"John Carter" Formerly Of Mars Poster

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL-E), JOHN CARTER OF MARS brings this captivating hero to the big screen in a stunning adventure epic set on the wounded planet of Mars, a world inhabited by warrior tribes and exotic desert beings. Based on the first of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ 'Barsoom Series,' the film chronicles the journey of Civil-War veteran John Carter (Taylor Kitch), who finds himself battling a new and mysterious war amidst a host of strange Martian inhabitants, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins).

Warner Bros Consumer Products Arrives @ LX11

With super heroes, literary legends, and the development of an animation nation, Warner Bros. Consumer Products [WBCP] brings an unrivaled lineup of content support to this year's Licensing International Expo that will drive its licensing, merchandising and retail business to new heights.

"Content is the cornerstone of a robust consumer products program and we are pleased to be offering our partners a complete foundation of opportunities like never before," said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.  "With the offerings we have on tap, licensees and retailers around the world have access to a diverse slate that will allow them to plan for long-term success with our properties."

A truly heroic film slate dominates Warner Bros. Pictures' theatrical offerings with characters from the world of DC Comics leading the charge.  The highly anticipated Green Lantern is set to light up theaters on June 17, followed by The Dark Knight Rises in summer 2012 and the upcoming Man of Steel.  WBCP's licensing efforts will continue to be led by Mattel, the global master toy licensee for DC Comics.

Beyond the world of DC Comics, theatrical films based on J.K. Rowling's literary phenomenon, Harry Potter, and the classic by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, have fans buzzing.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, the final film in the blockbuster series and the world's most successful entertainment franchise, debuts July 15.  Continuing the adventure in Middle-earth, the first in the upcoming two-film adaptation from filmmaker Peter Jackson, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, slated for December 2012, will be followed by The Hobbit: There And Back Again in December 2013.

DC Comics' robust roster is set to explode onto the television screen with the inception of DC Nation, featuring original animated programming produced by Warner Bros. Animation (WBA).  Earlier this year, Cartoon Network, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. announced the creation of this exclusive programming block on Cartoon Network.  Debuting in 2012 as a multi-platform franchise, DC Nation will be the exclusive television home for original animated content based upon DC Comics properties.  Backed by the production, publishing and marketing resources of Warner Bros., DC Entertainment and Cartoon Network, DC Nation will be populated with event programming, interstitials, exclusive behind-the-scenes segments from theatrical productions, and an insider look into the world of all things DC Comics.  

Leading the way for DC Nation is WBA's new Green Lantern: The Animated Series, featuring all-new CG animated action and debuting in late 2011.  WBCP's all-star DC Comics lineup also includes WBA's television series Young Justice, for Cartoon Network. And WBCP's master licensee Mattel will offer a myriad of licensing programs in support of DC Comics' extensive stable of legendary character properties, such as Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and many other super heroes.

Warner Bros. Animation continues its creative momentum with a host of animated opportunities, including the smash hit The Looney Tunes Show, which is dominating the ratings on Cartoon Network. The show ranks as the #1 series among Boys 6–11 on all of basic cable television in its Tuesdays 8/7c time period and averages more than two million viewers each week.  Fans are also eagerly awaiting the debut of the all-new animated television series ThunderCats, only on Cartoon Network this summer.  Global master toy licensee Bandai America Incorporated will reinvigorate the nostalgic brand with enthusiasts, and introduce a whole new set of fans to the beloved pop culture staple.  Both series will join the lineup with WBA's current hit series Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated.  

Television licensing is also programmed into WBCP's diverse lineup, led by today's hits and yesterday's classics such as Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries, The Big Bang Theory, Pretty Little Liars, Supernatural, Seinfeld and Friends.

From the screen to the page, WBCP also represents DC Entertainment's licensed publishing business, which licenses the DC Comics Super Heroes (Green Lantern, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman), as well as MAD Magazine and Vertigo properties in partnership with DC Entertainment for books with publishers worldwide.

Global themed entertainment expands the Warner Bros. experience for a worldwide audience, led by Batman Live – a unique action-packed live stage show set to tour arenas around the world.  The dynamic collaboration between WBCP, DC Entertainment and Nick Grace of Water Lane Productions Ltd. brings the world of Batman to life for audiences of all ages.  Harry Potter continues to enchant a worldwide audience with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, now a must-see destination in Orlando, Florida.  Harry Potter: The Exhibition, created in partnership with Global Experience Specialists (GES), also offers fans a firsthand look inside the famous wizard's magical world with elaborate displays of authentic costumes, props and artifacts in environments from the films.  The exhibit currently runs in New York City's Discovery Times Square before traveling internationally.  Additionally, WBCP properties enjoy a strong presence at theme parks worldwide.

