by Brett White

If you haven't seen "Iron Man 3" yet, then you should probably steer clear of this post. If you've made it this far without being spoiled, don't risk it today! For the rest of you, the film's screenwriter, Drew Pearce, talked candidly to io9, even addressing some of the gripes fans have had about the film.

Check out Pearce's quotes below to get a better picture of how "Iron Man 3" came to be.

When asked about the film's decidedly different take on Iron Man's most notable villain (you know, him being a bumbling, perpetually drunk actor and not a super threat), Pearce got honest.

"It was all about what we thought was most interesting," Pearce told io9. "We actually toyed with a lot of ideas and versions [of the Mandarin], and I researched every iteration from the comics — not just the ones Shane or I already new from our respective childhoods. But this was honestly the only take on it that we really loved — that felt fresh, and on the themes of the movie. Hiding behind masks, essentially, which is Tony's big problem. I really believe that where possible, the villain plot should mirror or tap into the same good stuff that the hero's journey is dealing with. This was the one way we found, through months of discussion that accomplished that ideal whilst also being entertaining and surprising."

But what about the Ten Rings, the criminal organization hinted at all the way back in the first "Iron Man"? Many fans have complained that this Mandarin fake-out contradicts prior references to the Ten Rings. Not so, says Pearce.

"[The Ten Rings] definitely exists, both historically and, I suspect, at the time of 'Iron Man 3' too. Maybe they're inactive, maybe they're plotting their own stuff — but they're a genuine terrorist threat in the [Marvel Cinematic Universe]. Hence I can't imagine they're particularly pleased about a think tank co-opting their imagery, and mashing them up into this post-modern uber-terrorist."

Pearce even addressed Aldrich Killian's sinister, third act reveal that he himself is the Mandarin, complete with cool body tattoos of dragons. But is Killian to be trusted?

"Now, I prefer to keep a little ambiguity around the concept of a 'real' Mandarin, but the movie does clearly state that it's a centuries-old war mantle that has been used many times before. Maybe it will again. But Killian found it powerful enough to purloin for his creation — and inspiring enough as a concept that it helped shape the Extremis-fueled personality he reinvented himself as... Killian is a smart guy, and he's good at thinking on his feet. He used his think tank to 'thunk up' the Mandarin and cover his tracks when the Extremis experiment guys started going hot in the field. But when the Mandarin creation started to work better than expected, he realized the artificial 'demon' might have other uses too in his drive for more power."

There. That clears up a lot, doesn't it? The rest of the interview is just as fascinating, with Pearce recounting how working on an abandoned film adaptation for Marvel's "Runaways" led to him getting the "Iron Man 3" job in the first place. Be sure to check it out at io9.

Did you like how the Mandarin was handled in "Iron Man 3"? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter!

MTV News caught up with actor Chris O'Dowd during the press junket for the animated epic "Epic." Since O'Dowd revealed via his Twitter account that he shot a date scene with Natalie Portman for "Thor: The Dark World," we just had to ask the actor about it. And while he doesn't say much about the scene (except for hinting that it may involve Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth), he did have a bit more to say about rumors that he may be up for the role of Daredevil.

Full disclosure: that's a one-man rumor that I cooked up for this article about working ol' hornhead into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I took a wild shot, saying that O'Dowd could play Matt Murdock in that date scene, and then fell in love with the idea of the Irish comedian playing Marvel's most put upon hero. And O'Dowd didn't shoot the crazy theory down!

"There's a lot of talk of that," he says, nodding. "Maybe some contract talk." Check out the video below, which also includes the fantastic Aziz Ansari.

I was honestly surprised that he didn't laugh out loud at the notion, considering he previously said he wouldn't do an action movie. Maybe he's come around? Maybe he will be Daredevil? It's more likely O'Dowd is referencing Ant-Man, though, which would be equally great. But it's even more likely that O'Dowd is just joking around with us, and playing into all the crazy theories that fans have (like my nutso Daredevil one). Either way, fun is had.

Fellow "Epic" voice actor Aziz Ansari chimed in on O'Dowd's answer, asking when Marvel was going to work some Indian dudes in so he can show up in one of those movies (Ansari's "Parks and Recreation" co-star Chris Pratt is appearing in Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy").

After noting that Marvel adapted the version of Nick Fury modeled on Samuel L. Jackson instead of the original white version of the character, Ansari imitated what he hopes movie producers would say in regards to other characters.

"'Eh, Spider-Man, let's make him an Indian guy for this one,'" imitates Ansari. "'He's a white guy in the comics but...!'"

