Original Cast Returning for Confirmed 'Wet Hot American Summer' Netlix MiniSeries

Fans of David Wain and Michael Showalter's Wet Hot American Summer have good reason to celebrate. For years a sequel to the cult comedy hit has been hoped for by its die-hard fans, and while one won't be hitting theaters an 8-episode miniseries has finally been confirmed for Netflix with much of the original cast.

This deal has been in the works for months and now is definitely happening. How do we know? Because filming has already begun with Wain directing, having co-written the scripts with Showalter. The film was best known for being the launching pad for future stars, and many of them will be returning. According to Deadline that list includes Elizabeth Banks, H. Jon Benjamin, Michael Ian Black, Bradley Cooper, Judah Friedlander, Janeane Garofalo, Nina Hellman, Ken Marino, Zak Orth, David Hyde Pierce, Joe LoTruglio, Christopher Meloni, A.D. Miles, Marguerite Moreau, Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, Marisa Ryan, Molly Shannon, Showalter, and Kevin Sussman.

The original film opened in 2001 and was a complete bomb; nobody saw it and less got its absurd brand of humor. But it has grown to cult status over the years as much of the cast have gone on to become much bigger stars. What we don't know is anything about the plot or how much time each castmember will have on screen. Wet Hot American Summer was an ensemble set in 1981 on the last day at a Jewish summer camp where the frisky camp counselors engage in all types of wild behavior. Hopefully this won't be another Arrested Development which Netflix revived and was too disjointed to resemble the series fans loved.

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Marvel's 'Daredevil' Netflix Series Debuts this April

Marvel-ites your patience has been rewarded. While we've seen a number of images from Marvel's Daredevil Netflix series, and have known it would arrive some time in 2015, the exact date has been kept a tighter secret than the hero's civilian identity. Now as a brand new image of Charlie Cox as the "Man without Fear" has been released, so too have we learned when Netflix subscribers will be able to check the show out.

Daredevil will make its debut on April 10th as part of Netflix's impressive spring season lineup. Based on the Frank Miller and John Romita Jr. run of the long-running Marvel comic, the show also stars Rosario Dawson, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Vincent D'Onofrio. Here's the official synopsis followed by a new photo and a rundown of the other shows Netflix will be premiering. 2015 is shaping up to be a huge year for them.

Blinded as a young boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) fights against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the Super Hero “Daredevil” in modern day Hell's Kitchen, New York City. Produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios, with executive producers Steven S. DeKnight (Spartacus), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods), the series also stars Rosario Dawson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson.

