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Having started as a child star, Scarlett Johansson has given several acclaimed performances in a range of genres, from drama and rom-coms to action-packed ventures like The Avengers and Lucy. However, one pivotal rejection nearly derailed her versatile career.

Scarlett Johansson in The Other Boleyn Girl | Credit: Universal Pictures

The MCU star was left questioning her path in the competitive world of acting after her most popular role as Black Widow was initially offered to Emily Blunt along with facing the rejection for the Oscar-winning film, Gravity.

The Rejections that Left Scarlett Johansson Questioning Her Potential

Scarlett Johansson has been one of the most acclaimed and highly celebrated actresses. Initially receiving widespread recognition for her performance in Sophia Coppola’s Lost in Translation, the actress soon found herself trapped in a cycle of typecasting of “hyper-s*xualized” roles.

Lost in Translation | Credit: Focus Features

Johansson opened up about her struggles...

The Jurassic Park franchise is one of the biggest in Hollywood history. First exploding onto the scene in 1993 with Steven Spielberg's triumphant box-office champion Jurassic Park, the film series continued with two sequels throughout the '90s and early 2000s before going dormant for over a decade. It then returned with a vengeance in 2015 with Jurassic World, which exceeded its iconic predecessor at the box office and subsequently produced two more larger-than-life sequels.

The Jurassic World chapter concluded with Dominion in 2022 but its success ensured that the franchise would continue beyond that. A new sequel titled Jurassic World: Rebirth was announced for the summer of 2025, and it has since added a very star-studded cast to its name. That cast includes Marvel icon Scarlett Johansson, Bridgerton sensation Jonathan Bailey, Academy Award-winner Mahershala Ali, and Dead Boy Detectives star David Iacono.

Universal unveiled the first look photos of the film just...

It began with 2008’s “Iron Man,” a film that introduced the world to Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark with the hint that he could be part of something greater. Over 30 films later, the story of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still being told, albeit with various tributaries and detours that introduce new characters and new worlds that may or may not cross paths one day. Each film in the MCU stands on its own to some degree, but like building blocks, they all connect as part of one interconnected universe. And in that way, watching the Marvel movies in order tells one grand story.

There are a couple of different ways to watch the Marvel movies in order, but below we run down how to watch the MCU in chronological and release date order. Indeed, some films like “Captain Marvel” and “Captain America: The First Avenger” are full-on prequels...

Who Was The Second Highest-Paid Avengers Actor in Avenger Movies? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Robert Downey Jr. led the charge regarding cashing in on saving the world. His Iron Man paycheck was in a league of its own, but right behind him? Scarlett Johansson, a.k.a. Black Widow, also raked in some serious coin. As the MCU’s first major female superhero, she proved she wasn’t just “one of the guys” in the lineup but a top earner in the Avengers crew, going from a million-dollar gig to landing a huge payout for Age of Ultron.

Johansson’s MCU climb started back in Iron Man 2 (2010) with a $400,000 paycheck—not too shabby for a debut, but barely a hint of what was coming. By The Avengers in 2012, she’d jumped to a clean million. But by Avengers: Age of Ultron in 2015? She was raking in a cool $20 million. At that point,...

In Which Avengers Movie Was Scarlett Johansson Paid More Than Chris Evans? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Did you know Scarlett Johansson was pulling in more cash than Chris Evans in Avengers: Age of Ultron? While Cap was out there leading the charge, Scarlett’s Black Widow bagged a sweet $20 million, out-earning Evans by a solid $5 million. Not too shabby for Natasha Romanoff, right?

Johansson didn’t start with those numbers, though. Back in Iron Man 2, she made $400,000 for her debut as the fierce super-spy. Fast forward to 2015, and her paycheck in Age of Ultron proves Marvel knew the actress was a key player. It was clear—Black Widow wasn’t just a sidekick; she was big-league.

Meanwhile, Evans was on his own journey. From making $300,000 in his solo debut, Captain America: The First Avenger, he saw his pay skyrocket with each Avengers outing. Though he might’ve made less than Johansson in Age of Ultron,...

Here’s how Scarlett Johansson’s fate lef her to be Black Widow (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Picture this: Scarlett Johansson as Lois Lane. She was this close to joining the DC universe in Superman Returns in 2006. But fate had other plans, and Scarlett made her mark at Avengers Tower instead of the Daily Planet. That detour? It led to her iconic role as Black Widow in the MCU—game changer.

Scarlett was in the running for Lois while McG was set to direct, with J.J. Abrams on the script. But when Bryan Singer took over, the role went to Kate Bosworth. Johansson’s near-miss? It worked out perfectly. We might never have seen her dominate as Black Widow if she had been Lois. And let’s face it, the MCU wouldn’t be the same.

