Latest news with #Kaiju
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
I was missing the squirrel: James Gunn on ‘Superman' moment he fought for
There is a key moment in James Gunn's Superman where the superhero saves a small squirrel while it is being attacked by a rampaging Kaiju monster in Metropolis - a moment that the first screening test audience hated. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn revealed that he fought to put the scene back on because according to him, it showed the empathetic and kind side of the Man of Steel. 'It was probably the second or third most hotly debated moment in the movie.' Gunn said. 'We showed it to test audiences and some people did not like the squirrel. They asked, 'Why is he saving a squirrel? Why is he taking time out, saving a squirrel?'' Gunn shared, 'There was a cut where I cut it out and I'm like, 'I really miss the squirrel. He's got to save the squirrel.' In addition, there were also some geographic problems with where he ended up if I didn't have him fly over with the squirrel. So I put the squirrel back in despite the protests of some people on my crew.' Previously in an interview with the New York Times, Gunn had said, 'A lot of people were anti-squirrel. They thought it was too much. And I think it really comes down to, do you like squirrels or not?' Test screen audiences have also regularly complained that the pacing in Gunn's films is 'too fast'. 'When you test movies, especially in the early test screenings, one of the main questions they ask is, 'Is it too slow? Is it too fast? Is it just right?' And my movies have always had an overabundance of 'too fast' compared to 'too slow',' revealed the director. Defending his choices, Gunn explained, 'I'm not indulgent. I just don't care about my little precious moments that are so important to me in making a movie. I want to create something that's as streamlined as possible, and if that means I go too fast, sometimes I do. And so it really is about pulling back.' Test screenings have become a regular process for studio films. However, they do not always reflect public taste. For example, Marvel director Kevin Feige once hyped up Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania by commenting, 'Jonathan Majors, playing the villain Kang, was the highest-testing villain we've ever had in any of our 'friends and families' [screenings].'' Despite this, the theatre audience remained unimpressed. The film flopped at the box office with $476 million worldwide and became one of Marvel's lowest grossers. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
The comic book Superman returns
Photo: Jessica Miglio/Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS Director: James Gunn Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced Rating: (M) ★★★★ REVIEWED BY AMASIO JUTEL The Gunn didn't jam on the first entry to his brand-new DC Universe. The colourful flair of Superman (Rialto, Reading) is undoubtedly a positive indicator of the direction director-turned-chief executive of DC Studios, James Gunn, will take his new comic book sandbox. Donning the blue and red tights, prominently featuring the iconic red boxer briefs, Clark Kent teams up with journalism, justice and his juvenile super-pup, Krypto, to take to the skies and bring down Luthor Corp and its bloodthirsty international ally. As with any totemic media character, the central focus has been on whose face will be rendered in the Kryptonian armour. I can happily report that David Corenswet's punk-rocker Kal-El is the injection of himbo earnestness severely lacking from the character's previous keeper. Corenswet is a stark departure from the dark and moody Man of Steel, last portrayed by Henry Cavill, bringing a kindness and naivety, off which Gunn bounces his comic sensibilities. His chemistry with Brosnahan's Lane is electric, and paired off against Hoult's raging Lex Luthor, the central trio is cast to perfection. From the film's opening frame, Gunn subverts the franchise template. Superman effectively leapfrogs the "origin story" component of the caped crusader's tale, trusting that viewers will recognise the sensibilities of comic book storytelling that pre-MCU era comic readers grew up on. The film itself plays like a feature-length Saturday morning cartoon, much like Sam Raimi's 2000s Spider-Man trilogy: a close analogue in style. Gunn's universe feels real in its own cartoon logic — a world where Superman swoops in to save a single squirrel during a full-blown Kaiju attack. The film doesn't shy away from balancing G-rated elements with allegories for real-world violence and geopolitical conflict, nor from Deer Hunter-level traumatic violence. In the plot, a xenophobic smear campaign from Luthor's army of online trolls inconveniences our do-gooder protagonist, who is caught up in media turmoil for acting against the fictional Boravia's war crimes. From the newsroom with Lois and Jimmy to the Jarhanpur/Boravia border to a "pocket universe", Superman, the movie, delivers on the "woke" grievances voiced by right-wing commentators. Boravia's US-backed military has been mobilised against the unarmed civilian population of Jarhanpur, and Superman has been under fire for preventing civilian casualties. The film's most effective non-action scene plays between Lois and Clark (as Superman), her interviewing him on the authority he had as an American to interfere with the affairs of other nations. To Superman, the answer is plain: stopping a war. Subtextually, Gunn eloquently echoes the critiques of media outlets for their quote-unquote "objective reporting", instead of reflecting the human rights issues of the conflict. And, although the nuances of the conflict escape the plot, the final action scene directly mirrors the 2018 Gaza border protests, in which 189 Palestinians were killed. While Luthor has Superman subdued in Metropolis and the Boravian troops raise their weapons to fire on an unarmed boy, Green Lantern disperses the IDF-analogue with a wave of massive green middle fingers.