Pasadena, CA, January 7, 2015 -- Netflix, the world's leading Internet TV network, today announced a new ten episode chapter in the adventures of Marco Polo and upcoming premiere dates for some of its highly anticipated new original series.
Marco Polo, the sweeping adventure that follows the famed explorer’s exploits in Kublai Khan’s court in 13th century China, will return to delight the global Netflix audience. Creator John Fusco’s tale of Marco’s journey will continue for 10 all-new episodes as Marco navigates Kublai Khan’s world of greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry. Fusco serves as executive producer along with Dan Minahan. Academy-Award nominated directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg also serve as executive producers. Season one was shot in Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Italy. Produced by The Weinstein Company, the series stars Lorenzo Richelmy as Marco and features Benedict Wong, Joan Chen, Zhu Zhu, Chin Han, Olivia Cheng, Tom Wu, Remy Hii, Uli Latukefu, Mahesh Jadu, Claudia Kim and Rick Yune.  
Netflix also announced upcoming premiere dates for the following new original series, all of which will be available globally upon release in all territories where Netflix is available:
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Friday, March 6, 2015
From creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, this half-hour single-camera comedy series stars Ellie Kemper as Kimmy, who escapes a doomsday cult and decides to reclaim her life and start over in New York City. Armed with just a backpack, light-up sneakers, and a couple of way-past-due library books, Kimmy’s ready to take on a world she didn’t even think existed anymore. Wide-eyed but resilient, nothing is going to stand in her way. The 13-episode series, produced by Universal Television, also stars Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane and more. Fey and Carlock serve as executive producers, along with David Miner and Jeff Richmond.
Bloodline - Friday, March 20, 2015
When the eldest brother and black sheep of the Rayburn family returns home, he exposes the emotional demons that lie at the core of the family, threatening to tear them apart. With a stellar cast headlined by Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, Norbert Leo Butz, Jacinda Barrett, Jamie McShane, Enrique Murciano, Sissy Spacek, and Sam Shepard, the 13-episode series is from executive producers Todd A. Kessler, Daniel Zelman and Glenn Kessler (Damages), and produced by Sony Pictures Television.  
Marvel’s Daredevil - Friday, April 10, 2015
Blinded as a young boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) fights against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the Super Hero “Daredevil” in modern day Hell's Kitchen, New York City. Produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios, with executive producers Steven S. DeKnight (Spartacus), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods), the series also stars Rosario Dawson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson.
Grace and Frankie - Friday, May 8, 2015
In this irreverent and touching series, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as Grace and Frankie, a pair of frenemies whose lives are turned upside down - and permanently intertwined - when their husbands leave them for each other. Together, they must face starting over in their 70s in a 21st century world. The series also stars Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston, Brooklyn Decker, Ethan Embry, June Diane Raphael and Baron Vaughn. Created by Marta Kauffman (Friends) and Howard J. Morris (Home Improvement), the 13-episode series is produced by Skydance Productions and executive producers Kauffman, Morris, Fonda, Tomlin, Paula Weinstein, David Ellison, David Goldberg and Marcy Ross.

Kids and Family Originals
Netflix continues to expand options for families and kids, working with some of the best creative minds in the space to bring high quality, global animation and live-action series to kids of all ages. In the coming weeks, Netflix will launch new titles including DreamWorks Animation's The Adventures of Puss in Boots (premieres in North America, Latin America, UK/Ireland, the Nordics, Benelux, and France Jan. 16), Ever After High: Spring Unsprung (premieres globally Feb. 6) and the second season of the hit series Mako Mermaids (premieres in North America, Latin America, UK/Ireland, the Nordics and Benelux on Feb 13).

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Pee-Wee Herman's Next Adventure Headed to Netflix

A new Pee-Wee Herman film has been in the works for years, with Paul Reubens talking it up at various points along the way. But none of it amounted to much until Judd Apatow caught wind of his most recent stand-up act featuring the beloved juvenile character who appeared in two movies: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure and the awful sequel Big Top Pee-Wee. Apatow came on board to produce this latest film, but now five years later it finally seems to be moving forward and headed straight to Netflix.

According to The Wrap, Pee-Wee's next big screen adventure is very close to being distributed by Netflix , adding to their growing brand as a destination for major movie releases. Over the last year they've struck a 4-picture deal with Adam Sandler and also secured release of the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel.  It's unclear if the Pee-Wee film will be an exclusive, but that seems likely given their recent acquisitions.

What's also a mystery is the plot and who will direct. Apatow is merely on board to produce, while Reubens is saying a director is in place. He co-wrote the script with Paul Rust, a writer on Arrested Development and star of I Love You, Beth Cooper. Filming on the next Pee-Wee Herman movie could begin in 2015.

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Leonardo DiCaprio Joins with Netflix to Release Nature Doc, 'Virunga'

Leonardo DiCaprio's a pretty cool dude, not just because he's a great actor but because he uses his celebrity to champion a number of causes. We've heard of his plans to make movies on animal conservation along with his pals Tom Hardy and Tobey Maguire, but his greatest interest has been on the issue of climate change. Years ago he teamed with one of my idols, the brilliant Thom Hartmann for the climate change documentary The 11th Hour, which is even more terrifying than Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. If you can find it, check out his other short film, Global Warning. And now we see DiCaprio involved with another pet project, teaming with Netflix for the nature doc, Virunga.

