RUMOR: Brainiac The Big Baddie Of Zack Snyder's JUSTICE LEAGUE?

While on MeetTheMoviePress podcast LatinoReview scooper El Mayimbe revealed that Justice League screenwriter Chris Terrio (Argo, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice) has handed-in an outline/draft to Warner Bros. Adding, that Chris' work on Batman v Superman is actually a production polish, and not a complete page-one rewrite. Blogs and fans assumed that with another writer onboard David S. Goyer's work was getting completely tossed, not the actual case. It wouldn't have made sense to have Terrio rewrite an entire script weeks/months before production was set to begin.

The bigger news concerning Justice League is the film's possible villain. El Mayimbe names the long-waited Brainiac is going to be the big baddie of the DC team-up event flick. You might remember that Brainiac was going to be the villain of Tim Burton's Superman film with Nicholas Cage as the titular hero. That film was never made, but Brainiac has remained a fan-favorite to show-up in the films.

The cast is expected to be Ben Affleck (Batman), Henry Cavill (Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ray Fisher (Cyborg), Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and others yet to be announced. A production start hasn't been mentioned, but it was rumored it was going be next for Zack Snyder. While other DC projects are also in-development such as solo installments for Wonder Woman and Aquaman.

The MeetTheMoviePress panel did make-fun of the suggestion of Benedict Cumberbatch, but the actor had been rumored for roles in Batman v Superman, that would setup Justice League. To be fair to them, Ben has been linked to all sorts of franchises including Star Wars and Doctor Strange. BBC was saying he was in the running for the Martian Manhunter part, along with a possible villain role. Brainiac anyone? Here is what Ben had to say about the Manhunter rumor.

"I'm going to let that rumour run."


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

WONDER WOMAN Actress Gal Gadot Spotted On The BATMAN VS SUPERMAN Set

After a couple of extremely blurry photos of Gal Gadot on the set of Batman Vs Superman. We now have decent one of Gal, I have to assume as Diana Prince (or whoever she is pretending to be in the film). Gal's role hasn't confirmed has being more than a cameo, but with Justice League production up-next it could be increased. The film is still set for a May 6th, 2016 release date.

UPDATE: Warner Bros. Confirms Zack Snyder Will Direct JUSTICE LEAGUE, Could It Be Released Against Another Marvel Film In 2017?

TheWallStreetJournal was able to speak with producer Greg Silverman about the future of DC film properties at Warner Bros. Silverman finally has confirmed that Justice League is happening, and will be directed by Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300, Dawn of The Dead) . Zack previously directed Man of Steel and it's sort-of sequel Batman Vs Superman, the latter is also confirmed to be the precursor to the events of the Justice League movie. They also confirm that the film will begin production after Batman Vs Superman, I assume the studio won't be making any other DC films before then. Silverman also hints to a release date possibly around 2018 at the earliest. A script is still being put together, I believe last we heard David Goyer was still working on it.

Confirming the studio’s plans for a movie based on its iconic super-team for the first time, Warner Bros. president of worldwide production Greg Silverman said the studio has set plans to make a “Justice League” movie.

Like “Man of Steel” and its follow-up, which starts production next month, “Justice League” will be directed by Zack Snyder. Henry Cavill is expected to return as Superman, along with Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, who play Batman and Wonder Woman, respectively, in 2016’s “Man of Steel” sequel tentatively titled “Batman vs. Superman.”

“It will be a further expansion of this universe,” said Mr. Silverman. “’Superman vs Batman’ will lead into ‘Justice League.’”

A script is still in development and Warner has not set a release date, though the movie is unlikely to come out before 2018.

Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot are confirmed as well, it's unknown if supporting actors from Snyder's other two DCU installments will have roles. Ray Fisher was revealed to be playing Cyborg in BVS, which is easy to assume he'll also be apart of the Justice League lineup.

There have been rumors that actors such as Jason Momoa (Aquaman?) and Dwayne Johnson (Green Lantern?) have been in talks to possibly join the lineup as well.

There had been talk from LatinoReview that the studio was considering filming the projects back-to-back, similar to how the Matrix sequels and the Hobbit originally was expected to shoot (both WB productions). Nothing says that Snyder will ramp-up production directly afterwards this upcoming film is completed principle photography. However, it's still early and Warner Bros. could move quickly to set a flag for a release date in 2018.

Batman Vs Superman will eventually get an official title by the time of it's release on May 6th, 2016.


