July 25, 2012

Co-Director Anthony Russo Talks 'CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER'


One half of the Russo Brothers spoke to the HuffingtonPost about their upcoming film Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Anthony doesn't give much in the way of details but you get an idea of the director's passion for the characters. Anthony Mackie (Gangster Squad, Million Dollar Baby, Hurt Locker) is currently the only new cast member in talks with Marvel. There is talk that Sam Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson and Cobie Smulders will reprise their roles as SHIELD agents.


On how they sold themselves to land the gig... 
We were comic book geeks from a young age and big fantasy geeks. We got to talk to them in detail about that history. They knew that we understood the brand really well and the characters really well. It was a long process, actually, of talking to them over and over again, through a series of meetings over a long period of time. And I think they just -- we were really passionate about the movie, incredibly passionate about the movie. They felt that, and they felt like it was the right match. 

On what appealed to them in Ed Brubaker's "Winter Soldier" comic-book story... 
Well, we like the [story.] I can't talk too much about specifics, that's the way Marvel handles things. I can say in general that there's sort of a darker, edgier sensibility at work there that we found appealing, and that is going find its way into Captain [America] in the modern day. 

On whether flashbacks to WW2 are possible... 
Certainly Cap has this complicated history. We're making the movie for first-time viewers, not just for fans, so, because Cap does have this complicated history -- he was this skinny guy who became a super-soldier, he was born back then and he's living [now] -- in the storytelling, you need to convey that to an audience who doesn't know Cap's story. 

On whether the expected heavy visual effects are intimidating... 
They said to us early on in the interview process, "We don't expect you to know anything [about special effects and so forth] -- you don't have to know everything about this stuff, because we're here for that." They're very respectful of directors. They're an amazing company to work with. 

On whether any comic book writers and creators have offered any advice... 
We're actually going to have lunch with Brubaker soon. But no, they haven't been involved. In the same way that they would develop a new comic-book series, they give its own space to develop. But certainly everybody is aware [of what's in the comics], has read everything, is aware of all their other material. But they do like each thing to be its own, organic process, which is nice 

On what from The Avengers would he like to interpret into the movie... 
For me, what I loved about the movie, which is what many if not most people loved about the movie, were the character interactions, those great character moments. You have people rubbing up against each other in a way that's exciting and combustible. While all the special effects and the adventure, the thrill and the danger [are] fun, it was those character-to-character interactions are the heart of the film. So that's what [we'll hope to have]. 

July 24, 2012

Peter Jackson Wants To Make 'HOBBIT 3' To Round Out A Trilogy


It's been a rather believable rumor for the last couple of days that the everyone involved is pushing for the final Hobbit film to be split into two movies. Giving fans an epic Hobbit trilogy similar to The Lord of The Rings. This had been speculation until now, as THR reports Peter Jackson is the one championing the trilogy and shooting the addition scenes. He'll likely get his way as turning one film into two is giant cost-cutting tactic on their part. If the logistics are agreed upon additional shooting would take place next summer in New Zealand. I wouldn't be shocked if the events of The Battle of The Five Armies ends up the giant conclusion for the third and final film.

Jay Baruchel Closing Deal To Join 'ROBOCOP'


HeatVision is reporting that comedian Jay Baruchel (Tropic Thunder) is looking to play an Omnicorp marketing executive in Robocop. Jay is about to close the deal as the film is about to ramp up production this September in Toronto.

Logan Heading Back To WWII In 'THE WOLVERINE'


An image from the Australian set found by SuperHeroHype (via SlashFilm) has confirmed that The Wolverine will feature WWII scenes involving a Japanese prisoner camp, planes and the atomic bombs used during the war. The image below has a board littered with concept art for the film. It has real war/fallout photos mixed with the film's artwork. It will be interesting to see if Logan (now plagued amnesia) made powerful enemies during that time. Not to mention that sequence with Wolverine holding the sword against the planes looks pretty impressive. How much of the film will be set in this period is unknown considering Origins ended sometime in the late 70's/early 80's. Some other set images also confirm this with the practical pieces begin put together.




Denzel Washington Set For 'THE EQUALIZER'


Deadline reports that Sony has signed Denzel Washington in the lead role for the potential franchise The Equalizer. There is also a search for a director which has the studio setting their eyes on Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), Gavin O'Connor (Warrior), Gareth Evans (The Raid) and Pierre Morel (Taken).

