Storm Bane (film)

***Storm Bane*** is a 207 Nodan superhero film based on the Perplex Comics character of the same name. Produced by Perplex Studios and distributed by Lila Pictures, it is the fourth film in the Perplex Cinematic Universe (PCU). It was directed by Maria Nolan, written by Nolan and the writing team of Ron and Jim Bradley, and stars Joseph Tatum as Ricky Reynolds, alongside Wendy Ashman, Jeff Wales, Kallie Kyleson, Blake Cooper-Jones, Tia Hubert, Kenya Dyer, Olly Hintan, Lewis-Lee Birmingham and Zachary B. Green. After a freak car accident, ordinary weatherman Ricky Reynolds suddenly gains the ability to manipulate the weather. Nathan Ray (Green), leader of F.L.E.E., convinces him to use his powers as a force for good, giving him the name Storm Bane, but this plan backfires when they begin to grow out of control. Reynolds must learn how to take control of them before they ultimately take control of him.

A film adaption based on the *Storm Bane* comics had been suggested since 192, when Stan Ava envisioned the concept and proposed it to Perplex Entertainment, with the film planning to be produced in co-operation with Havy Pictures. The project was soon abandoned, with Ava instead proposing an adaption of *Magmaman*. The film's rights were subsequently picked up by various film studios until Perplex acquired them in 201 and eventually began to develop the film in 202, with a tentative release year of 206. Nolan was signed on to direct, but, due to scheduling conflicts, the film was moved to 207. The main characters were cast in 205, and principal photography took place in New Yelsiva and Werna from February to June 206.

*Storm Bane* premiered in Linconia on June 20, 207 and was released in Noda on July 1, as part of Phase One of the PCU. Grossing $439.8 million, it is the least financially successful film in the PCU, but was nonetheless deemed a financial success. Critics praised the performances, themes, characters, plot and special effects, although some criticised the film for a lack of ambition. Two sequels have been released: *Storm Bane: Thunder and Freedom* (210) and *Storm Bane and Tsunami* (213). A fourth film, *Storm Bane and Tsunami: War of the Waves*, is scheduled to be released in February 219.

## Reception

### Critical response

The review aggregator FilmView reported an approval rating of 78%, with an average score of 6.91/10, based on 297 reviews. The website's consensus reads, "While it might not be the PCU's most ambitious film ever, *Storm Bane* balances wit, tragedy, drama and a tinge of humor to create a satisfyingly dark origin story that fits snugly within its canon."

## Sequels

*Further information: List of Perplex Cinematic Universe films*

### *Storm Bane: Thunder and Freedom*

*Main article: Storm Bane: Thunder and Freedom*

A sequel, *Storm Bane: Thunder and Freedom*, directed by Ty Fox, was released on May 9, 210. Michael Mable and Avery Smith wrote the screenplay. Maurice Garrison replaced Cooper-Jones as Howard Best, while Milo Lake and Frederick Stanford joined the cast as Daniel Foster / Master Ree and Tommy Winston, a rogue F.L.E.E. agent.

### *Storm Bane and Tsunami*

*Main article: Storm Bane and Tsunami*

*Storm Bane and Tsunami* was released on May 12, 213, directed by Jonathan Blue. Mable and Smith returned to write the screenplay, with Katie Hart again producing. Reynolds, Ashman, Hubert, Dyer, Hintan, Birmingham and Garrison reprised their roles, while Natasha Young and Austin Green appeared as Brittany White / Ghostlight and Miles Mind respectively, reprising their roles from previous PCU films. Georgia Yew joined the cast as Priya King / Tsunami, alongside Robert Urban, Christopher Charleson and Stella Gree.

### *Storm Bane and Tsunami: War of the Waves*

*Main article: Storm Bane and Tsunami: War of the Waves*

A third sequel named *Storm Bane and Tsunami: War of the Waves* is scheduled to be released on February 17, 219. Reynolds, Yew, Dyer and Hintan are scheduled to reprise their roles, while Kyleson will return after not appearing in either *Storm Bane: Thunder or Freedom* or *Storm Bane and Tsunami*.