Latest news with #MarvelComics'
Courier-Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Fantastic Four: Emmy-winner Ebon Moss-Bachrach on juggling The Bear and The Thing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Movies. Followed categories will be added to My News. He may not be the loudest name on the poster, but Ebon Moss-Bachrach might just be Marvel's most inspired casting choice yet. Known for his raw, emotionally charged performance in the Emmy-winning series The Bear, the 48-year-old New Yorker is stepping into an entirely different kind of chaos, playing Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, in Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps. With the film marking the official kick-off to phase six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, anticipation has been off the charts. But while much of the early buzz has swirled around big ticket names like Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, it's Moss-Bachrach's grounded, gritty take on a rock-covered superhero that's shaping up to be one of the film's most intriguing talking points. 'I really wanted to try to honour and fight for the character,' he says from a Sydney hotel during the film's global press tour. 'You feel that responsibility, and you feel how much it means to people and that's inspiring. 'I wanted to give it as much dignity and strength as I could, and you have to inhabit them the best you can. As soon as you start making [it], as soon as you're in the scene, all that kind of stuff goes away. There's no time for that, to think about those things.' Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Vanessa Kirby of "]The Fantastic Four: First Steps in Sydney this week. Picture: Getty Images After a dodgy unreleased effort in 1994, two moderate successes in 2005 and 2007 and a big-budget bomb in 2015, this iteration of Marvel Comics' much loved characters is styled with a retro-futuristic lens and set in an alternate 1960s-inspired universe. Alongside Moss-Bachrach is Joseph Quinn, fresh off his Stranger Things fame, playing Johnny Storm (also known as the Human Torch). Following in the footsteps of Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan in the original films, Quinn acknowledged the high expectations, but insisted this version stands on its own. 'I don't think any interpretation of any character is in opposition to any previous interpretation,' Quinn says. 'I think, in its very nature, it is going to be different because it's coming from a different actor.' Pedro Pascal. Picture: Getty Images Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantantastic. Picture: Marvel He recalled watching the 2005 and 2015 adaptations growing up. 'Chris Evans so brilliantly played Johnny Storm in those films … it's just, this is a new chapter, and it's a new interpretation and I'm very excited to be a part of it.' But while Quinn may be newer to the scene, Moss-Bachrach has been slowly and deliberately building a career that spans indie dramas, off beat comedies, and period pieces. From early appearances in John Adams and Girls, to acclaimed turns in series like The Punisher, Moss-Bachrach's resume reads like a masterclass in restraint and emotional nuance. His portrayal of Richie in The Bear has been lauded by critics for capturing vulnerability, rage, grief, and joy in one character and even earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He was nominated again this week for the same role in the most recent season. Vanessa Kirby at the Sydney premiere. Picture: Getty Images This year, Ebon Moss-Bachrach has been just about everywhere. Between The Bear and Fantastic Four, he has barely had time to slow down, though he did manage the occasional breather. 'We shot this movie for a long time,' Moss-Bachrach says, referring to Fantastic Four: First Steps. 'I did have a little bit of a break, but there was also a period of time when I was on double duty and going back and forth between Chicago and London, where we shot Fantastic Four.' He described the contrast between his two biggest projects. 'The Bear is a small set. It's mostly in one location. It's very much actor and writer driven,' he says. 'And this … we're such a sort of small bit. There's so many other departments on this, with visual effects and so much. We're [part of] such a bigger world.' Despite the difference in scale, the emotional foundation remained key. For Moss-Bachrach, the success of the film hinged on the family dynamic between the four leads. 'It's been an absolute dream,' he explains. 'It's been so nice. You know, there's just four of us. We have a lot of love between us. I think if even one of us was sort of outside, the movie wouldn't work the way it does. And I think if the movie does work, a large part of that is because of the respect and love and admiration that we share.' Quinn echoes the sentiment. 'While there are many bright things about this process, that's been, the overriding gift of it is being able to spend time with Ebon, Vanessa, and Pedro.' The chemistry between the cast appears to be a driving force behind the film's tone, a blend of nostalgia, emotional intimacy, and superhero spectacle. Joseph Quinn. Picture: Getty Images 'So much of the nostalgia is delivered through the art department and the writing and the circumstances and the sets and everything,' Moss-Bachrach says. 