UPDATE: LatinoReview has a small bit of information to add, they are hearing the rumored release date of May 5th, 2017. Oddly enough, another release date set-aside for another unnamed Marvel Studio film. It's possible this could be the date of Doctor Strange, Thor 3 or another in-development project. If true, it sounds like DC is making a play for Marvel's comfy May release dates.

UPDATE #2: THR has confirmed LatinoReviews previous scoop that Batman Vs Superman and Justice League will indeed be shot back-to-back by director Zack Snyder. They are also hearing a possible release in 2017 as well.


SOURCE: WSJ

DCU Finally Gets Some Diversity! Ray Fisher Cast As Cyborg In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN

Variety has confirmed the appearance of another Justice League member for the untitled Batman Vs Superman movie. They report that stage actor Ray Fisher has landed the role of Victor Stone aka Cyborg, one of the newer members of the lineup. He's also a fan favorite, thanks to involvement in the Teen Titan cartoons and recent wave of comic storylines. It's starting to sound like the entire film will only exist to setup events of the future Justice League film. Fisher joins Henry Cavill, Jesse Eisenberg, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Callan Mulvey, Tao Okamoto, Holly Hunter and Diane Lane.

It's the first step to see Warner Bros. and the DCU branch-out with some diverse characters, in this new cinematic world they're creating. I've been a championed of the character and I hope this leads to other non-white or non-male heroic characters added to future projects. Cyborg was rumored for a major part in the film and it's now been confirmed. S.T.A.R. Labs, the place of Stone's robotic origins was teased in Man of Steel. Fisher was also one of the many actors that tested for Star Wars: Episode VII. The untitled Man of Steel sequel is aiming a May 6th, 2016 release date.


SOURCE: VARIETY 

Hans Zimmer In Talks To Score BATMAN VS SUPERMAN

Hans Zimmer (Amazing Spider-Man 2, Man of Steel, Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception) has confirmed an interest in creating the score for Zack Snyder's Batman Vs Superman. It's not a for sure thing, as the composer admits he still needs to talk to Zack about ideas, before anything happens or is finalized. Zimmer's scores should really be apart of these new DC movies, some consistency there would be a great first-step. The Man of Steel sequel featuring the Super Friends is aiming for a May 6th, 2016 release date, which is head-to-head with Captain America 3.

“We’ve already had a couple of chats, and once I finish the movie that I shall not talk about I will probably head over to where Zack is shooting his movie and just hang out a bit and see if we can come up with any ideas.”

“That’s my problem, that’s my dilemma. I don’t want to betray, if that’s the right word, the Dark Knight movies. That was Christian, it was Christian’s role.”

“It’s not just that it was nine years of our lives, so you want to stay honest and honourable to that period. So it’s really about, ‘Is there something else I can find that I haven’t tapped into?’ Which I don’t know until I sit down with Zack.”


SOURCE: DIGITALSPY

Holly Hunter, Callan Mulvey And Tao Okamoto Join BATMAN VS SUPERMAN

While their characters are unknown, Deadline reports that Holly Hunter, Callan Mulvey (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, 300: Rise of An Empire) and Tao Okamoto (The Wolverine) have joined the cast of Batman Vs Superman. The trio will join Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons. The film is still set to go head-to-head against Captain America 3 on May 6th, 2016.


SOURCE: DEADLINE

Jesse Eisenberg Is Lex Luthor And Jeremy Irons Is Alfred In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN!

It's official, Warner Bros. and director Zack Snyder have chosen two actors for major roles in Batman Vs Superman. The Social Network's Jesse Eisneberg will play villain Lex Luthor, while legendary British actor Jeremy Irons will play Alfred Pennyworth. The pair will also join newcomers Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot in the film that is expected to be the lead-up to Justice League. Below is a statement from Snyder about the casting announcement.


“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940. What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman. Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.”

It's interesting they went so young with Luthor since the names linked to the role (some were likely made-up) weren't. I have to commend Mr. Snyder on this, since this would be a middle ground age range for the villain. Plus, I think we can all agree having a middle-aged Lex was starting to become a bit of a bore. Trying something new for this new era of the DCU could be exciting and fresh, I'm totally on board for this.

SOURCE: WARNER BROS

RUMOR: BATMAN VS SUPERMAN And JUSTICE LEAGUE Shooting Back-To-Back?

