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Getting to Know The Punisher’s Daniel Webber

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I want to state for the record that Daniel Webber has a charming Australian accent, which made doing a phone interview with him all the more wonderful.

 

Okay so, Marvel Netflix’s ‘The Punisher’. First off, congratulations!

Thank you so much.

First off, how, why, did you land the role?

Still trying to figure it out. Just went through the process of audition. Sent in a tape for a script, which I didn’t know what it was for, it was originally titled something like ‘Crime’, and then you go down the line and meet the producers and eventually figure out its for the Punisher, and it all comes together!

Tell me you did a fanboy squee at that particular moment.

Well to be brutally honest, my guilty secret is, I didn’t know about The Punisher before then. However, I did do my research while I was in the audition process, as much as you can in the short space of time. I was watching a bunch of Jon Bernthal’s work in Daredevil, to get a sense of what the show was, and then later on began to read the comics and went through some of the great artwork in the storylines, like ‘Welcome Back Frank’ from Garth Ennis, and also working with Jon on the set, that’s actually where the fanboy came out. (laughs)

 

I bet, that’s terrific. It turns out, I’m actually already a large fan of yours, your portrayal of Lee Harvey Oswald that you did in ’11.22.63’, I enjoyed the hell out of that show and greatly enjoyed your performance. And I think that performance can actually relate to this new character!

In some ways, sure. They’re not the same, but they’re on a similar journey. Very different human beings, but it’s good to look at these characters from different angles. To look at that sort of character from a different angle, it’s nice because the show looks at soldiers, and going back to war, and it felt like it had a lot of heart and feeling behind it, like they were trying to communicate a really good message and story. And start a conversation about soldiers coming back from war.

 

That actually works as a lead-in to the next question – your character Lewis is kind of a heavy character, his journey speaks to the issues of troops in our imperfect military care and after care system, that soldiers that come back from war have to deal with, all different mannerisms of PTSD. What did you do to prepare for portraying such a potentially sensitive role?

I think you got to go into a role like this being as respectful as possible, of the story you’re telling and of the men and women who’ve served. I think the show-runners and everybody involved and overall, understood that very deeply. And actual Veterans are involved in this production, I got to meet and work with some of them and am good friends with a few of them now. I was talked through character and script ideas, and the military specifics of how Lewis might do or not do something, whether or not this phrasing was right, like that. I think you have to understand the story you’re telling, to get involved in that world to that extent, I think it’s a respectful conversation they’re having. Having the utmost respect for these men and women was at the forefront of everyones mind.

That’s terrific, and kind of parlays into the next question – some of the scenes where Lewis is having intense flashbacks to his time in combat in various wars, and what do you do to get yourself into the Lewis frame of mind for those particularly dark times?

I don’t know to be honest, it’s still a bit of a mystery to me.

Just something that you as a very fine actor do naturally, which is awesome.

It takes a lot of work of course, but it’s kind of like a painting, layers and layers upon a painting, you put one stroke on and you brush it over, and brush it over again, I think it’s something that builds up and you just sort of develop your own understanding of what that experience might be like, and hopefully it allows you to take a step off that brink and jump in something and you’ll be portraying it truthfully.

 

So, are you a fan of the MCU, have you seen some of the other Netflix Marvel shows, or the movies, or how about the comic books?

I’m a big fan, I’m going to go see the new Thor movie tomorrow night. Totally excited for that, I cannot wait. Thor and Wolverine are probably two of my favorites, very excited to see what Cate Blanchett does in this new role as well. I didn’t grow up reading comics, I’ve read a few since, for doing the show, and I can see why people love them. So easily digested, so great.

If you had the chance to whatever character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe you could, whether it be hero villain alien or otherwise, what character would you choose to play?

Oh I don’t know. You give me one, what do you think?

(gulp) Oh my. That is a real toughie in all honesty. Actually, given your wonderful portrayal of Oswald in that show I previously squee’d about, I think you could well do one of Punisher’s minions, I mean, associates. One who goes out and y’know, kills a bunch of people, sure, but also has a philosophical introspective side that nobody really expects.

(laughs) Right? I think any role they’re willing to give me in the Marvel Universe is good enough.

 

What can we expect to see from you in the future? I know you can’t speculate on if there’s going to be a Punisher season 2, but what are you personally doing after season one? What’s next for you?

I’ve got a new film, it just had the premiere two nights ago, a film with Lena Headey who did ‘Game of Thrones’ –

Oh, how did you manage that one?

She’s great, so lovely. It’s called ‘Thumper’, and it’s rather dark and gritty, trying to shine a light on a true part of American society, about a young group of teens who are drawn into dealing drugs and get involved with this very dangerous and charismatic cook, and when a young girl of apparent high school age comes in and gets mobbed in their group, how she sort of upsets the whole dynamic. It’s sort of like ‘Training Day’, its very street and intense.

That happens to be one of my favorite movies, I now have to check out this movie. Is it being released wide in theaters or is it kind of an independent deal, do you know?