Fast forward to 2010, and Scarlett made her MCU debut as Natasha Romanoff in Iron Man 2.

Genndy Tartakovsky is an animation legend, having worked on several hit cartoon shows of the 1990s and early 2000s. The animator delivered one of his most popular shows Primal, which is expected to return with a third installment. He has also worked with Marvel Studios on one of their blockbuster movies.

Genndy Tartakovsky once pitched a Marvel series (Credit: Wired | YouTube).

Tartakovsky recently appeared at a convention where he discussed various aspects of his career. At the same time, the animator talked about his stint with Marvel Studios which often goes under the radar, and how he received the opportunity to work with the hit machine studio in the first place. Here is what Tartakovsky had to say about working on a Marvel movie.

Samurai Jack Creator Genndy Tartakovsky Revealed How He Became Involved With Iron Man 2

Genndy Tartakovsky has worked on hit cartoon shows such as Samurai Jack and The Powerpuff Girls.

Regarded as one of the most iconic action heroes in Hollywood, Tom Cruise is back with the first teaser of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Since 1996 the actor has consistently worked hard to make the Mission: Impossible franchise one of the most bankable in the industry. In this, he plays Ethan Hurt and the latest movie would be the eighth installment of the franchise.

Tom Cruise in the teaser of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning | Credits: Paramount Pictures

While the fans are definitely overjoyed with the latest trailer, they also appreciate the fact that the makers took one criticism into account. Let’s take a closer look at what that criticism was all about and what the recently released teaser means for the Mission: Impossible franchise.

Tom Cruise’s Latest Mission: Impossible 8 Teaser Shows He’s Listening to Fan Feedback

Tom Cruise brings in his remarkable acting...

While Scarlett Johansson’s love life has been pretty rocky, as she incurred two divorces, which involved her marriage with Ryan Reynolds and Romain Dauriac, the third time has been the charm for the Marvel star. Although Johansson and Jost crossed paths back in 2006, it wasn’t until 2017 that Johansson took a liking to him, which would eventually contribute to their wedding in 2020.

Iron Man 2 | Credit: Marvel Studios

As for Jost, while he admitted to finding her beautiful and intimidatingly sophisticated back in 2006, it was the latter’s motherhood that made the comedian fall in love with the actress.

Colin Jost Was Awestruck by Scarlett Johansson’s Motherhood Scarlett Johansson in Avengers: Infinity War | Credit: Marvel Studios

Although Colin Jost hasn’t been pretty vocal about his love life with Scarlett Johansson, during a conversation with The New York Times, the SNL comedian deemed Johansson a “great mom”.

Related...

Did You Know Angelina Jolie And Scarlett Johansson Lost Leading Role In Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson are two of Hollywood’s most renowned and bankable A-list actresses. Each star is known for boasting a career filled with blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed performances. Jolie is known for her iconic roles in films like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Maleficent while Johansson is popular for dominating the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Black Widow. Both actresses are considered to be powerhouses of the industry. However, every successful actor goes through tough times, especially after losing a role in a movie worth $723 million.

You heard it right! It’s a rare instance where two of the industry’s most-in-demand stars missed out on a project that became one of the most bankable hits. Jolie and Johansson lost the lead role to actress Sandra Bullock in the 2013 science fiction thriller Gravity.

Actors popping up in different roles across various projects isn’t unusual—some even take on multiple roles within the same long-running series. While this trend is most common in TV shows, it also happens in movies, especially in expansive universes like the MCU. So, it’s not surprising when an actor ends up playing multiple characters in different projects.

Today’s story, though, is a bit of a twist on this theme. While it doesn’t involve the MCU directly, it does touch on Marvel’s universe, as one actress has taken on two distinct roles across separate adaptations of Marvel comics.

The actress in question is Olivia Munn. You likely remember her as Psylocke in Fox’s X-Men universe, but did you know she also had a role in the MCU? If you missed this detail or had simply forgotten, you’re in for a fun surprise!

It...

Actors appearing in different projects is nothing new. In fact, some actors even tend to appear in the same long-running project in different roles. While this is more often seen in TV series, it tends to happen in movies as well, especially when you have projects as large as the MCU, so it is not strange that one actor plays different roles in various projects.

And while the story we are about to provide you with today is not directly related to the MCU as a whole, it is related to Marvel’s adaptations, as one actress actually played two different roles in two different iterations of the Marvel comic book universe.

The actress in question is Olivia Munn, and you’ll probably remember that she played Psylocke in Fox’s X-Men universe, but did you know that she also appeared in the MCU, but in a very different role...

