Marvel

A 1975 X-Men comic book fetched an impressive $170,000 at an auction ... marking it as the second-highest price ever paid for a '70s comic book.

ComicConnect recently sealed the deal on "Giant-Size X-Men #1," the only comic to ever score a near-perfect 9.9 from CGC.

The site's President, Vincent Zurzolo, noted that '70s comics often linger in discount bins for years before nostalgia and significance catch up -- and bump up their value.

Chris Pratt's keeping it real: never say never to jumping from Marvel to the DC Universe -- which seems like a possibility with his director pal James Gunn making the shift with 'Superman!'

We caught up with Pratt Thursday in L.A., and he says he's cool with any DCU role James thinks fits him -- especially since 'Superman' is off the table with actor David Corenswet swinging into action for the iconic role.

He basically tells us if a worthwhile flick fits into his packed schedule, he's ready to swoop over to the DCU.

Alan Cumming takes great Pride in his 'X-Men' movie "X2" ... quite literally 'cause the actor's claiming it's the gayest movie he's ever made!

The actor -- who now hosts the hit reality competition show "The Traitors" -- sat down for an interview with Entertainment Weekly recently where he reflected on his diverse career including his appearance in the 2003 follow-up to "X-Men."

If you haven't seen the movie, Cumming plays Nightcrawler -- a bright blue mutant with the ability to teleport in the flick. Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Patrick Stewart and James Marsden star in the movie and, by all appearances, the film's a pretty standard comic book film.

YouTuber Ben Potter -- AKA, Comicstorian -- has died suddenly ... and it sounds like a freak accident.

The content creator's wife, Nathalie, confirmed the tragic news Monday, throwing up a loving tribute to the online star ... who had racked up over 3 mil subscribers discussing Marvel/DC Universes and creating comic book audio dramas.

Nathalie wrote, "Two days ago, on June 8th, my husband, Ben Potter, passed away in an unfortunate accident.  To many of you, he was Comicstorian, voicing stories from across multiple different mediums. To his loved ones, he was one of the best and most supportive individuals anyone could ask for."

Marvel chief Kevin Feige promised a "crude and rude" popcorn bucket for "Deadpool & Wolverine" ... and, boy, did they deliver.

Ryan Reynolds revealed the new buckets on X Thursday, posting a suggestive video of a hand caressing the item ... which is shaped like Wolverine's head with its mouth wide open.

At one point, butter dribbled down the face of the popcorn bucket ... which may be too suggestive to even spell out.

Jonathan Majors' punishment for the guilty verdict in his assault and harassment trial is in ... and he's avoided jail time.

The actor went into court Monday in NYC with his attorney and his girlfriend, Meagan Good, by his side. He looked solemn and serious, and didn't stop for questions. A judge sentenced him to a one-year intervention program that'll be completed in L.A.

As part of his program, he'll have to do 12 months of counseling ... one session per week over the course of 52 weeks. The D.A.'s office says if he doesn't comply with the conditions set here, he could face time behind bars.

10:37 AM PT -- Jonathan Majors' attorney Priya Chaudhry tells TMZ ... "Jonathan feels disappointed by the outcome of the motion, yet he upholds respect for the process. He continues to draw strength from his friends, fans, family, and dogs, harnessing his art and creativity."

She concluded, "As he eagerly anticipates closing this chapter, he looks forward to redirecting his time and energy fully toward his family and his art."

Jonathan Majors wanted a judge to let him off the hook in his criminal case -- but the court just denied his request ... which means the conviction stands, and he'll be sentenced.

The actor's recent motion to have the guilty verdict set aside was rejected Wednesday in New York -- and that's bad news for him ... because it indicates that a looming sentencing date that's coming up next week will, in fact, go forward.

As we reported ... Majors' legal team filed to have the charges tossed, making a few different arguments as the basis for their position -- namely, they felt that the charges he was ultimately convicted of were unfairly assigned at the end of the trial.

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.

Gwyneth Paltrow's reminiscing on her glory days ... saying they don't make movies like they used to -- and blasting the superhero genre for saturating the market, despite being in many such flicks herself.

