Quentin Tarantino's THE HATEFUL EIGHT Starts Shooting; Zoe Bell And Channing Tatum Confirmed

The Weinstein Company via The Wrap has announced production on Quentin Tarantino's 8th film The Hateful Eight started rolling and have revealed a majority of the cast.

Check out the official synopsis below.

Photographic proof the film has started shooting.

In THE HATEFUL EIGHT, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all…

Hateful Eight live read cast which has since been switched-up. 

The announced cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demian Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, and Channing Tatum.

This is first studio confirmation that Tatum has indeed joined the lineup.

New additions are Zoe Bell, James Parks, Dana Gourrier, Keith Jefferson, Lee Horsley, Craig Stark, Gene Jones and Belinda Owino.

Sam getting sneaky on set. 

Samuel L. Jackson revealed this image on social media which reveals rehearsals with the main cast.


SOURCE: THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY 

Fox Sets Release Dates For GAMBIT, FANTASTIC FOUR 2, PLANET OF THE APES 3 And ASSASSIN'S CREED

20th Century Fox (via TheWrap) has dumped a huge amount of new release dates for their 2016 film lineup and one new film for 2017. They include the release date for the X-Men spin-off Gambit starring Channing Tatum, which has an outline written by legendary X-Men comic book writer Chris Claremont. It's shooting script will be penned by Robocop writer Joshua Zetaummer. That project is coming October 7th, 2016 and will be the third X-Men film released. Tim Miller's Deadpool is set for next February 12th and Bryan Singer's X-Men Apocalypse comes right after in May 27th. Making their mark having released three X-Men films within one year, this would be before Marvel Studios makes their three release jump in 2017.

The other big news is that Matt Reeve's third Planet of The Apes film, which is currently untitled will be released on July 14th, 2017. It's expected that Andy Serkis and others reprising their roles, but we haven't had confirmation on anyone else besides him. Dawn of The Planet of The Apes was a corner-stone for the franchise, which is now in excellent shape. Thanks to Matt Reeves' direction on the last installment that should see franchise in very good hands. Reeves is currently putting together an outline.

You might notice the last date was originally set for Fantastic Four 2, nothing to worry about. The film's release is actually being bumped-up from July to June 2nd, 2017. It's expected that Josh Trank could be returning to direct with Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell expected to reprise their roles. Fox might be pushing for the sequel to shoot soon, because Trank is attached to direct a Star Wars spin-off. Some believe that the first film is in trouble, but this seems to show how much confidence the studio has in the movie. Bumping-up not pushing-back the release an entire year gives me the impression the studio really likes the film.

And finally, a new film franchise in the making with Assassin's Creed. The film is based on the wildly popular video game series and has Michael Fassbender still attached to star. The release date is now set for December 21st, 2016 and Aussie director Justin Kurzel is attached. That script has been penned by the writers of Exodus: Gods and Kings.


SOURCE: THEWRAP 

BIG RUMOR: Sony's Leaked Casting Wish-List For SINISTER SIX

Another day and yes, another Spider-Man franchise rumor. The fate of Amazing Spider-Man 3 is pretty much known to us via leaked email exchanges, it's gone. However, Drew Goddard's Sinister Six hasn't been linked to getting cancelled. Actually it's been the opposite, with talk of it being the perfect launching-point for the reboot (via a pre-leak report by BadassDigest). Not to mention it being potentially the first collaboration between Marvel Studios and Sony for the rebooted franchise set within the MCU.

Before that is all worked out and made official an interesting piece of casting information has made it's way to ComicBookMovie. They are again claiming to have found more emails pertaining to Goddard's Sinister Six. This time involves Sony's ideas for the casting. The last name we had heard Sony wanted was Ryan Gosling when they put out feelers, when he voiced interest in the Ghostbusters reboot.