Scarlett Johansson discussed Black Widow’s portrayal in the MCU. (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Let’s narrate a story of when Scarlett Johansson spilled the tea about her Black Widow role in Iron Man 2. In a no-holds-barred chat with Collider, she called it like she saw it. The character? Totally “hyper-sexualized.” Yup, you heard that right! Instead of being the fierce superhero we all love, she was treated more like a shiny trophy than a badass. “You look back at Iron Man 2, and while it was fun, the character is so sexualized, you know? Talked about like she’s a piece of something, like a possession or a thing or whatever.” Yikes, right?

Let’s face it: when Black Widow first premiered in 2010, she was a legit ass-kicker. Johansson called out that cringeworthy line from Tony Stark, where he drooled over her and said, “I want some.” It was meant as a joke,...

Joe Russo revealed to GamesRadar+ at McM Comic Con 2024 that Marvel approached the Russo Brothers and Robert Downey Jr. to return for another “Avengers” movie of their record-breaking “Avengers: Infinity War” when the trio was already in discussions with each other for another project. It was announced at Comic-Con in July that Anthony and Joe Russo are directing two new Marvel movies, “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” the former of which will introduce Downey as the MCU’s Doctor Doom.

“We’re all very close,” Joe said about the brothers relationship with Downey. “We had been working on another project before Marvel approached all of us – so we’re working on another project with Robert – and there was a story that evolved through conversations [with Marvel] that we got very excited about. Because it’s always got to be the story.”

“Why would we come back if we didn’t feel...

Was the Character of Tony Stark in Iron Man a Reflection of Toxic Masculinity? Analyzing His Traits and Impact (Photo Credit – Facebook)

Tony Stark wasn’t just a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist; he was the epitome of complex masculinity—think swagger with a side of vulnerability. Sure, he cracked quips and flew in high-tech suits, but beneath that glossy exterior lay a fascinating journey through the maze of masculinity. While many fans loved his larger-than-life persona, Stark also served as a mirror reflecting the toxic traits often glorified in pop culture.

In Iron Man, Stark strutted in with all the classic markers of traditional masculinity: arrogant, self-reliant, and dismissing anyone who dared question him. His hubris? It birthed Ultron, a rogue A.I. hell-bent on destruction, proving that toxic bravado can lead to catastrophic consequences. But hold up! This narrative didn’t just end with him blowing things up; it...

It’s fitting that the first look at Jonathan Eusebio’s Love Hurts came in the same week as John Wick’s 10th anniversary. Eusebio, who’s affectionately known as “JoJo,” met Wick co-directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski at a martial arts school in the early ‘90s, and the two stunt performers turned filmmakers have taken Eusebio under their wings ever since. It was quite a career pivot for someone who majored in biological sciences at Uc Irvine, but it wasn’t completely unforeseen considering Eusebio’s two first loves were martial arts and Hong Kong action cinema.

Eusebio then climbed the ranks, working on the stunt teams for features like Blade II (2002) and Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). He then gained more and more responsibility through roles such as the assistant fight coordinator on The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) to the actual fight coordinator on Iron Man 2 (2010) and The Avengers (2012).

Then,...

Did Marvel play with Rober Downey Jr’s career? (Photo Credit – Facebook)

Hollywood’s household name, Robert Downey Jr.’s journey to becoming Iron Man is legendary. Not only was Iron Man the beginning of Downey’s successful journey, but it was also the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first Iron Man film started a massive six-phase run introducing some of Marvel’s greatest superheroes, eventually leading to their epic union as the Avengers. However, Downey’s journey as part of Marvel wasn’t always smooth, as the sequel to the first Iron Man derailed Marvel’s momentum. The tension escalated when a high-profile actor was demanded to play the antagonist.

Iron Man 2 lived up to its predecessor, thanks to Downey’s magnetic portrayal of Tony Stark and Mickey Rourke’s commanding performance as the menacing Ivan Vanko, also known as Whiplash. While Rourke’s intense portrayal perfectly complemented Downey’s Stark,...

Robert Downey Jr. expressed his desire for Elon Musk to “tone down his behavior a bit,” indirectly critiquing the billionaire CEO, who is frequently likened to his Iron Man character, Tony Stark.

Downey made these remarks during a conversation with podcaster Kara Swisher, who noted that Musk has been “playing the role” of Tony Stark, the Marvel superhero portrayed by Downey in the Iron Man and Avengers films.

Robert Downey Jr. and Elon Musk shared a brief on-screen moment when Musk made a cameo in 2010’s Iron Man 2, where he met Tony Stark at the Monaco Grand Prix.

In the latest episode of On With Kara Swisher, released Monday, Swisher asked Downey for his thoughts on Musk “acting like Tony Stark.” She appeared to reference Musk’s outspoken personality, which mirrors that of Stark’s.

Downey replied, “I’ve only met him a few times. As a nearly 60-year-old recovering white American male,...

