Wonder Woman 1984 Sets Opening Weekend Record

The massive success of Wonder Woman 1984 this past weekend already has fans clamoring for Wonder Woman 3! Recent statements from Warner Bros. Pictures Chairman, Toby Emmerich, revealed Wonder Woman 3 is now being fast-tracked. Confirming the return of star Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins, Chairman Emmerich stated: 

“As fans around the world continue to embrace Diana Prince, driving the strong opening weekend performance of Wonder Woman 1984, we are excited to be able to continue her story with our real life Wonder Women – Gal and Patty – who will return to conclude the long-planned theatrical trilogy.”

This exciting news comes as no surprise considering Wonder Woman 1984 collected $16.7 million from 2,100 North American theaters, the best opening weekend of any picture released amidst coronavirus. The number of viewers who streamed the latest Wonder Woman film adds to the impressive release data. HBO explained nearly half of the platform’s retail subscribers watched the film on Friday, with millions more viewing through cable or wireless access, prompting the following statement from the head of WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer business, Andy Forssell. 

“‘Wonder Woman 1984’ broke records and exceeded our expectations across all of our key viewing and subscriber metrics in its first 24 hours on the service, and the interest and momentum we’re seeing indicates this will likely continue well beyond the weekend,” said Andy Forssell. “During these very difficult times, it was nice to give families the option of enjoying this uplifting film at home, where theater viewing wasn’t an option.”

With a third Wonder Woman movie on the fast-track, fans are asking where a third movie will lead. Jenkins previously explained in a podcast with Realblend that she and 1984 co-writer Geoff Johns had already planned a third film in the franchise. But due to COVID-related stepbacks, she has since clarified the story would likely change. 

Fans have been busily working on theories for the third and possibly final solo film for the demigod, and the choice of the year 1984 has been playing into these theories. The popular George Orwell novel of the same name has fans speculating, could the events of this movie lead to the type of dystopian society illustrated by Orwell? Could this be the threat Diana strives to defend humanity against? 

While The production timeline for “Wonder Woman 3” remains unclear, fans are hopeful for a quick return. Gadot and Jenkins are in the midst of production with “Cleopatra” at Paramount, and Jenkins is also set to direct a new “Star Wars” movie, titled “Rogue Squadron”.

Where would you like to see the third Wonder Woman movie take Diana? Do you have any theories of your own? Let us know in the comments below and explore our Wonder Women collection on our website here: https://www.rubies.com/search/?q=wonder+woman

Five Things You Might Not Know About ‘The Wizard of Oz’

With Halloween only two days away our Wizard of Oz giveaway concludes. Thank you to all who participated in this giveaway and congratulations to our two winners! Now celebrating its 80^th anniversary, the ideas expressed in The Wizard of Oz still permeate today’s culture. Of course, today everyone knows “there is no place like home”, but let’s take a look at 5 things you may not know about The Wizard of Oz.

Baum wore many hats

By the time “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” was published Baum had already tried his hand at several other professions. Early in his life, he was a playwright, actor, and prize-winning poultry breeder. After departing from those occupations, he took up a position as a salesman for an oil lubrication company. It wouldn’t be long before he would move on yet again to become a traveling salesman for a glassware firm. It was then he began writing stories. This was the genesis for his career as a children’s author and “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. (History Chanel)

The horses in Emerald City were covered in Jell-O powder

In order to achieve the look they were going for in the Emerald City scenes, the special effects crew covered the horses in Jell-O powder. The horses would try to lick themselves clean so the scenes had to be shot quickly. (Flavor Wire)

The Wiz wore Frank Baum’s Jacket

The coat worn by Frank Morgan’s character was purchased in a thrift store and originally belonged to Baum. This fact was only discovered later and was confirmed by Baum’s widow and tailor. (Flavor Wire)

“Over the Rainbow” was almost cut

It’s hard to imagine this film without the “over the rainbow” scene but the now-famous song was almost cut out entirely. Some worried that the song would make the film too long. (Flavor Wire)

Dorothy’s slippers were originally Silver

Technicolor had recently been introduced to film making and the film creators thought the red slippers would stand out better against the yellow brick road. Only four authentic pairs created during the film’s production exist today, and one pair sold at auction in 2000 for $666,000. (History Chanel)

Now available in 4K Ultra HD, The Wizard of Oz continues to remind us the value of friends and family. For a complete look at our Wizard of Oz collection visit our website here, and for your own copy of The Wizard of Oz in 4K Ultra HD click here. Once again thank you to all who participated in our Wizard of Oz giveaway and have a happy Halloween!

