Vin Diesel's superhero upgrade into BLOODSHOT

Written by The Vulcan.

BLOODSHOT. "Who?" you may ask. What he ain't is another intergalactic rogue misfit adventurer the likes of Star-lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However he is yet another character with comic book origins but not that from the pages of Marvel or DC. Instead Bloodshot first appeared in the pages of Valiant Comics in November 1992 as guest or cameo roles of Eternal Warrior and Rai. With a solid reception by readers, Bloodshot #1 was released in February the following year to quickly become one of Valiant Comics best-selling characters.

Cover of Bloodshot #1 (1993)

Created by Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin, and Bob Layton, the original Bloodshot was imagined as a tech-augmented soldier with super-human attributes and regenerative "healing factor" (like Marvel's Wolverine) made possible by nanites in his bloodstream. For the less sci-fi initiated, nanites are extremely small robots the size of nanometers (billionth of a meter); as comparison a human hair is 75,000 nanometers. In the comics, the nanotechnology was developed by Project Rising Spirits (PRS) over decades to create the ultimate soldier embodied as Bloodshot. However the process erases his memory and implants false ones as a means for control. Core to the story is Bloodshot's quest to recover his identity.

Current version of Bloodshot in Volume 3 series (2012 onwards).

The first volume of Bloodshot comics ran for 51 issues until 1996. It was then rebooted the following year by Acclaim Comics with this second volume running 16 issues. After a long hiatus, Bloodshot returned in 2012 with a third volume now under Valiant Entertainment. This incarnation of Bloodshot finds his former identity as Ray Garrison and continues to adventure in several series until today in Volume 4. If you like to check out the comic books, follow this guide for the right reading order. The first issue is even available to read for free here.

In the shared Valiant comic universe, Bloodshot crossovered with Harbinger in Harbinger Wars.

The rights for a Valiant cinematic universe (VCU?) was acquired by Sony Pictures in 2015 for five movies starting with Bloodshot and then the Harbinger titles; Harbingers are psychics with superpowers with shared story arcs involving Bloodshot. Unfortunately for Valiant fans, rights of the Harbinger titles fell to Paramount Pictures last year and therefore prospects for such a new superhero universe were much diminished; read more about this here. Whilst there are no definitive movie release dates for Harbinger, Sony's Bloodshot blasts into cinema's worldwide this week.

Official Synopsis

Based on the bestselling comic book, Vin Diesel stars as Ray Garrison, a soldier recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot by the RST corporation.  With an army of nanotechnology in his veins, he’s an unstoppable force –stronger than ever and able to heal instantly.  But in controlling his body, the company has sway over his mind and memories, too.  Now, Ray doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not – but he’s on a mission to find out.

Directed by: David S. F. Wilson
Story by: Jeff Wadlow
Produced by: Neal H. Moritz, Toby Jaffe, Dinesh Shamdasani, Vin Diesel
Cast: Vin Diesel, Eiza Gonzalez, Sam Heughan, Toby Kebbell and Guy Pearce

Vin Diesel as Ray Garrison, aka Bloodshot.

Star of the blockbuster Fast & Furious franchise Vin Diesel takes on the mantle of Bloodshot / Ray Garrison. Fans of the comics will point out immediately that he looks nothing like the titular character with grey ash skin, red eyes, chest circlet, and... hair! Indeed Vin Diesel retains his trademark "bad boy" look of his breakout roles as Dominic Toretto, Xander Cage and Riddick. So perhaps it's best to frame this movie adaptation as Vin Diesel's version of Bloodshot.

 Left to Right: Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto (Fast & Furious), Riddick, Xander Cage (XXX) in trademark black singlet.

Whilst the exploits of Dom / Xander / Riddick often surpass human believability, his latest foray as Bloodshot brings him true superpowers able to smash concrete with his bare hands and heal lethal injuries faster than Marvel's most famous clawed mutant. Of course one can say Vin Diesel has also been superpowered before as the lovable Groot in the Guardians of the Galaxy, even cheating death like Ray Garrison. Let's just say Bloodshot is how we imagine Fast & Furious' Dom to be if granted superhuman powers!

