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In early 2018 Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss signed on with Lucasfilm. The duo behind HBO’s global phenomenon were going to make a series of Star Wars films. More than a year later they were still on track to shoot in the galaxy far, far away. But that was a long time ago. The studio eventually scrapped every film it had been developing, including the mystery project from Benioff and Weiss. Now we finally know what story they wanted to tell. It’s one Lucasfilm is still planning to bring to the screen. The pair revealed they wanted to tell a story about “The First Jedi,” a concept that sounds a lot like James Mangold’s upcoming Star Wars movie.
Benioff and Weiss will soon return to television with Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, another big budget show. Just like with George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, it’s also an adaptation of another complicated book series. It’s based on Chinese author Liu Cixin’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy.
Ahead of the show’s release they sat down with The Hollywood Reporter‘s James Hibberd to discuss their journey from the fantasy realm of Westeros to a complex sci-fi world. Along the way they made a stop in another galaxy to discuss the idea behind their unmade Star Wars project.
“We wanted to do The First Jedi,” Benioff told THR. “Basically how the Jedi Order came to be, why it came to be, the first lightsaber…” The two also joked around about how mad they were when Rian Johnson ruined their “obvious title” by naming his film The Last Jedi.
So what happened to the project? Benioff said it was simple: they “had a very specific story idea in mind” and Lucasfilm decided not to make it. That’s a tale as old as time in Hollywood, but in 2023 Lucasfilm announced James Mangold will direct a featured film called Dawn of the Jedi. It will explore the exact same concept and ancient time period Benioff and Weiss hoped to cover.
That doesn’t mean Mangold’s film will be similar to the one the Game of Thrones creators had planned. All it means is their general idea was one Lucasfilm liked. Whether that’s any consolation, or a point of aggravation, to them probably doesn’t matter. Right now all the two likely care about, though, is whether or not people like the sci-fi story they did get to tell with 3 Body Problem.
The post GAME OF THRONES Creators Share Idea for Their Scrapped STAR WARS Movie appeared first on Nerdist.
In early 2018 Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss signed on with Lucasfilm. The duo behind HBO’s global phenomenon were going to make a series of Star Wars films. More than a year later they were still on track to shoot in the galaxy far, far away. But that was a long time ago. The studio eventually scrapped every film it had been developing, including the mystery project from Benioff and Weiss. Now we finally know what story they wanted to tell. It’s one Lucasfilm is still planning to bring to the screen. The pair revealed they wanted to tell a story about “The First Jedi,” a concept that sounds a lot like James Mangold’s upcoming Star Wars movie.
Benioff and Weiss will soon return to television with Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, another big budget show. Just like with George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, it’s also an adaptation of another complicated book series. It’s based on Chinese author Liu Cixin’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy.
Ahead of the show’s release they sat down with The Hollywood Reporter‘s James Hibberd to discuss their journey from the fantasy realm of Westeros to a complex sci-fi world. Along the way they made a stop in another galaxy to discuss the idea behind their unmade Star Wars project.
“We wanted to do The First Jedi,” Benioff told THR. “Basically how the Jedi Order came to be, why it came to be, the first lightsaber…” The two also joked around about how mad they were when Rian Johnson ruined their “obvious title” by naming his film The Last Jedi.
So what happened to the project? Benioff said it was simple: they “had a very specific story idea in mind” and Lucasfilm decided not to make it. That’s a tale as old as time in Hollywood, but in 2023 Lucasfilm announced James Mangold will direct a featured film called Dawn of the Jedi. It will explore the exact same concept and ancient time period Benioff and Weiss hoped to cover.
That doesn’t mean Mangold’s film will be similar to the one the Game of Thrones creators had planned. All it means is their general idea was one Lucasfilm liked. Whether that’s any consolation, or a point of aggravation, to them probably doesn’t matter. Right now all the two likely care about, though, is whether or not people like the sci-fi story they did get to tell with 3 Body Problem.
The post GAME OF THRONES Creators Share Idea for Their Scrapped STAR WARS Movie appeared first on Nerdist.
