NEXT STOP EVERYWHERE Episode 14: "Spearhead from Space" is Up!

"What are you a doctor of, by the way?"
"Practically everything, my dear."

What, did you think we were done until Christmas?  Yes, my good friend and co-host Jesse Jackson and I are back with another episode of Next Stop Everywhere: The Doctor Who Podcast!  Ah, but this time, we reverse the polarity back to Jon Pertwee's first story as the Third Doctor, "Spearhead from Space"!

Exploring this 1970 classic from Season 7 of the original series of Doctor Who, Jesse and I discuss things like watching classic stories from a modern fan's perspective, classic vs. modern story pacing, the Third Doctor's exile on Earth by the Time Lords, the greatness of Liz Shaw, the return of Brigadier Alastair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart and UNIT, the first appearance of the Autons and the Nestene Consciousness, the Third Doctor's mysterious tattoo, the prototype Bessie, UNIT as an agency of the United Nations, the Doctor's complete disinterest in money, reversing our Reverse the Polarity segment, and more!

And for those who still aren't aware of this yet, we're available on iTunes RIGHT HERE as well as Stitcher RIGHT HERE, so please subscribe and tell your friends about us. If you're looking for direct MP3 downloads, you can find them RIGHT HERE as well. Oh, and don't forget we have an officially official Next Stop Everywhere Facebook page and Twitter account, so be sure to Like and/or Follow us, okay?

Be sure to come on back in two weeks for our review of the Tom Baker classic, "Pyramids of Mars," and look for more of Next Stop Everywhere on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher and the Southgate Media Group website!

Syfy Developing Superman Prequel Series KRYPTON

And here you thought Smallville was the beginning of the Superman legend...

The Hollywood Reporter has word that the Superman prequel series Krypton has landed at Syfy, with Man of Steel screenwriter David S. Goyer and Once Upon a Time's Ian Goldberg scripting the pilot and executive producing.

According to the article, Krypton will be from Warner Horizon Television and DC Comics, and "takes place years before the Superman legend we know, when the House of El was shamed and ostracized.  This drama, which is in development, follows the Man of Steel's grandfather as he brings hope and equality to Krypton, turning a planet in disarray into one worthy of giving birth to the greatest Super Hero ever known."

First rumored at the end of October, Krypton is the latest in an ever-growing listing of DC Comics properties adapted for television, after Titans on TNT, Preacher on AMC, Supergirl on CBS, and The CW's upcoming iZombie joining existing shows Arrow, Gotham, The Flash and Constantine.

Syfy continues to focus on more space operas and less cheesy, low-budget projects such as Sharknado, which have discouraged science fiction fans that flocked to the cable network with the remake of Battlestar Galactica.  Current series as Defiance and the upcoming Ascension and 12 Monkeys bring hope that Syfy is finally making an effort to recapture their roots instead of settling for the lowest common denominator.

Created in 1939 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the fictional planet Krypton first appeared in Superman (vol.1) #1 in a brief origin that merely stated, "Just before the doomed planet, Krypton, exploded to fragments, a scientist placed his infant son within an experimental rocket-ship, launching it toward Earth!"  Over the years, the history of the planet was developed further, with revelations that in addition to Superman, his cousin Supergirl, Supergirl's parents Zor-El and Allura, his dog Krypto, Argo City, and various Phantom Zone criminals had escaped the planet's destruction.

The destruction of Krypton has been reimagined numerous times, including the limited series Man of Steel by John Byrne, Superman: Birthright by Mark Waid and Leinil Francis Yu, and Superman: Secret Origin by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank.  It's also featured prominently in the films Superman (1978), Superman II and Man of Steel, and has appeared in various television series including Adventures of Superman, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Smallville.  In addition, Krypton has turned up in animated projects including the Superman cartoon shorts from Fleischer Studios, Super Friends and Superman: The Animated Series.

Charles Discusses CONSTANTINE & GOTHAM on JKL Media!

Somewhere, Papa Midnite is laughing to himself...

In the tradition of great comic book crossovers, the lovely folks at JKL Media Podcast were kind enough to invite yours truly over for a lively discussion of four DC Comics television shows currently on the air -- Constantine, Gotham, Arrow and The Flash.  And considering the J and the K of JKL are Jesse Jackson and Karen Lindsay, co-hosts with me on Next Stop Everywhere and Dangerous Habits, I could hardly pass, now could I?

Well, together with the L, one Lou Sytsma, the discussion ended up being so lively that it needed to be split into two parts, but the good news is, Part One has now been posted!

Joining together from the cosmic reaches of the universe, we talk about our various comic book backgrounds, Marvel vs. DC allegiances, the awesomeness of Papa Midnite, Constantine having a Dresden Files vibe, past Doctor Who comics connections, treating comics TV shows as an alternate universe, adapting the series Gotham Central, producing a podcast on the fly, and more!