Classic properties will also remain a linchpin for WBCP at this year's Licensing Show.  With strong merchandising programs in the works, licensees continue to support beloved franchises including Looney Tunes, Baby Looney Tunes, Tweety, Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo, and other revered Hanna-Barbera properties.

WBCP is the home of Warner Bros. Pictures' original classic film library.  Timeless classic films include the original The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Caddyshack, The Goonies, and Gremlins, as well as holiday favorites like The Polar Express, Frosty the Snowman, and A Christmas Story, which will also be presented at this year's show.

WBCP also continues to be the worldwide leader in football/soccer licensing, representing multiple powerhouse brands and the highest profile football tournaments.  The company's portfolio of world-class football franchise properties include: FC Barcelona, Manchester United FC, Juventus FC, Confederacao Brasileira de Futebol or CBF, Federacion Mexicana de Futbol Asociacion or FMF, and the UEFA Euro 2012.  WBCP operates centers of football expertise around the world and is actively engaged in licensing football worldwide.

Possible Man of Steel Promo Art "Shockingly" Shows Off Superman Logo

I just promised a pal of mine on Twitter I'd be equally bitchy on the DC side of the Licensing International Expo as I just was on Marvel with that Avengers promo art. So here it is.

ESQ (via Twitter) has got a snap-shot of what may, or may not, be early promo art for Zack Snyder's Superman reboot The Man of Steel. In typically vague teaser fashion (and following in the foot-steps of the original Superman Returns teaser one-sheet), all we get is the classic \S/ symbol.

Not much to go off of truth be told, from a logo we've all been familiar with for the past couple of decades. Once we get our first honest-to-Christ look at Henry Cavill in character, then I'd (along with 95% of the Internet as a whole) be a picky bitch.

"True Blood" 4th Season: The First 8 Minutes

Our friends at Coming Soon have the first 8 minutes of "True Blood" the 4th season. Not my cup of tea but for those who dig it, enjoy the clip below.

"True Blood" takes place in the not-too-distant future, when vampires have come out of the coffin, thanks to the invention of mass-produced synthetic blood that means they no longer need humans as a nutritional source. Alan Ball  created and executive produces the show, based on the best-selling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.

Sean Astin To Voice Raphael In "TMNT" Reboot

Sean Astin ("The Lord of the Rings") has joined the cast of Nickelodeon's all-new CG-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" as Raphael, one of four teenage brothers dedicated to a life battling evil denizens. Rounding out the cast are Jason Biggs ("American Pie") as Leonardo, Greg Cipes ("Teen Titans") as Michelangelo and Rob Paulsen ("Planet Sheen") as Donatello. Paulsen also voiced the original Raphael from 1987-1996 in the first series. Currently in production at the Nick Animation Studio in Burbank, Calif., the show is set to premiere in fall 2012. Executive produced by Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin and J.R. Ventimilia, this half-hour action-comedy series breathes new life into the wildly popular band of reptile brothers.

"I'm excited to be joining the ranks of the newest 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' team," said Astin. "This franchise and these characters are beloved around the world, and I'm proud to be the next Raphael. I plan to bring the kind of passion and dedication to the role that TMNT fans have the right to expect."

"We're thrilled to have such a talented group of actors to voice the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' in this new series," said Brown Johnson, President, Animation, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group. "This cast will bring great humor and intensity to our new action comedy take on the band of turtle brothers."

Raphael (Astin) is the biggest and toughest of the brothers, and has little patience for stealth operations, hiding in the shadows or keeping his voice down. Leonardo (Biggs), considered to be the leader of the turtles, aspires to be the perfect hero around his three smart-aleck brothers. Donatello (Paulsen) is the reclusive, yet utterly brilliant team inventor who is able to cobble together fantastic weapons from things scrounged from a trash heap. And Michelangelo (Cipes) is enthusiastic, easily distracted, loves pop culture and is always trying to get in on the latest fad.

Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" begins as the turtles emerge from their hidden lair in the sewers for the very first time, ready to confront the wondrous and hostile world of New York City and face enemies more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have imagined. Funnier and with more Ninjitsu than ever before, the show will explore the camaraderie of four teenage brothers learning to rely on themselves and one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and grow to become the heroes in a half-shell that they are destined to be.

Considered one of the most popular kids' television programs of the 1980s, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned four blockbuster theatrical releases. The property also has translated into a significant consumer products business – with DVDs, video games, toys and more – that has generated billions of dollars at retail.

Nickelodeon Consumer Products will continue to work with its original and long-standing toy partner, Playmates Toys, which has been the creative force behind the successful TMNT master toy program over the last two decades. Playmates is already developing a product line based on the new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series which will cater to kids and consumers all around the world.

Next up for TMNT, this coming July at Comic-Con in San Diego, Calif., select fans will get an exclusive sneak peek at the re-imagination of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," preview all-new never-before-seen content, and meet special guests who are working on the new property.

Batman Calls for Two of Every Animal

It is a few minutes shy of 10:00 this morning, and we've already received the coolest news of the day.

As Darren Aronofsky is assembling the money for his hopefully next endeavor the fantasy-epic Noah, one issue that would make things easier for investors is a big-name actor secured in the lead. Someone whose name will help ensure asses will firmly be planted in seats when said film is theatrically released.

Word from Vulture is that may very well be Christian Bale.

Aronofsky is said to have had a dialogue with the current occupant of the Batman franchise about headlining the revisionist Noah's Ark tale. Although things haven't gotten past the "talks" phase. So it's probably best not to take this as Gospel (no pun intended) that this will result in a deal going through. But the Hell knows with Bale's tastes.

Remember back when Bale was supposed to play President George W. Bush in Oliver Stone's W. and how he "suddenly" vacated the role at the 11th hour? I'd bet money his agent and/or representation slapped him across the face on the eve of The Dark Knight's opening and said, "What are you crazy? You want to piss off the very people who've made you a star thanks to Batman!?"

On the other hand, this could certainly help with getting Middle America interested having Batman involved.

"Despicable Me 2" Teaser Poster

It's back again, The Licensing International Expo in Vegas Baby Vegas. Since we're just a small niche site at this point specializing in commentary on film, we're going to whore out our bigger friends as they pimp their findings at "LX11".

Coming Soon has the first look at a "Despicable Me 2" teaser poster which has one of those little Lemming dudes proudly on display. Remember that game for NES? Lemmings? Bunch of yellow dudes just walking around falling off cliffs. I might have been the only one who played it.

Clip From Disney/Pixar's "La Luna"

La Luna is the timeless fable of a young boy who is coming of age in the most peculiar of circumstances. Tonight is the very first time his Papa and Grandpa are taking him to work. In an old wooden boat they row far out to sea, and with no land in sight, they stop and wait. A big surprise awaits the little boy as he discovers his family's most unusual line of work. Should he follow the example of his Papa, or his Grandpa? Will he be able to find his own way in the midst of their conflicting opinions and timeworn traditions?

Courtesy of Animation World Network via ComingSoon.Net.

Crappy Avengers Promo Art Assemble!

You, good reader, will be seeing plenty of both the great and shitty on display as the Licensing International Expo goes forth this week.

But one can't take a lot of this to heart as being the final product. A good portion of this promo art for forthcoming releases is mere early mock-ups (like the Star Trek 2 one that says...Star Trek 2, and just that). So we can't be too harsh.

Courtesy of Coming Soon, this promo art for The Avengers looks appropriate. If we were talking about the cover-art to the comic-book adaptation for the big Marvel superhero mash-up for next May.

Healthy Batch Of "Transformers 3" Screenshots

Yahoo! Movies has a plethora of new "Transformers 3" photos for your viewing pleasure. As I've said time and time again with all of the films in the Transformers series, you can say what you want about Bay, the story, or the acting, but this sucker will be pleasing to the eye.

The Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, are back in action, taking on the evil Decepticons, who are determined to avenge their defeat in 2009’s Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. In this new movie, the Autobots and Decepticons become involved in a perilous space race between the U.S. and Russia, and once again human Sam Witwicky has to come to the aid of his robot friends. There’s new characters too, including a new villain in the form of Shockwave, a longtime “Transformers” character who rules Cybertron while the Autobots and Decepticons battle it out on Earth.