Anime fans continue to win–everywhere! Netflix announced that the manga ONE PIECE is getting a new anime adaptation–starting from the iconic East Blue saga–making everyone in the global anime community take notice on day two of Jump Festa 2024. Titled THE ONE PIECE, this new anime series will be produced by the WIT Studio, recognized for their work on hit anime such as fan favorites SPY x FAMILY and Attack on Titan (Season 1-3).
Currently in production, THE ONE PIECE will be streamed worldwide exclusively on Netflix, marking a significant collaboration with THE ONE PIECE production committee, made up of representatives from Shueisha, Fuji Television Network, and Toei Animation Co.
In a joint statement, the committee expressed their enthusiasm for this groundbreaking project, which will be distinct from the TV anime series that has captivated audiences for over 25 years. With THE ONE PIECE, the committee aims to provide viewers with a fresh yet familiar experience, utilizing cutting-edge visual technology to reimagine Luffy’s and friends’ adventures through the beloved East Blue saga.
Written and created by Eiichiro Oda, ONE PIECE celebrated its 25th anniversary back in July 2022, having sold over 510 million comics worldwide. It is an anime that has been around as long as some of the younger anime watching members of BNP, and it is one series that they remain thankful for. The live-action ONE PIECE series, streaming exclusively on Netflix, has garnered rave reviews, some even saying that it broke the ‘anime-to-live-action-curse’, while the TV anime series produced by Toei Animation has been broadcast since 1999.
More Eiichiro Oda
2024 appears to be the year of much more One Piece and much more of mangaka and creator Eiichiro Oda–much to the awe and excitement of fans. Another manga by Oda–created when he was only 19 years old,–has also been adapted into anime for the first time! Premiering in January 2024, the action-packed Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation follows Ryuma, a samurai entangled in a world disrupted by an ominous force—a dragon capable of unleashing catastrophic destruction upon the land.
Netflix PR tells us that this anime adaptation provides a unique opportunity for fans to discover Oda’s early creative genius. Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation is also seemingly offering a fresh perspective on his storytelling prowess and a window into his imaginative world. From just the artwork we’ve been gifted we can see glimpses of greatness: we can see the roots of swordsmen, pirates, and all the ridiculousness and action of what later came in his career, and I am excited to see more as the anime industry continues to evolve! To My Siblings of the Straw Hat Grand Crew: WE STAY WINNING!
Watch Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation on Netflix in January 2024
THE ONE PIECE (A Netflix Series, anime)
Original manga by Eiichiro Oda
Production Studio: WIT STUDIO
In production now
©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, THE ONE PIECE production committee
Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation (anime)
Original manga by Eiichiro Oda
Production Studio: E&H production
Coming in January 2024
© Eiichiro Oda/SHUEISHA
ONE PIECE (A Netflix Series, Live action series)
Original manga by Eiichiro Oda
Production Studio: Tomorrow Studios
Now on Netflix (Netflix.com/OnePiece)
About Netflix:
Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services with over 247 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.
Stay tuned for more info as we get closer to the date!
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The post ‘THE ONE PIECE’ Starts a Fresh Journey into the East Blue Saga for Anime Fans appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Marvel Studios kicks off 2024 with Echo, a five-episode series centered on Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), who made her debut in 2021’s Hawkeye. It’s the first Disney+ that’s TV-MA, a promising rating for fans of Netflix’s Marvel era. Echo is also the first to launch under the Marvel Spotlight banner, which Head of Streaming Brad Winderbaum said focuses on “street-level stakes over larger MCU continuity.”
Maya’s introduction in Hawkeye gave us a glimpse into the villain’s tragic backstory, which has now been expanded by director-executive producer Sydney Freeland (Reservation Dogs), co-director Catriona McKenzie (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and head writers Marion Dayre (Better Call Saul) and Amy Rardin (Charmed reboot).
This review contains some slight spoilers for Hawkeye.
The last time we saw Maya, she had a gun pointed at her “uncle” Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), the man responsible for her father William’s (Zahn McClarnon) death. We hear a shot as the camera pulls up, leaving his fate ambiguous. Although, did anyone really think he died? Considering it was announced he’d be returning for this series and Daredevil: Born Again, it’s no spoiler that Kingpin is indeed alive, sans an eye.