Robert Downey Jr. and Elon Musk briefly shared the screen together in 2010’s Marvel tentpole “Iron Man 2,” in which Downey’s hot shot business tycoon Tony Stark met Musk while at the Monaco Grand Prix. It was a fitting moment, as “Iron Man” screenwriter Mark Fergus once told New York Magazine that Musk partly inspired the screen iteration of Tony Stark due to their technological prowess, cockiness and overall hotheadedness. But what does Downey think about Musk in real life?

During an interview appearance on the “On with Kara Swisher” podcast (via Business Insider), Downey was asked point-blank about his thoughts on Musk “cosplaying Tony Stark” in real life.

“I’ve only met him a few times,” Downey answered. “As an almost 60-year-old recovering white American male, I just wish that he would control his behavior a little more, but that’s not on me. I know that this...

Robert Downey Jr. said he wishes Elon Musk would “tone down his behavior a bit,” taking a jab at the billionaire CEO who is often compared to Tony Stark.

Downey made this comment during a chat with podcaster Kara Swisher, who mentioned Musk has been “playing the role” of Tony Stark, the Marvel superhero Downey portrayed in the “Iron Man” and “Avengers” films.

The two have briefly appeared together on screen when Musk had a cameo in 2010’s “Iron Man 2,” where he met Stark at the Monaco Grand Prix.

In the “On With Kara Swisher” episode released Monday, Swisher asked Downey for his thoughts on Musk “acting like Tony Stark.”

She seemed to be referring to Musk’s outspoken personality, which is similar to Stark’s.

Downey responded, “I’ve only met him a few times. As a nearly 60-year-old recovering white American male, I just wish he would tone it down a little,...

Long before TV series and movies were available for us to binge-watch on streaming platforms, many of us would be glued to our TV screens, eagerly waiting for the next episode of our favorite cartoons. Back in that day, for fans of the superhero world and DC, Batman Beyond proved to be an exceptional piece of work, whose futuristic depiction of Gotham City made it an absolute gem.

Batman Beyond | Credit: Warner Bros. Television Animation

So for years, fans of the beloved series have longed for a live-action project, only to be left disappointed year after year. But their wish might finally be fulfilled thanks to one upcoming fan film, Batman Beyond: Year One, starring Titans star Ryan Potter as Terry McGinnis.

Batman Beyond: Year One— A Fan Film Based on the 1999 Animated Series Batman Beyond: Year One | Credit: Lumis Entertainment / YouTube

The 1999 animated series Batman Beyond is...

Over the years, Emily Blunt has been known for her roles in films like A Quiet Place, The Devil Wears Prada, Fall Guy, Pain Hustlers, and more. However, back in 2009, the actress had a chance to join the MCU in a role she almost played but lost to another Hollywood star.

Although Blunt would have loved to join the superhero-verse as Black Widow, it was a dream that never ended up being realized. After all, due to scheduling conflicts, Scarlett Johansson was eventually given the role.

Emily Blunt in The Devil Wears Prada (image credit: 20th Century Studios)

It might be hard to imagine anyone other than Johansson playing the superspy now. However, years after the miss, Blunt ended up revealing why she had to pass on the iconic role.

Why Emily Blunt turned down Scarlett Johansson’s iconic role

Emily Blunt was initially set to appear as Black Widow in 2010’s Iron Man 2,...

The best way to adapt comic books to cinema is through animation. At least that's my personal opinion. It's much smoother to put characters from one hand-drawn medium to another than it is trying to weld reality into a setting that was never meant to resemble it. Japanese cartoonists understand this, hence the overflowing manga to anime adaptation pipeline.

But here in America, the biggest superhero movies are the live-action ones that rarely reach the style of the comics they pull from. The Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn't had the greatest success at becoming a multimedia project (their Disney+ shows look ever more like a failed experiment), and a story from the studio's early days shows they missed an early shot.

Genndy Tartakovsky, the acclaimed creator of "Dexter's Laboratory" and "Samurai Jack," did storyboarding work on "Iron Man 2." But he didn't get the job by applying directly for it. No,...

Is Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow Still Alive and Set to Return in Future MCU Films? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Have you all seen the last of Black Widow? Per Scarlett Johansson, never say never. During a sit-down on the Today show, the actress playfully stirred the pot of speculation about her return as Natasha Romanoff. “I think it was the end, right? She passed,” she alluded, recalling the emotional moment in Endgame when Natasha sacrificed herself for the Soul Stone, saving Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. But, as Johansson quipped, “It would be a miracle. It would be a real Marvel miracle.”

MCU fans might remember that Johansson first donned the Black Widow persona in Iron Man 2 (2010). After myriad hits, she quickly became a fan favorite. Yet, it was in Endgame (2019) that her character met her tragic fate. This pivotal moment she marked not only the end of Black Widow...

