AVATAR 2 Delayed Until 2017 And Could Effect BATTLE ANGEL's Development

There is word from James Cameron (via Coming Soon) that his Avatar sequel with the working title of Avatar 2 is now being delayed from it's original release date of December 2016 to December 2017. The delays are due to the extensive writing needed to make sure all three sequels are cohesive with each other. Cameron still expects to shoot all three films at the same which is likely apart of the delay.

“There’s a layer of complexity in getting the story to work as a saga across three films that you don’t get when you’re making a stand-alone film,” said Cameron.“We’re writing three simultaneously. And we’ve done that so that everything tracks throughout the three films. We’re not just going to do one and then make up another one and another one after that and parallel with that, we’re doing all the design. So we’ve designed all the creatures and the environments.” 

This makes sense since the team of writers include Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver working on Avatar 2 and Avatar 3, while Shane Salerno is writing Avatar 4 . James Cameron being involved with development on all three scripts. A rather large task since he's also directing all three films as well.

The news will likely also see delays with both Avatar 3 and Avatar 4 release dates as well pushing them to December 2018 and December 2019.

Hey look! It's a Battle Angel t-shirt.

Like most, we were all shocked when James Cameron announced he was making three sequels to Avatar. It's a bizarre move on the part of Cameron considering all the criticism he received for the film's boring and predictable story.

I'm sort of lamenting to all the wonderful films he could be making instead of focusing on this sub-par science fiction franchise. It's $2.7 billion box office is likely one of driving factors along with his nutty belief these films could help the environmental movement.

Fans like myself would rather see James Cameron focusing on more gritty material and getting back to his Terminator and Aliens roots.

Back in 2013, James Cameron did confirm to fellow director Alfonso Cauron during the TAG DF event that he was indeed going to be returning to Battle Angel Alita once production on Avatar 3 was completed in 2017. The project titled Alita is an adaptation of the manga and anime.

Combined with news that Avatar 2 will be delayed until 2017 and a third sequel added to the lineup since his announced development plans for Alita. I'm curious if the film will ever get made or will be further delayed.

Cameron had been originally developing the manga/anime adaptation's script with screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis (Ghost In The Shell, Terminator Genesys, Avatar, Shutter Island) while shooting Avatar and you can even spot him wearing a Battle Angel t-shirt on the set in the picture above.

Jim started commissioning design work on the film in 2008 which gives you an idea how long he's been working on the project. Cameron would eventually shoot test-footage for the film but it never seemed to make it's way online or to the public.

Alita, a cyborg who has lost all memories and is found in a garbage heap by a cybernetics doctor who rebuilds and takes care of her. She discovers that there is one thing she remembers, the legendary cyborg martial art Panzer Kunst, which leads to her becoming a Hunter Warrior or bounty hunter. The story traces Alita's attempts to rediscover her past and the characters whose lives she impacts on her journey. 



The project is like a mix of Blade Runner, Rollerball and Akira meets Ghost In The Shell with organ/robotic implant thievery. Littered with hardcore action and violence more in the realm of a Paul Verhoeven film like Robcop or Total Recall. Not to mention the protagonist of the film would be a very young girl.

During it's original development there had been a large demand to see Juno's Ellen Page take the role of Alita. Since then she would go on to star in huge blockbusters such as X-Men Days of Future Past and Christopher Nolan's Inception. Fox has even played with the idea of a Kitty Pryde spin-off but no official plans have been made.

It's more than likely that Page has aged-out of the role since the test footage was described to have an actress that looked like she was fourteen years old.

A younger actress who I think would be perfect for the role is Joey King (The Conjuring, Fargo, Crazy Stupid Love, Battle LA). You might remember she played a young Talia al Ghul in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises.

SOURCE: AP

Justin Lin Replaces Roberto Orci As STAR TREK 3 Director

Director Justin Lin might be apart of Fast And Furious franchise directing the last four installments, but has helped turned that dumb series of films into something fun. We all have to admit those movies have been better with each installment, and Justin is apart of that success. He's been bouncing back and fourth with a bunch of different projects. Lining-up potential directing gigs with projects like Terminator 5, Highlander, The Crow and eventually deciding on the sequel to The Bourne Legacy. The latter project was recently delayed because of Matt Damon returning to the Bourne series, and that film was getting made first.

