It's looking like Justice League won't be the only big DC Comics team-up. LatinoReview reports that Warner Bros. is in early development on a project titled Heaven Sent with Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy, Blade 2). The project would see a bunch of the occult/cult characters from the DC brand teaming up. They include Deadman, Swamp-Thing, The Spectre, Constantine Hellblazer, Phantom Stranger, Zatanna, Zatara, Sargon and Etrigan the Demon. No word o
It's an interesting project considering he was once attached to make Doctor Strange a film that would have been similar to Heaven Sent. Currently, Warner Bros. is trying to put the rights for the characters together. Since there had been film development on a couple of characters in the group mainly Swamp-Thing and Deadman (also a Guillermo project). Guillermo recently developed a working relationship with Warner Bros. after The Hobbit (exiting as director) and his upcoming Pacific Rim. I've posted some images below for those unfamiliar with the characters.
A few years back it was being reported that Oscar winning screenwriter Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction, True Romance, Rules of Attraction) was working on a live-action Castle Wolfenstein (video game franchise) film. Roger had legal troubles which led to a prison sentence. According to ThePlaylist, Wolfenstein which Avary will write/direct is being shopped around the American Film Market. It's been tagged as being in the vein of Captain America: The First Avenger and Inglourious Basterds which seems ideal.
The story follows a young US Army Captain and a British Special Agent on a top secret mission to Castle Wolfenstein, where Hitler will be for the unveiling of a new secret weapon. After reaching the Castle, our heroes are confronted by Himmler's SS Paranormal Division and must fight, not only for their survival, but for a mission that could alter the course of the War.
Amazing Spider-Man 2 is sounding a little more promising than the first outing. Variety is reporting that Oscar winning actor Jamie Foxx (Ray, Django Unchained) is in early talks to take the villain role of Electro. Foxx himself has confirmed the character is Electro via Twitter. It was also reported a while back that Shailene Woodley (Descendants) would be playing Mary Jane Watson (a cameo). According to LatinoReview, Damien Lewis (Homeland, Band of Brothers) had also been a contender for Electro.
An interesting bit of contract information has been revealed concerning Frank Grillo casting as Crossbones (via CBM). Grillo has signed on for three films which is the norm for Marvel. However, it's expected the other films will be Avengers 2 and Captain America 3. This gives me the impression that Joss Whedon's "personal" threat in Avengers 2 might be more leaning towards The Masters of Evil rather than Civil War or even Thanos.
“By not trying to [go bigger]. By being smaller. More personal, more painful. By being the next thing that should happen to these characters, and not just a rehash of what seemed to work the first time. By having a theme that is completely fresh and organic to itself.”
Masters of Evil members Radioactive Man (Iron Man 3) and Crossbones (Winter Soldier) have been already been included in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Other members such as leader Baron Zemo along with possible Thor: The Dark World baddies Amora The Enchantress and Skurge The Excutioner could be included in the films as well. I could also see The Mandarin and Abomination also added to the lineup. Basically, seeing the Avengers fight a group of their personal villains instead of another alien invasion. Which for the most part seems a little more original than using Thanos or Skrulls.
Annapurna Pictures has teased via Twitter a possible upcoming announcement concerning their new Terminator film. There had been talk that this new film will be more of sequel to the original two James Cameron movies. Anna quotes T2 with her statement giving the impression they'll be revealing either a writer or director (perhaps both?). The studio is best known currently for more art-house films with Lawless, The Master, Killing Them Softly and Zero Dark Thirty.
"The whole thing goes: The future's not set. There's no fate but what we make for ourselves." -John Connor, Terminator 2 (news is coming)
HeatVision reports that British actress Imogen Poots (Cracks, King of Cups, 28 Weeks Later, Fright Night) has landed the female lead in Dreamwork's Need For Speed. Said to be inspired by car films of 70's, it's based on the video game franchise. It already has Aaron Paul (Smashed, Breaking Bad) attached to star. You might remember that Paul had been in the running for role of John McClane Jr. in A Good Day To Die Hard. Poots was recently linked for the female lead in Captain America: The Winter Soldier which seems unlikely now.
Mark Millar has confirmed via Twitter that Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) will play himself in The Secret Service. The film is an adaptation of Millar and Dave Gibbon's (Watchmen) comic which is setup at 20th Century Fox. Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, Layer Cake, X-Men First Class) is rumored to have left X-Men: Days of Future Past to direct Service instead.
As with most Marvel films we don't know everything that is going to happen within Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Yet, I've put together some of the facts, rumors and my own thoughts on the sequel together.
Joe Johnston has been repalced by the Russo Brothers best known as the show-runners for NBC's Community. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely are back as the sequel's writers. The current returning cast includes Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill. No word if the other Howling Commandos will be reprising their roles. However, it's very likely that Peggy Carter will be featured either in flashbacks or meeting up with Steve in the present. We know that Bucky (Stan) will become the ruthless assassin Winter Soldier who is kept in a cryogenic chamber between missions. There may or may not be connection to Black Widow's former Russian employers.
