Deadline reports that writer/director Fede Alvarez confirmed during the Evil Dead screening at SXSW that a sequel is already in development. Fede called the film Evil Dead 2 and it sounds more solid than Sam Raimi's recent retracted statements on his Evil Dead 4. The reactions to the screening have been mostly positive to it's gory practical effects (filmmakers opted out on heavy CG). Some stating it's it's the goriest studio horror film in a decade. Sounding like the horror community are likely to embrace the film and a new franchise is in the cards.
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.
Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures are single-handily resurrecting the kaiju (giant/robot monster) genre with upcoming films Pacific Rim and the Godzilla reboot. The studio has strong ties with the Japanese market understanding the massive demand for these type of films. They also have tried to adapt films with Appian Way based on iconic anime/manga material with Akira (scrapped due Americanization) and Ninja Scroll. There is plenty of existing material involving kaiju and giant robots that could end up heading to Hollywood in the next couple of years.
One project within this genre that really deserves another shot is Neon Genesis Evangelion. Back in 2003, there was development on a live-action film which saw ADV Films hire Weta Workshop (Avatar, Lord of The Rings, King Kong, Rise/Dawn of The Apes, The Hobbit) to create a slew of concept art. The project was originally announced at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival with ADV looking to provide fifty percent of the estimated $100-120 million budget. Nothing seemed to happen even with hiring John Woo to pitch it to other producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Steven Spielberg. The company would eventually fold and the live-action film rights have been in dispute since 2011.
Other giant robot projects such as Robotech (Warner Bros.) and Gaiking (Valhalla Entertainment) have also been put into development in the last couple of months. It seems like it would be a smart move for other studios to get a hold of their own kaiju/giant robot flicks. Sony/Columbia, 20th Century Fox, Disney, Dreamworks, Wingnut and Universal should really consider trying to get a hold the film rights to Evangelion.
CASTING SUGGESTIONS
Olivia Thirlby (Dredd, Juno), Dane DeHaan (Lawless, Chronicle, Amazing Spider-Man 2) and Jane Levy (Evil Dead).
The reboot of the Spider-Man franchise has divided most fans as most either loved or loathed Marc Webb's take on the web-head. Audiences have spoken with their wallets shelling out over $743 million worldwide. Sony has already set a release date of May 2nd 2014 for Amazing Spider-Man 2. James Vanderbilt and Roberto Orci (Star Trek 1-2, Transformers) have been working on it's script with the cast signed on to return. Director Marc Webb is still trying to talk to Fox so the studio will allow him to make Spidey 2 first before being forced into other projects. Sony could end up finding another director to fill his shoes or (less likely) buy out Webb's contract with Fox if need him badly enough. Either way, the franchise will move forward and here are some of my thoughts on future casting additions.
Deadline reports that Jane Levy has replaced Lily Collins as the lead actress in the Evil Dead remake. Jane will play Mia who is basically the new Ash character.