It looks like he's finally found his next film, as reports he's replaced Roberto Orci as the new director of Star Trek 3. Orci stepped-down recent and Paramount put-out a search that included names such as Rupert Wyatt and Lin. It seemed like Wyatt was the frontrunner, considering being linked before Orci, having the blessing of producer J.J. Abrams and having great success rebooting Planet of The Apes with Rise of The Planet of The Apes. There is even chatter that Roberto Orci is still very much involved as a producer, but won't be contributing to the script.

While audiences seemingly enjoyed the last two films, in the era of blockbusters I'm sure Paramount is a bit disappointed the films haven't broken $500M worldwide. Perhaps, Justin will be able to pump new energy into the franchise which is having problems attracting international audiences. Considering the last film cost $190M+ to make, the studio would likely want a much bigger return.

The release date has also been officially set for July 8th, 2016. A date that will see the film arrive just in time for the 50th anniversary of the original series.

SOURCE: VARIETY

The A-Holes (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) Have A New Throwback Team Poster!

Roberto Orci In Talks To Direct STAR TREK 3 Without Any Directing Experience, But Why?

Variety reports that Roberto Orci, who has been a franchise writer for the new wave of films, is now in talks to direct Star Trek 3. Orci previously revealed a desire to direct the third installment, but seemed like a long-shot, considering Roberto has almost zero directing experience. Compared to high-profiled candidates such as Attack The Block's Joe Cornish. Sure, Orci has been involved as one of the franchise's many screenwriters, but what made Paramount choose him to takeover for J.J. Abrams?

"After weeks of rumblings that he was the frontrunner, sources have told Variety that Skydance and Paramount have tapped Roberto Orci to direct Paramount and Skydance’s “Star Trek 3.” Orci is currently writing the story with J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay and had been campaigning to replace J.J. Abrams as director for some time. Abrams is busy with directing the next installment of the “Star Wars” franchise and will only be producing this pic."

The big question at the moment is why? Yes, we've recently seen Orci's writing partner land the directing gig on Sony's Venom, but Alex Kurtzman has at least directed films such as People Like Us (let's try to forget how horribly it bombed on it's tiny budget). It's sort of crazy to think a first-time director would get a shot at directing the third installment in a blockbuster franchise like Star Trek. Without any previous material to back-up his directing candidacy.

We've seen first-time directors such as Wally Pfister crash-and-burn already this year with Transcendence, you'd think that would have been a wake-up-call to some studios. Not to say this will entirely turnout to be a disaster, as we've seen people like Drew Goddard shine. He at least hasn't been dubbed a terrible writer, lacking vision which Orci has.

Vision, is a major element a director needs. We've seen from scripts for Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Island, Cowboys & Aliens and The Transformers franchise, that Orci lacks the basics of storytelling, plot structure and character development as a writer. So, how the hell could he finally muster those necessary tools now, when he's placed in the director's chair? I just don't see why he's the prime choice when there are plenty of budding directors already working for Bad Robot, who could have taken-up the director's seat and given something special to the franchise. This decision screams, a rushed production to meet a release date, rather than a solid choice for a director. It's who they could get and one that was willing to take every single note from the studio, without butting-heads over the studio's vision. There's one story that's making the rounds, which could explain how Roberto was able to get Paramount to sign-off on him.

STAR TREK 3 director Bob Orci believes the Boston Marathon Bombing and the Sandy Hook massacre were set up by the government.
— Devin Faraci (@devincf) May 14, 2014

Devin at BadassDigest has been a giant advocate against Mr. Orci. Pointing out his public break-up to longtime writing parter Kurtzman, had to do with his "alcoholism" and crazy conspiracy theories. A few including the government was involved in the Boston Marathon Bombing and Sandy Hook Massacre. Painting Orci as an unstable person that just might overshadow the craziness of Mel Gibson, as Mr. Gibson never rained-down such lunacy in his own film Conspiracy Theory. It's actually shocking that Paramount would place Roberto as the face of their squeaky-clean franchise. At least the press tour will be interesting when his crazy theories are explored in front of cameras. Devin also added the following to his own write-up on the news, which might explain why Orci was hired. It's safe to say BadassDigest won't be supporting the new film, and others just might follow-suit.

"I've already told you what I heard, that Orci cock-blocked every director who came in for meetings on the project, making it look like anyone who helmed would be his dancing monkey. Who wants that when you already have pressure from the fans and the studio? Orci made a power move to guarantee his ass in the director's chair despite a huge lack of experience. How did Paramount allow this to happen?"

