SciFiAndTvTalk

Snowpiercer Wraps Production On Season Three & Announces Season Four Renewal (TNT)

TNT’s just celebrated the wrap of season three production on its hit drama series Snowpiercer with the announcement of a season four pickup. Produced by Tomorrow Studios, Seasons one and two are currently available to binge on the TNT app, with season three set to premiere on TNT early next year. Check out the video below!

"Snowpiercer has been an incredibly successful series for us that continues to capture the imagination of viewers, grow audience and maintain strong ratings,” said Sam Linsky and Adrienne O’Riain, co-heads of scripted original programming for TBS, TNT and truTV. “All of our seasons embark on an emotional, unexpected ride and the well-plotted storylines will continue to evolve and remain relevant to audiences. We’re excited to keep the train running into season four.”   
 
At the end of Snowpiercer season two, Layton (Daveed Diggs) and Ruth (Alison Wright), who were banished to Big Alice’s compost car, plotted to take back Snowpiercer. With the help of Javier (Roberto Urbina) and Alexandra (Rowan Blanchard), Layton and Ruth made it back to Snowpiercer and rallied with their supporters. Josie (Katie McGuiness) destroyed the Aquarium car separating Snowpiercer’s head from the remaining 1,023 cars. With Layton in command of a 10-car “pirate train,” he and his team rushed to Breslauer Research Station to find Melanie (Jennifer Connelly).

Season three picks up with Layton (Diggs) and his inner circle commanding a small pirate train in search of Melanie (Connelly) and a possible warm location to restart civilization, aided by a newfound survivor. Back on Snowpiercer, Mr. Wilford (Sean Bean) is consolidating power, foiled only by secret allies of Layton’s hidden on the train, committed to the cause.

Emmy nominee Archie Panjabi and Chelsea Harris join the season three cast, with Mike O’Malley being elevated to a series regular. Snowpiercer season three also stars Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly, Grammy and Tony Award winner Daveed Diggs, Sean Bean, Rowan Blanchard, Emmy nominee Alison Wright, Mickey Sumner, Iddo Goldberg, Katie McGuinness, Tony Award winner and Grammy nominee Lena Hall, Annalise Basso, Sam Otto, Roberto Urbina, Sheila Vand, and Steven Ogg.

Snowpiercer is executive produced by Graeme Manson, Aubrey Nealon, Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements, Matthew O’Connor, Ben Rosenblatt and Scott Derrickson, and the original film’s producers, including Bong Joon Ho, Miky Lee, Jinnie Choi, Park Chan-wook, Lee Tae-hun and Dooho Choi. The show is produced by Tomorrow Studios, along with CJ Entertainment. ITV Studios handles international distribution.

See - Season Two Trailer Released (Apple TV+)

Apple TV+ today debuted the season two trailer for its action-packed, post-apocalyptic drama series, See, starring Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista and Alfre Woodard. The eight-episode second season will debut globally on Friday, August 27, 2021 on Apple TV+ with the first episode, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday. Check out the trailer below!

See is set in a brutal and primitive future, hundreds of years after humankind has lost the ability to see. In season two, Baba Voss (Momoa) is struggling to reunite his family while protecting them as the threat of war looms between the Kingdom of Paya and the Trivantian Republic. Despite his best efforts, his wife and sighted children are pulled to the forefront of the conflict, where they come to the attention of his estranged brother, Edo Voss (Bautista), a powerful and cunning Trivantian General, whose long-simmering hatred for his brother imperils them all even further.

Joining Momoa, Bautista and Woodard in the second season are new series regulars Eden Epstein (Sweetbitter), Tom Mison (Watchmen), Hoon Lee (Warrior), Olivia Cheng (Warrior), David Hewlett (The Shape of Water) and Tamara Tunie (Flight).

The second season of See is executive produced by Steven Knight, Francis Lawrence, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Jim Rowe and Jonathan Tropper, who also serves as showrunner. The series is produced by Chernin Entertainment and Endeavor Content.

The complete first season of See is now streaming on Apple TV+. Catch up on season one here: apple.co/-see.  

The Walking Dead - 11 Weeks Of Reveals Continues (AMC)

Josh Hamilton (right) as Lance Hornsby in season 11 of The Walking Dead. Photo courtesy/copyright of AMC.

