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While X-Men '97 was a hot favourite to win the Emmy for "Outstanding Animated Program" yesterday evening, the Marvel Animation series was beaten by Netflix's Blue Eye Samurai.

That relatively obscure adult animation series also soundly defeated The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers, and Scavengers Reign.

While some of Blue Eye Samurai's fanbase might take issue with it being described as "obscure," it certainly didn't receive the same level of mainstream attention as Marvel Studios' X-Men: The Animated Series revival. Still, that never matters when it comes to awards and the show was clearly deemed superior.

Heading into the first night of the 76th Emmys, it had already picked up wins for "Character Design," "Storyboard," and "Production Design," so this probably shouldn't come as a huge surprise.

Blue Eye Samurai premiered last November and, the next month, was renewed for a second season which is currently expected to debut in...

I’m somewhat bewildered over how outraged people have been over the new version of The Crow (don’t call it a remake!). Many are calling it a stain on the legacy of the late, great Brandon Lee, who infamously was killed in an on-set tragedy, but by examining the franchise as a whole, it’s clear that as far as these things go, the franchise has been exploited to death. There have been no less than five Crow movies at this point, and guess what? We’re going to rank them all! That said, as far as our Crow movies ranked list goes, they’re all varying degrees of bad outside the first movie and the new version, which isn’t half bad.

Dishonourable Mention: The Crow: Stairway to Heaven

Yes, ladies and germs, they once made a TV version of The Crow, and it was abysmal. You...

Blue Eye Samurai is hands down one of the best adult animated shows on Netflix. Back in December 2023, the show was renewed for a second season, and fans have been patiently waiting for new updates on the upcoming installment. As of Aug. 19, we received some new information on season 2, but unfortunately, it's not good news at all.

During an August 2024 interview with Collider, Blue Eye Samurai creators Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, producer and director Jane Wu, and sound supervisor Myron Nettinga revealed some new information about the second season, like where they are in the production process, how many episodes there will be, and when fans can expect it to come out.

According to Green and Noizumi, we will see a cut in the total episode count for season 2. Instead of there being eight episodes like in season 1, there will only be six episodes in the second season. However,...

Conventional horror movies centered around werewolves often go heavy on special effects, showcasing the transformation from man to wolf and its subsequent uncontrollable slaughter. But the transformative aspect and dual nature of werewolves provide fertile ground for metaphor beyond their primal, animalistic urge to eviscerate everything in their path.

Out this week is The Beast Within, a werewolf movie with a fairy tale twist, framing its horror story from the perspective of a young girl discovering the truth about her afflicted father.

It’s the unconventional approach to werewolf lore that inspires this week’s streaming picks: five unconventional werewolf horror movies that defy easy categorization and use lycanthropy to explore historical horrors, the growing pains of youth, or simply loneliness.

Here’s where you can stream them this week.

For more Stay Home, Watch Horror picks, click here.

Brotherhood of the Wolf – AMC+, Kanopy, Pluto TV, the Roku Channel,...

Recently we sat down with Shaina West, who has appeared in Black Widow and The Woman King to talk about all things Jade. She leads the film alongside quite a cast, which includes Katherine McNamara, Mickey Rourke, and Mark Dacascos.

The movie is out now digital platforms. Linda Marric asks the questions.

Shaina West Jade Interview

Plot:

After the devastating death of her brother, Jade is determined never to pick up a gun again… but in a twist of fate she’s unwittingly drawn into a deadly world of gang warfare, as she becomes embroiled in a plot to bring down Interpol involving powerful businessman Tork (Mickey Rourke).

With grit, determination and second-to-none combat skills, aided by an old friend on the force, Reese (Mark Dacascos), our heroine must take on the criminals and do whatever it takes to bring them down, in this high-octane battle-filled feature.

The post Shaina...

Stars: Shaina West, Katherine McNamara, Mickey Rourke, Mark Dacascos | Written by James Bamford, Lynn Colliar, Glenn Ennis | Directed by James Bamford

Jade begins with an animated sequence telling us that Jade and her brother Brandon came to live in Albuquerque, New Mexico after their parents were murdered in London. Why or by whom they were killed isn’t explained. Nor is exactly how they ended up in a street gang, or how that led to Jade accidentally killing her brother, made clear. But whatever the reason, she’s sworn never to use a gun again.

Once the film turn to live action, we see Jade dropping in to see Layla who is not happy to see her. That might be because the baby she’s carrying will never know its father, thanks to Jade’s errant bullet.

As if that isn’t enough for her to deal with, she soon...