Listen to Aziz, Marvel. Get him in a movie! And fingers crossed that O'Dowd's character in "Thor: The Dark World" is destined to come back in a future film, hopefully in a costume.

Which Marvel heroes would you want to see Chris O'Dowd or Aziz Ansari tackle? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter!

by Brett White

Director Bryan Singer's Twitter feed has been producing some gold lately, with the director following up his first TwitPic of incoming "X-Men: Days of Future Past" actor Peter Dinklage with a first look at returning star Jennifer Lawrence, decked out in Mystique's signature shade of blue.

The character looks pretty much exactly as she did in "X-Men: First Class," even if the actress is now wearing a body suit instead of body paint. The suit looks great, as seen in the picture below; I can't tell the difference.

This photo follows recent TwitPics of Nicholas Hoult, James McAvoy and Peter Dinklage, all actors that seem to exist on the 1970s side of the time travel film. Here's hoping we get a pic of Michael Fassbender soon, as he's the only returning. "First Class" actor we haven't seen yet.

What do you think of this first look at Mystique? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter!

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" has found itself yet another star. New Zealand actor Marton Csokas is reportedly currently shooting an undisclosed part in the film.

The Hollywood Reporter tucked the "Amazing Spider-Man 2" news away in a story about how Csokas has been cast as the villain in the upcoming Denzel Washington-starring adaptation of "The Equalizer." Fans probably know Csokas best for playing the role of Celeborn in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, or for playing Borias in "Xena: Warrior Princess."

Csokas' "Amazing Spider-Man 2" role might not be disclosed, but Comic Book Movie notes that he is currently listed as Dr. Kafka on the film's IMDb page. It could be that the listing is just fan speculation, or it could be that Kafka, who is a woman in the Marvel comics, will now be a male character instead. In "Spider-Man" lore, Kafka is a doctor who works at Ravencroft, so it would make sense that the character be a part of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2."

Directed by Marc Webb, "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Shailene Woodley, Dane DeHaan, Paul Giamatti, Felicity Jones, Chris Cooper and Jamie Foxx. It's due in theaters on May 2, 2014.

Do you think Csokas is a good fit for "The Amazing Spider-Man 2"? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

Is it possible for a TV spot to be better than a movie's actual trailer? That's the case with "R.I.P.D.," whose new TV teaser does a better job capturing our interest than the trailer that was released last month.

There's plenty of new footage in this spot and it just seems to work better -- and feel like less of a "Men in Black" rip-off -- than what was previously released. Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds seem to have some fun chemistry together, and it's nice that this TV spot plays up the comedy and action aspects of the film instead of just teasing its entire plot.

Ultimately the tone of "R.I.P.D." will likely determine how well it does with audiences. It easily could veer into too-cheesy comedy territory, in which case it might not fare well. But there's plenty of darkness to cull from in a film about an undead police force, and hopefully this movies goes there.

"R.I.P.D." tells the story of Nick Cruz, a police officer who is recruited to the undead police force following his death. Directed by Robert Schwentke, it also stars Kevin Bacon, Mary-Louise Parker and Marisa Miller. It's due in theaters on July 19.

What did you think of this new TV spot? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

by Brett White

Following the epic finale to "Arrow's" first season, fans of the show will spend the summer coming up with theories as to just where the comic book show will go next. Executive producer Marc Guggenheim has now given fans a lot to go on, thanks to an in-depth postmortem conducted by TV Guide about the show's debut season.

The producer talks about everything from next season's overall theme to specific character motivations following the climactic events of last week's episode. Read ahead for a few of Guggenheim's revelations, but be aware that the season finale's big shockers are candidly discussed. So, spoiler warning.

On how Tommy's death will motivate Laurel Lance: "It's a catalyst for her to do a variety of different things. It's going to drive a lot of what Laurel does in Season 2, both good and bad. Tommy's death will reverberate through the cast of characters and will affect the changes and choices that Oliver makes and that Thea makes. It's going to affect everybody. It's not like you'll never hear Tommy's name never uttered again. If anything, Tommy is a larger presence in death than he was in life."

On Malcolm Merlyn's final fate: "We have a moment in mind for the Season 2 premiere that should give you an answer to that question, but the thing that I always do say, and I said this to John Barrowman ['Malcolm Merlyn'] and to Colin Donnell ['Tommy Merlyn']. This is a show that does flashbacks. So just because a character is dead doesn't mean we've necessarily seen the last of them on this show."

On whether or not Oliver Queen has ended his vigilante ways: "Without spoiling our plans for Season 2, so the best way to answer it, and this will be one of those things where you’ll go back to this interview after you watch the season premiere to see what I mean, is that I think he's pretty much done being the vigilante. The question is: What happens now? Come October, that statement will make a lot of sense."

