Deadline.com is now throwing another name in the rumor mill with regards to Spider-Man 4 Black Cat casting, Anne Hathaway.

While Sony Pictures insists no decisions have been made, sources tell me that the producers have approached Anne Hathaway to star in the film.

Also adding to the list is UGO, who reports:

UGO has learned that Julia Stiles has met with a casting company in New York to discuss the upcoming Spider-Man 4!

This makes sense based on the recently debunked rumor that Rachel McAdams was set to star. Could this mean we’ll be seeing the Black Cat saving Spidey’s last dance? We haven’t heard specifics about which role she was eyeing and assume it’s all early talks, but why not?

If you haven’t been keeping track, these are names number three and four in not as many weeks that have been dropped into the ring for possible Black Cat castings. I’m not sure exactly what/who the sources are for these “exclusive” casting news stories, but Rachel McAdams herself has already debunked the rumor that she is the running for the role. The sudden influx of casting “news” about this role may be a lot of people trying to jump on this bandwagon to garner some exclusive-news attention – or, it’s probably just as possible that the producers really are just out there hitting the pavement hard trying to find their Felicia Hardy and approaching actresses left and right.

What do you think?

Here’s the supposed roster of potential Felicia Hardys thus far:

• Julia Stiles
• Romola Garai
• Anne Hathaway
• Rachel McAdams (McAdams has stated herself that this is a rumor)

I’m thinking that none of these women provide the cup size Kill-tacular-tron feels is necessary to fill this pivitol role that has yet to even be confirmed in the movie.

I know, I know, I’m late this month, and I missed last month, for which I sincerely apologize. It was kind of a shitty month anyway, and its sole highlight will get a mention here, so it’s all good, right?

I’ll spare you the Tim Tebow speech and dive right in:

BLACKSAD VOLUME 1 HC (Dark Horse, $29.99)

As announced at the San Diego Comic Con earlier this year, Dark Horse is reprinting all three volumes of the hardboiled anthropomorphic detective series in a deluxe oversized hardcover. These have been unavailable to English-speaking audiences since original US publisher iBooks went out of business a couple of years ago. Beautifully illustrated, and a winner of several European awards, Blacksad is a highly accomplished genre work that should not have been languishing in reprint limbo for this long. Check out this preview and you’ll see why.

MESMO DELIVERY (Dark Horse, $9.99)

Another reprint, this time of the American debut by the Brazilian artist Rafael Grampá, which was originally published by AdHouse Books just last year. The story, which centers on two truckers who make special kinds of deliveries, is a bit slight, but heavy on style and gore, and Grampá’s art, an unholy fusion of Geoff Darrow and Frank Quitely, is simply stunning. The new edition comes with a new cover, a new introduction by Brian Azzarello, a sketchbook section, and pin-up art from Eduardo Risso and Craig Thompson, among others.

THE BRONX KILL HC (DC Comics/Vertigo, $19.99)

See, I’m what you would call a hardcover fetishist and even I think they are marketing the Vertigo Crime line the wrong way. A line of books that is designed to recall old pulp paperbacks should mirror their format and price range as well. Otherwise, the currently $20 hardcover-only line will have a hard time finding and maintaining an audience, regardless of the quality of material. Which, so far, hasn’t exactly been blowing my skirt up. Ian Rankin’s Dark Entries and the upcoming The Chill by Jason Starr are both supernatural thrillers, rather than crime stories, and the blatant mislabeling aside, it kind of irks me that they would get two of today’s most popular crime novelists and have them write John Constantine-type stories (literally, in Rankin’s case) instead of what they do best. I hope this is more along the lines of what we were initially promised.

JOE THE BARBARIAN #1 (DC Comics/Vertigo, $2.99)

Grant Morrison being back at Vertigo makes people happy. His fans rejoice because that is where he has arguably done his best work, while his detractors breathe a sigh of relief because he is temporarily not involved in messing with their beloved superheroes. He is joined by Sean Murphy, a promising young artist, whose debut graphic novel Off-Road I rather liked, for a project Morrison describes as Home Alone meets Lord of the Rings, and which strikes me as the perfect premise for Morrison’s unbridled imagination. And the fact that this was recently expanded from 3 issues to 8 only seems to confirm that.

DAYTRIPPER #2 (DC Comics/Vertigo, $2.99)

The Brazillian twins Gabriel Bá and Fabio Moon established themselves as two creators to watch out for with De:Tales, a collection of short stories which recalled Paul Pope’s tales of urban romance with touches of South American magical realism. A few years later (and with a couple of high-profile projects under their belt), Daytripper sees them returning to Brazil, as they attempt to chronicle a man’s life over the span of 10 issues, in what appears to be yet another leap in their maturation as storytellers.