‘Stranger Things’ Breaking Netflix Streaming Records

One summer can change everything for the streaming giant Netflix as they released season three of the hit sci-fi show “Stranger Things” on the Fourth of July. To no surprise, the third installment of the Netflix original is “breaking Netflix records,” according to their official twitter account. With over 40.7 million household accounts streaming the show since July 4th, and 18.2 million having already finished the new season, Netflix’s ratings are turning upside down.

.@Stranger_Things 3 is breaking Netflix records!

40.7 million household accounts have been watching the show since its July 4 global launch — more than any other film or series in its first four days. And 18.2 million have already finished the entire season.

— Netflix US (@netflix) July 8, 2019

Set in Hawkins, Indiana, during the summer of 1985, we find the group on the cusp of adulthood. Relationships change and romances bloom, complicating the group’s dynamic. All the while danger looms. Once again it us up to Eleven and her friends to save the town from evil incarnate.

Those that have already finished season three are already asking: when is season four coming out? This season took over a year and half to be released and only four days for 18.2 million people to binge. Unfortunately, there has been no official word on season four, but last year David Harbour told CNET he plans to create at least four seasons.

Rubie’s Costume Company has been fortunate to partner with Netflix on past two seasons of Stranger Things, and we are so excited to present this seasons costumes below. There are so many new looks for all your favorite characters. Hopefully your summer is a little less stressful than the gangs!

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‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ Earns $580M Global In First 10 Days

Despite this year’s disappointing box office, Marvel Studio’s, Spider-Man: Far From Home shattered expectations over the holiday weekend. Pulling in over $580 million internationally, the latest chapter of the MCU could become the second highest grossing Spider-Man movie of all time. Considering the success of Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home affirms Marvel’s immunity to franchise fatigue.

Spider-Man: Far From Home concludes the Infinity Saga and establishes the foundation for the future of the MCU. With Iron Man gone Peter must “step up” as agent Furry puts it, and begin developing into the new leader the Avengers will need for Phase Four of the MCU. Critics and fans alike have been raving over the way Spider-Man: Far From Home depicts Peter’s struggle between his desire to be a normal teenager and his responsibilities as a superhero. Earning over $185 million domestically, this quasi bildungsroman reveals that Marvel fans are not yet tired of the Marvel formula and ready for more.

Fortunately, there are plenty of new projects in the works. The Marvel superhero movie plan now stretches into 2022 and there are new movies being announced all the time! An X-Men spinoff called The New Mutants will be releasing in April of 2020 and Mobius starring Jared Leto will be released in July of the same year. There are also rumors about several unconfirmed movies fans have already expressed interest in, like Black Panther 2 and a Black Widow movie.

Rubie’s Costume Company has been fortunate enough to partner with Marvel for the creation of officially licensed costume collections for so many of the Marvel movies fans have come to love, including Spider-Man Far From Home. We are excited to continue our relationship into the future and hope to continue creating costume collections for Marvel projects to come. In the meantime, you can find all of our Marvel costumes, including or Far From Home collection, on our website here. Let us know how you enjoyed the movie in the comments below, and remember with great power comes great responsibility!

 

 

Shazam is the #1 Movie in the World

“Shazam!” is officially the number one movie in the world after its opening weekend, earning over $53.3 million according to Comscore. That makes the film the third nonsequel comic-book hit in a row for Warner Bros. With this success, Warner Bros. have re established themselves as a leading superhero studio.

“We really want these movies to stand on their own, with filmmakers best suited to the characters,” Toby Emmerich, chairman of the Warner Bros. Pictures Group, said to The New York Times, “We’re all feeling deservedly really good.”

New Line, a division of Warner Bros. made the film for about $100 million, roughly 40 percent less than most superhero movies. Considering that Shazam has raked in about $156 million worldwide, it’s clearly setup to receive a big return and that “really good” feeling described by Emmerich is justified.

The film tells the story of a teenage boy that transforms into an adult superhero just by saying the word, “Shazam”. “New Line always thought that ‘Big’ as a superhero movie was a great idea, a way to make the genre feel fresh and different,” Emmerich said to The New York Times. The levity (pun intended) of this movie also infers that Warner Bros. will continue to depart from the darker superhero universe envisioned by Zack Snyder.