July 23, 2012

Edgar Wright Will Direct Sci-Fi Flick 'COLLIDER' Afterall


It was little less than an hour ago that it was reported that Edgar Wright along with writer Mark Protosevich and producer J.J. Abrams were working together on Collider. The detail-less sci-fi project will now have Wright as it's director and co-writer according to new information from Deadline. Previously, he had only been credited as breaking the story for the film.

Edgar has quite a crowded que of projects as it is, excluding Collider. World's End beings shooting this fall, Marvel's Ant-Man sometime in 2013, not to mention The Night Stalker for Disney and his long in-development original actioner Baby Driver. There have even been early rumblings that he should direct the Doctor Who film.

'GODZILLA' Concept Art Surfaces


io9 has discovered some possible Godzilla concept art for the newly designed Japanese icon in Gareth Edward's upcoming film. The art seems as legit as the original Green Lantern concepts that leaked. However, until we see a full teaser trailer it's unknown for sure.


J.J. Abrams And Edgar Wright Teaming For 'COLLIDER'


Deadline reports that J.J. Abrams (MI3, Star Trek 1-2) and Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim, Ant-Man) will be collaborating on a secret science fiction film titled Collider. Details are currently unknown but Abrams will produce with the film being developed from an idea by Wright. Paramount and Bad Robot are in the mix as per usual with Abrams' projects. They've hired screenwriter Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend, Mass Effect, Thor) to pen the script. A director hasn't been named but it's unlikely that Edgar will be given the task. He's about to start production on World's End and Ant-Man soon after.

Sam Worthington Offered Role In 'TEN' Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger


ShowBlitz reports that Aussie actor Sam Worthington (Avatar) has been offered a co-starring role in the action thriller Ten. Screenwriter turned director David Ayer (End of Watch, Street Kings, Training Day) will helm the film with a script from Skip Woods (Swordfish, A Good Day To Die Hard) and already stars Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The film follows an elite DEA task force that robs a dangerous drug cartel under the guise of a tactical raid on one of its safe houses. They think they’ve gotten away with millions in merch, until team members begin getting bumped off one by one.


Jena Malone Officially Joins 'CATCHING FIRE'


HeatVision has official word from Lionsgate that Jena Melone (Sucker Punch, Hatfields & McCoys) has landed the role of tribute Johanna Mason in Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Anne Hathaway Briefly Talks 'CATWOMAN' Spin-Off


While I might one of the few people who have yet to see The Dark Knight Rises it sounds like Anne Hathaway's performance as Catwoman was a rather large standout. DigitalSpy asked Anne about the possiblity of a spin-off which doesn't seem that unlikely now that Christopher Nolan is now exiting the franchise. Nolan has somewhat left the door open to act as a producer on future Batman projects (similar to Man of Steel) which could lead to a Catwoman movie.

"If [Nolan] is interested then I'm very interested. I think it would be lovely to see more of her but only if it's with the right people," Hathaway said. "She lives in this Gotham City and so it would have to be established by the people who have made this Gotham City. For me, at least."

'X-MEN FIRST CLASS 2' Writer Calls The Film Epic And Mythic


Collider was able to speak with producer and co-writer Simon Kinberg on the untitled X-Men First Class sequel. He gives little detail but gives the impression the studio is allowing Matthew Vaughn the creative freedom to give the franchise the scale and mythology he wants. Kinberg says the new film is "extraordinarily ambitious, epic and mythic". Time will tell which direction the film will be going but Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Jennifer Lawrence are returning. Simon also confirms the film will begin production in the Spring which was bumped from January. The release date is still aiming for July 18th 2014.

“I wish I could tell you about it, but literally, it’s like the most guarded state secret I’ve ever been around. I can tell you that it’s going really well, and I can tell you that I’ve been working closely with Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman on the script of the movie and that we hope to be shooting in Spring of next year to come out in July of 2014 and that I’m really excited about it, because the only thing I can say, because I have to be extraordinarily vague about it, because the last time I talked to anybody about it, I got in trouble…big trouble…what I can tell you is [that] it’s extraordinarily ambitious. It is unlike the other X-Men movies and yet very much a celebration of the X-Men movies.”