HICKSVILLE: NEW DEFINITIVE EDITION (Drawn & Quarterly, $19.99)

Dylan Horrocks’ near-forgotten semi-classic about a small town where everyone reads and treasures comics is back in print, and rightfully so. Horrocks may not be the cartoonist that most of his D&Q peers are, but his understatedness and warmth make this celebration of the art form a lot less elitist than it could have been in someone else’s hands, and therefore required reading for everyone claiming to be a comic book lover.

KING OF THE FLIES VOLUME 1 (Fantagraphics, $18.99)

The first volume of Mezzo and Pirus’ suburban horror trilogy finally gets a US release, after only a couple of chapters saw the light of day in Heavy Metal magazine half a decade ago. If you’ve missed your regular dose of Charles Burns after Black Hole ended, these preview pages suggest that this is bound to scratch that particular itch.

NEXT MONTH: On time!

Check out also:

Previews Reviews for August 2009

Previews Reviews for September 2009

Did Peter and MJ make a baby in this scene?

To start off, a few days ago we posted a rumor/news story that Rachel McAdams was in the running for Black Cat in Spider-Man 4. Of course, since no one knows for sure if Black Cat will even be in Spider-Man 4, this was questionable at best. Well, sure enough, Miss McAdams debunked the rumor herself:

From Entertainment Weekly: “That’s a total rumor, I have to say,” the actress, who will next be seen in the Dec. 25 action-adventure tentpole Sherlock Holmes, tells EW. “I was hanging out in Toronto the other day and someone came up to me and said, ‘I just heard you’re doing Spider-Man 4.‘ And I said, ‘Really? No one told me!’ It’s not true.” A rep for Sony Pictures concurs: “It’s an Internet rumor, as so many things are these days.”

So, there you go, as of right now, just a rumor.

Also on the Spider-Man 4 casting rumor front, Spoilertv.com is saying there apparently has been a casting call put out for a “2 or 3 year old boy to play 2 year old, Caucasian with RED HAIR, an adorable toddler with an engaging personality, on set experience preferred. IDENTICAL TWINS ONLY.”

Spoiler TV jumps to the conclusion that this could be MJ and Peter’s baby, but they are admittedly not “experts” on the Spider-Man story. Those of you who do know a lot about Spider-Man lore, you know that in an alternate universe, MJ and Peter do end up having a baby girl who later becomes Spider-Girl. But in the continuity that I am assuming the Spider-Man movies are following, MJ lost the baby during the events of the much hated “Clone Saga” -which, I know, doesn’t and probably never will happen in the movies, but my point is, they don’t have a kid. Does this mean that it isn’t their kid? No, but I highly doubt all of a sudden the two are going to have a child in the fourth installment, especially since they had a kind of giant step backwards in their relationship in Spider-Man 3. I just don’t see them going in that direction.

The other conclusion that is being drawn by “fans” is that it could be a young Cletus Cassiday -who later grows up to be Carnage. This is stupid. If you honestly think this, you’re obviously not paying attention to what has been going on with these movies on the screen and behind the scenes. Let’s break it down: Sam Raimi has been given more control over this fourth installment; he never wanted Venom in the third one, that was more of a push from the Avi Arad and the studio; people hated the Venom story arc in the third one, do you think fans really want to see another debacle? That all said I just don’t see Raimi going the direction of another symbiote villain storyline.

As far as my opinion on the matter goes, I think the boy will be one of two people: A random kid Spider-Man saves. Or, Doctor Connors son. He does have a wife and kid in the comics, and while their is no mention of them so far in the movies, it doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I would certainly add another dynamic if Peter has to throw down with Doctor Connors as The Lizard while simultaneously not kicking his ass too hard because it’s really his friend and protecting his wife and kid from him (or protecting the identity of the Lizard from them).

I just don’t see them throwing a kid (let alone a toddler kid) into the mix at this point.

MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS: BEFORE WOLVERINE THERE WAS WEAPON X
RUMANIAN RUMBLE Through issues 77-79
Rude Awakening-Part 1of 3

Writer–Doug Murray
Penciler–Tom Lyle
Inkers–Joe Rubinstein/Art Nichols
Letterer–Mike Heisler
Colorist–Steve Mattsson

So you thought you were getting a review on Barry Windsor-Smith’s phenomenal story/art, did you? Sorry…what I bring to the forefront is one of the coolest and overlooked stories in the series! Sgt. Nick Fury & Dracula VS Nazis!!!

