DF INTERVIEW: CHRIS RYALL PITS A DISCREDITED SCIENTIST AND HIS COMPANIONS AGAINST ONCE-HUMAN HUSKS KNOWN AS ‘THE HOLLOWS’06/23/22 @ 3:55 pm EST
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DF Interview: Chris Ryall pits a discredited scientist and his companions against once-human husks known as ‘The Hollows’ By Byron BrewerIn an extra-length comic, writer Chris Ryall and artist Sam Kieth transport you to a dystopian near-future Japan, where spectral, once-human husks prey on the unfortunates who couldn't find salvation in the skyscraper-like trees that now dominate the decimated landscape. A discredited scientist works furiously to find a cure, until a one-eyed orphan girl and her pet, uh, urp force him to rethink everything he knows.
A fan of the 2012-13 comic The Hollows from IDW, I wasted no time in talking with scribe Ryall about this sci-fi one-shot from Image Comics.
Byron Brewer: Chris, this great one-shot, The Hollows, collects the 2012 comics of the same name by artist Sam Kieth and yourself. Tell readers a little bit about your concept for The Hollows. Chris Ryall: The Hollows originally came about through long conversations with Sam about what we should do together as a follow-up to our Mars Attacks: First Born miniseries.
We kicked around the idea of a series that aimed to merge the inventiveness of a Miyazaki film with a zombie apocalypse. Now, I’m not saying we achieved anywhere near the artfulness of a Miyazaki film, but that was our guiding light going in.
Byron: Can you give the unfamiliar fans some idea of the world you and Sam are building here? What will be the canvas readers will be dropped into upon buying this special-sized one-shot in July? Chris Ryall: The story opens with the same basic premise as so many zombie movies, especially Romero flicks, with the idea of the “haves” building upward and leaving those that society has deemed less important to fend for themselves below, but takes a different spin on that idea, both in terms of the visuals and the story.
Here, scientists have engineered massive super-structure trees for people to populate. Both as a way to try to stay in touch with nature and not just barricade themselves behind steel and concrete, but also to try to keep a type of elegance amidst a crumbling society.
Along those lines, they’ve also designed winged harnesses to allow them to fly down for supplies or to monitor the situation, and look for survivors. Which is where our story opens, and where everything changes for our lead scientist character.
Byron: Introduce us to your chief protagonist, a washed-up scientist laboring to cure his fellow once-humans whom have been mutated, if that is the correct term, into mere onion-skins preying on survivors of whatever armageddon has occurred. Who was he, who does he become, and what drives him to this challenge? Chris Ryall: He’s Craig Kobayashi, who’s such an adherent to the old ways of doing things that he’s mocked by both his colleagues and, to lesser degree, his wife, too.
But he can feel the society he knew slipping away from him—well, it’s well-slipped already—so he does what he can to hold onto a piece of the world he used to know. A charming but futile gesture, based on the reaction from others around him.
But when he ventures down to the world populated by the Hollows below, he meets a group that gives him reason to believe again.
Byron: Can you spotlight the cyclopean orphan waif and her pet? Who are they and what relationship do they have to Kobayashi? Chris Ryall: Lani, and her companion Urp (which is the only “word” he speaks, but somehow Lani can understand him through his inflection), survivors among the cracks as they are, are dubious of anyone from “above.” But just like Kobayashi recognizes something in them that he thought was lost, so do they see that he might be more than they thought.
Byron: Any other important characters we need to know, either among the “husks” or the humans who survive in the tall trees? Chris Ryall: There are others around Kobayashi and Lani who help flesh out the story and drive it in different directions, but they (and Urp) make up the core of the characters whose story we’re following.
One note about the husks/the Hollows – one thing Sam and I originally discussed before this story ever took shape – was that we were both similarly freaked out as kids by an issue of Frank Miller’s Daredevil, the two drug issues, where kids on heroin were emitting this kind of vapor, this smoke, that just made the idea of an overdose so much more visceral when we were little. Like, do drugs really burn you out from within like that?
We wanted to keep that same kind of visual for the Hollows – they’re not flesh-eating zombies in the traditional sense, but instead they’re these hollow specters that pull peoples’ very lifeforce from them and absorb that in a vain effort to literally breathe new life into their husk-like bodies.
Byron: This story takes place in a dystopian Japan of the near-future. Did you or artist Sam Kieth do any research on the present Japan to give scenes taking place there more weight? (I am a great fan if intricate detail, even in lands and times yet to exist.) Chris Ryall: I always include a fair amount of visual reference and links in my scripts, but Sam is such a fantastacist (is that a word? I feel like it should be a word in reference to Sam) that he takes things in a direction that is much more stylized and interesting than anything a real-world link could provide.