“I don’t know enough of what he [Vaughn] has or hasn’t talked about. I can tell you it’s been a very fluid process in the sense of we really went into it, Matthew, Jane and myself, just wanting to create a movie that was as…I’m very proud of First Class…as dramatic as that movie, I think it is as dramatic as that movie, but more epic, mythic in a way as well. So, there are ideas that we’ve started with that haven’t survived, there are ideas that we started with from conversations we had from making First Class that are going to be in the sequel. So, it’s vague but…”


“It’s one of those movies that, because it’s such a big deal for the studio, they have some sense of what it is that we’re writing and they are ambitious about the movie, too. I don’t know what the budget’s going to be, we’ve got to finish the script before we have a budget, but I would assume that it is a bigger movie than the last in physical scope, and that we have the license to do that because of the success of First Class. And because I think Fox has had success with interesting movies in the last couple of years in the genre, like Planet of the Apes was a really good movie, Chronicle was a cool movie, First Class, they’re just narratively or creatively a little bit more ambitious. So they’ve encouraged us to do that with the sequel.”

Avengers seemingly has changed the level of action a comic book film franchise can handle. We could see the next X-Men installment double it's scale and action sequences. 20th Century Fox has been slowly making their films to meet the demands of audiences. We've seen this with Prometheus earning an R-rating and excellent handling of Rise of The Planet of The Apes and original project Chronicle.

Rumors have been pointing to seeing the Sentinels becoming a major element of the sequel with the inclusion of Days of Future Past being the inspiration for the new film. It could really expand the franchise now that mutants are finally now in the open. Leading to an extremely large sandbox for the characters to play in. Bringing in time travelling and giant robots hunting mutants could help usher this in bridging a lot more of the X-Men heroes/villains. Not to mention including more fan favorite mutants instead of wildly obscure ones.

Eli Roth To Direct Dracula Thriller 'HARKER' Starring Russell Crowe


Deadline reports that Warner Bros. has found a director for Harker starring Russell Crowe. Eli Roth who is best known for directing his own original projects will have his first large studio project with Harker. The new spin on the classic tale of Dracula features Jonathan Harker a Scotland Yard detective following a string of grizzly murders which turns out are being carried out by the Count (Crowe). Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way is also producing the film.

'JURASSIC PARK 4' Coming In 2014?


Collider was able to speak with producer Frank Marshall about the fate of Jurassic Park 4. Currently all we know about the project is that Universal has hired screenwriters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Rise of The Planet of The Apes). Frank gives a possible release date for the fourth installment which could be out as soon as 2014. There had been talk that William Monahan (Departed, Sin City 2, Oblivion, Kingdom of Heaven) had also written a draft years back. Not to mention talk of both a direct sequel to a complete reboot of the franchise.

Stunning Banner For 'THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY'







(click to enlarge)

Alex Proyas To Direct 'JOE GOLEM AND THE DROWNING CITY'

Deadline reports that Alex Proyas (The Crow, Dark City) will write and direct a feature adaptation of Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden's Joe Golem And The Drowning City. Mike is best known for creating the Hellboy and B.P.R.D. comic franchises. Proyas had been tapped to direct an epic feature based on Paradise Lost until Warner Bros. and Legendary axed the project over the budgetary issues.

"a supernatural-steampunk illustrated novel that follows an orphaned teenage girl, an aging magician, a lunatic scientist, a Victorian occult detective, and the stalwart sidekick, Joe Golem—a man whose strange dreams hint of a history he has forgotten–as they struggle for the fate of an alternate 1970s lower Manhattan. In this vision, lower Manhattan sank into the water during a catastrophic earthquake in 1925, leaving those unwilling or unable to abandon it to make a new life in streets turned to canals."


July 22, 2012

Dwayne Johnson Confirms 'LOBO' Rumors


Lobo is finally moving forward with Brad Peyton set to direct replacing Guy Ritchie. Not too soon after that news it was rumored that Dwayne Johnson had been linked for the lead. Johnson himself answered a fan's question via Twitter which confirms he's at least in talks with producer Joel Silver and the studio.

“Rumors of me possibly playing LOBO are true. Joel Silver and Brad Peyton working on it now. That could be fun..”

'THOR: THE DARK WORLD' Casting Updates


Chuck actor Zachary Levi confirmed on The Tonight Show (via CBM) that he will indeed play Fandral in the newly titled Thor: The Dark World replacing Josh Dallas who exited the franchise. Levi had originally been pursued for the role but because of commitments to his NBC series (now cancelled) had to turn it down.


