Laurence Fishburne Not Returning for Justice League

Rounding out our trio of DCEU stories is a soundbite from Laurence Fishburne, who appeared in Man of Steel and Dawn of Justice as Daily Planet Editor-in-Chief Perry White. Fishburne, who recently sat down to chat with the LA Times about his latest movie, John Wick 2, revealed that he is not coming back for Justice League. The veteran actor chalked it up to scheduling conflicts, but the next words out of his mouth had some people raising their eyebrows. While talking about how DC has handled portraying its greatest heroes on the silver screen, Fishburne didn’t mince words: “What were they doing over there? Marvel has been kicking their [butt]” He did not say butt, though. He would go on to defend Zack Snyder and swear that he loved Dawn of Justice’s most baffling moment, the infamous “Martha Scene,” but the damage had already been done. I can hear the blogs and message boards lighting up with comments now. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fishburne gets a cushy cameo in Avengers: Infinity War for his little commentary.

Extended Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailer Debuts

Not one to be outdone, Marvel Studios also capitalized on Super Bowl weekend with a new trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The one-minute ad introduced the new villain Ayesha, as well as our returning favorites Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Baby Groot. We also got looks at the trio of newcomers who will be joining them - Michael Rooker’s blue-skinned space redneck Yondu, Karen Gillan’s bald cyborg Nebula, and telepathic antennae-toting Mantis. There are shots of each character getting their moment to shine, in addition to a scene with all of them together. Yondu still has his floating whistle arrow thing, Gamora gets to fire a gun that’s bigger than her, and Drax takes on some giant intergalactic monster with nothing but his twin knives. Director James Gunn’s wacky, colorful visuals and off-beat humor were on full display as well, along with that rockin’ soundtrack that helped make the first film such a hit. There’s still no plot details, but the movie looks like it will be a lot of fun. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will hit theaters on May 5, 2017.

Peter Dinklage in Talks to Join Avengers: Infinity War

In more rumored casting news, Peter Dinklage may be coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to an exclusive report from Variety, anonymous sources say that the Game of Thrones alum is in talks to appear in Avengers: Infinity War. Serving as the culmination of Phase III of the MCU, the two-part Infinity War will be directed by the Russo brothers, already celebrated for helming the last two (and in my opinion, the best two) Captain America films. There’s no word on which role would go to everyone’s favorite wisecracking, hard-drinking dwarf turned diplomat, but that hasn’t stopped my brain for spinning into overdrive imagining the possibilities. M.O.D.O.K., anyone (please let it be M.O.D.O.K.)?

[h/t Variety]

Phylicia Rashad Joins Black Panther?

First up this week is more Marvel Cinematic Universe casting news. The latest addition rumored to be joining the cast is Cosby show alum and all-around perfect human being Phylicia Rashad. Everyone’s favorite black TV mom before Tracee Ellis Ross is speculated to be joining the already crowded superhero film after an interview with the previous latest cast member, Sterling K. Brown. The quote in question comes from an article in The Undefeated, where Brown let this tidbit slip: “...to be with Michael B. Jordan after the incredible work he’s done in Creed. Danai Gurira, Phylicia Rashad, Forest Whitaker - like, it’s embarrassing.” Embarrassing indeed, Mr. Brown! All sorts of fan news outlets have been taking the quote and running with it for the past 48 hours. Curiouser still - the MCU’s covert ops team has already made sure to scrub the quote from existence in the article, which has only served to fan the flames of speculation even further. If fandom reaction is any indication, this is yet another spot-on casting choice for Marvel, whether they want to admit to it or not just yet. I mean, it can’t hurt to have the first African-American to win a Tony for Best Actress on board, can it?

Sterling K. Brown Joins Black Panther

In another hotly anticipated, jam-packed film project, Emmy-winning actor Sterling K. Brown has joined the cast of Marvel’s upcoming Black Panther film. The movie, which will present a solo venture for the character introduced in last years Captain America: Civil War, is already bursting at the seams with talent. In addition to lead actor Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Daniel Kaluuya are already attached to the film, which will be directed by Ryan Coogler. Brown, who most recently played Christopher Darden in The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, will join the cast as N’Jobu, a person from Black Panther’s past. Black Panther was one of my favorite parts of Civil War, and I can’t wait to see what he can do when he has the big screen all to himself on February 16th, 2018.