SOURCE: VARIETY

Teaser Trailer For GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Finally Released, Plus A Bunch Of Images

Marvel Studios has finally released the teaser trailer for James Gunn's Guardians of The Galaxy. It aired on The Jimmy Kimmel Show, with an introduction by it's star Chris Pratt (Lego Movie, Jurassic World, Her). This footage is mostly the same stuff that was shown at Comic-Con and D23, but it's still awesome and reveals more than we've seen previously. There's a hint to Lee Pace's Ronan The Accuser, and the Nova Corps. (Peter Serafinowicz and John C. Reilly) are all over this thing.

I'm totally on board with this movie, and can't wait to see the next trailer, as there is almost zero storyline in this one. I can't say I'm shocked, but it would have been nice to hear Vin Diesel (Groot) and Bradley Cooper (Rocket Raccoon) give a line or two.

SOURCE: MARVELSTUDIOS 

RUMOR: Marvel Gearing-Up For GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 In 2016?

Marvel has been more unofficial about their plans for Phase Three, than previous ones but will start things off with Edgar Wright's Ant-Man (starring Michael Douglas, Paul Rudd, Michael Pena, Clifton Collins Jr. and possibly Evangeline Lilly). There has been a lot of chatter from Marvel's Kevin Feige about his passion project Doc Strange finally getting made, while a director and lead haven't been announced. Recent development on sequels to Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, also give the impression those movies are going to be apart of the Phase Three plans.

JoBlo is tossing a monkey into the works, stating a rumor that could see a sequel to James Gunn's Guardians of The Galaxy invade theatres on May 6th, 2016. Oddly enough, that's the same date Warner Bros. has set for Batman Vs Superman, previously releasing in the same month as Ant-Man. Although, Marvel had claimed the spot ages ago and likely won't be bullied (since Disney is now backing them) if they announce the actual project for the release slot. Joblo even says treat it as a rumor, this is the first time we've caught wind of Guardians of The Galaxy 2. As it stands, Marvel has only announced three spots for 2016-2017, the only way to make room for something like Doc Strange, would be to add a second date for 2017. It's assumed that Avengers 3 would be saved for a 2018 release.

Having a trilogy of Guardians films wouldn't be a terrible thing, and it looks like Marvel might be giving each franchise a trilogy (Iron Man, Captain America and Thor). Expanding the cosmic side of the MCU seems to be the overall plan at the studio, we've already noticed a lowkey push to add Easter Eggs referencing a Planet Hulk movie (looking more likely for Phase Four, if it happens). The great thing about The Guardians is that the team roster changes all the time, there are plenty of new members that they could switch-in or add-on. Characters like Adam Warlock (already teased in a button scene), Nova, Quasar, Angela (new addition to Marvel cosmic lineup), and even the Iron Man himself Tony Stark. There was speculation and a couple of rumors that stated Karen Gillan would be playing Angela in the film, which turned out to be untrue.

Adding Tony to the Guardians 2 lineup could be a way to have Iron Man apart of Phase Three, without having an entire film (Iron Man 4) on his shoulders. Robert Downey Jr. seems to enjoy productions like The Avengers, as he's signed on to make Avengers: Age of Ultron and an untitled Avengers 3 (but not a fourth solo Iron Man film). Robert makes a ton of money for less work and get's to have a great time with the cast and crew, it's sort of win-win for him. Allowing him more time to do other projects, instead of having a huge chunk of his time dedicated to both Iron Man and Avengers sequels.

If the rumors are true, Marvel is trying to setup Doc Strange as the new staple character of the MCU (taking over for Tony), having Iron Man leave Earth for cosmic adventures would explain his departure from The Avengers. Plus, would allow Stark to explore an ever expanding sci-fi fuelled universe, populated with a ton of enemies that could give him a real threat, not just more science experiments (which is getting boring). It doesn't hurt that it's currently comic book cannon that Stark is a Guardian. Having Iron Man apart of the lineup could also be a way to scare-off competition like Batman Vs Superman from considering going head-to-head with Guardians 2.

SOURCE: JOBLO

Arnold Schwarzenegger To Play Villainous General In James Cameron's AVATAR Sequels?

LatinoReview has an update concerning James Cameron's Avatar sequels which would see Arnold Schwarzenegger re-teaming with Jim after 20 years. Arnold is said to be playing a villainous General in the film or films. I assume that he'll be sent to Pandora to regain control of the planet. At one point Cameron was aiming to bring Schwarzenegger into the Alien franchise (studio moved on without Cameron on both Alien 3 and Alien 5), so it'll be interesting to see how he fits into the world of Avatar. It's possible this villain could be apart of more than one of the three sequels currently being written.