As part of AMC’s “11 Weeks of Reveals until Season 11” of The Walking Dead, AMC revealed today a new teaser (see below) and new images of characters Pamela Milton (Laila Robins) and Lance Hornsby (Josh Hamilton) who were announced during the [email protected] panel last weekend, along with the reveal of the Season 11 trailer. The Walking Dead Season 11 premieres Sunday, August 22 at 9pm ET/8c on AMC, and all 11A episodes will air one week early on AMC+, beginning August 15.

Laila Robins as Pamela Milton. Photo courtesy/copyright of AMC.

Additionally, as part of TWDU.com’s “11 Weeks of TWD” where each week leading up to the Season 11 premiere on August 22, a custom piece of artwork will be shared that looks back at significant moments from each season of the show’s decade-long run. The seventh piece of custom artwork is by Rafael de Latorre (Black Widow, Peter Parker: Shutterbug), and can be viewed here.

Red Frontier Podcast Now Available On Spotify

The finale episode of Spotify/Gimlet’s latest buzzy fiction podcast Red Frontier, starring Betty Gilpin, is available now on Spotify. Created by TV writer Sarah Nolen, who got her start writing for The Americans, the thrilling sci-fi podcast follows the story of Commander Taylor Fullerton (Betty Gilpin), who is haunted by the mysterious tragedy that killed her crew as she alone continues on their one-way mission to colonize Mars against all odds. Rounding out the voice cast are stars Finn Wittrock, Ashley Park, Charlie Barnett, Kara Young, and Maria Dizzia, while sounds/audio for the podcast were provided by NASA, adding a layer of authenticity to the show’s space setting.

Episode 11: Sol Eleven: Resilience

• Listen HERE

All episodes (each about 10-15 minutes long) are now available exclusively on Spotify, so listeners can now binge the whole series all at once!

Doctor Who - Season 13 Promo and New Photos Released (BBC America/AMC)

(L-R): Doctor Who's Mandip Gill, Jodie Whittaker and John Bishop. Photo courtesy/copyright of BBC America/AMC.

BBC and BBC AMERICA presented a virtual panel for season 13 of Doctor Who at [email protected] earlier today. Moderated by Salon.com’s Melanie McFarland, today’s panel featured Showrunner Chris Chibnall and cast members Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill and John Bishop. A new promo (see below) was released along with a new cast photo (above) and a photo of actor Jacob Anderson (see below), who will make his debut playing Vinder in the upcoming season.

New cast addition - Jacob Anderson (as Vinder). Photo courtesy/copyright of BBC America/AMC.

The Art of AMC's The Walking Dead - Limited-Edition Variant Cover Art Released (AMC)

AMC Networks released today renowned artists Yanick Paquette, Nathan Fairbairn and John J. Hill’s limited-edition variant cover for The Art of AMC’s The Walking Dead Universe. The cover (see above) uniquely brings together characters from all three of The Walking Dead series, also featuring the three-circle symbol that has been seen throughout the shows and represents the three different civilizations within the Universe. The AMC Networks exclusive edition is only available at the TWDUshop.com and can be pre-ordered now while supplies last. The hardcover will retail for $80.

“We’re excited to share this custom art by Yanick, Nathan and John as our official limited-edition cover,” says Mike Zagari, Head of AMC Networks Publishing. “We knew the cover needed to special, and their work has exceeded our expectations, creating a truly memorable edition for our passionate fans.”

Added Yanick: “It has been an equal part challenge and joy to draw these beloved characters. My first contribution to The Walking Dead Universe!”

Marking AMC Networks’ first venture into book publishing, The Art of AMC’s The Walking Dead Universe is an in-depth compilation of behind-the-scenes pre-production and production art from all three of AMC’s iconic The Walking Dead series and will feature never-before-seen original sketches, concept art, storyboards, special product illustrations, and more from the shows inspired by Robert Kirkman’s comic book turned pop-culture phenomenon.  Published by Skybound and produced by AMC Networks Publishing, this hardcover book, available at comic shops on September 29 and everywhere books are sold on October 5, also features an introduction by Chief Content Officer of The Walking Dead Universe Scott M. Gimple.