Scarlett Johansson has done some remarkable work as an actress in Hollywood. But in this slew of roles and projects, her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe would definitely be the highlight of her career. However, despite this popularity, her character also had to endure some major objectification on the Iron Man 2 set.

Scarlett Johansson in Iron Man 2 | Credits: Paramount Pictures

Apart from her wonderful roles, Johansson is also known to be quite vocal in expressing her opinions. In the same manner, she did not shy away in a past interview, when she called out Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark for objectifying her character on set.

Scarlett Johansson Called Out the Objectification of Black Widow in Iron Man 2

Scarlett Johansson entered the industry when she was just nine years old and faced several obstacles in her way. However, with her talents, she broke...

Don Cheadle is one of the longest-running veterans of the MCU. First appearing all the way back in “Iron Man 2,” Cheadle’s Rhodey has been one of the foundational stars of the cinematic universe. That’s why it wasn’t shocking to see Marvel Studios wanting to give him his own thing with “Armor Wars.” However, since it was announced that “Armor Wars” was being changed from a TV series to a feature film, we haven’t heard much about the development of the project.

Continue reading Don Cheadle Doesn’t Know What’s Going On With ‘Armor Wars’: “I’m Not Sure Where Anything Is Right Now” at The Playlist.

Scarlett Johansson spent years working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, but there’s one Marvel star she believes could easily top the charts as part of the hottest couple in town. With her insider perspective on what makes someone stand out in a sea of A-list talent, Johansson’s insight’s bound to turn heads.

Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell | Credit: Paramount Pictures

After all, her experience working with some of the most charismatic actors gives her a unique take on who could set the rumor mill spinning.

Scarlett Johansson Calls Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz the Hottest Couple at Fly Me to the Moon Premiere Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson in Fly Me to the Moon | Credits: Columbia Pictures

Hollywood’s full of jaw-dropping couples, but Scarlett Johansson’s got her sights set on the ultimate pairing: Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz. At the...

Deadpool & Wolverine has become the biggest superhero release of the year and the second-highest-grossing movie, trailing only Inside Out 2.

The film delivered on everything Marvel Studios promised, rekindling fans’ excitement for MCU releases while raking in huge box office numbers. With Deadpool and Wolverine now officially part of the MCU, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are back in the spotlight—potentially even as Oscar hosts this year.

As Oscar season approaches, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have plenty to anticipate. According to Deadline, the duo is being considered to host the Oscars, which isn’t surprising given their current status as Hollywood’s funniest pair.

Other stars like Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Dwayne Johnson have also been approached, though Johnson reportedly declines the offer every year.

While Reynolds and Jackman are seen as frontrunners, sources indicate they’re still undecided, with mixed signals about whether they want...

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is (so far) the biggest superhero release this year and the second-highest grossing movie this year behind ‘Inside Out 2.’ Everything that Marvel Studios pitched the movie to be – it turned out being.

It managed to resurrect some of the faith and excitement that fans had in MCU releases, and it earned a ton of money. Deadpool & Wolverine are now officially in the cinematic universe, with Reynolds and Jackman once again being under the spotlight, this year perhaps as Oscar hosts.

We’re slowly nearing the Oscar season and Reynolds and Jackman clearly have a lot to look forward to. The pair is according to Deadline being put up front to host the Oscars. This isn’t surprising considering that they are currently the funniest duo in Hollywood.

In this regard, stars such as Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Dwayne Johnson have also been approached — not...

Scarlett Johansson had a run as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that few actors will ever be able to touch. After making her debut in 2010's "Iron Man 2," Johansson would go on to play the Marvel Comics superhero for more than a decade, culminating in 2021's long-awaited and long-overdue "Black Widow" solo film. Several years removed from ending her time as Nathasha Romanoff, does Johansson have any regrets?

Speaking recently with MTV UK, while promoting her latest movie "Transformers One," she and the rest of the cast were asked if there's anything they would change about a character they previously played. Johansson went right to Black Widow and suggested that she and the rest of the brass at Marvel Studios could have dug a little deeper into the character's past:

"I probably would have gone further back in the Black Widow story. I would have loved to have seen the Hawkeye,...

Secret Invasion was not well-received by the majority of fans, and the plot point that seems to have come in for the most backlash was the twist involving Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Don Cheadle).

Making War Machine a Skrull imposter was one thing, but revealing that the real Rhodey had been replaced by a shape-shifting alien shortly after sustaining his injury in Captain America: Civil War - rendering his emotional farewell to dying Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame meaningless - really didn't go over well.

As it turns out, Cheadle has some issues with the twist himself.

"Uh… you know, there was no… it wasn’t a demand. It was a request," the actor told TV Line when asked for his reaction to finding out about the Skrull twist. “'What do you think about playing this?' And it was to set up stuff in the following thing. So, if the following thing happens,...

