Star-Lord Returning to Marvel? New Alien Movie, Clayface Box Office & Crypt Keeper Comeback | Issue #405
The Comic Section Podcast returns with Issue #405, and this week Jason and Shawn welcome back Calvin, a.k.a. The Statue Fanatic, for another packed episode of Marvel, DC, horror, science fiction, and entertainment news!
With Halloween approaching, we're discussing several exciting developments in the horror genre, including the box-office performance of DC's Clayface, a new Alien movie, the renewal of Carrie, and the return of the legendary Crypt Keeper.
Meanwhile, Chris Pratt has offered an encouraging update about Star-Lord's future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Let's get into it!
Remembering Tom Skerritt and Michael Gray
We begin Issue #405 by remembering two actors whose work helped define different generations of entertainment.
Tom Skerritt, the acclaimed actor whose career spanned more than six decades, passed away at 93.
Skerritt appeared in numerous beloved productions, including Alien, Top Gun, MASH*, and Picket Fences.
His performance as Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott's original Alien remains especially memorable for science-fiction and horror fans.
We also remember Michael Gray, who passed away at 75.
Gray was best known for playing Billy Batson in the classic 1970s television series Shazam!, helping introduce the DC superhero to a generation of television viewers.
We extend our condolences to their families, friends, and fans.
DC's Clayface Heads Toward a No. 1 Box-Office Debut
Could DC Studios have another successful theatrical release on its hands?
The R-rated Clayface movie is projected to open with approximately $23 million to $25 million domestically, potentially securing the No. 1 position at the weekend box office.
The film represents an interesting direction for DC, exploring a character traditionally associated with Batman through a darker, horror-focused approach.
Rather than relying entirely on established superheroes and massive crossover events, Clayface could demonstrate the appeal of smaller, genre-driven comic book movies.
With DC also developing James Mangold's Swamp Thing, could horror become an important creative direction for the studio?
We discuss the possibilities on Issue #405.
Carrie Renewed for Season 2 on Prime Video
Stephen King's Carrie is getting another chapter.
Amazon Prime Video has renewed its television adaptation for a second season, with plans to expand the story beyond the events of King's original novel.
That's a particularly interesting decision considering how closely the original story is associated with its famous ending.
Where can the series go next?
Will the new season explore the consequences of the first?
Or could it introduce new characters and supernatural elements?
Jason previously reviewed the series on The Comic Section, making this renewal especially relevant to our ongoing horror coverage.
Is Gen Z Tired of Advertising in Movies?
Actress Inde Navarrette has raised an interesting question about the relationship between Hollywood and younger audiences.
During an interview, Navarrette argued that Generation Z wants original stories rather than constantly feeling like they're being marketed to.
Her comments touch on an increasingly familiar criticism of modern entertainment: the prominence of product placement, brand partnerships, and franchise-driven marketing.
Of course, product placement has existed in movies for decades.
But has the balance shifted too far?
Are studios prioritizing corporate partnerships over storytelling?
And can original films still compete against recognizable brands and established franchises?
Jason, Shawn, and Calvin discuss whether Hollywood understands what younger moviegoers actually want.
A New Alien Movie Could Continue David's Story
The Alien franchise is preparing for another theatrical installment.
According to reports, Aaron Guzikowski, the creator of Raised by Wolves and writer of Prisoners, is developing a new film for 20th Century Studios.
Rather than directly continuing Alien: Romulus, the project may reconnect with storylines established in Ridley Scott's Prometheus and Alien: Covenant.
That could mean revisiting David, the unsettling android portrayed by Michael Fassbender.
David's storyline remains one of the most intriguing unresolved threads in the modern Alien franchise.
His fascination with creation, artificial intelligence, and the origins of the Xenomorph has generated plenty of debate among fans.
Would returning to that storyline finally provide some answers?
Or should Alien continue introducing new characters and stories?
For longtime fans, this is one development worth watching.
The Crypt Keeper Returns for AMC FearFest
One of horror television's most recognizable personalities has returned.
The Crypt Keeper, the legendary host of HBO's Tales from the Crypt, appears in three new promotional videos associated with AMC FearFest.
The character has been brought back with the involvement of special effects artist and filmmaker Greg Nicotero, while John Kassir returns to provide the iconic voice.
The videos are part of a promotional partnership with Bacardi.
For fans who grew up watching Tales from the Crypt, seeing the Crypt Keeper again brings back memories of the show's dark humor, twisted stories, and unforgettable introductions.
But it also raises an obvious question:
If audiences still love the character, why hasn't Tales from the Crypt received a proper television revival?
Could the character's return help renew interest in the classic anthology series?
Chris Pratt Confirms Star-Lord Will Return to the MCU
The legendary Star-Lord isn't finished with Marvel.
Chris Pratt has revealed that conversations with Marvel Studios executives Kevin Feige and Louis D'Esposito have progressed beyond simple discussions about Peter Quill's future.
Although Pratt has not identified the project or release date, he has reassured fans that Star-Lord will return.
The last time audiences saw Peter Quill was in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which ended with the promise that the character would eventually return.
Now the question becomes where Marvel plans to use him.
Could Star-Lord appear in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars?
Will Marvel develop another Guardians of the Galaxy adventure?
Or could Peter Quill finally receive his own solo project?
With the MCU continuing to evolve, Star-Lord's next appearance could open the door to several possibilities.
Avengers: Doomsday, Above the Below and Rings of Power Season 3
Our Coming Soon/Preview segment features three upcoming projects.
First, we're discussing the Avengers: Doomsday World Series TV spot, offering another opportunity to talk about Marvel's upcoming blockbuster.
Next, we preview Above the Below.
Finally, we turn our attention to The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3, as the fantasy series continues expanding its interpretation of Middle-earth.
Which preview impressed us the most?
Tune in for our reactions!
Jason Reviews Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother
In our Review segment, Jason discusses Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother.
We break down his impressions and whether the project is worth checking out.
Shawn Reviews DC's Absolute Batman
Shawn also returns with a review of DC's Absolute Batman.
The Absolute Universe presents a dramatically different interpretation of Bruce Wayne, reimagining familiar elements of the Batman mythology.
For longtime comic readers, the series offers an opportunity to experience the Dark Knight through a new creative lens.
But does this reinvention work?
How does Absolute Batman compare to the traditional version of the character?
And is it a worthwhile addition to Batman's comic book legacy?
Shawn gives us his thoughts.
Where Should Star-Lord Return?
That's our biggest question this week.
Chris Pratt has indicated that Peter Quill's MCU story isn't over, but Marvel has yet to reveal where the character will appear next.
Would you prefer to see him return in an Avengers movie, reunite with the Guardians, or lead a new solo adventure?
We want to hear your opinions!
🎙️ The Comic Section Podcast — Issue #405
Featuring special guest host Calvin a.k.a. The Statue Fanatic!
And for even more conversations about Marvel, DC, movies, television, comics, and geek culture, join The Comic Section Patreon for exclusive bonus video and audio episodes of The Comic Section Extended Cut!
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