Simon West To Remake THE BLOB; Someone Please Call Nicolas Cage And Jason Statham

Deadline is reporting that director Simon West (Con Air, Expendables 2, The Mechanic) will be directing the third version of the classic horror film The Blob which originally starred Steve McQueen.

The film revolves a meteor which crash lands in a small town and has an alien life form inside it. Once the pink gooey alien starts getting a taste for humans it starts to grow rapidly and it keeps gobbling-up the towns folk until it's overwhelmingly massive and the army is called-in to take it out.

Simon West confirms to Deadline that the creature effects will indeed be CGI, which is expected in this modern era of digital effects but seems a bit lifeless when it comes to horror material.

“With modern CGI we can now fully realize the potential of The Blob. The world I create will be totally believable, immersive and emotionally satisfying. It’s a thrill to introduce an enduring icon to a wider audience and a whole new era of fans.”

I'm not really impressed by CGI these days even more so with the horror genre, it's overused to the point of having little impact when you know it's not in-camera. A great example would be The Thing prequel which mixed some great practical effects with some lousy CGI. It didn't help the film was also a carbon copy of the original.

This incarnation sounds like the budget might be a lot smaller than you'd expect for a CGI focused horror film, but maybe they'll throw in some puppets and camera tricks as well. I'm a bit worried that things like casting and writing will be secondary toward the formation of the digital monster. The key give away being a bunch of producers being listed for the project but no writers.

Come on Simon West make this happen!

Then again, this West is the director of Con Air we can only wish that Nicolas Cage get's involved, we know they could get him for real cheap these days. I'd love to see him cameo as the homeless gentleman who first discovers the meteor. I'd also love to see Jason Statham get involved possibly in the lead since we don't often get to see him in horror roles.

Could the world be ready for Cage and Statham being in one glorious film?



I won't lie, I'm a massive fan of the 1988 remake starring Entourage's Kevin Dillion, mainly because the Blob was scary as fuck in that movie. Being one of the first R-rated horror films I was exposed to and a big dumb 80's horror flick I can't help but love it.

At one point horror film guru Rob Zombie was attached to write and direct the remake but obviously lost interest or was replaced.

Zombie might have had his duds with the Halloween films but I still love the effort he put into House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil's Rejects. I know with Rob we would have had a practical effects version of the alien creature as he rarely uses digital effects.




SOURCE: DEADLINE

Chad Stahelski Needs To Direct The HAWKEYE Movie!

What could Marvel's Hawkeye movie look like? Well that remains to be seen, as people have some theories of what direction Marvel should go with a spin-off. Some think parring Clint with Black Widow to explore their shared adventures in Budapest is a good idea. My personal assumption is that Hawkeye could become a major lead in a West Coast Avengers/New Avengers splinter film. We've been hearing rumblings that Marvel is considering on using another team in a feature film, but unsure what that could be (Avengers West Coast, New Avengers, Secret Wars?).

With that said, there are plenty of awesome action filmmakers making their mark in the last couple of years. Who I think could make a pretty damn fine Hawkeye movie, whatever direction Marvel takes him. One in particular I believe could make the biggest impact for a badass solo Hawkeye movie, that would be John Wick director Chad Stahelski.



Chad is a director, 2nd unit director and stunt coordinator that has been making a name for himself with his company 87 Eleven. They are responsible for some of the best stunt/action sequences in Hollywood. He even did some stunt work on Iron Man 2, so there is a tiny connection to Marvel Studios. Some of the company's stunt credits include The Crow, Point Break, The Matrix Trilogy, Spider-Man 2, Mr. And Mrs. Smith, Serenity, V For Vendetta, 300, Die Hard 4, Rambo, Killer Elite, The Wolverine, Hunger Games 1-2, and Expendables 1-2.

One of the biggest concerns of Marvel fans is how to make a film compelling with a powerless hero. We don't seem to ask those questions when it comes to massively entertaining franchises like Bond or Bourne. I'm a bit curious why fans don't cut Hawkeye and Black Widow some goddamn slack. I believe there is some middle-ground where you could allow them to have some powers eventually. Barton does become both Ronin and Goliath, two alter-egos that have yet to be explored in the cinematic universe. There are plenty of stories to explore with both these characters, and Stahelski is the director to give fans a thrilling ride.

Below is the trailer for John Wick, a film which currently holds a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Along with his second unit work on movies like Hunger Games, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Expendables 2, and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. While a script likely doesn't exist for this possible spin-off, at least we have an idea of who should bring it to life.





Chad Stahleski Vehicle Reel from 87eleven on Vimeo.

Should Marvel Studios give Chad Stahleski a shot at giving fans an action-packed Hawkeye movie?

