FIRST LOOK: Karl Urban As Vaako In RIDDICK

Larry Smith Directing Drug Thriller TRAFFICKING, Produced By Nicolas Winding Refn

Deadline reports that cinematographer Larry Smith is set to make his directorial debut with Trafficking. The film set in Australia would focus on the Vietnamese-run drug world. It's written by Ken Kwek who also wrote The Blue Mansion which Smith worked on. Nicolas Winding Refn will be a producer on the thriller. Smith previously shot Bronson and the upcoming Only God Forgives for the Danish director. Larry has also shot some beautiful films such as Eyes Wide Shut and The Guard.

LARRY SMITH CINEMATOGRAPHER from Olly Stothert on Vimeo.

Did Colin Trevorrow Confirm His Involvement With STAR WARS Back In June?

People have been digging for information on who will be directing Star Wars Episode VII and FilmSchoolRejects has finally come up with something a little more concrete than previous speculations. Colin Trevorrow who has been closely connected for the film had an interview over the summer while promoting Safety Not Guaranteed. He mentions on video a beloved project he was currently working on at the time that has established fans and mythology. Add this to talk he's been linked as a director candidate for Star Wars and it sounds like he could have already been a frontrunner to helm.

"I can’t speak with any specificity as to what the next thing will be. There are amazing opportunities that have arisen as a result of this. One of them, I will say, will probably create a good deal of ire against me on the Internet when people find out what it is. So, I just want to say in advance that I promise you, for all those who love the mythology that I will be tackling, trust that I love it as much as you do. And I will respect it, and hopefully make it not suck."

THE WOLVERINE Trailer Will Be Attached To THE HOBBIT

CMB has word that we'll have our first look at The Wolverine trailer during the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. This is yet another trailer going to be attached to the epic blockbuster. Other first look trailers for Star Trek: Into Darkness and Pacific Rim will be included as well. Man of Steel's second trailer will be revealed too, possibly showing Superman in action.

The Wolverine is set after the events of X3 and will see Logan in his darkest hour. He is thrown into a modern Japan. It's been said the film would be a standalone with Logan being mostly on his own. We'll have to key an eye out for any pesky mutant cameos in the new trailer. Mark Millar has stated that the film will usher in Fox's cohesive Marvel universe.

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine, the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he faces his ultimate nemesis in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality, emerging more powerful than we have ever seen him before. 

SPOILER SPECULATION: What To Expect From GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

LINEUP, VILLAINS AND STORY:  Concept art over the summer seemingly confirmed Kevin Feige's statement that the lineup would include Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Gamora, Drax and Groot. A story synopsis was leaked which sees the film focus on “a U.S. pilot who ends up in space in the middle of a universal conflict and goes on the run with futuristic ex-cons who have something everyone wants.” This pilot would be Peter Quill who eventually becomes Star-Lord the human leader of the Guardians. Quill is outfitted with Kree technology which helps his body adapt to space travel and alien planets. While the alien characters include a trigger-happy raccoon named Rocket who spends most of the time making wisecracks. There is also the giant wood alien Groot who is able to grow even larger and has regeneration abilities. It's been stated this won't be the final lineup with other classic characters along for the ride. Introducing a slew of cosmic characters could put the film on the scale of Avengers while establishing the Marvel cosmic as endless as Star Wars. We could see that originally announced lineup grow with possible additions that include Cosmo, Nova, Adam Warlock, Quasar, Mantis and Bug.

Thanos has been confirmed for the film and it's rumored that The Other will be returning with the surviving Chitauri. While the character Death is only briefly hinted to in his Avengers cameo it's possible she could be involved as well. Going on the run could very well mean the Guardians have stolen something of great importance. A few sites have speculated the items of interest would be the Infinity Gems (each has their own power) which could lead them to Adam Warlock and make them the most wanted people in the universe. When combined with the Infinity Gauntlet (currently in Odin's vault) the wearer becomes extremely powerful with the ability to control space and time. Thanos plans to use the gauntlet to kill half the universe as a romantic offering to Death.