The Marvel star went on "Hot Ones" Thursday when host Sean Evans asked her about a comment "American Fiction" writer/director Cord Jefferson made at the Oscars ... basically, begging Hollywood to invest in smaller indie projects like his.

Welp, it seems like GP agrees ... saying she feels studios put more of their resources into big-budget superhero flicks these days -- and suggesting the work's suffering because of it.

Check out the vid for yourself ... Gwyneth kinda craps on the superhero genre for its lack of originality -- while adding it's impossible to cater to as many people as the studios try to while still being unique and full of substance.

Of course, Paltrow knows a thing or two about superhero movies ... she appeared as Pepper Potts -- Tony Stark/Iron Man's love interest in seven Marvel films -- so, she's been around the superhero block, which is why what she's saying is so surprising.

With that said, everyone knows Paltrow got her start in smaller-budget projects like "Se7en" and "Shakespeare in Love" -- for which she won an Oscar -- and she says the art reaches a higher form when less money is involved ... because real artists are allowed to take risks.

Gwyneth's one of many who seem burnt out on all the superhero flicks ... Paul Dano, Martin Scorsese, Jennifer Aniston, Francis Ford Coppola and others have spoken out against the genre in recent years -- with John Mulaney cracking jokes about it at the Oscars.

Bigger than all those stars, though ... audiences seem sick of superhero movies as well. Just look at the box office for "Madame Web" and "The Marvels" over the last six months or so.

Jonathan Majors is gaga for Meagan Good ... and not even his recent legal woes can put a dent in their relationship -- just check out the first words out of his mouth about her.

The couple was out and about Sunday at the 7th annual AAFCA Special Achievement Awards luncheon here in L.A. ... and the ex-Marvel star's practically glowing while sharing an update on their relationship when he was asked by Extra how they're doing.

Listen to JM's gushy response here -- he says, "We're in love... We're doing good, thanks for asking." Meagan chimes in too, saying, "We're doing great. God's good."

Jonathan has clearly got himself a keeper in Meagan ... remember, she stood by his side during his assault trial brought on by ex-GF, Grace Jabbari -- and she continues to stick by him even now post-conviction.

As we reported -- the jury ended up finding him guilty of one count of reckless assault in the third degree and one count of harassment. He was acquitted on 2 other charges.

Jonathan told us he was leaning on his faith in the aftermath of his conviction ... helping him stay strong in the run-up to his April sentencing. His legal team has filed to have the conviction tossed ... arguing the whole case was botched and unfair to him from day 1.

Of course, he'd been relying on Meagan all throughout the trial -- last month, the pair got away from NYC for a bit, hitting the road together for a cross-country road trip which included a pit stop in Dallas to see Majors' mother, Terri.

Kenneth Mitchell -que protagonizó una serie de televisión de "Star Trek" y una película de Marvel- ha muerto, según un comunicado de su familia.

La familia anunció a través de su cuenta de Instagram que el actor falleció el sábado, recordándolo no solo como un actor condecorado, sino también como un dedicado hombre de familia.

Su familia dice que falleció después de una batalla contra la ELA que comenzó hace más de cinco años diciendo que creía que cada día era un regalo a pesar de las dificultades que enfrentó con su enfermedad.

Mitchell apareció en varias películas y programas de televisión a lo largo de los años, incluyendo "Nancy Drew", "The Astronauts Wives Club", "NCIS", "Castle", "Criminal Minds" y "Grey's Anatomy".

Su papel más destacado llegó en 2006, cuando obtuvo un papel protagónico en la serie "Jericho". Mitchell apareció en 27 de los 29 episodios de la serie durante sus dos temporadas.

Más recientemente, Mitchell dio el salto al reino de la ciencia ficción, apareciendo como Joe -el padre de Carol Danvers- en el éxito de Marvel de 2019 "Captain Marvel" y apareciendo en una serie de papeles para el original de Paramount + "Star Trek: Discovery".