Let’s dream the crow black dream. I’m Niki Minter and this week on the Eric Draven files, we have The Crow: Stairway to Heaven. This is the first time we have a series that I feel lukewarm about. However, this is one that does have its fans and there’s a reason, aside from the upcoming reimagining, that we’re discussing it. This should be a fun time.

Okay, so, I caught Stairway on the Sci-Fi channel a few times here and there during its initial run. It caught my interest but never enough to start it from the beginning. What’s interesting about this is that it’s based on the 1994 movie adaptation which was pulled from James O’Barr’s original comic. Mark Dacascos would be the one and only person ever to fill the role once held by Brandon Lee. This is an interesting take, right?...

“Jade” is a new action thriller, directed by James Bamford, starring Mickey Rourke, Mark Dacascos, Keith Jardine, Steven Michael Quezada, Chris Bruno, Shaina West, Sean McNabb, Emily Eruraviel and Mathew Yanagiya, now streaming on Prime Video:

“…a woman comes between a powerful businessman and a gang leader in their search for a hard drive that could damage the operations of ‘Interpol’.

“Despite grieving for the brother she accidentally killed, the woman is required to use her unique set of skills to retrieve the drive and protect her brother’s unborn child being carried by another woman…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

101 Films has dropped the trailer for the full-throttle actioner, ‘Jade.’

After the devastating death of her brother, Jade is determined never to pick up a gun again… but in a twist of fate she’s unwittingly drawn into a deadly world of gang warfare, as she becomes embroiled in a plot to bring down Interpol involving powerful businessman Tork (Mickey Rourke).

With grit, determination and second-to-none combat skills, aided by an old friend on the force, Reese (Mark Dacascos), our heroine must take on the criminals and do whatever it takes to bring them down, in this high-octane battle-filled feature.

Cast includes Shaina West, Katherine McNamara, Mickey Rourke, Mark Dacascos.

Also in trailers – “I went to the future…” New trailer drops for Rapman’s ‘Supacell’

The movie is released digitally on June 24th

The post Trailer drops for full-throttle actioner ‘Jade’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.

The new action adventure fantasy feature “Legend of the White Dragon”, directed by Aaron Schoenke, stars Mark Dacascos, Michael Madsen, David Ramsey, Ciara Hanna, Mayling Ng, Jason David Frank and Jason Faunt, in limited release September 4, 2024 in theaters:

“…in the ‘Aftermath’, the city was left decimated. A past reminder of the great battle and fall of heroes.

“But the heroes were blamed, stripped of their titles and hunted down…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

A new episode of The Black Sheep video series has arrived online this morning, and with this one we’re looking back at one of the most fascinating “doomed productions” ever, the 1996 version of The Island of Dr. Moreau. (Watch the movie Here.) To find out why we think this one deserves more love than it gets, check out the video embedded above!

Based on an 1896 novel by H.G. Wells, the film was originally going to be directed by Richard Stanley, who was becoming a popular name in the horror genre at the time. Unfortunately, the production was a mess from the moment the cast and crew arrived on set. Stanley was fired, cast members quit, co-stars Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer exhibited strange behavior while dealing with tragedy and heartbreak. John Frankenheimer was brought on to replace Stanley at the helm, but he couldn’t save the sinking ship…...

"All that crazy, hardcore training you made me - thanks to that I'm still alive." You don't say! So maybe training pays off? 101 Films has revealed an official trailer for Jade, an action thriller arriving on VOD this summer. Another of these dime-a-dozen junk action movies being dumped out on streaming and VOD at home. It's from the same stuntman filmmaker as Hard Home and Air Force One Down (ugh). Jade follows a woman who comes between a powerful businessman and a gang leader in their search for a hard drive that could damage the operations of Interpol. The woman is required to use her unique set of skills to retrieve the drive and stay alive. Introducing Shaina West starring as Jade, with an ensemble including Mickey Rourke, Mark Dacascos, Katherine McNamara, Keith Jardine, Steven Michael Quezada, and Chris Bruno. This doesn't seem as bad as Bamford's other action films,...

Exclusive: Tom Berenger (Platoon), Milo Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge), Mark Dacascos (John Wick: Chapter 3), Henning Baum, Sol Rodriguez (Devious Maids), and Patrick Cage star in crime/action film, The Sheriff, directed by Josh Tessier. Currently in production in Los Angeles, California, the filmmakers are preparing for an AFM premiere.

Written by Tessier, and Michael Edwards, the film is set in a rural town and follows a local sheriff (Edwards), as he pursues a recent homicide case that is seemingly linked to the death of his son five years prior.

