Halo ActionClix CMG

Following on from the news that Kotobukiya will be releasing collectables based on the Halo franchise, now WhizKids are jumping on the Bungie bandwagon.
They have signed a licence that allows them to develop a collectable miniatures game based on the Halo universe. Around 80 miniatures are planned to begin with, covering all three entries into in the saga, with more coming in the future.

More information can be found here....

Doctor Who at Toy Fair

For a brief look at the Doctor Who products Character will be putting out over the coming months, head over here....

iPhone Legal Battle on Hold

The legal dispute between Apple and Cisco Systems over the iPhone name has been temporarily suspended.

Cisco's lawsuit has not stopped, but the two firms have agreed to extend talks aimed at "reaching agreement on trademark rights and interoperability".

The Apple iPhone, which the company has said will hit shelves in June, was launched last month in San Francisco.

Cisco immediately sued Apple for trademark infringement; Cisco has its own line of internet-enabled iPhones.

The company, which makes much of the hardware that underpins the internet, has owned the trademark on the iPhone name since 2000 after it acquired another company Infogear.

You(tube) have been warned!

The simmering tension between Hollywood and the new Google/YouTube combination exploded on Friday as Viacom demanded that the viral video giant take down every single clip of its copyrighted content after talks about a revenue sharing and distribution deal between the two companies broke down.

YouTube said it will comply with the request, though it will likely be a long process as Viacom identified more than 100,000 clips from MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount, and its other properties.

After more than a year of tolerating huge amounts of its content being illegally uploaded onto the site, Viacom is now issuing the massive legal takedown notice in an attempt to pressure Google and YouTube to bend its way in negotiations. Thus far, companies have been unable to reach terms on a formula to give Viacom a portion of the advertising money generated by its clips.

Conglom also expressed frustration that YouTube has not yet fully implemented a long-promised content identification system that would allow it to identify and automatically delete copyrighted clips, or let media partners share in the revenue from ads around the content they own, regardless of who posted it. More

Joss Whedon off Wonder Woman

From his site...You (hopefully) heard it here first: I'm no longer slated to make Wonder Woman. What? But how? My chest... so tight! Okay, stay calm and I'll explain as best I can. It's pretty complicated, so bear with me. I had a take on the film that, well, nobody liked. Hey, not that complicated.

Let me stress first that everybody at the studio and Silver Pictures were cool and professional. We just saw different movies, and at the price range this kind of movie hangs in, that's never gonna work. Non-sympatico. It happens all the time. I don't think any of us expected it to this time, but it did. Everybody knows how long I was taking, what a struggle that script was, and though I felt good about what I was coming up with, it was never gonna be a simple slam-dunk. I like to think it rolled around the rim a little bit, but others may have differing views.

The worst thing that can happen in this scenario is that the studio just keeps hammering out changes and the writer falls into a horrible limbo of development. These guys had the clarity and grace to skip that part. So I'm a free man.

Well, sorta. There is that "Goners" movie I can finally finish polishing, and plenty of other things in the hopper I've wanted to pursue. I'm as relieved as I am disappointed, and both of those things lead to drink, so that's a plus. Truly, you may be hearing some interesting things brewing in the coming months. But all potential jets therein will be visible.

But most importantly, I never have to answer THAT question again!!!! And you don't have to link to every rumor site! Finally and forever: I never had an actress picked out, or even a consistant front-runner. I didn't have time to waste on casting when I was so busy air-balling on the script. (No! Rim! There was rim!) That's the greatest relief of all. I can do interviews again!

Thanks for your time. You are the people who make the world go 'round. Or, no, science does that.

David Goyer off the Flash Movie

Superherohype reports that on the same day that Joss Whedon announced he is no longer involved with the Wonder Woman movie at Warner Bros., David Goyer has revealed at his Blog that he is not writing and directing The Flash at the studio anymore either:

Well, I've been waiting a few months to relate this news -- but I am sad to say that my version of The Flash is dead at WB. The God's honest truth is that WB and myself simply couldn't agree on what would make for a cool Flash film. I'm quite proud of the screenplay I turned it. I threw my heart into it and I genuinely think it would've been the basis of a ground-breaking film. But as of now, the studio is heading off in a completely different direction. I expect you'll hear of some new developments on that front shortly.

But in happier news, I'll soon be able to report on what I've been doing INSTEAD of The Flash. Stay tuned.

David Goyer had wanted his Blade: Trinity star Ryan Reynolds to star in the title role.

Adium 1.0 Released

Great News Mac fans, The long awaited and developed 1.0 release of the popular Mac messaging client has been released.