'I think our jobs are really to try to bring … our hearts and bring our openness and vulnerability and share in this and our love for each other as a family. I feel like that was our job.' As Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps prepares to hit cinemas on July 25, anticipation is sky high. The franchise has long been a cornerstone of Marvel lore, introducing Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm to the comic world in 1961, and now it's been re-imagined for a new era. Pedro Pascal leads as Mister Fantastic, with Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, and a tight knit cast is what fans are hoping is finally the successful launch the franchise deserves. Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn has had no shortage of high profile roles, including a spot in Gladiator II, but he insists it hasn't gone to his head. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY 'No, it doesn't [feel like things have gone into hyperspeed]. I feel grateful. I feel grateful to be working with people that I admire.' As for Moss-Bachrach, after juggling two wildly different productions and emerging as a central figure in both, he is ready to take a breath. After all the madness, he's got one thing on his mind – a holiday. 'I'm going to Greece with my family,' Moss-Bachrach says with a smile. The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in cinemas on July 24. Read the full interviews in Stellar on Friday, in today's papers. The latest issue of Stellar is out on Sunday via The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), Sunday Herald Sun (Victoria), The Sunday Mail (Queensland) and Sunday Mail (SA). Originally published as 'You feel that responsibility': How Ebon Moss-Bachrach juggled The Bear and Marvel's Fantastic Four
New Paper
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
S'pore teen may have world's largest collection of Galactus comics
As the second reboot of the Marvel superhero film franchise that kicked off in 2005, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will no doubt serve up something familiar for fans. But director Matt Shakman's new version marks the first time supervillain Galactus is fully depicted on the big screen since his creation in 1966 by renowned American comic creators Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Portrayed by British actor Ralph Ineson, the cosmic being who feeds on entire worlds to stay vital is arguably one of the top comic-book "big bads" of all time. When First Steps opens in Singapore cinemas on July 24, local teenager Lael Lee will be going to watch it not for Marvel Comics' "First Family", but for his favourite character Galactus. Says the 14-year-old: "From what I've seen in the trailers, there's a lot going on in the film. I don't think Galactus will play a significant part. But the actor they've cast seems cool, so hopefully they do Galactus justice." Just as many classic superheroes have secret identities, so too does Lael. By day, he is a soft-spoken Secondary 3 student at Assumption English School. By evening - or whenever he is done with his schoolwork - he is a mega fan of Galactus, and might have amassed the world's largest collection of comics which include the character. Lael has already accumulated 854 of these, and says the second-biggest collection he is aware of numbers around 200. He has his eyes set on another 20 or so Galactus-covered comics to make for a richer and more complete set. Galactus superfan Lael Lee pictured with part of his collection of comics and paraphernalia at his home on June 23, 2025. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Lael's father Ernest Lee - a human resources (HR) professional and erstwhile comics fan in his 40s - is the boy's partner and sidekick in this quest. "My dad is very supportive of the hobby, mainly because he was a comics collector too. So he funds a portion of the comics I buy," says Lael, who has inherited Mr Lee's collection of around 150 comics from the 1990s and shares his finds on his Galactus-centric Instagram account @galactus_hunter96. It comprises mainly X-Men and Image Comics, an independent American comics publisher founded in the early 1990s by a group of prominent Marvel artists. Lael's interest in Galactus actually predates his interest in comics, via the Marvel Snap digital collectible card game that he first discovered via Instagram. "Galactus' card is very powerful and fun to use, and that took me down the rabbit hole. I just wanted to find out more about him," he says. Since only two or so of Mr Lee's comics included Galactus, Lael turned to the Marvel Unlimited digital app to read up. The app is essentially a digital library of most Marvel Comics published, available for a monthly subscription fee. Galactus superfan Lael Lee pictured with some of this collection of comics and paraphernalia at his home on 23 June, 2025. The Straits Times As many young people do when they develop a new fixation, Lael began to rack up merchandise related to his burgeoning interest: figurines, statues and signed artwork. He says: "Seeing my Galactus comics collection grow gives me a lot of energy. I don't read the paper comics though. I treat them like art, like they are an investment. I don't want the monetary value to be affected." He purchased each comic for anywhere between $5 and $150, with the exception of a limited-edition cover that cost about $200, and estimates he has spent more than $16,000 in total. But Lael and his father suspect that some individual comics might be worth more than the price they paid, especially those that are rare, signed or in mint condition. All of Lael's 854 Galactus comics are stored in plastic sleeves with acid-free backing boards in his