Paul Bettany enjoying his place in 21st century mythology

Right before entering, the 6-foot-3 English actor then softly said to no one in particular, “This is amazing.”

The second act of Bettany’s career is in full swing. Not too long ago, Bettany, married with three children, sat on the curb along Sunset Boulevard wondering “how to put food on the table” as he put it. It wasn’t like Bettany was destitute, however, after being told one’s career was practically over cast a pall on the man who played key roles in films such as “A Knight’s Tale,” “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,” “Wimbledon,” and “The Da Vinci Code."

Scarcely had Bettany sat down to mope when his cellphone rang — it was a call from Joss Whedon who offered the role of the Vision in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" -- that started a remarkable turnaround for an actor’s career. “It’s was nice to know that I was going to have a few more films in the bag,” as he later remarked that was tinged with equal parts glee and relief.


Bettany was in Manila last weekend for AsiaPop Comicon, the first international comics convention in the country. He was introduced during a special sneak preview of the upcoming "Captain America: Civil War" where he was received by a thunderous ovation (Bettany also appears in the film).

Kilometric lines snaked around the World Trade Center in Pasay City where thousands and thousands of fans came over for a four-day pop culture fest. And Bettany, was easily the star of the weekend.

“I am amazed and humbled by that thought,” he said during the hour-long interview. “Going to conventions has put people like me in touch with the fans so we have an idea if they love our work or not. Happily, it is the former.”

While Bettany wasn’t weaned on comic books like many American and Filipino kids, he had this passing knowledge about them. He also incredibly admitted to not having seen his wife’s superhero genre films.

Bettany’s wife is American actress Jennifer Connelly who appeared in the 1991 film “The Rocketeer” and the Ang Lee-directed “Hulk” in 2003 where she played Eric Bana’s Hulk/Bruce Banner’s tortured girlfriend, Betty Ross.

“I haven’t seen her superhero films,” sheepishly admitted the English actor as the media heaved a collective sigh of shock at the revelation. “I’m not sure she’s seen mine,” he continued to stammer. "I haven’t seen many of the movies that I make. Jennifer’s seen even less of the movies that she’s in. My kids like them. She didn’t come to the premiere in Los Angeles (referring to 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'). I was alone and miserable in the room and at the mini bar."


Bettany previously appeared in the “Iron Man” and the first “Avengers” film as the voice of Jarvis, the semi-sentient program that runs many of the fictional Tony Stark’s programs and serves as his digital butler/sounding board, and ally. In “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Jarvis finds form as the Vision after the villainous killer android Ultron hopes to turn the program against his master.

Yet in spite of this, Bettany said he has a lot more respect for comics and the superhero genre today.


"These are some of the highest grossing films in the world. They are a modern-day mythology that has become popular the world over and I am happy to be a part of it. And to be appreciated everywhere especially here in Manila, it is wonderful and I am grateful. The response by Filipinos is phenomenal. I’d love to comeback here one day with my family — not on business — but to have a look around," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What to look forward to in Asia Pop

MANILA -- It is T-minus 1 by the time you read this. And this means that there’s one day to go ’til the much-awaited Asia Pop Comic Con, the biggest comic book and pop culture convention to hit these shores. And when that happens, some folks will be in Geek Heaven.

There are going to be a lot of activities but personally, here is what I am looking forward to this Asia Pop, which happens on September 17-20 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Thursday, September 17

Checking out all the comics, toys, and merchandise on sale!

Friday, September 18

The special screening of the new Lance Henriksen (who famously played Bishop in the Aliens films and ex-FBI agent Frank Black in the television series “Millennium”) film, "Harbinger Down," a film with alien-like beings that takes the actor back to his roots.

Meeting writer and artist David Mack whose Kabuki and Daredevil stories I read and collected.

Meeting artist David Yardin whose work on Image Comics’ “Aria” following our very own Jay Anacleto and Lan Medina on the wonderful series of magical stories.

Meeting American Cosplayer Monika Lee who did a great interpretation of Final Fantasy X’s Yuna and anime character, Sailor Mars.