This potential casting wish-list seemingly reveals two villains previously never mentioned for the project. That would be Sandman and Scorpia who is the female version of hired goon The Scorpion. A female villain really hasn't been explored in a majority of comic book films, and I love the idea of using someone like Scorpia. Drew did an excellent job with the female lead in Cabin In The Woods, so I'm all for seeing more of his female characters. A lot of people (myself included) had assumed that Black Cat would be the female team member, that might not be the case. Although, Felicia Hardy is named-dropped but not her alter ego.

They mention that Sony wants Sandman to be the comedic relief and the casting seemingly reflects that since the names they were putting forward included a bunch of comedians. Including Danny McBride (Eastbound And Down, Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder, This Is The End), Jonah Hill (Moneyball, Wolf of Wall Street, Superbad, 21 Jump Street, 22 Jump Street), Chris O'Dowd (IT Crowd, Bridesmaids, Thor The Dark World) and Shartlo Copley (District 9, Maleficent, Elysium, Chappie). Others included Joel Edgerton, Jason Clarke from Planet of The Apes/Terminator franchises and Ant-Man's Michael Pena. The latter might be excluded depending on his Marvel contract.

My preference out of the bunch would be Danny McBride, as he'd make an excellent funny villain.

The ladies mentioned for the role of Scorpia include Emily Blunt (Looper, Edge of Tomorrow, Into The Woods), Ruth Wilson (Luther, The Affair, Lone Ranger), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones, Terminator: Genesis) and Rose Bryne (Neighbors, Bridesmaids, 28 Weeks Later, X-Men First Class, Sunshine).

Amy Pascal would go on to make terrible comments about Blunt's weight in photos, so I assume that won't win the studio any favors. It's also possible that Emily Blunt is still on Marvel Studios wish-list for a female lead, let's hope that's Captain Marvel or Medusa in Inhumans. I feel like Blunt joining this franchise would be a huge waste of potential.

I'd have to root for Ruth Wilson, she deserves a lead role like this. Even though, I'd rather see her take a part in Marvel's main cinematic universe as Madame Hydra or Amora The Enchantress. If Marvel does get involved it could make for some interesting crossovers. I just think pairing her with Goddard could make for a scene stealing villainess.

Woody Harrelson (Zombieland, Hunger Games) is mentioned alongside Sean Penn as candidates for the role of Doc Ock who is said to be the group's leader. I doubt Penn would ever consider something like this. Woody has played dark villains previously films such as  Out of The Furnace and No Country For Old Men. It doesn't hurt he's widely popular from his role in the Hunger Games franchise. An actor able to balance both dramatic and comedy, a winning combo for a comic book villain. Let's not forget his amazing performance in HBO's True Detective, which sometimes get's overshadowed by McConaughey.

Oscar winning actor Colin Firth is mentioned for the role of Vulture, which I have zero issues with. Firth is seemingly able to balance both comedic and dramatic roles, and will take the plunge into comic book films with Matthew Vaughn's Kingsman.

Other names mentioned include Denzel Washington, Daniel Craig and George Clooney, I believe slightly out of their reach if you ask me. The big reveal was that they wanted Channing Tatum as Venom, but has already setup a franchise role as Gambit at Fox. Which would likely keep him from getting involved with competing comic book franchises. A cool casting choice though, I honestly wouldn't have minded Channing as Venom.

Another aspect is they are considering female versions of Venom and Carnage, which was explored in the comics. The female Carnage just happened to be Gwen Stacy, which could a way to bring the character back. The character Ann Weying, was the female version of Venom and could be apart of the female led spin-off.

A lot of the actors seem like bizarre choices in this piece and not mention Amy Pascal possibly making digs at actors like Emily Blunt, Idris Elba and Jared Leto. It could be real or completely made-up, the female versions of Venom and Carnage also sound weird to me. Since this isn't coming from a more reputable outlet take as a huge rumor for now. I'm shocked a casting list like this hasn't made waves over at TheDailyBeast. Names like Tatum and Jonah Hill could speak to Phil Lord and Chris Miller being candidates to take over the solo films.

Another aspect is that all this could be scrapped if Marvel steps-in, as their likely going to make their own casting choices. I'm sure suggestions like these would be taken into account, but I doubt previous working relationships with Sony will be top priority to Marvel. We also haven't heard if Drew Goddard will be sticking around, since I'm sure he's going to have to making a huge amount of rewrites to his existing script which was tied to Amazing Spider-Man 2.