Byron: Speaking of our epic artist, talk about some of Sam’s work herein. Chris Ryall: Sam’s style has evolved in such unique ways over the years and that uniqueness, his ability to bend whimsy and horror and sensitivity, all comes into play in this story.
And his trees are just gorgeous. They’re like Seussian versions of Yggdrasil or something, just fantastic to look at.
Byron: Chris, what other projects with which you are involved can you tell readers about? Chris Ryall: Ashley Wood and I are just wrapping up the final-for-now issue of Zombies vs. Robots Classic, and I’ve also been prepping the hardcover collection of Joe Hill’s Rain, a September release of Onyx by Gabriel Rodriguez and me, and a number of other new books by Ash and I as well as some other talented folks, too.
And finally, I’m launching a sequel to Groom Lake, a graphic novel I did a decade ago with Ben Templesmith, via Zoop. Nelson Daniel is the artist on it, it’s called Groom Lake: Grey Skies Above, and the campaign goes live in mid-June so hopefully that can get rolling properly soon, too.
Dynamic Forces would like to thank Chris Ryall for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. The Hollows one-shot from Image Comics is slated to be on sale July 27th! For more news and up-to-date announcements, join us here at Dynamic Forces, www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/, “LIKE” us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/dynamicforcesinc, and follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/dynamicforces.
COMIC LEGACY OF JIM SHOOTER07/01/25 @ 3:12 pm EST
Source: Bleeding Cool | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentJim Shooter was a towering figure in the comic book industry—both literally and professionally. He began his career at just 14 years old, writing for DC Comics, where he made a splash with stories for the
Legion of Super-Heroes. His early creations included characters like
Karate Kid,
Ferro Lad, and
Princess Projectra, as well as the villain group
Fatal Five. Here’s a snapshot of his legacy: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->
DC Comics: Started as a teenage writer, contributing to
Adventure Comics and
Action Comics. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->
Marvel Comics: Rose to become
Editor-in-Chief from 1978 to 1987. Under his leadership: <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Oversaw iconic runs like
Uncanny X-Men by Claremont & Byrne,
Daredevil by Frank Miller, and
Thor by Walt Simonson. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Introduced creator royalties and launched the
Epic imprint for creator-owned work. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Created the first major crossover event:
Secret Wars. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->
Valiant Comics: Co-founded the publisher in the early '90s, bringing characters like
Solar: Man of the Atom and
Harbinger to life. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Also founded
Defiant Comics and
Broadway Comics, though both were short-lived. Shooter was known for his strict editorial style, which helped Marvel stay on schedule but also led to clashes with many creators. Despite the friction, his tenure is credited with revitalizing Marvel during a critical period. Jim Shooter passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 73. His influence on comics—both in storytelling and industry practices—remains profound.
JAMES GUNN'S SOCIAL MEDIA MOVE SPARKS WONDER WOMAN SPECULATION07/01/25 @ 2:50 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentIn the ever-watchful world of fandom sleuthing, even a simple Instagram follow can ignite a firestorm of speculation. That’s exactly what happened when filmmaker and DC Studios co-head
James Gunn followed actress Adria Arjona on Instagram—a move that fans quickly interpreted as a hint she might be cast as the next Wonder Woman. But Gunn was quick to clarify: “
I followed Adria on Instagram, but everybody came out, ‘He just followed her, that means she’s Wonder Woman!’” he said in a recent interview with
Extra. “
She’d be a great Wonder Woman, by the way. But she was in a movie that I made seven years ago. We’ve been friends and have known each other since that time. I followed her then, I didn’t just follow her.” The film Gunn referred to is
The Belko Experiment (2016), which he produced and in which Arjona appeared. Their professional relationship and friendship date back to that project, making the social media follow less of a casting clue and more of a long-standing connection. Still, Gunn’s comment that Arjona “
would be a great Wonder Woman” has only fueled fan enthusiasm. With a new Wonder Woman film currently in development and the DC Universe undergoing a major reboot, speculation remains high—even if Gunn insists fans shouldn’t read too much into his Instagram activity.
