March 21, 2014

Fox Announces Release Dates For WOLVERINE 3, FANTASTIC FOUR 2 And Another Unnamed Marvel Film




20th Century Fox has finally announced the release date for their sequel to The Wolverine, tentatively title Wolverine 3. It's set to be released on March 3rd, 2017. This confirms previous statements made by writer/director James Mangold his Wolverine sequel would shoot next after X-Men: Apocalypse. No story elements have been confirmed, but I have a strong feeling we could be seeing Omega Red end up the big-bad of the third installment.

They went even further by announcing The Fantastic Four 2 release date, which at this point hadn't even been teased. The first film hasn't even begun production, but Fox has set the sequel's release for July 14th, 2017. Of course, this release date will likely depend on the first film being a success in 2015. The move here could be to lock-in director Josh Trank and the cast to the date, just in-case.

A third Marvel film was also announced for July 13th, 2018, but project is currently untitled. It could end up being X-Force (which is expected to happen sooner than 2018) or possibly a X-Men/Fantastic Four team-up, not unlike The Avengers.

The one thing that seems apparent with this news, Marvel/Sony/Fox are likely talking to each other to figure out release dates for their Marvel films. A sort of unified-front, rather than competing with each other. It looks like an all around good thing for the franchises, I can't say the same about future DC films and their release spots. As Warner Bros. will have manoeuvre their projects around multiple Marvel summer tentpoles in the future.


March 20, 2014

Christian Bale Wanted For Steve Jobs Role In Untitled David Fincher/Aaron Sorkin Film?



TheWrap is reporting that Oscar winner Christian Bale is David Fincher's choice to play Steve Jobs in Sony's untitled bio-pic written by Aaron Sorkin. The duo responsible for The Social Network, is aiming to recapture that stellar vision for the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Hopefully erasing all memory of that terrible movie that had Ashton Kutcher in the lead. It's a promising piece of casting news, but it's still very early.



SOURCE: THEWRAP

LEGO MOVIE Directors Wanted For GHOSTBUSTERS 3 And Will Jonah Hill Finally Take A Lead Role?


After the passing of legendary comedic actor, writer and director Harold Ramis, it seemed the Ghostbusters 3 production was in trouble. The studio was still keen on moving forward, even when director Ivan Reitman (who has been rolling out crappy films over the last decade) exited the project. A new update from NikkiFinke suggests that Sony is considering the directing-duo of Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The pair that gave us two Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs installments, The Lego Movie and 21/22 Jump Street. It's possible the film could begin production in early 2015.

Their Jump Street connection to Jonah Hill makes perfect sense, as Sony was begging Jonah and Emma Stone to take lead roles in Ghostbusters sequel (via SchmoesKnow). Last we heard, Emma had passed and Hill was still in active talks. Considering, Hill has made both Jump Street films with the pair of directors, it might be a way to coax the two-time Oscar nominee to be the face of the sequel. As they have a steady track record of hits under their belts.

That said, there hasn't been an update concerning the new cast since the recent production shake-up. Personally, I think they should minimize the roles of Ray and Winston. Allowing a brand new cast to really take-over the film. Since Bill Murray has completely distanced himself, they should try to limit the scenes with the two original team members.



SOURCE: NIKKIFINKE

March 18, 2014

First Looks At Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver And Hulkbuster In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Concept Art



We finally have our first glimpses of concept art from Avengers: Age of Ultron. ABC aired a Marvel documentary on the history of Marvel Studios' success, which included to revealing artwork from the Avengers sequel. The art included Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch, Aaron Johnson's Quicksilver and Iron Man's Hulkbuster armor. The latter is our first official hint to the Planet Hulk storyline coming in the future.





SOURCE: TWITTER

March 17, 2014

THE WOLVERINE Sequel Shooting After X-MEN: APOCALYPSE?


It was reported a while back that director James Mangold had been tasked to develop an outline for a sequel to his successful X-Men film The Wolverine. Giving the director slightly more creative power than he previously had, a good thing considering how the ending wasn't likely his doing, but in the hands of the screenwriters. Hugh Jackman has spoken to James about the project, but little was known when it might end up going into production.