SOURCE: COMICBOOKMOVIE

Oscar Nominee Demian Bichir Joins Quentin Tarantino's THE HATEFUL EIGHT

Deadline reports that Oscar nominated actor Demian Bichir (Savages, Machete Kills, The Bridge, A Better Life) and Channing Tatum (Haywire, Foxcatcher) have finalized deals to take roles in Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight. Production is expected to begin in December, a year before it's release. There is also talk the film will have it's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next year. Here is the official synopsis for the film.

In THE HATEFUL EIGHT, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all…


SOURCE: DEADLINE

Channing Tatum Could Have A Small Role In Quentin Tarantino's HATEFUL EIGHT

Deadline is reporting that Channing Tatum is circling a small role in Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight. This likely due to his breakout performance in the Oscar buzzed Foxcatcher. It also doesn't hurt that he's been knocking-out awesome comedic roles in 21-22 Jump Street and his hilarious cameo in This Is The End. This might be similar to Jonah Hill's small role in Django Unchained.

Confirmed cast members include Samuel L Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Kurt Russell, Tim Roth and Walton Goggins. Jennifer Lawrence and Viggo Mortenson have previously been rumored for roles.

Tatum also portrayed the real-life gangster Pretty Boy Floyd in Michael Mann's Public Enemies. Quentin has talked about making his own cinematic take on the gangster genre, name dropping Pretty Boy as a possible character. Channing's role in Mann's film was actually cutdown greatly, so Tarantino could use him and audiences really wouldn't be confused.


SOURCE: DEADLINE

Fox Hires ROBCOP Scribe For GAMBIT, Channing Tatum Confirmed And Ruben Fleischer Directing?

Deadline is reporting that Fox is indeed moving forward with the X-Men spin-off Gambit. Also confirming that Channing Tatum (22 Jump Street, Foxcatcher) will take the title role and also produce the film. They've hired Robocop screenwriter Josh Zetumer to work on the film's script, which is based on a treatment from X-Men comic writer Chris Claremont. X-Men Days of Future Past was highly influenced by the comics of the same name, that Claremont wrote in the 80s.

For some reason they included an image of director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Gangster Squad, 30 Mintues Or Less) in the article. Could this mean he's in the mix to direct? The writers/creators of Zombieland penned Deadpool, so it's possible that's the connection. Ruben currently doesn't have any projects about to go into production, but did announce plans to make Zombieland 2. Ruben has been in the running for other action blockbusters such as Mission Impossible 4, Ghosbusters 3, Ant-Man and Man of Steel. Being in the mix wouldn't surprise us. However, Deadline only provides an image and doesn't explain why it's there.








SOURCE: DEADLINE

Bryan Singer Confirmed To Direct Fox's X-MEN: APOCALYPSE

Even after all the sex scandals Bryan Singer Fox has decided that he'll direct the next X-Men film titled X-Men: Apocalypse, according to Deadline. The director has just reached a deal to helm the next installment, which is expected to begin shooting early next year in Montreal. This isn't much of a surprise, as Singer worked closely with producer Simon Kinberg along with screenwriters Michael Doughtery and Dan Harris to flush-out a story for Apocalypse. The two writers also wrote X2, so at least where the script is concerned it's in good hands. It's release date is set for May 27th, 2016.

We'll be seeing young versions of Jean Grey, Cyclops and Storm. These were assumed at the time of the film's announcement. It's nice to see that Mystique won't be the only lady this time around in that timeline. The most interesting addition here is actually Storm, since this will be set in the 1980s. It gives a perfect reason for Singer to use her mohawk character design. Which in my opinion is her coolest look, and is also her current look in the comics as well.

