Title: A-List Actor Offered Leading Role as Villain in Upcoming Blockbuster Film
Post: Exciting news in the world of Hollywood as reports have surfaced that a highly acclaimed actor has been offered the coveted role of the main antagonist in an upcoming major motion picture. The buzz surrounding this casting choice has fans and industry insiders alike eagerly anticipating the official announcement.
With a stellar track record of delivering unforgettable performances on the big screen, this “big actor” is sure to bring a level of intensity and charisma to the role of the movie’s main villain that will captivate audiences worldwide. Stay tuned for updates as negotiations continue and the star’s involvement in the project is confirmed.
In the meantime, speculation is running rampant as to which iconic character this talented actor will be portraying and how their dynamic with the film’s hero will unfold. As details emerge, the anticipation for this blockbuster film only continues to grow. Keep an eye out for more updates on this exciting development in the world of cinema.
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actor, movie, villain, casting news, Hollywood, entertainment, film industry, rumors, big name, leading role, antagonist, star, film production, celebrity gossip
Harrison Ford has spoken about his role as Thaddeus Ross in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, rejecting the idea that the Red Hulk should be labelled a ‘villain’.
The 82-year-old has taken on the part once portrayed by the late William Hurt, who passed away in 2022, and Thaddeus is now the new US president.
In one of the many released sneak peeks, President Ross can be seen addressing the nation from behind the lectern outside the White House before transforming into the monstrous Red Hulk.
Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross and Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in Captain America Brave New World Pic: Eli Adé/Marvel Studios
Discussing the role, Ford shared with the PA news agency: ‘Well, he’s a complicated person, and I don’t think we should quite describe him as a villain, but I think as the story unwinds you find different aspects of his character that may be of interest. And he turns into the Hulk, so there’s a complication in his life.’
‘It’s good to have characters that have a substance and a point of view, and I think we have a bunch of very interesting characters in this film.’
Reflecting on the visual effects, Ford described seeing himself as Red Hulk: ‘I’ve never seen myself that way before, but it was interesting, it was fun.’
Captain America Brave New World Pic: Marvel Studios
The storyline follows Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, who has assumed the role of Captain America, as he becomes embroiled in an international incident involving Ford’s newly elected president.
Mackie, who previously appeared as The Falcon alongside Chris Evans’ Captain America, spoke fondly of his long-standing involvement with the Marvel franchise.
Mackie explained: ‘The fun part about it was not so much about becoming Captain America, but doing it with all of my friends and colleagues from the beginning.
Prime Minister Ozaki (Takehiro Hira), Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), and President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) in Captain America Brave New World Pic: Marvel Studios
‘These movies are a lot like summer camp. People become your family.’
‘Being in, now, nine of these movies, the same props guy from the first movie was my props guy on this movie, my dresser on the first movie was my dresser on this movie.
‘So it is just the evolution of, I’m just really proud of the evolution of the character and everybody seeing Sam for who he is.’
You can check out Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford in Marvel Studios’ Captain America Brave New World when it lands in cinemas on February 14.
Harrison Ford recently opened up about his upcoming role as the Red Hulk in the highly anticipated film Captain America: Brave New World. In a recent interview, Ford revealed that his version of the Red Hulk is “not quite a villain” in the traditional sense.
Ford explained that while the Red Hulk may be seen as an antagonist in the film, there are many layers to the character that make him more complex than just a simple villain. “I think audiences will be surprised by the depth and complexity of the Red Hulk in this film,” Ford said. “He may not be a hero, but he’s definitely not just a villain either.”
Fans of the Marvel universe are eagerly anticipating Ford’s portrayal of the Red Hulk, and it seems like they can expect a nuanced and multi-dimensional character in Captain America: Brave New World. Stay tuned for more updates on the film as it nears its release date.