Sandra Bullock received her second Best Actress Oscar nomination for her role as Dr. Ryan Stone in Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity. The sci-fi survival thriller swept the Oscars with wins for direction, cinematography, editing, sound, and VFX. The film also earned $723 million at the box office.

Bullock and George Clooney reportedly spent ten hours every day attached to a robotic arm alone inside a lightbox for the production of the film. While Clooney was only on set for three weeks, Bullock was there for much longer and got frustrated due to the lonely shooting style and precise movements for VFX.

Sandra Bullock Got Annoyed At The Technological Hurdles She Went Through During Gravity Sandra Bullock in Gravity | Credits: Warner Bros.

Alfonso Cuarón reportedly worked on Gravity for over four years due to the technological hurdles presented by the script (via The Guardian). Conceived as a tale of survival in the face of adversity,...

Another year, another money-making Marvel movie in the running to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects. This time around it’s “Deadpool and Wolverine,” the third film in Ryan Reynolds‘ R-rated series and the first featuring Hugh Jackman‘s popular “X-Men” character. If “Deadpool and Wolverine” goes on to reap a visual effects bid, it would be the 18th Marvel entry overall to do so, when including those that contended before the Marvel Cinematic Universe officially kicked off in 2008. See them all below.

The most recent addition to the list was “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2023), with its tech whizzes losing to the “Godzilla Minus One” team at last year’s Academy Awards. That was actually the third “Guardians” film to earn a Best Visual Effects nom after “Vol. 2” (it lost to “Blade Runner 2049” in 2017) and “Vol. 1” (it lost to “Interstellar” in 2014).

Both of the...

Joker: Folie a Deux is proving to be an all-out disaster for Warner Bros/ DC. The original film was an Oscar-winner for star Joaquin Phoenix and grossed a mighty billion dollars worldwide, but the sequel is having the most disastrous comic book movie opening since The Marvels, and with a D CinemaScore, it’s the kind of sequel which can’t help but tarnish the original to some degree.

All this got us thinking—what were other Really bad sequels? Sure, a lot of sequels are disappointing (think Iron Man 2 or Thor: The Dark World), but which have been all-out franchise-killing disasters? We’ve compiled a bunch of them into our poll below, so let us know—and if we’ve missed any, make sure to chime in via the comments!

What is the worst sequel of all time?Joker: Folie a DeuxThe Hangover: Part IIISpeed 2:...

In the world of modern adult animation, one of the names you hear the most is Genndy Tartakovsky. While initially starting out making cartoons for younger audiences, such as Dexter’s Laboratory on Cartoon Network, he began to explore more mature forms of storytelling with later series, such as Samurai Jack and Sym-Bionic Titan, until eventually doing more exclusively adult-oriented work, such as Primal and Unicorn: Warriors Eternal.

But one other series the director is known for is the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated mini series, which ran on Cartoon Network from 2003 – 2005. It was the first piece of animated media to show that era of the franchise before its successor series in 2008. This was all before Star Wars was acquired by Disney, of course.

However, he revealed that he pitched another animated series to another company, one that would also eventually fall under the Disney umbrella.

In an interview with Collider,...

In the world of Hollywood, celebrity feuds are pretty common. From Kanye West and Taylor Swift’s beef to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone’s rivalry, fans have seen it all unfold. However, some feuds are more unexpected than others. One such alleged dispute involves two legendary performers, Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro. In fact, the stars have been embroiled in a curious and seemingly one-sided feud that dates back over three decades.

Mickey Rourke in a still from Iron Man 2 | Credits: Marvel Studios

De Niro has chosen to remain largely silent for years. However, Rourke has continued to fuel the narrative of their long-time rivalry through any means necessary.

Mickey Rourke’s alleged feud with Robert De Niro

Over the years, Robert De Niro has become one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. After all, the star’s portrayals in The Good Fellas, The Godfather Part II,...

When superheroes and other comic book characters engage in battles, they often leave behind significant destruction. While these heroes don’t intend to cause harm, collateral damage and casualties are common outcomes.

There are also instances where heroes deliberately kill, believing it’s the only way to defeat their enemies.

Although characters like Batman and Superman uphold “no-kill” policies, they are more the exception than the norm. Many superheroes have no qualms about taking the lives of their foes, whether they’re monsters, aliens, or something else entirely.

With that in mind, let’s discuss the kill count of a rather surprising character from the MCU: Pepper Potts. While she may not be the first person you’d think of for such a list, you might be shocked to discover how her total compares to that of some other prominent MCU figures.

The information we have comes from a list...

When they battle, superheroes and other comic book characters usually cause a lot of damage. Although the superheroes don’t intend for this to occur, harm and casualties do happen regardless of their wishes. But there are other stories of heroes killing on purpose because it’s the only way they can vanquish their foes and win.