condominium bedroom, which is kept cool and as free of humidity as possible via the air-conditioning system and a dehumidifier. No one else in his family of four is allowed to touch the books, except maybe Mr Lee. "Just like many teens, Lael is at an age where he is finding himself and his interests. As parents, it is important that we encourage and support them in doing so," Mr Lee says. He adds: "Lael always saves up his weekly allowance (of $50 a week) to pay for his comics. But as a one-time enthusiast myself, I can't help but co-fund covers that are just spectacular, masterful works of human art untouched by artificial intelligence." It is a family affair, as Lael's mother Adeline Lee, also an HR professional in her 40s, organises the logistics of importing any comics ordered online. On the family's Europe vacation in June, Lael's nine-year-old sister helped him dig through back-issue collections at the various comic shops they stopped at. During the June school holiday, Lael spent a few days as an intern at Comic Grail Vault shop in Sim Lim Square. In addition to giving him a small internship allowance that he uses to fund more comics purchases, the store has also been an invaluable source - it was where he got his first Galactus comic. Mrs Lee says: "I don't know much about comics, but this 'mission' has given Lael and his father something to do together and bond over." She adds: "We do still have some ground rules - the most important of which is that he keeps up with his schoolwork." Lael and Mr Lee have begun the paperwork with Guinness World Records to certify the teen's Galactus collection as being the biggest in the world. So what comes next after he receives confirmation of his record-breaking target? "To get those comics signed by the artists and writers who created them," Lael says without hesitation.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Singapore teen amasses what might be the world's biggest collection of Galactus comics
SINGAPORE: As the second reboot of the Marvel superhero film franchise that kicked off in 2005, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will no doubt serve up something familiar for fans. But director Matt Shakman's new version marks the first time supervillain Galactus is fully depicted on the big screen since his creation in 1966 by renowned American comic creators Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Portrayed by British actor Ralph Ineson, the cosmic being who feeds on entire worlds to stay vital is arguably one of the top comic-book 'big bads' of all time. When First Steps opens in Singapore cinemas on July 24, local teenager Lael Lee will be going to watch it not for Marvel Comics' 'First Family', but for his favourite character Galactus. Says the 14-year-old: 'From what I've seen in the trailers, there's a lot going on in the film. I don't think Galactus will play a significant part. But the actor they've cast seems cool, so hopefully they do Galactus justice.' Just as many classic superheroes have secret identities, so too does Lael. By day, he is a soft-spoken Secondary 3 student at Assumption English School. By evening – or whenever he is done with his schoolwork – he is a mega fan of Galactus, and might have amassed the world's largest collection of comics which include the character. Lael has already accumulated 854 of these, and says the second-biggest collection he is aware of numbers around 200. He has his eyes set on another 20 or so Galactus-covered comics to make for a richer and more complete set. Lael's father Ernest Lee – a human resources (HR) professional and erstwhile comics fan in his 40s – is the boy's partner and sidekick in this quest. 'My dad is very supportive of the hobby, mainly because he was a comics collector too. So he funds a portion of the comics I buy,' says Lael, who has inherited Ernest's collection of around 150 comics from the 1990s and shares his finds on his Galactus-centric Instagram account @galactus_hunter96. It comprises mainly X-Men and Image Comics, an independent American comics publisher founded in the early 1990s by a group of prominent Marvel artists. Lael's interest in Galactus actually predates his interest in comics, via the Marvel Snap digital collectible card game that he first discovered via Instagram. 'Galactus' card is very powerful and fun to use, and that took me down the rabbit hole. I just wanted to find out more about him,' he says. Since only two or so of Ernest's comics included Galactus, Lael turned to the Marvel Unlimited digital app to read up. The app is essentially a digital library of most Marvel Comics published, available for a monthly subscription fee. As many young people do when they develop a new fixation, Lael began to rack up merchandise related to his burgeoning interest: figurines, statues and signed artwork. He says: 'Seeing my Galactus comics collection grow gives me a lot of energy. I don't read the paper comics though. I treat them like art, like they are an investment. I don't want the monetary value to be affected.' He purchased each comic for anywhere between S$5 and $150, with the exception of a limited-edition cover that cost about $200, and estimates he has spent more than $16,000 in total. But Lael and his father suspect that some individual comics might be worth more than the price they paid, especially those that are rare, signed or in mint condition. All of Lael's 854 Galactus comics are stored in plastic sleeves with acid-free backing boards in his condominium bedroom, which is kept cool and as free of humidity as possible via the air-conditioning system and a dehumidifier. No one else in his family of four is allowed to touch the books, except maybe Ernest. 