“We’re thrilled to have such great actors joining this project,” says Josh Tessier. “The bodies of work between them all speak for themselves, and we know the finished film is going to be a fun ride thanks to their participation.

The picture is being produced by Roberto Ahumada, Josh Tessier, Omid, Zader, and Justin Anderson for Whiskey Panda Studios alongside Scatena & Rosner Films...

Having a hissable, recurring villain adds that special something to any TV procedural.

Elijah Stone has been filling that role on The Rookie, tormenting members of the LAPD's Metro Division over the past two seasons (although it feels longer).

Sadly, complex villains such as Stone have recently become less of a thing on broadcast TV.

Let's look at the famed Hawaii Five-0 villain, Wo Fat, as a case study.

During the series' original run, Wo Fat was a crime boss, a red Chinese spy who answered to Peking (it was a different time) and served as the primary enemy of Steve McGarrett (played by Jack Lord).

Wo Fat (portrayed by Khigh Dhiegh) hung like a dense fog over that version, appearing in 15 episodes over nine of the show's 12 seasons.

In the rebooted series, Wo Fat (Mark Dacascos) was a crime boss and former Chinese Ministry of Interior agent. appeared...

Since Van Damme and Seagal hit big in the late 80s and early 90s, martial artists started to come out of the woodwork with their own unique brand. As we’ve covered recently on Reel Action, Van Damme collaborator Sheldon Lettich attempted to introduce audiences to both the style of Capoeira and the star power of Mark Dacascos in Only the Strong. Another martial artist that tried his hand at the action title and came away with a cult following was Jeff Speakman as he demonstrated his Kenpo skills in the 1991 film The Perfect Weapon.

Blu-ray.com has the details on a new special edition Blu-ray of The Perfect Weapon. The release will come from Kino Lorber, who will also release Cannon’s Revenge of the Ninja. This upcoming Blu-ray will have an all-new 4K remaster of the film and is set to hit the market on May 21.

The plot description reads,...

After years of being stuck in development hell, "The Crow" remake is finally coming to theaters this summer. It stars Bill Skarsgard ("It") as Eric Draven, the role made famous by the late Brandon Lee in director Alex Proyas' 1994 comic book film of the same name. The reaction to the recently released trailer and images has been mixed, to put it mildly. Now, Proyas himself has weighed in, and the forthcoming remake does not sit well with him.

Proyas took to Facebook recently to share some of his thoughts on this new version of "The Crow," which was directed by Rupert Sanders ("Snow White and the Huntsman"). Proyas, for his part, didn't have anything nice to say, as he even linked to an article from Comic Book Resources titled "The Crow Remake Trailer Gets Staggering Amount of Dislikes on YouTube." While Proyas prefaced his commentary by saying that he does...

Those of you who love martial arts movies and follow our JoBlo Original, Reel Action, on YouTube may have seen the recent spotlight we did on the Mark Dacascos 1993 capoeira movie, Only the Strong. While Only the Strong should have skyrocketed Dacascos to martial arts stardom, he would actually have an earlier credit with a smaller role in a film called American Samurai, which starred David Bradley of the American Ninja sequels. American Samurai would come from the director of many Ninja-related movies, Sam Firstenberg, for the infamous once-upon-a-movie studio, Cannon Films. Sam Firstenberg was a director who the studio often collaborated with, but American Samurai would be the first movie that Cannon took their famous scissors to and alter the film against the director’s vision.

A group on Facebook called The Official Restoration of American Samurai has been established with some news for fans of the film and genre.

If you’re like us here at Reel Action, you probably love martial arts movies. And if you love martial arts movies, chances are, you are a fan of Mark Dacascos. And if you’re a fan of Mark Dacascos, then you probably know the movie, Only the Strong. Only the Strong is the best Jean-Claude Van Damme movie that Van Damme never starred in. In fact, if you look at the director’s filmography, he had a successful collaboration streak with Jcvd that led to Only the Strong. However, the movie actually fares better without him, because it features a star-making turn by the unanimously perceived underrated martial arts actor Mark Dacascos. Add in the teacher-savior plot and an introduction to a unique brand of martial art and you have an incredibly fun way to spend 90 minutes. We talk Only the Strong on this entry of Reel Action.

The...

If it feels like a new take on The Crow has been in development for 15 years, that's perhaps because a new take on The Crow has been in development for, well, 15 years at least. Yet after a revolving door of directors, writers and potential leads, it's finally headed our way this year, with Bill Skarsgård playing the tragic Eric Draven and Rupert Sanders directing. Check out the first images from the new adaptation of James O'Barr's graphic novel above and below.

