In a thrilling turn of events, DC Comics celebrates the monumental 900th issue of Batman with a surprising revelation. Batman #135 not only concludes an exhilarating crossover storyline but also adds an iconic element to the official Batman canon: the legendary Shark Repellant spray from the classic 1966 Batman movie starring Adam West.

Delving into the multiverse, Batman finds himself confronting Red Mask, a sane version of the Joker seeking to embody the essence of his crazed counterpart. As the Dark Knight navigates various realities, he encounters a multitude of Batmen from different dimensions, including Michael Keaton’s Batman, Gotham by Gaslight Batman, and even the beloved Adam West’s Batman.

It is the Batman from The Dark Knight Returns who plays a pivotal role, equipping our hero with a spare costume and a cybernetic hand. Armed with these new tools, Batman faces off against Red Mask in a breathtaking battle at the fringes of time and space. When a Joker-infected great white shark threatens his life, Batman’s preparedness shines through as he swiftly deploys the Shark Repellant spray, proving once again that he is always ready for the most extraordinary challenges.

However, the epic journey takes an unexpected turn when Batman discovers a surprising twist on the final page. His interaction with the alternate Batmen has inadvertently transformed them into the sinister Batman of Zur-En-Arrh, a backup personality designed to take over in times of compromised sanity. This revelation hints at a potentially perilous future for the multiverse, as this team of morally ambiguous Batmen poses a grave threat.

As readers eagerly anticipate the unfolding events, Batman #135 showcases the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the Dark Knight’s world. This milestone issue is a testament to the enduring legacy of Batman and the creative genius of the talented writers, including Chp Zdarsky, who skillfully craft each chapter of this ongoing Batman saga.

Prepare for a captivating adventure that spans realities, introduces nostalgic elements, and sets the stage for an enthralling future. Batman #135 is a must-read for fans and newcomers alike, offering a glimpse into the limitless possibilities of the Batman mythos.

Pedro Pascal, known for his impressive roles in Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and The Last of Us, is poised to add yet another illustrious project to his repertoire.

According to a reliable source close to the production, Pascal is currently in advanced negotiations to join the highly anticipated cast of Ridley Scott’s untitled Gladiator sequel, as exclusively reported by Deadline. This news has sent ripples of excitement throughout the entertainment industry.

While specific details about Pascal’s character and the sequel’s storyline remain tightly under wraps, the prospect of his involvement adds another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated project. Should the final negotiations reach a successful conclusion, Pascal would join an already impressive ensemble that includes the previously announced stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Barry Keoghan, and the returning Connie Nelson.

In addition to Pascal’s potential casting, breakout star Joseph Quinn from Stranger Things Season 4 is also in negotiations to join the sequel. Directed by the visionary Ridley Scott and featuring a script penned by David Scarpa, the follow-up film is currently slated for release on November 22, 2024. Fans of the original Gladiator, a box office sensation that grossed $460 million worldwide and garnered an impressive 12 Oscar nominations, including a Best Picture win, are eagerly anticipating this highly anticipated sequel.

Pascal’s career has seen remarkable growth and success, with recent years proving especially significant for the talented actor. His portrayal of Din Djarin in Disney+’s Star Wars series, The Mandalorian, has garnered widespread acclaim, while his portrayal of Joel Miller in HBO’s The Last of Us further solidified his standing as a versatile and captivating performer. Pascal has continued to make waves in the film industry with notable roles in films such as The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent alongside Nicolas Cage, Wonder Woman 1984, and Netflix’s The Bubble.

As Pascal’s star continues to rise, fans and industry insiders eagerly await further updates on his potential involvement in the Gladiator sequel. The combination of Pascal’s remarkable talent, the renowned Ridley Scott at the helm, and the rich legacy of the original film promises an extraordinary cinematic experience that will captivate audiences worldwide. Stay tuned for more exciting developments on this highly anticipated project.