Saturday, September 19

The cosplay event our very own goddess Alodia Gosiengfiao and Vampy Bit Me

The Comics Artists Panel with DC Comics’ Hank Kanalz who famously helped start Image Comics with Jim Lee, as well as Filipino superstar artists Mico Suayan, Stephen Segovia, and Carlo Pagulayan.

Check out the Marvel Special Panel on "Captain America: Civil War." I figure they will feature a new cut for the trailer.

In conversation with actor Paul Bettany, who played the android Vision in "Avengers: Age of Ultron"

The Cosplay Authority Global Challenge where the winner can take home up to US$10,000!

Sunday, September 20

The Comics Panel with Marvel Comics’ C.B. Cebulski and Filipino superstar artists Whilce Portacio and Leinil Yu, David Mack and David Yardin.

Checkpoint Movie Preview and Panel featuring former pro-wrestler Bill Goldberg

The Toy Panel featuring J’Ryu, Chris Ryniak, Amanda Spayd, and Simone Legno

The Cosplay Authority Global Challenge Awards Ceremony

Some toys worth checking out:

The Hot Toys Booth, powered by Filbar’s or Booth K#19, will delight action figures hobbyists with six Hot Toys 2015 Toy Fair Exclusives—the Iron Man Mark XXIV Tank, Iron Man Mark III (Stealth Mode Version), Maria Hill, Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper Disguise Version), Star Wars: The Force Awakens - 1/6th scale First Order Stormtrooper Squad Leader, and Metal Gear’s Raiden (Inferno Armor Version).

There will be Lego and Star Wars booths as well!

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Asia Pop Comic Con 2015 to be held in Manila

MANILA – A regional comic and pop culture convention will take place here next year, with the event expected to gather artists, collectors, fans, and even some celebrities.

Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG), a conglomerate from the United Arab Emirates, will host Asia Pop Comic Con 2015 in Manila as it jumpstarts its business in the Philippines. The event, which will likely be held in the second half of next year, will have participating brands such as Marvel, DC Comics, Disney and Sanrio.

“This is an opportunity for artists, cartoonists and designers to come together under one roof,” Abdulla Mahmood, director for communications and marketing at AAHG, said in a press conference for Asia Pop Comic Con 2015 on Wednesday. “What we’re going to offer is something that has not been done in such magnitude.”

AAHG is still evaluating locations in Manila for Asia Pop Comic Con 2015, which takes inspiration from multi-genre entertainment conventions such as Comic-Con International in San Diego, California.

More announcements will be made in the next few months, said Mahmood, as they finalize their lineup of participants for the following categories – toys, animation, comic book publishing, movies, music and cosplay.

“There is the probability that we will have international celebrities over here. We’re looking at talents from Korea, Japan, and even Hollywood,” he said. “We can have one or a couple of them visit Manila. It’s going to be pretty exciting.”

“So when you look at this event, it is an opportunity for Filipino talent to showcase their skills, and probably rub shoulders with some of the international artists, and probably build their clientele… We’re also looking forward to having Alodia Gosiengfiao and come up with her best costumes over here,” he added, referring to the popular Filipina cosplayer.

Mohammed Khammas, chief executive officer of AAHG, said Asia Pop Comic Con 2015 marks the start of the conglomerate’s long-term commitment of investments in the Philippines, noting the country’s fast-growing economy and large pool of talent.

“Filipinos are huge fans of comics, animations, toys and have a wide knowledge related to the pop culture that makes us choosing the Philippines as an obvious choice to host Asia Pop Comic Con 2015,” Khammas said.

He added: “This will be the first of Al Ahli Holding Group’s series of unique projects that have been customized for the Philippines which will provide novel entertainment experience and contribute to the local economy, making it a win-win proposition and attracting a lot of regional and international interest in the country.”

In an effort to add a local flavor to Asia Pop Comic Con 2015, AAHG is asking Filipino artists to submit a design for the event’s logo, with the winner to be awarded P50,000. Applicants may send their entries to marcom@alahligroup.com.

“We want the logo to be designed by one of the talents in the Philippines. We want the talent to come from your country,” Mahmood said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com