While fighting in the air may have stopped in Gaza, danger remains for Palestinians returning to parts of the war-torn territory due to unexploded bombs on the ground.They blend in with the mounds of rubble and destruction. Efforts are underway in Gaza to locate and remove these bombs, starting in the southern Gaza city of Rafah — which saw some of the heaviest combat in the 15-month-long long war between Israel and Hamas. But mines advisory groups say in order to address the large amount of unexploded ordnances (UXO) left behind, a wider response is critical.For Gazans, it’s an added fear of death despite a ceasefire that has halted air and ground offensives.”We’re scared for the young ones, for our families,” said Raed Al-Akka, a 27-year-old father of three from Rafah, told CBC News”I’m scared of leaving my house and encountering a rocket that explodes on me or my wife or my children, or in the street on my neighbours … anywhere.”WATCH | Fear for kids as explosives teams remove ordnances in Rafah: With access to Gaza still limited, especially in the first stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, it is challenging to estimate the likely scale of contamination of explosives at this stage, said Greg Crowther, director of programmes with the Mines Advisory Group (MAG).”It’s clear that there will be a significant threat to life and a long-term barrier to reconstruction efforts,” Crowther said in an email to CBC News Friday.A ‘dangerous environment’For now, their focus is on risk education in the territory.MAG, which had helped to clear Gaza of landmines after conflicts in 2008 and 2009, partnered with Save Youth Future Society, and deployed 20 risk education teams across Gaza to teach communities how to stay safe around explosive hazards through recognizing, avoiding and reporting possible hazards. They have delivered sessions to more than 160,000 people since launching in September 2024.Crowther said that because Gaza is densely populated and highly urbanized, the use of explosive weapons has had a “particularly devastating effect.””Beyond what is visible, you also have to factor in items that have so far failed to detonate but remain hidden, putting people at risk — this creates a dangerous environment especially as people return to their home location and dig through rubble,” he said.Raed Al-Akka, a 27-year-old father of three from Rafah in southern Gaza, says he worries for his family’s safety with unexploded ordnances littered across the enclave. (Mohamed El Saife/CBC)The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has previously warned about explosive ordnances that have become “increasingly widespread,” across the tiny coastal enclave that has been under heavy bombardment by Israel.It said its explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams have encountered aerial bombs, mortars, rockets, all-calibre projectiles, grenades and improvised explosive devices. Deep buried bombs common in GazaIn Gaza specifically, deep buried bombs are found underneath or within infrastructures and under rubble. ”As families return to their homes, we are rapidly increasing our capacity to mitigate the risk of explosive ordnance to civilians and humanitarians alike,” UNMAS said in a post on X Monday.As more Palestinians return to different parts of the Gaza Strip following the ceasefire which began Sunday, a UN damage assessment released this month showed that clearing over 50 million tonnes of rubble left in the aftermath of Israel’s bombardment could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion US.Mohammed Muqdad, head of the Rafah’s explosives department, said its teams began to locate and remove the weapons in the first phase of the ceasefire.”Rafah specifically has been afflicted, the majority of the area has been destroyed,” Muqdad told CBC News Wednesday.”We have been dealing with dozens of remaining unexploded ordnances that we transport to safe areas to eventually get rid of them.”Kids being taught to recognize the weaponsSo far, the teams have completed more than 120 calls to remove UXOs, working each day since Sunday.”The team is continuing to work on further removing other ordnances from residential areas,” he said. “We’re doing as much as we can to lift and remove [them].”Muqdad said the teams have removed bombs that are used in aircraft, such as MK, GBU 39, cannon and tank bombs, but require special technical equipment to clear the much larger explosives.Authorities have asked residents to stay away from certain areas that are dangerous and believed to have a large number of these devices.Mohammed Muqdad said the teams have removed bombs that are used in aircrafts, like MK, GBU 39, cannon and tank bombs, but require special technical equipment to clear the much larger ordnances. (Mohamed El Saife/CBC)Some ordnances, such as smaller explosives that are ejected from cluster munitions, may not look like ordinary threats to children at first, which can be a danger.Crowther said children also participate in the risk education sessions to be aware of the types of weapons used in the war.”It’s especially important to share this information with them, as their natural curiosity can put them at greater risk of injury should they come across explosive weapons and simply assume they are toys,” he said.Al-Akka called on experts to remove the explosives.”So we can take our freedom and go to our homes, remove the rubble and sit in our homes,” Al-Akka said.”We’ve seen enough martyrs and bloodshed in the war.”Limited co-ordination, capability in GazaCrowther said explosive threat assessments and survey activities in addition to technical equipment must be expanded to allow for a wider humanitarian response. ”There is currently limited co-ordination and capability to carry out these activities, both in terms of the technical equipment required, and the number of qualified personnel that are currently in Gaza,” Crowther said.More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the 15-month war, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Due to the chaos of war, verifying the exact number of casualties has been challenging and subject to scrutiny. Unexploded ordnances seen on top of rubble in Rafah, Gaza, on Wednesday. (Mohamed El Saife/CBC)The coastal enclave has been largely demolished by Israel’s military following Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. That assault killed 1,200 people with around 250 hostages taken into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Some 94 Israelis and foreigners remain held in Gaza. It is unclear how many are alive. The Palestinian Civil Defence said it is searching for an estimated 10,000 bodies believed to be remaining under the rubble.A peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet on Jan. 9 suggests that the official figures of deaths in Gaza may be significantly underestimated. On June 30, 2024, the Gaza Health Ministry reported 37,877 deaths; the study estimated the number was likely around 64,200 by that date.
Mark Wahlberg ‘Apologized’ to Cast After Filming “Flight Risk” Because He Was So ‘Locked Into’ Villain Role (Exclusive)
In a recent interview, Mark Wahlberg opened up about his experience filming the upcoming thriller “Flight Risk” and how he found himself so immersed in his villainous character that he felt the need to apologize to his castmates after filming wrapped.