NEW ADDITIONS: So far Marvel and The Russo Brothers have hired two inspiring actors for new roles. Anthony Mackie known for emotional and hard-nosed characters in films like Hurt Locker, Million Dollar Baby and Half Nelson was cast in the role of Sam Wilson. The Falcon is a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent and the present day sidekick of Captain America he's also one of the first black superheroes ever created for comics. Frank Grillo best known for his role in The Grey (not to mention supporting roles in The Warrior and End of Watch) has been cast as Brock Rumlow (Crossbones). He's been a henchman for the Red Skull and shot Cap during the Civil War story. Hopefully he'll be given more development as a villain thanks in part to Grillo who will likely give a memorable performance.
UNNAMED FEMALE LEAD: The role itself hasn't been confirmed but it's very well likely be Sharon Carter. The eventual love-interest of Rogers and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who has connections to Steve's WWII past. Being the niece of Peggy Carter, of which her stories of his WWII heroics inspired Sharon to join S.H.I.E.L.D. It's possible the role would lead to an appearance in Avengers 2 not to mention a supporting role in Cap sequels. A slew of actresses have been linked for the part which include Jessica Brown Findlay, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Anna Kendrick, Felicity Jones, Abbie Cornish, Emilia Clarke, Imogen Poots and Alice Eve. There had been rumors that Hayley Atwell who played Peggy might end up playing Sharon Carter, so why test other actresses?. If that is indeed the case this new female role might not even be Sharon.
One possibility the part could be Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman) who starts out as a trained assassin for HYDRA only to become rehabilitated as a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent and member of The Avengers. A similar transition that Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes) goes through himself. I've been thinking this over, if Winter Soldier and Crossbones are working alongside each other it would be on a team, it makes sense that Spider-Woman would be involved if it's being backed by HYDRA. It doesn't hurt that Drew plays a major role in both the Skrull Invasion and Civil War which will likely be used in future Avengers sequels.
VILLAIN RUMORS: While Winter Soldier and Crossbones are excellent additions to the Marvel cinematic universe rouges gallery. They are not as iconic as the Red Skull or many of the other Cap villains. There have been rumors that Baron Zemo will be the main baddie but that has yet to confirmed. Nikolaj Coster-Waldu (possibly Viggo Mortensen too?) had been linked for a foreign villain role that was unnamed. It's possible since Zemo had been included in original drafts for the script of First Avenger. Zemo could span the WWII era up to the present day timeline.
There is speculation that we might see the return of Dr. Zola with his new robotic body. Tobey Jones has already played the reluctant sidekick to The Red Skull but might have his attitude adjusted when turned into a cyborg. A blue-print of this body was an Easter Egg in First Avenger and it's possible he could have finished his brainwashing of Bucky Barnes.
Another possible villain that has been teased in the Avengers cartoon and the video game tie-in Super Soldier, is Ophelia Sarkissian (Madame Hydra). Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones) had been rumored for the role but turned out to be false. Marvel has been doing a decent job of creating female supporting roles but haven't really given them a villainous-twist. My opinion is that Madame Hydra needs to show up in the franchise and if Jessica Drew is involved it would make sense to include Madame as well. She could end up in the vein of Dr. Elsa Schneider from The Last Crusade, playing both sides of the coin.
CIVIL WAR: Crossbones and Winter Soldier played decent enough roles in Civil War which is being looked at for Avengers 3, according to Kevin Feige. We've already seen that The World Council isn't happy with Nick Fury, S.H.I.E.L.D. or the Avengers. It's possible they could task Maria Hill (Smulders) to give Fury the boot and take over. Leading to Hill having the Marvel heroes sign-on for service to S.H.I.E.L.D. or be locked-up in a super prison. Since the film is described as a "political thriller" I wouldn't shocked to see some World Council members getting assassinated by Winter Soldier.
It's obvious from the recent chat with George Lucas and new LucasFilm head Kathleen Kennedy. That Disney will be making films beyond Episode VII, Episode VIII and Episode IX. Could this mean that we'll be getting Star Wars films outside of those installments?
Back in 2011 director Joe Johnston (while promoting Captain America) talked to ScreenRant about his Boba Fett film. Johnston is the man who originally created the look for Boba Fett and has been trying to make a film. Apparently, Joe had enough material for this film to pitch it to Lucas. Factor-in his connections to Disney (via Cap, Rocketeer and Honey I Shrunk The Kids) and Star Wars (art director and designer on the films) it makes him a strong candidate to make more films. Considering there are talk that the live-action TV series (focusing on bounty hunters) and video game Star Wars 1313 possibly featuring Boba. It might be enough to spark interest from fans for a movie. Disney very well could end up mining the Star Wars universe for all it's worth. Similar to how Marvel makes multiple films connected in the same comic book universe. However, these films might not be set during the same time periods or follow the same characters.
“You know if he wants to see it, I would show it to him. I’m trying to get George to make a feature based on Boba Fett.”