ROB MCELHENNEY DECIDES TO CHANGE NAME06/28/25 @ 2:09 pm EST
Source: Variety | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentIn a move that blends personal branding with practical necessity,
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star and co-creator
Rob McElhenney has officially filed to change his name to
Rob Mac. The decision, confirmed by McElhenney himself, marks a significant shift for the actor, writer, and entrepreneur whose surname has long been a source of confusion—and comedy. McElhenney, whose last name has famously stumped fans and media alike (despite
Ryan Reynolds’ musical pronunciation tutorial), cited global business expansion as the primary reason. As his company,
More Better Industries, continues to invest internationally—including ventures in Colombia and Mexico—he found that “McElhenney” was often mispronounced or misunderstood. “As our business and our storytelling is expanding into other regions of the world and other languages in which my name is even harder to pronounce, I’m just going by Rob Mac,” he told
Variety. Interestingly, the name “Mac” isn’t just a simplification—it’s also a nod to his iconic
Always Sunny character, known simply as Mac. It’s a full-circle moment that blends his personal identity with his pop culture persona. The name change is already being reflected in FX press materials for both
It’s Always Sunny and
Welcome to Wrexham, the Emmy-winning docuseries chronicling McElhenney and Reynolds’ ownership of Wrexham AFC.
DOCTOR ODYSSEY SINKS AT ABC06/28/25 @ 1:59 pm EST
Source: Variety | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentABC has officially pulled the plug on
Doctor Odyssey, the high-concept medical drama from prolific creator Ryan Murphy, after just one season. The show, which followed a team of doctors navigating emergencies aboard a luxury cruise ship, will not return for a second voyage. Premiering in fall 2024,
Doctor Odyssey starred
Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman, alongside
Phillipa Soo,
Sean Teale, and
Don Johnson. The series blended medical drama with high-seas spectacle, drawing comparisons to
The Love Boat with a modern, campy twist. Its trailer broke records with 77.8 million views in 48 hours, and the premiere drew 13.6 million cross-platform viewers. Despite the flashy debut and a loyal cult following, the show struggled to maintain momentum. Ratings dipped over the season, and its linear performance lagged behind other ABC dramas. While ABC has yet to issue a formal cancellation statement, the cast contracts are expiring on Monday with no sign of renewal and the sets are being dismantled. And while the ship has sailed on ABC, Ryan Murphy retains creative control and could potentially revive the series elsewhere, such as Hulu, where it performed well on streaming platforms.
THE BATMAN PART II SCRIPT APPEARS TO BE DONE06/27/25 @ 2:45 pm EST
Source: Twitter | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentIs
The Batman Part II script finally done? It appears so. Writer/Director
Matt Reeves just posted to social media a blurry picture of himself and co-writer
Mattson Tomlin that shows the title page for a script with the logo from
The Batman and appears to have the title "The Batman: Part II". Co-head of DC Studios
James Gunn said recently that he was expecting to get the script soon but denied that the deadline had already passed. If the script is complete and ready to move forward, it is still in plenty of time to make the current release date of October 2027. This should be good news to fans of the director and franchise and also to actor
Robert Pattinson who had commented recently that he was worrying he was going to age out of the role if it took too much longer.
REACHER SEASON 4 SEES MAJOR ROLE RECASTING06/26/25 @ 3:35 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentPrime Video’s hit action-thriller
Reacher is shaking things up for its fourth season, and one of the most notable changes is the addition of Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette to the cast. The
Barry actor steps into the role of Jacob Merrick, a small-town policeman, in a recasting that follows the departure of Jay Baruchel due to personal reasons. Rodriguez-Marquette’s casting came together at lightning speed—he was reportedly selected the same day the role breakdown was released and flown to set within days. His character, Merrick, is said to play a significant role in the upcoming season, which adapts Lee Child’s 13th Jack Reacher novel,
Gone Tomorrow. The story kicks off with a tense encounter on a train that spirals into a deadly conspiracy involving powerful enemies. Season 4 also welcomes a host of new faces, including Sydelle Noel, Agnez Mo, Anggun, Kevin Corrigan, Kevin Weisman, Marc Blucas, and Kathleen Robertson. Alan Ritchson returns as the titular Jack Reacher, with Maria Sten reprising her role as Frances Neagley. Rodriguez-Marquette brings a diverse résumé to the series, with recent appearances in
Barry,
Mozart in the Jungle, and indie films like
Grind and
Fear, Inc..
DENIS VILLENEUVE TAPPED TO DIRECT THE NEXT JAMES BOND FILM06/26/25 @ 3:28 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentIn a move that’s sending ripples through both Hollywood and Her Majesty’s Secret Service, acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has officially been named the director of the next James Bond movie. This marks the first 007 installment under Amazon MGM Studios’ creative leadership, following their acquisition of the franchise’s rights in 2022. Villeneuve, the visionary behind
Dune,
Arrival, and
Blade Runner 2049, brings a reputation for cerebral storytelling and breathtaking visuals. His appointment signals a bold new chapter for the Bond saga—one that may blend the franchise’s signature espionage thrills with a deeper, more atmospheric tone. “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” Villeneuve said in a statement. “I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since
Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come”. The film will be produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman, with Villeneuve also serving as executive producer alongside Tanya Lapointe. While no release date has been announced, production is expected to begin after Villeneuve completes work on
Dune: Part Three, slated for release in late 2026. As for who will don the tuxedo next, speculation continues to swirl. Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains a frontrunner, but no official casting has been confirmed.