So my many thanks to Jesse, Karen and Lou for providing me an outlet for some of these random thoughts flittering across my brain and for generally being such wonderful people.  If you'd like to check out "DC Universe TV Part One," you can listen to it HERE in glorious MP3 goodness.  And if you'd like to hear more JKL Media, check out their previous episodes right HERE.

Part Two with Arrow and The Flash coming soon!

Mark Hamill Reprising The Trickster on THE FLASH

Somewhere in Hollywood, Joyce Hyser is waiting patiently with her cell phone in the hopes of reprising Megan Lockhart.

Hitfix reports that in another nod to the original 1990-91 television series, the CW series The Flash will feature the return of Mark Hamill in his role of James Jesse, better known to DC Comics fans as The Trickster.  The character will appear in the 17th episode of the show's first season.

According to a character description provided in the article, "Mark Hamill returns in a brand new interpretation of James Jesse (aka The Trickster), a role he originated on the 90's 'Flash' series.  In this new iteration, The Trickster is an anarchist terrorist con man serving a life sentence in Iron Heights who helps Barry (Grant Gustin) and Det. West (Jesse L. Martin) to foil the city-wide attacks of a wannabe Trickster eagerly following in the original's deadly footsteps.  The episode will reunite him with John Wesley Shipp who went up against him as the original 'Flash' on the CBS version."

Flash executive producer Andrew Kreisberg said, "Having Mark reprise his role as The Trickster was on our original wish list when we were planning our version of The Flash.  Christmas and Chanukah came early for us this year when he said yes!  We are beyond humbled and excited to have him joining us for another round of deadly trickery!"

Hamill will be the third actor from the 1990-91 series to appear in the new version, after John Wesley Shipp, who now plays Barry Allen's father Henry, and Amanda Pays, who will be reprising her role as Dr. Tina McGee.  He previous appeared in the episodes "The Trickster" and the series finale "Trial of the Trickster."  In addition, Hamill reprised the role on the animated series Justice League Unlimited for the episode "Flash and Substance."

Created in 1960 by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, The Trickster first appeared in The Flash (vol.1) #113 as James Jesse, a circus acrobat who decided to become a criminal like his reversed name, Jesse James.  He invented shoes that would allow him to walk on air and various gag gadgets that he used in his crimes and soon became a member of the Rogues.  He eventually reformed for a time, paving the way for a new Trickster, Axel Walker, who currently serves as the New 52 version of the character.

The Flash airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. EST on The CW.

A.K.A. JESSICA JONES Casts Krysten Ritter as...Jessica Jones

Get ready for a veritable onslaught of F-bombs.

The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Krysten Ritter has been cast in the lead role of Jessica Jones in A.K.A. Jessica Jones, the second Marvel Cinematic Universe series to air on Netflix.  Airing sometime after Daredevil, the series will also be 13 episodes that lead up to The Defenders miniseries that unites the two Marvel Comics characters along with Luke Cage and Iron Fist. 

Jones is described in the article as "a superhero suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder that leads to her hanging up her costume and opening up her own detective agency, where she ends up helping people and assisting other superheroes."

Marvel confirmed the news on its site, providing the show's official title as well. 

"Krysten brings both the hard edge and the vulnerability the role demands," said executive producer/showrunner Melissa Rosenberg.  "We can't wait for fans to see her in action, coming to Netflix in 2015."

"Krysten Ritter has the type of range, spanning the comic to the tragic, that makes for the stuff of the best Marvel heroes," said Jeph Loeb, executive producer/Marvel's Head of Television.  "As Jessica Jones, Krysten will bring one of the most beloved new characters of the past decade to life in a way we know will delight her longtime fans and introduce her to many more."

The 32-year-old actress is best known as Jane Margolis on the AMC series Breaking Bad and recent starred in the ABC series Don't Trust the B--- in Apartment 23.  Ritter also appeared in the television and movie versions of Veronica Mars as Gia Goodman and has had roles on The Blacklist, Gossip Girl and Gilmore Girls.

Created in 2001 by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos, Jessica Jones first appeared in the Marvel MAX series Alias #1 as a former superhero turned private investigator.  As high school student Jessica Campbell, she was riding in a car with her family until it was collided with a military convoy transporting radioactive materials.  Jessica's family was killed, and after spending months in a coma, she awoke during the first arrival of Galactus to find that she had super-strength, limited invulnerability and flight.

Taking the superhero identity of Jewel, Jessica had a fairly uneventful career until she encountered the Purple Man during disturbance at a restaurant.  The Purple Man used his power of mind control and kept her under his command for eight months until she accidentally encountered the Scarlet Witch at Avengers Mansion.  The resulting battle with The Vision and Iron Man left her in another coma for months, under the care of S.H.I.E.L.D., until she was brought out by Jean Grey of the X-Men.  The personal violation by the Purple Man left her demoralized, so she gave up life as a superhero and opened a detective agency.  She later became romantically involved with Luke Cage and the two had a child, Danielle Cage, eventually marrying.  After the events of Dark Reign, Jessica resumed her costumed identity as Jewel and joined Luke as a member of the New Avengers.