By far the best mac messenger so download it here

Bill Gates Doesn't 'get' the Mac vs PC ads

"I don't think the over 90 percent of the [population] who use Windows PCs think of themselves as dullards, or the kind of klutzes that somebody is trying to say they are," said Gates. "And I don't know why [Apple is] acting like it's superior. I don't even get it. What are they trying to say?" He continued, "Does honesty matter in these things, or if you're really cool, that means you get to be a lying person whenever you feel like it? There's not even the slightest shred of truth to it."

Nice one Bill,

100,000 Sign up for Glastonbury Festival

More than 100,000 people signed up for Glastonbury tickets on the first day of the festival's registration system.

The process, designed to beat ticket touts, requires fans to submit their details and a passport photo.

In return, they get a unique code, which must be quoted to buy a £150 ticket when they go on sale on 1 April.

Despite reports of problems with the website, organisers said things were "running smoothly" and reminded fans they still had a month to register.

"Our concern is that there are people out there in the world who haven't quite grasped that this is taking place," a spokesman said.

The glastonburyregistration.com registration website will be open until 28 February. Forms can also be collected from Millets camping shops.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Release Date

J.K. Rowling has announced the release date the next Harry Potter book, The Deathly Hallows. July 21, 2007.

Bond 22 Sad News

Superherohype report that Casino Royale helmer Martin Campbell told press at the Chinese premiere for the film on Monday that he would not likely be directing the next Bond film despite the global success of the 21st installment.

Campbell also directed the first Pierce Brosnan 007 film, GoldenEye.

Screenwriters Robert Wade and Neal Purvis said earlier this week that they expect shooting to start at the beginning of next year.

James Bond 22 is currently scheduled for a November 7, 2008 release with Daniel Craig returning as the super spy.

Spider-Man 2.1 DVD artwork

Harrison Ford's Indy Whip Nightmare?

According to this site... Harrison Ford has threatened to quit the new Indiana Jones movie, unless he gets to use a real whip.

The 64-year-old actor, who plays the daredevil archaeologist, was told the weapon would have to be computer generated because of new film safety rules.

Harrison branded the rule "ridiculous" and said he would pull out of the film if he couldn't wield his whip.

A source said: "The idea was to take away the risk element the whip carries.

"Safety laws have changed since the last film and movie makers have to be much more careful. Now they use computer graphics for any dangerous stuff."

We don't know if this is a real rumour or not, so try not to believe it, but if it is true... well... gah!!

Kotobukiya Grab Halo License

Excellent news... Kotobukiya announces a new partnership with Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios in order to produce collectibles based on the best-selling video game franchise.

Kotobukiya will release at a series of ARTFX Statues (12” tall vinyl figural statues) throughout 2007, featuring characters from Halo 1 & 2, as well as the eagerly anticipated Halo 3. Renowned for amazing sculpting, painting, and design, the Tokyo based company will endeavor to produce high-end merchandise for the discriminating Halo collector.

Hiruma, Deputy Chief of Kotobukiya’s Planning Division said, “We are honored to be able to work on such an incredible game. We are confident that the fans will like our stylish interpretations of the Spartans and other characters of the Halo universe!”

In order to ensure the highest possible level or accuracy and detail, all goods will be fully approved and authorized by the game creators of Bungie Studios. The Halo ARTFX Statues will be available on a worldwide basis, with character line up and release dates to be announced in the coming months.

”It’s our great pleasure to collaborate with the talented sculptors, painters and artists at Kotobukiya, and a true joy to see our favorite characters and creatures captured in this unique medium,” said Brian Jarrard of Bungie Studios.

The epic saga continues with Halo® 3, the hugely anticipated third chapter in the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo franchise. Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.

Halo 3 represents the third chapter in the Halo trilogy—an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 14.5 million units worldwide, logging more than 650 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox Live®, and spawning books, a graphic novel, apparel, an upcoming film adaptation, and now Halo’s first ever high-end statue series.

Knocked Up Posters & Trailer

The Beautiful South Split after 19 years

Pop group The Beautiful South - known for such melodious hits as Song For Whoever, A Little Time, Perfect 10 and Rotterdam - have split.

In a two-line statement, the Hull-based band, formed by former members of the Housemartins, attributed their break-up to "musical similarities".

"The band would like to thank everyone for their 19 wonderful years in music," the statement said.

The band's last album Superbi reached number six in the UK album chart.

But their most recent single - 2006's The Rose of My Cologne - barely bothered the singles chart, peaking at 99.

Coloured Shuffles!

Gah i wish i had one!

