Go into a room too fast, kid...the room eats you.

[rogueslayer452]

++ It looks like American Gods is have a lot of production problems, as it seems they've lost their second showrunner. Fans are worried what this means for the future of the show, whether the second season will even premiere at all given all the delays and rewrites and whatnot happening. Basically, it's turned into a massive clusterfuck that it's really sad that, after a brilliant and innovative first season that got so much well-deserved attention and praise, it's going to go downhill rather fast due to all this production kerfuffle. Also, it's been clarified that Bryan Fuller and Michael Green were actually fired from the show rather than leaving of their own volition as it was originally reported. And it seems like the now former new showrunner got the same treatment, as well. I don't know what's going on, I've been reading different reports on what is happening so I'm getting conflicting information on specific details, but overall it doesn't look good. :/

++ Another shakeup that has happened is that Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill will no longer be playing Batman and Superman in the DCEU. I'll admit to not really having much of an opinion on either of them since I don't really care about the DCEU except for Wonder Woman, but there's no doubt that the DCEU as a whole has been incredibly messy and this doesn't really help matters, either. Are they going to recast the roles entirely? Focus on different characters? Who knows at this point. Just as long as they keep Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman I'm good, imho.

++ The fall schedule for television is starting back up again, and while I have several returning shows that I'm excited about, I've seen absolutely nothing intriguing of anything new. Most things are either unnecessary revivals/reboots or shows that sound unappealing to me. Which is strange, since usually there's at least one or two that seem interesting.

Comments

[violateraindrop]

The whole American Gods situation is so messy. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if it got canceled even though they already worked on something for S2.

As much as I like Henry Cavill in The Man from UNCLE, I never got around to watching any of his DC movies. Yeah, I also only care about Wonder Woman, but only enough to watch the solo movie(s). I love the MCU, but I'd also love to give the DC movies a chance. It's just that the reviews are always bad and the trailers can't really grab me either, so I have only watched Wonder Woman so far.

I'm preparing a TV schedule entry at the moment. While there are new shows I want to check out, I'm not super excited about anything. Then again, The Good Place wasn't on my radar when it started and now I love it.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I know. :( It's so sad because I had such high hopes for this show. They really should've just kept Bryan Fuller and Michael Green, because they're what made the show successful in the first place with the first season, who apparently the network had some confidence in if they renewed the show before it even premiered. I mean, I started watching the show because of Bryan Fuller and I adore his work and knew he was a perfect fit to adapt the story onto the screen. Then again I'm a bit biased because I adore his work in general.

It's so disappointing and disconcerting how all this has played out, and I don't know if S2 is even going to premiere, and if it does it might be the last. :/

I'm someone who doesn't really care that much about superhero movies unless it's something I'm really excited about. I'm not a Marvel vs. DC person, both the MCU and DCEU have their strengths and weaknesses and most of the time I just don't care. However, it is a shame because the DCEU could have such good movies featuring iconic comic book characters, but they just can't get their shit together on how to do that. The only movie I really cared about of that universe was Wonder Woman which, while not perfect, was probably the most entertaining DC movie I've seen in a long time. I think them taking time on solo films like that should be their priority, allowing the audience to get to know the characters before putting them all in large ensembles. I know it's the biggest critique that the DCEU wants to compete with the MCU, but they are trying too hard to do in a short amount of time what the MCU took years to establish. They need to slow down, regroup, and take a different approach to their storytelling. The DCEU could be great, it just needs better management.

And yeah, sometimes there gems hidden within the new television schedule, and I'm usually someone who waits a bit to see what new shows look promising. Sometimes trailers/premises don't look good until you see them in action, and there can be surprises that you didn't realize.

[violateraindrop]

To be honest, I know nothing about comic books and just kind 'slipped' into loving the MCU. But I agree! DC is trying to force something into existence that Marvel took its time with.