Why would anyone want to go back and read old comics? Especially a sub-series for that matter? It goes back to quality & quanity. “Marvel Comics presents” titles more than often suck. The Weapon X story was one of the  most amazing back-stories created for a character ever (with superb art). At the time of this run, its hard to believe that anything being stuck in or around the story would establish the same buzz. Enter Doug Murray…

Doug Murray did a great job grabbing two seemingly opposite characters and combining them for a common goal: kickin’ Nazi ass. He also keeps true to the vampire mythos as well as Fury’s cigar (damn thing never burns out!). Tom and company are superb at character faces/expressions: you see a great deal of emotion regardless of how comedic the story gets.

The story opens with Vlad (Dracula) awakening to find that his gypsy community has been overtaken by the Nazis. With his brethren dying in his arms, they tell Dracula that they “put up a good fight” but it was not enough against this powerful force. Drac goes to investigate the concentration camp and watches his people get tormented/killed. One of whom gets shot in his head! He can’t jump to his aid because their insignia is a holy symbol & he must be invited into their dwelling to enter. You still with me?

Fury gets assigned to mark an oil refinery so his Air Force comrades can blow it up, and it just so happens to be the same night Dracula is at the Nazi camp. Nick drops – cigar in mouth and cut-off sleeves – into a Nazi ambush. Of course, he starts blazin’ up shit upon his landing. To begin the next issue, Dracula is flying overhead to lend a helping hand because they are by an oil refinery and not a camp. When Vlad lands he starts chocking bitches!!!

I really would like to give a complete overview on this but it would take the excitement out of reading a classic story & enjoying the ageless art work. Check it out. You will laugh, cry, & start smoking cigars with the undead!?

Lionsgate Home Entertainment has announce the release of Marvel’s next feature-length animated movie, Planet Hulk. The single-disc and two-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray will be hitting store on February 2, 2010!

Unfortunately, I haven’t checked out much in the way of the Marvel animated movies that have come to DVD. As much of a Marvel comics fan as I am, I tend to enjoy the DC animated features quite a bit more. So while I make it a point to check out the DC/WB straight-to-DVD animated features, the Marvel ones tend to fall by the wayside. That said however, I have read the Planet Hulk comic series that this is based off of, and if it stays close to the source material, I’d imaging this will be well worth a viewing.

A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF HURT! He was a monster, impossible to control, too dangerous to ignore. So Earth’s mightiest heroes exiled him into outer space. But now THE INCREDIBLE HULK crash lands on the distant planet SAKAAR, ruled by the tyrannical RED KING. Sold into slavery, Hulk becomes the planet’s mightiest gladiator – but his new masters get more than they bargained for when he forges a bond of brotherhood with his fellow fighters: crafty insectoid Miek, ruthless rock-man Korg, ex-shadow priest Hiroim, and the noble-born rebel Elloe. Unlike Earth, the desperate people of Sakaar believe a monster is just what they need. But will the Hulk be the one to save their world…or destroy it?

Special Features are to Include:

Single-Disc DVD:

• Commentary by Supervising Producer Joshua Fine and Screenwriter Greg Johnson
• “A Whole World of Hurt: The Making of Planet Hulk” featurette
• “Thor: Tales of Asgard” opening sequence

Two-Disc DVD & Blu-ray:

• Commentary by Supervising Producer Joshua Fine and Screenwriter Greg Johnson
• Commentary by Director Sam Liu, Character Designer Philip Bourassa and Key Background Painter Steve Nicodemus
• “A Whole World of Hurt: The Making of Planet Hulk” featurette
• “Thor: Tales of Asgard” opening sequence
• “Let the Smashing Commence! The Saga of Planet Hulk” featurette
• “Spider-Woman: Agent of Sword” Motion Comic
• “Astonishing X-Men: Gifted” Motion Comic
• 2 music videos
• “Wolverine and the X-Men – Wolverine vs. Hulk” Episode
• Digital copy of the film

IGN has posted the four new character posters from the upcoming Kick-Ass movie set to open on April 16 from Lionsgate Studios! You can check out all four of the posters by clicking the picture below!

In the world of Kick-Ass, superheroes only exist in comic books. That is, until high-school student Dave Lizewski puts on a costume and takes to patrolling the streets at night to right the wrongs that no one else can. So it is in Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.’s hugely popular comic series, which will soon be a Lionsgate film starring Nicolas Cage, Aaron Johnson and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and directed by Layer Cake’s Matthew Vaughn.

[nggallery id=rescuehawkeye]

Official Press Release from Marvel:

Spinning out of Dark Avengers and New Avengers, Clint Barton (AKA Ronin) is Norman Osborn’s prisoner…but the mightiest women of the Avengers intend to change things! New Avengers Annual #3, from award winning writer Brian Michael Bendis and red hot artist Mike Mayhew present the team of Jessica Jones, Spider-Woman, Mockingbird and Ms Marvel on a quest to save their captured comrade—no matter the cost! But are the Avenger’s playing right into Norman Osborn’s hands.

