Max Borenstein Returns To Write GODZILLA Sequel For Legendary Pictures

Deadline reports that Legendary Pictures has made a deal for screenwriter Max Borenstein (Seventh Son) to pen the Godzilla sequel. Borenstein was one of many writers on the original film, and recently wrote the studio's King Kong origin film Skull Island. Max will have plenty of time to put the script together, since director Gareth Edwards will go-off to make an untitled Star Wars film first. The release date for the sequel will be June 8th, 2018.

We've heard teases that better known kaiju could be showing-up in the next film. This was confirmed at Comic-Con, where Legendary Pictures showed concept footage that teased Rodan, Mothra and Ghidorah.

A set of female twins were teased in film and in promo footage/trailer. Monarch's name might have direct connections to him as well.  Perhaps, the fellow good-guy kaiju might have inspired the organization. Wouldn't hurt to see Godzilla team-up for some good 'old city rumbles.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Elizabeth Oslen Circling Lead In Guy Ritchie's KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE: KING ARTHUR

Yesterday we learned that Guy Ritchie's Camelot pic with the working-title Knights of The Roundtable: King Arthur (thanks to ThePlaylist) had Charlie Hunnam (Crimson Peak, Pacific Rim, Sons of Anarchy) in final talks to take the title role of Arthur. Idris Elba was also in the mix with a possible mentor role that is Merlin-like.

Another role is being revealed thanks to Variety. They say that Elizabeth Olsen (Godzilla, Avengers: Age of Ultron) is circling the female lead of the film. Her role isn't mentioned, but I have to assume it's Arthur's sorceress sister Morgana or his Queen-to-be Guinevere. ThePlaylist believes it's latter role Olsen is up for.

A competing version was originally titled Arthur And Lancelot, and had Kit Harington and Joel Kinnaman attached in the leads. It's budget was too much for Warner Bros. and it would eventually get the axe. A second-take resurrected the project from writer-producer Joby Harold (produced Edge of Tomorrow), his original pitch included a six-part epic. Each film would focus on a different knight of the roundtable, it's unknown if Warner Bros. has agreed to this Avengers-like for their budding fantasy franchise. Considering the studio's Middle Earth saga is coming to a close, it's likely they wanted a genre replacement. I'm curious to see how far the fantasy elements will be explored in the film.

SOURCE: VARIETY

FIRST LOOK! Elizabeth Olsen And Aaron Johnson On Set For AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON In Italy (Doubling For Eastern Europe)

First unit is finally shooting in Italy for Avengers: Age of Ultron, as we get our first glimpses of the actors in costume. The high volume of photos are making the rounds Twitter and blogs-alike (JustJared). We see Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye (sans SHIELD patch) along with our first looks at Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch and Aaron Johnson as Quicksilver.

A stand-in for Ultron or his horde of bots also showed-up on set, but isn't a great representing the final look of the deadly robots. Since they're CGI characters and won't actually be shown in-camera with actors during set shoots. The Italian set is actually doubling for a Eastern European country, likely Serbia or the fictional country Transia.

Paul Bettany's J.A.R.V.I.S To Become The Vision In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

It looks like Paul Bettany's Jarvis is getting an upgrade afterall, it had been previously rumored that Jarvis (Tony Stark's A.I.) would become Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron. However, that didn't seem to be the case when James Spader was announced to play the villain instead. Yet, news from TheDailyMail states that Bettany is going to be still involved in the sequel in a big way. He'll instead play Avengers villain turned member The Vision in the film. Making this the first time Paul might be shown in camera within the MCU. There had been also speculation that this role could possibly go to Clark Gregg, but that won't be happening either.

This could be an interesting turn of events, as The Vision (Paul Bettany) ends up getting romantically involved with Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). I doubt this will be explored in Age of Ultron, but this will at least give fans three new Avengers members on screen. It's expected both characters will start-off as villains, as Vision is a creation of Ultron and Scarlet is rumored to be the daughter of Baron Wolfgang von Strucker.


SOURCE: DAILYMAIL

Thomas Krestchmann Will Play Baron Strucker In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

THR is reporting a small addition to the cast of Joss Whedon's Avengers: Age of Ultron, they say that actor Thomas Krestchmann has been cast as villain Baron Wolfgang von Strucker. The creator of A.I.M and eventual successor to Hydra. He is a character actor best known for roles in films such as The Pianist, King Kong, Stalingrad, Wanted and Valkyrie. Another excellent addition to the MCU, in my own opinion. The rest of the new additions include James Spader, Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Johnson, with production expect to begin soon in the UK.

BadassDigest is suggesting that Strucker could not only be taking the place of Red Skull, but possibly also Magneto. There were a few sources (mainly HitFix) that linked Strucker for the opening sequence of the film, and would have connections to new members of the Avengers team. BAD's theory suggests that, Strucker's own superpowered children (who are also twins) might be reworked into Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. This would be a great way to sever their mutant connection, and explain why the twins start out as villains.

