The comic book where Batman first swooped onto the scene has set an impressive milestone ... netting its highest public sale since it first graced newsstands nearly 85 years ago.
Detective Comics #27 fetched a jaw-dropping $1.825 million on auction site ComicConnect -- and TMZ can reveal this ain't the buyer's first rodeo, 'cause while this is the most expensive version of the comic in his collection, it's not the first copy he's purchased.
This savvy collector believed so much in the rarity and demand of Batman's first appearance in comics back in 1939 ... he recently shelled out over a half mil for a lower-grade version.
Dolph Lundgren's not against recasting an iconic character -- telling fans to give David Corenswet's Superman a chance ... even if he's not entirely sure who he is.
We talked to the action movie star in Los Angeles Friday, and asked him all about the DC Universe coming to an end -- 'memba, Dolph starred as King Nereus in the 'Aquaman' films -- and he says he's sad to see it go 'cause of his great time working on the flick.
DL name-drops a few of his costars from the flick before moving on to the outrage surrounding Henry Cavill being dropped as Superman for Corenswet.
Lundgren says he isn't familiar with David -- by name or reputation -- but he says fans always get up in arms when one of their fav characters ends up being played by someone else ... and they need to give the guy a chance to flex his superhero muscles.
It seems like Dolph doesn't know Corenswet's work very well -- and yet, he's very positive here, saying he's rooting for DC's newest Man of Steel ... which is pretty awesome.
That said, Dolph's very clear there's one character he doesn't want recast ... Apollo Creed, played by the late great Carl Weathers.
Lundgren -- who played Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in "Rocky IV" and fought Creed in the movie -- says no one can replace Carl. On the Superman front, though ... have it, he says.
Kevin Conroy fans are fuming over Batman's death in a new video game, but the voice behind the Caped Crusader knew the hero's fate ... and gave the role everything he had.
The late actor's publicist, Gary Miereanu, tells TMZ ... Kevin performed his Batman lines in "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League" with "the same verve with which he approached every Batman role, always being faithful to the words on the page and the direction from the other side of the glass."
Kevin recorded his lines for the dying Batman before his own passing in 2022 ... and some fans feel the video game death is a disrespectful way to leave Conroy's legacy as the Dark Knight.
But Kevin's rep doesn't see it that way ... telling us, "I'm also certain that, while recording, Kevin’s own death never entered his mind."
Another Batman voice actor, Jason O'Mara, tells TMZ ... Bruce Wayne's going to come back in some way, shape, or form in a different story, just like Superman and many other beloved characters.
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Jason is sure Kevin knew the script called for Batman to die, and says ... "No matter the scenario, he never let any Batman fan down."
Since the initial fan outrage, it's been revealed there's at least one more performance of Kevin as Batman the vault.
There's a new video game where Batman gets a final sayonara from his worst foes -- and fans of the late Kevin Conroy are absolutely fuming over it ... calling it a terrible send-off.
The game's called 'Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League' -- due out in a few days -- and some of the footage from a particular scene involving the Dark Knight (voiced by Conroy) is already making the rounds online ... which depicts this version of Batman's brutal death.
Indeed, in this universe ... Harley Quinn fires a bullet into Batman at close range, officially killing him off -- and people who grew up watching Conroy's Batman are kinda losing it.
There's a number of reasons why folks are mad -- but the biggest one, it seems, is that some feel this is a disrespectful way to leave Conroy's legacy as the Caped Crusader. It is, in fact, the last time he played Batman before tragically passing in 2022 from cancer.
While this game's developer/distributor (Rocksteady/WB) likely didn't foresee Conroy dying so suddenly -- diehards of his character and the superhero at large are still dragging these companies through the coals for the decision to off Batman like this ... very wham bam.
“They’ve ruined his legacy and disrespected him”
Kevin was more passionate and protective of the character than anyone. He would only take a role that HE FEELS IS A GOOD STORY FOR THE CHARACTER.
He has turned projects down in the past so you’re basically saying he’s wrong.
However, others are actually pushing back against the outrage ... for two good reasons. One ... it's a freaking video game/fictional character -- and all this is pretty damn silly, TBH.
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More importantly, though, many are rightly pointing out that Conroy himself signed up for this story when taking the job -- and considering how closely he cherished the role/character of Batman for as long as he did it ... some think the angry mob should respect his decision.
Some believe 'SSKTJL' tarnishes Batman/Kevin's footprint ... but his contribution goes well beyond just this moment. Try telling that to the nostalgic right now -- they don't seem to wanna hear it.