POSTERS: Another Epic One For 'EXPENDABLES 2'

'EXPENDABLES 2' Poster Showcases Most Of The Cast

Action Packed And One-Liner Filled Trailer For 'EXPENDABLES 2'

A Slew Of New 'EXPENDABLES 2' Posters

New Image From 'EXPENDABLES 2'

Stallone Changes Expendables 2 Rating To Restricted

It looks like Sly Stallone is again caving to pressure from the online community to change the rating of Expendables 2. A few months back rumors of a PG-13 rating had been confirmed by Stallone which enraged the fans. Originally, the first film had been shot for PG-13 rating but later would get added digital blood and dubbed swearing. It looks like the second film will also be going in that direction as well as Sly confirms to StalloneZone (via SlashFilm) the sequel will indeed be rated R. . The film starring Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Liam Hemsworth, Chuck Norris, Terry Crews, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Scott Atkins will be released on August 17th 2012.

Rambo 5 Get's New Life

Back in the days before The Expendables was a smash-hit. It was expected that Rambo 5 was going to be priority for Sly Stallone. Some really odd rumored plots were released that included soldiers being enhanced in a lab with animal DNA which Rambo had to put down. Sly ended up making Expendables, Bullet To The Head and Expendables 2 since then. Screenwriter Sean Hood has given a brief update about the fifth installment via Twitter. Stating the project is on hold while Expendables 2 finishes production and Sly will decide if the film will be similar to "Unforgiven" or a "passing the torch" type film. The former is a que to Clint Eastwood's final western film which he made on his terms, directing and starring.

Currently, Stallone is wrapping things up on Expendables 2 and is about to start production on The Tomb alongside fellow action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger. Where Sly enlists the help of fellow inmates (Schwarzenegger) after he is sent to a super high-tech prison where he helped design after being framed for a crime he didn't commit.

Stallone is 65 years old and could only have a few more of these films left in him. It's only a matter of time before he get's seriously hurts from these action roles and has to retire from the genre. I would expect that he is going to be very picky with his final batch of films. Another Rambo film seems like the last thing he would want to do. 

Liam Hemsworth To Star In Timeless

Deadline reports that Hunger Games actor Liam Hemsworth (Expendables 2) has signed on for the romantic science fiction drama Timeless. Not to be confused with the British travelling hit-man project Timeless, that's been described as a mix between Looper and Source Code. This romantic drama follows a young man who's wife dies and pursues time travelling technology to be reunited with her. There's an odd mix of people involved that includes director Phillip Noyce who is best known for action films like Patriot Games, Clear And Present Danger, The Saint and the poorly put together Angelina Jolie starer Salt. Not to mention the film's script is from Bill Kelly who wrote Enchantress.

I have no idea what to expect from this film. It could end up a serious dramatic science fiction film. Or, more likely a sappy drawn out chick flick. I'm not sure what this film says about Liam's chances for A Good Day To Die Hard (Die Hard 5) but it looks like his quickly setting up future projects.

Die Hard 5 Role Down To Two Actors?

Recently is was reported by Deadline that four actors were in the running to play John McClane's (Willis) son in A Good Day To Die Hard. They included James Badge Dale (The Departed, The Pacific), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Liam Hemsworth (Hunger Games) and DJ Cotrona (G.I. Joe 2). The part is expected to be important as the new actor could possibly continue the franchise for an aging Bruce Willis. James seems to have chosen playing Armie Hammer's brother in The Lone Ranger instead. Aaron Paul has stated to ThePlaylist that his involvement would conflict with the shooting of the final season of Breaking Bad.

"It kept going back and forth and back and forth but at the end of the day I don't know if the role was offered to me if I'd be able to do it because of scheduling conflicts with 'Breaking Bad.' "


This news can only suggest that both James and Aaron are out of the picture. Leaving Liam and D.J. as the final candidates. Liam recently worked with Willis on the Expendables 2 and has a bit of a following since being cast in Hunger Games. Hemsworth also has a heist project in the works that could co-star Dwayne Johnson. His action star creditability is slowly creeping up to match his brother's.

Controna previously worked with Bruce as well on G.I. Joe: Retaliation which could help his odds. The only problem is that while he might be cheap to hire he doesn't have name recognition like Liam does. D.J. was linked with a number of other actors testing for the role of Tetsuo in Warner Bros' Akira. He could end up joining that project instead leaving the role vacant for Hemsworth. A production start is looming as 20th Century Fox has set the release date for February 14th 2013.

Expendables 2 Wussing Out With PG-13 Rating?