SOURCE: THR

Aaron Johnson Confirmed For Quicksilver Role In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

LatinoReview is now confirming that Aaron Johnson has signed on as Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Johnson had been linked for the role for months and has been talking like the deal was pretty much closed when being interviewed at Comic-Con and during the release of Kick-Ass 2 (based on a comic book from Marvel's offshoot company Icon). Aaron will be the third new cast member added to the sequel at this point. Sam Jackson confirmed Elizabeth Olsen for Quicksilver's sister Scarlet Witch and Marvel officially announced James Spader as Ultron. The returning cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Renner.

Sam Jackson Confirming Elizabeth Olsen For Scarlet Witch In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON?

While speaking with WSJ, Sam "Nick Fury" Jackson dished a bit on the production of Avengers: Age of Ultron. Confirming that shooting would begin before March and that James Spader is playing Ultron. However, he added one unannounced detail about the film. That Elizabeth Olsen will indeed be apart of the film. Neither, Marvel or outlets have confirmed Olsen for the role of Scarlet Witch which she had been in talks for. Jackson previously worked with Olsen on Spike Lee's Oldboy and Aaron Johnson (Quicksilver candidate) worked with her recently on Legendary Pictures' Godzilla.

“I don’t think we begin shooting before March of next year. I know we’re shooting in London, that James Spader is Ultron and going to be the bad guy, and that we added Ms. [Elizabeth] Olsen [who will play the Scarlet Witch], but I don’t know what she’s doing, if she’s on the inside or the outside. I haven’t seen a script.”

James Spader Confirmed As Villain Ultron In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

Marvel today via Twitter has announced that character actor James Spader (Stargate, Lincoln, Pretty In Pink, Wall Street, Supernova) will play the villainous Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It had been assumed that Paul Bettany would play the villain but it seems like that has been debunked. However, the angle of Tony Stark building Ultron or transforming from JARVIS remains to be seen. Spader is an seasoned actor and I'm excited to see what he can do with the character. No confirmation concerning Aaron Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen joining the cast has been announced.

RUMOR: Paul Bettany Playing Ultron In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON?

A new rumor is giving more credit to a little speculation that Tony Stark would have a hand in building the new Avengers villain. UnleashTheFanboy says that actor Paul Bettany who has voiced J.A.R.V.I.S. in four Marvel films will be getting a bigger role in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Paul could see his loveable Jarvis transformed into the ominous villain Ultron. As the site claims that Bettany is set to play Ultron in the sequel. Joss Whedon stated recently that Ultron's origin would be changed to exclude Hank Pym from it (giving Edgar Wright more wiggle-room for his Ant-Man origin). Hinting that Stark, not Pym would be the robotic-monster's father. If true, this seemingly confirms that Stark will indeed set things in motion for Jarvis to become Ultron.

Seeds were already planted in Iron Man 3 with Jarvis' "malfunctions" and the suits having their own combat A.I. during the final battle scenes. It will be interesting if they have Bettany use his actual face for the film (ala life model decoy/Terminator) or will instead use the classic robotic look. We're still waiting on the studio to confirm new additions Aaron Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen as the film's other villains (Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver).

Elizabeth Olsen In Final Talks To Play Scarlet Witch In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

BleedingCool recently reported on rumblings that Marvel was keen on having Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene) take on the role of Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Age of Ultron. THR is supporting the story that early talks with Olsen are indeed true. She recently wrapped production on Godzilla which co-stars Aaron Johnson, who is currently the front-runner for the Quicksilver role. Olsen and Johnson are basically the same age which would be needed since the siblings are twins. There is also word that the pair will be using British accents instead of having a rumored Eastern European background (ala Black Widow).

A New Batch Of Set Photos From GODZILLA

Sally Hawkins Joins The Cast Of GODZILLA

Deadline reports that British actress Sally Hawkins (Layer Cake, Happy Go-Lucky, Submarine, Never Let Me Go) best known for comedic/dramatic roles has taken a role in Legendary Pictures' Godzilla reboot which is currently shooting in Vancouver, Canada. Sally will play a scientist alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Ken Watanabe, David Strathairn, Brian Cranston and Juliette Binoche.

FIRST LOOK: Aaron Johnson On The Set Of GODZILLA

Richard T. Jones Joins GODZILLA

Variety reports that Richard T. Jones (Event Horizon) has joined the cast of Godzilla which is currently shooting in Vancouver, Canada. The rest of the cast consists of Aaron Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe, David Strathaim and Juliette Binoche.

Cast Confirmed For GODZILLA Including New Addition Ken Watanabe As Production Begins

Warner Bros. has announced production is underway on their Godzilla reboot with Gareth Edwards at the helm. The studio also has confirmed the reboot's cast which includes previously linked actors such as Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass 1-2, Nowhere Boy, Anna Karenina), Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston (Argo, Drive, Breaking Bad), Juliette Bincohe (The English Patient), David Strathairn (Bourne Ultimatum) and new addition Ken Watanabe (Batman Begins, Inception) who has a long history with the studio.