Wahlberg, known for his versatile acting skills, took on the role of a cunning and ruthless criminal mastermind in “Flight Risk.” The character required Wahlberg to tap into a darker side of himself, pushing the boundaries of his acting abilities.
“I really had to dive deep into this character and explore some really dark aspects of his personality,” Wahlberg said. “I found myself getting so locked into the role that it started affecting my interactions with my fellow cast members off set.”
After completing filming, Wahlberg realized the toll that embodying such a complex character had taken on him and those around him. Feeling the need to address any potential tension or discomfort he may have caused, Wahlberg gathered the cast together to express his apologies.
“I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew that any intensity or distance I may have exhibited during filming was purely a result of me being fully committed to my character,” Wahlberg explained. “I wanted to make sure there were no hard feelings and that we could all move forward together.”
Despite the challenges he faced while portraying the antagonist in “Flight Risk,” Wahlberg expressed gratitude for the opportunity to push himself as an actor and explore new depths in his craft. Fans can look forward to seeing Wahlberg’s captivating performance when “Flight Risk” hits theaters next month.
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Mark Wahlberg, Flight Risk, Apology, Cast, Villain Role, Exclusive Interview, Acting, Method Acting, Behind the Scenes
Marvel Rivals is stacked with incredible comic book characters. Many of these heroes such as Iron Man, Hulk, and Wolverine, are rather mainstream and perhaps therefore, popular. However, the Marvel Universe has many interesting characters who can be added to the game, and some community members hope that the next addition is none other than Taskmaster.
Taking to Reddit, u/Japanese_inspired shared concept art portraying Taskmaster in Marvel Rivals. The user compared the character to other hooded characters such as Moon Knight and Cloak:
“I’ve never wanted a character more until this Taskmaster concept”
The post went viral after being uploaded on January 24, 2025. It received over 5,000 upvotes and over 200 comments. Redditor u/Mylaststory even proposed an ability that could work with Taskmaster’s character from the comics:
“He could have a parry ability. If timed correctly he could fire back an ability that was used on him. Make him a high risk high reward character.”
Meanwhile, u/TheTrazynTheInfinite suggested that Taskmaster in Marvel Rivals should borrow his skills from other heroes such as Captain America, Magik, and perhaps even Iron Fist:
“I’ve been saying that we need taskmaster since I started playing this game, make him a hybrid between Magik. Cap and maybe a smidgen of iron fist”
This suggestion makes sense since the character’s primary ability is copying other heroes. However, not all the comments were in favor of the character being added. In fact, u/DadlyQueer believed it was nigh impossible to incorporate Taskmaster into the game.
Finally, u/iamdroogie believed that a character like Taskmaster just wouldn’t work in a hero shooter. The user found the concept attractive and yet, impractical.
Leaked heroes who could be coming to Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals heroes get leaked (Image via NetEase Games)
Over January 2025, a plethora of leaked heroes appeared online as data miners attempted to predict upcoming characters in Marvel Rivals. Many of these heroes are X-Men members such as Professor X, Nightcrawler, Colossus, as well as Jean Grey or Pheonix.
Apart from them, names such as Deadpool, Hit-Monkey, and Blade have also been revealed. However, it recently came to light that Marvel Rivals developers may be hiding fake hero names in the game files. This could have been done to ward off data miners trying to leak information.
As of writing, no confirmations have been given regarding the release of most of these leaked characters.
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The Marvel Rivals community is buzzing with excitement as fans are calling for the addition of a popular villain to the game. The villain in question? None other than the sinister and cunning Doctor Octopus.
With his mechanical tentacles and genius-level intellect, Doctor Octopus has long been a fan-favorite antagonist in the Marvel universe. His iconic battles with Spider-Man have captivated audiences for decades, and fans are eager to see him brought to life in the Marvel Rivals mobile game.
Players have taken to social media, forums, and online communities to voice their support for Doctor Octopus to be added to the game’s roster of characters. Many are eager to see how his unique abilities and gadgets would translate to the mobile gaming experience, and are excited at the prospect of facing off against him in epic battles.
As the Marvel Rivals development team continues to add new characters and content to the game, fans are hopeful that their voices will be heard and that Doctor Octopus will soon make his debut as a playable character. Stay tuned for updates and announcements as the community rallies behind this exciting addition to the game.
Mark Wahlberg indulged in a rare opportunity to portray the villain in his latest movie.
In his new thriller Flight Risk, the Boogie Nights actor, 53, plays a hit man pretending to be a pilot, whose latest targets are U.S. marshal Madelyn (Michelle Dockery) and Winston (Topher Grace), a fugitive who she has detained out of Alaska.