Channing Tatum's Gambit might make his debut, as pointed out by Deadline. Months back Bryan Singer didn't sound as confident about using Gambit, but had originally wanted to use him during the first two X-Men films. I'm sure producers are begging him to find space for Gambit, as they are developing a spin-off for the future. Singer listed Remy by name in a small scene in the second film, so there is obviously a desire to use him. Bryan has also mentioned wanting to include a younger Nightcrawler in the film.

The only things we know about the film, is that Apocalypse will be our main villain. It's setting will be exactly a decade after the events of Days of Future Past, placing it in the 1980s. Having the setting in one single time period, rather than jumping between past and future teams (however, that could change). McAvoy is said to be playing Professor X bald this time, which should make hardcore fans happy.

It's extremely possible would could see the return of time-travelling mutants, but in this case they'll be there to kill/save the life of Charles Xavier. Bishop, who was last seen in Days of Future Past in the comics is sent back in time (with the aid of a time machine built by tech-genius Forge) to stop events from getting worse in the future (Age of Apocalypse?). This leads him to attempt to assassinate Xavier in the past, luckily for the professor another traveler is set-out to save him. That could very well be our introduction to Nathan Summers better known as Cable. Lauren Shuler Donner and others have expressed their interest in bringing that character into the franchise. There were even hints to Cable getting his own film. Apocalypse just might be the film to explain his origin, and be our window into a even worse fate for the world.

James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender and Nicholas Hoult as expected to return. It's crazy to think we'll see two X-Men films released in 2016, with Deadpool in February and Apocalypse in May. We still have James Mangold chipping away at The Wolverine 2 story/script (has a date set for 2017), and we're still waiting to get an update about the fate of Jeff Wadlow's X-Force. There has also been chatter of a Gambit spin-off with Channing Tatum expected to that role. That one project doesn't have any creatives working on currently, so it's the biggest long shot at the moment.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Will The GAMBIT Movie Be The First Time Channing Tatum Plays The Ragin' Cajun?

Although we've heard Bryan Singer admitting his desire to include Gambit in X-Men Days of Future Past and the in-development X-Men Apocalypse, recent quotes from Channing Tatum could mean Singer won't get his wish. While speaking with MTV, Tatum gives the impressive he's looking to play Remy in the standalone Gambit film before any X-Men installments. A great way to bolster his commitment to the character, pushing for the solo feature first.

“We’ve talked about it being a standalone, first, and actually trying to change the ‘hero, superhero movie.’ Because Gambit is not your typical hero. He’s a thief. He walks on the gray. I’m hoping we can change it a little bit, and then ultimately feather into the other ones.”

The events of Days of Future Past has made the future of the present day X-Men unknown, along characters stuck in a timeline gray-area such as Gambit. Singer, Kinberg and Shuler Donner could really go any route they want with the character. However, if they are going to consider Origins a bit of a blueprint, we'll see Remy living a pre-X-Men life in the 1980's. That decade is currently the setting for X-Men Apocalypse and would be a good way to introduce his character. It's sort of a shame that fans might never see Gambit and Rogue play-out their romantic storyline in the films, but you never know with altered timelines and access to time-travel powers/time machines.

It's a given that X-Men producer and writer Simon Kinberg will likely get involved if/when the studio pursues the Gambit film. At the moment a script isn't in place and it's without a director, Tatum hasn't been officially announced by the studio either. Longtime producer Lauren Shuler Donner has been a bit more positive and told press Tatum was indeed playing Gambit. Even hinting the project could work with a lower budget than recent X-Men films. The only question is, will Fox be willing to fit the bill and greenlight it?

This isn't the first X-Men spin-off mentioned and even pitched to Fox, in the last couple of years. Spin-offs like Deadpool and X-Force have existing scripts, but haven't been given the go-ahead. We've seen Fantastic Four 2 and The Wolverine 2/Wolverine 3 get official release dates, without even completed outlines. This must be extremely frustrating to people like Tim Miller and Jeff Wadlow who have been patiently developing their projects for the studio.


SOURCE: MTV

SPOILERS: What Could We Expect From X-MEN APOCALYPSE?