J.J. Abrams Comments On Rumored STAR TREK 3 Director Candidate Rupert Wyatt

HitFix was able to get some comments from J.J. Abrams concerning Star Trek 3. He finally comes out and confirms he won't be able to direct the third installment. However, will stay on helping develop the film's story which is currently the focus of the project. When asked about rumored directorial candidate Rupert Wyatt, Abrams gave an endorsement of sorts. Praising the director of Rise of The Planet of The Apes but didn't confirm they were looking at him at this point.

"I know Rupert and he's incredibly talented," he says, "and we'd be lucky to have someone as talented as Rupert. But there are things we're focusing on right now before the director, which is just sort of the fundamentals of where the story is gonna go." 

Marvel Confirms Bradley Cooper Will Voice Rocket Raccoon In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Marvel today confirmed (LatinoReview's scoop) that Bradley Cooper (Hangover, Place Beyond The Pines, Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle) will indeed be the voice of Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of The Galaxy. Cooper is an excellent addition to the cast and the press release calls for voice work only. Seeming the motion capture work for Rocket has been mostly done by animals and not an actor.

James Cameron And Fox Announce AVATAR 2 (December 2016), AVATAR 3 (December 2017) And AVATAR 4 (December 2018)

James Cameron and 20th Century Fox have made it official (via Deadline) as they have announced plans to make three sequels to smash hit Avatar. We've heard previously that Cameron was currently prepping production for Avatar 2 sometime in 2014 but this is the first official word of Avatar 4. The studio and Cameron have announced plans to release Avatar 2 in December 2016, Avatar in December 2017 and Avatar 4 in December 2018. They also announce writers Josh Friedman (Word of The Worlds), Rick Jaffa/Amanda Silver (Rise/Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes) and Shane Salerno have been tapped to help write the three sequels with James.

SPECULATION: Could Joe Cornish Direct A Federation/Klingon War In STAR TREK 3?

It's starting to look like J.J. Abrams really won't be coming back to make the third Star Trek. As there is talk via LatinoReview on Twitter that J.J. and Paramount are possibly looking at an up and coming writer/director to direct the third installment. The name they are likely referring to is British comedian turned writer/director Joe Cornish. Joe is best known for his breakout sci-fi comedy Attack The Block and he also co-wrote Marvel's Ant-Man with Edgar Wright.

Details of the third film aren't exactly known but the seeds of a massive war between the Federation and Klingon Empire were planted in this recent installment. I wouldn't be shocked to see The Enterprise given another galaxy saving mission soon but we might not see the crew again until 2016. No word if the writers have started on turning their outline into a full fledged shooting script. If Cornish is indeed the person who takes over the franchise he has the writing chops to put a script together on his own.

Lee Pace And Ophelia Lovibond Join The Cast Of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

TheWrap reports that Starlord candidate Lee Pace (The Hobbit Trilogy, The Fall) will be playing the villain of Guardians of The Galaxy. It's unknown who he'll be playing but Thanos, The Controller and The Badoon are possible villains of the film. THR also adds that British actress Ophelia Lovibond (Nowhere Boy, London Boulevard) will have a supporting role as well. She will play an aide to The Collector which hat has yet to be cast. The rest of the cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Michael Rooker and Dave Bautista.

Michael Rooker Will Play Original Guardian Yondu In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Deadline reports that Walking Dead's Michael Rooker (Days of Thunder, Tombstone) has signed on for a role in Guardians of The Galaxy. Rooker will play Yondu an alien big game hunter who becomes one of the original founding members of Guardians of The Galaxy. Yondu will likely be the only character from the original team to be among the lineup. It's the first time we've had confirmation of a new addition to the lineup of Starlord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket Raccoon and Groot. Michael has also had roles in both James Gunn's previous films Slither and Super.

Zoe Saldana In Talks To Play Gamora In Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

THR reports that actress Zoe Saldana is in talks to take the female lead in Guardians of The Galaxy. She would take the role of Gamora the deadliest woman in the universe and adopted daughter of Thanos. Gamora eventually sets her sights on taking down Thanos and joins the Guardians. She already has two massive sci-fi franchises under her belt with Avatar and Avatar 2-3 expected to shoot in the near future along with playing Uhura in the rebooted Star Trek franchise. Zoe would be the third cast member added to the cosmic project which previously cast Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Starlord and Dave Bautista as Drax The Destroyer.

Enterprise Crew On The Empire Cover, Plus Spock And Uhura Rocking Klingon Weapons