Frank Grillo Wanted To Play Villain Crossbones In WINTER SOLDIER?

Frank Grillo (The Grey, End of Watch, Warrior) just might end up landing the role of Brock Rumlow (Crossbones) in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The actor has Tweeted (via CBM) tidbits that he's met with Marvel Studios for a role in the sequel not to mention hinting it could be Crossbones. Confirming this possible villainous role from another source close to the actor. It's seems like an excellent casting choice as Grillo has been apart of some solid flicks. Other new additions include Anthony Mackie (Million Dollar Baby, Hurt Locker) as Sam Wilson/The Falcon and possibly Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim, The Thing, Death Proof, Smashed) as Sharon Carter/Agent 13.

Gavin O'Connor To Direct Japanese Gangster Flick 'YAKUZA'

Deadline reports that Gavin O'Connor (Warrior) has been hired by Universal to direct Yakuza which is set in a modern/post-tsunami Japan. An American intelligence expert who becomes embroiled in the affairs of a notorious yakuza godfather and finds himself plunged into the violent criminal underworld and toxic landscape of post-tsunami Japan. I love the yakuza genre Ridley Scott's Black Rain being my favorite western take so I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

Jaimie Alexander Joins Frank Grillo In Intersection

ShowBlitz reports that Thor actress Jaimie Alexander has landed the female lead in the thriller Intersection. Apparently actresses like Gemma Arterton and Brooklyn Decker were also interested in the role. The film will star Frank Grillo (Gangster Squad) who has been recently seen in Warrior and The Grey. It will be directed by David Marconi who is better known as screenwriter writing for films like Enemy of The State and Live Free Or Die Hard. Intersection takes place in Morocco, where the wife of Grillo's character plots to kill him with her lover's help. The plan goes awry when the lover and husband are involved in a car accident on a remote desert road. Production on the movie will start up this month. Alexander is expected to reprise the role of Lady Sif in the Thor sequel which will start production this spring. She recently finished production alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the action film The Stand.

REVIEW: Warrior

Warrior, is a sports drama from director Gavin O'Connor starring Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte giving us another triumphant addition to the genre. Joining other impressive sports films such as Million Dollar Baby, The Fighter and Rocky.

The film starts out as a gritty drama showing us the dark sides of both Hardy (Tommy) and Nolte's (Patty) characters. The spotty past of Tommy is slowly revealed and gives another impression of the complex character along with his motives. Brendan (Joel Edgerton) is loosing his house as the money coming in from being a high school teacher isn't paying the bills. Deciding on returning to the ring for the quick cash, even if his wife is against it. The development of both brothers and father makes this a unique entry in the sports drama genre. As the estranged family aspect sets it apart from other sports films. While it did have it's share of nods to the Rocky franchise including a monolith Russian baddie.

Hardy and Nolte are the powerhouses of the film, while Joel Edgerton is getting most of the buzz from critics. I'd be shocked if the male leads don't sweep awards nominations this season. Nolte seemingly being a lock for Best Supporting Actor nomination at this year's Oscars. It's one of best films I've seen so far this year. Do yourself a favor and see Warrior as soon as you can before it exits for other award type films. Don't be shocked if you're close to a good ol' man cry by the end. 

A+