Kyodo News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
"Kaiju No. 8" Official Report from Anime Expo 2025: Masaya Fukunishi, Nazeeh Tarsha, and English Dub Director Shawn Gann Take the Stage!
With the second season of "Kaiju No. 8" anime on the horizon, Masaya Fukunishi (voice of Kafka Hibino/Kaiju No. 8), Nazeeh Tarsha (English dub voice of Kafka Hibino/Kaiju No. 8), and English dub director Shawn Gann made an appearance at North America's largest anime convention, Anime Expo 2025! We've just received the official report from this event, where both the Japanese and English cast members of "Kaiju No. 8" expressed their gratitude to fans in America. Event Report "Anime Expo 2025," North America's largest anime convention, took place in Los Angeles, USA, from July 3rd to 6th. For their second consecutive year, Masaya Fukunishi, Nazeeh Tarsha, and Shawn Gann participated in the "Kaiju No. 8 Panel Powered by Crunchyroll." The event's scale surpassed the previous year, held in an impressive hall capable of accommodating approximately 7,000 attendees. The fans there, some even cosplaying in Defense Force suits, filled the venue. Even before the panel began, the hall vibrated with chants of "KAIJU." The screening of the "Kaiju No. 8" Season 2 main trailer, titled "Rising Threat," was met with an explosion of applause and cheers. Following the screening, Masaya Fukunishi made a striking entrance, introduced by the MC with makeup mimicking Kaiju No. 8's lightning bolt. Nazeeh Tarsha entered holding a Kaiju No. 8 mask. Dressed in coordinated outfits, Fukunishi carried a Kaiju No. 8 mascot and Nazeeh a Kafka mascot, both beaming and generating excitement among the crowd. Fukunishi energized the audience by asking, "Do you love KAIJU No. 8?" The fans' enthusiastic "YES!" was met with his heartfelt reply, "Me too. I love KAIJU No. 8! I love everyone!" and the panel officially commenced. The event then transitioned to a Q&A session. When questioned about securing the role of Kafka, Fukunishi revealed his deep connection to the character: "I had been reading the manga from the first chapter and always wanted to play Kafka. I even got down on my knees and begged my agency's president, saying, 'Please let me audition for Kafka!'" He animatedly re-enacted this passionate plea as he shared the story. Fukunishi also shared that his most memorable experience was last year's AX, his "first overseas job," which he found "amazing." He was delighted to see many fans return for a second year, stating, "I'm so happy to see so many people coming back to see us this year. I didn't expect such a turnout!" When asked if they would prefer to be a Defense Force member or a Monster Sweeper in the world of "Kaiju No. 8", Fukunishi chose the former. He expressed a desire to wield a spear and even demonstrated monster-slaying techniques using the host, Tim, as a mock kaiju. Nazeeh and Shawn, however, opted for Monster Sweeper, humorously citing the physical demands of the Defense Force, which amused the audience. Fukunishi and Nazeeh also enthusiastically spoke about connecting on social media prior to sharing the stage. Fukunishi then revealed a gift from Japan: a collaborative illustration of Godzilla vs. Kaiju No. 8 by monster designer Mahiro Maeda, displayed on screen. This "dream crossover" of two popular North American kaiju, powerfully depicted, thrilled the fans. The event culminated with a live dubbing of Episode 10, where Nazeeh and Fukunishi's portrayal of Kaiju No. 8 confronting the monster bomb at Tachikawa Base captivated the audience, building their excitement to a fever pitch. During the closing remarks, Fukunishi was visibly moved, tearfully expressing his joy: "I was on the verge of crying listening to Nazeeh and Shawn's passionate words. I'm so happy to be part of such a warm and welcoming stage." He further elaborated on the upcoming second season, stating, "Both my fellow cast members and I are putting our hearts into our voice acting. And we have all the people creating the animation and music. I pray that this becomes a precious work for you and everyone." His heartfelt words resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause. The highly successful event concluded with a spirited "Kaiju hachi~? Go~!" call-and-response and a commemorative group photo with the assembled fans. About "Kaiju No. 8" Season 2 Synopsis Thanks to Isao Shinomiya, Kafka Hibino avoids being turned into a weapon. As new recruits head to their posts, Kafka meets Gen Narumi, the strongest man in the Defense Force and leader of the First Division. Kafka embraces the power of Kaiju No. 8 to force Gen to recognize his strength. Meanwhile, Kaiju No. 9 lurks in the shadows as the greatest threat the Defense Force has faced awaits. Cast Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8: Masaya Fukunishi Mina Ashiro: Asami Seto Reno Ichikawa: Wataru Katoh Kikoru Shinomiya: Fairouz Ai Soshiro Hoshina: Kengo Kawanishi Iharu Furuhashi: Yuuki Shin Haruichi Izumo: Keisuke Komoto Aoi Kaguragi: Shunsuke Takeuchi Konomi Okonogi: Sayaka Senbongi Gen Narumi: Koki Uchiyama Eiji Hasegawa: Hiroki Yasumoto Rin Shinonome: Kana Hanazawa Isao Shinomiya: Tessho Genda Kaiju No. 10: Kenta Miyake Kaiju No. 9: Hiroyuki Yoshino ©JAKDF 3rd Division ©Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kaiju No. 8 season 2 premieres soon: Episode 1 release date, time & where to watch Kafka's new mission unfold