I believe they’re releasing it on iTunes and Amazon on November 17th.

Same day as ‘Punisher’ comes out, whee!

Nope, my bad, ‘Thumper’ comes out November 7th.

Terrific, I will definitely check it out then.

And I should be shooting other stuff in New York fairly soon.

 

Do you have any spoiler-free teasers about your character and about the new Punisher show you can actually share?

(laughs) Get ready to hold onto your butts! It’s gonna be an exciting ride, and it’s not gonna let up. It’s a really really cool journey for Lewis. I know that doesn’t give you much to go on, sorry about it!

 

Oh, that’s fine. So again without spoilers, can you give us a “no sh*t there I was on the set of ‘Punisher’” story?

Probably looking at Jon Bernthal standing opposite me, and he’s getting into his rage zone, and he’s flapping and screaming and getting all worked up, and me having to step into the ring opposite him. It was like looking at a bull coming at you, so that was pretty damned exciting!

That is excellent and I love it. Thank you so much for talking with me, you have a truly wonderful day, and we all look forward to seeing ‘The Punisher’ very soon!

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‘Abigail’: Bite Me Harder Tiny Dancer

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A gang of misfit kidnappers find their tiny target far more bloodthirsty than they bargained for! 

So, unfortunately, the trailers gave it away and let’s be real that’s why most of us are here, the knowledge that the kidnap victim Abigail (Alisha Weir), codenamed by the would-be kidnappers appropriately as ‘tiny dancer’, is in fact, a vampire. Not a spoiler, point of fact, one of the film’s actual great selling points. And the reactions from the misfit club when faced with a real actual f*cking vampire, range hilariously from the blunt “no such thing as vampires” all the way to, “Are we talking True Blood or Twilight rules or what?” all while covered in buckets and buckets of blood. 

Anyway, the gang manages to subdue and abscond with the aforementioned Abigail, in a pre-prepared duffle bag, like you do, and converge to a new location, a house oddly similar to the one she was just taken from. Welcomed and given codenames by a man who introduces himself as Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito), our misfit club is told to simply hold down the fort in this strange old house with the girl chained up in a room and one person to attend her, for twenty-four hours, and they’ll all get paid. 

As inevitable as the tides, the dopey druggie Dean (Angus Cloud) is the first to die, and we’re going to give that death-style points for inspiring terror right off the bat. The very controlling Frank (Dan Stevens, holy crap yes that is the guy from FXs Legion) is also of course the most suspicious – of everyone around him, sure, but also he himself is totes sus. We don’t learn terribly much about the musclebound tank who gets dubbed Peter (Kevin Durand), he’s your pretty typical little-brains-heart-of-gold muscle-for-hire any proper gang needs, right down to the bottle problem. Sammy (Kathryn Newton), well, even for being a purported hacker-type, she has, like, reality issues. Rickles (William Catlett), he’s arguably the most dangerous among them, ex-military and yet somehow here and involved in kidnapping for a few mills. Joey (Melissa Barrera) is our Final Girl, and though she has the inevitable problems in her recent past, she seems more capable of doing the hard thing and still somehow empathizing at the end of the day. Must be her burning desire to get back with her son. 

The fit hits the shan pretty quickly, and Abigail morphs from tiny dancer to tiny monster, though honestly, the way Abigail spoke the entire time in the film, if the ‘nappers had been paying close enough attention, would have been a solid clue. The performance from Alisha Weir as Abigail is incredible, as she literally dances a fine line between comedy, tragedy, and outright monstrosity. With a face full of makeup and the force of a tiny tornado to back it up, Weir brings to mind the great performances of the vampires in 30 Days of Night who saw the practicality in the need to trap their food, but also, play with it a bit first before feasting! Anything else would give away the absolute fun time that is Abigail, so you should go see it, out in theaters now!

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Scrubs Reunion: The Band Gets Back Together

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Fans of the beloved medical comedy series Scrubs were recently treated to a thrilling surprise when John C. McGinley, who portrayed the iconic Dr. Perry Cox, dropped a photo on Twitter hinting at a potential reunion project. The image, showing McGinley alongside his former co-stars, sparked a wave of excitement and speculation among fans who have been longing for more adventures with the beloved Sacred Heart Hospital staff.

While details about the reunion project are still scarce, the mere possibility of seeing the gang back together again has sent waves of nostalgia through fans who fondly remember the show’s original run from 2001 to 2010. Scrubs was not just a sitcom; it was a heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and the chaotic world of medicine, all wrapped up in a quirky and often hilarious package.

At the heart of the show was the bromance between JD (played by Zach Braff) and Turk (played by Donald Faison), whose antics and deep bond served as the emotional anchor for the series. Their dynamic, along with the sage wisdom (and relentless sarcasm) of Dr. Cox, provided viewers with memorable moments that have stood the test of time.

As we eagerly await more news about the Scrubs reunion project, one thing is for sure: it’s time to dust off those old DVDs, rewatch our favorite episodes, and get ready to welcome back our favorite gang of doctors, nurses, and janitors for what promises to be a memorable reunion.