LatinoReview is reporting that DC Entertainment is taking a page from The Wachowskis and Peter Jackson, and are looking to double-up on their upcoming shoot of Batman Vs Superman. Stating that Justice League will also shoot either at the same time, or right after BVS. The assumption is that Zack Snyder would indeed direct both projects in 2014.

This could explain all the chatter concerning The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and other JL members showing up in a Man of Steel sequel. LR believes their incorporation is meant to include a cliffhanger that will lead into Justice League.

It's actually an older concept which dates back to the 70's, originally Richard Donner shot both Superman and a bulk of Superman II before the release of the first film. Donner would eventually get replaced with Richard Lester, but the idea was to keep the cameras going and produce a film on a regular basis. The expected length of the saga was going to be ten Superman installments with Reeves but that ended with just four. This could be a cost effective way to produce more DC films, without each one costing the studio $200 million a pop.

They also confirm that Dwayne Johnson will be involved with Justice League, but his role is uncertain. There has been speculation that it could be the new Green Lantern or Doomsday, but more plausible characters could include Black Adam (back when a Shazam! movie was in the works), Lobo (which he was considered for previously) or JL member Cyborg (mentioned by Cavill and hinted to in MOS).

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

Gal Gadot Confirmed For WONDER WOMAN In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN And Callan Mulvey Wanted For Villain

Variety has confirmed that Fast And Furious actress Gal Gadot has landed the female lead in Batman Vs Superman. Her character in the film will indeed be Wonder Woman. Director and co-writer Zack Snyder even commented on her addition to the cast. Gadot was up against actresses Jaimie Alexander, Elodie Yung and Olga Kurylenko. The film is aiming for a July 17th, 2015 release date. It will be interesting to see if this leads to Gal getting her own solo film eventually.

“Wonder Woman is arguably one of the most powerful female characters of all time and a fan favorite in the DC Universe. Not only is Gal an amazing actress, but she also has that magical quality that makes her perfect for the role. We look forward to audiences discovering Gal in the first feature film incarnation of this beloved character.”

Warner Bros. is also looking at Aussie actor Callan Mulvey for the villain role. They don't name the villain but Lex Luthor has been mentioned a few times. Callan's credits include 300: Rise of An Empire, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Zero Dark Thirty and The Hunter.

SOURCE: Variety 

Four Actresses Viving For Role In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN, Will The Studio Consider Ladies Previously Looked At For DC Films?

LatinoReview is hot on the trail of new casting scoop concerning Batman Vs Superman. This new role being a female lead. One which the site originally claimed was a love interest for Bruce Wayne. However, other outlets like BleedingCool say the role is Wonder Woman. While LR states that Wonder Woman is out of the picture with this film. Which could end up being more in the realm of Vicki Vale and other love interests. A new bit of information is sprouting which sees four actresses currently in the running. Usually it's down to two front-runners for roles like these. No names are currently being mentioned but I have some possible ideas of who could be in the mix.

Amy Adams originally read with Christian Bale for Rachel Dawes when Nolan was casting Batman Begins. Adams didn't land that part but would eventually take the Lois Lane role in Man of Steal. It's possible we could see women linked with Dark Knight Rises and Man of Steel casting in a similar position. Getting a second look for this lead role in Batman Vs Superman.

GEMMA ARTERTON: Gemma recently co-starred with Ben Affleck in Runner Runner along with being a candidate to play Selina Kyle/Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. She's proven with roles in films such as Byzantium and Alice Creed that's Gemma is more than capable to handle action role and could even make a solid villain. Arterton had also been among a shortlist of actresses considered for Elizabeth Shaw in Prometheus.

MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD: Having tested for the role of Lois Lane, MEW has been pursuing a role like this for a while. She had been linked for the Maria Hill role in Avengers and Agent Sharon Carter in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. There has also been rumblings that because of her connections with director Edgar Wright working on Scott Pilgrim, she might also be a strong contender for The Wasp in Ant-Man.

JESSICA BIEL: Biel has been linked for the roles of both Selina Kyle and Lois Lane, along with The Wolverine's Viper. All roles that would eventually go to different actresses. She's taken on physical roles in films such as Blade Trinity and Total Recall. While those films were flops her action scenes were on the money.

ROSAMUND PIKE: Rosamund Pike had been in the running for villainous roles such as Faora in Man of Steel and Emma Frost in X-Men First Class. She's also taken action roles in films such as Die Another Day, Jack Reacher, Wrath of The Titans and The World's End. Not to mention recently co-starring with Ben Affleck in David Fincher's Gone Girl.