Amber Heard fue, en efecto, marginada de la nueva película de 'Aquaman', tal como un ex jefe de Warner Bros confirmó bajo juramento el año pasado, y la verdad es que ella es apenas un personaje secundario.
"Aquaman y el Reino Perdido", la secuela del éxito de superhéroes de 2018 protagonizada por Jason Momoa, acaba de estrenarse en los cines este fin de semana y hay muy malas noticias en términos de taquilla y de críticas, pero quizás lo más interesante es el tiempo en pantalla de Heard.
Según Business Insider, Amber Heard solo aparece en cámara durante unos 20 minutos más o menos y aunque su personaje habla, apenas dice unas míseras 11 líneas, al parecer.
Business Insider dice que Amber aparece en algunas secuencias de acción al principio y al final, pero está mayormente alejada de la historia principal, a pesar de que su bebé junto a Jason Momoa, es un punto central de la trama. Algunas de las líneas que al parecer dice son también bastante risibles.
He aquí algunos de sus diálogos: "No ha habido brotes como este en años. ¿Por qué ahora?", "Asaltaron la bóveda de almacenamiento, no podemos dejar que se escapen", "¿Dónde está Jr.?", "¡No!", "Siento algo en el agua" y "Gracias." Hay otras líneas, pero también son mínimas.
En lugar de que Amber sea la protagonista, Momoa y Patrick Wilson acaban formando equipo y protagonizando la mayor parte del filme. Yahya Abdul-Mateen y Nicole Kidman también están en la mezcla.
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No es de extrañar que el papel de Amber haya sido reducido, esto se remonta a 2022, cuando estaba en juicio después de que Johnny Depp la demandara. Walter Hamada, el ex jefe de Warner Bros, fue interrogado en una declaración y explicó que el estudio decidió marginarla por la falta de química percibida entre ella y Momoa, y porque querían una historia diferente.
Por supuesto, el equipo de Amber sospechaba que esto se debía a todo lo que estaba pasando con Depp en ese momento, pero el estudio lo negó. En cualquier caso, ella es una ocurrencia tardía en la película.
Una vez que Johnny Depp ganó el juicio, muchos se comprometieron a boicotear la película si ella no se retiraba de ella, pero a estas alturas, era difícil saber si el factor de Amber realmente jugó un rol en los números de taquilla a la fecha, que no son tan grandes, a pesar de ser la película número 1 en este momento.
"Aquaman 2" va camino a recaudar unos 40 millones de dólares hasta el lunes, una cifra pésima para los estándares de las películas de superhéroes. Dicho esto, liderará el fin de semana festivo, así que, ¿felicidades?
Por cierto, ni rastro de Amber en la rueda de prensa de la película, que fue de lo más discreta y ni siquiera tuvo un estreno oficial. WB/DC está listo para pasar la página.
Amber Heard was indeed sidelined in the new 'Aquaman' movie -- just as an ex-WB honcho confirmed under oath last year -- and the word is ... she's barely even a side character.
"Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" -- the sequel to the 2018 superhero hit starring Jason Momoa -- just got released in theaters this weekend ... and there's a lot of bad news in terms of box office and reviews, but perhaps the most interesting is Heard's screen time.
According to Business Insider, AH only appears on camera for about 20 minutes or so ... and while she does talk in the film, it ain't very much -- just a measly 11 lines apparently.
BI says Amber shows up for a few action sequences toward the beginning and the end, but she's largely removed from the main story ... even though her and JM's movie baby serves as a central plot point. Some of the lines she reportedly delivers are also pretty laughable.
Here's some of her dialogue ... "There haven't been outbreaks like this in ages. Why now?" ... "They raided the storage vault, we can't let them get away" ... "Where's Jr.?" ... "No!" ... "I sense something in the water" ... "Thank you." There are other lines, but they're also minimal.
Instead of Amber taking center stage, Momoa and Patrick Wilson end up teaming up and leading most of the film. Yahya Abdul-Mateen and Nicole Kidman are also in the mix.
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Not surprising that AH was downplayed -- that was being telegraphed dating back to 2022, when she was on trial after Johnny Depp sued her. Walter Hamada -- the ex-Warner Bros. boss -- got grilled in a deposition, and explained the studio decided to sideline her based on a lack of perceived chemistry between her and Momoa, and wanting a different story.
Of course, Amber's team suspected this was because of everything that was going on with Depp at the time -- but the studio denied that. In any case, she's an afterthought in the film.