In the movie PRS has been renamed Rising Spirit Technologies (RST) and based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Can't miss our Petronas Twin Towers in that trailer, then have fun trying to spot other familiar sights in the movie. But don't hold your breathe too long (unless you're KT; see below) as American producers just might not get the local nuances right... like what was suppose to have passed off as Sibu, Sarawak in 2018's Venom movie!

RST's reseach program is headed by Dr. Emil Harting (above) played by Guy Pearce (Iron Man 3, Prometheus). Using nanotechnology and cutting-edge prosthesis, he has created a team of augmented soldiers codenamed Chainsaw, with a brainwashed Ray Garrison as its most potent weapon sent on missions across the world.

KT (Eiza Gonzalez, above) was injured in the line of duty and subsequently equipped with prosthetic lungs enabling augmented function underwater.

Ex-Navy SEAL Jimmy Dalton (Outlander's Sam Heughan, above) who lost his legs in an explosion now sports stronger and faster bionic legs from RST. As seen in the trailer he is also further augmented with an additional pair of mechanical arms which no doubt evens the odds when he is seen trading blows with Garrison.

Blind ex-Ranger Tibbs (Alex Hernandez) rounds out the team with high-tech ocular lenses granting him extraordinary vision.

Main cast at the Bloodshot Premiere.

See what the RST's team of augmented humans are capable of in this tech vignette:

Bloodshot is Director David S.F. Wilson's feature movie debut. Hailing from South Africa, he started his career visual effects with actor Sharlto Copley (District 9, The A-Team, Chappie). Creating a name for himself, he was recruited by Tim Miller (director of Deadpool) into Blur Studio in California. He has more recently directed the pilot episode of the Netflix series Love, Death + Robots. Wilson shared that it was Vin Diesel's 8-year old son Vincent that helped convince the action star to come on board for Bloodshot.

Check out what Wilson, Vin Diesel, Eiza Gonzalez and Bloodshot's co-creators Bob Layton and Kevin Vanhook have to say:

Hear more from Vin Diesel and the cast including Lamorne Morris as Wiggins in this extended interview by ComicBook.com:

It is worth noting that this movie is not actually Bloodshot's first live action appearance. Indeed just a couple of years ago in 2018 Bloodshot appeared in web TV series Ninjak vs the Valiant Universe by fan filmmaker Aaron Schoenke of Bat in the Sun, famous for its Super Power Beat Down videos. Actor Jason David Frank of Power Rangers fame was cast as Bloodshot looking close to the character's comic incarnation. Watch the action below:

Ninjak vs. Bloodshot... who will win?

Our 2 sen movie reaction to Vin Diesel's Bloodshot

2020's Bloodshot comes in different flavour from the comic book superhero movies from Marvel and DC being served in recent years such that we could step into the cinema with minimal context and limited expectations. Hence, Bloodshot delivered an entertaining ride without a dull moment.

However it's difficult to see Vin Diesel apart here from his trademarked roles (black singlet - check!), just elevated to insane superhuman levels. Maybe that's why he took the role since doing the same carnage to F&F's Dom can't be explained rationally away in that franchise. Perhaps he could have tried to look closer to the comic Bloodshot and be a bit less Vin Diesel. But then that would probably disappoint a few million of his fans that want a Vin Diesel movie. And Vin Diesel fans probably outnumber Bloodshot fans so we can understand Sony Picture's choice as less risky versus casting against a less well-known younger actor.

Whilst the plot is somewhat predictable thanks to the trailer having explained a bit too much, there are still some small surprises. One of which is Lamorne Morris' Wilfred Wiggins who contributes much of the movie's humour. And most of the other cast members have enough moments to be worth remembering their names.

As for Kuala Lumpur, our nation's capital could have been "served" better with some on-location shoots. But the actual location of RST was not really important to the overall narrative, as noted in an overseas reviewer that a different cut of the movie exists where the city was not named.

