Tadanobu Asano

Keanu Reeves Talks 47 RONIN; First Synopsis Revealed

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: May 24th, 2011 at 12:03 pm

Can director Carl Erik Rinsch balance a fantastic epic featuring giants and witches with one of Japan’s legendary tale of loyalty and sacrifice?  That’s the question circling 47 Ronin but star Keanu Reeves explains how the film plans to honor the Japanese people who have grown up hearing this tale while still creating a widely-accessible tentpole flick.  Says Reeves,

“Japanese kids grow up with this story told to them. They hear it from family and they learn it in school, it’s part of the culture.  It’s been made into movies many times and on television. It’s like our westerns, the story keeps being told.  It’s been reworked in some ways [for this new film] but with great care and respect.”

Hit the jump for more details on the project including a synopsis.  The film also features Japanese stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Kô Shibasaki, and Rinko Kikuchi.  47 Ronin is set to open in 3D on November 11, 2012.

THOR Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: May 5th, 2011 at 9:24 am

Marvel’s Thor is the toughest of the lead Avengers to bring to the big screen.  He’s a cross between a space alien and a Norse god, he wields a hammer named Mjolnir instead of standard superhero weapons like guns or swords, and he wears a cape.  The character could fall so easily into camp territory, but director Kenneth Branagh takes the bold approach of playing the character completely straight but still keeps the movie fun and light.  This balance of broad comedy and bombastic action mixed with straight-faced drama comes from the perfect combination of lead actors Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston.  While the film does have some problems in developing the supporting characters, its biggest sin is in the 3D post-conversion which turns the bright shining lights of Asgard into a dim, blurry mess.  But if you catch the film in 2D, Thor is going to be some of the most fun you have in a theater this year.

4 Clips and 10 Minutes of Behind the Scenes Footage from THOR

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: April 30th, 2011 at 8:28 am

With Thor finally arriving in America next weekend (it’s already playing around the world), Paramount/Marvel have released the EPK and included are four clips and ten minutes of behind the scenes footage.  While the clips have all been previously released, this is the first time we have all four in one place.  In addition, if you’re curious what it’s really like on a movie set, the behind the scenes footage is great to watch.  However, if you are trying to avoid spoilers, you might want to check it out after you’ve seen the movie.

As I said when I posted my review/video blog on Thor, I thought the movie was great.  Also, while Thor is not an easy transition from comic books to movie screens, director Kenneth Branagh made it work and I cannot wait to see everyone together in The Avengers next summer.  Hit the jump to watch the clips and look for new interviews next week.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg and Colm Feore.

New Featurette, Clip, and Japanese Trailer for THOR

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 28th, 2011 at 12:33 pm

With only eight days left until the release of Kenneth Branagh’s Thor, Marvel is pushing hard on the film’s marketing.  Despite taking the opening weekend of May (traditionally seen as the current first week of the summer movie season, although Fast Five may as well open it this Friday), the film is a tough sell as it blends fantasy and real-world elements around a character who sits on the second tier of Marvel’s superheroes.

Among the new marketing that’s been released is a Japanese trailer that gives a fair amount of screen-time to Hogun who is played by Tadanobu Asano (Asano just happens to be the only major Japanese star in the film).  There’s also a featurette centering on Natalie Portman’s character, Jane Foster.  Finally, Jaimie Alexander—who plays Asgardian warrior Sif—went on Jimmy Kimmel Live to show off a clip from the film.  Hit the jump for the Japanese trailer, clip and featurette.  Thor opens in 3D on May 6th.

14 New Images from THOR

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 21st, 2011 at 12:39 pm

Marvel has released some more new images from Kenneth Branagh’s Thor.  Among the new images we have a good look at Rene Russo as Frigga as well as a nice photo of the Warriors Three (Tadanobu Asano, Josh Dallas, and Ray Stevenson).

Hit the jump to check out the new images.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, and Colm Feore.  It opens in 3D on May 6th.

French Trailer for THOR

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 7th, 2011 at 12:15 pm

If you’re hard-up for new Thor footage, then you’ll want to check out the new French trailer for the film.  It has a whopping three or maybe even four seconds of stuff that wasn’t in the teaser trailer or theatrical trailer.  Plus, you get to hear all of the actors re-dubbed in French!  Magnifique!

