Rueben's Ramblings

The first full day of New York Comic Con 2018 got underway today with loads and loads of panels, focusing on upcoming movies; new, streaming and returning TV shows; special salutes to young adult novels and so much more.

Naturally, it’s impossible to focus on every single panel that took place today, but the following includes brief details, pictures and/or trailers for just some of the panels that were on the schedule; and some cool pictures of just some of the cosplayers.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Broadway Play)

The panel included original cast members of the Broadway play – Jamie Parker (Harry Potter), Noma Dumezweni (Hermione Granger), Paul Thornley (Ron Weasley), Poppy Miller (Ginny Potter), Sam Clemmett (Albus Severus Potter), Alex Price (Draco Malfoy), and Anthony Boyle (Scorpius Malfoy) – who were attending the event for the very first time. Naturally, they were grilled on their Potter knowledge and shared their audition experiences.

The audience was also treated to a clip from the show – a first for the production; and the composer, Imogen Heap, debuted an exclusive track from the upcoming album, which will be available for purchase on November 2. (Syfy Wire)

(L-R back row) Poppy Miller, Joshua De Jesus, Sam Clemmett, Malika Samuel, Joey LaBrasca, James Brown III, Paul Thornley, (L-R front row) Olivia Bond and Jack Hatcher [Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America)

The Limit – The New VR Series (STX Entertainment)

Filmmaker Robert Rodriquez and his son Racer Rodriguez (aka Racer Max) are working together on the VR world of The Limit, the first-person immersive cinema experience that will star actress Michelle Rodriguez (Lost and Fast & Furious franchise) and Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead) on the STXsurreal app by STX Entertainment. Michelle will play a genetically enhanced weapon that goes after the people who created her.

The idea to go into the VR territory actually came from Racer when his dad asked him if he wanted to write a movie. It’s Robert’s belief that the format holds untapped potential beyond the world of video games. The father-son team turned a script around in only two weeks’ time.

The Limit has a running time of around 20 minutes, and will be available starting Nov. 20 for all VR platforms. (Syfy Wire)

Watchmen – Dave Gibbons Talks TV Series (HBO)

Watchmen artist and co-creator Dave Gibbons shared his thoughts on Damon Lindelof’s upcoming “remix” of the iconic work done by him and author Alan Moore. Gibbons has gone on the record praising the new series, but he didn’t have a lot of information he was able to share. But, he did say that after reading the script for the pilot episode, it “absolutely blew me away.”

Lindelof’s idea for Watchmen is setting the story some 30 years after the events of the comic, telling an all-new story with all-new characters. That intrigued Gibbons and he thinks making a series based in the world that Watchmen created couldn’t have come at a better time, given the current popularity of superheroes. (Syfy Wire)

The Man in the High Castle Cast (Amazon)

The attendees of the panel got to see a screening of the premiere of the third season of the Amazon series along with a panel of actors and producers who discussed what’s to come. “We took two chapters from a sequel he was writing to the novel,” said Isa Dick Hackett, executive producer and daughter of Philip K. Dick, who wrote the novel on which the show is based. “We’re not taking away from the spirit of the novel. It was an anti-fascist novel; it was his lifelong fear.”

One of those unconventional ways, according to executive producer David Zucker, comes from a surprisingly positive angle. “This season embraces hope,” he said. “Seeing where those inspirations individually and completely come from.”

The audience also got a surprise during the panel: a behind-the-scenes video for the fourth season, which is currently in production.

The Man in the High Castle will stream its third season tomorrow, October 5 on Amazon Prime. (The Hollywood Reporter)

The Man in the High Castle Video:

A Conversation with David Boreanaz

The SEAL Team star – and former Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bones and Angel alum – hit up the stage to discuss his 21 consecutive years of work on TV. Of course, the new version of Buffy came up, meeting with an audible round of boos from the packed ballroom. But, Boreanaz quickly shut down the negative reaction. “Come on, guys. It’s a good thing. Let’s just embrace [it]. I’m very happy for them. They want to embrace a new generation, something new. I hope that it becomes huge and successful, and does what it does.” But, he did share that, “We’re proud of that. If someone can step in my shoes and play my character, f*ck, go ahead! I think that’s great, because I ain’t putting on that makeup anymore!”

He also spoke about his current show – SEAL Team – stating “I consider these guys true superheroes. It’s a fascinating journey I’m on with this show.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

[Photo Credit: Shutterstock, Courtesy of 20th Television, TV Line]

Siren (Freeform)

The Freeform mermaid drama Siren will return for its second season on January 24 and the attendees of the show’s panel got to not only see a trailer for the upcoming season but also see the cast – Eline Powell (Ryn), Alex Roe (Ben), and Fola Evans-Akingbola (Maddie) and executive producers Emily Whitesell and Eric Wald – in person.

The cast opened up about filming the series, hinting what viewers should expect in January (hint: MORE mermaids!). They also shared their takes on the show’s central love triangle and its fine-tuned feminist message.

The executive producers also announced the October 18 launch of a contest where one lucky fan will win the chance to swim with the mermaids on the Vancouver set of Siren and have their photo featured in the show. Check out the details here.  (TV Insider)

Siren Season 2 Trailer:

Zachary Levi Talks Shazam! (Box Office Film)

Zachary Levi talked about his upcoming box office film Shazam! saying, “It’s Big meets Superman. There’s levity built into it. It’s not that it skews younger. It just happens to have ‘younger’ in its nature.”

The film, coming out on April 5, 2019, will center on foster child Billy Batson, a teenager able to transform into the titular adult superhero Shazam. Batson derives his heroic attributes by saying, “Shazam,” an acronym for the ancient-world gods and historical figures Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury.

Levi joked that “I’m basically playing myself. I get to play a 14-year-old, which is very natural to me because I am a man-child.” (Deadline)

[Photo Credit: MediaPunch/REX/Shutterstock/Deadline]

Origin (You Tube)

The new You Tube series Origin will debut on November 14 and includes among its cast Harry Potter alums Tom Felton and Natalia Tena.

The 10-episode series follows a group of outsiders who find themselves abandoned on a ship bound for a distant land, who must work together for survival. But they quickly realize that one of them is far from who they claim to be.

The series was created by Mika Watkins, who shared how she conceived the show, “I grew up watching a lot of sci-fi and horror, but I don’t like being scared. I like scaring people.” Felton shared that, “I’d never read or seen anything like it

Watkins also talked about populating her interstellar vessel with a diverse crew. “It’s about a global colonization project, which makes it so much richer (with a diverse cast).” (Deadline and Syfy Wire)

Origin Trailer:

Cosplayers Galore:

[Photo Credit: Brooklyn Vegan-Amanda Hatfield]

[Photo Credit: Gamespot]

[Photo Credit: IGN]

More convention coverage coming tomorrow…