No doubt Bloodshot's box office performance will determine whether there will be sequels. But if the movie plays well then selling a sequel will certainly be easier and should be put into production sooner rather than later as middle-aged lead star Vin Diesel is not getting any younger, muscles aside. As for a Valiant Cinematic Universe, it's unlikely Harbinger Wars will happen but there are many other comic books Sony Pictures could look to adapt; just browse the Valiant's comic titles.

For other opinions, read this review by Variety or watch Comicbook.com's video:

Wanna win some Bloodshot movie premiums? Join this contest by KLIPS by 17 March.

TGV Cinemas is offering their MovieClub members to the chance to win these movie premiums via their Facebook contest ending 19 March. Then watch their exclusive interview with Vin Diesel himself here.

MBO Cinemas has similar movie goodies available via their Facebook contest until 19 March as well.

More chances available from LFS Cinemas on their Facebook contest ending 20 March.

Still wanna try then head to GSC Cinemas' Facebook contest but act fast as contest closes 15 March.

Plus choose to watch Bloodshot in GSC's 4DX or D-box by 25 March and stand a chance to win Sony appliances including a PS4.

Fans of IMAX movies at TGV Cinemas will receive an exclusive poster with every purchase of 2 tickets.

Follow more on Bloodshot from the official Facebook Page and Sony Pictures Malaysia.

BLOODSHOT  IN CINEMAS NOW!

Disclaimer: Bloodshot is a registered trademark of Valiant Entertainment LLC, referenced here for fan service engagements without intent to infringe.

Sokonglah Deadpool : The Merc with a Mouth needs your support to blast R-rated box office records!

In 2016, Deadpool was a welcome surprise to the comic book superhero movie world. This medium-budget R-rated movie (18+ by Malaysian classification) introduced to the cinema audience the Merc with a Mouth as he was meant to be based on the comics, a fast-talking fourth wall-breaking mutant anti-hero personified by actor Ryan Reynolds.

 Although Deadpool's first appearance in cinematic history actually took place earlier in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, this interpretation also played by Reynolds much chagrined Marvel fans. However, this version of Wade Wilson with his trademark witty repartee before transforming into Weapon XI did connect with many fans.

Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) offered fans a taste Deadpool's cinematic potential early in this film.

Alas, many Marvel fans were aghast when this version of Deadpool was revealed as Weapon XI with mouth sealed and sporting multiple mutant powers.

Even prior to this, Reynold's role as vampire-hunter Hannibal King in 2004's Blade: Trinity was heavily influenced by Deadpool from the comics, bringing dark humour to the otherwise violent action R-rated movie of its time.

Ryan Reynolds starred earlier as Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity (2004) with persona inspired from Deadpool of the comics.

According to Ryan Reynolds, these early superhero outings paved the way for Twentieth Century Fox to seriously begin developing a Deadpool solo movie from 2010. But Deadpool's cinematic journey was almost derailed by the box-office disaster of 2011's Green Lantern, also starring Ryan Reynolds in the lead role as Hal Jordan. Fox was also concerned with the potential box office limits of an R-rated superhero movie and backed off from proceeding with production. Director Tim Miller produced test footage in 2012 with Reynolds voicing Deadpool in a CGI action sequence but still did not receive the green light from the studio.

In July 2014, this test footage was mysteriously leaked online and garnered overwhelming support from Marvelites that this is the Deadpool we want in cinemas. Within 3 months, Fox green lit the movie and fans delightedly received Deadpool in February 2016. Six weeks after its cinema released, Deadpool claimed the crown for highest-grossing R-rated movie worldwide of all time.

No good box-office hit goes unnoticed by studio corporate executives and certainly in an era where almost every other movie release is a sequel or prequel. Deadpool returns this week to our cinemas in his sequel outing simply titled Deadpool 2 (Kolam Mati Dua!).

Ryan Reynolds (left) reprising his break-out role as Wade Wilson / Deadpool together once again with Leslie Uggam as Blind Al.

