Author: Mary Anne Butler

Mary Anne Butler (Mab) got her start in album reviews and live concert coverage for a nationally published (print) music magazine as a teenager. She eventually transitioned to online media, writing for such sites as UGO/IGN, ComicsOnline, Geek Magazine, Ace of Geeks, Aggressive Comix (Editor-in-Chief), Bleeding Cool (News Editor), Nerdbot (as Editor-In-Chief), and now [Bad]Influencers, where she is Editor-in-Chief. Over the past 15 years, she’s built a well-known reputation at conventions across the globe as a cosplayer (occasionally), photographer (constantly), panelist and moderator (mostly), and reporter (always). Interviews, reviews, observations, breaking news, and objective reporting are the name of the game for the founder of Harkonnen Knife Fight, a Dune-themed band. She also produces award-winning immersive events, including Wasteland Weekend and Neotropolis.

TV

We are hearing reports that a crew member working on Marvel Studios’ upcoming Disney+ series “Wonder Man” has passed away. While cameras weren’t rolling today, the crew member was reportedly doing some rigging, and fell from the rafters. The incident occurred at CBS Radford Studios in Studio City, CA, where the series has been filming.“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends, and our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident,” Marvel Studios said in a statement.Production on the Yahya Abdul-Mateen II-starring series has been (understandably) halted. Update The person has since been…

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If you love the music of Marvel Studios’ full Infinity Saga, you may want to mark your calendars for later this year. The entertainment powerhouse has just announced a two-night live concert experience at the historic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA.The scores and recognizable character themes from across ALL the “Avengers” films, team ups, and spinoffs will be performed live by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel August 30th and 31st. “You may think you’ve seen these stories before, but never like this,” the event’s description reads. “Join the Los Angeles Philharmonic as we embark together on…

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We are sorry to report the passing of country music star Toby Keith. He’d been battling stomach cancer since 2021. Keith had 32 number one singles, and sold over 40 million albums. He is often credited with giving superstar Taylor Swift her first big break in 2005 by signing her to Big Machine Records. “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5, surrounded by his family,” a statement on his official website. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”He was 62.

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While many jumped to conclusions about what Tom Holland’s big announcement was going to be today, this isn’t what we were expecting. Instead of the “Spider-Man 4” or “Fantastic Four” news some outlets claimed was coming, we get a little theater news. Holland will apparently lead a new revival of “Romeo & Juliet” being developed (and directed) by Jamie Lloyd. It’s being described as a “pulsating new vision of Shakespeare’s immortal tale of wordsmiths, rhymers, lovers and fighters.” Lloyd’s other theatrical credits include “Sunset Boulevard” starring Nicole Scherzinger, “A Doll’s House” starring Jessica Chastain, and “Betrayal” starring Tom Hiddleston. This is a big…

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TV

We are very pleased to report that cameras are indeed rolling on STARZ “Outlander” spin off series, “Blood of My Blood.” Not only that, but we know who will star! The series will tell the tale of the parents of Jaime (Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe), with their own epic love stories and adventures. Harriet Slater will play Ellen Mackenzie, sister of Colum and Dougal Mackenzie of the Leoch clan. Jaime Roy will play Black Brian Fraser, son of Lord Lovat, and keeper of Lallybroch. (From Ellen and Brian come Jamie and Jenny!) Their story will take place…

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This just in-sources close to Universal Pictures’ upcoming new “Jurassic World” film say there may be a director already close to signing on the dotted line. Reports indicate David Leitch (“Atomic Blonde,” “Deadpool 2”) is circling the project.We know it’ll have a script by David Koepp, who wrote the first “Jurassic Park” film. Other reports from today included a possible release date of July 2nd, 2025. And, perhaps most interestingly, the news that this particular film would be “a reboot.” Of which storyline, we’re not sure. This story is developing…

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If there’s one thing we can count on fan conventions for, it’s Q&A’s with some of our favorite stars. Well, bless some enterprising fans at this past weekend’s MegaCon in Orlando for asking something. Paul Bettany just answered a pretty big and burning fan question. Will we see the return of Avenger Vision? Is he actually…done-done? “Can you tell us anything, in any way shape or form, will Vision return? Are you going to return in the MCU,” the fan asked during a spotlight panel with the “A Knights Tale” star. “Uh, yeah,” Bettany answered. And of course, the audience…

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Did you know there is an actual, honest-to-goodness Hollywood awards show dedicated to the best in genre television and film? Did you know it’s actually been around for over 50 years? Well let us tell you about The Saturn Awards!The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 by film historian Doctor Donald A. Reed. The organization is currently headed by President Robert Holguin and Saturn leaders Bradley Marcus and Kevin Marcus.The Academy annually presents The Saturn Awards, which celebrate notable achievements and greatness across some of the most popular media- genre! Spirits were high, and audience…

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This just in-after much industry and fan speculation, Naughty Dog has seemingly confirmed that a third “The Last of Us” game is may be happening. In the recently released “Grounded II: Making The Last of Us Part II” documentary, Game creator Neil Druckmann pretty much confirms a third title is in the works. “The great thing about working at Naughty Dog is that we don’t have to. It’s always like, we would love another Last of Us, but if you guys are passionate about something else, we’ll support this other thing,” Druckmann says. “Very privileged position to be in. I never…

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We are so very sorry to report the passing of the great Carl Weathers. While perhaps best known for his work as Apollo Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone in the “Rocky” films and in “Predator”, he had recently returned to fandom with his role and directing for “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian.”“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024,” his family revealed in a statement. “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he…

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