Tag Archives: Superhero

Multi-Awarded Director Brillante Mendoza To Direct New Superhero Film, “Digong”

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The cast of “Digong.” (Photo credit: Jayson Javier)

MANILA, Philippines (Manila Bureau ) – Multi-awarded Filipino film director Brillante Mendoza has been chosen to direct a new superhero film, “Digong,” based on the true-to-life story of new Philippine President Rod Duterte and his family.

Mendoza, the only Filipino that has won a directing award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for his 2009 film, “Kinatay,” was Duterte’s one and only choice to direct the superhero flick.

Mendoza’s Ma’Rosa” was also critically acclaimed at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and won the Best Actress award for Jaclyn Jose, another first for a Filipino.

In addition to directing the superhero film, Mendoza has also been chosen to direct President Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for July 25 this year.

Aside from the president, others in the cast of “Digong” include his children Sara, Paulo, Sebastian and Kitty; as well as his right-hand man Bong Go and new Philippine National Police Chief General Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa.

“Digong” is a about a superhero family and their allies out to stamp out drugs, corruption and criminality in the fantasyland Pinas.

Mendoza hopes that this new film will finally earn for the Philippines a Best Picture award in Cannes next year.

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Philippine Presidential Candidate Mar Roxas Is Marvel Comics’ New Superhero

Cover of Marvel Comics' new Mar Roxas superhero adventure
Cover of Marvel Comics’ new Mar Roxas superhero adventure

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Last week, we reported that DC Comics is coming out with the sequel to Batman Vs Superman and is creating a new superhero, Pacman, inspired by the legendary Filipino boxer Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao.

Not to be outdone, rival Marvel Comics today announced that it, too, is creating its new superhero, inspired by the life of Philippine presidential candidate and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

The first edition of this new superhero series will hit bookstores and newsstands starting May 1, 2016.

Marvel Comics, while declining to reveal the character name of its new superhero, says that it is based on the true story of Roxas and his heroic deeds as a powerful and dedicated public official whose mission in life is to uplift the living conditions of the poor, the unfortunate and victims of war and natural calamities.

The first edition follows the adventures of Roxas during the strongest typhoon ever to hit the Philippines — Yolanda (Haiyan), and how he became the people’s hero and saviour from the devastation caused by the supertyphoon. It is titled, “Sa Gitna Ng Unos” (In the midst of calamity).

The Adobo Chronicles also learned that Disney Pictures is in negotiations with Marvel Studios on filming the first of a series of Mar Roxas superhero adventures.

HOLLYWOOD ACTRESSES PLAN GENDER DISCRIMINATION PROTEST MARCH OVER SUPERHERO FILMS

Halle Berry's 'Catwoman'
Halle Berry’s ‘Catwoman’

Hollywood, California (The Adobo Chronicles) – A group of famous Hollywood actresses is planning a protest march next week to highlight what they call the pervasive gender discrimination by film studios as it relates to superhero films.  The group, headed by Halle Berry, will begin the march at 5pm on May 26 at the corner of Santa Monica and La Cienega Boulevards in West Hollywood and conclude in front of the historic Mann’s Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard.  There, Berry and other famous actresses like Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, Emma Stone and Charlize Theron will take turns in denouncing the misogynistic culture among Hollywood film producers.

The core of the protest is based on superhero feature films which continue to dominate blockbuster performances and box office revenue.  Berry said that the  ‘Catwoman’ remains to be the only major Hollywood film feature that starred a female superhero.  Berry played the title role in the 2004 movie. “In contrast,” she said, “there have been scores of male superhero films and sequels in the last several decades.”

There have been at least ten ‘Batman’ major films, six ‘Superman’ films, four ‘Spiderman’ films and 3 ‘Captain America’ films, not to mention the anticipated 2014 sequels to ‘Spiderman,’ ‘Captain America’ and ‘Superman.’ These do not include animated super hero films and series.

Lynda Carter's 'Wonder Woman' on TV
Lynda Carter’s ‘Wonder Woman’ on TV

Emma Stone, who co-stars with Andrew Garfield in the latest ‘Spiderman’ movie, says she is dying to play ‘Wonder Woman.’ Outside of the 1970’s television series featuring Lynda Carter, there has never been a single ‘Wonder Woman’ Hollywood film feature. “What’s up with that,” Stone said.

In its prepared manifesto, the group said that unless Hollywood gives women equal opportunity to play super heroines and be the lead in upcoming film productions, Hollywood actresses will start to boycott, and refuse to appear in, any Hollywood productions.

“We’re tired of waiting,” Hathaway said. “We want lead super heroine roles now!”