Noah Hawley’s Alien series has found its lead in Sydney Chandler, as confirmed by FX. The project, shrouded in secrecy, is set to begin production this year. Details about Chandler’s role in the series are scarce, but it’s expected she’ll portray a new character, as Hawley previously stated that the series wouldn’t be a “Ripley story.”

Instead, Hawley’s vision for the series is a story about inequality set on Earth, drawing inspiration from the blue-collar space-trucker world portrayed in the original movie. Chandler has previously appeared in FX’s limited series “Pistol,” chronicling the story of The Sex Pistols, and will soon be seen alongside Colin Farrell in the upcoming Apple TV series Sugar.

Chandler and Hawley join the ranks of those attempting to reimagine Ridley Scott’s iconic sci-fi series. Fede Alvarez is directing a new Alien movie, which recently teased behind-the-scenes glimpses of production and the return of the infamous Facehugger.

Hawley, best known for his work on the Fargo TV series, brings a strong pedigree to the new Alien show. However, Ridley Scott himself expressed skepticism about the project in a 2021 interview, stating it “will never be as good as the first one.” Viewers will have the chance to judge for themselves when Alien premieres, likely in 2024.

The Board of Directors of the @WGAwest and the Council of the @WGAeast, acting upon the authority granted to them by their memberships, have voted unanimously to call a strike, effective 12:01 AM, Tuesday, May 2.

— Writers Guild of America West (@WGAWest) May 2, 2023

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has declared a strike, marking the guild’s first industrial action in 15 years. The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the work stoppage began on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 2. The WGA claims that the studios’ responses have been “wholly insufficient given the existential crisis writers are facing.”

The union alleges that studios and streamers have not agreed on critical issues, such as guaranteed employment duration for TV writers and protections against AI-based writing for WGA-covered work. Furthermore, proposals to minimize unpaid work have not been resolved. The current three-year contract between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing most of Hollywood’s studios, expired at midnight Pacific time.

Negotiations continued until the last minute, but the WGA had already authorized a strike with a majority vote in April. Central to the dispute are proposed changes to accommodate the shift in the entertainment landscape caused by streaming services. As TV writers lose residual income, the WGA seeks contract changes to ensure a more stable industry in the era of streaming platforms.

The WGA also demands increased minimum pay, a new TV residuals formula, and improved working conditions, including minimum TV writing staff sizes.

The previous WGA strike in 2007-08, a historic 100-day work stoppage, disrupted live and late-night shows, delayed movies, and boosted the rise of reality TV. The current strike’s duration remains uncertain, but TV productions, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, are expected to be affected immediately. Other shows, such as Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Daily Show, Saturday Night Live, Real Time with Bill Maher, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, are likely to face similar impacts due to their reliance on timely writing.

Regenerate response

Ghostbusters: Afterlife director Jason Reitman is taking on a new cinematic challenge, diving into the origins of Saturday Night Live and the frenzied backstage story of its debut night. Deadline reports that Reitman is teaming up with Sony Pictures and Ghostbusters: Afterlife collaborator Gil Kenan to co-write the screenplay, which will chronicle the pandemonium leading up to SNL’s first broadcast on October 11, 1975.

The film will draw from interviews conducted by Reitman and Kenan with cast members, writers, and crew who were present during SNL’s opening night, featuring George Carlin as host on NBC and Chevy Chase’s inaugural “Live From New York, it’s Saturday Night!” announcement.

Reitman and Kenan are also collaborating on the Ghostbusters: Afterlife follow-up, currently in production, with Kenan directing. Their long-time partners, Jason Blumenfeld and Erica Mills, are on board as producers for both the SNL project and the upcoming sequel, set for release in December.

Following the success of Ghostbusters: Afterlife in 2021, which grossed $204 million worldwide, Reitman and Kenan signed an overall producing deal with Sony. The film’s triumph led to the announcement of a sequel and an animated series on Netflix.