Thursday, April 10, 2003
X-MEN SEQUEL UPDATE
Rebecaa Romijn-Stamos, who returns as the blue-skinned Mystique in X2, said that the makeup process has gotten "a lot better."
"We're not using the same kind of paint. We're not using the same kind of glue," she said. "They've completely changed the process and they've gotten down to under four hours now, which is huge for me.
"I've still had a few 2 a.m. calls. We're still working on that. And the clean up is a lot better. I don't get sick like I did last time. I still have the blue in my ears. It doesn't come out."
Mystique's makeup was designed by Gordon Smith, who explained the process to The Continuum.
"The first time we did it it took 10 hours," he said. "There's somewhere between 75 and 90 prosthetics before she's painted up. But, after the third time we had it down to six hours, so we cut four hours off it. The first time we were learning how to do it. It had never been on her own.
"She's not wearing anything but the prosthetics, but the prosthetics are designed as clothing. We built them for modesty's sake and practicality, so she could go to the bathroom. Those were some of the first design elements that you had to deal with."
Ian McKellen, who plays Magneto, recalls Romijn-Stamos' toughness during filming of X-Men scenes from Magneto's lair, when everyone else was bundled up but Romijn-Stamos was only in her makeup.
"Never a complaint out of her in this situation when any complaint she made would have been understandable," McKellen said. "And she was brilliant, absolutely brilliant, and a model. And I've tried to be better behaved since working with Rebecca."
Adds Smith, "She was a real trooper. She was great."
Romijn-Stamos isn't blue for the whole movie. While other actors have played characters whom Mystique has been disguised as, Romijn-Stamos appears without the makeup in a scene - as shown in recent promos - where Mystique is manipulating Magneto's prison guard.
Look for more X2 coverage daily here in The Continuum.
SPIDER-MAN SEQUEL UPDATE
According to Variety, New Zealand actor Daniel Gillies has been cast as John Jameson in the Spider-Man sequel.
In the film, John will be the love interest of Mary Jane Watson, who is again being played by Kirsten Dunst.
Gillies appeared in the Showtime series Jeremiah and recently wrapped the lead role in Tresspass.
The sequel is scheduled to begin production on Saturday under the direction of Sam Raimi.
X-MEN ANIMATED DVD
Buena Vista Home Video will release X-Men: The Legend Of Wolverine, featuring episode of Fox Kids' X-Men animated series, on Tuesday, April 29.
Here's how Buena Vista describes the DVD:
"When a familiar face from Wolverine's former life resurfaces, he must wage a war he never intended. Ultimately, the X-Men must join forces with Magneto in a fight to save all mutants from annihilation. Discover the truth of Wolverine's secret past and watch his decisive battle as he is forced to make a choice that will forever affect the fate of the X-Men."
Look for more on this DVD soon here in The Continuum.
MARVEL COMICS FIRST LOOKS
For covers and four-page previews of Marvel Comics titles arriving in stores on Wednesday, CLICK HERE.
Titles include New X-Men #139, X-Men Unlimited #44, Wolverine #189, Runaways #1, Wolverine X-Isle #3, Captain Marvel #8 and Soldier X #10.
DC COMICS FIRST LOOKS
For covers and four-page previews of Marvel Comics titles arriving in stores on Wednesday, CLICK HERE.
Titles include Thundercats: The Return #3, Green Lantern #162, Superman: Metropolis #3, Beware the Creeper #1, The Flash #197, JSA #47, H-E-R-O #3 and JLA: Scary Monsters #2.
IMAGE COMICS FIRST LOOKS
For covers and four-page previews of Image Comics titles arriving in stores on Wednesday, CLICK HERE.
Titles include Savage Dragon #106 and The Darkness #3.
THE SIMPSONS SEASON ENDERS
Fox has announced its plans to end the season for The Simpsons, including double-episodes
On April 27, May 4 and May 11, the night starts with encore episodes at 7 p.m. (ET/PT) and then an all-new episode at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).
Here's a rundown:
"Barting Over" and "Dude, Where's My Ranch" on Sunday, April 27
In "Barting Over,"Judge Harm (guest star Jane Kaczmarek) grants Bart (Nancy Cartwright) his emancipation from Homer (Dan Castellaneta), so he moves into a loft downtown where he befriends guest stars pop/rock band blink 182 and skateboard legend Tony Hawk, who live upstairs. Then, in "Dude, Where's My Ranch," Homer writes a song about his hatred for his neighbor Ned Flanders (Harry Shearer) and performs it at Moe's. Guest star David Byrne of the Talking Heads offers to produce it for Homer, and when the song becomes a hit, the family splits to a dude ranch to escape the ubiquitous tune. There Lisa falls for cowboy Luke (guest star Jonathan Taylor Thomas).
"I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can" and "Old Yeller Belly" on Sunday May 4
"I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can" has Lisa (Yeardley Smith) heading to the Spellympics where she meets the organization's leader George Plimpton (guest starring as himself). But she's less than happy when she finds the competition may be rigged. The "Old Yeller Belly" episode has Duff Beer owner H.K. Duff (guest star Stacy Keach), declaring Santa's Little Helper the new company spokesperson. Now known as Suds McDuff, Santa's Little Helper becomes an overnight sensation. Homer cashes in on his dog's fame, until Les - the original owner - comes out of the woodwork.
"Strong Arms of the Ma" and "Brake My Wife, Please" on Sunday, May 11
In "Strong Arms of the Ma," Marge (Julie Kavner) decides to work out after she's mugged. Once pumped up, she finds her assailant and beats him up but her workouts become an obsession. In "Brake My Wife, Please," when Judge Harm , takes away Homer's driver's license, Marge is forced to do all the driving and develops road rage. Meanwhile, Homer actually starts enjoying walking and meets many people along the way - including Steve Buscemi and Jackson Browne (guest-starring as themselves).
"Bart of War" and "Moe Baby Blues" on Sunday, May 18
In "Bart of War," Homer and Marge decide to enroll Bart in the "Pre-Teen Braves," an activities club to keep kids off the streets. But Milhouse (Cartwright) is in another club -- "Cavalry Kids" -- and he and Bart wage war. "Moe Baby Blues" has Moe (Hank Azaria) and Maggie making friends, but after Homer and Marge allow him to babysit, they quickly get tired of Moe's "softer side." Joe Mantegna guests as Fat Tony.
SEANN WILLIAM SCOTT, JAIME KING TALK BULLETPROOF MONK
MGM has provided The Continuum with extensive interviews with Seann William Scott and Jaime King, stars of the upcoming Bulletproof Monk movie.
For the interview with Scott, CLICK HERE.
For the interview with King, CLICK HERE.
BRIEFLY
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