Marvel Universe Live - Fun for Kids, Maybe Not Great for You

Arena shows are a tough thing, especially in the modern world. Back in the day, the Ninja Turtles would show up, tell a few jokes, kick a foot ninja in the face, and everybody goes home happy. But now these supposedly "kids properties" are the subjects of major motion pictures, with billions of dollars spent and effects by the wizards at Industrial Light and Magic. It's no longer enough to just show up in costume and call it a day - a modern arena show has to bring kids at least a semblance of the same magic they'll see on the big screen. So far, Batman was on point but disappointing, and How to Train Your Dragon (I can't believe we never reviewed this) blew me the hell away. So where does Marvel Universe Live fall on that scale? Somewhere in the middle.

First Footage of Live-Action Attack on Titan!

It's happening. The live-action Attack on Titan has been in the works for a while now, and finally we get our first look at what the celebrated manga/anime will look like on the big screen. So far, it looks really good. As a Japanese production, they don't have a Hollywood budget, but they use some great tricks to hide it well, and while the actors look a little older than I might like, they still look like they're giving fantastic performances. I can't wait to see the finished product - hit the jump to see the trailer, interspersed with some Japanese news show footage.

Dan Stevens and Luke Evans join live action Beauty and the Beast

After the initial announcement that Emma Watson would be Belle in Disney's live action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, the film briefly went dark again. Other than knowing it would contain the original Howard Ashman and Alan Menken songs, we still don't know much about this film - but now we know a little more. It's been reported that Dan Stevens and Luke Evans are both in talks to play The Beast and Gaston, respectively.

Stevens is a no brainer - the british actor has already basically played a prince on Downton Abbey, and we know from last year's The Guest that he has the intensity to play The Beast at his worst. Evans is a little tougher of a sell - we've never seen him display the kind of comedic range necessary for Gaston. It'll be interesting to see the final product when the film releases in the next few years.

UPDATE: Important question just occured to me! Does Luke Evans have enough hair and/or antlers for this part? Inquiring minds need to know!

DOUBLE UPDATE: It's not been confirmed by Emma Watson's twitter, both gentlemen are on board! Check out her adorable tweets below.

Bonjour Gaston! ❤️ Welcome! #BeautyAndTheBeast pic.twitter.com/oerhe1ilGs
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) March 5, 2015

Could not be more happy that this man will be Beast!!! Welcome aboard @thatdanstevens #beautyandthebeast pic.twitter.com/F1ghG3pvcU
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) March 5, 2015

Emma Watson to play Belle in Live Action Beauty and the Beast

The film world of the last ten years has been filled with reboots and reimaginings, and Disney has decided to get into that game full force. First, there was Maleficent. Then, there is the upcoming live action Cinderella, which seems to be a live-action remake rather than any kind of reimagining. And finally, Disney has now announced they'll be doing a live action version of the Best Picture nominated Beauty and the Beast.

The good news? Belle will be played by Emma Watson, who is a talented actress and should be able to make the film something special. But it remains to be seen what, exactly, this film will be. We know that it's being directed by Bill Condon, of Dreamgirls fame, and that it will include the Alan Menken and Howard Ashman score from the animated film. So is this just a live action remake, or will they be putting their own spin on it? Time will tell. Check out Emma's post about the whole thing below:

Post by Emma Watson.