It's starting to look like Bryan Singer and Simon Kinberg have made one hell of an X-Men film with Days of Future Past. It basically gives the best action sequences in the franchise, along with fixing a lot of the problems caused by X3 and Origins. I'll be going over spoilers from the film to piece-together what we can expect from X-Men Apocalypse. SPOILER WARNINGS!

We know that the film will be mainly set around the First Class characters and that the timeline will be the 1980s (hopefully early in the decade). Another excellent stylistic choice and could be an excuse to use even crazier mutant outfits. Be prepared for costumes even more wild than Quicksilver's. I would personally like to see one or two of the Jim Lee designs (Gambit and Rogue) influence the costume department, but I'm sure some fans would hate that.

It was revealed that mutants such as Angel, Banshee, Emma Frost and Azazel had been killed by Trask. I don't expect to see them brought back anytime soon. Even though I really liked Azazel, they had to get rid of him to make room for Nightcrawler. Emma Frost leaving the franchise also opens the door for The Red Queen and Psylocke to take her place.

It's been confirmed by Singer/Kniberg and even hinted to in the film that Xavier will seek-out young Storm, Jean and Cyclops in the sequel. We've also heard from Singer that he wants to also use Gambit and a young version of Nightcrawler. Producer Lauren Shuler Donner all but confirmed that Channing Tatum would be playing Remy. Writer Simon Kinberg is still trying to figure-out how to include Gambit into the film. While a solo film is a given, a large role in Apocalypse might not happen and it's unknown how much we'll see of him.

A deleted scene alluded to Scarlet Witch being apart of the Maximoff household. They might be holding back to give that character a proper introduction and they do hint Quicksilver is Magneto's son. Another character that almost made it into the film was Cain Marko, the step-brother of Charles who eventually becomes the Juggernaut. It's very possible he'll make an appearance or at least could be referenced in the film.

In the end credits scene from Days of Future Past, we see a young Apocalypse and in the background his villainous group The Four Hosemen. This is obviously during ancient Egypt as you can clearly see how young the villain is in the footage. Gambit, Angel and Wolverine were brainwashed into becoming Horsemen in the comics, it's likely they could take some spots in the lineup. We could also see other familiar mutants become pawns of Apocalypse. It's unknown if we'll see Ben Foster reprise the role of Angel, but considering his connections to Apocalypse I'm sure Singer is considering it.

There is also confirmation that the original cast will be returning again, it's likely it could serve as cameos. Unless they have Forge build them a time-machine which sends them back to the 80s. I have to admit I really liked the new additions of Bishop, Blink, Warpath and Sunspot. If it allowed them to return, than I could handle the untalented batch of original cast members. I actually wouldn't be shocked if they turned out to be present day Horsemen, depending on which era Apocalypse shows-up.

The Age of Apocalypse comics featured Bishop and Cable as major characters, the pair being sent back in time Terminator-style could be amazing. One being sent-back to kill Xavier and the other trying to prevent the assassination. It hasn't been confirmed if they'll bring back the time-travel element. Seeing how they are talking about bringing back old cast members and it will focus on the First Class era in the 80s, they'd have to use it again. Forge does build a working machine in the distant future, so they wouldn't need to use Kitty again. I would assume that preventing the Sentinel program, could have fuelled an even more horrific future.

Even though we visited the 70's, there are a few things that are kind of up-in-the-air concerning Logan/Jimmy. Does he eventually join the Weapon X program and get his adamantium skeleton/claws, or will that storyline just disappear? Mystiuqe disgusted as Stryker rescues Logan from the government at the end of the film. This could mean that the Weapon X program never turned Logan into the black-ops killing machine.

If Singer resurrects that aspect of Logan's life, we could finally get a solid reboot of the badass government special-ops program (unlike what was shown in Origins). Plus, this could lead to the return of Victor Creed aka Sabertooth and possibly Yuriko aka Lady Deathstrike as well. This alternate timeline could also mean that Deathstrike and Sabertooth, might show-up in The Wolverine 2, if the the sequel is set in this altered timeline.

Channing Tatum Confirmed For GAMBIT Role, Should We Expect To See Him In X-MEN APOCALYPSE?