But Scrubs was more than just its main characters. The supporting cast, including the eccentric Janitor (played by Neil Flynn), the neurotic Elliot (played by Sarah Chalke), and the wise-cracking nurse Carla (played by Judy Reyes), each brought their own unique flavor to the show, creating a rich tapestry of characters that fans grew to love.

While the photo shared by McGinley has fueled speculation about what the reunion project might entail, whether it’s a one-off special, a new season, or something else entirely, one thing is certain: fans are eagerly awaiting any opportunity to dive back into the world of Sacred Heart Hospital.

In an age where reboots and revivals are commonplace, Scrubs stands out as a series that has the potential to recapture the magic that made it a fan favorite in the first place. With its blend of humor, heart, and unforgettable characters, a reunion project has the opportunity to not only satisfy longtime fans but also introduce a new generation to the joys of life at Sacred Heart.

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‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’: Rebellion with a cause

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The story of the rise of Coriolanus Snow, from teenage Capital City pawn to rising Dictator of the Hunger Games! 

Apparently no one out here in post-apocalyptic Panem has heard of irony and so they name their children things like Coriolanus (Tom Blyth), Tigress, and further off in Hunger Games lore, after swamp plants like Katniss. Corio’s father was a legendary general and that is pretty much the only reason young Snow and his meager family of grandmother called Grandma’am (Fionnula Flanagan) and sister Tigress (Hunter Schafer) are tolerated here in the Capital City at all. 

Most of the snotty youngsters at the academy won’t let Snow forget how far his family has fallen, but he’s generally not concerned with them. What is concerning is the strong disapproval of the drugged-up Dean Casca Highbottom (Peter Dinklage) and the creepy attention of Dr. Volumnia Gaul (Viola Davis) as she lurks in the classroom sniffing out talent. The Dean feels very strongly the annual Hunger Games should end, while Gaul is violently adamant that not only do the Games continue, but that they get as much more attention as possible. And young Snow is stuck in the middle, when the yearly prize money normally awarded to the academy student with the best grades gets switched out for, you guessed it, the student that can make this years’ Hunger Games as entertaining as possible. 

Whilst the students are protesting this sudden change, the annual Reaping is about to commence, and big shock and surprise, Corio’s candidate from District 12 Lucy Grey Baird (Rachel Zegler) is chosen as a Tribute. This is where the film begins to really take off on musical wings, for as it turns out, Lucy Grey can sing. Boy, can that gal sing! She can sing, she can play guitar, she can work a crowd, she can calm things down, she can fire ‘em up too! And Corio, being no dummy himself, instantly plots ways to use his Tributes amazing voice to draw attention to her, and admittedly his own, plight! 

Though far too many people sneer at the idea, Corio takes his position as Mentor to his Tribute seriously enough to sneak onto the tram taking the Tributes to their habitat, which turns out to be a completely appropriate moniker, as this year the Tributes are held before the Hunger Games in a large zoo habitat so the weatherman ‘Lucky’ Flickerman (Jason Schwartzman), host of this years games, can MC the hell out of everything up close and personal! 

What happens at this years Hunger Games and the subsequent consequences to both Corio and Lucy Grey is actually only half the story, and the movie. Coriolanus has always had to be opportunistic, but learning to be absolutely ruthless when necessary under the tutelage of Dr. Gaul, who basically thinks it’s always best to be merciless, is an eye-opening education indeed.  Even after they’ve both been consigned to military service and his friend Sejanus Plinth (Josh Andres Rivera) decides to finally rebel, Corio and Sejanus continue to deceive each other and themselves, to accomplish their separate goals. Not even the love Corio swears he feels for Lucy Grey can save him, or them, from the adamant absolute necessity of the Hunger Games continuing. And after all that’s happened, Coriolanus Snow has gotten a terrific education in the best way to be the absolutely ruthless next Hunger Games advocate, and oh yeah, President of Panem. 

The movie does itself no favors by trying to stuff not one but two major storylines and a bunch of side storylines sadly introduced and then ignored, into the film. It would have been entirely possible to turn Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes into two different movies, separated between feathers and scales if you like, and do justice to the major storylines in both. Blyth gives a fine  performance as a young Coriolanus Snow, but the fact that President Snow is played by Donald Sutherland in all three of the Hunger Games films means Blyth has incredibly large shoes to fill. Rachel Zegler as Lucy Grey is absolute fire, and yes the actress did sing the songs in the film herself, including the Hunger Games franchise epic song, ‘The Hanging Tree’. Every time Lucy Grey opens her mouth and sheer soul-searing music comes out, it provides a distinct counterpoint to the soul-crushing ambition of Coriolanus Snow and further demonstrates the District and Caste separation Hunger Games is known for. And if, by the end of the film, Coriolanus Snow has come to agree that the Hunger Games must continue but perhaps under his own auspices, he has no one but himself to blame when another younger but still rebellious female blows it all up in his face! 

Choose rebellion or conformity for yourself in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

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