O'Barr's original story focuses on Eric, a young man who, along with his fiancee Shelly, is brutally assaulted and slaughtered by a gang when their car breaks down. Eric is resurrected by a supernatural crow to stalk and seek vengeance against those responsible for the crime. Alex Proyas' 1994 film retooled the story around rock musician Eric Draven, who is murdered along with his fiancee Shelly on Devil's Night...

Blue Eye Samurai has been given a go-ahead for season two. Netflix has renewed the animated series, which debuted in November with eight episodes. It was created and written by husband and wife team Amber Noizumi and Michael Green.

Featuring the voices of Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Song, Darren Barnet, Randall Park, and Kenneth Branagh, the animated series is set in the 17th century and follows the adventures of swordmaster Mizu (Erskine) on her quest for vengeance. The supporting cast includes Stephanie Hsu, Ming-Na Wen, Harry Shum Jr., and Mark Dacascos.

Read More…...

Martial arts drama Warrior has been cancelled by Sky – but there’s an outside chance that Netflix may make more episodes.

Before he became an international kung fu superstar thanks to films like Way Of The Dragon, in which he famously went hand to hand with Chuck Norris in Rome’s Colosseum, and Enter The Dragon (which features an equally iconic climactic battle which takes place in a hall of mirrors), Bruce Lee was an integral part of what made seminal 1960s show The Green Hornet a huge success.

Although his film career soon took off, had things turned out differently Lee would have continued to make an impact on the small screen. He’s generally accepted as being involved in creating the concept for Kung Fu, the drama that eventually starred David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine, the pacifist who ended up in several fights every week.

The same...

The revival of Warrior at Max turned out to be short-lived: The Warner Bros. Discovery streamer has canceled the show after its first season as a Max original and third overall.

That said, the series — based on writings by Bruce Lee and set in 19th century San Francisco — will potentially get in front of more viewers beginning in February 2024 as all three seasons will stream on Netflix. Warrior will continue to be available on Max as well, similar to other non-exclusive streaming licensing deals Wbd has made with Netflix for HBO shows like Six Feet Under, Band of Brothers and Ballers.

Warrior began life as a Cinemax original series, premiering in 2019 to strong reviews. It was renewed for a second season that aired in fall 2020 — but by that time, Cinemax had wound down its originals business. The streamer then known as HBO Max revived it for a third season in...

Max’s “Warrior,” a breakthrough series boasting one of the few Asian ensembles on television, has been canceled after three seasons. The series’ repeats will live on, however, via a off-net deal with Netflix, which has acquired the series’ run in a non-exclusive deal and could now potentially expose it to a new audience. (The show will also continue to be available on Max.)

“Warrior” returned for its third season in June after a two-year hiatus. The show originally ran on linear cabler Cinemax (starting in 2019), and was revived after a fan base campaign. Andrew Koji, Olivia Cheng, Jason Tobin, Dianne Doan, Kieran Bew, Dean Jagger, Tom Weston-Jones, Hoon Lee, Perry Yung, Langley Kirkwood, Miranda Raison, Chen Tang, Chelsea Muirhead, Mark Dacascos and Joe Taslim star.

Shannon Lee is among the executive producers on “Warrior,” which was based on a concept by her father, Bruce Lee. Per the logline, “‘Warrior...

Warrior has fought its final fight.

TVLine has learned that the martial arts/crime drama based on the writings of martial arts legend Bruce Lee has been cancelled and will not be returning for a fourth season on Max.

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Of some comfort to fans/prospective samplers: Netflix has picked up non-exclusive rights to Warrior‘s first three seasons, to hit...

Warrior won’t be returning for a fourth season on Max.

However, the existing three seasons of the martial arts crime drama are set to find additional audiences as Netflix has picked up the series’ library in a co-exclusive deal with Max in Warner Bros. Discovery streamer’s markets.

Warrior is expected to debut on Netflix in February 2024. If it does well, Netflix could presumably order a new season of the drama based on an original concept and treatment by Bruce Lee, sources tell Deadline exclusively.

This latest move sets Warrior in its third home in as many years. The series premiered in 2019 on Cinemax where it ran for two seasons before it was announced in early 2020 that the network was moving out of the Originals business. Wbd sibling Max picked up the show for a third season in Spring of 2021 which premiered this summer with the season concluding on...