ThePlaylist is reporting that Expendables 2 actor Chuck Norris stated in a translated interview that he was promised by producers the film will end up with a PG-13 rating. This really doesn't make sense considering the success of the first movie which was hard-R and sheer volume of well known/followed action stars attached to the sequel. Even if the budget was greater than the original the added star power assures it's international and domestic success. Playlist gives the impression this could be a marketing move to cash-in on some sort of Hunger Games bandwagon which sounds beyond ridiculous to me. Even if the DVD/BR ends up with an unrated version of the film.

Names like Sly Stallone, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger don't seem like the type of actors that would get together for a PG-13 project. Millennium Films the production studio behind the film isn't in the business of making family friendly films. They're known for hardcore action films like The Mechanic, Rambo (2008), Drive Angry and Conan The Barbarian (2011). Also, I hate to bring up the fact Chuck Norris isn't in any position to be make rating demands of producers. My take is that they promised Norris that "his" scenes would be PG-13, so no graphic violence or swearing.

He-Man Movie Back On Track At Sony

It hasn't been a great journey for the He-Man: Masters of The Universe reboot. Originally setup at Warner Bros. with producer Joel Silver and director John Stevenson (Kung Fu Panda) going to make the remake. The project eventually seemed too expensive or creatively off for the studio and it got the axe. There hasn't been any news on the film until now. BleedingCool reports Sony is resurrecting the project at Escape Artists. No screenwriter or director has been mentioned but with the success of Thor this now might be a priority for Sony. A mix between Thor and Flash Gordon the film has some potential to become a fun fantasy blockbuster. This movie could really work if the scale is there along with a strong cast.

I feel like the Hemsworth brothers would be perfect for the role of He-Man. Chris Hemsworth has pretty much edged himself as the go to guy for fantasy leads with roles as Thor and The Huntsman. I think if anyone could breathe a third dimension into to He-Man it would be Chris. His brother Liam is also gathering some action credit of his own with Hunger Games and Expendables 2 on the horizon.

Expendables 2 Poster Confirms It's Going To Be Awesome

Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted this first image from the set of Expendables 2. Which shows Arnold alongside Stallone and Bruce Willis. I'm beyond excited for this action star filled epic in the making.

Scott Adkins Joins Expendables 2

Yet another rising action star has joined the adrenaline fueled Expendables 2. MovieHole reports that British up and coming martial artist Scott Adkins will play Jean-Claude Van Damme's henchman. Adkins and Van Damme have previously worked together on The Shepard, Assassin Games and the upcoming Universal Soldier: A New Dimension. Scott has appeared as a badass fighter in films like The Tournament, Unleashed (Danny The Dog) along with the body/stunt double for Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. He's also reasonable for creating a beast of a character with Undisputed 2 & 3's Yuri Boyka. I really hope this role ends up helping out Scott breakout into mainstream Hollywood projects.

Currently the sequel's impressive cast includes Sly Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Terry Crews, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris and Liam Hemsworth (Hunger Games). It's set for an August 17th 2012 release date with it's production starting up very soon.

Liam Hemsworth Joins Expendables 2

ShowBlitz has word that Liam Hemsworth (Hunger Games) has just signed on for Expendables 2. The Australian actor is the younger brother of Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Avengers, Red Dawn) and is becoming a rising star in Hollywood. Stallone had previously stated the sequel would be looking at a new blood for a Navy Seal role. "We also need some new blood in there, a Navy Seal-type, because with the Expendables none of them have 20-20 vision anymore. They need some help, man.” 

Schwarzenegger Officially Playing Trench Mauser In Expendables 2

Deadline reports that a deal has been made for both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis to take on rather large roles in Expendables 2. The two had cameos in the first film which seemed to give a tease of what could happen down the line. Arnold's character was named Trench Mauser and seemed to be a good friend Stallone's character it's unknown which side he'll take in the film. On the other hand there has been no secret of the intentions of Willis' Church who will be in villain of the action epic. Jean-Claude Van Damme had also been linked for a villain role but it has yet to be official. The returning cast includes Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Terry Crews and Jet Li.

RUMOR: Donnie Yen Joining Expendables 2?

TwitchFilm is reporting that there is a chance that we could see Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen make an appearance in Expendables 2. Yen is primarily known for his stellar work in both Hong Kong and Chinese action cinema. He also has had a few films alongside Jet Li so I wouldn't be shocked to see their characters cross paths in the film if he decides to take an offer.

Simon West Will Direct Expendables 2

Deadline reports that Simon West will direct Expendables 2. There isn't word if they have a script finished but at least we now have confirmation Stallone won't be directing this time around. There has also been confirmation of sorts that Bruce Willis and Jean-Claude Van Damme will play villains in the film.

Simon's previous films Mechanic, Con Air and The General's Daughter are decent action efforts so he seems like the right director for the job. It will be interesting to see what happens with Red Sonja as West was attached to direct that film as well. Considering Red Sonja is likely to go next before Conan 2 goes into production.