DiCaprio and his Appian Way Productions have struck a deal with Netflix to release Virunga, directed by Orlando von Einsiedel and described as part nature doc, part investigative journalism. DiCaprio will exec-produce the film which follows "rangers as they are caught in the crossfire of poachers, militia and industry in Africa’s oldest national park." It will largely center on the Congo and endangered gorillas in the region. So basically you've got all of DiCaprio's top issues all in one place and as someone who shares many of the same concerns I'm looking forward to this one. The film debuted at Tribeca earlier this year and was picked up by Netflix some time ago, announcing a November 7th release date that is still in place. But having DiCaprio come aboard as a producer is going to bring the film much wider attention.

So ring up another victory for Netflix who are securing tons of exclusive content from some big names. They recently struck a deal with Adam Sandler to star in four upcoming comedies, and the streaming network will release the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel next year. You can check out the trailer for Virunga below.  [Deadline]


Trailer - Virunga Netflix Documentary by Trailer Motion

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First Images from Marvel's 'Daredevil' Netflix Series; Plus Rosario Dawson's Character Revealed!

This being New York Comic-Con weekend, now was a good time for Marvel to show off some of the projects that have been kept under wraps. One of those is Daredevil, the first of five Netflix series they'll be debuting on the streaming network. Today they revealed the first look at Charlie Cox as the "man without fear" and his look, at least initially, is clearly inspired by the character's most famous storyline.

The two images show Daredevil in the black, ninja-style outfit he wore in Frank Miller and John Romita Jr.'s Daredevil: Man without Fear series. It';s expected that the classic red outfit will appear at some point. The other shows us Daredevil in his alter ego of law attorney Matt Murdock, red shades and all.  Plus, some new cast members were revealed as well as confirmation of Rosario Dawson's character, which many thought would be Elektra. I never did, but I was still way off. Dawson will be playing Claire Temple, who will go on to become Night Nurse. As the name suggests, Night Nurse was someone who provided medical aid to the city's superheroes, usually for free. She's become something of a cult favorite over the years, possibly because of her soap opera-esque origins in the 1960s comic, Linda Carter, Student Nurse. Not sure why they decided to change her name for the TV series, though. What this tells me is that she won't be the same Night Nurse fans of the character are familiar with.

Other additions to the cast include Ayelet Zurer (Man of Steel) as Vanessa Fisk, the wife of Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin who will be played by Vincent D'Onofio; Bob Gunton is Jim Owlsley better known as The Owl; and Vondie Curtis Hall will play reporter Ben Urich. If anybody complains about an African-American playing Urich I'll scream.

Steven Knight serves as showrunner and exec-producer alongside Drew Goddard, with Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson also part of the main cast. Daredevil should premiere on Netflix in 2015.

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Adam Sandler to Produce and Star in Four Films Exclusively for Netflix

The Netflix takeover is happening and Hollywood is probably quaking in their boots. After the streaming service took the bold step of securing the exclusive distribution rights to next year's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel, the network has now struck a deal with Adam Sandler for him to produce and star in four films exclusive to Network. Those subscribers must really dig The Waterboy, eh? Well yeah, actually, and the popularity of Sandler's older films is one reason why Netflix made this deal according to chief content officer Ted Sarandos...

Sarandos: “People love Adam’s films on Netflix and often watch them again and again. His appeal spans across viewers of all ages -- everybody has a favorite movie, everyone has a favorite line -- not just in the US but all over the world."

Sandler's reasons are based a bit less on hard numbers, joking "“When these fine people came to me with an offer to make four movies for them, I immediately said 'yes' for one reason and one reason only…. "Netflix rhymes with Wet Chicks. Let the streaming begin!!!!”"

