Emma Watson In Talks For Disney's CINDERELLA

Variety reports that Disney and new director Kenneth Branagh (Jack Ryan, Thor) are looking to cast Emma Watson (Perks of Being A Wallflower, End of The World, Harry Potter) as the lead in Cinderella. Cate Blanchett is locked-in as the evil step-mother.

Kenneth Branagh In Talks To Direct CINDERELLA, Cate Blanchett Still Attached

Vulture reports that Kenneth Branagh (Thor, Jack Ryan) is in talks with Disney to replace recently exited Cinderella director Mark Romanek. Ken recently finished production on his new Jack Ryan film which stars Chris Pine and himself as the villain. They also say that Cate Blachett is still attached for a role. The title role hasn't been locked in but Saoirse Ronan had been in the mix. Ronan had been cast as the lead in Snow White inspired The Order of The Seven until it got the axe.

Chris Pine Open To Joining STAR WARS EPISODE VII?

In January, LucasFilm will make an announcement concerning Star Wars Episode VII (director). However, while we've heard about old cast memebers like Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Samuel L. Jackson and Ewan McGregor open to returning. We haven't heard much in the way of new faces for the film. Actor Chris Pine was asked by Empire (via CBM) if he'd be interested in having a role in the new Star Wars franchise. Pine states he's already committed to three Star Trek films but says there is room for both. Abrams in the same interview says there were early talks to direct the new films and confirms again he ultimately bowed out.

"I'm committed to three. That's the contract I signed. And as far as I know, everyone else is in the same situation. But there's obviously room for both Star Trek and Star Wars," he added. "We both have plenty of things to offer sci-fi. But I'm not saying any more that that! There are more than enough Star Wars stories around at the moment!" 

It's possible he could do both considering Star Trek 3 is still currently only in early development stages with it's script. Reports claim that pre-production on Episode VII will begin in the Spring, so casting will likely we starting soon. The writers for Star Trek 3 are currently busy with other scripts, so it's possible Pine could shoot Episode VII before Trek 3 even has a finished script. Chris has previously been linked for post-Star Trek leads in Akira (now dead) and was a contender for Captain America (Joe Johnston, a rumored candidate to direct Ep. VII). Most recently taking up the Jack Ryan mantel in the new untitled Kenneth Branagh (Thor) directed movie. We've seen actors take on multiple franchise roles most famously Harrison Ford who took on iconic parts as Jack Ryan (Pine plays him in the new film), Han Solo and Indiana Jones. So having Pine play a bunch of roles in high-profile projects isn't exactly a stretch.

Tom Hardy Wanted For JACK RYAN Spinoff WITHOUT REMORSE

Deadline also says that Paramount is pursuing Tom Hardy (Inception, Lawless, Dark Knight Rises) for their Jack Ryan spinoff Without Remorse. Hardy is about to begin production on George Miller's Mad Max: Fury Road alongside Charlize Theron for Warner Bros. Hardy is likely getting lots of franchise offers so we'll see if this one pans out. Kevin Costner is also wanted for a part in the film.

Keira Knightley Confirmed For JACK RYAN And Kevin Costner Wanted Too

Keira Knightley has now been confirmed by Deadline for the female lead in the Jack Ryan reboot which stars Chris Pine (Star Trek 1-2) and directed by Kenneth Branagh (Thor, Hamlet). Kenneth will also be playing the film's villain with Kevin Costner also wanted for a key part. Kevin's role would also include his own spinoff franchise Without Remorse.

Keira Knightley Frontrunner For 'JACK RYAN' Reboot

Deadline reports that Britsh actress Keira Knightley (Pirates 1-3, Atonement) is the Frontrunner for the female lead in the new Jack Ryan reboot starring Chris Pine. Evangeline Lily (Hobbit, Lost, Real Steel) and Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) are also in the mix.Knightley had previously tested for Captain America and Dark Knight Rises.

Kenneth Branagh To Play Villain In Jack Ryan Reboot

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

Kenneth Branagh In Talks To Direct The Jack Ryan Reboot

It looked like the Jack Ryan reboot had been in a bit of trouble as Jack Bender (Lost) had to drop out of the director's chair. Variety reports the studio is looking to nab Kenneth Branagh to helm the action thriller. Branagh might not have been a director you'd expect for a project like this but after the success of last year's Thor anything is possible. Production on the project was expected to start up as soon as Star Trek 2 wraps up allowing Chris Pine to start shooting. Kenneth's involvement questions the fact he wasn't asked to return to direct the Thor sequel if he's able to make this film.

Jack Ryan Reboot Looses Director Jack Bender

Variety reports that Paramount's planned Jack Ryan reboot (which had the working titled Moscow) will have to look for another director. Jack Bender (Lost) had been hired with the intention to direct the film this summer with Chris Pine in the lead. Bender has dropped out because of commitments to his television projects. It's expected the studio will be quickly looking for a new director with the summer shoot still in place. I assume they'll be trying to move forward with the untitled film as soon as Pine wraps production on Star Trek 2. It will be interesting to see if they pursue another television director for the film.

I understand that the studio is thinking franchise here after the massive success with their other spy film Ghost Protocol giving new life to the genre. Personally, I don't see Pine as the Jack Ryan type as he's a bit too young. My favorite actors who have played the character included a young Alec Baldwin and a middle-aged Harrison Ford. I'm still rooting for Jon Hamm to swoop in for the role.