It's starting to sound like Star Wars: Episode VII might have zero connection to existing canon/material. EOnline! seems to have confirmed from Disney that the new film trilogy will have original content and characters. Their source from LucasFilm stating "it's an original story". Giving the impression the books and comics won't be sourced. Not to mention the chances of the return of Luke, Leia and Solo is less likely now. This might anger fans who have been dying to see a Thrawn Trilogy but it's for the best. The way to separate this new trilogy from Lucas' other two is to create some fresh and exciting. Something made by new blood and the creative minds at LucasFilm.
It was reported today that Disney is making a whole new Star Wars trilogy. The first installment Star Wars: Episode VII is set to be released sometime in 2015. The studio has yet to name a director and it's expected that person would need to sign-on for the trilogy. Some dream names have been Edgar Wright, Guillermo del Toro, Matthew Vaughn, David Fincher, Sam Mendes, Danny Boyle, Christopher Nolan, Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg. How realistic are those choices? Not likely considering Disney would need a director to create an entire trilogy for them. They might be very unreachable because of the high demand and their other commitments to studio/original projects. However, I have a few ideas for who should be considered since Disney will be looking for a visionary to tackle a trilogy.
RIAN JOHNSON: Johnson's Looper has been a whirlwind of slick science fiction. While the prostectics used to make Joseph Gordon-Levitt look like Bruce Willis were less than convincing, the rest of the low budget film was fantastic. He could really dig deep for character development which Lucas' prequel trilogy was completely lacking. If we want a return to iconic anti-hero Star Wars characters like Solo or Lando, Rian would be the man to create them. He currently doesn't have an official project lined up but I'm sure he has a few original ideas he's mulling over. Disney would be smart to snatch him up before he's offered other franchises.
DUNCAN JONES: I'm sure his name will be thrown around the Disney offices currently. Duncan had been wanted for The Wolverine and Man of Steel but ultimately turned down the projects. His name is buzzing around Twitter and film blogs as film geeks' dream director. I can't say I feel different but he's been trying to get his film Mute off the ground which could be a sticking point to him signing on. For him to direct a franchise project means they'd have to pay for original films to be made.
NEILL BLOMKAMP: Neill was once lined-up to direct a adaptation of Halo until the whole thing fell apart. Since then he's made two original science fiction films with District 9 and the upcoming Elysium starring Matt Damon. If anyone could create a new film universe for the Star Wars franchise it would be Neill. He would also bring back the worn/gritty look and dark tone of the original films. Blomkamp has worked inside the Hollywood machine previously and disliked it so I figure the only way to wrangle him is to give over creative control. Not sure how realistic that would be if Lucas is consulting on the films.
ALFONSO CUARON: While I consider him as the director to make the first good Harry Potter film. Alfonso is also known for some amazing science fiction with his film Children of Men. Which blew most away by it's bleak concept and excellent look/pacing. His next film Gravity is expected to blow audiences away and is highly anticipated. He might be the closet thing Disney has to landing someone as skilled as Christopher Nolan.
PETE TRAVIS: I've been Pete's biggest cheerleader lately, after the experience of seeing Dredd has really sunk-in. I think he has the ability to make a compelling science fiction action film (even with lackluster material to work from). Dredd seemed to be a film that was going to be a total disaster and turned out to be one of the most entertaining action films in a while for me. He's more of a popcorn director compared to the other names but would be able to make the films on the scale of the originals without breaking the bank. Pete was able to shoot some rather interesting action sequences (which some on this list are still learning how to put together). While I doubt he'll be considered I'll be rooting for him none-the-less.
Deadline has word from Disney's Bob Iger on their acquiring of LucasFilm and Star Wars. Iger states that they have an "extensive treatment" for Star Wars: Episode VII, meaning that they're already moving forward with it's development. It very well might have an early draft put together for potential directors. They've even mapped out a trilogy, plans for Star Wars: Episode VIII and Star Wars: Episode IX are in the works. We could see the two sequels possibly released in 2017 and 2019.
“Episode 7 will be released in 2015, the first under the Disney/Lucas banner,” he said, with Episode 8 and Episode 9 to follow. Disney plans to release a new Star Wars movie “every two to three years.”
Deadline reports that X-Men and X-Men United director Bryan Singer (Usual Suspects) has signed on to direct X-Men: Days of Future Past. Singer had been originally wanted by 20th Century Fox to direct X3, X-Men First Class and The Wolverine but had conflicts stepping back to allow others to direct instead. Matthew Vaughn recently announced he was going to leave the First Class sequel to another director. Possibly focusing on an adaptation of Mark Millar and Dave Gibbon's comic The Secret Service which is also setup at 20th Century Fox. It will be interesting to see the direction of this sequel as there had been talk of it planting seeds for X-Men 4.
Disney doesn't only get Star Wars in their purchase of LucasFilm. It includes the film rights to the iconic Indiana Jones franchise. Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford have confirmed they are working on a fifth installment. There isn't word if Disney plans on making Indiana Jones 5 or scrapping it (unlikely). However, it might actually be a solid film without Lucas' involvement. This also means that Disney can reboot the franchise, if they so wish.
UPDATE: It looks like Paramount's contract with LucasFilm for Indiana Jones 5 is still intact but if released Disney would share in the profits.