On the red carpet for the premiere of X-Men Days of Future Past, producer Lauren Shuler Donner confirmed to TotalFilm, that Channing Tatum (Jupiter Ascending, 22 Jump Street) has been cast as the new Gambit. His actually participation in the X-Men universe hasn't been revealed, but Bryan Singer mentioned the character for X-Men Apocalypse. A solo movie featuring Remy has been in development since X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and it seems like the studio might have a viable actor to finally head-up the franchise.



Fans of Taylor Kitsch might be disappointed but shouldn't be shocked. Kitsch post-Origins led two of the biggest box office disappointments in the last decade with Battleship and John Carter. Not exactly the type of actor wanted for a budding comic book franchise.

SOURCE: TOTALFILM

Channing Tatum Confirms Meeting With Lauren Shuler Donner About GAMBIT Role

MTV caught up with 22 Jump Street star Channing Tatum, and asked him about his desire to take-on the role of Gambit in future X-Men films. Tatum confirms meeting with franchise producer Lauren Shuler Donner about the part. Lauren has already praised Channing in interviews, and even went as far as to mention Gambit getting his own movies. The status of a spin-off is way down the line, but Bryan Singer has mentioned he could include the character in X-Men: Apocalypse. I wouldn't be overly shocked if Tatum ends up joining that cast, as it sounds like both sides are very interested.

“I met with Lauren Schuler Donner. I would love—Gambit’s my really only X-Men that I’ve ever loved. I [mean] I’ve loved them all, they’re all great, [but] I don’t know I guess just being from down south—my dad’s from Louisiana and I’m from Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida—I don’t know I just related to him. He’s just kind of a suave; he’s the most un-X-Men X-Man who’s ever been in X-Men, other than maybe Wolverine. He’s kind of like the anti-hero; he’s a thief. He’s not even like a hero, he’s kind of walking the line of grey. He loves women and drinking and smoking, he’s just a cool guy that happens to have a good moral center.” 

“I hope it does [come together]. You never know, it’s a weird industry. If the stars align, I would play it. I’m already working on the accent.” 



SOURCE: MTV

Gambit And Nightcrawler Teased For 80s-Set X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, Will Channing Tatum Play Gambit?

While speaking to CinePremiere (via ScreenRant) Singer confirmed X-Men: Apocalypse would be set sometime in the 1980's, which is a little further into the future than we were expecting. The reasoning behind it is that Bryan wants to include characters like Gambit and Nightcrawler (we assume others such as Cyclops, Jean and Storm would also be on the table as showing-up). The pair of X-Men would be around in that timeline, which would make them somewhere in their mid-late 20s or early 30s (if Nightcrawler was born in the 60's). Depending on how Singer approaches Nightcrawler in the end, as the film's script is still being developed/written.

“I’m considering a Gambit and potentially a young Nightcrawler for Apocalypse. [We were] going to have to Nightcrawler [in Days of Future Past] and even wrote a scene, but I felt that we were forcing too mutants known history.”

Louisiana actor Channing Tatum (21 Jump Street, 22 Jump Street, This Is The End, White House Down, Magic Mike 1-2, Haywire, Jupiter Ascending, Foxcatcher, Lego Movie) has already been campaigning for the Gambit role (via SlashFilm), and Lauren Shuler Donner has gone as far to hint new talk of a Gambit movie. She even seemed excited on the prospective of Channing in the role. His film Foxcatcher is expected to gather a lot of awards talk, which could ease fans apprehension of casting him in the role.

“I would like to play Gambit. Gambit’s my favorite. I’m from New Orleans, around that area. My dad’s from New Orleans, and I like to do a Cajun accent. I could do it for real. No knock on Taylor Kitsch [who played the character in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'], though, ’cause I actually like his Gambit, but I’ve always lived around Cajun people. [...] Gambit was always like the woman-loving, cigarette-smoking, drinking [guy]. He was the punk rock of all the superheroes. He’s a thief. He kind of rode the line.”