Really, Superman and Batman are such iconic characters, it truly is a shame that they can't do them justice. As much as I love Nolan's Batman movies, now DC seems to think that dark and gritty is the way to go for their movie universe. It worked for these three movies, but doing everything like that? Legends of Tomorrow is the exact opposite and is (IMO) one of the best comic book shows.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_profiterole_/]

Same about the new shows. Nothing looks innovative this year.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I mean, there might be some hidden gems that may surprise us once they get going, which does happen, but overall I'm not really feeling the current new television lineup. It's been like that for the last few years now, but with the revival/reboot trend really taking over schedules now it's kind of sidelined anything new and unique to make its debut.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_profiterole_/]

The only reboot I want to try is Sabrina the Teenage Witch, since it's going to be a different genre from the original show.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Well, it's technically not even a reboot since it's adapting The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comics. Sabrina the Teenage Witch was loosely based on the character from the Archie comics but was entirely its own thing altogether. This seems to be taking straight from the Chilling Adventures comics, perhaps with some deviations as with all adaptations, but mostly focusing on that characterization and origins of Sabrina, which in itself was truly a reboot from the Archie comics.

[malicat.livejournal.com]

American Gods is not the first show with massive problems behind the scenes and multiple showrunner changes etc and some still made it (The Walking Dead for example,I think?). However,in this case it sounds as if even if season 2 will actually see the light of day,I don't have hopes for a third season.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know there's been plenty of shows that have had major shakeups with production troubles and behind-the-scenes issues but still somehow get made and continue onward to air those seasons, for better or worse. But for some reason this seems to be on another level, at least based on what I've read, within a short amount of time.

It really sucks because this could've been a very unique show, but if S2 ever does air I also doubt it'll get a third season unless they get their shit together.

[icecoldrain.livejournal.com]

Ahhhh it's terrible that American Gods is having so many behind the scenes and production problems. It's such a good show but I'm worried about it with everything that's going on.

ngl thank god Ben Affleck is no longer going to portray Batman lmao. He was a terrible Batman and idk who thought that was a good idea. I mean, his acting wasn't bad, he just wasn't Batman at all in any way. Who knows what's going on with Superman, but they better not try anything with the Wonder Woman movies lmao. I'm also hoping that we'll still get a Cyborg and The Flash movies (which they keep green lighting and then canceling the Cyborg movie so idk what is going on there).

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

The first season was so good, I loved how stylistic it was which was fantastic for the storytelling (because Bryan Fuller is a genius with visuals in that sense), but without him I fear that the show will devolve into an incoherent mess. Like, I was willing to give the new showrunner a chance as long as they least kept the flow from the first season, but from the sounds of things that's not at all what they wanted to do, hence the delays and frustrations with production. I'm just so upset, because this could've been such a unique and creative show that actually got me interested in the story. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm really worried that S2 (if it ever airs) won't be up to par with the first season and will ultimately be the death knell of the entire show.

I just remember that after Bryan and Co. got fired, Gillian Anderson quit the show because if Bryan wasn't going to be involved she didn't want to be, either, and that was definitely a red flag in general of how things were gonna go down.

I mean, his acting wasn't bad, he just wasn't Batman at all in any way.

I don't necessarily blame the actors, they just didn't have anything to work with. The writing hasn't been great, the characterizations not at all what they should be, and they have little time to connect with each other on a personal level as people because it's all about the big events without giving us a reason for us to actually care. It really sucks because these are iconic DC characters, and yet they continue to do disservice to them time and time again. So it's definitely a huge lack of direction from the DCEU in general.

I think Wonder Woman is safe (for now, anyway). The first movie did incredibly well and surpassed many expectations, so as long as they continue doing these solo movies with her she's kinda untouchable at the moment. But I haven't heard anything regarding Cyborg or The Flash. Again, the DCEU is very disorganized in what it wants to do that it wouldn't surprise me if they scrapped them completely.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

It kinda feels like we're in a lull of good television, doesn't it? Even though I'm sure that's not the case. It's just that the fall lineup doesn't really look that enticing, unless it's your own returning shows.

[giallarhorn.livejournal.com]

I know there were disputes going on with the production budget when Fuller was showrunner, but #2 going isn't a great sign. Given it's HBO, I'd be mildly shocked if they didn't at least air whatever they have to s2, if only due to the sunk costs.