Apple TV+ Reveals First Look at Star-Studded “Palm Royale”

Apple TV+ has revealed the first look for its upcoming star-studded series “Palm Royale.” Loosely based on the novel “Mr. and Mrs. American Pie” by Juliet McDaniel, the Palm Beach-set series will follow Maxine Simmons as she tries to break into Palm Beach high society in 1969, asking the enduring question: “How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?”

Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Maxine opposite Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chardae Robinson, Mindy Cohn, Julia Duffy, and Kaia Gerber with guest appearances from Carol Burnett and Bruce Dern.

“Palm Royale” will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with its first three episodes on March 20, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 8.

7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month apple.com “Bridgerton” Sets Two-Part Spring Premiere

The secret is...

Netflix is undergoing cuts and changes to its animation department yet again, but thankfully good work is not going unrewarded. One of the most celebrated Netflix animated shows of the year, "Blue Eye Samurai," is getting a second season. The show is essentially an animated riff on "Lady Snowblood" that was created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green and directed by Jane Wu.

The adult animated series is a tale of revenge and blood, following a young biracial woman born out of sexual violence in early Edo period Japan who embarks on a journey of vengeance to find out which of the four remaining white men in Japan is her father. As our own Bj Colangelo wrote, "With only eight episodes, 'Blue Eye Samurai' is an easily digestible watch, but with an addictive story that you'll have to fight yourself from binging."

The show has been praised by animators,...

“Blue Eye Samurai” has been renewed for a second season at Netflix.

Created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, “Blue Eye Samurai” tells the story of Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine), a mixed-race master of the sword. Set in Edo-period Japan, Mizu lives a life in disguise seeking the deliverance of revenge.

“When we started this project, we made a commitment to take this very personal story set in Edo-period Japan and bring it to life in the most authentic and beautiful way possible. Our animators, historians, musicians, martial artists and voice cast made this a reality beyond our expectations,” said Noizumi and Green in a statement, per Netflix. “We are thankful to our entire team and to our viewers from all over the world who have shown such passion for Mizu and her path of revenge. Mizu has a lot more blood to spill! We are deeply grateful to...

Mizu’s fight is far from over — Netflix has renewed the animated series Blue Eye Samurai for a second season, TVLine has learned.

In celebration of the show’s pickup, Blue Eye Samurai creators, executive producers and writers Amber Noizumi and Michael Green released the following statement:

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“When we started this project, we made a commitment to take this very personal story set in Edo-period Japan and bring it to life in the...

Netflix has renewed the critically acclaimed animated action series Blue Eye Samurai for a second season.

Set in Edo-period Japan, Blue Eye Samurai, from Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, follows Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine), a mixed-race master of the sword who lives a life in disguise seeking the deliverance of revenge.

Voice cast also includes George Takei (Seki), Masi Oka (Ringo), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (The Swordmaker), Brenda Song (Akemi), Darren Barnet (Taigen), Randall Park (Heiji Shindo), and Kenneth Branagh (Abijah Fowler). Supporting voice cast includes Stephanie Hsu (Ise), Ming-Na Wen (Madame Kaji), Harry Shum Jr. (Takayoshi) and Mark Dacascos (Chiaki), among others.

“When we started this project, we made a commitment to take this very personal story set in Edo-period Japan and bring it to life in the most authentic and beautiful way possible. Our animators, historians, musicians, martial artists and voice cast made this a reality beyond our expectations,...

Since its debut last month, Blue Eye Samurai has proven to be a well-received hit for Netflix, so it should come as no surprise that Netflix has officially renewed the animated series for a second season.

Blue Eye Samurai tells the story of Mizu (Maya Erskine), a mixed-race master of the sword who lives a life in disguise seeking the deliverance of revenge.

“When we started this project, we made a commitment to take this very personal story set in Edo-period Japan and bring it to life in the most authentic and beautiful way possible. Our animators, historians, musicians, martial artists and voice cast made this a reality beyond our expectations,” said series creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green in a statement. “We are thankful to our entire team and to our viewers from all over the world who have shown such passion for Mizu and her path of revenge.

Ahead of the Blue Eye Samurai’s debut last Friday, co-creator, executive producer and co-writer Amber Noizumi revealed the deeply personal inspiration for the adult animated tale of revenge set in a 17th century Japan and starring a mixed-race master of the sword.

The concept was conceived 15 years ago, after the birth of Noizumi and co-creator Michael Green’s daughter. She was born with blue eyes, prompting the half-Japanese Noizumi to wonder, “Why am I so excited that my daughter has blue eyes? What’s the big deal about that? And why am I so excited that I have a baby who looks more white?”