'Just like many teens, Lael is at an age where he is finding himself and his interests. As parents, it is important that we encourage and support them in doing so,' Ernest says. He adds: 'Lael always saves up his weekly allowance (of $50 a week) to pay for his comics. But as a one-time enthusiast myself, I can't help but co-fund covers that are just spectacular, masterful works of human art untouched by artificial intelligence.' It is a family affair, as Lael's mother Adeline Lee, also an HR professional in her 40s, organises the logistics of importing any comics ordered online. On the family's Europe vacation in June, Lael's nine-year-old sister helped him dig through back-issue collections at the various comic shops they stopped at. During the June school holiday, Lael spent a few days as an intern at Comic Grail Vault shop in Sim Lim Square. In addition to giving him a small internship allowance that he uses to fund more comics purchases, the store has also been an invaluable source – it was where he got his first Galactus comic. Adeline says: 'I don't know much about comics, but this 'mission' has given Lael and his father something to do together and bond over.' She adds: 'We do still have some ground rules – the most important of which is that he keeps up with his schoolwork.' Lael and Ernest have begun the paperwork with Guinness World Records to certify the teen's Galactus collection as being the biggest in the world. So what comes next after he receives confirmation of his record-breaking target? 'To get those comics signed by the artists and writers who created them,' Lael says without hesitation. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
S'pore teen amasses what might be the world's biggest collection of Galactus comics
Galactus superfan Lael Lee, 14 – with part of his collection of comics and paraphernalia at home – got hooked on the supervillain after being introduced to the Marvel Snap digital collectible card game that he discovered via Instagram. SINGAPORE – As the second reboot of the Marvel superhero film franchise that kicked off in 2005, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will no doubt serve up something familiar for fans. But director Matt Shakman's new version marks the first time supervillain Galactus is fully depicted on the big screen since his creation in 1966 by renowned American comic creators Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Portrayed by British actor Ralph Ineson, the cosmic being who feeds on entire worlds to stay vital is arguably one of the top comic-book 'big bads' of all time. When First Steps opens in Singapore cinemas on July 24, local teenager Lael Lee will be going to watch it not for Marvel Comics' 'First Family', but for his favourite character Galactus. Says the 14-year-old: 'From what I've seen in the trailers, there's a lot going on in the film. I don't think Galactus will play a significant part. But the actor they've cast seems cool, so hopefully they do Galactus justice.' Just as many classic superheroes have secret identities, so too does Lael. By day, he is a soft-spoken Secondary 3 student at Assumption English School. By evening – or whenever he is done with his schoolwork – he is a mega fan of Galactus, and might have amassed the world's largest collection of comics which include the character. Lael has already accumulated 854 of these, and says the second-biggest collection he is aware of numbers around 200. He has his eyes set on another 20 or so Galactus-covered comics to make for a richer and more complete set. Galactus superfan Lael Lee pictured with part of his collection of comics and paraphernalia at his home on June 23, 2025. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Lael's father Ernest Lee – a human resources (HR) professional and erstwhile comics fan in his 40s – is the boy's partner and sidekick in this quest. 'My dad is very supportive of the hobby, mainly because he was a comics collector too. So he funds a portion of the comics I buy,' says Lael, who has inherited Mr Lee's collection of around 150 comics from the 1990s and shares his finds on his Galactus-centric Instagram account @galactus_hunter96. It comprises mainly X-Men and Image Comics, an independent American comics publisher founded in the early 1990s by a group of prominent Marvel artists. Lael's interest in Galactus actually predates his interest in comics, via the Marvel Snap digital collectible card game that he first discovered via Instagram. 'Galactus' card is very powerful and fun to use, and that took me down the rabbit hole. I just wanted to find out more about him,' he says. Since only two or so of Mr Lee's comics included Galactus, Lael turned to the Marvel Unlimited digital app to read up. The app is essentially a digital library of most Marvel Comics published, available for a monthly subscription fee. Galactus superfan Lael Lee pictured with some of this collection of comics and paraphernalia at his home on 23 June, 2025. The Straits Times As many young people do when they develop a new fixation, Lael began to rack up merchandise related to his burgeoning interest: figurines, statues and signed artwork. He says: 'Seeing my Galactus comics collection grow gives me a lot of energy. I don't read the paper comics though. I treat them like art, like they are an investment. I don't want the monetary value to be affected.' He purchased each comic for anywhere between $5 and $150, with the exception of a limited-edition cover that cost about $200, and estimates he has spent more than $16,000 in total. But Lael and his father suspect that some individual comics might be worth more than the price they paid, especially those that are rare, signed or in mint condition. All of Lael's 854 Galactus comics are stored in plastic sleeves with acid-free backing boards in his condominium bedroom, which is kept cool and as free of humidity as possible via the air-conditioning system and a dehumidifier. No one else in his family of four is allowed to touch the books, except maybe Mr Lee. 