“I was locked into the part the whole time. So if we weren’t shooting, I was like either off in the corner by myself or I just would kind of go back to my little dressing room and just sit there,” Wahlberg says of staying in character on set. He last portrayed a villain in 1996’s Fear, opposite Reese Witherspoon.
“I was like the guy who was like constantly picking at them, poking them and prodding them, you know, from the back of the plane the whole entire time,” he adds. “I apologized at the end because I wasn’t very engaging off camera or outside of shooting, but I was just in [that] head space. We only had 22 days of shooting. So it wasn’t four months, five months of this. We shot it very quickly.”
Michelle Dockery in Flight Risk.
Courtesy of Lionsgate
Flight Risk marks his first time acting in a Mel Gibson-directed film. Wahlberg and Gibson previously acted together in movies like 2022’s Father Stu and 2017’s Daddy’s Home 2. Wahlberg told PEOPLE back in June 2024 that he decided he wanted to play the film’s villain after Gibson, 69, sent him the film’s script and “didn’t even say which role” he envisioned Wahlberg playing.
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Wahlberg is not just any villain in Flight Risk — his character torments his adversaries throughout the movie as they joust physically and verbally for control over a small passenger plane in the Alaskan wilderness.
Mark Wahlberg in Flight Risk.
Lionsgate
“I’ve been saying over and over how much I love movies like The Shining with [Jack Nicholson] and In The Line of Fire with [John Malkovich] and Cape Fear with [Robert] De Niro. Those are the kind of characters that I always loved and gravitated towards, and I hadn’t done it in such a long time,” he adds of inspiration for the role. “I don’t know, I just kept all these ideas popping into my head about how I would play that particular role.”
Flight Risk is now in theaters.
Mark Wahlberg ‘Apologized’ to Cast After Playing Villain in ‘Flight Risk’ (Exclusive)
In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg has reportedly issued a heartfelt apology to his fellow cast members after playing a villainous role in the upcoming action thriller ‘Flight Risk’.
According to sources close to the production, Wahlberg took on the challenging role of a ruthless criminal mastermind in the film, which required him to engage in some intense and morally ambiguous scenes. However, it seems that the actor’s commitment to his character may have taken a toll on his relationships with his co-stars.
In a recent interview, Wahlberg revealed that he felt compelled to reach out to his fellow actors and apologize for any discomfort or tension that may have arisen during filming. He explained that he wanted to make sure that they understood that his on-screen persona was not a reflection of his true self, and that he valued their professionalism and camaraderie on set.
The gesture was met with gratitude and appreciation from the cast, who praised Wahlberg for his humility and sincerity. It seems that the actor’s willingness to take responsibility for his actions and show vulnerability has only deepened the bond between him and his colleagues.
‘Flight Risk’ is set to premiere in theaters next month, and fans are eagerly anticipating Wahlberg’s performance in what promises to be a gripping and intense thriller. With his apology behind him, it seems that the actor is ready to move forward and continue delivering standout performances on the big screen.
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Mark Wahlberg, Flight Risk, Apology, Villain, Cast, Exclusive, Actor, Hollywood, Movie, Apology Scene, Behind the Scenes, Drama, Entertainment, Celebrity Apology
Playing against type doesn’t always work. Some actors cannot be separated from the people they are or the kinds of roles they play. That’s why Jared Leto exclusively plays creeps. Every Arnold Schwarzenegger character is from Austria, even if he says otherwise. Dwayne The Rock Johnson cannot play anyone with fewer than fifteen shirt pockets. Those are the rules, but they are made to be broken. Plenty of actors have played against type with phenomenal results.
Dave Bautista has practically made a career out of playing against type. The big strong man has played… big strong men, but some have been softer or subtler, not relying on their strength. Leslie Nielsen had a full career of “normal” performances before he switched to comedy and had a resurgence. Liam Neeson has been taking a similar path, so it makes sense that he would be starring in a remake of Nielsen’s most memorable film (no, not Dracula Dead And Loving It but I would watch that). So, if Ke Huy Quan wants to play against type, give the man a chance!
Quan was a child star who appeared in films like The Goonies and Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom. Then, his onscreen career dried up, but not by his choosing. He remained in the industry, choreographing stunts and fights for various productions and working behind the scenes in other capacities. However, Quan was cast as a lead character in Everything Everywhere All At Once, won an Oscar for his performance, and is back on the big screen, baby!
Quan’s acting career has now found a second life. He appeared in the second season of Loki, will star in the upcoming action-comedy Love Hurts, and doesn’t plan on stopping there. However, he has some ideas about how he wants this next chapter to play out. “I would love to play a bad guy. Like a Bond villain. Or the kind of thing Hugh Grant does in Heretic,” the actor recently explained to Empire. “I want to go out of my comfort zone and just play this diabolical, really bad guy. That would be a lot of fun.” Yes, please!
