https://blacknerdproblems.com/finally-the-multiverse-is-less-white/

Welp. The movies and tv shows have officially begun to catch up with the comics in terms of absolute ridiculousness. The barriers of space and time have been rendered inconsequential and the multiverse is starting to take center stage. Decisions made in a split-second splinter into infinite possibilities, versions, and combinations of characters that can sometimes be inspiring, creepy, or mind boggling. Most of the time, like in Marvel’s anthology series, What If…?, the result is pretty much always nerd service of the highest order. It almost gets a little meta because current iterations of some characters and stories we see being touted as movie universe canon spawn from years of comic interdimensional madness.

So, maybe now, the multiverse won’t be so darned white. One popular tradition in Hollywood is the idea that a story with white leads can whitewash a usually diverse place with their very presence. For example, anyone who ever watched Friends probably can’t remember seeing more than two Black people in their iteration of New York….bonus points for a speaking role, daily double for a line that actually incurred a laugh track. Friends NY didn’t even have any good stereotypes of color. Even in the most gentrified parts of the Big Apple, surely Joey Tribbiani would have run into a dude trying to sell him a mixtape. All that time spent commuting and we never heard a dance troupe yell “SHOWTIME” on the train? Now, take that lack of representation and multiply it times an entire universe.

Remember that show, Sliders, where a dudebro scientist opened a random portal through the multiverse and took his friends through it without any way to return home? Remember the Black guy….a blues musician? Ignoring how nonsensical it is to take a Blues musician joy riding through the dangers of all space and time, see if you can recall how many counterpart versions of the Black guy you ever saw on Sliders. Because I remember exactly none.

But now look at us making power moves in this sector. Loki went on a six episode Doctor Who adventure with the blonde, smarter version of himself to destroy the time/space continuum branch of Dunder Mifflin, and they find a Black man holding it all together! And the second Sylvie delivers his sudden, untimely fade, the multiverse immediately descends into chaos. See what happens when you keep Black owned businesses off the field? In fact, even the Watcher, omnipresent observer of all things possible and impossible across the multiverse….is a Black dude. And it’s not just that he’s being voiced by the incomparable Jeffrey Wright, but let’s unpack how important that is real quick. Even though the Watcher is a longtime staple in Marvel’s comic lore, the What If…? cartoon series is a hit and has propelled the character into the collective consciousness. And the voice a generation will hear in their head for the foreseeable future is likely going to be Jeffery Wright. Going forward, you’ll be hard pressed to imagine any other voice when the Watcher appears.

It’s like how hard it is to separate Josh Brolin’s voice from Thanos. I couldn’t help but hear the Mad Titan instead of Gurney recently when I was watching Dune. That’s gonna be Jeffrey Wright every time you watch Westworld going forward or even when he shows up as Jim Gordon in the upcoming Batman film. That’s powerful on his own, but on top of all that, he’s depicted holding his own in a fight. The Watcher is a Black dude with gravitas and hands!
And that’s not even mentioning the representation of fixed-point characters in time.

I grew up with the DCAU cartoons where the lesson was that Lex Luthor is repugnant in just about every timeline…even when he’s not a villain. And Superman is represented as the one main symbol of good throughout the infinite possibilities of the multiverse. Now, we see characters like T’Challa who is depicted as an inspiring figure even when he’s a rogue intergalactic treasure hunter (and basically an entertaining tribute to the great Chadwick Boseman himself). And then there’s his cousin Killmonger whose treachery transcends time and space. He’s shown in What If…? stabbing Tony Stark in the back and lying his way to the Wakandan throne. This is only to playing along as a “Guardian of the Multiverse” long enough to pump fake his teammates and steal the infinity stones for himself as a play to ascend to godhood. Mr. Hey Auntie has come a long way since poisoning white women’s pumpkin spice lattes.

And honestly, this is just the beginning if writers don’t backslide and keep the landscape as diverse as it has become in the past few years. Anything’s possible. One day soon, there will be a generation of kids who can’t remember a time when Spider-Man wasn’t a Black kid in Jordans. I mean…we can dream, right?

Cover image via The News Motion

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The post Finally, the Multiverse is Less White appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

https://www.themarysue.com/2021-book-gift-guide-kids/

With Diwali kicking off the holiday season and a supply chain issue in books (and everything at this point), now is the time to get those book orders in. Each of our four bookish gift guides this year will feature a handful of books, age recommendations, and more. If you know a voracious reader who prefers a challenge, then don’t worry—other guides will include a preteens list and a YA+ list. The adult gift guide won’t be books, and that’s all I can say about that right now!

While we love a good classic or celebrity book—looking at you, Lupita N’yongo—these books by authors/illustrators were released in the last three years. Each pick notes some themes and a general age recommendation, useful whether you’re looking to donate a book or you know the kiddos personally. Either way, they’re reading.