Although “no-kill” policies are embraced by superheroes like Batman and Superman, they are an exception rather than the rule. Superheroes usually don’t think twice about murdering their adversaries, be they monsters, aliens, or something else entirely.

In light of that, we are going to talk about the kill count of a very interesting character, or, more specifically, about the kill count of her version from the MCU. The character in question is Pepper Potts, a character who you wouldn’t really consider for such a list, but you’ll be surprised to...

Samuel L. Jackson’s role as Nick Fury single-handedly changed the character forever. Bringing his own twist to his performance, the actor ended up having a lasting effect on the beloved S.H.I.E.L.D. agent to the point that his comic version began to imitate the iconic demeanor.

Samuel L. Jackson as Director Nick Fury in a still from Secret Invasion | Credit: Disney+

Although now the world knows how great a choice he was for the role, the same was not the case when he was cast. So much so, that even Jackson was wary when Kevin Feige first approached him with the role. During an interview, the actor revealed that he had a very big concern when he was first offered the role of Fury.

Samuel L. Jackson Was Wary

Samuel L. Jackson has been playing the role of Nick Fury for many years now, being...

Samuel L. Jackson participated in a career retrospective interview for GQ magazine and admitted that he was shocked by the speed that Marvel raced through his initial nine-picture deal. Jackson agreed to Marvel’s initial offer to play Nick Fury in nine movies, starting with a cameo appearance at the end of 2008’s “Iron Man.” He has since starred in a dozen Marvel movies, including multiple “Avengers” movies and standalone tentpoles like “Iron Man 2” and “The Marvels.”

“I knew I had a nine-picture deal,” Jackson said. “[Marvel Studios president] Kevin [Feige] said that: ‘We’re going to offer you a nine-picture deal.’ How long do you have to stay alive to make nine movies? It’s not the quickest process in the world. I didn’t know they were going to make nine movies in like two and a half years. That’s kind of crazy! Oh shit, I’m using up my contracts.

Terrence Howard spoke about Robert Downey Jr.’s role the Iron Man drama (Photo Credit – Instagram)

According to Howard, the Marvel Studios cash cow didn’t come cheap for everyone involved.

Let’s rewind to the early days of Iron Man. Marvel had their sights set on a different star for the role of Tony Stark. But guess what? Downey Jr. swooped in after the casting team had made their picks, battling the studio’s initial reluctance. Still, he made the cut, and the rest is cinematic history.

Now, Howard’s side of the story is where things get juicy. As the original Rhodey, Howard was making bank—reportedly between $3.5 and $4.5 million, making him the highest-paid star of the film. The deal came with a promise: if Iron Man 2 happened, he’d be back as War Machine with an extra $5 million on the table. Sounds sweet, right?

Trending How...

Be it Messi vs. Ronaldo or PlayStation vs. Xbox, there has always been a point of debate on who or which is the best in its category. The same thing goes for Marvel and DC as well. Both cinematic universes have some of the greatest superheroes, villains, movies, and whatnot!

Batman: Arkham series is the best gaming franchise of DC Games. | Credit: Rocksteady Studios.

Avengers might have left Justice League quite some distance behind it. But when it comes to solo movies, DC has always been way ahead. The Batman trilogy is a prime example. Joker too, which has got an Oscar as well. Now DC might have another chance with this popular antihero to surpass Marvel in another sector as well.

Marvel Games vs DC Games – A Long Standing Battle Marvel’s Spider-Man has stolen all the spotlights from DC Games. | Credit: Insomniac Games.

Just like the Avengers vs.

Many comic book characters have been brought to the big screen over the years, but there are only so many actors willing to fill those roles.

That's why a few Hollywood stars have ended up playing multiple parts across the Marvel and DC Universes, with at least some of them using the second characters they've played to turn their careers around after those disastrous first attempts. 

For example, Ryan Reynolds almost killed his career by playing Green Lantern in the 2011 flop; however, he'd more than made up for that with his role in the Deadpool franchise, with this year's Deadpool & Wolverine now the highest-grossing R-Rated movie of all time.

Today, we're looking at 8 actors who have played comic book characters in poorly received superhero movies, only to later redeem themselves with far more successful performances in movies and TV show that didn't flop with fans, critics, and at the box office.

The image of Robert Downey Jr. unveiling himself as Doctor Doom at San Diego Comic-Con has become one of the most famous Marvel images of all-time. The announcement took everyone by surprise, not least of all Downey Jr.'s former co-stars, many of whom were not informed about the crazy turn of events beforehand.