Returning of course is Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool, still looking like an old avocado. The supporting cast that survived the previous movie also return, comprising Morena Baccarin as Wade's love interest Vanessa, T.J. Miller as bartender friend Weasel, Leslie Uggams as roommate Blind Al, Karan Soni as taxi driver Dopinder, and the pair of X-Men with Stefan Kapipic as the voice of Colossus and Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead (what a mouthful!).

Morena Baccarin is back as the lovely Vanessa, her crazy matching Wade's crazy.

Karan Soni is still driving a taxi as Dopinder, but aspires to be more.

T.J. Miller (right) returns as Wade's best friend Weasel.

Teaming-up again with Deadpool are X-Men Colossus (centre) and Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead (right)

It's no secret from the numerous movie trailers that Deadpool is recruiting his X-Force, which introduces a whole slew of new characters joining this sequel movie. As hinted at the end-credits scene of the first movie, we will be seeing popular X-mutant from the future Cable, played by veteran actor Josh Brolin who is also currently starring in another Marvel movie right now as Thanos fighting the Avengers in the Infinity War. Yes, Deadpool does indeed break the fourth wall trolling that fact!

Josh Brolin turns mutant cyborg as the time travelling X-Men Cable.

Zazie Beetz (Geostorm) takes the mantle of Domino showing off how cool it is to have the mutant power of luck.

Mutant pounder Bedlam played by Terry Crews (The Expendables)

Mutant alien Shatterstar is portrayed by Lewis Tan (Into the Badlands, Iron Fist)

While Cable appears as the antagonist in the trailers, we do see Domino played by Zazie Beetz (Geostorm) joining X-Force, making luck look cinematic (wait and see-lah!). Members of X-Force seem include Shatterstar played by Lewis Tan (Into the Badlands, Iron Fist), Bedlam as portrayed by Terry Crews (The Expendables), Zeitgeist by Bill Skarsgård (It), and regular guy Peter by comedian Rob Delaney. Other mutants cast Julian Dennison as Russell / Firefist, which is being hunted by Cable, and Australian Japanese actress Shiori Kutsuna as an unnamed mutant girl. There will no doubt be other surprise cameos in Deadpool 2; look out for them!

Troubled mutant teenager Russell played by New Zealander Julian Dennison.

Guess which mutant is Australian Japanese actress Shiori Kutsuna portraying?

FYI, Stan Lee cameo in this movie's teaser trailer last year.

Deadpool 2 opens nationwide in Malaysia on 17 May 2018, with limited sneak previews starting on 15 May.

Although the marketing campaign for Deadpool this time round does not seem as overwhelming like the first movie (not saying it was bad), these few videos featuring Canada, F-cking cancer, David Beckham and Manchester United could really only be pulled off by Ryan Reynolds the Merc with a Mouth.

Deadpool helping to raise funds for cancer prevention supporting LetsFcancer.

Deadpool apologises to David Beckham for his remarks from his first movie.

Deadpool takes over Manchester United.

Plus there is an official theme song “Ashes” song by Canada's diva Celine Dion:

Locally it seems a number of Deadpool inspired social media videos have appear to “sokong” the movie release. Check these out:

Deadpool schemes on how to make his movie sequel the best ever at TGV Cinemas.
Featuring Malaysia's craziest Deadpool cosplayer Louis Ideotics / @malaysiancosplayer.

Deadpool trolls movie goers on opening weekend of Avengers Infinity War at GSC Cinemas.

MGAG gets Deadpool for driving tips in Malaysia. Prepare for WTF moments!

#DeadpoolDiMana
Let off some steam and take the train to Deadpool! • In collaboration with RapidKL, GSC Cinemas will be giving away Buy 1 Free 1 movie vouchers to lucky winners! Here’s what you need to do to stand a chance to win: Step 1: Look out for clues on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for which station Deadpool will be at. • Step 2: Get to the selected LRT stations and begin searching for Deadpool! • Step 3: Once you’ve spotted him make sure you say “Maximum Effort” or “Deadpool For The Win” • You might also win some Deadpool goodies! ? • Keep a look out for Deadpool from the 11th to the 16th of May! • Pay close attention as to which station is revealed next! ? • #DeadpoolDiMana • Filmed and Edited by Visual Heads
Posted by Rapid KL on Monday, 7 May 2018

Search of Deadpool on Rapid KL trains to ask for some goodies.