DIANE KRUGER: The German actress is best known for her roles in Troy and Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. However, Diane had been in the running for Carol Ferris in Green Lantern and was considered for the role of Faora in Man of Steel. Her husband Joshua Jackson was actually in the running for Bruce Wayne at one point before Bale landed it. While Joshua's Dawson's Creek co-star Katie Holmes ended up playing Rachel Dawes.

CHARLOTTE RILEY: Like Biel, Charlotte has been one of the few actresses that has tested for both Selina Kyle and Lois Lane. She's kept under the radar with smaller roles and could be an actress like Antje Traue who stole a few scenes in Man of Steel.

SPECULATION: Is Wonder Woman A Lead Character In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN Or Is It Someone Else?

BleedingCool is reporting that casting agencies are getting actresses prepared for a role in Batman Vs. Superman. That role, apparently according to these agencies is expected to be Wonder Woman. No names are being attached to this news but the character description sounds familiar. A while back LatinoReview reported on a bit of an obscure casting news that was toted as Batman's love interest in the film. Both parts are looking for actresses (25-33) who just happen to have a psychical presence and strength. Neither sources can confirm for sure what the role is but it sounds like there is going to be female hero or villain in the film.

While Wonder Woman sounds like a solid candidate, I have another idea. If Batman Vs Superman is going pull unused plot points from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, which is rumored. We could see Bruce take on a female protege, an important plot point of Returns. In Miller's comic Carrie Kelley becomes the new Robin with a little training from Wayne. However, if the studio is aiming to keep the "no Robin" mantra of Nolan for the new Batman. They might want to look another character instead of Robin. Since they would have to include backstories for Dick Grayson and mention the fate of Jason Todd. Who could that character be? A couple of ladies come to mind. Sasha Bordeaux who goes from Wayne's bodyguard hired by Fox. Eventually becomes his crime fighting protege and potential love interest. The other two being Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) and Katherine Kane (Batwoman) who could also take on the role of protege. Katherine has never appeared in the films even though she's been in the comics since 1956. In my opinion, both Sasha and Kane have great potential to be solid replacements for Robin, if Goyer and Snyder take that route. Of course this is just my thought on the talk of a female lead which may or may not be a DC heroine.

It's also possible it could be Supergirl since that part was sort of teased in Man of Steel with the open chamber. Hinting that another Kryptontian could be walking around on Earth. There have been storylines were Lex Luthor manipulates her for his own means. Zack Snyder even mentioned that scene could have a connection in future films to Crave. He was also coy when asked about Supergirl.

"You know what's interesting, and I don't know and I'm not going to say what it means or anything, but the one thing if you look closely when Henry's going through the Fortress of Solitude there's an empty... you know all the bodies... the pods?" Snyder asked. "There's an empty pod. I'm not going to say what, or if, it means anything but there is an empty pod there."

FIRST LOOK: Henry Cavill On The Set Of Guy Ritchie's THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E

Luca Calvani Cast As Villain In Guy Ritchie's THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E

Deadline reports that Italian actor Luca Calvani will play the villain in Guy Ritchie's The Man From U.N.C.L.E. His character Alexander, is a shipping heir who smuggled Nazi gold at the end of WWII and is behind the sale of nuclear arms.The film stars Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer and Swedish actress Alicia Vikander which is currently shooting in Europe.

WATCHMEN And 300 Cinematographer Larry Fong Will Shoot SUPERMAN VS BATMAN

One of my main issues with Man of Steel was that it didn't look like a Zack Snyder film. Lacking in the overwhelming visual style we're all used to from the director. The reason, Larry Fong (Super 8, Lost) who has shot a majority of Snyder's films (including 300, Watchmen and Sucker Punch) didn't end up working on the film. Well that can't be said for the sequel Superman Vs. Batman as Fong has joined the production (according to SHH) as it's cinematographer/director of photography. At least we know the visuals/action sequences will knock our socks off. Let's just hope the story, acting and villains fall inline as well.

BATMAN VS SUPERMAN Will Shoot In Toronto And Detroit

We have our new Batman with Ben Affleck, now comes the location of the production. Forbes reports that the film will shoot scenes in Toronto, I assume using stages at Pinewood Studios. Along with Zack Snyder confirming to Empire that Detroit/Michigan (stepping in for Vancouver) would be doubling for Gotham City and Metropolis. It's an exciting development with production expected to begin next year with a July 2015 release date.