Of course, Robert Downey Jr. is best known for his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He started the franchise and was the beating heart of the MCU right through to Avengers: Endgame. Many thought he'd someday reprise his role as Iron Man. It wasn't out of the question. What nobody expected was for him to take on the key role of Doctor Doom, who will be the main villain of the franchise going forward. But here we are.

Previously, Kang the Conqueror was going to be the main villain of the MCU,...

Marvel Studios is putting steps in place to ensure that its recent comeback with Deadpool and Wolverine is merely the beginning of its renewed sense of success. The Hollywood heavyweight has consistently dominated the box office since 2008's Iron Man but in recent years it has faltered at the box office. As surprising as the underperformances of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels were, the studio was far from beyond a redemption, and it found that in Deadpool and Wolverine.

Now, Kevin Feige and Bob Iger have reportedly put a new plan in place that would see Marvel adopt a new less-is-more strategy for the Marvel Cinematic Universe going forward. According to insiders that includes taking less risks with titles and focusing more on sure-fire hits (such as the upcoming X-Men movie). It also is rumored to have resulted in the renewal of some of the McU's popular...

Following the groundbreaking success of Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man, as Marvel Studios set out to make his sequel, they sought to push the boundaries of superhero cinema. And in their quest for innovation, they enlisted a secret weapon, the Samurai Jack creator Genndy Tartakovsky.

Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man | image: Marvel Studios

Known for his iconic work in animation, Genndy Tartakovsky was tasked with storyboarding Iron Man 2’s electrifying action sequences. Thereafter, Tartakovsky’s influence on the film became hard to miss. Particularly, Iron Man and War Machine’s drone fight scene caught people’s attention for transforming it into nothing short of revolutionary.

Jon Favreau Hand-Picked Genndy Tartakovsky for Storyboarding Iron Man 2 Action Scenes

When Marvel Studios decided to expand Robert Downey Jr‘s Iron Man universe with its 2010 sequel, Iron Man 2, they knew they needed something extraordinary to elevate the film’s action sequences.

There have been several Marvel movies that never happened. From talks of a solo Falcon movie (until Brave New World) to the introduction of Galactus in the MCU, several ideas have been scrapped.

Don Cheadle in a still from Iron Man 2 | Credits: Marvel Studios

The scrapped ideas included a Don Cheadle movie that would have solely focused on James Rhodes aka War Machine and his friendship with Tony Stark. However, the idea was never put to use.

The Don Cheadle Movie Would Have Been Good

There is no harm in saying that Phases 4 and 5 weren’t the best that the cinematic universe had to offer to the world. The MCU went to a high of Avengers: Endgame and has been trying to regain that same hype ever since.

There was a War Machine movie in the works | Credits: Marvel Studios

Several movies, such as Thor: Love and Thunder and The Eternals,...

After Jonathan Majors was removed from the MCU and Robert Downey Jr. was made Doctor Doom in the cinematic universe, it has been quite a long time since people have heard about Armor Wars.

Don Cheadle as War Machine in the MCU | Credits: Marvel Studios

So, what is the deal here? Why the hold-up? Well, we might not have the exact reason why people haven’t heard about Armor Wars but it seems that Don Cheadle might have the answer!

Don Cheadle Has a Question For The Audience

It is usually the reverse case where we ask celebrities questions and they usually give the answer. The problem arises when the celebrity has a question to ask the audience and Don Cheadle has exactly done that.

Don Cheadle in Iron Man 2 | Credits: Marvel Studios

Things at Marvel Studios have been kept secret for a long time ever since the time of Avengers: Endgame.

We haven't had many (any?) official updates on Armor Wars since Marvel Studios announced that the project was being developed as a feature back in 2022, but a recent rumor did claim that the studio has yet to make a "final decision" on the movie one way or the other, and could still choose not to movie forward.

Don Cheadle - who is, as far as we know, still attached to star as James "Rhodey" Rhodes/War Machine - was asked if he could share any news on the project during an appearance on the Today Show, and gave what could be perceived as a very telling response.

"What's Armor Wars?," the actor asked with a smile, before adding that it's basically an "I could tell you but I'd have to kill you" situation.

Aside from being a great way to shut down the question, this does suggest that there is something to discuss,...

We haven't had many (any?) official updates on Armor Wars since Marvel Studios announced that the project was being developed as a feature back in 2022, but a recent rumor did claim that the studio has yet to make a "final decision" on the movie one way or the other, and could still choose not to movie forward.

Don Cheadle - who is, as far as we know, still attached to star as James "Rhodey" Rhodes/War Machine - was asked if he could share any news on the project during an appearance on the Today Show, and gave what could be perceived as a very telling response.

"What's Armor Wars?," the actor asked with a smile, before adding that it's basically an "I could tell you but I'd have to kill you" situation.

Aside from being a great way to shut down the question, this does suggest that there is something to discuss,...