A Mitchell le sobreviven su esposa Susan, sus hijos Lilah y Kallum, sus padres, hermanos y numerosas sobrinas y sobrinos. La familia le está pidiendo a la gente que done a la investigación de la ELA en su memoria.

Kenneth tenía 49 años.

Kenneth Mitchell -- who starred in a 'Star Trek' television show and Marvel movie -- has died, according to a statement from his family.

The actor passed away Saturday his family announced via his Instagram account ... remembering him as not only a decorated actor but also a dedicated family man.

His family says he passed away after a battle with ALS that began more than five years ago saying he believed each day was a gift despite the difficulties he faced with his illness.

Mitchell appeared in a number of movies and television shows over the years including "Nancy Drew," "The Astronauts Wives Club," "NCIS," "Castle," "Criminal Minds," and "Grey's Anatomy."

His breakout role came back in 2006 when he received a starring part in the show "Jericho." Mitchell appeared in 27 of the show's 29 episodes during its two-season run.

More recently, Mitchell made the jump into the science-fiction realm ... appearing as Carol Danvers' father Joe in the 2019 Marvel hit "Captain Marvel" and appearing in a number of roles for the Paramount+ original "Star Trek: Discovery."

Mitchell is survived by his wife Susan, kids Lilah and Kallum, his parents, siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. The family's asking people to donate to ALS research in his memory.

Kenneth was 49.

Jonathan Majors fue rápidamente abandonado por Marvel luego de que se conociera su condena por agresión, pero resulta que el estudio ya estaba pensando en seguir adelante sin el actor, al menos según un nuevo informe.

Como todos saben, el actor fue cortado minutos después de que el jurado de Nueva York lo declarara culpable de dos de los cuatro cargos presentados por su ex novia, Grace Jabbari, incluyendo los de acoso y agresión.

Por supuesto, solo terminó siendo condenado por lo que pasó fuera del carro, no por lo que ocurrió en el interior, ya que en esos casos los fiscales aseguraron que había realmente maltrato de su parte. Inmediatamente después, Marvel anunció que no iba a trabajar más con Majors en el futuro. No se demoraron ni un segundo.

Pero una nueva historia de THR sugiere que Marvel originalmente estaba planeando entablar una relación con Majors como su nuevo gran villano, pero esos planes cambiaron cuando se vio envuelto en este caso de violencia doméstica.

Dicen que la próxima película de "Avengers", que iba a llamarse "The Kang Dynasty", ya no va a incluir el nombre del personaje de Majors y están reescribiendo las próximas películas para eliminar a Kang por completo o para marginarlo y convertirlo en una nota al pie de página en la trama. Es una carga pesada, pero todo el mundo esperaba que así fuera.

Lo más interesante de este reportaje es la noción de que Marvel/Disney ya había tomado una decisión en cuanto a lo que querían hacer con Kang y Majors.

Citando fuentes, THR dice que Marvel ya estaba haciendo movimientos para minimizar la participación de Kang en las próximas películas, y la aparente razón, el dinero. Parece que la aparición de Majors en "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" no fue un éxito financiero (definitivamente no lo fue) y debido a eso sintieron que la audiencia simplemente no estaba de humor para ver más de Kang.

La película hizo $476 millones a nivel mundial por sus visionados en los cines, pero comparado con otras películas de superhéroes, es bastante malo. Así que, a primera vista ... parece que el destino de Majors ya estaba sellado.

Jonathan Majors was quickly dropped by Marvel in the wake of his assault conviction -- but as it turns, the studio was already inclined to move on ... at least according to a new report.

As everyone knows, the actor was cut loose just minutes after word came down from a NYC jury in December that he was guilty on two of four counts -- including harassment and assault -- as it pertained to charges that he'd harmed his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.

Granted, he only ended up getting convicted on what happened outside of the car -- not inside, where prosecutors claimed he'd really roughed her up -- and yet ... Marvel immediately announced he wasn't working with them going forward. They didn't skip a beat.