Ke Huy Quan has not only played mostly nice guys, but they are often meek and, dare I say, mousey. He is a skilled martial artist and can believably lay the smackdown on unsuspecting fools, but his lovely smile and big heart are always at the forefront and have been for decades. A sinister threat coming from Quan’s charming demeanor (or seeing him shed that demeanor altogether) would be very special and particularly menacing. And, he may want something less action-heavy as well.
“I don’t want to be perceived as an action star,” Quan noted. “I hope I’m perceived as an actor who does action well. So I’m going to take it one step at a time. The best part about being an actor is, you get to play a variety of different characters. I love [Loki’s] Ouroboros because he’s so different than [Everything Everywhere All At Once’s] Waymond, and Waymond is so different than [Love Hurts’] Marvin Gable.” I want everything (everywhere all at once) for Quan that he wants. If he wants to play a menacing villain who barely lifts a finger, let him! It’ll be scary as hell!
Let Ke Huy Quan Play a Villain if He Wants To
Ke Huy Quan, known for his iconic roles in films like “The Goonies” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor. While he is often remembered for his lovable and heroic characters, it would be intriguing to see him take on the role of a villain.
Quan has the charisma and acting chops to convincingly portray a villainous character. His ability to bring depth and complexity to his performances would make him a compelling and memorable villain on screen.
It’s important for actors to have the opportunity to explore different types of roles and challenge themselves creatively. If Ke Huy Quan is interested in playing a villain, it would be exciting to see how he would bring his own unique twist to the character.
So, let’s not limit Ke Huy Quan to just playing the hero. Let’s give him the chance to showcase his range and talent by taking on the role of a villain if he so desires. Who knows, he might just surprise us all with a performance that is truly unforgettable.
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Ke Huy Quan, villain role, acting, Hollywood, Asian actor, diversity, Ke Huy Quan villain, Ke Huy Quan acting, movie role, character portrayal
Ke Huy Quan gained fame as a child actor in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ and ‘The Goonies’ but took a 19-year break from acting to work behind the scenes. He returned with ‘Finding ʻOhana’ (2021) and earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022), becoming the first Vietnam-born actor to win an Oscar.
In 2023, he was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people, and for our readers most importantly, he starred as Ouroboros aka Ob in the second season of ‘Loki.’ Fans liked his role and while we are wondering whether he will reprise his role in the future of the MCU, Quan revealed he has different aspirations.
Ke Huy Quan revealed in an interview with Empire that he wants to step out of his usual roles and try playing a villain, like a Bond villain or a character similar to Hugh Grant’s in ‘Heretic.
Ke Huy Quan, best known for his roles in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies,” is ready to take on a new challenge. The actor, who is set to appear in the upcoming Disney+ series “Loki,” recently expressed his desire to play a Bond villain.
In a recent interview, Quan shared his excitement about the possibility of stepping into the iconic role of a Bond villain. “I’ve always been a fan of the James Bond movies, and I think playing a villain in one of those films would be an incredible opportunity,” he said. “I want to go out of my comfort zone and just play this diabolical, really bad guy.”
Quan’s desire to play a villain in a Bond film comes as no surprise, as he has proven his versatility as an actor time and time again. From his comedic roles in “The Goonies” to his action-packed performances in the “Indiana Jones” movies, Quan has shown that he has the range to tackle any role that comes his way.
Fans of Quan will no doubt be excited to see him take on the challenge of playing a Bond villain. With his talent and charisma, there’s no doubt that he would bring a unique and memorable twist to the iconic role. Let’s hope that Quan’s dream of playing a Bond villain becomes a reality in the near future.
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Loki star, Ke Huy Quan, Bond villain, acting, diabolical, bad guy, Marvel, Hollywood, actor, character, role, interview, ambition, career, new challenge, movie, film, entertainment, acting skills.
[This story contains major spoilers through the season two finale of Squid Game.]
Lee Byung-hun spent the original Squid Game almost entirely masked as the mysterious Front Man. For season two, he drops that guise by and large, but picks up another mask — and identity — entirely.
Squid Game 2 sees the South Korean star significantly stepping up his screen time from season one, as the main antagonist plaguing heroic Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae). The Front Man wages a philosophical war with Gi-hun by helping him in his literal war against the Games, posing as a fellow participant named Young-il. As “Young-il,” the Front Man helps Gi-hun rally several others to work together, all while secretly sabotaging those very same efforts.
It’s a constant guessing game of the character’s true motives right up until the very last scene of the season, in which it becomes very clear that the Front Man is, at the end of the day, still gonna Front Man. The seventh and final Squid Game 2 outing ends with the Front Man shooting and killing Jung-bae, Gi-hun’s oldest friend, signifying a huge win for the bad guys heading into the third and final season.