In other casting news Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen who had been wanted for the villain in the sequel has removed himself from talks (via ThePlaylist).


'FANTASTIC FOUR' Reboot Lands Director And Writer


It's official, Josh Trank who was long rumored for the directing gig for Fox's Fantastic Four reboot has been confirmed by Deadline. Trank gave Fox sleeper hit with his debut film Chronicle and would later be attached to direct Sony's Venom spin-off. HeatVision also reports that newcomer Jeremy Slater will write the script. Let's just hope they save us from rehashing the origin with a opening scene/title sequence.

Director David Slade Exits 'DAREDEVIL' Reboot


Marvel properties at 20th Century Fox are slowing coming together with The Wolverine and the X-Men First Class sequel about to go into production. The same can't be said about Fox's Daredevil reboot as Deadline reports that David Slade (30 Days of Night) has dropped out as it's director.


Fox will have to find another director soon or the rights will revert back to Marvel/Disney if the film isn't made. I'm sure fans of the Hell's Kitchen hero would love that to happen. Considering it could be awesome to finally see Daredevil and Black Widow team-up in a movie. Not to mention see a faithful adaptation of the character. It wouldn't be hard to imagine Murdock showing up in the Black Widow spin-off film if Marvel regains the rights.

POSTERS: Teaser For 'GODZILLA'


Sony Uncertain If Marc Webb Will Direct 'AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2'


Doug Belgrad also spoke to THR about the return of director Marc Webb for The Amazing Spider-Man 2. It seems like his contract with Fox could conflict with the upcoming production for the sequel which already has a May 4th 2014 release date. James Vanderbilt and Roberto Orci (Star Trek 1-2) have already developed a script and is expected to begin production very soon. The studio will have to search for backup directors if they already haven't. Considering that Webb never signed a multiple picture deal he isn't contracted to stick around for sequels. Of course Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone will be returning with the villain still unknown.

'21 JUMP STREET 2' Shooting This Fall


Sony Pictures' Dough Belgrad spoke to THR revealing updates on upcoming sequels. He confirmed that the untitled 21 Jump Street sequel is set to shoot this fall. It's not surprising considering the studio had been putting together a sequel plans during the impressive early test-screenings.

POSTERS: New 'GANGSTER SQUAD' Banner


POSTERS: 'LAWLESS'


TRAILER: 'TAKEN 2'

POSTERS: Another Epic One For 'EXPENDABLES 2'


TRAILER: 'JACK REACHER' Starring Tom Cruise

POSTERS: International Banners For 'TOTAL RECALL'

July 21, 2012

Marvel's 'GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY' Coming August 2014, Plus Concept Artwork


It's official Marvel has announced that Guardians of The Galaxy will be released on August 1st 2014. This will be the first film featuring new characters since Captain America: The First Avenger and could setup events leading to Avengers 2. We currently don't know the film's antagonist but it very well could be Thanos as the Avengers button scene was likely setting up Guardians. The film's script was written by Nicole Perlman who also turned in a draft for the Black Widow solo film. It's expected a director will be chosen soon along with casting set to begin.


Here is a piece of exceptional character concept artwork from artist Charlie Wen who has contributed to many of the Marvel films. Shown at SDCC it features Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Drax The Destroyer, Groot and Gamora revealing the team's lineup. Their costumes look definitely more cinematic than the comic book versions of the characters.

Kenneth Branagh To Play Villain In Jack Ryan Reboot


Kenneth Branagh is already playing a large role in the production of the untitled Jack Ryan reboot as it's director but Deadline reports he'll also be the film's villain. There had been hope that the ex-Thor director would have an acting part in the Thor sequel but having two large jobs on the Jack Ryan film nixes those chances. Chris Pine is currently set to play Ryan in the film previously known as Moscow.

POSTER: 'PACIFIC RIM'


FIRST LOOK: Charlie Hunnam And Rinko Kikuchi In 'PACIFIC RIM'



Simon Pegg Confirms 'ANT-MAN' Shoots In 2013


Marvel Studios and director Edgar Wright revealed test footage for Ant-Man at this year's SDCC. Along with confirming it was apart of Phase Two along with Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Captain America: The Winter Solider and the next original film Guardians of The Galaxy. However, Marvel hasn't announced a shooting or release date. A recent hint from Marvel seems to point to a possible 2014 release date (making Ant-Man the third release in 2014) while the shooting of the film has been confirmed.