'In silver, pink, green, blue, and orange, iPod shuffle goes with everything. Put it on, turn it up, and turn some heads.'

Buy them here

2 New Underdog Images

ComingSoon.net has posted 2 exclusive new photos from Walt Disney Pictures' Underdog, the all new live-action re-imagination of the classic cartoon flying into theaters on August 3.

After an accident in the mysterious lab of maniacal scientist Dr. Simon Barsinister (Peter Dinklage), an ordinary beagle unexpectedly finds himself with unimaginable powers and the ability to speak. Armed with a fetching superhero costume, Underdog (voiced by Jason Lee) vows to protect the beleaguered citizens of Capitol City and, in particular, one beautiful spaniel named Polly Purebread (voiced by Amy Adams). When a sinister plot by Barsinister and his overgrown henchman Cad (Patrick Warburton) threatens to destroy Capitol City only Underdog can save the day.

New Star Wars Celebration Europe Blog

New from their Myspace Blog - Celebration Europe was at ExCeL last week for the British Toy Fair with a special guest, … none other than galaxies favourite Mandalorian bounty hunter, Jeremy Bulloch.

Jeremy was on hand to help promote Celebration Europe to the assembled toy trade and was escorted by three of the UK Garrison of the 501st 's finest stormtroopers who ordered crowds to 'move along' as they went. Celebration Europe received some great media attention and Jeremy was swamped for photo-calls and journalists wanting to know more about the man behind the mask and about Celebration Europe. Press coverage of Celebration Europe included an article on the BBC's website declaring it as 'a massive event' for all Star Wars fans in Europe.

We distributed 3 ultra-rare special edition post cards at the Toy Fair, 2 of which were previewed earlier on this blog, the third shows Imperial Guards standing by the gates of Buckingham Palace with Celebration Europe banners dropping from the balcony. We hope some of these cards will filter through to other shows in the next couple of weeks and intend to continue producing new cards over the coming months so keep an eye out for them! Remember we are only producing a very limited number of each card and each card is immediately retired as soon as it is distributed so if you see one grab it!

We were also pleased to welcome Steve Sansweet and Mary Franklin from Lucasfilm who were in town for a site visit to check out the ExCeL venue and make sure that plans were progressing for July. Steve and Mary were very impressed with the venue and we all wore out plenty of shoe leather scouring every inch of the facilities with floor plans in hand trying to visualize how the Galaxy of Star Wars will fit in when it takes over East London next July. A few stunning new ideas were also hatched that are sure to create great excitement… more info on that soon!

Many thanks to Jeremy and all the people we met at Toy Fair and the hugely positive vibe we got from you about our little party!

Thanks also to the UK Garrison and the services of the Empire's finest, the advanced scouting party of 3 stormtroopers looked impressive in the venue, but we could not help but get a warm fuzzy feeling thinking how much more impressive things will be when they are joined by the full invasion force of their brothers and sisters in armour from across Europe in 6 months time!

Which are you?

Mitchell and Webb, purveyors of such comedy as Peep Show and That Mitchell and Webb Look have teamed up with Apple to star in a number of rather chucklesome adverts, go watch them here...

Funniest Family Guy Clip Ever

4 Futurama DVD movies to be made!

Groening talks about future Futurama films "I was frustrated when it got cancelled, but Fox, 20th Television is the one who came back and said, 'Would you like to do a DVD movie?'" Groening recalled. We said, 'Let's do two' and they said, 'Well, why not three?' and we said, 'Well, why not four?' and they said, 'Okay, four' and then that's it."

After this, Comedy Central won a bid to air the films as new "Futurama" episodes. "We're writing them as movies and then we're going to chop them up, reconfigure them, write new material and try to make them work as separate episodes. Chopped up is an indelicate way of putting it but we are doing them as movies and then we are reconfiguring them and writing new material and narration and this that and the other so that they'll stand on their own as episodes."



With the initial market intended for DVD, Groening and crew can go a lot more extreme with the humor than they could on the air. "Those are the marching orders we gave ourselves, yes, to really try to push it and do things we might not be able to do on TV. And then Comedy Central picked up the show and we went, 'Okay, probably there's nothing we can think of that Comedy Central won't run' because I'm astonished at what I see on Comedy Central every day.""

Links to new Simpsons the Movie Images

I have no doubt they will be gone soon, so check them out here and here while you still can.

The Smashing Pumpkins Headline Rock Am Ring Festival

The Smashing Pumpkins have announced that they are headlining the Rock am Ring and Rock im Park festivals in germany, head over to smashingpumpkins.com for info on where to buy tickets.

Who is in the band billy?????

Spider-man 3 Spidersapien Demo