At one point the X-Men franchise producer was actively considering a Gambit film, but after the poor reception of Origins, that talk quickly slowed down. I assume even more so when Taylor Kitsch, ended up leading two massive box office bombs (John Carter and Battleship), the negative stigma that actor brings to the table might be the reason they never brought him back. Along with Matthew Vaughn/Bryan Singer's timeline update clean-up via First Class and Days of Future Past. Lauren's recent quotes to Empire give the impressive the studio could consider Channing's offer, which could lead to a spin-off feature. We already know that a mystery Marvel film is set for release in 2018 (July 13th) at Fox, it's possible the Gambit film could be the mystery project. Given that X-Force will likely happen before 2018, Jeff Wadlow's script has a completed draft.

"I'm dying to do a Gambit movie with Channing Tatum," Shuler Donner reveals. "That doesn't have to be a great big movie. It's a thief in New Orleans, it's a whole different story. He's on board, and I have to get the studio on board. How can anyone resist Channing? He's such a sweetheart."

While we sort of have an idea of where Fox might go with casting with Gambit, but they haven't really mentioned names for Nightcrawler. It's safe to say they'll be recasting Alan Cummings for the role. Since the teleporting offspring of Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) would be a lot younger than he was in the 2002 film.

I know that Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter, Dredd, Never Let Me Go, True Grit, Frank, Ex Machina, Unbroken, Anna Karenina) has been mentioned for a role (possibly Dr. Doom) in Fox's Fantastic Four, but if that doesn't pan-out he'd make a solid Nightcrawler. It doesn't hurt he just worked with Michael Fassbender (Magneto) in the punk-rock comedy Frank. That film, and Angelina Jolie's WWII bio-pic Unbroken are expected to be major award contenders in 2014-2015. We haven't really seen Fox make the attempt to cast awards caliber actors for actual X-Men.

Another solid actor in my opinion would be Ben Wishaw (Cloud Atlas, Skyfall, Bond 24, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Layer Cake, The Hour).

If Singer ends up going young for the role (a bit risky to the tone of the film), which makes sense since Jennifer Lawrence's Mystique is the character's mother. Game of Thrones actor Isaac Hempstead-Wright might be a good fit. He's been growing like a weed lately, by the time production comes-together he might be towering over the rest of the cast. My biggest problem with adding a teen into the lineup would lose the edge that has been established with Days of Future Past. Having characters that can be thrown into the fray without hesitation, might be a better move. At least until something like New Mutants comes around.

Should Gambit and Nightcrawler be apart of the sequel's lineup? Who would you want to see playing Nightcrawler? 

X-MEN Producer Pitching GAMBIT Movie Starring Channing Tatum To Fox

While doing press for White House Down, actor Channing Tatum was vocal about his desire to play the Ragin' Cajun in a Gambit movie. Apparently, this campaign has made it's way to X-Men franchise producer Lauren Shuler Donner who revealed to Empire, that she's been already talking to 20th Century Fox about Channing starring in a Gambit film.

“I’m dying to do a Gambit movie with Channing Tatum...That doesn’t have to be a great big movie. It’s a thief in New Orleans, it’s a whole different story. He’s on board, and I have to get the studio on board. How can anyone resist Channing? He’s such a sweetheart.”

A low budget Gambit movie could be almost as awesome as The Wolverine, which took place in one setting with a semi-street level story, instead of globetrotting around the world, while trying to save it. Gambit has an interesting history which includes a longstanding conflict of two warring mutant groups The Thieves (which he is apart of) and The Assassins, something that could be interesting to explore in a smaller movie. There is also his darker-side when he helped Mr. Sinister with the genocide of the Morlocks (a group of low-level sewer dwelling  mutants). Either way, this sounds like confirmation that Taylor Kitsch is going to be re-cast. Currently, a director and writer haven't been named or announced, but I assume Simon Kinberg would be involved. Fingers crossed, this could also mean Rogue and Gambit might finally cross paths.