Once JD scored his W in the trial, many vowed to boycott the film if she wasn't dropped from it -- but at this point, it's hard to tell if the Amber factor really played into the box office numbers thus far ... which aren't all that great, despite the flick being #1 right now.
'Aquaman 2' is on pace to make about $40 mil through Monday ... crappy by superhero movie standards. With that said, it'll lead the holiday weekend pack -- so ... congrats?
BTW, no sign of Amber for the press run on this film ... which was about as low-key as you can imagine, and didn't even have an official premiere. WB/DC's ready to turn the page.
American actor Devon Graye was 19 years old when he first started playing the teenage version of Dexter Morgan -- the serial killer who enjoys shooting and hunting with his rifle -- on Showtime's "Dexter" back in 2006
Michael C. Hall who is living a double life as a serial killer and a blood spatter analysis for for the Miami Metro Police Department, Dexter, Jennifer Carpenter as Dexter's competitive sister and police officer, Debra, and David Zayas as Dexter's friend and PD Sergeant, Angel.
Graye is also known for his portrayal of the second trickster in the superhero TV series "The Flash."
Try not to get "Lost" in THIS "Kingdom" of "Aquaman" hunk Jason Momoa ... who always brings his own flare to the fashion table. Decked out in holes, boots and scarves, it seems the only item he left at home were his stripes!
The actor has been in New York City, gearing up to host this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" and was snapped signaling to the paparazzi in front of a Benz earlier this week in NYC.
Can you capture the changes made to the images? This is your kingdom now!
**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above Jason Momoa photos!**
El chico que ha sido elegido para interpretar a Superman en una nueva entrega ha parecido un poco desgarbado y torpe para algunos desde que se anunció su casting ... Pero ya no.
David Corenswet, quien va a interpretar al Hombre de Acero en la próxima película de James Gunn "Superman: Legacy" fue fotografiado en un gimnasio por el entrenador Paolo Mascitti, quien ha estado trabajando con David para que se vea más guapo y más guapo en el papel.
Si nos basamos en lo que vemos aquí, su régimen parece estar funcionando porque Dave se ve espectacular.
En estas fotos no se ve su cara, pero definitivamente nos podemos hacer una idea de cómo se está formando su cuerpo, y ciertamente se ve un poco más como Superman que antes.
Por cierto, no había nada malo con cómo estaba antes, especialmente debajo del ombligo, pero digamos que no estaba ni de lejos lo musculoso que está ahora.
Ahora que Dave parece tener el físico de Clark Kent... parece que está marcando todas las casillas que los fans de la franquicia quieren ver en su Superman. Definitivamente tiene la cara y el pelo en su sitio, por no hablar de la altura, y ahora también está musculoso.
El tiempo dirá qué aspecto tendrá finalmente con el traje azul y rojo, pero esta es una señal de que las cosas van por buen camino. Está previsto que el rodaje de "Superman: Legacy" comience en la primavera de 2024 y la película se estrenará en el verano de 2025.
The guy who's been tapped to play Superman in the new installment has looked a bit gangly and awkward to some since his casting was announced ... but not anymore.
David Corenswet -- who's playing the Man of Steel in James Gunn's forthcoming 'Superman: Legacy' -- got snapped in a gym pic by fitness trainer Paolo Mascitti ... who's apparently working with DC to get him nice and hunky for the titular role.
Based on what we can see here ... their regimen is working, 'cause Dave's looking swoll!
You don't see the guy's face here -- but you can definitely get a sense of how his body's shaping up ... and he certainly looks a bit more Superman-ly now. It's a bit of a 180 from what we saw earlier this summer, when Dave hit the beach and bared his hot dad bod.
There was certainly nothing wrong with what he was working with then -- especially below the equator -- but let's just say ... he wasn't nearly as muscled out as he is right now.
Now that Dave seems to have the Clark Kent physique down ... it would appear he's checking all the boxes fans of the franchise want to see in their Superman. He definitely has the face and hair department on lock -- not to mention height -- and now ... he's ripped too.
Time will tell what he ultimately looks like in the blue and red suit ... but this is a sign things are headed in the right direction. Filming for 'Superman: Legacy' is set to get underway in Spring 2024 ... and the flick's being released in Summer 2025.
Las recientes publicaciones de Matthew Perry en "Matman" antes de su muerte no eran una señal de que estuviera pidiendo ayuda, esto según la mujer con la que cenó el día antes de su fallecimiento.