Sandler's Happy Madison productions will be developing the films with Sandler expected to star, and the first could arrive next year. It's an odd time for Netflix to make this kind of deal now with Sandler since his latest film, the dreadful family comedy Blended, only earned $46M making it one of the lowest of his career. So don't expect to see Blended 2 streaming on Netflix any time soon, if ever. 

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'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' Sequel to be Netflix's First Original Film

When Steven Soderbergh and Magnolia gave the experimental film Bubble a simultaneous VOD and theatrical release in 2005, some predicted it to be the beginning of the end of the movie theater experience. Since then we've seen the practiced used more frequently, theatrical release windows shortened, and the expansion of movies exclusive to the digital medium. After the extremely successful VOD release of Snowpiercer earlier this year, Harvey Weinstein is ready to take the next step by making an exclusive deal with Netflix for the release of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend.

Netflix announced today that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend would be the pay network's first original feature. It will premiere on August 28th 2015, and as part of the announcement Netflix has also debuted a couple of images featuring the returning Michelle Yeoh as Yu Shu-Lien and Donnie Yen as Silent Wolf.  Yuen Woo-Ping (Tai Chi Master) is directing with a script by John Fusco, the film is loosely based on Iron Knight, Silver Vase, the fifth book in Wang Dulu's Crane-Iron series. Harry Shum Jr., Jason Scott Lee, Roger Yuan, Eugenia Yuan, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo co-star with Peter Berg and Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game) producing.

Given the effect Netflix has had on TV with high-profile series like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, it was only a matter of time before they made the move to features, and this is a big initial move grabbing a movie like this. That said, if you're aching to see it on the big screen it will be made available on the same day in select IMAX theaters around the world. You can bet there are a few Hollywood execs who are looking at this as another blow struck against traditional distribution methods, but in truth it's not that much different than a pay network like HBO releasing their own original movies to lure in subscribers. Whether this plan works for Netflix remains to be seen and there will be plenty of eyes watching to see how it plays out.

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Marvel's Netflix Series Following 'Avengers' Model; May Crossover with Cinematic Heroes

Let's say you're Marvel and you've built the most successful series of films in Hollywood using a model designed after the comic books from which they're based. What would stop you from taking that plan and extending it to the world of television? Absolutely nothing. With Marvel gearing up four Netflix series that will build to a massive team-up in The Defenders, that plan seemed to be in place already, and now the streaming network's President Ted Sarandos has confirmed it.

Speaking with Empire, Sarandos revealed that the shows; Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and The Defenders, will follow the same template as Marvel's cinematic universe....

Sarandos: "It was really based on the theatrical model of 'The Avengers.' Could you take another group of characters, The Defenders, and go about it the same way? Normally, they do the big movie and then eventually they get to the group origin story. Having 13 hours to tell each of these stories, you can go right to the origin story and the action at the same time."

No shock there, and he has a point that series television allows for a greater combination of character development and action than movies do. One thing we've seen in Agents of SHIELD is a blending of the small and big screen universes with characters and storylines crossing over. It was done sparingly last season although that looks to be changing for season two. Sarandos says the Netflix characters could eventually rub elbows with the Avengers...

Sarandos: "It has definitely been talked about. Daredevil is already shooting, since that's out first. Eventually the series will run very close together. You can then have a separate season where the characters will cross over."

Daredevil is the first series out of the gate and premieres in May 2015.

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Elden Henson is Foggy Nelson in Marvel's 'Daredevil' Series

You may not recognize Elden Henson's name but you would probably recognize his face and the type of role he typically plays. If a film calls for a loyal if somewhat confused and misguided friend, well then Elden Henson is probably your guy, and he's filled that role nicely in everything from The Mighty Ducks to She's All That to The Battle of Shaker Heights and more. Now he'll get to play the best pal to blind lawyer Matt Murdock aka the superhero Daredevil in Marvel's upcoming Netflix series.