 Channing recently got a career boost from successful features like 21 Jump Street, along with cameos in films like This Is The End and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. This year he'll be jumping between comedy and action with roles in 22 Jump Street and The Wachowskis' sci-fi epic Jupiter Ascending. Tatum might be in a better place with audiences than Ryan Reynolds, who has been trying for ages to get his Deadpool out of  development limbo. Despite Ryan having a steady stream of box office failures, which might have Fox scared to invest in Reynolds as The Merc With The Mouth.

SOURCE: EMPIRE 

Craig Roberts Takes A Supporting Role In 22 JUMP STREET, Plus Set Photos

THR reports that Welsh actor Craig Roberts has joined the growing cast of 22 Jump Street which is currently in production. Roberts is best known for his leading role in the coming-of-age film Submarine. He recently joined the alumni by working with Seth Rogen on Neighbors, which could mean we'll see more of Roberts in the Rogen/Hill films. Craig will be playing a supporting character named Spencer.

FIRST LOOK: Set Photos From The Wachowskis' JUPITER ASCENDING

Channing Tatum Wants To Play An Authentic Gambit In Future X-MEN Films

You have to hand it to dancer turned actor Channing Tatum, he's had a massive career boost in the last two years. From taking a mature path in films like Haywire and Magic Mike. Along with reinventing himself as a comedian with roles in 21 Jump Street (with a sequel on the way) and This Is The End. Can we now add mutant superhero to that list? During press (via SlashFilm) for White House Down the actor mentioned a love for the X-Men character Gambit and his desire to play him in the future.

"I would like to play Gambit. Gambit’s my favorite. I’m from New Orleans, around that area. My dad’s from New Orleans, and I like to do a Cajun accent. I could do it for real. No knock on Taylor Kitsch, though, ’cause I actually like his Gambit, but I’ve always lived around Cajun people. [...] Gambit was always like the woman-loving, cigarette-smoking, drinking [guy]. He was the punk rock of all the superheroes. He’s a thief. He kind of rode the line."

While some might be hesitant to allow him a shot, I'd be happy if he landed the role. Considering the passion for the character and connection to Louisiana the actor has. Post-Days of Future Past we don't have an exact idea of where Fox wants to go with the mainstream X-Men team. Jeff Wadlow's X-Force could leave a door open for Gambit to appear but it's unlikely since that lineup might include canon members such as Cable, Deadpool, Warpath, Domino, Psylocke and others. That said, nothing would stop Fox from adding him to whatever happens next with the X-Men and First Class franchises.

Tom Cruise Could Lead Guy Ritchie's THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E., Ritchie Could Walk If A Lead Can't Be Secured

THR reports that's it's do or die time for Guy Ritchie's The Man From U.N.C.L.E. at Warner Bros. The film (budding franchise) is about to loose it's director if the studio can't secure a lead. Tom Cruise is newest actor being looked at for the role of Napoleon Solo. If it doesn't pan out Guy might walk to focus on another one of his many projects. Those include Treasure Island and The Real RockNRolla which Ritchie has been developing for a while now. Sherlock Holmes 3 is still being worked out as Robert Downey Jr.  is trying to figure out if Avengers 2 and possibly Iron Man 4 are in the cards.

Cruise's All You Need Is Kill setup at Warner Bros. is getting them excited to him in another big projects and already has a successful franchise based on a classic TV series with Mission: Impossible. It will be interesting to see if this goes forward before Mission: Impossible 5 that just landed Christopher McQuarrie (Jack Reacher, Usual Suspects) as it's director. Tom also has a few possible projects that have been developing in the last couple of years including Guillermo del Toro's At The Mountains Of Madness and Van Helsing reboot. The former almost went into production at Universal but is could move to another opened minded studio.

More recently, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon had been offered the leads but like many before them passed. When Steven Soderbergh (Haywire, Ocean's 11, Traffic) was originally attached to direct a slew of talent was being looked at including George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Bradley Cooper, Ryan Gosling, Joel Kinnaman and Michael Fassbender. Scott Z. Burns had penned the film's script when Soderbergh was involved. There had been talk of making it a period piece (60's) setting itself apart from other espionage themed action flicks.