Juliette Binoche In Talks For GODZILLA

Variety reports that French actress Juliette Binoche (Chocolat, The English Patient) is in talks for a role for Legendary Pictures' Godzilla reboot. The rest of the cast could include Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass), Bryan Cranston (Argo, Drive) and Elizabeth Olsen (who confirmed herself).

Megan Fox Will Play April In NINJA TURTLES, Beating Out Anna Kendrick, Elizabeth Olsen And Jane Levy For The Role

Michael Bay has announced via his site that Megan Fox (Transformers 1-2) will be involved with Ninja Turtles. A role isn't named but it might be safe to assume Fox will be playing reporter April O'Neil. There had been a rumored falling out of sorts between Bay and Fox, over some comments she made to press about the set. Elizabeth Olsen was recently revealed to be in the mix for the film before landing the female lead in Godzilla. There had been rumors that Krang could be the villain of the film.

In addition to Olsen, Variety adds that actresses Anna Kendrick (End of Watch, Scott Pilgrim, Up In The Air, 50/50) and Jane Levy (Evil Dead Reboot) were also in the mix. They also name the role to be that of April O'Neil. After discovering this gif (below) of April from the cartoon series I can see why Fox got the role.

Elizabeth Olsen Confirmed For GODZILLA

While actress Elizabeth Olsen along with Bryan Cranston had been in-talks for roles in Gareth Edwards' Godzilla reboot. Neither had been locked-in until now. Olsen has confirmed her role (via CBM) and mentions the film will be dramatic heavy.

"I'm about to film Godzilla in the Spring so that's the next thing I'm working on!" When asked about making the transition from dramas to a big budget blockbuster, Olsen jokingly added: "Well, Godzilla is actually going to be a very heavy drama! It's definitely going to be a very different take on the past Godzilla's..."

CAST EM': Ridley Scott's The Counselor

Yesterday it was confirmed that Michael Fassbender has signed on as the lead in The Counselor. The hard-boiled drug thriller was written by Cormac McCarthy (No Country For Old Men) and will be directed by Ridley Scott (American Gangster, Black Rain). It was also mentioned that Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper and Brad Pitt are in the mix for the role of the film's villain. Pitt seems like he could take the part since he hasn't played many heavies along with his connections with both Scott and Fassbender. He's repeatedly stated he might retire soon and it would make sense for Brad to finally play a full-on villain like the one in this film.

If Ridley is smart he'll try to convince Jeremy Renner to take a supporting part even if Pitt decides on taking the main villain role. I would assume like with any Ridley Scott project well known actors will want to fill out the rest of the cast. Even with high profiled actors like Fassbender, Pitt and Renner involved I could see more awards quality actors taking the rest of the roles. Along with the standard amount of up and comers that Ridley loves to use. Below are a few of my own casting choices but since I don't know much about the story or characters the decisions are a bit blind.

TOM HARDY: Hardy is usually the go-to actor these days. From commercial films like The Dark Knight Rises or indies like Bronson, Warrior and Tinker Taylor Solider Spy he's gathering a lot of praise. He does any sort of part no matter how big or small. It seems to come down to the director and the other actors he's able to work with. The Counselor seems a great project that Hardy could attach himself to. Tom could play a thuggish enforcer, a cop, an addict or even a fellow lawyer since he has a rather large range.

ELIZABETH OLSEN: Olsen has blown up in the last couple of months. She's ramping up other projects but it would be nice to see her take a part in this as either a girlfriend of Fassbender or even a college observing his character's spiral into the underbelly. There hasn't been talk of any actresses involved but I would like to see Elizabeth more than most take a role.

EMMA STONE: Running on the same idea with Olsen, Emma is slowly gathering more dramatic projects. She got a lot of awareness this year for The Help and has the period mob film Gangster Squad later this year. The latter seems like the most serious role Stone has taken to date. I'd love to see her take more chances on less comedic parts like with this movie.

JOEL KINNAMAN: The Swedish-American actor has a bunch of high profile projects in the last couple of years. Joel is also gather praise thanks to his roles the series The Killing and the Snabba Cash films. Joel was attached with Kit Harington to Arthur And Lancelot but the film was put on pause. Harington ended up signing onto another project in the meantime. I would assume Joel will do the same as well.

Tom Hiddleston Could Star In Winter's Tale

HollywoodReporter says screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (The Client, A Time To Kill, A Beautiful Mind) is going to direct his first film based on the novel Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin. A slew of high-profiled actors are testing for the film which include Tom Hiddleston, (Thor, War Horse, Avengers) and Ben Walker (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) for the male lead. Bella Heathcote (Cogan's Trade, Dark Shadows), Elizabeth Olsen, Gabriele Wilde and Sarah Gadon for the female lead. Russell Crowe is attached for the role of the villain.