RUSSELL CROWE JOINS THE IMMORTAL RANKS IN ‘HIGHLANDER’ REBOOT06/22/25 @ 1:53 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentOscar-winner
Russell Crowe has officially joined the upcoming
Highlander reboot, stepping into the iconic role of Ramirez — the immortal mentor originally portrayed by
Sean Connery in the 1986 cult classic. Crowe will star opposite
Henry Cavill, who leads the film as Connor MacLeod, a centuries-old Scottish warrior caught in a secret war among immortals. The film is being helmed by
John Wick director
Chad Stahelski and is set for a theatrical release under Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists. As Crowe himself cryptically posted on social media: “Yes... it’s true... I shall be returning to the highlands... with a sword... it has been a few centuries... there can be only one”. The reboot aims to reimagine the
Highlander mythology for a new generation, blending historical flashbacks with modern-day action. Stahelski has teased a sweeping narrative that spans from the 1500s Highlands to futuristic cities like New York and Hong Kong, promising a mix of martial arts, swordplay, and emotional depth. Production is slated to begin this fall in London, with a release window eyed for 2026.
JAMES HAWES TEASES A GRITTY, COSMIC RIDE IN DC’S LANTERNS SERIES06/21/25 @ 2:46 pm EST
Source: The Hashtag Show | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentAs production nears completing for DC Studios’ upcoming HBO series
Lanterns, director
James Hawes is offering fans a glimpse into what’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the new DC Universe. Helming the first two episodes, Hawes describes the show as a genre-bending blend of grounded mystery and cosmic spectacle — a “buddy cop movie” with a distinctly American heart. In recent interviews, Hawes emphasized that while the series begins with a gritty, earthbound tone reminiscent of
True Detective, it eventually “goes intergalactic”. “The scripts have so much wit, so much character,” he said, likening the tone to a fusion of
Fargo,
No Country for Old Men, and yes,
True Detective — but with Green Lanterns who can fly. Set in Nebraska, the story follows veteran Lantern Hal Jordan (
Kyle Chandler) and his new recruit John Stewart (
Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a seemingly isolated murder that spirals into a much larger conspiracy. Hawes promises that the show won’t disappoint longtime fans of the Green Lantern mythos, while also inviting in a new audience by introducing the characters in a “rooted way” before launching into the cosmic unknown. The cast is stacked with talent, including
Nathan Fillion reprising his role as Guy Gardner,
Kelly Macdonald as a small-town sheriff, and
Ulrich Thomsen as the iconic rogue Sinestro. The series is co-written by
Chris Mundy (
Ozark),
Damon Lindelof (
Watchmen), and
Tom King, with Hawes praising the writing team for crafting a sophisticated narrative that balances humor, character, and high-stakes drama.
Lanterns is slated for an early 2026 premiere on HBO and will consist of eight episodes with filming expected to wrap soon.
THUNDERBOLTS DIRECTOR TO TAKE ON MARVEL'S MUTANTS06/21/25 @ 2:37 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentMarvel Studios has officially announced that
Jake Schreier, known for his work on the film
Thunderbolts, has been tapped to direct the highly anticipated
X-Men reboot. Schreier's appointment comes after months of speculation and rumors. His previous work on
Thunderbolts received critical acclaim, despite the film's mixed box office performance. The decision to bring Schreier on board signals Marvel's commitment to revitalizing the X-Men franchise with fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling. The X-Men have a rich history in both comics and film, and fans are eager to see how Schreier will interpret these iconic characters. The director's vision for the X-Men is expected to blend the classic elements that fans love with new and exciting twists. One of the key challenges Schreier will face is balancing the expectations of long-time X-men fans with the need to attract new audiences. The X-Men films have a dedicated fan base, and any changes to the beloved characters and storylines will be closely scrutinized. In addition to directing, Schreier will be working closely with Marvel Studios President
Kevin Feige and screenwriter
Michael Lesslie on the script. As the MCU continues to expand, the introduction of the X-Men is a significant milestone. The mutants' arrival in the MCU opens up a wealth of storytelling possibilities and potential crossovers with other Marvel characters. The release date for the X-Men reboot has not yet been announced.