In the chat below, The Hollywood Reporter speaks with Lee through a translator about bringing the Front Man to life, whether he believes there’s any redemption for the character left at all and what’s to come.
***
You have a lot to do here in season two. What was you first reaction to finding out about the expanded role?
When I first received the script, I felt like, “Okay, I’m going to be busy.” I’m playing three characters: the Front Man, In-ho [his real name] and Young-il, who he’s acting as when he’s in the games. Keeping all those personalities straight is one of those really exciting opportunities as an actor. I was really looking forward to taking it on.
Were you surprised by what you learned about the Front Man this season?
Yes; even compared to when I first read the script, I learned so much about him as I was shooting it. I’m pretending to be Young-il, on a team with Gi-hun, but observing Gi-hun, and almost seeing a past version of himself through Gi-hun. By the end of the season, In-ho does think he’s right; that his world view is correct. However, he has a very small inkling of hope that still exists for humanity, for the world. That was the biggest shift in my understanding of my own character between reading the scripts and shooting. While we were doing it, I kept wondering, maybe there’s a small shift in his perspective…
Lee Byung-hun as the Front Man in season two.
Netflix
It was a big question for me, watching you across the season and wondering where your true loyalties lie. Were there moments you were wondering the same thing?
Yeah, I did feel that. I did feel these moments where he’s faltering. He really wants to break down Gi-hun’s worldview, but as In-ho’s working with him and working with the other characters, he feels excited, he feels joy, he feels angry all alongside them. I do think there are moments where he’s actually enjoying the Games. I do think he forms some attachments to the other participants, but ultimately you see him kill Jung-bae very relentlessly. I think that’s because he has this ultimate goal of making Gi-hun realize his belief in the world is misplaced.
Why do you think he entered the game?
When In-ho played the game previously, he had already lost all of his hope. His life was very bare bones. When he entered the game previously, it was even more desperate. Seeing the pit of humanity… I think that even though In-ho’s body is alive, his soul died a long time ago. Because of that, life and death don’t have a lot of meaning for him.
The biggest reason for him entering the games again is so he can break Gi-hun’s spirit. At first when Gi-hun returned, he was just going to observe him and see what he does. But then he realizes Gi-hun’s telling the other participants the rules of the game. He’s raising them up, collecting them and giving them power. That’s when he realizes he needs to step up as well.
Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) with Park Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) in season two.
Netflix
What did you make of the scene where Jung-bae watches In-ho break a fellow player’s neck? Something seriously shifts in the dynamic here.
When I first received the script, I knew that scene was extremely important and pivotal for my character. Of course, I felt a very complicated set of emotions playing these three characters — the Front Man, In-ho, Young-il — you see moments where all three of these aspects come together. I wanted to express that with the gaze, the gleam in his eye. When Jung-bae sees me commit this murder, he begins to wonder, “Is he really on our team? Is he the guy I’ve been playing with all along?” I think he starts to feel a very strange set of emotions as well. It makes the whole scene so complex.
Heading into season three, do you think there’s a chance for some redemption for the Front Man?
I’m not just saying this because I don’t want to spoil season three. I really mean it: In-ho’s interiority is really hard to know, even as season three progresses. What I’ve taken away in embodying and acting as him in season three, that possibility for change within him always exists.
After the explosive success of Squid Game season 1, fans around the world have been eagerly awaiting news of a potential season 2. And while details are still scarce, a recent interview with the rumored villain of Squid Game 2 has shed some light on what we can expect in the upcoming season.
In the interview, the enigmatic new character, known only as “The Puppet Master,” delves deep into the backstory of the mysterious Front Man from season 1. According to The Puppet Master, the Front Man’s true motives and dark past will be revealed in season 2, as he is forced to confront his own demons and make difficult choices that will have far-reaching consequences.
“The Front Man is a complex character with a troubled history,” The Puppet Master explains. “In season 2, we will see him grapple with his past actions and the toll they have taken on his soul. As the new mastermind behind the deadly games, he will be forced to confront his own morality and face the consequences of his actions.”
Fans of Squid Game are sure to be intrigued by this tantalizing glimpse into the upcoming season. With the promise of even more twists, turns, and heart-pounding action, Squid Game 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch event for fans of the hit series. Stay tuned for more updates as we eagerly await the premiere of season 2.
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The following contains spoilers for Mufasa: The Lion King, now playing in theatersMufasa: The Lion King reveals that one of Mufasa’s iconic lines was actually taken from a major villain. Mufasa: The Lion King delves into the early days of the titular lion, long before he became the ruler of the Pride Lands. This gives the film plenty of opportunities to retroactively seed the characters and events of The Lion King, such as the evolution of the kindly Taka into the villainous Scar or how Mufasa fell in love with his eventual queen, Sarabi.