Athenna Crosby, la morena misteriosa vista cenando con Matthew antes de morir, le dice a TMZ que la estrella de "Friends" estaba realmente en Batman - incluso llamándose a sí mismo "Matman" y su paseo en el Batmobile.
TMZ.com
Ella dice que era un tipo juguetón durante los meses que lo conoció y los que piensan que sus comentarios de superhéroes en línea eran mensajes subliminales acerca de su seguridad están muy equivocados.
Athenna califica sus mensajes como los de un nerd y un fan apasionado de los superéroes.
TMZ.com
Como informamos, la modelo de 25 años de edad y reportera de entretenimiento se juntó a cenar con Matthew el pasado viernes en el Hotel Bel-Air y dijo que estaba devastada al enterarse de su muerte solo un día después de verlo.
Athenna reafirma en lo que ya nos han dicho. Básicamente que el actor estaba muy optimista y de buen humor antes de su muerte e incluso tenía proyectos.
De hecho, Athenna nos dice que ha habido un montón de especulaciones en torno a la muerte de Matthew los días que falleció. Ella solo puede hablar de su experiencia y está segura de su muerte prematura fue un trágico accidente.
Para más información, consulta el último episodio de The TMZ Podcast, disponible en todas las plataformas de podcast.
There's a wild conspiracy theory floating around thatMatthew Perry's recent "Mattman" posts before his death were a cry for help ... but the woman he dined with the day before he passed says that theory couldn't be further from the truth.
Athenna Crosby, the mystery brunette spotted grabbing a meal with Matthew before he died, tells TMZ ... the "Friends" star was really into Batman -- even calling himself "Mattman" and his ride the Batmobile.
TMZ.com
She says he was a playful guy in the months that she knew him ... and the conspiracy theory he was pushing subliminal messages about his safety by using the superhero reference is way off.
Athenna playfully chalks the "Mattman" posts up to Perry being a nerd and says fans jumping on the conspiracy train are definitely getting carried away.
TMZ.com
As we reported, the 25-year-old model and entertainment reporter grabbed a bite to eat with Matthew last Friday at the Hotel Bel-Air ... and said she was devastated to learn of his death just a day after seeing him.
Athenna doubles down on what we've been told already -- the actor was extremely optimistic and in great spirits leading up to his death ... and he even had projects lined up.
In fact, Athenna tells us there's been a lot of speculation surrounding Matthew's death in the days since he passed away ... and while she can only speak from her experience, she's certain his untimely death was a tragic accident.
For more check out the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.
Underneath this freshly cut jack-o-lantern is an actress and singer who takes spooky to a whole 'nother level! She's so hooked on Halloween ... she's explored witchcraft, spirits and even ghost hunting. 'Put your sneakers on' and see if you've got what it takes to smash this scrambled star!
All month long, this pumpkin head has been sharing festive content, leaving her 50+ million Instagram followers with anticipation for this year's costumes ... 'Cat Woman,' "Ghostbusters" and "Alice in Wonderland" are just a few (of the many) iconic looks this Disney star has slayed over the years.
Michael Caine is hanging it up in showbiz -- this after an illustrious career.
The British actor made the announcement Saturday on BBC Radio 4’s Today, where he said it was official ... saying he felt it was truly time to retire, seeing how he's in a later stage of life and doesn't feel like he has much to offer any more in terms of characters.
Here's how he put it ... "I kept saying I’m gonna retire. Well, I am now because I figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead, and it’s got incredible reviews." MC is referring to "The Great Escaper," which came out earlier this year and was fairly well-received.
Mike continues ... "The only parts I’m likely to get now are old men, 90-year-old men -- well, maybe 85, you know? And I thought, 'Well, I might as well leave with all this. I’ve got wonderful reviews. What am I gonna do to beat this?'"
Caine had previously revealed that working on 'TGE' was somewhat difficult for him physically -- which makes sense considering the guy is 10 years shy of 100 years old at the moment.
While he might be stepping away from performing in front of the camera, he's still gonna be getting his creativity on with continued writing -- including a novel he's working on now ... which will be released in December.
Still, it's sad news for fans of his ... and there are many. Michael has had some legendary roles over the years -- including his many collaborations with director Christopher Nolan, notably in the 'Batman' films as Alfred the butler. Of course, there are countless others.
Here's to a good, long ride full of great memories -- cheers, Mikey!
Amber Heardtold her therapist Jason Momoa was purposely dressing like her ex Johnny Depp while filming the 'Aquaman' sequel ... one of many claims just now coming to light.