Malaysians got together to celebrate the release of Deadpool 2 at an exclusive invite Fan Pool Party held on Saturday 12 May at the Orange Concourse of Sunway Pyramid shopping centre. Guests were treated to games, food, and a cosplay catwalk competition, winning numerous Deadpool goodies. These lucky fans were also treated to the earliest screening of Deadpool 2 in Malaysia held right after the party at TGV Cinemas.

The Orange Concourse of Sunway Pyramid transformed into a (dry) Pool Party for Deadpool fans last weekend.

Cosplayers get together on the Cosplay Catwalk Competition.

Oo la la!

Cable (right) time slips into the party.

One of Malaysia's biggest Deadpool fans wins a replica display of Deadpool's katanas (only 5 in Malaysia)

For more photos check our photo album at the Outpost Facebook Page, as well as these photo albums by photographer John Gullidge.

On the weekend prior to the release of Deadpool 2, we co-hosted a mini gathering at Amenic Film Space for a Fan Panel to discuss the fandom behind Marvel's craziest anti-hero and well as reactions to the new movie from the Movie Premiere. Our Guest Panelist is none other than Malaysia's own Deadpool, Louis Ideotics or @malaysiancosplayer on Instagram. Don't worry there are no spoilers as we abide by#WadeWilsonDemandsYourSisterSorryStupidAutoCorrectSilence.

Our Commander Richard hosting Deadpool Fan Panel with Louis Ideotics (3rd from right) at Amenic Film Space.

Deadpool Fan Panel chit chat LIVE happening now at Amenic
Posted by Outpost Productions on Sunday, 13 May 2018

For review of the movie, check out Star2.com's take on Deadpool 2 as well as internationally by The Verge.

At the cinemas, GSC are offering a variety of Deadpool 2 merchandise with purchase of tickets. Three types of movie premiums include:

1. Deadpool Computer Buddy with purchase of 2 tickets
2. Deadpool Swear Jar with purchase of 2 Gold Class tickets OR 4 Premiere Class tickets
3. Deadpool Whoopie Cushion with purchase of 2 4DX tickets

These goodies are available from 15 May onwards. Find out more on availability from the GSC website. Lovers of popcorn can definite from the concession combo with a Deadpool tumbler topped by figurine.

Over at MBO Cinemas, limited edition wristbands are available with purchase of two Deadpool 2 Big Screen tickets. Therefore these are only available at MBO Cinemas Elements Mall Melaka,
Starling Damansara Utama, Kuantan City Mall, and Falim Ipoh.

There is also a Deadpool 2 edition Allstar member card. These are available to new members whilst existing members can swap to this new card for a minimal fee.

TGV Cinemas is similarly offering a Deadpool 2 member card for their Movieclub with a different design.

Now thanks to the generosity of 20th Century Fox Malaysia, your Marvelites have the opportunity to WIN official Deadpool 2 movie premiums from this Outpost Giveaway!

For a stand to take home these snazzy geek goodies, follow the instructions embedded in the online form below and submit your entries before 31 May 2018, 11.59pm.



So Post your mini-reviews to our Facebook post here and remember No Spoilers please.

Like most Marvel movies, STAY during the end-credits of Deadpool 2. There are multiple scenes splattered during the credits, many with LOL movies. And a gentle reminder to Shan from Klang that Deadpool 2 is rated 18+ by local movie classifications (or R-rated elsewhere) so no kiddies allowed ya?

Right, so what are you waiting for?

Sokonglah Deadpool 2 in pawagam musim ini!

#Deadpool #MYdeadpool2 #MYdeadpool2party #DPcosplaycatwalk #DeadpoolDiMana #SokonglahDeadpool #OutpostGiveaway #freestuff #moviegoodies

Disclaimer: Deadpool and other trademarks are copyright to Marvel and/or 20th Century Fox, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.