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Rene Russo, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Clark Gregg, Jaimie Alexander, Ray Stevenson, Joshua Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, and Anthony Hopkins. The film opens in 3D in France on April 27th and in the U.S. on May 6th.

Sanada, Shibasaki, Asano, and Kikuchi Join Keanu Reeves in 47 RONIN; Updated With Image of Cast in London

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 1st, 2011 at 12:53 pm

Four Japanese actors have joined Keanu Reeves in Carl Erik Rinsch’s 47 Ronin. Hiroyuki Sanada (Lost), Kou Shibasaki (Battle Royale), Tadanobu Asano (Mongol), and Rinko Kikuchi (Babel) will star alongside Reeves in Rinsch’s adaptation of the Japanese legend of ronin who fought to avenge their master’s death.  The film, which Universal is setting up as one of its 2012 tentpoles, is set to be released in 3D on November 11, 2012.

Variety doesn’t say which roles the new cast members will be playing.  However, judging by the previous work I’ve seen from these actors, I’m become more excited for what 47 Ronin holds in store. [Update: Universal has sent us a press release detailing the roles the lead actors will be playing.  Hit the jump to check it out.]

New Trailer for THOR

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 17th, 2011 at 4:00 pm

Marvel has released a new trailer for Thor.  Some of the stuff I love, especially the look of Asgard and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) chucking Mjolner in to the face of a frost giant. But then there’s other stuff that makes the scale of the picture look dinky. Watching Destroyer (the metal, fire-faced guy) blow up the local Piggly-Wiggly doesn’t seem to fit with the epic tone director Kenneth Branagh seems to want. And as for the humor, it’s also a mixed bag. I chuckled at Thor smashing a coffee cup and demanding more of the delicious beverage, but then Kat Dennings’ joke about putting him on Facebook feels tired. I want Thor to be good, but I’m currently more optimistic about Marvel’s other big flick this summer, Captain America: The First Avenger.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  You can also click here to see the first trailer and here to see the Super Bowl spot.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Rene Russo, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Clark Gregg, Jaimie Alexander, Ray Stevenson, Joshua Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, and Anthony Hopkins. It opens in 3D on May 6, 2011.

THOR Super Bowl Commercial

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: February 6th, 2011 at 5:16 pm

On top of the awesome commercial for Captain America: The First Avenger which features the first footage from the movie, Paramount/Marvel aired a spot for Thor during the Super Bowl which features a bit more footage than what we’ve all seen in the trailer.  If you wanted to see more of Thor’s romantic interest, Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, you’ll be happy.  In addition, you can get a tiny glimpse of Kat Dennings.  Otherwise it’s a lot of stuff you’ve already seen.  Hit the jump to check it out.

30 New Movie Images from THOR!

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: December 10th, 2010 at 5:04 pm

Thanks to Paramount/Marvel releasing the first official trailer (the leaked one from Comic-Con doesn’t count) for Thor, we’ve got a ton of new images to look at!  Granted they’re taken from the trailer, but so much is happening in the two minutes that I decided to screengrab 30 single images so you could see a bit more of what’s going on.

I will say after visiting the set earlier this year (watch my video blog here), the trailer reveals a tremendous amount that the casual fan won’t notice.  But if you watched my recap of the set visit and heard me talk about what I saw and learned, you might notice some of those huge moments.  I’ll tease you by saying Marvel does a great job editing certain things so you can’t tell you’re watching scenes from the finale cut to scenes happening much earlier in the film.  If you check out the images, you’ll see shots of the big battle between Loki and Thor….as well as why Thor is sent to Earth and so much more!  After you see the movie next year, watch this trailer again and you won’t believe how much Marvel revealed.  Hit the jump for the images:

Trailer for THOR Starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: December 10th, 2010 at 4:19 pm

The trailer for Kenneth Branagh’s Thor has gone online. It’s comprised mostly of the footage that was shown at Comic-Con (and later leaked online), but I think this trailer is better cut together. It’s clear that they’ve done some nifty effects work in the past five months, and I think this is a solid first trailer that will get people interested. It’s worth nothing that I’ve never been one of the people that think the costumes or sets look cheesy. I dig the aesthetic they’re going for and it feels like it will be a fresh spin on the superhero genre.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Rene Russo, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Clark Gregg, Jaimie Alexander, Ray Stevenson, Joshua Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, and Anthony Hopkins. It opens in 3D on May 6, 2011.