Jessica Jones is expected to air sometime in 2015 on Netflix.

James Bond Will Officially Return in SPECTRE

At last, the 24th James Bond film has been officially announced, which will be called Spectre.  Daniel Craig returns for his fourth film as OO7, once again directed by Sam Mendes (Skyfall) with a screenplay by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan.

And yes, there's an official press release...

James Bond Producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today released the title of the 24th James Bond adventure, SPECTRE. The film, from Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his fourth film as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007. SPECTRE begins principal photography on Monday, December 8, and is set for global release on November 6, 2015.

Along with Daniel Craig, Mendes presented the returning cast, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Rory Kinnear as well as introducing Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci and Andrew Scott. Mendes also revealed Bond's sleek new Aston Martin, the DB10, created exclusively for SPECTRE.

A cryptic message from Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

The 007 production will be based at Pinewood Studios, and on location in London, Mexico City, Rome and Tangier and Erfoud, in Morocco. Bond will return to the snow once again, this time in Sölden, along with other Austrian locations, Obertilliach, and Lake Altaussee.

Commenting on the announcement, Wilson and Broccoli said, "We're excited to announce Daniel's fourth installment in the series and thrilled that Sam has taken on the challenge of following on the success of SKYFALL with SPECTRE."

Written by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, Director of Photography is Hoyte van Hoytema and Editor is Lee Smith. Production Designer, Dennis Gassner returns along with Costume Designer, Jany Temime and Composer, Thomas Newman. Action Specialist, Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director. Stunt Coordinator is Gary Powell, SFX Supervisor is Chris Corbould, and Visual Effects Supervisor is Steve Begg.

Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, was a worldwide box office phenomenon, opening #1 in 70 territories around the world, taking over $1.1 billion worldwide and setting a new all-time box office record in the UK by becoming the first film to take over £100 million.

The full principal cast list includes:

• Daniel Craig as James Bond
• Cristoph Waltz as Oberhauser
• Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann
• Monica Belluci as Lucia Sciarra
• Ralph Fiennes as M
• Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny
• Ben Whishaw as Q
• Rory Kinnear as Bill Tanner
• Andrew Scott as Denbigh
• Dave Bautista as Mr. Hinx

Although listed as "Oberhauser," Waltz has been rumored to be playing none other than Ernst Stavro Blofeld, head of the fictional global terrorist organization SPECTRE, who previously appeared in the James Bond films You Only Live Twice (1967, played by Donald Pleasance), On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969, played by Telly Savalas), Diamonds Are Forever (1971, played by Charles Gray), and Never Say Never Again (1983, played by Max von Sydow).



SUICIDE SQUAD Announces Cast, Confirms Jared Leto as The Joker

So...any takers on who won't be coming home?

The Hollywood Reporter has word that Warner Bros. has officially announced the cast for Warner Bros. Pictures’ new action adventure Suicide Squad, based on the DC Comics team of supervillains.  The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The film, to be directed by Fury's David Ayer, will star two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness, Ali) as Deadshot; Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises, Mad Max: Fury Road) as Rick Flagg; Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, Focus) as Harley Quinn; Oscar winner Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club, Alexander) as The Joker; Jai Courtney (Divergent, A Good Day to Die Hard) as Boomerang; and Cara Delevingne (Anna Karenina, Pan) as Enchantress.

In making the announcement, Silverman said, "The Warner Bros. roots are deep on this one.  David Ayer returns to the studio where he wrote Training Day and brings his incredible ability to craft multidimensional villains to this iconic DC property with a cast of longtime Warner collaborators Will Smith and Tom Hardy, and other new and returning favorites: Margot, Jared, Jai and Cara.  We look forward to seeing this terrific ensemble, under Ayer’s amazing guidance, give new meaning to what it means to be a villain and what it means to be a hero."

Ayer is also writing the script for Suicide Squad, which is being produced by Charles Roven (The Dark Knight trilogy, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) and Richard Suckle (American Hustle).  Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Colin Wilson and Geoff Johns are serving as executive producers.

Jesse Eisenberg, who was rumored to be involved with the movie as his Batman v Superman character Lex Luthor, is not part of the official team, nor the official cast, according to sources.  However, that doesn't rule out a cameo appearance for him or other actors playing villains or heroes in the movie.

Created in 1959 by Robert Kanigher and Ross Andru, the Suicide Squad first appeared in The Brave and the Bold (vol.1) #25 as a team consisting of Rick Flag, his girlfriend Karin Grace, Dr. Hugh Evans, and Jess Bright.  The team was revamped in 1987's Legends #3 and spun off into the popular first Suicide Squad series by John Ostrander and Luke McDonnell, with Flag returning under the direction of Amanda Waller to oversee a new team of supervillains and heroes including Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Enchantress, Bronze Tiger and Nightshade.  In the recent New 52 continuity, Deadshot leads the current team that includes Harley Quinn, King Shark, Black Manta, Deathstroke and The Joker's Daughter.

Suicide Squad is scheduled to arrive in theaters on August 5, 2016.