But Echo doesn’t open exactly where the Hawkeye season finale left off. We start out in Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation with a young Maya Lopez, brilliantly played again by Darnell Besaw (who happens to be Alaqua Cox’s cousin), along with McClarnon reprising his role as a much happier-looking William. It’s a cozy bonfire-and-shadow-puppets-night, so of course, something awful is just around the corner: the tragic accident that led to William and Maya’s departure to New York.
Since the first episode is tasked with getting the audience caught up with Maya’s story so far, new scenes are intercut with moments from Hawkeye — little Maya asking her dad about dragons, Maya at karate practice (with a visit from “uncle”), grown-up Maya fighting at the gym, and the moment she sees her father killed by Ronin.
While it’s not totally necessary to rewatch Hawkeye to understand what’s going on, I highly recommend doing so anyway (and Daredevil if you want to get super acquainted with the world). It’s a great series on its own, but also her interactions with Clint Barton/Hawkeye/Ronin (Jeremy Renner) and longtime friend/second in command for the Tracksuit Mafia Kazimierz “Kazi” Kazimierczak (Fra Fee) are important to her character.
Picking up five months after her showdown with Fisk, Maya heads back to her hometown of Tamaha, Oklahoma, where we meet new characters Chula (Tantoo Cardinal), Maya’s maternal grandmother; Skully (Graham Greene), her kind-hearted pseudo-grandfather; and Bonnie (K. Devery Jacobs, who recently voiced Kahhori in What If…? Season 2), her cousin with whom Maya had a sisterly bond.
Maya’s real uncle, Henry “Black Crow” Lopez (Chaske Spencer), operates the local skating rink but is also involved in Fisk’s expansive empire. In an interview with BGN, Spencer discussed how Maya’s arrival affects Henry since he had a hand in moving his brother and niece to New York. “It’s something that he’s had to wrestle with. I think when Maya shows up it’s also a time for him to seek forgiveness and to forgive himself.”
Hawkeye had New York City’s criminal underground juxtaposed with the whimsical holiday season and comedic banter between the energetic Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) and her hero. And while Echo has its own moments of dark humor, including hints of levity from the instantly lovable Cousin Biscuits (Cody Lightning), the series is a stark contrast to other Disney+ fare, which Vincent D’Onofrio accurately described as emotionally and physically violent.
To say Maya is hardened would be an understatement. A lifetime of grief, exposure to a criminal empire, and the accumulated pain from losing both parents has shaped her into the ruthless warrior she is today. Fisk sees an opportunity to weaponize that pent-up rage and brings a teenage Maya into the business. The first of many intense fight sequences is a wonderfully shot 6-minute-long take, which notably features an appearance from Matt Murdock/Daredevil (Charlie Cox), last seen in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.
The brutal fight scenes are elevated by the sound design that frequently drowns out background noise, putting us into Maya’s unique perspective as someone who’s deaf but also someone beginning an emotional, rage-fueled journey. And with the imposing Kingpin as a mentor/paternal figure, the skilled martial artist is a natural when it comes to violence.
In Echo, Alaqua Cox delivers another beautifully nuanced performance as Maya Lopez, a culturally rich, badass villain whose perceived disabilities are her superpowers. The grounded, action-packed origin story possesses a deeply authentic quality thanks to the Indigenous creatives in front of and behind the camera, as well as their collaboration with the Choctaw Nation.
Fans are rightfully excited for the return of Kingpin and Daredevil and their official inclusion in the MCU. But Echo is unmistakably Maya’s story, exploring her Native American roots and how she reconnects with her estranged family as a different person, bringing so much chaos with her. The contrast between her spiritual, kind-hearted biological family and the hardness of her mob family shows that Maya Lopez truly lives in two worlds.
All five episodes of Echo drop January 9 on Disney+ and Hulu.
Photography by Oscar Ouk / Styling by Sharifa Morris By Devine Blacksher ·Updated January 9, 2024
Sexy lingerie is no longer confined to romantic occasions, as the role of intimate apparel in our lives has moved beyond the realm of personal pleasure. Now versatile garments, these pieces have become platonic companions that carry us from midday grocery runs to nights out with friends. Jazzy lingerie is the second skin we choose to dress ourselves in, a style canvas that extends far past the boundaries of Valentine’s Day or anniversary celebrations. Embracing these unmentionables as a part of our daily wardrobe is a skill worth mastering.
