ThorFollowing the first day of filming on director Kenneth Branagh’s long awaited “Thor” adaptation, several of the cast members are already enthusiastically talking about their experiences on the set. Ray Stevenson was particularly boisterous when speaking about his role as Volstagg — the powerful and rather obese member of the Warriors Three — during the premiere for “The Book of Eli”

“Oh, I've got a huge fat suit, I'm going to be shedding a lot of pounds in that thing,” said Stevenson during an interview with About.com. “It's just great fun and Kenneth Branagh is fantastic!” Stevenson also spoke at length about the mythology and tone of the movie.

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DESCRay Stevenson is packing on the pounds for the boisterous Asgardian warrior Volstagg, the actor's upcoming role in director Kenneth Branagh's "Thor" for Marvel Studios.

While the "Punisher: War Zone" star isn't readying himself for a fat-filled diet to play the rotund Volstagg, Stevenson did reveal that he'll nonetheless have plenty of gut to show off in "Thor" thanks to the aid of a bodysuit.

"It's fantastic," Stevenson told Empire Online of the suit. "I've tried the suit on, and what they've done is kind of sex him up: he's sort of slimmer but rounder." Read More...

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The Warriors ThreeThe Warriors Three, a trio of Asgardians that join the God of Thunder's cause in "Thor," have officially been cast — depending on where you get your news, that is.

Ray Stevenson, Tadanobu Asano and Stuart Townsend have reportedly landed the roles of Volstagg the Valiant, Hogun the Grim and Fandral the Dashing in "Thor," Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of the classic Marvel character. But some are already doubting the news, given the fact that the initial Variety report has been removed from the website.

[UPDATE: Marvel.com has confirmed the casting of Stevenson, Asano and Townsend.]

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ConanA recent casting call for the upcoming "Conan" film described the titular Cimmerian as "very smart, almost inhumanly strong, and very cunning." Essentially, we're talking about the perfect human being.

Casting Conan isn't easy, and not just because the description is so specifically tailored for a god-like actor. The widely adored character also comes in different shapes and sizes, from the Arnold Schwarzenegger-styled muscle man to the more agile but still powerful warrior featured early in Kurt Busiek's comic book series for Dark Horse.

On either end of that spectrum, whoever is chosen to play Conan must be a capable actor. Finding a bodybuilder that can slay dialogue as easily as he slays his enemies is not an enviable task. Read More...

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Ray Stevenson in 'Punisher: War Zone'I’d never dream of spoiling any moments in “Punisher: War Zone” for you, but I feel I can safely reveal this: People die in the film. Like, a lot of people. And, at one point, star Ray Stevenson looks at one of these poor, dying schlubs and remarks: “This is just the beginning.”

Despite the fact that 3 “Punisher” movies have now been made with 3 different stars, Stevenson revealed to us that he put the line in there as a wink to the fans, hoping to say two things: He’s the only Frank Castle from now on, and he’ll be back.

“I snuck that in,” the actor laughed, talking about a moment you can see for yourself in “War Zone” now that it’s in theaters. “It kind of worked [during that killing], like ‘This is just the beginning of your hell,’ but at the time something in me was just feeling ‘Let’s be bold enough to make a statement.'” Read More...

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In anticipation for next month's theatrical release, Lionsgate has unveiled its third TV trailer for "Punisher: War Zone," and just in case you were concerned that the film's gonna be light on the gun play and explosions, the latest TV spot should put those fears to rest.

In the new ad, fans get to see the film's two stars -- Ray Stevenson in the title role and Dominic "McNulty from 'The Wire'" West as the disfigured and bat-crap-crazy Jigsaw -- doing what they do best: resolving their differences in extremely violent fashion. And a special mention for whoever did the make-up for Jigsaw -- not only does the character look appropriately grotesque, but you can't even tell we're looking at West. See for yourself below...

Also, be sure to check out the official "Punisher: War Zone" website which has been updated with new pics from the film and also a link for a mash-up contest where fans can enter for a chance to win an Xbox Arcade and "Gears of War 2." "Punisher: War Zone" hits theaters on December 5.

Getting excited about "Punisher: War Zone?" What did you think of the latest trailer? Talk it up in the comments.

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'Punisher: War Zone'News about Marvel's upcoming "Punisher: War Zone" film has been hitting the web at breakneck speed lately, from action-packed video clips to super-sweet looking posters to -- most importantly -- the film's R-rating. However, despite early rumors of on-set squabbles with Fox executives, little has been heard from the film's director, Lexi Alexander.

Luckily for all you Punisher-heads out there, Italian site Comicus has your hook-up with an extensive -- and we do mean extensive -- interview with the director, and what she had to say should be music to fans ears. Read More...

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'Punisher: War Zone'For fans of the upcoming Marvel film "Punisher: War Zone," there's been nothing but good news coming out of Hollywood concerning everyone's favorite ultra-brutal vigilante. Whether it's the pitch-perfect casting of Ray Stevenson in the titular role, to the film getting it's much deserved "R" rating, if you're a Frank Castle supporter, you've gotta be happy with what's been reported so far.

Now there's even more to get pumped about -- direct from Special Ops Media, the lenticular poster that will be hanging in theaters throughout the country (complete with droll-worthy guns-and-bullets frame). Looks like multiplexes are gonna have to hire their own heavily-armed vigilantes in the hopes of deterring rabid comic fans from stealing them!

After the jump, check out the poster and also read about the new "Punisher: War Zone" official website. Read More...

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'Punisher: War Zone'The red-band trailer for "Punisher: War Zone" had barely debuted online, its level of violence marveled over, before it, like everything else associated with the film, became the subject of rumors and controversy. Word had it that Lionsgate wanted to tone down the film for a PG-13 rating in order to sell more tickets to the under 17 set -- and that the push for a kinder, gentler Punisher was one of the reasons (and perhaps the reason) director Lexi Alexander was no longer associated with the movie.

Well, at least one rumor is put to rest. The MPAA has slapped a big "R" rating on the film for "pervasive strong brutal violence, language and some drug use." So, regardless of what else might be wrong with the film, one thing is certain -- we still get to see a thug die by getting a chair leg through the eye! Read More...

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Ray Stevenson in Frank Castle, Marvel Comic’s most brutal, uncompromising, and violent hero, will be making his way back to the big-screen with “Punisher: War Zone” this December. Star Ray Stevenson is already thinking about where he could go after that.

“I think Lions Gate and Marvel have always been very keen that if the fanbase take to it, then hopefully they’re looking for a franchise,” Stevenson said of the possibilities for “Punisher 2” or "3." “If there’s always villains, there’s always going to be Frank. Once he sets on this path, if you’re on his list, he’s gonna be a machine. There are so many stories already available to us.” Read More...

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Cover Artist

Splash Page welcomes Ed Tadem to our cover artist family (our custom-designed theme up top). Currently working on the forthcoming "Avengers" animated series, Tadem's work can also be seen in the "Jackie Karma" issues of Image's "'76," and in "Pop Gun, Volume 1." Ed Tadem can be found online at EdTadem.com.
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