Kevin Feige (President of Production at Marvel Studios) On Set Interview THOR; Read a Massive Interview Done on the Soundstages of THOR!

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: December 10th, 2010 at 9:01 am

If you’re looking forward to Marvel’s Thor movie, I’m about to make your day.  That’s because earlier this year I got to visit the set and the embargo has finally been lifted!  And even though Marvel is usually very guarded when you visit their sets, the visit for Thor was not only very revealing, but extremely illuminating.  That’s because Kevin Feige, the President of Production at Marvel Studios, told us a tremendous amount about Thor and how this film will help propel many other Marvel movies.

Unfortunately, when you visit a set you’re never allowed to take any pictures, or use any sort of video device.  But you are allowed to use audio recorders.  So after the jump you can either read a transcript or listen to all the audio files of everything that was talked about.  What’s great about the audio is you can listen to the incredible tour that Feige took us on and hear all the questions and answers for yourself.  You can also listen as the visiting journalists tried to find out every secret about Thor and Marvel’s future movies! Hit the jump for more:

Tom Hiddleston On Set Interview THOR; Talks About Playing Loki, How He Got Cast, and a Lot More

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: December 10th, 2010 at 9:01 am

If you’ve ever read a Thor comic book, you know who Loki is.  But for the people reading this who have never read a comic, Loki is Thor’s brother and let’s just say he’s not someone you want to piss off.  In fact, many consider Loki to be one of the better villains in the Marvel universe.  However, when you’re making the first movie in what’s sure to be a franchise, you can’t start the first movie off with Loki being the villain.  You’ve got to show the how and why he got to that point.

But let me back up a second.  Back in March, I got to visit the set of Kenneth Branagh’s Thor when the production was filming outside Los Angeles.  While on set, I got to speak with most of the cast and the interview you’re about to read (or listen to) is with Tom Hiddleston (Loki).  While Hiddleston isn’t a household name, based on what I saw and heard while on set, I think his role in Thor is going to propel him into a lot more movies.  And even if casting director’s hate him, he’s going to be playing Loki for a long time as he’s a major part of The Avengers.

During the interview Hiddleston talked about how he got cast, his weapons and costume (including having to wear a helmet with horns), what he thinks of Loki, and so much more:

Colm Feore On Set Interview THOR; The King of the Frost Giants Reveals All!

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: December 10th, 2010 at 9:00 am

It’s not too often I get to interview someone while they’re in full makeup.  But when I got to visit the set of Thor earlier this year,  Colm Feore did his interview in full costume and makeup as the King of the Frost Giants.  If you’re not familiar with the Frost Giants in Thor‘s mythology, I’m not going to spoil how they play into the story.  But I think it’s safe to say they’re not going to be BFF’s with Thor and his friends…

And while I’d love to run an image of what Feore looked like as it was incredible, Marvel has yet to unveil his character and what he looks like.  However, the trailer for Thor is getting released later today and if there is an image of his character, I’ll update the story (he’s the one who is blue from head to toe).  Just trust me when I say you will not believe your eyes when you see what he looks like.  And it was all done practically!

During the interview Feore talked about his costume and makeup (which takes over 4 hours and is 17 pieces), explains his character and the research he did to get ready for the role, his thoughts on Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and a lot more.  Hit the jump to either read or listen to what he had to say:

Director Kenneth Branagh On Set Interview THOR

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: December 10th, 2010 at 9:00 am

As you might imagine, when you’re the director of a huge budget Hollywood movie like Marvel’s Thor, every moment of your day is accounted for.  So when I got to visit the set earlier this year when the production was shooting outside Los Angeles, I knew we might not get to speak with Kenneth Branagh.  On many set visits, getting to speak with the director is more difficult than an A-List actor.

But even though Branagh was incredibly busy, he came over to where I was standing (along with a few other online reporters) to talk about his first Marvel movie.  During the brief encounter, he compared his film to Iron Man 2, how the movie is huge in scope and more sci-fi than a lot of us expected, and he also talked about how the characters of Thor are incredible and how much fun he’d been having.  Hit the jump to either read or listen to what he had to say:

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