It’s the kind of question that many who identify within the biracial, multiracial or mixed-race communities — particularly those with immediate white family or ancestry — find themselves asking at some point. The answer is complex and sometimes painful but can also be revelatory and freeing.

Keanu Reeves has been at the forefront of some of cinema's most important franchises, including "The Matrix" and "John Wick." Even one of his biggest bombs has, against all odds, also become a franchise. Reeves starred in Universal's tremendously expensive blockbuster "47 Ronin" back in 2013. It was a major flop at the time and actually hurt the actor's career a bit. But nearly a full decade later, everything came full circle, and a sequel to that flop was released. Yes, was! As in, it already came out ... last year.

"Blade of the 47 Ronin" is a sequel to the movie in question, and debuted in 2022. One would be forgiven for not realizing it, as it wasn't quite as big as the original, to put it mildly. Unfortunately, Reeves didn't return for the follow-up, but for those who enjoyed that film, there is a sequel out there you can watch right now.

Lara Croft is back in action in a first look at Legendary Television’s all new Tomb Raider anime series.

On Wednesday, Netflix revealed Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft has landed a 2024 release while debuting a brief teaser for the anticipated title. The sneak peek, which features Croft taking (breathy) aim with a bow and arrow, dropping into darkened caverns, and rising battered and bruised against a wall of fire, debuted as part of the streamer’s first ever Drop 01 event, a virtual showcase of its most anticipated animated genre offerings.

Voice starring Agent Carter and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning actress Hayley Atwell, The Legend of Lara Croft was initially announced in January 2021 alongside Skull Island, another Legendary anime adaptation that dropped its first season in June. Based on the wildly popular action-adventure video game franchise launched in 1996, created by the British game developer Core Design, the...

"Legend of the White Dragon" is a new martial art action feature,  directed by Aaron Schoenke, starring Michael Madsen, Ciara Hanna, Mayling Ng, Jason David Frank, Mark Dacascos, David Ramsey, Schoenke, Jason Faunt and Andrew Bachelor, releasing September 4, 2023 in theaters:

"...in the 'Aftermath', the city was left decimated. A past reminder of the great battle and fall of heroes. 

"The heroes were blamed, stripped of their titles and hunted down like dogs..."

Click the images to enlarge...

"We must join together to prevent the schemes of evil men." Falling Forward Films has revealed a first look teaser trailer for a long-awaited independent superhero movie called Legend of the White Dragon, the feature directorial debut of "Super Power Beat Down" filmmaker Aaron Schoenke. This trailer comes from this year's San Diego Comic Con - the project was crowdfunded through Kickstarter and was initially set for 2023. Now it's aiming to open sometime in early 2024. In the film, three years after a tragic battle, Erik Reed returns to his city to protect his wife and daughter from a new threat. It's described as a "mature take on the Power Rangers franchise" and introduces a new universe. The film stars Jason David Frank (in his final role before he passed away late 2022), Aaron Schoenke, Mayling Ng, David Ramsey, Andrew Bachelor, Jason Faunt, Ciara Hanna, Mark Dacascos, and Michael Madsen. The dialogue in this is rough,...

Michael Jai White in the action-film The Island. Courtesy of Saban Films

To be honest, Michael Jai White headlines a lot of action flicks that many would consider beneath their taste level. But he’s really good at these things and always fun to watch when you’re in the mood for a good guy kicking a bunch of bad guy butts in a vehicle that allows your higher cerebral functions to relax and enjoy some time off from their usual duties. The Island is another from his formulaic wheelhouse. Among the many movies and TV series that have borne this title before, this one will rank as the most… recent.

White plays an L.A. cop who grew up on a tropical island. When he learns that his brother was killed, he returns to find the one what done done him in. After he’d left to graze in a bigger pasture,...

Den of Geek serves as the media partner of the London Action Festival

Sometimes the sequel is better. The London Action Festival 2 blew the bloody doors off with an action-packed weekend celebrating the influential creatives who crafted some of the most iconic moments in the action film and television genre.

Den of Geek returned as senior media partner and we were on hand in London to witness the best panels, surprise moments, and fascinating insights from professionals at all levels of the production process, from directors and stars, to editors, composers, stuntmen, and more. Check out some of the best photos from the weekend below!

The second annual festival rev’d up with what was billed as the “World’s Greatest Screening Ever… Probably” of The Italian Job. Three mini coopers — red, white, and blue — greeted fans who stopped for a photo opp as they entered the screening at the...

