Alex Proyas Attached To Direct Sci-Fi Action Flick AMPED

HeatVision reports that Daniel H. Wilson will have another of his sci-fi novels adapted into a film. The novel Amped has been picked up by Working Title with Alex Proyas (Dark City, The Crow) attached to direct. Wilson's other novel Robopocalypse has been turned into a feature with Steven Spielberg directing with Chris Hemsworth and Anne Hathaway starring. Proyas had previously tapped to direct a large scale epic titled Paradise Lost based on the fall of Lucifer.

Set in the near future, Amped imagines a world where nanotech-enhanced people and ordinary humans are at war with one another.

Colin Trevorrow Also A Candidate For STAR WARS EPISODE VII?

We're going to be getting a lot more Star Wars rumors over the next three years. However, this recent one concerning a another possible director candidate is worth putting some hope into. According to CelebBuzz (via ThePlaylist) indie director Colin Trevorrow met with Lucas a few months ago is now a strong contender to make the new trilogy. Playlist points out besides directing the time-travelling comedy Safety Not Guaranteed has sold scripts such as World War X and Tester to studios.

Benedict Cumberbatch And Gemma Arterton Join Monty Python Comedy ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING

TheWrap reports that the Monty Python reunion film Absolutely Anything has finally landed it's first batch of actors. Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Star Trek Into The Darkness) and Gemma Arterton (RockNRolla, Quantum of Solace, Byzantium) have signed on for unknown roles. It centers on a teacher who discovers he has incredible powers, with the ability to wipe out entire classrooms and bring people back from the dead. But learning how to use them properly causes a variety of (very British, probably) mishaps. Terry Jones (Holy Grail, Life of Brian, Meaning of Life, Erik The Viking) will be directing along with voice acting alongside Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, John Cleese and Robin Williams.

Dominic Cooper In Talks For NEED FOR SPEED

Variety reports that British actor Dominic Cooper (An Education, Devil's Double, Captain America) is in talks for a role in Need For Speed. The film based on the EA Games franchise has Aaron Paul (Smashed, Breaking Bad) and Imogen Poots (28 Weeks Later, Fright Night) set for the leads.

First Footage From WORLD WAR Z

Matthew Vaughn In Talks With LucasFilm To Direct STAR WARS EPISODE VII?

Collider is reporting what they are claiming is a rumor but have a source that says Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Stardust, X-Men Fist Class, Kick-Ass) could direct Star Wars Episode VII. They state that Vaughn is currently in talks with LucasFilm to direct the first installment in the new trilogy. Apparently, it's the real reason he exited X-Men Days of Future Past as it's director. Nothing is official here but considering Matthew is also a writer he could really be the visionary the franchise needs. It should be noted he was included on that directors-list from MarketSaw.

Her name isn't mentioned with this rumor but when you hire Matthew Vaughn, screenwriter Jane Goldman get's involved. Goldman has been working closely with Vaughn since Stardust and has also written scripts for Kick-Ass, The Secret Service, Woman In Black, X-Men First Class and X-Men Days of Future Past. It would make a lot sense to see Goldman adding her own touches to the franchise if Vaughn is hired.

TO BE CONSIDERED: Robert Rodriguez For STAR WARS Universe

We've seen Disney take risks having Joss Whedon helming the Avengers with Serenity (a box office bomb) being his only feature film. It led to Marvel/Disney hiring James Gunn to write/direct their sci-fi epic Guardians of The Galaxy. Gunn who is best known for directing shockingly graphic violent movies came out of left field as well. Would it be possible to see Disney take another big chance with a director on one of these Star Wars offshoots? If so, my vote has to go to Robert Rodriquez.



Robert has been one of the more prolific directors of his generation. His first film El Marchi was made with only a budget of $7,000 and was released in 1993. He's since gone on to make eighteen other features . These projects have been a mix of kids films and action spectacles. Robert's directing slate doesn't seem to be filled up at this point. Since he completed Machete Kills and is currentling shooting Sin City 2 it's possible he could be up for another new venture very soon. Fire and Ice is his next feature based on the epic fantasy animated film which will shoot after Sin City 2 is done. There is speculation that Machete Kills Again/Machete In Space will be other possible projects for him. If Sin City 2: A Dame To Kill For is successful expect to see development on Sin City 3 go forward as well.