On what will drive season 2: "The Glades and the Undertaking was a big piece of our engine that drives us forward in Season 2. If the story engine of Season 1 was this notebook of names, I think the story engine of Season 2 is the destruction of The Glades and the impact not just on The Glades, but all of Starling City. You've got Merlyn Global and Queen Consolidated both not in The Glades, but the two biggest employers of people in Starling City, and those companies are in some dire straits. We're going to see in Season 2 that the economy in Starling City is pretty decimated."

On whether Oliver Queen will get some hooded help: "Thea's line about, 'I have wicked aim' was meant to be a little foreshadowing and certainly, Roy's heroics in the alleyway with his red hood is similar. Our game plan with respect to Thea and Roy pretty much remains unchanged. We're going to keep pushing them both in the directions that destiny is drawing them. The nice thing for us in Season 2 is Colton Haynes becomes a series regular so it'll allow us to tell a lot more Roy stories, which we’re really eager to do."

You can find out even more about "Arrow" season 2 over at TV Guide.

[via Comic Book Movie]

What most excites you about "Arrow" season two? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter!

by Brett White

A rumor started floating around last week that Marvel was going to give Jeremy Renner the axe, leaving some purple Hawkeye boots to either fill or throw in the closet come "Avengers 2." This news hit me pretty hard, seeing as how I'm a very vocal supporter of Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye (and Hawkguy in general). But now there's an unnamed source saying that rumors of Renner's departure were greatly exaggerated! Aw yeah! So who has this exclusive story? It's... Perez Hilton? Oh... okay.

Listen, nothing against Perez Hilton, this is just the first time in Splash Page's lengthy history that we've reported on a story from that site, only because our world's rarely ever meet. But "The Avengers" is a big deal, and Renner being ousted would be a big story for any pop culture site. So if Perez Hilton has an unnamed source saying that Renner's good to go, I'm happy to spread the word.

The site states:

"Our sources tell us that the recasting rumors are completely untrue and that he will indeed return to the silver screen as Hawkeye! Phew! And, though it had been reported that some comments Jeremy made pissed off the execs over at Marvel, we're told he's still 'very much a part of the Marvel family.' Not only that, but it sounds like we can expect to see Renner in the upcoming installments!!"

Seeing as how neither site names their sources, this kind of comes down to which unnamed source you choose to believe. In fact, I have an exclusive report from another unnamed source that says that Jeremy Renner and Scarlett Johansson will team-up for a Hawkeye and Black Widow buddy spy movie, hitting theaters on May 26th, 2013! What? Surprise! Also this unnamed source is me and the only evidence I have of this are my delusional hopes and dreams.

But seriously, I will choose to believe rumors that paint things in a positive light over ones that make me freak out. So while we won't know for sure until Renner pops up again as Hawkeye (fingers crossed for a post-credits scene in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"), I'm going to believe... Perez Hilton.

[via Comic Book Movie]

Are you glad that Jeremy Renner seems to be sticking around? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter!

by Ryan Rigley

Joss Whedon's "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." may be the latest live-action Marvel TV series to sweep the nation, but it is by no means the first. In the late '70's, families would gather around their televisions every Friday night at 9 P.M. to watch a show featuring everyone's favorite not-so-jolly green giant. Starring the likes of Bill Bixby (as Dr. David Banner) and Lou Ferrigno (as the Hulk), "The Incredible Hulk" has garnered a loyal following of fans throughout the years.

In fact, "The Incredible Hulk" was so successful that recently there has been talk of a re-imagined take on the series, helmed by the great Guillermo del Toro. However, with promotion for "Pacific Rim" now underway and huge films such as "Pinocchio" and "Justice League Dark" currently on his plate, it doesn't seem like del Toro will be getting to this passion project anytime soon. Still,"The Incredible Hulk" remains Marvel's most successful live-action series to date. And rightfully so!

Series Statistics:
Network: CBS
Broadcast Date: 1977 - 1982
Seasons: 5
Episodes: 82

Following the ever-depressed Dr. David Banner as he roams the countryside in search of acceptance, "The Incredible Hulk" was so popular that three made-for-TV movies were produced (by NBC) after the series was canceled in 1982: "The Incredible Hulk Returns" (guest starring Eric Allan Kramer as Thor), "The Trial of the Incredible Hulk" (guest starring Rex Smith as Daredevil), and "The Death of the Incredible Hulk," in which the Hulk falls out of an airplane and dies.

