Wyatt for the MonsterVerse Apple TV+ series «Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.» The father and son play the same character at two drastically different ages, building a story arc together that spans decades and reaches higher emotional highs than anyone would have expected from a Godzilla spin-off show. If you’re a fan of Russell’s work with John Carpenter in the ’80s, «Monarch» is worth a watch. The character of Lee Shaw is written so specifically for the father-son pair that it frequently evokes the elder Russell’s most iconic roles. Plus, it’s fun to see Wyatt Russell play the kind of character his father would have taken on back in his heyday.

As historian Michelle Ercanbrack told Ancestry.com at the time, «It’s exciting when art imitates reality, and Elle’s storied family history adds another layer of magic to her portrayal of Aurora. Whether it’s royals or villains, there’s a story in every family tree, and you’ll never know what you might discover unless you look.» Obviously, Ercanbrack was talking about Elle Fanning’s role in «Maleficent» as Princess Aurora alongside Angelina Jolie as the legendary titular Disney villain. The younger Fanning would go on to play real-life royalty after her start as Aurora, though.

From 2020 to 2023, Fanning played real regal figure Catherine the Great on Hulu’s original series «The Great,» pioneered by Tony McNamara (known for his other historical epic «The Favourite»). With Nicholas Hoult in a hilarious turn as Catherine’s famously hapless husband Emperor Peter III, Fanning handily leads the series as Catherine, the woman who overthrew both Peter and all of her detractors to become Russia’s Empress and usher in an age of cultural and geopolitical relevance. Sadly, the series ended with its third season … but it will forever be fitting that Fanning got to play such a famous royal, considering that she’s related to past and present members of the English monarchy.

Eva Green went on to explain that she had to dig deep into her own experience for another sequence in which she sleeps with Matthew (Michael Pitt). «The sex scenes were quite full on and frank in The Dreamers,» the actor admitted. «I had a scene in which my own character has to lose her virginity. I had to remember how I felt when I first had sex,» Green went on. «I am so reserved in real life, but I surprised myself completely.»

While director Bernardo Bertolucci was not named by Green explicitly, the filmmaker does have a history of shooting sex scenes in a way that some find questionable. Like many of the filmmaker’s efforts, «The Dreamers,» which follows a young man from America who becomes infatuated with two French twins, is filled with sexual content, which is both titillating and troubling for the audience to experience.

Perhaps it is for this reason that Green decided she might be more comfortable having a drink prior to shooting some scenes in «The Dreamers.» «I was asked if I wanted some alcohol before some of the scenes, and admit that I did have some whisky,» she recalled. «There was a breaking of the ice before the sex scene.»