Midway through a sword fight in an upcoming episode of Max’s period action drama Warrior, one of the combatants loses her blade and seems on the verge of death at the hands of the man she wants revenge against. He’s so confident in his abilities, though, that he invites her to pick up her weapon and resume, smugly telling her, “You came all this way. It would be a shame to give up now.”

For a while, it seemed that the TV business had given up on Warrior.

Max’s official trailer for Warrior season three doesn’t skimp on the action while also making sure to include updates on all of the key characters fans have missed seeing on the small screen since season two concluded in December 2020. The two-and-a-half-minute trailer not only confirms everything we’ve loved about the first two seasons continues with season three, but it also reinforces the need to go back and binge season two.

The season three cast is led by Andrew Koji as Ah Sahm. The new season also stars Dianne Doan as Mai Ling, Olivia Cheng as Ah Toy, Jason Tobin as Young Jun, and Joe Taslim as Li Yong. Hoon Lee plays Wang Chao, Kieran Bew is Bill O’Hara, Dean Jagger is Dylan Leary, Langley Kirkwood is Walter Buckley, Tom Weston-Jones is Richard Lee, and Perry Yung is Father Jun.

Miranda Raison, Chen Tang, Chelsea Muirhead, and Mark Dacascos...

The London Action Festival has revealed a raft of new events joining the already impressive programme set to burst into London later this month. The one-of-a-kind Festival is year on year proving itself in its ambitions to be Britain’s biggest convention and will bring together influential figures responsible for creating some of the most iconic Action moments in Film and TV history, running from Wednesday 21st – Sunday 25th June.

The extensive program offers professionals and fans alike the opportunity to immerse themselves in all things Action. Every day is ‘action-packed’, with more events to be announced soon, and the program currently boasts:

Three Nights of Special Events – including the return of last year’s sell outs: The Friday Night Showdown – The Festival’s Moving Target Awards’ Show. Award Winner’s announced so far to be honoured for their Outstanding Contributions to Action Film & TV include:

For Direction: Martin Campbell,...

Den of Geek is the Senior Media Sponsor of The London Action Festival

If a lack of quality action movie content is a disease, consider the return of The London Action Festival the cure.

If you’re in the London area or are planning to be between June 21-25, you won’t want to dodge this bullet. The London Action Festival is returning for Year 2 locked and loaded with an impressive lineup celebrating the skills, creativity, talent and bravery required to create the world’s most exciting content across Film and TV.

“The London Action Festival is back and bolder this year, once again championing the incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera,” said Festival Co-Directors Julian Alcantara and Ron Fogelman in a release. “With exciting events already confirmed and more to be announced, festival- goers will be able to immerse themselves in all things Action. 2023 is...

Mixed martial arts thriller “Glass Dragon” has been picked up for international sales by MPI Media. The company is launching the title at the Cannes Market.

The film, now in post-production, is produced by Asia-facing Los Angeles company Eleven Arts and Re:Anime, a firm that adapts beloved anime series into captivating live-action films.

“Glass Dragon” stars Miki Mizuno (“Bayside Shakedown”), a martial artist and single mother who has to accelerate her life plans when things go badly wrong for her and her daughter. The picture also stars the veteran martial arts film star Mark Dacascos (“Cradle 2 the Grave,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “John Wick 3,” “Iron Chef America”). Other acting credits got to Maryjun Takahashi (“Rurouni Kenshin”) and Kiki Sukezane (“Westworld,” “Lost in Space”).

The film marks the feature directorial debut of Nik Shaw, the Los Angeles-based director and producer behind Re:Anime, whose short films have generated over 100 million views and 1 million subscribers on YouTube.

The London Action Festival has revealed a packed program for its second edition.

Highlights of the first round of programming that has been unveiled include:

Anatomy Of A Set Piece where The Raid franchise creator Gareth Evans and others to be announced will break down chosen set pieces from their works; a screening of “The Raid 2” + Q&a with Evans; The Showrunner’s Story, where, in association with World Productions, “Bodyguard” and ‘Line of Duty” Jed Mercurio creator will explore the work of a showrunner in the creation and production of shows; and The Villains of John Wick, in association with Lionsgate, where Mark Dacascos (Zero in “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum”) and Scott Adkins (Killa in “John Wick: Chapter 4”) – two of the most memorable villains from across the John Wick franchise will discuss their work.

Cry Havoc – The Making of a Battle, courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery,...

To celebrate the release of Brotherhood Of The Wolf, Director’S Cut on 4K Uhd, Blu-Ray, DVD & Digital out 15th May, we have a 4K Uhd to give away!