Rumors that Nova Corps. will be playing a major role in the film have been circling online. The ships in the background of the concept art are possibly Nova ones. It makes sense the Nova Corps. could be the jailers and are now on the trail of the ex-cons (Guardians). Richard Rider seems like a solid cosmic character that could be trying to track down the Guardians.

James recently tweeted this image of a prop from the film which is teasing (also confirming?) Guardian member Cosmo. The Head of Security for Knowhere, the space station where the Guardians have made their homebase. He's a talking Russian dog with powers that include telepathy and telekinesis. It will be interesting to see how Cosmo fits into the film or if he just ends up a cameo or get's cut out altogether. Cosmo first appeared in Nova #8,  it's just another reason to think he'll show up. 

ORIGINS/CHARACTER DESIGNS UPDATED: It's being reported the team will get character updates along with their designs to fit the cinematic universe. Star-Lord will spend some time without his iconic mask/helmet as mentioned by Marvel artist Steve McNivens who is talking with the studio about their look. We've seen a similar change to Thor wearing his helmet less often in the films. Since you need to see an actor's face to see him emote a performance. Plus, it can be very difficult to shoot action scenes with something that heavy on your face/head. Not many high profiled actors would have been willing to sign-on only for their face to be covered-up for a majority of the film.

Another tidbit coming from LatinoReview who claim that Star-Lord, Drax and Gamora will see a shake up of their origins to fit the film better. The green skinned heroes more so because of their connections with Thanos. Gamora has a past with Adam Warlock which could mean we might see him too. I assume the pair will also see their barely clothed character designs updated. Nothing has been mentioned concerning Groot but I expect to hear him say more than "I Am Groot!".

SILVER SURFER, IRON MAN, STARK INDUSTRIES AND SWORD?: Apparently, during the talks between Marvel and Fox over the rights of Daredevil it was brought up that Marvel Studios wanted to use Silver Surfer and Galactius for Guardians. The bargaining tactic didn't exactly work as the Daredevil rights were left to revert back to Marvel. However, unless Fox has a Fantastic Four film in production sometime between 2013-2014 those rights could also come back to Marvel/Disney. That would open the door to all sorts of awesome storylines and expansion of the cosmic world.

Oddly, enough even though we've been hearing how separate the Guardians will be from the Avengers films a new rumor conflicts with that. As there is a rumor of Iron Man showing up at some point in the film. I imagine that Peter Quill's spaceship and tech could actually come from Stark Industries. Quill's origin is already being updated, so seeing him apart of SWORD wouldn't be a giant leap to make. Seeing Stark show up in the beginning to see his test pilot (Quill) off with an experimental ship would make sense. This could possibly lead to S.W.O.R.D. being setup and the introduction to Abigail Brand which were both created by Joss Whedon. Another theory is that the new Guardians comic series is going to be more in-line with what the film will look like. Iron Man outfitted with an outerspace friendly suit being a member of the team.

CASTING HOPEFULS: There haven't been any serious casting announcements made for the film but a couple of names have been put forth. Michael Rooker (Walking Dead) and MC Chris (Aqua Teen Hunger Force) are campaigning for the role of Rocket Raccoon. While he's been given a gruff Cockney voice in recent cartoons and video games it seems like he could lose the accent. Gunn regular Rooker spoke to about the chances of him landing a role in the film to Collider. While he had originally mentioned wanting to play Rocket, this time he mentions voicing Groot as an option as well.

"All of them. I’d play the racoon guy. I’d play the tree guy. They’re all very cool characters! But, I don’t know. Marvel and Gunn have their own thing going on. It’s very secretive. Until they decide, it’s very secretive. I don’t know any inside scoop, or anything like that. But, we talk. We’re still friends, so we hang out and talk. Whenever I’m in town, we get together. So, I know he’s very busy and working real hard on the rewrite and getting everything set to go. It’s always a pleasure to work with him, so whatever happens, happens."