“Detroit is a great example of a quintessential American city, and I know it will make the perfect backdrop for our movie,” says Snyder. “Detroit and the entire state of Michigan have been fantastic collaborators, and we are looking forward to working together on this film.”

Ben Affleck Officially The New Bruce Wayne/Batman For SUPERMAN VS BATMAN, Will He Direct The New BATMAN Films?

WB has officially announced that Ben Affleck (The Town, Argo, Runner Runner) will be taking over the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman for Zack Snyder's Superman Vs. Batman (World's Finest?) which has the release date of July 17th 2015. The deal will likely include Ben being apart of the Justice League film and his own string of Batman films. It's currently unknown if Affleck will be writing or directing the new Batman films along with starring.

RUMOR: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Scott Adkins, Mark Strong And Bryan Cranston In The Mix For SUPERMAN VS BATMAN?

Apparently, Watchmen actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan is now in the mix for Batman according to ThinkMcflyThink. Matthew Goode, another Watchmen alumni had been linked for Superman Vs Batman as well. Jeffrey had been previously linked for the role of Lobo (rumored for Justice League) and even a possible Watchmen spin-off focusing on The Comedian. He even spoke to MovieHole about being involved with a Dark Knight Returns film back in 2009.

"I've heard Zack mention he'd like to do it in the media a few times recently. I'd love to see myself in that role. I don't think [Warner] will do it at the moment, not with what The Dark Knight is doing. But the studio loves Zack, and if Watchmen does as well as we hope it does, you never know, he might get a crack at this thing."

British action star/stuntman Scott Adkins (Expendables 2) might be in the mix as well. The martial artist has been campaigning for the part for a while now and seemingly has met with Warner Bros./ Zack Snyder about it. His Twitter account has posted a confirmation of sorts and included an image of Scott as the Caped Crusader. We've been hearing that the director wants a convincing fighter/scrapper for the role and Scott has some serious action chops. Then again, take this as a strong rumor.

There is also word (via LatinoReview & DigitalSpy) that both Mark Strong (Welcome To The Punch, Kick-Ass) and Bryan Cranston (Drive, Godzilla, Breaking Bad) are being considered for the villainous role of Lex Luthor. Strong had a bit part in The Green Lantern but has played a slew of awesome bad guys. Cranston has been making a splash over at WB which could help him land the iconic part. I also wouldn't be shocked if they're were considering re-casting Commissioner Jim Gordon with Bryan.

Gerard Butler Also In The Mix For New Batman In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN?

We recently heard names like Josh Brolin being the front-runner to play the new Batman in Zack Snyder's Batman Vs. Superman. However, LatinoReview reveals that Snyder alumni Gerard "300" Butler is also in the mix. Bulter has the size and action background needed for the part. It doesn't hurt he already has a previously working relationship with Zack and the studio. He's also in a position to commit to more films (such as Justice League installments) since he doesn't have other franchises on the horizon. Gosling might commit to three Star Wars films which is why I don't really think he's in any serious contention for the part.

Actors Up For Batman Role In Zack Snyder's BATMAN VS SUPERMAN Include Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Richard Artimage, Matthew Goode And Joe Manganiello

THR are revealing a list of names who might be considered by the studio for Zack Snyder's Batman role in Batman Vs. Superman. The group includes Josh Brolin (American Gangster, Sin City 2), Ryan Gosling (Drive, The Place Beyond The Pines), Richard Armitage (Hobbit Trilogy, Strike Back, Captain America: The First Avenger), Max Martini (Pacific Rim, The Unit), Joe Manganiello (Spider-Man, True Blood) and Matthew Goode (Watchmen).

Josh and Ryan previously worked together in WB's Gangster Squad. It's screenwriter Will Becall had been hired to pen a Justice League film. That draft had been scrapped likely to make way for Batman Vs. Superman instead. Joe Manganiello had been in the running and championed by Snyder for the role of Superman before Henry Cavill landed the lead in Man of Steel. So his chances are extremely high. Richard Armitage is already apart of billion dollar franchise at WB, playing Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit Trilogy. Goode previously worked with Snyder on Watchmen and could be a candidate that Snyder is pushing for as well.

Elizabeth Debicki Joins The Cast Of Guy Ritchie's THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.

Variety reports that Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby) has joined the cast of Guy Ritchie's The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The rest of the cast includes Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer and Alicia Vikander. Elizabeth apparently beat out actresses such as Rose Byrne and Charlize Theron for the part.