Critics continue to praise New Avengers, with IGN.Com raving, “Bendis has proved to be one of the most consistent comic book writers; not only of his generation, but in the history of the form. Across myriad titles and years worth of work, the man has produced dependably good, and oftentimes great, comic books.”

Will Jessica Jones and her teammates be able to save one of their own or will their daring attempt be met with disaster? The fate of Clint Barton will forever change the Avengers and New Avengers Annual #3 has the answers!

NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL #3 (OCT090535)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Pencils and Cover by MIKE MAYHEW

Rated T+ …$4.99

FOC – 11/12/09, On Sale – 12/02/09

Following the lackluster film that was the original Ghost Rider movie, Batman Begins screenwriter David Goyer is handling the script for the second film, which he says is set to start shooting next year. Goyer is actually re-working a script that he had written several years ago for the first movie -as well as retooling it to make it a PG-13 movie as opposed to the original R he was shooting for.

Of course, upon hearing this news, the geek world has been wondering the fate of our favorite fiery-headed friend. Would this be a sequel? Or would it be a reboot? Here’s what Goyer had to say to MTV:

“It’s not exactly a reboot,” said Goyer, who’s currently hard at work on his “FlashForward” television series. “I hate to say it’s more realistic, because he’s got a flaming skull for a head, but it’s a bit more stripped down and darker. It’s definitely changing tone. What ‘Casino Royale’ was to the Bond movies, hopefully this will be to ‘Ghost Rider.'”

The “Ghost Rider” sequel is planned to “roll before cameras next year,” according to Goyer, who also said that Nicolas Cage is currently still attached to the lead role of Johnny Blaze.

“This story picks up eight years after the first film,” said Goyer. “You don’t have to have seen the first film. It doesn’t contradict anything that happened in the first film, but we’re pretending that our audience hasn’t seen the first film. It’s as if you took that same character where things ended in the first film and then picked it up eight years later—he’s just in a much darker, existential place.”

Goyer also went on to say that his script for Ghost Rider is out there on the internet and he doesn’t plan to change it much. So if you want a sneak peak at what Goyer has in store for Blaze, you can check out his current version of the script here. I haven’t read it yet, but I plan to get around to it soon. If any of you read it (or have already read it) post your thoughts in the comments below!

You can check out the rest of the story over at MTV.

Official Release from Marvel:

Marvel is proud to present your first look behind the scenes of The Marvelous Land of Oz #1 (on-sale tomorrow), the hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times best-selling The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in an all-new free sketchbook RIGHT HERE. Courtesy of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, get an in-depth look at L. Frank Baum’s masterpiece as the critically acclaimed team of Eric Shanower and artist Skottie Young provide exclusive commentary on their stunning adaptation! With a slew of new characters, never before seen artwork, and commentary by the creators themselves, this sketchbook is a must read!

Plus, don’t miss the red-hot The Wonderful Wizard of Oz HC, on-sale now! You may think you know the story of Dorothy, Toto and the yellow brick road, but you’ve never seen Oz like this before! Eric Shanower and artist Skottie Young present a vibrant, faithful adaptation of Baum’s seminal novel, which has IGN.Com raving “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is one of the finest comics I’ve read in a long time… This series evokes pure joy in the reader.”

Before The Marvelous Land of Oz #1 hits stores tomorrow, don’t miss The Marvelous Land of Oz Sketchbook for free RIGHT HERE!

THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #1 (of 8) (SEP090381)

THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #1 (of 8) SHANOWER VARIANT (SEP090382)

THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #1 (of 8) MCGUINNESS VARIANT (SEP090383)

Written by ERIC SHANOWER

Pencils & Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG

Variant Cover by ERIC SHANOWER

Variant Cover by ED MCGUINNESS

All Ages …$3.99

ON SALE THIS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4^th!

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ HC (JUL090457)

Written by ERIC SHANOWER

Penciled by SKOTTIE YOUNG

Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG

All Ages …$29.99

ON SALE NOW!

Variety.com is reporting the Sir Anthony Hopkins has officially been cast in Kenneth Brannagh’s Thor, due out in March 2011!  This adds to the already existing cast of  Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston and Natalie Portman playing Thor, Loki, and Jane Foster respectively.

The pic was scripted by Mark Protosevich and Zack Stentz & Ashley Miller. The Mighty Thor is a powerful but arrogant warrior of Asgard, but after his reckless actions reignite an ancient war, his father banishes him to Earth to live among humans. He learns the meaning of heroism when he stands tall as his arch enemy from home sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

I think this is damn good casting and it can only help to promote this film about what is arguably a lesser-known hero in the Marvel Universe. I’m sure we will be hearing more casting news as the starting production date in January draws closer.