"I would. Oh, yeah, sure! I’d have a lot of fun with it. I did a little interview earlier and had a similar question, and now it’s all over the internet that I’m campaigning for a role. All I said was, “Yeah, that would be cool!,” but now I’m campaigning. Dammit, I want that role! The fans really like the idea. I’ve noticed that. I did the interview, they showed it on the internet and, before I knew it, all my people were Tweeting it and posting it on Facebook. They’re interested in having me be a part of it, in some way."

"Gunn is always thinking of his friends and the people that he’s worked with. He’s quite a loyal director, and he’s a good friend, as well. He’s always, “Well, maybe Rooker can do this one. I think he’d like to do this.” I’m sure he’s thought of me, so we’ll see. Marvel has their agenda. Everyone has their own agenda, trying to get it cast and get it cast well. It’s going to be cool. I’m glad he’s involved with it. It’s a great, fun project. He’s a big fan! He’s been a huge fan of Marvel stuff since he was 12 years old, and even younger than that, I’m sure."

Kevin Smith recently tweeted that MC Chris (a rapper/voice actor) should voice Rocket. It led to Chris putting together a campaign on Facebook. I have to admit both choices are excellent but Chris' voice is beyond unique (super awesome when he gets angry). I'd love to see Rooker play Groot with Chris Ward voicing Rocket but nothing is for sure here.

Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights) who tested for Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger over the summer put it out to MTV he wants to play Nova. While nothing has been confirmed it's looking very likely that Nova Corps and Nova will be featured in the film. Porter might have an in with the studio from testing previously for Captain America and hasn't been discouraged by that original outcome.

"Marvel just announced that they're doing 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' which is another property that I love. I read it growing up...I'd love to play Nova or another [cosmic character]." 

"Gunn is a unique choice. I think he could be a really great shepherd for that property," added Porter. "I think 'Guardians' is going to be a lot of fun. I think it'll be very cool. I thought the next thing I might try and go after is 'Heroes for Hire,' but it looks like 'Guardians' is around, so..."

A lot of Nathan Fillion (Firefly) fans had assumed that he'd end up with a role being a close friend of Gunn's. After being apart of both James' Super and Slither it wouldn't be hard to imagine Nathan would be asked to join the film. Rumors started online that he was wanted for the lead role of Star-Lord. That had been dismissed by Fillion who recently stated to MTV that he was going to be too busy focusing on his series Castle. Previously, he came out said he had zero desire to play Ant-Man even before the film's official announcement this summer.

"I'm very busy right now with a job that I'm grateful for," Fillion told the site when asked about possibly starring in Guardians of the Galaxy. "I've made a commitment [to 'Castle'] and I have to see it through. And I'm really happy to." 

"We had dinner the other night and he told me all about it, before everyone found out. I was on the inside on that one. Over some toro, tuna belly, we discussed how excited he is, how nervous he is, but how he wanted it very badly. He wanted it very badly. I think it's in very capable hands. It's in the right hands. Having worked with the man, I know what he's capable of." 

Fan Made Teaser Poster For GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Movie Will See The Team Get An Updated Look?

Newsarama (via CMB) has word from Steve McNiven that he's helping concept artists at Marvel Studios tweak the look of the Guardians of The Galaxy. We saw a piece of concept artwork over the summer but it seems like that won't be their final look. There had been rumblings of Nova and Adam Warlock joining the lineup which includes already has Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Drax and Groot. Steve gives the impression the studio is looking for an updated look for the team. The original movie concept artwork from Comic-Con had used the costumes from the last series of the group (an outdated look possibly?). For his new comic series Steve has updated the group comic book series (which includes Iron Man among the ranks) with new militarized tech-based costumes. They look somewhat similar to what we've seen in video games such as Mass Effect and Halo which could be sources for the look of the characters. We've seen the games influence movies already with Prometheus taking cues design-wise from Mass Effect. Star-Lord and Gamora's new look reminds me of the concept art that was put together for the in-limbo Avengers Vs. Skrulls video game.

"I'm trying to re-design the whole team here....My approach to the designs was to match them to the characters and to update the look. Double-breasted jackets and outer space adventure don't really fit these days."

"I have been in touch with the movie studio guys and we are all tossing design ideas around, so hopefully we can have some unity between the movie and comic looks." 

NOW YOU SEE ME Get's A Trailer

Image Of Frank Grillo Training For Crossbones Role In CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

New Images Of Malekith From THOR 2 Set

Disney Wants To Release Two-Three STAR WARS Films A Year

According to a new EW (via GeekTyrant) interview with LucasFilm head Kathleen Kennedy they indeed plan on using the Marvel Studios/Avengers model for Star Wars. HeatVision had previously stated the studio was looking to Avengers as way to expand the franchise releasing offshoot films. Episode VII will be a continuation of the Skywalker/Solo stories and it will be completely original. Kennedy states Disney wants to release "two to three films" a year. These other films very well could focus on characters from the expanded universe.

I assume LucasFilm would move forward with Boba Fett and Obi Wan movies. The former had been developed by Captain America director Joe Johnston. The expanded universe of the games, novels and comics could be mined as well. Characters such as Darth Vader's secret apprentice Starkiller from Force Unleashed could make for an excellent film. Unleashed would have a solid reason to bring back Vader , Boba and Yoda. LucasFilm is currently working on the third installment in the game franchise. The Old Republic and Mandalorian Wars are prime for some adaptations as well. The comics are also rich in mythology and I'd be shocked if they didn't eventually introduce Cade Skywalker. Fans upset that the Thrawn Trilogy wouldn't be used in the new trilogy could see the villain show up in these spin-offs. 1313 might also factor into these films but it's still unknown the direction that story will go.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Trailer Attached To THE HOBBIT

TrekMovie reports that the first trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness will be attached to The Hobbit on December 14th. It had been previously reported that nine minutes of footage would be shown at IMAX showing of The Hobbit. The site says the trailer will be a complete theatrical trailer and won't be a scaled down version of the footage. Perhaps, this trailer will finally answer who Benedict Cumberbatch  (Khan?) is playing and if the Klingons will be involved.

Jane Goldman Could Write Tim Burton's PINOCCHIO Starring Robert Downey Jr.

HeatVision reports that screenwriter Jane Goldman (Kick-Ass, Stardust, Woman In Black, X-Men First Class) is in talks with Warner Bros. to write Pinocchio. A live-action re-telling of the classic Italian fairytale. It could see Tim Burton directing with Robert Downey Jr. in the lead as Geppetto. Everyone involved so far are just in talks and haven't officially signed on. I assume their involvement would hinge on Goldman's script.

"Geppetto, the woodcarver who creates a puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy and whose nose grows when he tells a lie. When Pinocchio goes missing, Geppetto embarks on a quest to reunite with his marionette."

Apes Wielding Guns In DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Andy Serkis' performance as Caesar was an excellent step in the right direction of the Planet of The Apes franchise one thing really bothered me about it. Mainly, my problem was that the apes didn't pick up and use guns which they have for most of the series. It seems like director Matt Reeves is going to be rectifying this. As an image was posted on the film's Facebook page via IGN featuring an ape holding a gun. This image of course is teasing the evolution of the apes and how they might become slightly more dangerous than the previous film. UPDATE: Apparently the image is fake.

Scott Derrickson Will Write And Direct DEUS EX

Deadline is reporting that Sinister director Scott Derrickson has signed on to direct a live-action film based on the Deus Ex video game franchise. CBS Films has also tasked Derrickson along with his Sinister co-writer Robert Cargill to put a script together. The setting is the near future, when dramatic advances in human augmentation have triggered a technological renaissance. The protagonist, an ex-SWAT security specialist named Adam Jensen, must embrace mechanical augments in order to unravel a global conspiracy.