BOUNTY HUNTERS & SMUGGLERS: So we're pretty much in the dark when it comes to the characters used in Star Wars 1313. The video game features a bounty hunter navigating the planet Coruscant's subterranean level 1313 underworld as they try to uncover the truth surrounding a criminal conspiracy. Rumors have pointed a young Boba Fett is a strong possibility but nothing has been confirmed. If it turns out Boba is the main character than I expect this will end up thrown into Joe Johnston's Boba Fett film. The world of smugglers and space pirates could be another avenue within the universe.

This seedy world seems perfect for Rodriguez and he's been dying to make a science fiction film.  Roriguez had been attached to direct a Barbarella remake and a live-action Jetsons film. Predators was his baby as he played producer on the Predator reboot calling the creative shots. Nerverackers was going to be his homage to Blade Runner but the film has been struck in development hell. Robert is taking his exploitation action hero Machete into space with Machete Kills Again: In Space and is using Star Wars as reference. The director like others responded to the Star Wars news via EW which was positive. Lucas apparently introduced Robert to digital cameras and has been using them ever since.

"What an amazing world and legacy George Lucas has created — and it needs to continue in capable hands. I do think Disney is the best studio for the job and the fact that they brought in Kathleen Kennedy? I can’t imagine a better scenario. And 2015 can’t get here fast enough." 

Nicolas Cage Confirmed For EXPENDABLES 3, Harrison Ford And Wesley Snipes Still Wanted

Sly Stallone confirms via Facebook that Nicolas Cage will be joining the cast of The Expendables 3. Cage had been rumored even before the release of the second installment. He had been wanted for a cameo in Expendables 2 but it didn't work out. Stallone also reveals his previous intentions to snag Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes (newly freed from prison) and a returning Mickey Rourke. No word on who will be returning for the third installment.

We are preparing the film with the same passion and commitment as the previous two. We have confirmed Nicolas Cage, a master actor who gives a veneer intellectual group. Hopefully we can realize to Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes and Mickey Rourke. That is the great mission of the producer. We will continue with the same narrative scheme, the agility and the frenzy, which are inherent to the saga. What will definitely be the last? I can not guarantee. In principle it would be two deliveries, but the affection of the people encouraged us to work on a third. I guess as long as we amused ourselves by offering fun and people, we can continue playing 'The Expendables'. For now we are not as expendable as it should and as some critics want. 

STAR WARS Trilogy Rumor Roundup

It's been very exciting the last couple of days trying to play catch up with all the rumors, reports and speculation concerning the two new Star Wars trilogies. I've put together a rundown of a few I missed and added my thoughts as well. Granted these are mostly from anonymous sources not connected with the production, so don't take the statements as the gospel. Either way, they are an interesting read and give some hope that these films won't be the giant letdown the prequels ended being.

SKYWALKERS INVOLVED WITH BOTH TRILOGIES?: We won't be just getting Episodes VII, VIII and IX. The plan is to move right into Episodes X, XI and XII after the end of the first new trilogy. A biographer who could be working on old information tells TheWrap that the new trilogy will involve Luke in his 30's or 40's. Not to mention the Skywalkers will be heavily involved with all six films (of course).

The next in the series, he said, involve Luke Skywalker in his 30s and 40s, but Lucas was unlikely to turn to Mark Hamill, who played Luke in the original but whose performance left the director dissatisfied. “They will need an older Luke Skywalker,” Pollock said.

  MarketSaw's source claims that the original characters will be featured in the new trilogy along with the second trilogy having a female Skywalker as the protagonist. There is speculation that it's possible these two ideas could be combined in the trilogy if the studio wants to introduce this new heroine earlier. We've heard confirmation that the books won't be direct influence but nobody has mentioned the characters in them won't end up being used. Oddly enough, this person claims Mark Hamill is returning. Already things are starting to conflict with other statements.