The news comes courtesy of new legal docs from Amber's defamation trial last year, which were recently made public ... and detail some startling allegations she made in therapy sessions back in 2021, when she and Jason were working on 'A2.'
During one particular session in December of that year, she said she felt Jason was seemingly trying to play mind games with her by intentionally copying JD's fashion sense, right down to his multi-fingered rings ... according to Variety.
There are more allegations she made about Jason to her therapist at the time -- including a claim he was intoxicated on set, and that he was working to get her fired.
A rep for DC denied these characterizations, saying ... "Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom." A separate source told Variety, Jason's fashion sensibility naturally reflects a bohemian style ... pushing back on Amber feeling he was trying to torment her.
There are a lot more juicy nuggets in the docs ... including the allegation Warner/DC tried canning Amber ahead of filming of 'Aquaman 2' -- but not because of her Johnny drama, but more so over a perceived lack of chemistry with Jason.
Amber's then-boyfriend, Elon Musk, fired off a letter to the studio on the heels of that ... threatening to "burn the house down" at WB, according to Variety.
If true, you'd have to say it worked ... they did keep Amber, although a handful of her scenes were cut down in the final edit of 'Aquaman 2; -- including a love scene with JM.
It's a peek behind the curtain amid a lot of speculation at the time over how much the Amber-Johnny saga had affected their respective work prospects -- especially for Amber, who came under intense criticism in the wake of Johnny's victory. Remember, fans wanted her character, Mera, completely recast, and a viral petition got started over it ... to no avail.
Now, 'A2' is set to hit theaters in December ... and time will tell what the box office will be. The first one was a massive success, but insiders say this new one hasn't landed so well with audiences in test screenings, which has spurred a number of reshoots/new cuts.
In any case, we've reached out to both Amber and Jason's teams ... so far, no word back.
Amber Heard le dijo a su terapeuta que Jason Momoa se vestía a propósito como su ex, Johnny Depp, durante el rodaje de la secuela de "Aquaman". Una de las muchas afirmaciones que acaban de salir a la luz.
La noticia viene por cortesía de los nuevos documentos legales del juicio por difamación de Amber del año pasado, que recientemente se hicieron públicos y detallan algunas alegaciones sorprendentes que hizo en las sesiones de terapia en 2021, cuando ella y Jason estaban trabajando en "Aquaman 2".
Durante una sesión en particular en diciembre de ese año, dijo que sentía que Jason estaba tratando de jugar con su mente, copiando intencionalmente el sentido de la moda de Depp, hasta sus múltiples anillos... según Variety.
Hay más acusaciones para Jason, incluyendo una afirmación de que estaba intoxicado en el set y que parecía estar buscando su despido.
Un representante de DC negó estas declaraciones diciendo: "Jason Momoa se comportó de manera profesional en todo momento en el set de "Aquaman y el Reino Perdido". Otra fuente le dijo a Variety que la moda de Jason refleja naturalmente un estilo bohemio y que esto no tenía que ver con la actriz.
Hay muchas más pepitas jugosas en los documentos, incluyendo la alegación de Warner/DC al intentar despedir a Amber antes del rodaje de "Aquaman 2", pero no a causa de su drama de Johnny, sino más bien por la falta de química con Jason.
El entonces novio de Amber, Elon Musk, le envió una carta al estudio antes de amenazar con "quemar la casa" en WB, según Variety.
De ser cierto, habría que decir que funcionó, ya que mantuvieron a Amber, aunque un puñado de sus escenas fueron recortadas en la edición final de "Aquaman 2", incluyendo una escena de amor con Jason.
Se trata de una mirada tras el telón en medio de muchas especulaciones sobre hasta qué punto la saga Amber/Johnny había afectado a sus respectivas perspectivas laborales, especialmente en el caso de Amber, que fue objeto de intensas críticas tras la victoria de Johnny. Recordemos que los fans querían a su personaje, Mera, completamente replanteado, y una petición viral se inició al respecto... aunque todo fue vano.
Ahora, "A2" está lista para llegar a los cines en diciembre y el tiempo mostrará los resultados. La primera fue un éxito masivo, pero los conocedores dicen que la nueva entrega no ha funcionado bien en las proyecciones de prueba, lo que ha estimulado una serie de reshoots y nuevos cortes.
En cualquier caso, nos hemos puesto en contacto con los equipos de Amber y Jason... de momento, sin noticias.