The CBS series itself was also full of Emmy-award winning guest stars, including the likes of Mariette Hartley, Kim Cattrall, Jack Kirby and, of course, Stan Lee. With bizarre storylines ranging everywhere from a mentally challenged boy competing in a demolition derby to the Hulk befriending a midget wrestler, the series' immense success was clearly due to the fact that "The Incredible Hulk" had something for everyone. Check out the Hulk in action in the show's opening credits. It does a pretty comprehensive job of explaining the show's premise.

Notable Episodes

Prometheus
Getting stuck mid-transformation due to a strange radioactive meteorite, Dr. David Banner becomes the unwilling subject of government scientists who think him to be an alien from another planet.

A Child in Need
Taking on the controversial subject of child abuse, "A Child in Need" shows us a different side of David Banner as his custodial job at a local elementary school leads him to defend a young boy whom he suspects is being abused by his father.

No Escape
After being locked up, David Banner befriends an insane man that believes himself to be Ernest Hemingway. Eventually transforming into the Hulk, Banner accidentally frees the insane man and must deal with the consequences before the convict brings harm to himself and those around him.

The First
Searching for the cure to his ailment, David Banner meets Del Frye, a mean old man who had once been a Hulk-like creature himself. With Banner's help, Frye once again becomes a terrifying rage monster leaving the Hulk to clean up after Banner's mistakes.

King of the Beach
Lou Ferrigno plays a dual role in this episode: a hearing-impaired restaurant worker and the Incredible Hulk. Taking cues from Ferrigno's actual life, David Banner and his hearing-impaired new friend, Carl Molino, are talked into entering a bodybuilding contest on the beach by a hustler named Mandy.

Still not convinced that "The Incredible Hulk" is worth a watch? Well then, here's a clip of the Hulk throwing a grizzly bear:

You're welcome.

This is Comics On TV, the column that celebrates the classic comic book TV series that blazed the trail for modern day hits like "Arrow," "The Walking Dead" and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." If you have any favorite episodes of this week's series, let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter!

by Brett White

Okay, well, he's landed by now. In a picture tweeted by "X-Men: Days of Future Past" director Bryan Singer, X-newcomer Peter Dinklage can be seen studying what looks like a script alongside the returning director on a flight to Montreal. Singer says that they're reviewing "tomorrow's work," which means that Dinklage has started shooting his still mysterious role.

Check out the full tweet and picture below.

Dinklage's involvement was announced back on Valentine's Day, but his role remains unrevealed. We had our own guesses, ranging from the obscure (Trevor Fitzroy) to the CGI (Apocalypse). It was then revealed that Dinklage won't be playing a CGI character, throwing that theory out the window and forcing us to double-down on the theory that he's playing Bolivar Trask, inventor of the Sentinels. Dinklage semi-addressed those rumors when confronted with them by MTV Geek, not flat out denying them.

We're still pretty certain he's playing Bolivar Trask in the '70s portion of "Days of Future Past." And if you need evidence of Dinklage's 1970s role, look no further than that awesome 'stache.

Who do you think Peter Dinklage is playing? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter!

by Brett White

After years of searching and seemingly dozens of candidates, the reboot of "The Crow" finally found its leading man in "Fast and Furious 6" actor Luke Evans. And now that Evans has started promoting the latest "Fast" film, interviewers are jumping at the chance to ask him about his future leading role in Javier Gutierrez's reboot. Empire got to Evans first, getting a little bit of insight into what drew the actor to the role.

"It's a great script, really great script, a fantastic director - Javier Gutierrez, a Spanish director whose work is fantastic," says Evans. "We've been chatting about it for a while now. It's been sort of simmering away and I have a lot of passion for that role. I remember it vividly from when I was a kid. It still resonates to this day."

Evans is referencing the first "Crow" film from 1994, which went on to become a cult hit, as Evans notes.

"I hope people will be able to sort of enjoy a new version of the story and allow a fresh set of eyes on it and don't worry too much about it being exactly like the last one," Evans told Empire. "Because I think there is a bit of a cult following to this. People have a sort of ownership of the original. But it's been twenty years this year. It's quite a long time since [the first film]. I'm very happy about it."

Of course "The Crow" has popped up a number of times since the original hit theaters in the mid-90s. Two more feature films were released straight to video in the decade following the original's success. There was even a Canadian TV show that lasted for one season. But this reboot seems to be "The Crow's" chance to get back into the spotlight after years spent in low-budget-sequel land.

While production on the film does not yet have a start date, it at least has a leading man who is passionate about the project. That's a good start.

[via The Mary Sue]

Are you looking forward to Luke Evans in "The Crow"? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter!