Could JK Rowling’s The Cuckoo’s Calling Be Headed To The Big Screen?

Originally published on PopWrapped.Tumblr.com.  31 July 2013.

Well that didn’t take long. Only weeks after the news that J.K. Rowling has published a pseudonymous novel, a number of Hollywood Studios are clamoring for the rights to adapt The Cuckoo’s Calling into a feature film.

Leading the adaptation charge is Warner Bros., who of course worked closely with Rowling to bring all seven Harry Potter books to life on the big screen. 

Rowling was revealed to the author of the crime book earlier this month, having published The Cuckoo’s Calling under the name Robert Galbraith. Once the news broke, however, the novel surged to number one on the Amazon bestseller chart and has now garnered the attention of Hollywood.

Prior to the leak about the authorship, the novel had received two offers from television production companies. 

The Cuckoo’s Calling is the first in a series, which Rowling will continue to write under Galbraith’s name. According to Galbraith’s website, the sequel is already completed and set to be released in 2014.

Almost Time: Take A First Look At New Downton Abbey Season 4 Stills

Originally published on PopWrapped.Tumblr.com.  27 July 2013.

After the heartbreaking season three finale of Downton Abbey, fans hoping for some happiness for the Crawley’s may be in luck. Here are the first images of season four for your viewing pleasure.

Seeing Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) and her brother-in-law, Tom Branson (Allen Leech), each holding their young children is an excellent sign for some joy in season four. Both lost their partners last season – Lady Mary, when Matthew was suddenly killed in a car accident and Tom, when Sybil died shortly after childbirth. The shock of both deaths seems to still weigh on Mary and Tom but they have their beautiful kids, George and Sybil, respectively, to care for.

Then there is an adorable daddy and daughter image with Tom and toddler Sybil together. Tom’s loneliness will not last long as actress Daisy Lewis has been cast as his love interest and Sybil’s governess.

First Clip of 'Ender's Game:' Mazer Rackham's Run

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  25 July 2013.

The first clip of director Gavin Hood's adaptation of Ender's Game is here and it looks pretty promising. Though not a Battle Room scene like some fans may have been hoping for, we do get Harrison Ford's gravely voice as Colonel Hyrum Graff.

He narrates the actions of the legendary Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley) during the second invasion of the buggers. The heroic and mysterious Rackham will later become Ender's (Asa Butterfield) mentor.

Based on the award-winning bestseller by Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game also stars Abagail Breslin as Valentine, Ender's sister; Hailee Steinfeld as Petra Arkanian, Ender's friend at Battle School; and Viola Davis as Major Anderson.

The film is due in theaters November 1.

SDCC13XTRA: A Sneak Peek of 'Vikings' Season Two

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  24 July 2013.

Vikings is having a moment. Season one of History’s series became the #1 new cable series of the year. A massive Viking’s Interactive Waterway at San Diego Comic Con let face ships on the water. The show’s panel brought in a room full of ravenous fans, many in Vikings costumes or gear. Then attendees were rewarded with a special sneak peak at the highly anticipated season two of the historical drama.

Travel Back In Time And Space To Relive The Best Comic-Con Moments

Originally published on PopWrapped.Tumblr.com.  24 July 2013.

Picking out the highlights from Comic-Con is like choosing a favorite Weasley: you love too many of them to pick just one. Still, I’ve done my best to give you a rundown of the most memorable moments.

Here we go.

As always, Hall H and Ballroom 20 played host to big name panels like Divergent, Veronica Mars, Game of Thrones, The Vampire Diaries, Psych, and Once Upon a Time. Tom Cruise, the X-Men: Days of Future Past cast, and Tom Hiddleston all made surprise appearances, the latter in full Loki costume.

The fervor for Hall H paid off for those not in the room as well. The typically packed Ballroom 20 had no line Friday afternoon. Fans walked into the “TV Guide Fan Favorites” panel that included, among others, Clark Gregg, Kristin Bauer, Danai Gurira, and Blair Underwood. Dark Horse’s Joss Whedon panel followed where the geek god took the stage solo to joke around and answer fan questions.

Earlier, those lucky enough to make the Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. panel exploded with excitement when they were treated with a full screening of the first episode.

SDCC13: Check Out the Book 2 Trailer for 'The Legend of Korra'

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  23 July 2013.

When the Avatar dies, a new Avatar is chosen right away. When The Legend of Korra season one ended, fans had to wait a bit longer for the new season. Returning almost 18 months after the season finale of Book One: Air, Book 2: Spirits premieres this September on Nickelodeon and it looks incredible.

Those at the Korra panel at SDCC responded to a special screening of the first episode, “Rebel Spirit,” with roaring applause. Spirits picks up six months after Air with Republic City slowly returning to normal now that Amon and the Equalists are gone. But Korra has a new battle to face when the physical and spirit worlds collide, pushing her to discover more about both realms.