Henson has signed on to play Foggy Nelson, Murdock's friend and law partner, who often finds himself getting into trouble or helping Daredevil out of it. Charlie Cox stars in the title role with Vincent D'onofrio as the Kingpin and Rosario Dawson in a role yet to be revealed. Jon Favreau played Foggy Nelson in the 2003 Daredevil film that starred Ben Affleck and everyone (but me) hated.

Steven S. DeKnight is running the show with the first couple of episodes penned by The Cabin in the Woods' Drew Goddard. Henson will be seen next as Pollux in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2.

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The Wachowskis' Netflix Sci-Fi Series 'Sense8' Assembles Cast

There hasn't been much that's gone right for the Wachowskis' on the big screen of late, with their most recent film Jupiter Ascending bumped to an undesirable February 2015 date.  After a couple of duds in Speed Racer and Cloud Atlas, as well as the general dissatisfaction for how their Matrix trilogy ended, the duo may not be getting $200M to make feature films much longer. But there may be a more suitable option and that's taking their love of sprawling sci-fi epics to the small screen. Awhile back they teamed up with writer J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5, Thor) to develop a series for Netflix titled Sense8, and now the casting for it has been announced.

The Wachowskis have called upon a diverse international cast consisting of Bae Doona from Cloud Atlas, Tuppence Middleton from Jupiter Ascending, Lost alum Naveen Andrews, Kill Bill's Daryl Hannah, Freema Agyeman of Dr. Who,  Aml Ameen (The Maze Runner), Max Riemelt, Alfonso Herrera, Tena Desae, Miguel Silvestri, Terrence Mann, and Jamie Clayton. The 10-episode series is expected to air next year after it was initially supposed to bow this fall. Here's the official plot description:

The series follows eight characters around the world who, in the aftermath of a tragic death, find themselves linked to each other mentally and emotionally. They can not only see and talk to each other as though they were in the same place, they have access to each other’s deepest secrets. Not only must they figure out what happened and why and what it means for the future of humanity, they must do so while being hunted by an organization out to capture, kill or vivisect them.

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Charlie Cox Confirmed as 'Daredevil' in Marvel's Netflix Series

Over the weekend there was a good deal of Marvel craziness going on, and not all of it had to do with Edgar Wright jetting Ant-Man. On the same day word came down that Drew Goddard had left the upcoming Daredevil series developing for Netflix, only his departure was far more amicable than Wright's. And so it was only hours later that the capable Steven S. DeKnight had come aboard as showrunner, and now he's got his "Man without Fear".

Charlie Cox, best known for Stardust and HBO's Boardwalk Empire, has been cast as Matt Murdock in the 13-episode Daredevil series. Marvel has also released a synopsis for the show that will be followed by Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, and culminating in The Defenders.

Blinded as a young boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt Murdock fights against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the super hero Daredevil in modern day Hell's Kitchen, New York City.

Cox has the look to play Murdock, and his Boardwalk Empire experience should have him ready for what should be a street-level noir detective series. Filming is due to begin this summer for release on Netflix in 2015.

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'Spartacus' Showrunner Steven S. DeKnight Takes Over Marvel's 'Daredevil' Series

Coming off what has been a weird 24 hours of departures over at Marvel, with Edgar Wright leaving Ant-Man and Drew Goddard exiting the Daredevil Netflix series, a bit of stability is starting to return. Marvel has now confirmed that Steven S. DeKnight, showrunner on the long-running Spartacus series on Starz, has taken over for Goddard on Daredevil.

DeKnight and Goddard were both colleagues on Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and they will be working together again in some capacity on Daredevil. Goddard penned the first two episodes and will remain on board as an exec-producer, suggesting that his departure has everything to do with his upcoming Sinister Six project and not some protest over Wright leaving Ant-Man.

As a fan of Spartacus who watched that show endure the sudden loss of its lead actor and still maintain high quality over four seasons, I'm excited about DeKnight taking over. Filming on the 13-episode Daredevil series will begin soon for release in 2015.