The release date and time for Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 Episode 1 have been confirmed, marking the return of Kafka Hibino's story in a world overrun by destructive creatures known as Kaiju. The upcoming season will begin with the adaptation of the Kaiju Weapon and Compatible User arcs from the manga, promising further exploration of Kafka's evolving role within the Defense Force. The story will continue to follow Kafka's inner battle with his Kaiju powers and the external threats he faces while trying to integrate into the organization dedicated to protecting humanity. Episode 1 releases on July 19 across time zones Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 Episode 1 will be released on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Fans around the world can tune in at different times depending on their region: 11 p.m. JST (Japan) 7 a.m. PT (Pacific Time) 10 a.m. ET (Eastern Time) This official schedule gives viewers in both Japan and international regions the opportunity to start watching the season simultaneously. Crunchyroll continues as streaming platform Fans can stream Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 Episode 1 on Crunchyroll, a platform widely used for anime content globally. Crunchyroll offers both free and premium options — the free tier includes limited content access with ads, while the paid plan provides unlimited viewing without ads. The platform is home to a vast catalog of anime titles, including widely known series like Naruto, Attack on Titan, One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen, making it a go-to choice for anime enthusiasts. What is Kaiju No. 8 about? According to the official synopsis: 'In a world plagued by creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in The Defense Force. He makes a promise to enlist with his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Soon, life takes them in separate ways. While employed cleaning up after Kaiju battles, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa. Reno's determination to join The Defense Force reawakens Kafka's promise to join Mina and protect humanity.' The series blends action, friendship, and a personal redemption arc, with Kafka striving to honor his word while confronting his unique Kaiju transformation. With Kafka's journey entering a crucial phase, Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 promises high stakes, deeper battles, and emotional turns.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Superman': James Gunn reveals he loved Govinda's dance meme; appreciates Indian fans for their superhero love
'Superman' has been released, and the reviews are flooding social media, where the users have hailed David Corenswet as the best superhero to exist. From action sequences to background score, 'Superman' has been called as the absolute cinematic masterpiece. James Gunn loves Govinda 's dance On July 10, Warner Bros. India shared an endearing clip of the director James Gunn, along with Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan . Gunn was appreciating the legendary Govinda dancing in the Superman costume in the track from the film 'Dariya Dil' (1988). When asked about whether they know about the fanbase for the DC superhero in India, the director said, 'I'm really appreciative of the Indian fans, both you know, online and... I can't wait for them to see 'Superman' because it really is a movie for the world, and everyone, all the people of India." Furthermore, the host pointed out that James shared a meme on his Instagram in September 2024, where Govinda was dancing in his signature style. His co-star, Kimi Katkar, donned the Spider-Man costume, blending the worlds of Marvel and DC. Gunn quickly claimed that he loved the meme and it was the best. About 'Superman' Meanwhile, David expressed that anyone who loves the character of Superman or is excited about it would love to see the film and enjoy the experience. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Additionally, the 32-year-old actor praised James Gunn for knowing everything. 'James loves the character, knows the character very well. The Superman robots, the Kaiju, Krypto,' he said. Brosnahan said, 'Big adventure, an epic love story, all the things you hope… from a Superman film,' mentioning the film. David encouraged the audience to watch the film, stating, 'So India. Look up, July 11.' Throughout the hype, the film has set the expectations and standards for being outstanding. As the diverse cast and complex story make it to the silver screen, the audience has affirmed that the film will reshape the superhero landscape.