Simon Pegg the ever loyal friend and sometime co-writer/star of Wright's projects has tweeted (has since been deleted?) that Edgar is aiming to shoot Ant-Man sometime in 2013. Pegg has previously stated he'd love a shot at playing a villain in the film.

If you didn't already know, Pegg and Wright are about to start production on their final film in their trilogy World's End. That film will have a Spring release next year which could mean Edgar could be free to shoot Ant-Man in latter part of 2013. Things are moving into place and casting for the film could take place in the Spring or Summer of next year.

Spielberg Wants Chris Hemsworth To Star In 'ROBOPOCALYPSE''


Deadline reports that Steven Spielberg has met with Aussie action star Chris Hemsworth for the lead in Robopocalypse based on the epic novel by Daniel H. Wilson. Considering Hemsworth's track-record it seems like a smart move to have him leas the film. Hemsworth is already looking to star in a sequel to Thor this summer along with Huntsman and Avengers sequels currently in development. He has the Red Dawn remake and racing bio-pic Rush about to hit theaters. Robopocalypse is set for an April 24th 2014 release date with Fox and Disney sharing the Dreamworks film's distribution rights.

TRAILER: 'MAN OF STEEL' Teaser

TRAILER: 'DREDD'

FIRST LOOK: Matt Damon In 'ELYSIUM'


Here is our first official look at Matt Damon in Neill Blomkamp's Elysium via Comic-Con. Similar to Blomkamp's District 9 the film explores societal themes within the sci-fi genre. It will be interesting to see Neill play with a larger/experienced cast along with a decent sized studio budget.

Charlie Sheen Playing The President In 'MACHETE KILLS', Plus Other Additions


It's been confirmed that Charlie Sheen will play the President in Robert Rodriquez's Machete Kills. Actors such as Edward James Olmos (BSG), Cuba Gooding Jr., William Sadler (Iron Man 3, Die Hard 2), Venessa Hudgens (Sucker Punch) and Alex Vega (Spy Kids, Repo) have also joined the film. The rest of the new cast members include Mel Gibson, Amber Heard, Sofia Vergara and Demián Bichir (Savages).

'IRON MAN 3' Concept Art Shows Off New Suit





Jackie Earl Haley Joins 'ROBOCOP', Jay Baruchel Also Circling Role


Deadline reports that Jackie Earl Haley (Watchmen, Little Children, Dark Shadows) has joined the ever growing cast of Robocop. The impressive cast already includes Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Hugh Laurie, Samuel L. Jackson and Abbie Cornish. They add that comedic actor Jay Baruchel (Tropic Thunder) is also up for one of the final roles.

'THE WOLVERINE' Gets A Solid Supporting Cast


SuperHeroHype reports that Fox has cast Japanese actors in supporting roles in The Wolverine. They include Hiroyuki Sanada (Sunshine, The Last Samurai, Twilight Samurai) set to play villain Shingen, Hal Yamanouchi (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou) plays Yashida, newcomers Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukishima will play Mariko and Yuiko.


HeatVision reports that newcomer Will Yung Lee (Red Dawn, Total Recall) will play the Silver Samurai another villain of the picture.


TwitchFilm has word that actress Svetlana Khodchenkova (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) is in the mix for the role of villainess Viper. Fox has also put out offer to Jessica Biel (Total Recall) according to Deadline. Biel seems like more of draw considering her recent action packed part in Total Recall.

Anthony Mackie In Talks To Play Falcon In 'CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER'


HeatVision reports that Marvel is currently in early talks with acclaimed actor Anthony Mackie (Million Dollar Baby, Hurt Locker) for the role of Sam Wilson aka The Falcon in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Falcon is the contemporary sidekick of Cap and will likely end up being introduced as a SHIELD agent similar to Hawkeye and Black Widow.


In other Cap 2 news Variety reports Sebastian Stan has been confirmed as returning to play the title role of Winter Soldier. The Cap villain is Bucky Barnes (brainwashed/with a robotic arm) turned into a deadly assassin who is put into cyro-sleep between missions.