It can take us on a journey from dawn to dusk, where confidence and style intertwine seamlessly—featuring everything from soft, dainty bralettes to sheer bodysuits and full-on lace catsuits. Integrating them into everyday wear might seem unconventional, especially if one is accustomed to donning that see-through bustier discreetly beneath a crisp white blouse and black trouser combo. However, lingerie as outerwear opens the door to limitless styling possibilities, challenging societal norms and inviting creativity to take center stage.
Think of lingerie as an art form that’s worth the experimentation. For a chic daytime look, pair a silk camisole with high-waisted trousers and a tailored blazer to transform a mundane day at the office into a celebration of sensuality and moxie. A corset cinched over a simple dress accentuates the waist, creating a flattering silhouette that turns heads as you stride down the street. A delicate slip dress worn with a leather jacket exudes effortless glamour that’s perfect for a night on the town. And let’s not overlook the visible-panties trend, which dominated the runways of various Spring/ Summer 2024 collections and has been embraced by celebrities such as Lori Harvey. Thoughtful accessorizing with statement jewelry enhances the lingerie-as-outerwear look without overpowering it. The interplay of textures, colors and accessories, like belts or bags, also offers new avenues for self-expression.
Spicing up your wardrobe with a touch of lingerie is not just a fashion statement—it’s a glorification of our bodies, as we lovingly and unapologetically revel in our sexiness and break free from convention.
Diesel jacket, $1,150, diesel.com; Ihuoma slip, $472, Ihuoma.co; Studio Amelia heels, $369, studioamelia.co; Ottolinger bag, $637, ottolinger.com; Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela sunglasses, $550, gentlemonster.com.
Cecilie Bahnsen top, $395, ceciliebahnsen.com; Fleur du Mal baby doll top, $325, fleurdumal.com; Adeam biker shorts, price available upon request, adeam.com; Studio Amelia heels, $369, studioamelia.co; & Other Stories earrings, price available upon request, stories.com; Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela sunglasses, $680, gentlemonster.com. 
CFCL dress, $462, cfcl.jp; Poster Girl jumpsuit $289, poster-girl.com; Jimmy Choo pumps, $825, jimmychoo.com.
Moschino dress, $1,200, moschino.com; Poster Girl playsuit, $163, poster-girl.com; Versace pumps, $1,075, versace.com; Luar weekender, $760, luar.world. 
Judy Turner dress, price upon request; CFCL bralette, $82 for set, cfcl.jp; D.bleu.Dazzled thong, $50, dbleudazzled.com; Versace gloves, price upon request, select Versace boutiques.
Danz jacket, 395, danzny.com; Joah Brown tee, $82, joahbrown.com; CFCL bottoms, $82 for set, cfcl.jp; Studio Amelia heels, $369, studioamelia.co; Versace gloves, price upon request, select Versace boutiques; Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela sunglasses, $368, gentlemonster.com; Fendi bag, $4,200, fendi.com; Balenciaga bag, $4,490, balenciaga.com; Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier travel bag, $450, womenshistorymuseum.co; Archival jewelry. 
Versace jacket, $2,375, versace.com; The Frankie Shop shirts, similar styles available at thefrankieshop.com; Fleur du Mal bustier, $268, fleurdumal.com; vintage bottoms and belt; Studio Amelia heels, $369, studioamelia.co; Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela sunglasses, $368, gentlemonster.com. 
Zankov sweater, $895, ssense.com; Torlowei camisole, $549, and shorts, $371, harrods.com; Silk Laundry skirt, $155, silklaundry.com; Studio Amelia pumps, $382, studioamelia.co; Fendi bag, $4,200, fendi.com; Glasses, model’s own. Production credits: Stylist: Sharifa Morris. Models: Briana Michelle at The Industry NY and Thanowa Lual at Ford Models. Hair: Taichi Saito using Kérastase at Art Department. Makeup: Mitch Yoshida at MUSE Management. Nails: Nori Yamanaka using Dior at See Management. Casting: Paul Brickman. Photography Assistant: Logan Khidekel. Studio Manager: Claire Epstein. Stylist’s Assistant: Rashied Black.
TOPICS: fashion lingerieThe post A Guide To Styling Lingerie For All Occasions appeared first on Essence.