Yeah, DCEU is going through a weird meltdown. Not that I'm too surprised given that DCEU by far has been a weird mess of what is and isn't part of the same thing, but eh. I'm only invested in Diana and Arthur Curry, though Henry Cavill made for a good Clark.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

It's STARZ, not HBO. But still, same logic applies. They allowed Bryan Fuller to do what he wished with the first season and it aired and people adored it, and even with budget disputes there could have at least been a compromise to meet in the middle, but neither side was budging. And it seems the new (now also fired) showrunner went over budget with everything, thereby having so many production frustrations, among other issues. So, yeah. It's just a mess. Which is disappointing because American Gods could've been something amazing.

It's just so bizarre how deep the DCEU continues to really fuck things up, even when they're trying to fix something it ends up ruining it anyway because they're not on the same page. I think that whole universe needs a complete reset -- except for Wonder Woman, of course.

[noybusiness.livejournal.com]

I'm looking forward to Nightflyers and She-Ra and the Princesses and Power.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, I'm curious about She-Ra since I've been hearing a lot about it. I'm also familiar with Noelle Stevenston so having her being the creator/showrunner of it will be interesting to see.

[squint13.livejournal.com]

I'm not even sure what new shows there are, tbh. I know I have heard of some, and/or seen trailers of them, but I can't remember most now. xD Uh, but I did watch the trailer for House on Haunted Hill, or whatever (I'm tired and about to log off, sorry for my laziness xD), and although I definitely won't be watching that after it gets dark outside, it does look kinda intriguing? It also has a couple of actors I like, so there is that. Uhm. Oh, Sabrina looks kinda interesting too. *shrug* Other than that, I've forgotten what there is xD

I'm mainly excited about returning shows, like The Good Place and Legends of Tomorrow and etc (again, tired, sorry, I'm forgetful xD), and I'm *the most* excited for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Oh, and also Doctor Who! Very excited for that. (though actually somehow more excited for Crazy Ex? what happened, lmao xD)

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

The Haunting of Hill House does seem rather interesting. I love creepy stuff so this definitely seems right up my alley. I remember watching the 1999 movie adaption, The Haunting, when it came out and I loved that, but this will be just another adaptation of the book which will no doubt be another interesting take on the story. I'm intrigued.

(Also, House on Haunted Hill is something else entirely different, which I didn't know until some while ago, ironically since I also watched the 1999 movie of that when it came out too, lol.)

But yeah, other than that there really hasn't been anything else new that has really caught my eye. My returning shows, though, I'm quite excited about.

[sixphanel.livejournal.com]

Just as long as they keep Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman I'm good, imho.

Y E S. That's all I have to say :D

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I'm not really that huge on superhero movies, of either MCU or DCEU, but Wonder Woman is absolutely amazing and Gal Gadot is fantastic as Diana. ❤

[silverusagi]

That is so disheartening about American Gods. Especially that Fuller seems to have been actually fired. I don't know what to think about Gaiman, though. I can fully see 'the studio' not getting along with Fuller, but whenever anyone complains to Gaiman online that whatever adaptation was not as they pictured it, his answer is basically, 'you still have the book, and books and TV/movies are different mediums.' I can't think of a Gaiman adaptation besides a radio play that was EXACTLY like the book. I've been a fan of Gaiman for a long time, and he just comes across as very chill, IMO. I can't see him railroading someone out, but then again, what do I know?

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Since there's been no actual official statement from anyone involved, just an "insider" report, it's all left to speculation on what is happening, who is at fault, etc. I have no real opinion of Neil Gaiman because I don't know him outside of his books, but like you I always assumed that he was very chill and actually loved what Fuller and Co. did with the first season. I mean, why hire someone who is known for being visually artistic with their work to adapt your book in the first place if you're not loving the direction/visual representation of the story?

I mostly just think this is a studio issue, or rather a studio versus production company issue, and everyone in between (showrunners, producers, writers, actors) are unfortunately getting caught in the middle and suffering the consequences. Then again, we don't truly know. But whatever is happening, it's just a massive clusterfuck that IDK if it can bounce back from, especially if S2 doesn't live up to expectations especially in comparison to the first season.