The Art of AMC’s The Walking Dead Universe standard edition can be pre-ordered right now everywhere books are sold, in both print and digital formats, and at TWDUshop.com and the Skybound Store.

Paquette is an Eisner Award-nominated, Shuster Award-winner and #1 New York Times best-selling comics artist. He has worked on DC Comics’ Batman, Swamp Thing, Wonder Woman: Earth One and more. Fairbairn is an Eisner-nominated and Shuster-winning colorist and writer whose work has frequently topped the New York Times Best Sellers list.  Hill is a creative director/designer/producer and has developed merchandise and books for properties such as Harley Quinn, God Country, John Carpenter’s The Thing, Aliens and much more.

Adrian Dunbar's Coastal Ireland Makes Its US Premiere In August (Acorn TV)

Actor Adrian Dunbar. Photo courtesy/copyright of Acorn TV.

In Adrian Dunbar's Coastal Ireland (premiering Monday, August 9th on Acorn TV), one of UK’s top TV stars, Adrian Dunbar (Line of Duty, Blood) reconnects with his roots as he travels the wild and rugged west and north coasts of Ireland. Covering over 600 miles, Adrian visits breathtaking locations, drives beautiful coastal roads, sees fantastic feats of engineering, and tastes amazing cuisine. He meets up with old friends and makes new ones along the way. Adrian shares some of his favorite places and fulfils ambitions as he makes it to locations he’s always wanted to see. The series is filled with fascinating history, unrivalled beauty and astonishing landscapes and traditions, showing the Irish Coast really is like nowhere else.

Todd Masters & MastersFX Win Third Emmy - This Time For Aliens Stole My Body TV Movie

Todd Masters holds 2021 Emmy Award (number three) for "Aliens Stole My Body." Photo courtesy/copyright of MastersFX.

Todd Masters and his character FX team MastersFX (MFX) have just won their third Emmy Award. The 2021 Daytime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Special Effects Costumes, Makeup” was given to the MASTERSFX team for its work on the Universal Studios/1440 produced TV movie Aliens Stole My Body, the second entry in the young-adult, fantasy/sci-fi book series Aliens Ate My Homework by Bruce Coville. 

For Aliens Stole My Body, Masters and his MFX team designed and created the alien characters, prosthetics, puppets and creature suits, and even some of the alien costumes and conceptual production design.

Similar to his extensive FX role on the series’ 2018 movie, Aliens Ate My Homework, Masters also served as a Co-Producer on both of the ambitious Universal/1440 features -- along with producers Roger Lay, Jr., and Eric Carnagey of Lay-Carnagey Entertainment. The features were directed by Sean McNamara and written by Judith Reeves-Stevens and Garfield Reeves-Stevens.

MFX Makeup Artist Paige Yeoman (left) and character Lackey from "Aliens Stole My Body." Photo courtesy/copyright of MastersFX.

Aliens producer Eric Carnagey, commenting on Todd Masters’ latest Emmy Award, said, “Roger and I were thrilled to see MastersFX win the Emmy for their work on Aliens Stole My Body! Todd played an integral role in the creative process of bringing these beloved characters to life and it was truly an honor working with him and his team on both films. Their creativity and attention to detail on the creature costumes and make-up was part of what made each of these movies so much fun for the cast, crew, and the viewers.”

Regarding the Aliens series’ outer space adventures, Masters notes, “Practical characters work very well for horror films - and wacky comedies - especially twisted, youth, space adventures like the Aliens series! Practical creature FX are right there onset, for actors and directors to interact with, helping to develop the scene and performance in person - or in this case, in-alien.”

Character BKR from "Aliens Stole My Body." Photo courtesy/copyright of MastersFX.

Masters’ involvement included choosing the alien actors themselves. “I actually hand-picked this tremendous alien cast,” Masters recalls. “Each one of them had some previous monster experience, so we knew that they could handle the extensive make-up and costumes that would be required.”

True to that, each of the alien galaxy warrior actors from the Aliens TV movie series links back to some earlier MASTERSFX project: 

Dan Payne (Grakker) has worked with Masters on several Stargate episodes, as well as the Underworld series, where he performed as a werewolf. Recently, Dan picked up his second Leo Award for his colorful Aliens character, Grakker.