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade

This story follows one young water protector taking a stand against a black snake threatening to destroy the earth and poison the water. While fictionalized, this book takes inspiration from the many Indigenous-led environmental movements in North America. Releasing a few months ago, We Are Water Protectors is already seeing widespread recognition and success.

This story touches on Indigenous heritage, the environment, and health. Recommended age range is two to seven or those in preschool to first grade.

Coquí in the City by Nomar Perez

Based on the author/illustrator’s own experience, this book is about a boy who moved from Puerto Rico to New York City. At first, Miguel is homesick and feels frustrated because he misses the food, his neighbors, his Abuelo’s stories and his pet frog, Coquí. However, Miguel soon learns there’s actually a lot in common and finds unique ways to keep Puerto Rico with him.

This story touches on new experiences, moving, disability, and family. Recommended age range is three to seven, or those in preschool to second grade.

Carol and the Pickle Toad by Esme Shapiro

A complete coincidence that there are two amphibians on this list, but if frogs carry wisdom, maybe we should listen? Anyways, Carol has used her bossy toad hat to guide her through life, and when a pigeon plucks it away, Carol is unsure what to do. She makes another hat, and it, too, is taken from her—the funny, heart-warming story about a girl learning to be self-reliant and listen to her own heart.

This story touches on self-esteem. Recommended age range is four to eight, or those in kindergarten to third grade.

The Pronoun Book: She, He, They, and Me! by Cassandra Jules Corrigan and illustrated by Jem Milton

In early grade school, we learn what pronouns are and how to use them, meaning a conversation about others’ pronouns should fit nicely into what kids are already learning. Corrigan and Milton’s picture book explains what they are, how to use them, and what to do if you accidentally misgender someone.

This book actually comes out December 3, so if pre-ordering just to reship is an issue, They She He Me: Free to Be! by Maya Christina Gonzales and Mathew SG is a good choice—especially if you want a book to introduce them to the topic younger.

This story touches on identity, language, and self-esteem. Recommended age range is five to nine, or those in second to third grade.

Who Is Florence Price? by students of the Kaufman Music Center

Tracing her life as a musician who defied both racial and gender expectations, the middle schoolers of the Kaufman Music Center in NYC wrote and illustrated this book about Florence Price. Price is the first Black woman to be recognized as a symphony composer and performed at a major American orchestra in 1933. The collaborative, short book releases November 18.

This story touches on perseverance, racism, sexism, and music history. While there is no official age range I could find, this seems ideal for those 7+.

The Reign: North and South America by C Nichole and illustrated by Sailesh Acharya

The second book in the Reign series (doesn’t have to be read in order) is a non-fiction picture book exploring 20 ethnic groups of the African Diaspora within North and South America. Each entry features illustrations and historical information, and shows the similarities and differences between these groups.

Recommended age range is 8+, or those in third to fifth grade.

Red, White, and Whole by Rajani Larocca

The first chapter book on this particular list, Red, White, and Whole, is a novel told in verse. As the only Indian-American student in her school, Reha feels like she has to live two different lives—one at home to please her family and one at school to fit in. Though Reha feels most disconnected from her mother, Amma, this is challenged when she finds that her mother is very, very sick. Reha is determined to become a doctor to aid Amma’s pain and be the “perfect daughter” to help her mother feel more comfortable.

This story touches on immigration, emotions, long-term illness, and poetry. Recommended age range is 8+, or those in third to seventh grade.

The Last Human by Lee Bacon

Like the previous entry, the final entry is another chapter book and can be a child’s first introduction to (non-picture book) science fiction. Thirty years after humans went extinct, a twelve-year-old robot (XR_935) has known nothing but peace and prosperity. Things change, however, when the impossible occurs as XR_935 finds a human girl named Emma.

Together with two other robots, they embark on a journey for answers. Did I mention the perspective is in the first person with the robot being the main narrator?! If that didn’t sound exciting enough, The Last Human is set to be adapted into a movie by the same producers of the best Spider-Man film, Into the Spider-Verse.

This story touches on friendship and dystopian society. Recommended age range is 8+, or those in third to seventh grade.

—

If you feel so inclined, there are many great books lists on the several articles we have about conservatives banning or “reviewing” books because they dare talk about race, gender, etc. (From Pennsylvania to Texas.)  Either way, keep on the lookout for the upcoming gift guides in the books sections and other places on The Mary Sue!

(image: Quill Tree Books, Roaring Brook Press, and Tundra Books (NY))

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The post TMS 2021 Gift Guide: World Expanding, Confidence Building Books for Kids Under 10! first appeared on The Mary Sue.

https://www.themarysue.com/cynthia-erivo-and-ariana-grande-elphaba-galinda-in-wicked-movie/

After 84 years, Universal has finally found their leads for the long-delayed Wicked movie: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

First a book by Gregory Maguire, Wicked was adapted and greatly transformed into the 2003 Broadway musical that has gone on to generate more than $1 billion in ticket sales and become a great soundtrack for AMV makers. Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics, and Winnie Holzman wrote the book for the Broadway version.

