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Walking Dead and Geeks galore on display at PaleyFest

Written by Maria Sciullo on .

In the life-imitates art-imitating-circle-of-life, there's no doubt that the guys of CBS "The Big Bang Theory would love to see this year's William S. Paley Television Festival -- aka, "PaleyFest" -- on the big or little screen. One of the two shows featured is AMC's "The Walking Dead."

As life would have it, the other IS "The Big Bang Theory." Either way, it's all about "braaaaiiins."

maggie walking dead s3The one-night event in Los Angeles is March 1, and will be filmed for streaming in theaters across the country, including the three Cinemarks in Monaca, Robinson Township and Tarentum. The "live on film" interactive experience begins at 8 p.m. March 7 for "Walking Dead."

Moderated by "Talking Dead" host Chris Hardwick, the panel includes Andrew Lincoln, David Morrissey, Danai Gurira, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun and Lauren Cohan (seen here losing it in the prison courtyard). Executive producers Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Dave Alpert and Pittsburgh's Greg Nicotero will participate.

On March 13, the "Big Bang Theory" event will be streamed live from the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Stars including Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco will take questions from the audience in LA as well as from those in the theaters nationwide. The wackiness starts at 10 p.m. Creators and executive producers Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and Steven Molaro also will be on hand.

Tickets for "PaleyFest Live!" went on sale February 8 at box offices and www.FathomEvents.com. In addition, Hulu is expected to make these events available shortly after the theater broadcasts.

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New Justice League of America raises Pennsylvania flag on #1 cover

Written by Sharon Eberson on .

JLA PAflag"They aren’t the world’s greatest super heroes — they’re the most dangerous!" That's how DC Comics describes gathering of the troops in the new Justice League of America comic series, which debuts Feb. 20 with writer Geoff Johns and artist David Finch at the helm. The unlikely bunch inlcudes Green Arrow, Katana, Martian Manhunter, Simon Baz, Stargirl, Vibe, Hawkman and Catwoman.
 
To launch the series, covers that are state-specific will grace “Justice League Of America #1." Inspired by the “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima” photo, the covers will show JLA characters with a flag for each of the 50 states and Puerto Rico. (Check out a sneak peek of the Pennsylvania cover to your left.)
 
DC teases that "The march toward 'Trinity War' begins with part one of 'World's Most Dangerous' in 'Justice League of America #1,' where the team will begin to form and secret motives will be revealed."
 
"They're underdogs who have everything to prove and something to lose," says Johns.
 
Check your friendly neighborhood comic-books store for the special PA flag edition of #1.
 
Beginning with "JLA #2," you also can follow a new back-up series featuring Manhunter, co-written by Matt Kindt and Johns and illustrated by Scott Clark. 
 
"The reason that Martian Manhunter is in the back-up is because of the role he'll be playing," Johns told Newsarama. "Just like Shazam will play an integral role to 'Justice League' as that continues on, Martian Manhunter is central to 'Justice League of America' and the bigger DC Universe."

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Yoda's spiritual grandfather, Stuart Freeborn, dies at 98

Written by Maria Sciullo on .

 

A long time ago, in a land far, far away (that would be England), a young man named Stuart Freeborn decided not to follow in the footsteps of his father, who worked for legendary insurer Lloyds of London.

Instead, he broke into the movie business as a make-up artist. Stuart Freeborn, who would go on to create some of the most memorable creatures in the "Star Wars" galaxy, died recently at the age of 98. His granddaughter said Wednesday that he succumbed to a variety of age-related illnesses.

yodaHis cinematic offspring included the monkeys from the dawn of man in "2001: A Space Odyssey," but he will best be remembered for the likes of Chewbacca, Jabba the Hutt and of course, the Jedi master to end all masters, Yoda.

In an interview with the BBC, Freeborn said he was approached by "this young fellow" named George Lucas who told him: "I've written a script for a film called 'Star Wars'.

"He was so genuine about it, I thought, well, young as he is, I believe in him. He's got something, I'll do what I can for him."

Legions of fans will remember hiim.

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'Iron Man 3' falls to Earth during Super Bowl

Written by Sharon Eberson on .

IronMan3Thought I'd share something that popped into my email today (right). It certainly fits the tone of the "Iron Man 3" trailers we've been seeing in theaters this year. A teaser for the new spot is available on the film's Facebook page.

While we're on the subject of an "Avenger," how's this for a "Star Trek"-"Avengers" mash-up:

In Empire magazine's "Star Trek Into Darkness" February issue (there's the choice of a Chris Pine or Benedict Cumberbatch cover), the current Capt. James T. Kirk, Chris Pine, is interviewed as he is shooting the latest Jack Ryan movie in the same studio where Chris Hemsworth's "Thor: The Dark World" is filming. Remember that Hemsworth played Kirk's father k in J.J. Abrams' first "Star Trek" reboot.

"I haven't actually seen my 'dad' yet," Pine said of Hemsworth. "We were playing phone tag the other day. Hopefully we'll have a little father-son bonding soon."

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BBC America announces behind-the-scenes Doctor Who origins program

Written by Sharon Eberson on .

The celebration of the 50th anniversary of "Doctor Who" continues to gain momentum with announcements of programming to complement the current series. The latest: BBC America will co-produce and premiere "An Adventure in Space and Time," which will tell the story of the behind-the-scenes genesis of the Doctor, who first appeared on TV on November 23, 1963. 

A BBC America press release today said:

David Bradley (Harry Potter) is set to play the first ever Doctor, the iconic William Hartnell, in the drama written by Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Doctor Who), who will also serve as executive producer alongside Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Sherlock) and Caroline Skinner (Doctor Who, The Fades). An Adventure in Space and Time (1x90) is a co-production between BBC Cymru Wales and BBC AMERICA. The drama will premiere later this year on BBC AMERICA.

The BBC’s Head of Drama Sydney Newman, credited with the creation of the show, will be portrayed by Brian Cox (The Bourne Supremacy, Bourne Identity) and the producer, Verity Lambert, by Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife). The director of the first ever episode An Unearthly Child, Waris Hussein, will be played by Sacha Dhawan (History Boys, Last Tango In Halifax). 

Mark Gatiss, writer and executive producer said: “What a cast! I'm utterly delighted that everyone's favorite Time Lord will be in such brilliant and stellar company. We have a terrific team who can't wait to tell the fascinating and surprising story of how the Doctor began his journey through Space and Time.”

Commenting on his upcoming role, David Bradley said, “I’m absolutely thrilled.  I first heard about this role from Mark while watching the Diamond Jubilee flotilla from the roof of the National Theatre.  When he asked if I would be interested, I almost bit his hand off!  Mark has written such a wonderful script not only about the birth of a cultural phenomenon, but a moment in television’s history.  William Hartnell was one of the finest character actors of our time and as a fan I want to make sure that I do him justice. I’m so looking forward to getting started.”   

The current incarnation of "Doctor Who," starring Matt Smith, returns on March 30 as part of BBC AMERICA’s Supernatural Saturday programming block, alongside world premieres of new original series The Nerdist and Orphan Black.

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