Recasting the characters is going to have to happen if the plan is spread out the first trilogy over 6-9 years. A female Skywalker could mean seeing Leia transform from Princess to Jedi Knight within the new installments. Along with Luke building a new Jedi temple and training a new crop of Jedi (including Leia?). Hopefully, by the end of the first trilogy seeing Luke's transition into the darkside. In the book canon Luke only has one child Ben Skywalker, it's possible they could create a new batch of Skywalkers to suit the films. While they don't take the Skywalker name Leia and Han's children are Skywalkers/Jedi. Jaina Solo being the more popular of the bunch not to mention that her twin brother Jacen ends up becoming Darth Caedus. The only other female character they could be talking about is fan favorite Mara Jade Skywalker (the wife of Luke). Her transition from darkside to light would be a great change of pace not to mention the added bonus of the character being able to go toe-to-toe with the boys.

SPIN-OFF FILMS POSSIBLE: HeatVision has heard from sources that Star Wars will be setup Avengers-style besides the planned trilogies we'll see offshoot films focusing on individual characters. I'm sure this gives wiggle room for that Boba Fett film that Joe Johnston (Captain America, Rocketeer) was putting together. Perhaps, we could see new characters or established characters (including ones from the books/games) getting their own movies. Seeing a film set in the Star Wars universe every year rather than two to three which had been said of the trilogy. I'm sure fans of the Force Unleashed, Old Republic and the mysterious 1313 will be waiting to hear if the characters will be involved with any of these offshoots.

1952 REALLY EPISODE VII: AICN started putting together a theory that the huge Disney sci-fi film titled 1952 is really the new Star Wars trilogy. The secret project has Pixar guru Brad Bird (Incredibles, Ghost Protocol) attached to direct with Damon Lindelof (World War Z, Prometheus, Lost, Star Trek Into Darkness) working on the script. My thought, the title was hinting to Episodes VII, VIII and IX. For example if you play with the numbers of 1952 you get (5+2="7"+1="8")"9". However, FirstShowing has word from a source (distractor?) that the project is an original concept.

 Brad Bird has been the gem of Pixar directing some of their better films and earning an Oscar for . He made the jump into live-action films directing Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol. He's a director Disney can trust along with being able to balance character and action which is very important to Star Wars fans unhappy with the underwhelming prequels. The recent directors-list is filled with landmines and while some are interesting choices Bird seems a solid choice.

Lindelof has attached himself to two rather large science fiction franchises with Star Trek Into Darkness and Prometheus/Paradise (Alien franchise). Disney could have had Damon write an outline only for another writer to complete it. Disney is able to hire very creative people for their franchises as we've seen previously. They were recently able to wrangle David Fincher to remake 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Marvel/Disney hired Joss Whedon to make the Avengers which led Marvel handing over the creative keys for the entire film universe. Whedon will now have input on all the films until he exits Marvel. It wouldn't be hard to imagine Disney looking to Damon to be their Whedon/Lucas for the new era of Star Wars.

Guillermo Comments On Desire To Make HEAVEN SENT

Apparently, there had been rumblings online that writer/director Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth, Pacific Rim) was denying the report that he was being tapped to direct Heaven Sent. The DC Comics occult hero mash-up would see Deadman, Swamp-Thing, Zatanna, Spectre, Hellblazer and others included in a team film. Guillermo has commented via his official site stating that he never spoke on the project before and professes his desire to make it. It's sounding like the denial statement was about his involvement with Justice League.

"Wow- please contact whoever said I denied it. I cannot recall ever answering a question like that. Sadly I dont do tweeter. I denied being involved in JLA but this I would love to do!!!"

RUMOR: New STAR WARS Trilogy Gets Directors-List?

MarketSaw3D, who is touch and go when it comes to their sources/scoops has apparently learned of a group of possible directors for the new Star Wars trilogy. They include Steven Spielberg, Neill Blomkamp, Alfonso Cuaron, Matthew Vaughn, Darren Aronofsky and Joss Whedon. Take with a grain of salt, considering this isn't official information and won't be confirmed until a director is actually chosen.

Some of the names seem unlikely because of other commitments mainly Whedon and his overseeing of the Marvel films (directing Avengers 2). Darren seems cagey about signing up for a studio franchise with talks for Batman Begins and attaching himself for The Wolverine, only for him to walk. Aronofsky seemingly is enjoying his original material with Noah currently in production along with commitments for a few films for 20th Century Fox. I doubt while a strong candidate he would sign-on for a trilogy. That said, David Fincher is currently making 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea for Disney.