The musical is a take on the Wizard of Oz from the perspective of Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, who meet in college and, through destiny and mixed racial metaphors, are forced to choose different paths. There is also a dude in it, but he doesn’t matter.

Universal has had an adaptation of the musical in the works since 2004, says The Hollywood Reporter, and this upcoming film is to be directed by In the Heights’ Jon M. Chu. Erivo will play Elphaba, while Grande will play Glinda.

Cynthia Erivo, is an English actress who won a Tony Award for playing Celie in The Color Purple revival and became an Academy Award nominee for her role in Harriet, a controversial one due to her comments about Black Americans. She is, without a doubt, a talented singer and actress with a Broadway background.

Ariana Grande, while best known for her R&B/Pop music, also has a Broadway background and was an actress before making the switch to pop music. I honestly would love to see her do a rendition of “Popular.”

This casting has gotten mixed response, due to the age of the actresses, who are supposed to play freshmen college students at the beginning of the story. Erivo is only two years older than Idina Menzel was when she originated the role, but still, that works on stage but may not in a film adaptation.

I think both women are fully capable of performing the roles, but musical adaptations are just a very mixed bag. Most don’t do well because there is something about the stage performance that is special.

As someone who has just recently seen Wicked on Broadway for the second time, I can say that the set design, production, and effects make it so much more compelling to watch. That’s especially true when Act 1 is really solid, but then Act 2 sort of us just … devolves into a rushed heteronormative love triangle with a lot of unnecessary references to The Wizard of Oz and really outdated ableism in how Nessarose/The Wicked Witch of the East is depicted.

For Wicked fans, this will be an exciting development, and hopefully it will at least do better than Cats and Dear Evan Hansen, because I don’t think the theatre kid community can take another blow.

(via THR, image: TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP via Getty Images)

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The post Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to Play Elphaba and G(a)linda in Wicked Movie Adaptation first appeared on The Mary Sue.

https://www.themarysue.com/david-ayer-cut-suicide-squad-leto-joker/

Suicide Squad director David Ayer shared an image on Twitter of Jared Leto’s Joker with the caption: “Jared Killed it. But no one knows.”

Jared killed it
But no one knows pic.twitter.com/bQxdVpUR65

— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) November 4, 2021

With the success of the “Snyder Cut” of Justice League on HBO Max, some people have been loudly supporting David Ayer as he expresses his own frustrations with the way that Warner Bros. chopped up his original Suicide Squad film.

Is there a legit possibility that Jared Leto did a good job with his performance as the Joker in Ayer’s version of Suicide Squad? Absolutely. He was good in that extended scene in the Snyder Cut—but Ayer wasn’t directing that. Leto is a good actor, and it was clear he went all-in with the Joker, which is honestly part of the problem.

Considering all that went on behind the scenes with Zack Snyder and the messy way Warner Bros. has handled DC movies, I do think they have harmed some of the earlier films. Suicide Squad could have absolutely benefited from being allowed to be an R-rated movie and had an excellent cast that was desperate to do well. However, Leto’s backstage behavior was so obnoxious that I just do not feel like rewarding him.

Jared Leto’s chaotic method acting

In case you have forgotten, Leto got very “method” and would leave his cast mates weird gifts—although he does strongly deny sending Margot Robbie a dead rat—which, for the record, she doesn’t say he did. She said he gave her a live rat, but he does say that he got her vegan cinnamon buns.

“I did a lot of things to create a dynamic to create an element of surprise, a spontaneity and to really break down any kind of walls that may be there. The Joker is somebody who doesn’t really respect things like personal space or boundaries,” he said back then.

Viola Davis shared one story about how he gave the cast a dead pig.

“He did some bad things, Jared Leto did. He gave some really horrific gifts,” Davis said. “He had a henchman who would come into the rehearsal room, and the henchman came in with a dead pig and plopped it on the table, and then he walked out. And that was our introduction into Jared Leto.”

That is just really gross behavior, and there is just something that feels gross about rewarding him for doing that on set—regardless of how good he was onscreen. Method acting by having an accent and wig on is one thing; deciding to embody chaotic energy by sending disturbing gifts to your cast mates is another. The Joker may not respect personal space or boundaries, but Jared Leto should.

Maybe Ayer is right and Leto did kill it, and we should have a larger conversation of how Warner Bros. limited the vision of its players—but one thing we can say about the Snyder Cut is that no one spoke about being method acting creeped out on it.

(image: Warner Bros.)

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The post David Ayer Again Hypes His Version of Suicide Squad With Jared Leto Joker Pic: “Jared Killed It, but No One Knows” first appeared on The Mary Sue.