Dan Payne as Grakker (left) and Travis Turner as Lackey (right) from "Aliens Stole My Body." Photo courtesy/copyright of MastersFX.

Alex Zahara (Tar Gibbons) is another alumni from Masters’ Stargate days. Alex has portrayed numerous aliens on that long-running series, and has also worked with Masters on such additional and diverse projects as Sanctuary, Arrow and The Man in the High Castle.

Tristan Risk (Madame Pong) first worked with Masters on the award-winning body-mod feature “American Mary” by the Soska Sisters. Tristan can also be seen performing in MFX prosthetics in the recent remake of Rabid.

Brad Proctor (Phil the Plant) is actually a part-time actor and part-time monster-maker himself at MastersFX. He was cast to appear inside the 8’ tall plant suit (with a character voiced by Star Trek icon George Takei) featured within the Aliens series. Brad’s on-screen work can also be seen in Fringe, Eureka and the currently-in-production feature, Corrective Measure, starring Bruce Willis.

Character Plink from "Aliens Stole My Body." Photo courtesy/copyright of MastersFX.

The 2021 Daytime Emmy Award for Aliens Stole My Body is Todd Masters’ third career Emmy Award. He and his team have previously won top Emmy honors for their contributions to the HBO series Six Feet Under and to the Hulu series Monsterville.

The MASTERSFX team members behind the 2021 Emmy Award win for Aliens Stole My Body are:

Todd Masters, Prosthetic Designer
Paige Yeoman, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Bonny Bahry, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Amelia Smart, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Quinn Heinrichs, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Mariana Fernandez, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Harriet Sales, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Brian Kim, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Caitlin Carmichael, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Alex Roseberry, Special Makeup Effects Artist
James Skuse, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Sarah Pickersgill, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Jason Ward, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Luke Stalker Switzer, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Lori Sandnes, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Jeannie Satterthwaite, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Brad Proctor, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Josh Raymond, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Yukiyo Okajima, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Arwen Hargreaves, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Amanda Duff, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Chris Devitt, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Anna Dalmau Forcano, Special Makeup Effects Artist
Jon Berezan, Special Makeup Effects Artist

Currently, MastersFX is wrapping up character and special FX work on Season 3 of The Boys, Season 3 of The Umbrella Academy, and starting Season 7 of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. In addition, the company recently wrapped its FX contributions to the upcoming Blumhouse feature film, Firestarter.

The Walking Dead - 11 Weeks Of Reveals Continues (AMC)

As part of AMC’s “11 Weeks of Reveals until Season 11” of The Walking Dead, which returns Sunday, August 22 at 9pm ET/8pm CT, AMC revealed today the Season 11 key art and a video spot (see below) highlighting significant moments throughout the series and featuring footage from the new season, leading up to “The Beginning of the End.”

Additionally, as part of TWDU.com’s “11 Weeks of TWD” where each week leading up to the Season 11 premiere on August 22, a custom piece of artwork will be shared that looks back at significant moments from each season of the show’s decade-long run. The fifth piece of custom artwork is by artist Ariela Kristantina and colorist Bryan Valenza, and can be viewed here.

Titans - Official Season Three Trailer and Key Art Released (HBO Max)

HBO Max has released the official trailer (see below) and key art (see above) for season three of the Max Original Titans. The first three episodes of season three will debut THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, with subsequent episodes launching weekly every Thursday through October 21 on HBO Max. Check out the trailer!

Titans follows young heroes from across the DC Universe as they come of age and find where they belong. In season three, circumstances draw our heroes to Gotham City, where they will reunite with old friends and face new threats.

The series stars Brenton Thwaites, Anna Diop, Teagan Croft, Ryan Potter, Conor Leslie, Curran Walters and Joshua Orpin with Alan Ritchson, Minka Kelly, Damaris Lewis, Savannah Welch and Vincent Kartheiser. Jay Lycurgo will recur this season.
 
Titans is produced by Weed Road Pictures and Berlanti Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television. Based on the characters from DC, the series was developed by Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns & Greg Berlanti, with Johns, Berlanti, Greg Walker and Sarah Schechter serving as executive producers.