Book 2 will also explore the origins of the Avatar with Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead’s Glenn) voicing the very first Avatar, Wan. Ten thousand years before Korra’s time, Wan was just a teenage and skilled bender whose quest to bring balance between mankind and the spirits led to him become the first to master all four elements.

The first Avatar, Wan

Will Samuel L Jackson Make A Star Wars Return?

Originally published on PopWrapped.Tumblr.com.  23 July 2013.

Wondering if Samuel L. Jackson will be making an appearance in Star Wars Episode VII? So is Jackson.

At George Lucas’ wedding in June, Jackson met up with Star Wars Episode VII director, JJ Abrams.

According to Digital Spy, the two had a wordless interaction where Jackson silently questioned Abrams by raising his eyebrows. Abrams responded with a shrug.

“I don’t know what that means,” Jackson said when recalling the encounter. So for now, the actor as no clue if he’ll be putting on his Jedi robe and picking up his purple lightsaber again.

The actor’s campaign to return as Jedi Master Mace Windu has become well known. Despite Windu losing a hand, getting electrocuted and flying out a window in Revenge of the Sith, Jackson believes they could bring the character back.

"He just went out the window. He’s a Jedi! He could have landed on a ledge," he teased.

Members of the first Star Wars trilogy like Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill are expected to reprise their roles. Harrison Ford is expected to return as well, however, the man behind Han Solo has been very tight lipped on the subject. Ewan McGregor has also expressed interest in being involved in the project.

“I just think it would be cool to have some of us that people relate to as being part of the Star Wars franchise to give entry to the new characters that they’re going to bring to whatever the new thing is,” Jackson said. “It kind of makes it an easier entrance."

Star Wars: Episode VII will be the first Jedi film since Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012 and is expected to hit theater in 2015.

SDCC13: Starz's 'Black Sails' Offers a New Kind of Pirate Drama

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  20 July 2013.

The upcoming Starz original series Black Sails is Game of Thrones with pirates and that is a compliment in the highest form. With top tier actors, plenty of action and intrigue, and Michael Bay executive producing, Black Sails could very well be Starz’s answer to the HBO powerhouse.

Set in 1715 at the height of piracy in the Caribbean, the series centers on Captain Flint (Toby Stephens). Even as the most feared pirate captain in history, he is not immune to the impending threat posed by the return of the British Navy to the waters around New Providence Island.

To maintain his rule of the island, Flint allies with Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New), the daughter of the wealthiest local smuggler. Antagonists come from every side not only in the form of the British Navy but also rival captains, Eleanor father, and a young member of Flint’s crew named John Silver (Luke Arnold).

SDCC13: 'Psych: The Musical' and Dream Therapy Coming in Season 8

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  19 July 2013.

There is plenty in store for the 8th (and maybe final) season of USA Network’s Psych including a James Roday directed episode and new and old guest stars. Plus the long-awaited Psych: The Musical will finally air on Sunday, Dec. 15. In all, this season showcases “the most inventive things we’ve done yet,” said Executive Producer Steve Franks.

The short clip of the musical shown during the panel is proof enough that Psych-Os are in for a good ol’ fashion song and dance from their favorite detectives. In fact, some lucky San Diego Comic-Con fans were treated to a special screening of the musical Wednesday night. “I am so excited to see it because these guys they know how to sing and dance,” said moderator and guest star Cary Elwes. “Forget acting; they’re the triple threat.”

Another big announcement is the results of the fan vote, which was held to determine what episode to add to the season. The winner is Dream Therapy, officially titled “Nightmare on State Street,” where Gus undergoes dream therapy to understand the cause of his night terrors. Making the episode extra special, Roday will be directing. “It’s the last episode that we’re shooting, so I want to go out with a bang no matter what,” he said, hinting that this season may indeed be the end.

Her Universe is Official Merchandise Partner for ‘Star Wars’ Charity Relay

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  3 July 2013.

The race to Comic-Con is on. The Star Wars themed Course of the Force returns again this year on July 9th and with Her Universe as the official merchandise partner. Her Universe will be selling men’s and women’s apparel, including the new Course of the Force shirts and sweatshirts, at the relay events in San Francisco, Santa Monica, Huntington Beach, and Oceanside Pier.

The apparel company will also have a booth at San Diego Comic-Con International, where the lightsaber relay will conclude on July 16th. Her Universe founder, Ashley Eckstein will also return as co-host with The Nerdist’s Chris Hardwick to cover the event.

"It's an honor to return as a co-host and merchandise partner for Course of the Force," said Eckstein. "This is truly a magical and Force-filled event. It was also a pleasure to work with Russell Walks. We are so lucky that he donated his time and talent to create this amazing design!"