Blomkamp, like Aronofsky is doing fine with his own films and was burned back in the days of the Halo film. However, his ties to Peter Jackson could help bring some solid credibility to the franchise if Weta Workshop get's involved with sets and costumes. Vaughn seems a bit unpredictable as he recently jumped off the X-Men franchise to direct The Secret Service. He does seem like someone who could jump into the Star Wars universe without changing too much. Alfonso seems right too if they're albe to give him some creative and tonal wiggle-room.

Steven Spielberg has the strongest relationship with LucasFilm's new head Kathleen Kennedy as the two are longtime friends. Kathleen helped produce E.T., Poltergeist, The Color Purple, Temple of Doom, Empire of The Sun, Jurassic Park, Hook, Schindler's List, The Lost World, A.I., Munich, War of The Worlds, Kingdom of The Crystal Skull, Adventures of Tintin, War Horse and Lincoln. The only thing is that Spielberg has Robopocalypse shooting soon and Indiana Jones 5 in development. I'm sure the trilogy is his for the asking but doubtful he'll take it.

RUMOR: A.I.M. To Be The Villains Of ANT-MAN?

Another rumor focusing on Ant-Man has appeared as well. It states that Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I.M.) will have a major role in the film (according to recent drafts of the script). The terrorist organization is a splinter group of HYDRA and will factor in Iron Man 3 (as seen from set pictures) in some way. It's possible that the arms group could try to get ahold of S.H.I.E.L.D. technology and Ant-Man is sent in to retrive it. There had been talk the hero was being reinvented as a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent similar to Captain America. That tech could be the "Phase Two" weapons seen in Avengers, Pym's suits or an early version of Ultron who becomes an Avengers villain himself.

A building for A.I.M. had been spotted on the set of Iron Man 3. This may or may not involve Guy Pearce's Killian who is confirmed to be playing a villain in the film. Guy has stated that his character would only be a cameo. Why bring in someone as talented as Peace for just a cameo? It opens the door to my speculation that Killian might actually be villain Baron Strucker. Strucker is the creator of Advanced Idea Mechanics and appoints himself the new leader of HYDRA. Could Guy Pearce's character resurface in Ant-Man?

Captain America writer Christopher Markus had put it out there he'd like to see Peter Dinklage in the role of Modok, another member of A.I.M.

Simon Pegg has stated if he got involved with Ant-Man he'd want to play villain which could be Egghead. It wouldn't be hard to make him apart of A.I.M. as well.

Nova Corps Showing Up In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY?

A interesting Guardians of The Galaxy rumor has surfaced. A Marvel insider has been Tweeting scoops which for the most part have been on the money. He teased recently that the lineup for Guardians of The Galaxy might be changed slightly and that the concept artwork has an Easter Egg in it. Apparently, someone guessed the ships in the background were apart of the Nova Corps. fleet. Which might be true seeing as Nova is aligned with the Guardians. Again, pure speculation but the ships are in the shape of the Nova symbol. There have been plot rumors suggesting that members of the Guardians start out as escaped convicts. Perhaps, the Nova Corps are the ones trying to put them back in prison.

Saoirse Ronan Joins Wes Anderson's GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

Variety reports that Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, Atonement) has taken the female lead in Wes Anderson's next film. The Grand Budapest Hotel has already lineup an excellent cast with Bill Murray, Ralph Fiennes, Owen Wilson, Jude Law and Jason Schwartzman taking roles.

Director Marc Webb Confirms Electro Will Be The Villain Of SPIDER-MAN 2

Director Marc Webb while promoting the home release of the first Amazing Spider-Man talked to Collider. Webb doesn't reveal much about the casting of the sequel, although praises Jamie Foxx. Or even it's overall direction but confirmed that Maxwell Dillion (Electro) is involved along with Oscorp. It's the first time someone attached to the production has confirmed that Electro will indeed be the villain.

Back in 2007, a pre-Spider-Man 4 Sam Raimi was already gearing up to use either Electro or Vulture for his next installment in a chat with MTV. He went with Ben Kingsley as Vulture and Anne Hathaway as Black Cat for Spidey 4. The film would eventually get scrapped and Amazing Spider-Man was put into development instead. Kingsely went on to play the Mandarin in Iron Man 3 while Hathaway walked away with a breakout performance in The Dark Knight Rises as Catwoman.