One of the more interesting additions to the film is Kiros, the dangerous white lion who served as a major threat to the animals before Mufasa was able to unite them. Kiros has a very personal reason to go after Mufasa even beyond their conflicting views on power, building to their massive duel in Mufasa: The Lion King‘s ending. Kiros is effectively everything Mufasa isn’t, a heartless and brutal despot in contrast to Mufasa’s more noble approach to rule. Notably, Mufasa took one idea of Kiros’ and flipped it into one of his iconic approaches to ruling.
Kiros Uses The Lion King’s “Everything The Light Touches” Line In Mufasa
Kiros Openly Wanted To Rule “Everything The Light Touches”
Mufasa: The Lion King reveals that the villainous Kiros believed his kingdom would entail “everything the light touches” long before Mufasa told Simba the same thing about the Pride Lands. Mufasa: The Lion King explores the early days of Mufasa. The threat that united the animal kingdom behind him was Kiros, a ruthless white lion who held a deep-seated hatred for Mufasa after the latter killed his son in a fight. However, even before that, Kiros was on a path of violence, targeting the other lion prides in the area to cement his stranglehold on the kingdom.
Mufasa explains many details of Scar’s backstory before The Lion King, but one key aspect is surprisingly left out of Taka’s story in the prequel.
Kiros even tells other lions that he will control everything the light touches, highlighting his ambitions and his willingness to slaughter scores of innocent prides to achieve it. It stands in stark contrast to Mufasa’s motivations by the climax of the film, which reveals that Mufasa was actually reluctant to take the role of king. This willingness to forego power is why Mufasa is the perfect candidate for the role, leading to his well-respected tenure as monarch. However, this makes his decision to adopt the phrase when he’s king more interesting, as Mufasa naturally subverts Kiros’ motivations.
Why Mufasa Would Steal Kiros’ Description Of The Pride Lands
Mufasa Flips Kiros’ Plans For A More Noble Purpose
In 2019’s The Lion King, Mufasa talks to a young Simba about how he’ll eventually take over the Pride Lands as king from Mufasa, and that “everything the light touches” will be his kingdom after Mufasa’s death. However, he’s quick to correct Simba when he asks if that means the entire kingdom will belong to him. Instead, Mufasa explains the lands “belong to no one.” It is the responsibility of the king to take care of the lands and everyone the light touches. This is a direct reversal of Kiros’ motivations, with Mufasa taking the philosophy as a noble purpose.
It’s an interesting way to flip one of The Lion King‘s iconic lines into a crucial new aspect of Mufasa: The Lion King‘s thematic connections to the earlier film.
It’s an interesting expansion of Mufasa’s motivations in The Lion King, highlighting how he took his responsibility as monarch seriously. By contrast, Kiros and Scar were driven by the power the position afforded them. Simba in turn follows his father’s mentality and is seen in the opening song of Mufasa: The Lion King to have restored the Pride Lands as a home for the greater animal kingdom without ego or ambition. It’s an interesting way to flip one of The Lion King‘s iconic lines into a crucial new aspect of Mufasa: The Lion King‘s thematic connections to the earlier film.
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Mufasa: The Lion King is a prequel to the live-action remake of the original Disney animated film, The Lion King. The film will follow Mufasa in his early days; further plot details are currently under wraps. The film will likely explore Mufasa and Scar’s relationship and how it became as strained as it did. In the film, Timon and Pumba will return, with Billy Eicher and Seth Rogen reprising their roles.
Release Date
December 20, 2024
Director
Barry Jenkins
Writers
Jeff Nathanson
, Linda Woolverton
, Irene Mecchi
, Jonathan Roberts
Did you know that one of Mufasa’s most iconic lines in The Lion King was actually stolen from a villain? That’s right, the wise and noble king of the Pride Lands took inspiration from none other than Scar, his treacherous brother.
In the famous scene where Mufasa tells Simba, “Remember who you are,” he was actually paraphrasing a similar line spoken by Scar earlier in the film. Scar, in a moment of manipulation and deceit, tells Simba, “I’m only looking out for the well-being of my favorite nephew.”
It’s a subtle but fascinating detail that adds a layer of complexity to Mufasa’s character. Despite his righteousness and wisdom, even he is not above borrowing a line from his villainous brother when the situation demands it.
So next time you watch The Lion King, pay close attention to the dialogue and see if you can spot any other instances where Mufasa might have taken a cue from Scar. It just goes to show that even the noblest of characters can have a touch of darkness within them.
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Mufasa: The Lion King.Mufasa: The Lion King‘s villain stands out as a reminder of a long-standing controversy regarding the classic 1994 movie. Though the Disney prequel was largely considered an unnecessary addition to the franchise, Mufasa: The Lion King‘s reviews highlight its enhanced animation, affecting soundtrack, and, most importantly, a clever story that changes The Lion King canon in the best way. Like Simba’s Pride, Mufasa’s origin story builds Kiara’s family tree and expands on their generational history, this time, focusing on the troubling relationship between Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) — later, Scar.