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'Wet Hot American Summer' Series May Head to Netflix

Ever since David Wain and Michael Showalter's Wet Hot American Summer in 2001, fans of the duo have been asking for a follow-up of some sort. And there has been frequent talk of a prequel that Wain hoped he could reunite the all-star cast for, only to nothing really come of it. He's worked with many of them in other projects, including the upcoming comedy They Came Together, but now it looks like the wait for more 'Wet Hot' is finally over.

Variety reports that Netflix is in talks for a Wet Hot American Summer prequel series which would run for 10 episodes and reunite much of the original cast. The film was a launching pad for a number of actors who went on to much bigger things: Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, Ken Marino, Molly Shannon, Christopher Meloni, David Hyde Pierce, Janeane Garofalo, and Michael Ian Black, so getting them to return would take a lot of work. In order to do it, the plan would be to have each actor shoot their parts in only a few days since every character wouldn't appear in each episode.

It doesn't sound as if Wain and Showalter have changed their ideas too much over the years, as the series would have the actors playing their same high school-aged campers at Camp Firewood, even though they are now in their 40s.

While a movie might have been the better option, this is clearly the next best thing. Let's just hope it turns out better than that Arrested Development reunion did.

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Disney and Governor Cuomo Strike Major Deal Bringing Marvel's Netflix Shows to NYC

Unlike DC Comics which use fictional places such as Gotham City and Metropolis as locations for their stories, Marvel sets the bulk of their action smack dab in the heart of New York City. So it makes sense that they'd want to set their upcoming Netflix series' there, and now they've struck a major deal with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to make that happen.

Disney, Marvel, and Cuomo have announced that all of Marvel's upcoming Netflix shows featuring Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Daredevil will filmed in New York City as part of a major $4M tax incentive. The Wrap adds that these will be 60 one-hour episodes, 13 for each individual character, followed by a four-to-eight episode miniseries titled The Defenders. Drew Goddard's Daredevil will be the first to take advantage of this deal with filming to being this summer. That means we should be learning soon who will be playing the "Man without Fear".

Daredevil will be followed by Melissa Rosenberg's long-developing Jessica Jones series, leading into Luke Cage and a solo series for his kung-fu partner, Iron Fist. We're even starting to get some promotional art thanks Marvel's Agent M, who released the above image on Tumblr.

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Marvel Announces Live-Action Netflix Shows Featuring Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage & Iron Fist, and The Defenders

Marvel's domination over all forms of media is now complete. A couple of weeks ago a story emerged that Marvel Studios and Disney were shopping around a package of four TV series and a miniseries to cable and digital streaming networks. It didn't take long for them to find a buyer, either, as a deal has now been struck with Netlix to stream the Marvel Universe right into your home.

The ambitious plan has Marvel producing four 13-episodes series, and the most awesome thing about it is they involve characters we've been expecting to see on the big screen forever. The first series will center on the newly-acquired Daredevil. Next up is Jessica Jones, who in the Marvel comics is a former superhero-turned-detective. She's also married to Luke Cage aka Power Man, who is next up to get his own series, which will then be followed up by his pal, Iron Fist. All of this will culminate in an epic miniseries titled The Defenders.

It's a pretty shrewd move for Marvel, and as long as they find a way to make each series capable of standing on their own, there should be no risk of fans experiencing superhero fatigue. This also gives Marvel the chance to do go in some darker directions than they may have been able to on public television or in the movies. For instance, Jessica Jones' comic series Alias (one of the best written comics ever, IMHO) explored some of Marvel's nastiest corners and dug into the personal lives of heroes in ways that would potentially turn off general audiences looking for something less weighty. And let's be honest, we all just hope they turn out better than Agents of SHIELD, right?

So what do you think? Is this a good idea? Which show are you looking forward to most?

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