Given the success the film has already seen, we are confident that “Shazam!” costumes will be a huge hit with all age groups this year. Take a look at our full Shazam Collection here and let us know what you think in the comments below.

 

‘Captain Marvel’ is the Highest Grossing Movie of 2019

After only three days in theaters, Captain Marvel is already the highest grossing film of 2019.

Earning an estimated 153$ million opening weekend, Captain Marvel marks the second-biggest debut for a new Marvel character behind Black Panther. Taking in $455 million in its global debut, Captain Marvel also marks the fifth highest international opening weekend of all time and the second biggest superhero weekend. With all the success Captain Marvel has already seen, criticism that a female-led film wouldn’t resonate with audiences have been belied.

This is an important victory for the Marvel. After internet trolls attempted to manipulate audiences by attacking the Audience Rating score on Rotten tomatoes, critics have been writing favorable reviews. Now the movie boasts an impressive A CinemaScore.

Captain Marvel introduces a hero many believe will be a pivotal character for Avengers: Endgame, Carol Danvers (Brie Larson). She is a part Kree, part human warrior that can only remember parts of her past through flashbacks. When she crash lands on earth in the 90’s she finds herself tasked with protecting earth from the shape-shifting Skrulls that are infiltrating our planet. In the process of working with Nick Furry (Samuel Jackson), she discovers her true identity and the origins of her powers while saving the world.

This year is a superhero year for Halloween, and it appears Captain Marvel will be a favorite amongst girls. Her strong girl power message, successful opening, and connection to Avengers: Endgame all suggest she will be in high demand! Take a look at our full Captain Marvel Collection here: https://www.rubies.com/licensed-themes/captain-marvel-costumes.html and let us know what you think in the comments below.

‘Alita: Battle Angel’ Rakes in $350 Million at Worldwide Box Office

Originally dubbed as a flop by movie insiders before it even hit theaters, Alita: Battle Angel is proving itself to be a huge box office success. This weekend’s numbers revealed that the live action anime is still holding strong, ranking in third behind How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and A Madea Family Funeral. Alita now stands at an impressive total domestic gross of $72 million, and over $278 million in foreign box office earnings.

It is also important to keep in mind that we are only 18 days into the movie’s release, making Alita the 5th highest-grossing movie of 2019 so far. With plenty of time for growth through the rest of the month, Alita has silenced the critics quote of $170 million. Now fans are crying out for a sequel as 20th Century Fox undergoes its buyout from the Walt Disney Company.

We can see why Alita has been so successful. Based on the on the story Battle Angel Alita originally created by Yukito Kishiro for Shueisha’s Weekly Business Jump in 1990, this theatrical rendition is full of kick ass girl power and stunning digital creations. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Alita’s incomplete body is discovered in the Iron City’s garbage dump below the aerial city of Zolem. She is rebuilt by her friend and mentor, Dr. Dyson Ido, completely devoid of memory but with the inkling her purpose is something greater. Using her innate knowledge of the legendary cyborg martial art known as Panzer Kunst, she becomes a bounty hunter. From here her story and enthralling action that you will have to see in theaters transforms Alita. By the end of the experience it is apparent that there needs to be a sequel.

Rubie’s Costume Company is proud to present our officially licensed Alita: Battle Angel Collection. Transform into the Battle Angel with our Berserker and Doll Body costumes that represent a life-like portrayal of Alita’s bodies in the film. Complete the look with Alita’s sword and wig, also available in our Alita: Battle Angel Collection. With the success this movie has seen so far it is unquestionable that Alita will be a popular option this halloween! https://www.rubies.com/search/?q=alita+battle+angel

Saying Goodbye to Bat-Fleck and remember past Batmen

With the news that Matt Reeves’, The Batman, will be released in 2021, fans also discovered that Ben Affleck will be stepping away from the role as the caped crusader. As Affleck steps away, the long list of actors who have taken on the role grows. Now Batman has been portrayed by eight different actors, more than any other superhero in movie history. As fans wait patiently to learn who will be next to dawn the dark knights duds, let’s take a look back at those who have gone batsy.

1. Lewis G. Wilson

The first actor to tackle the role, Lewis Wilson, didn’t fare well amongst fans. As the youngest actor to play Batman, the 23 year-old Wilson didn’t appear to have the right physique for the 15-part 1943 Columbia Batman serial. Critics complained he was, “thick about the middle” and that his high voice combined with his Boston accent didn’t fit the character. When this series ended so did Wilson’s career as Batman.