And that? Is heartbreaking. American Gods could have been something spectacular. :(

[silverusagi]

I also kind of don't get why studios try to control so much? I mean, I get it, it's their money, but haven't recent years shown that the standout shows are the ones who do not follow the mold, who dare to be different, either visually or story wise? Why would ANYONE (studio or author) hire Fuller if they didn't want the sort of thing he delivered? Hannibal is his most recent thing, and you only have to watch an episode to see that Fuller productions do not look like other productions.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Exactly! It's what makes all of this really confusing and frustrating because, clearly, from the moment they hired Fuller they knew what he was going to do, they intended of having American Gods stand out from anything else because of his very distinct style of storytelling which fits this story perfectly. It's the reason many were excited for Fuller to be brought on as showrunner and why it's gotten so much praise in the first place. I just don't understand what is happening, because they had something amazing going for them and they just took it away, thereby dooming the show when it could have been the next big amazing thing.

[impala-chick.livejournal.com]

Oh man, that DCEU news was pretty surprising to me. But I guess Cavill and Affleck were never really in love with the movies... at least not the way it seems that the Marvel cast is.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

From my understanding, the actors were never really the problem, but the way Warner Bros. has been mishandling the DC universe from the very beginning. There are other contributing factors too, of course, but I know that many of the actors/directors have been frustrated with things for some time that it's unsurprising that the actors may not want to be attached to the roles anymore. Which, overall, sucks.

[meringues.livejournal.com]

Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill will no longer be playing Batman and Superman in the DCEU
Of course this type of stuff would go down the week I'm offline... I'm actually not a fan of this reality :(

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I've seen a lot of mixed reactions to the actors portraying the characters, but imho, it's not the actors who are at fault, it's the writing and direction of the movies and the meddling from the studio. They were just doing the best they could with what they were given, which wasn't much. I had heard rumors that Ben Affleck was wanting to leave for a while now, since he wanted to direct his own solo Batman movie before backing out, probably realizing how much he would have to fight Warner Bros. for creative decisions. So I'm not entirely surprised if they no longer want to play the roles if they're not getting much out from it.

[batmarg.livejournal.com]

I think it was probably inevitable that Cavill & Affleck would pull out. The DCEU hasn't been getting good reviews outside of Wonder Woman (which, I'm with you: I just want to keep Gadot)

I'm giving the new shows a try as per normal, though the only thing I was fairly pumped for was Mayans. I'm pretty excited for stuff coming to netflix this October though, especially more Castlevania.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I heard rumors about Ben Affleck not wanting to be Batman for a long time, since last year I think. So it's not inherently surprising that both actors would just be done with the DCEU, considering the lackluster reception of their movies. Gal Gadot is the only one who has something going for her in that universe with Wonder Woman.

I honestly can't wait for the new season of Castlevania. :D

[frelling-tralk.livejournal.com]

Hmm thanks for those links, that certainly paints things in a diffferent light as the story going around was always that Bryan Fuller left after frustration at not getting a bigger budget to work with, but instead it sounds like it was the author who wasn’t happy with the changes to the book? That would kind of tie in with Gaiman having more of a say with season 2 (I think anyway?), but still seems odd that he would have been that unhappy when the critical response was always very positive. Surely as an author he must have understood that any tv show would be taking liberties with the original text, and that television adaptions can’t always be an exact copy?

And I’m not excited at all about the network shows either, the only ones that have caught my interest are a few of the ones coming to Netflix, otherwise most of the new shows seem really boring and generic, the most excited reviewers seem to be getting is for a show about a rookie cop :yawns:

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I've heard different versions, one is that Neil Gaiman actually loved what Bryan Fuller did and sang praises of the first season, and another where he disliked the deviation from the book and he wanted to gain more control over the show after the first season. Which if it's the latter, it makes no sense because Bryan Fuller and Co. were hired on because of what they do. Anyone who knows Bryan Fuller knows that he has a very specific and distinctive way of visual storytelling. Why hire someone who does something like that if you're not going to like the way he does it? Furthermore, it also makes no sense because Gaiman has mentioned before when people were displeased by the castings for Good Omens that they'll always have the book, implying that he knows precisely that adaptations are meant to be slight deviations and not be exactly what people imagined it to be. So, idk what's happening or what is true in terms of personal opinions or clashes, but quite frankly American Gods lost someone who could have made the show something special. :(