However, the movie’s main villain is not Scar but a merciless outsider who seeks to kill all lion kings to gain sole power over all creatures. Notably, in Mufasa: The Lion King‘s ending, Simba’s father fights Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen) and earns the title of king of the Pride Lands, having defended and saved the animals of Milele against the vicious tyrant. Since the trailer introduced the all-white pack of violent Outsiders, Kiros has been a topic of debate, as the Mufasa: The Lion King villain’s design recalls the protagonist of Osamu Tezuka’s popular anime.
The Lion King’s Kimba Controversy Explained
The Arguments Comparing The Lion King To Kimba Have Been Debunked
The Lion King came out #1 at the 1994 box office and cemented the studio’s esteemed reputation as a producer of fresh animated stories. However, theories regarding its similarities to Osamu Tezuka’s Kimba the White Lion challenge The Lion King‘s pride as Disney’s first original movie. Though Tezuka died in 1989, his devoted fans have taken it upon themselves to expose Disney for copying the Japanese author, giving way to a now 31-year-old controversy.
Kimba the White Lion, based on Osamu Tezuka’s eponymous manga, was Japan’s first color-animated TV series and ran from 1965 to 1967.
Artist Machiko Satonaka even penned an open letter to Disney, requesting they acknowledge taking inspiration from Tezuka (via TheHollywood Reporter). These claims have since been debunked, as arguments were based on Kimba visuals that either came out after The Lion King or were not correctly contextualized within their source material. For example, even if both Kimba and Simba befriend some of the same animals, the characters are strikingly different, not to mention Tezuko’s protagonist meets a wide variety of animals and even humans.
In speaking with several outlets upon the movie’s release, The Lion King creators claimed to have never heard of Tezuko’s work or seen Kimba the White Lion before.
Some also observed that Simba, like Kimba, seeks to dethrone a black-haired usurper with a scar on his left eye, has a romantic interest in a lioness from his childhood, and talks to his dead father whose face appears in the sky. Even if these do sound more than coincidental, they become minor beats against Kimba the White Lion‘s extensive and unique narrative and end up being representative of common story tropes. Additionally, the likeness of their names was explained to be a translation coincidence as, in Japan, Kimba is known as Leo, while Simba means lion in Swahili.
Mufasa’s Villain Kiros Is Visually Similar To Kimba
Kimba & Kiros Are Completely Different Characters
Mufasa‘s Kiros is similar to Kimba, if anything, because they’re both white lions featured in popular stories. Yet Kiros’ color is the only resemblance he has to Tezuko’s character. While Kimba is a heroic figure with traits such as courage, kindness, and solidarity, Kiros is a ruthless oppressor who would never befriend other animals, let alone those he considers prey. The songs in Mufasa explain that white lions were banished by their prides and came together to take revenge on yellow-furred kings and claim a place in the circle of life.
Scar is an iconic Disney villain who now has a new origin story that reveals how he got his scar and his name in Mufasa: The Lion King.
The marginalized status of white lions in Mufasa: The Lion King is the opposite in Kimba, as the protagonist is told his color makes him superior. Disney animators may have taken some slight character design inspiration from Kimba the White Lion for the 1994 movie, but its connections to The Lion King prequel are close to none, and the controversy seems long buried.
Mufasa: The Lion King is a prequel to the live-action remake of the original Disney animated film, The Lion King. The film will follow Mufasa in his early days; further plot details are currently under wraps. The film will likely explore Mufasa and Scar’s relationship and how it became as strained as it did. In the film, Timon and Pumba will return, with Billy Eicher and Seth Rogen reprising their roles.
Release Date
December 20, 2024
Runtime
118 Minutes
Character(s)
Mufasa
, Taka
, Sarabi
, Young Rafiki
, Zazu
, Kiara
, Rafiki
, Kiros
, Pumbaa
, Timon
Director
Barry Jenkins
Writers
Jeff Nathanson
, Linda Woolverton
, Irene Mecchi
, Jonathan Roberts
In the latest remake of The Lion King, Mufasa’s villain, Scar, is a direct reminder of a controversial debate that has surrounded the iconic Disney film for years.
The debate revolves around the portrayal of Scar as a villain and whether he is truly evil or simply misunderstood. Some fans argue that Scar’s actions were a result of feeling neglected and overshadowed by his brother Mufasa, while others believe he is inherently evil and power-hungry.
Regardless of where you stand on the debate, it’s clear that Scar’s character adds complexity and depth to The Lion King. His cunning and manipulative nature make him a formidable foe for Simba and adds a layer of tension to the story.
What do you think? Is Scar a misunderstood villain or just plain evil? Let us know in the comments below.
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