2. Robert Lowery

The more seasoned, 36 year-old, Robert Lowery would be next to play Batman in the 1949 series, Batman & Robin. While his suit was well fitting and his experience made him a better fit for the role, he never appeared in another Batman movie. Still Lowery would make history in uniting two of the most pivotal DC characters when he made a guest appearance as Batman in an episode of, The Adventures of Superman.

3. Adam West

One of the most memorable representations of the Batman has to be Adam West. His campy approach and exaggerated style of acting accounted for the most time on screen for one actor as Batman. Appearing in several animated series and a 1966 movie, Adam West became synonymous with Batman. After a long hiatus from the screen, West would return to the role in 1977 as Batman’s voice in The New Adventures Of Batman and later on Super Friends. He would make a couple more appearances in Batman: Return of the Caped Crusader and Batman vs. Two-Face. West passed away in 2017, leaving behind a massive body of Batman work that will continue to be revered.

4. Michael Keaton

When Michael Keaton was announced for 1989’s Batman, fans were in an uproar as Warner brothers received around 50,000 protest letters over this casting. Luckily Keaton lived up to the role, and Batman performed well at the box office. Keaton was championed by Variety magazine as they reported, “Michael Keaton captures the haunted intensity of the character, and seems particularly lonely and obsessive without Robin around to share his exploits”. Keaton would reprise the role for one more film in 1992’s Batman Returns and once again received favorable reviews.

5. Val Kilmer

When the Batman franchise changed directors, the character went through an actor change also. The new director, Schumacher, casted Val Kilmer for the role in Batman Forever after seeing Kilmer in Tombstone. The New York Times gave Kilmer mixed reviews, stating that, “The prime costume is now worn by Val Kilmer, who makes a good Batman but not a better one than Michael Keaton”. Kilmer would not appear as Batman in 1997’s Batman & Robin, hanging up his cape for good.

6. George Clooney

Looking back, Kilmer might be happy that he passed on the role to George Clooney for 1997’s infamous Batman & Robin. The movie was a flop, receiving 11 nominations at the Razzie Awards and preforming the worst at the box office among modern Batman movies. Clooney went on to explain that, “Joel Schumacher told me we never made another Batman film because Batman was gay”. Batman needed saving.

7. Christian Bale

Director Christopher Nolan helped pull Batman out of the grave, casting Christian Bale for the role of Batman in 2005’s Batman Begins. His portrayal of the caped crusader was deemed by Nolan as, “exactly the balance of darkness and light that we were looking for”. Going on to complete the trilogy that began with Batman Begins, Bale would also hang up the cape, leaving behind a trilogy that some would consider the benchmark for Batman.

8. Will Arnett

The LEGO Movie used Will Arnett’s voice for their Batman character that filled more of a comical role then the dark role fans were accustomed to. The younger audience the film targeted embraced the performance and Arnett secured the role once more for The LEGO Batman Movie in 2017.

9. Ben Affleck

Some fans argue that Affleck was the perfect Batman due to his physique and charming nature. This representation received some pushback however due to his more brutal style crime fighting. Batman was less of an altruistic hero when played by Affleck and more of a vicious vigilante. The release of Justice League helped redeem Batman’s reputation as a defender of justice rather than a punishing figure. It will be interesting to see who replaces Affleck for Matt Reeves’ upcoming The Batman solo film releasing in 2021.

Batman has seen a lot of turnover but it seems that the character now represents something that the fans can connect with. If the next actor to enter the Batcave embodies the same persona we will likely continue to see Batman’s popularity rise. In the meantime we would like to thank all the actors who have played this iconic role! Also thank you to Den of Geek for being the source of this post. If you would like to read more about each actor and character you can take a look at their post here.  To get a sense of the costumes they wore you can take a look at our Batman Collection here! We have some awesome pieces that can help you transform into the Dark Knight just like these actors. Enjoy!

Who Is Aquaman?

 

Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman, hitting theaters tonight, signifies the end of Aquaman the quasi Ken Doll with an ever-changing back story, and the beginning of Aquaman the badass. In the past it would be difficult to find a kid that prefered Aquaman to other members of the Justice League. Depictions like the one you see above, coupled with multiple origin stories, made it hard for kids to connect with him. Tonight, director James Wan sets the record straight. But before we say goodbye to the old Aquaman, let’s take a look back at Aquaman’s history and how we got to where we are today.