Studiocanal announce a stunning brand-new restoration of the thrilling 2001 cult classic Brotherhood Of The Wolf Director’s Cut by Christophe Gans, starring Samuel Le Bihan, Mark Dacascos, Jérémie Renier, Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci. The 2-disc Blu-ray includes deleted scenes and a host of extras, while the 4-disc 4K Uhd release also includes the theatrical cut and eight featurettes – while all formats include the English audio as well as the French audio in Dolby Atmos.

During the reign of Louis Xv an isolated district of south-central France is haunted by the “Beast of Gévaudan” which has savagely killed over 100 people, mostly women and children. As panic sweeps across the region, the King sends his finest military minds, the scientist and adventurer...

“Knights of the Zodiac”, aka “Saint Seiya The Beginning", adapts Masami Kurumada's "Weekly Shonen Jump" characters, as a new live-action feature, from Toei and Sony Pictures, starring Madison Iseman, Sean Bean, Famke Janssen, Nick Stahl, Diego Tinoco and Mark Dacascos, now playing in theaters:

"...'Seiya' is recruited by 'Alman Kiddo'...

"...to become a fabled 'Bronze Knight'.

"The Bronze Knights fight prolific warriors...

"...in the quest of becoming 'Goddess Athena' warriors…

“…while Seiya at the same time is looking for his missing sister..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Plot: When a goddess of war reincarnates in the body of a young girl, street orphan Seiya discovers that he is destined to protect her and save the world. But only if he can face his own past and become a Knight of the Zodiac.

Review: Live-action adaptations of anime films and series have succeeded in Japan, but few have overcome the transition to Hollywood. For every Alita Battle Angel, there is a Ghost in the Shell, Dragon Ball Evolution, and Death Note. The cultural barrier aside, there has never been the right balance between ambition and execution. Sony’s Knights of the Zodiac is a valiant attempt to bring the Saint Seiya anime to life with a modest budget and recognizable actors just below the A-list. The result is a visually impressive movie with some franchise potential that ends up being squandered by a bland screenplay that barely scratches...

Anime has an uneven track record of being adapted in live-action outside of Japan. Asian filmmakers have made plenty of movie versions of beloved manga and anime series, but in Hollywood, there is a Ghost in the Shell for every Alita: Battle Angel. Thankfully, Sony has invested in an international cast for the live-action take on Saint Seiya with the clout of some familiar faces for the upcoming Knights of the Zodiac.

Knights of the Zodiac tells the story of a headstrong street orphan, Seiya, in search of his abducted sister who unwittingly taps into hidden powers, he discovers he might be the only person alive who can protect a reincarnated goddess, sent to watch over humanity. Can he let his past go and embrace his destiny to become a Knight of the Zodiac? The film stars Mackenyu as Seiya, Madison Iseman as Sienna, Sean Bean as Alman Kido, Famke Janssen as Guraad,...

Mark Dacascos has been around on our screens since 1989, playing mostly in films that required fighting skills which he has in spades. With over 80 parts in film, television, and even video games, the man has made his mark. His martial arts background is impressive, being the son of Al Dacascos, one of the founder of Wun Hop Kuen Do (Whkd) Kung Fu, he has been trained from a young age and it shows. Mark Dacascos is one of the most skilled fighters in the industry, something that shows through many of his roles. Here are our picks for the best Mark Dacascos movies.

Only the Strong (1993)

Early on in his career, but not exactly at the start, this film is one that helped put Dacascos on the map. Yes, he had done other work, but for most action film fans, this capoeira film really shows his talent as an actor and a martial artist.

To celebrate the stunning brand-new restoration of the thrilling 2001 cult classic Brotherhood of the Wolf: Director’s Cut – released on 4K Uhd, Blu-ray & DVD 15th May from Studiocanal – we have a 4K Uhd up for grabs!

Lavishly filmed and thrillingly gripping, Christophe Gans’ film is an irresistible mix of period drama, blood-pumping action and chilling horror. With a fantastic cast including Samuel Le Bihan (Braquo), Jérémie Renier (In Bruges), Vincent Cassel (La Haine), Monica Bellucci (Irreversible), it also features a breakout performance from John Wick 3 martial arts star Mark Dacascos.

The 4-disc 4K Uhd release also includes the theatrical cut and eight featurettes.

During the reign of Louis Xv an isolated district of south-central France is haunted by the “Beast of Gévaudan” which has savagely killed over 100 people, mostly women and children. As panic sweeps across the region, the King sends his finest military minds, the scientist and adventurer Grégoire...