'Just like many teens, Lael is at an age where he is finding himself and his interests. As parents, it is important that we encourage and support them in doing so,' Mr Lee says. He adds: 'Lael always saves up his weekly allowance (of $50 a week) to pay for his comics. But as a one-time enthusiast myself, I can't help but co-fund covers that are just spectacular, masterful works of human art untouched by artificial intelligence.' It is a family affair, as Lael's mother Adeline Lee, also an HR professional in her 40s, organises the logistics of importing any comics ordered online. On the family's Europe vacation in June, Lael's nine-year-old sister helped him dig through back-issue collections at the various comic shops they stopped at. During the June school holiday, Lael spent a few days as an intern at Comic Grail Vault shop in Sim Lim Square. In addition to giving him a small internship allowance that he uses to fund more comics purchases, the store has also been an invaluable source – it was where he got his first Galactus comic. Mrs Lee says: 'I don't know much about comics, but this 'mission' has given Lael and his father something to do together and bond over.' She adds: 'We do still have some ground rules – the most important of which is that he keeps up with his schoolwork.' Lael and Mr Lee have begun the paperwork with Guinness World Records to certify the teen's Galactus collection as being the biggest in the world. So what comes next after he receives confirmation of his record-breaking target? 'To get those comics signed by the artists and writers who created them,' Lael says without hesitation.
See - Sada Elbalad
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Forgotten "Conan the Barbarian" Spin-Off movie "Red Sonja" Gets Release Date and Trailer
Yara Sameh The release date and official trailer for long-gestating Red Sonja reboot have been finally unveiled. Written by Tasha Huo and directed by M.J. Bassett the fantasy is based on the best-selling comic book series and follows barbarian huntress Red Sonja, who must unite a group of unlikely warriors to face off against the evil tyrant Emperor Draygan, and his deadly bride Dark Annisia. Red Sonja was created by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith in Marvel Comics' Conan the Barbarian #23 in 1973; although the series adapted Robert E. Howard's Conan stories, Sonja is an original creation, inspired by Howard's character Red Sonya of Rogatino. The character, a fiery warrior whose prowess in battle matched even Conan's, proved popular enough to get her own spin-off comic. Marvel eventually lost the rights to the character, who is now published by Dynamite Comics. During the barbarian movie craze of the 1980s, she hit the big screen in 1985's Red Sonja, where she was portrayed by Danish model Brigitte Nielsen in her movie debut; it also starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Conan-like warrior Kalidor and Sandahl Bergman, who had starred alongside Schwarzenegger in Conan the Barbarian, as the villainous Queen Gedren. The reboot stars Matilda Lutz, Robert Sheehan, Wallis Day, Michael Bisping, Luca Pasqualino, Rhona Mitra, Martyn Ford, Ben Radcliffe, Eliza Matengu, Veronica Ferres, Phillip Winchester, and Trevor Eve. Different versions were in development for at least 20 years prior to this iteration as different writers, directors, and financiers grappled with the project. In the trailer, Lutz plays the flame-haired barbarian warrior as she seeks vengeance, battles monsters, and confronts death in a gladiatorial arena. M.J. Bassett (Rogue) directs the film, which had been stuck in development hell for decades. The footage follows Sonja (Lutz, Magpie) as she swears revenge on the raiders who killed her people, sending her on a quest that eventually lands her in the clutches of the villainous warlord Draygan The Magnificent (Robert Sheehan, The Umbrella Academy) and pitted against his deadly, eyebrow-less bride, Dark Annisia (Wallis Day, Batwoman). In a nod to the character's fantasy origins, she battles not only Draygan's warriors, but also a massive horned monster. And yes, she does find herself in her comics incarnation's infamous "chainmail bikini," which is lampshaded in the trailer's closing moments; Sonja is concerned that it provides her little protection, and the gladiatorial armorer who hands it to her agrees, but contends that "the crowd will love it." The reboot is produced by Avi Lerner, Mark Canton p.g.a, Courtney Solomon p.g.a., Luke Lieberman, Les Weldon, Christa Campbell, Lati Grobman, Joe Gatta, MJ Bassett, Jeffrey Greenstein, Jonathan Yunger, and Yariv Lerner. Executive producers include Trevor Short, Darina Pavlova, Boaz Davidson, Tanner Mobley, Nick Barrucci, Dorothy Canton, Scott Karol, and Heidi Jo Markel. Co-producers include Shannon Lieberman. "Red Sonja" will be released in theaters on August 15, 2025. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
