Iron Man 2, Tintin, Heroes: November 3rd Comic Reel

CBR

By Hannibal Tabu

Published Nov 3, 2008

What's the real reason Rhodey got replaced? We wonder while scrounging up a few hundred million for Spielberg and Jackson, looking at changes on the NBC series, plus "The Spirit," "Transformers 2" and more.

IRON MAN 2

Why is there a new War Machine on the block? According to Entertainment Weekly there wasn't just one reason ... "Those with intimate knowledge of the situation suggest a far more dramatic backstory: Howard was the first actor signed to the film and, on top of that, was the highest-paid. That's right: more than Gwyneth Paltrow. More than Jeff Bridges. More than Robert Downey Jr. And once the project fully came together, it was too late to renegotiate his deal. It didn't help that, according to one source, Favreau and his producers were ultimately unhappy with Howard's performance, and spent a lot of time cutting and reshooting his scenes."

Release date: May 10, 2010

TINTIN

According to the New York Times, Sony is reported to be close to coming in with Paramount to finance the features to be directed by Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. A co-financing deal for the $130 million price tag of the first movie, coupled with a co-distribution deal, is rumored to be in the works. Under the deal, Sony would join Paramount in financing the picture, with Paramount to distribute in North America and some English-speaking territories, and Sony to handle the rest of the world.

Release date: 2010.

HEROES

CBR has exclusive news on the executive shakeup for the NBC series.

Next episode: Monday, November 10, "Villains.

THE SPIRIT

Actor Samuel L. Jackson and director Frank Miller spoke to the Los Angeles Times about the pending picture. "There are some great scenes where we just go at it," Jackson said. "Frank knew what he wanted to do. You look at this movie and you can tell it's his. Nobody else would make this movie this way, which is why he's doing movies now."

Release date: December 25, 2008

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN

Director Michael Bay made a note on his website that principal photography was done.

Release date: June 26, 2009.

WATCHMEN

The official website has been updated with character biographies and other goodies.

Release date: March 6, 2009.

AVENGERS: EARTH'S GREATEST HEROES

A report at Marvel Animation Age claims that the "Hulk: Gamma Corps" animated series has been cancelled while still in pre-production, and the decision was made to fold the creative work being done there into the upcoming "Avengers" cartoon. "It became apparent to us that the creative work that was being done to bring Hulk’s world and his villains to life was too good to relegate to his universe alone, and would be much better suited as part of an full-on Avengers scenario," said Joshua Fine, Director of Animation Development for Marvel Animation. "It became apparent to us that the creative work that was being done to bring Hulk’s world and his villains to life was too good to relegate to his universe alone, and would be much better suited as part of an full-on Avengers scenario."

Series debut: 2011

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY

If you have the scoop on anything related to comic book movies, TV adaptations or just want to give us a truck full of cash, no questions asked, drop us a line and let's coordinate. You can choose an alias if you'd like, or be mentioned by name -- we honor requests for anonymity. Broadcasting live from Los Angeles, this is your humble scribe Hannibal Tabu saying thanks for your time and indulgence, and The Hundred and Four is hideous and sexy.