During the Golden Age of comics, Aquaman first revealed his origins to us in a simple paragraph. He described himself as the son of a famous undersea explorer that had discovered Atlantis. He goes on to explain how his father used the lost records and technology of Atlantis to transform Aquaman into a superhero. However, this origin story would change dramatically during the Silver Age of comics.

In this time period writer Robert Bernstein established that Aquaman’s name was Arthur Curry. He explains that Arthur was the son of a lighthouse keeper named Tom Curry, and an Atlantean named Atlanna. As a child Aquaman discovered his abilities to communicate with sea life and survive underwater. He eventually developed to become the protector of Earth’s oceans. What he did not know is that once again his back story would develop into something different.

The Modern Age origin story retains a lot of what we had learned about Aquaman from the Silver Age with more detail. In this era, writer Robert Loren Fleming represents Aquaman as the son of a mysterious Atlantean wizard named Atlan and Queen Atlanna. Blond hair was seen as a curse to the suspicious Atlanteans so Aquaman was left abandoned. Eventually Aquaman would be discovered as a feral child by a lighthouse keeper named Arthur Curry, who named Aquaman “Arthur Curry” after himself. But when the lighthouse keeper disappears one day Aquaman sets off for adventure, leading to many of the Aquaman stories we know and love.

Aquaman’s origin story goes through one last rendition years later in the Brightest Day event, where he revealed to Aqualad that the narrative portrayed during the Silver Age is accurate. Aquaman is the half-human son of Tom Curry and an Atlantean queen. This is the narrative the Aquaman movie will be affirming tonight. For the rest of the story you will have to catch it in theaters.

Rubie’s is proud to offer a full collection of Aquaman costumes and accessories. With this fresh take on an old classic, Aquaman is bound to be a very popular dress up option for people of all ages. Take a look at the full collection here and enjoy the movie!

The Spider-Verse Explained

 

If someone asked you to describe Spider-Man, what would you say? Most would say he wears a blue and red suit, and he uses his proportionate strength and speed of a spider to fight crime. A fitting description for some of those web slinging heroes in the Marvel Universe, but what about the others? That’s right, Peter Parker is not the only Spider-Man to consider, there is a whole multiverse of spider-like heroes out there. Hitting theaters tomorrow, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, plays on this concept of crime fighting collaboration amongst spidey powered heroes from multiple dimensions. To prepare you for tomorrow, here is a quick recap on the history and characters of the Spider-Verse.

The concept of a multiverse is nothing new. There are an infinite number of timelines accounting for an infinite number of realities all vaguely similar to one another. The same rules apply to the Spider-Verse. In some realities Peter Parker is almost identical to the Spider-Man most of us are familiar with. In others Peter Parker might not be the one who was bitten by a radioactive spider at all. In certain circumstances where the bad guys are just too powerful to defeat alone, some of these spider-heroes can break their interdimensional barriers and join forces. Here are some of the main characters of the Spider-Verse that frequently appear when the spidey squad assembles.

Miles Morales – In Miles’ universe, Peter Parker gave his life in a battle against the Green Goblin. Miles took on the role of Spider-Man in Peter’s place and fights for the same values. Now Miles has joined the traditional Marvel Universe and receives guidance from that world’s Peter Parker.

Spider-Gwen – On Earth-65, Peter Parker is not a hero at all. In this universe Gwen Stacey is bitten by the spider and Peter Parker is her jealous boyfriend accidentally turned lizard monster. As a high school student and daughter of the police chief, Gwen struggles to balance her civilian life with her hero life.

Spider-Man Noir – With an infinite number of universes, there are bound to be some pretty dark realities. This is where Spider-Man Noir comes from. In a Great Depression-era world riddled with crime, this version of Peter Parker sticks to the shadows and totes a twin set of pistols.

Spider-Ham – Peter Porker’s character is simple. He’s just a spidey powered pig from a universe where all the characters we know and love are anthropomorphized versions of themselves.

There are many, many more. Thankfully, Marvel began connecting these characters in 2014 when they brought together hundreds of spider characters to protect the Web of Life and Destiny. Since the genesis of the Spider-Verse, the concept has gained popularity. The potential for spider people to team up became the crux of the animated Ultimate Spider-Man, and various Spider-Man video games have toyed with the same premise. Now the Spider-Verse is hitting the big screen, allowing more people to become familiar with a much larger Marvel world full of possibilities and we can’t wait to see what happens next!