Welp, per a new THR story ... Marvel is now in the cleanup process of their next chapter -- as they were originally planning on hitching their wagon to Majors' star as the new big villain ... but those plans changed once he got caught up in this DV case.

They say the next 'Avengers' movie -- which was going to be called 'The Kang Dynasty' -- is now not going to include Majors' character's name at all ... and they're rewriting the next slate of films to either cut out Kang altogether, or to seriously sideline him and make him a footnote in the larger plot. It's a heavy lift, but everyone expected that to be the case.

The more interesting tidbit here in this report is the notion that Marvel/Disney had apparently already made a decision in terms of where they wanted to go with Kang and Majors.

THR, citing sources, says Marvel was already making moves to minimize Kang's involvement in future movies -- and the apparent reason ... money. It sounds like Majors' appearance in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' wasn't a financial success (it definitely wasn't) and because of that ... they felt audiences just weren't in the mood for more Kang.

The movie made $476 million globally through its theatrical run ... but by superhero movie standards, that's pretty trash. So, on its face ... it sounds like Majors' fate was sealed.

Dakota Johnson's trying to avoid a sticky situation ... saying watching her movies could land her in an existential crisis -- which is why she says she hasn't seen her own new movie yet.

The actress made the stunning confession about "Madame Web" -- the superhero flick which she leads, and which is out in theaters now -- during an interview with Magic Radio ... admitting she's more likely to sneak out the back of the theater than stay for her own premiere, which she apparently did this week ahead of the official release of her flick.

It's a move she's clearly put to good use ... 'cause DJ says she still hasn't watched 'MW,' even now -- and it doesn't seem there are any plans to peep in the near future.

And, it's not just watching herself on the big screen that seems to be an issue for Johnson either ... 'cause she doesn't even seem interested in watching the flick at home -- adding she might watch the movie "someday" ... but sounding thoroughly disinterested.

Dakota says she's watched some of her movies, but admits she doesn't really like to view them -- saying she feels she could get hit with an existential crisis while watching one of her movies ... and comparing avoiding her films to "self-care."

It's not totally uncommon for stars not to watch their movies ... Constance Wu, Jesse Eisenberg, Helena Bonham Carter and Adam Driver are just a few of Hollywood's best and brightest who pass on watching their movies.

Gwyneth Paltrow's famous for giving interviews where she's basically admitted to having no idea what's happening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ... despite appearing in seven Marvel films -- so it doesn't seem to be a requirement for giving great performances.

BTW ... it might be a good thing Johnson avoids watching her movies or googling herself -- 'cause 'Web' is getting absolutely blasted by both critics and audiences.

The movie -- following clairvoyant Cassandra Webb (Johnson) who tries to protect three women from a mysterious adversary -- has a 14% critics score and a 55% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes ... numbers well below the typical Marvel film.

There's a new 'Spider-Man' movie out this week that's all about the ladies -- the premiere for which runs the risk of getting you stuck on our page ... 'cause they were oozing sex appeal.

Of course, we're talking about "Madame Web"-- which stars Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts and other female actors who lead the charge in fighting bad guys on the big screen. In front of cameras, though ... they were also leaving a mark.

Sydney, specifically, looked gorgeous ... with a body-hugging dress that was web-themed, and which fit her like a glove. Yeah, she was kinda pouring out of this thing -- tastefully, that is.

Dakota herself also turned heads with her outfit -- she had on this mesh/see-through gown that made it seem like she was completely naked underneath ... even though, she really wasn't. On the contrary, she had on a skin-colored leotard beneath her main dress.

Still, she was definitely allowing people's imagination to run wild ... and on both counts -- between Sydney and Dakota -- they certainly made a splash for their superhero flick.

Other cast members showed off their sweet duds as well ... Celeste O'Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahar Rahim, Adam Scott, Zosia Mamet and more. Everyone was dressed to the nines.

And, while everyone looked stunning ... it bears repeating, SS and DJ stole the show here.

Anyway, "Madame Web" hits theaters starting Wednesday -- but the box office projections for the movie are looking a little grim from the outset ... word is, it very well may flop.