James has taken to twitter to confirm their aim is to shoot after Bryan Singer's X-Men: Apocalypse, due to be released in 2016 (likely shooting sometime in 2015). Giving the impression if all goes well, The Wolverine 2 could shoot either in 2015 or 2016, for a 2017 release date. I mention it shooting in 2015 because it could allow Jackman to shoot the films back-to-back, getting them done quicker than if Fox had the productions spread-out.


Mangold also reiterated that The Wolverine is the second highest grossing X-Men film earning $415m worldwide (this doesn't include $42.5m earned from DVD/BR sales, or its digital sales), on a budget of $117m (second lowest budget in the franchise).






SOURCE: JAMESMANGOLD

March 16, 2014

Kevin Feige Talks CAPTAIN MARVEL Movie And Is It Coming Sooner Than We Expected?


We've been hearing for months that Marvel is looking to add Ms. Marvel/Captain Marvel to the MCU lineup. News broke last year that Marvel had indeed put together a script (outline/early draft) for a movie and the project was in active development at the studio. Even before that there were candidates named which included Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, Looper) and Ruth Wilson (Luther, Lone Ranger, Saving Mr. Banks).

BadassDigest was actually able to get a comment from Marvel's Kevin Feige on the prospect of a Captain Marvel film. Feige confirms that studio has talked about the project, which is the first official word from Marvel about a possible film . Devin adds, he has heard from a source we could see her onscreen in 2016 (a cameo in Captain America 3 sounds about right). Speculating her solo film (exploring her origin) might come out between 2017-2018, possibly being apart of the Phase Three plans. My only problem is that while a cosmic film in Phase Three will likely be needed, having two-Captain titled Marvel films might be too confusing for the general audience. That said, BAD has a decent track-record on breaking Marvel tidbits like this.

So what would he like to do when it comes to female heroes?
I like the idea if we’re going to do a [female lead] do a new one. Do a wholly new character, do an origin story.
I brought up the most popular current Marvel comics female character, and Feige was very receptive:
We’ve talked a lot about [Captain Marvel]. I think that would be very cool.


SOURCE: BADASSDIGEST 

Will Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong'o Play A Badass Sith In STAR WARS EPISODE VII?


Even more interesting casting news has broken over the weekend. LatinoReview has revealed that newly Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o (Non-Stop, 12 Years A Slave) is in the mix for a major role in Star Wars: Episode VII. Apparently, the lead female part could be an original sith character, rather than a jedi. THR has confirmed that Lupita had a meeting with J.J. Abrams about taking a role in Episode VII.


The newcomer has proven she can give extremely powerful emotional performances, something that would be a giant asset for a villain. Could she end-up being paired with Adam Driver? Her 12 Years co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor has also been linked for role.


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

March 14, 2014

Rooney Mara And Adeel Akhtar Joining Joe Wright's PAN


Casting for Joe Wright's (Hanna) Peter Pan origin film Pan is currently underway. TheWrap reports that Rooney Mara (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) is in talks to play Tiger Lilly and comedian Adeel Akhtar (Four Lions, The Dictator) has joined taking the role of Hook's fellow pirate buddy Smee. Previously, additions included Garrett Hedlund playing a young Captain Hook, while Hugh Jackman will play a villainous Blackbeard. A search is going out to find a young actor to play Peter Pan.


SOURCE: THEWRAP

March 13, 2014

Marvel Announces CAPTAIN AMERICA 3 Coming May 2016



Marvel has finally announced what is coming after Ant-Man, Captain America 3 will be their second Phase Three film. The second sequel will be set for release on May 6th, 2016. The spot had been claimed by Marvel almost a year ago, but that didn't stop Warner Bros. from moving Batman Vs Superman on the same date. Considering, the massive buzz surrounding The Winter Soldier (some "claim" the best Marvel film to date) it wasn't shocking the studio would choose to move forward with a third installment.

The Russo Brothers recently confirmed to Collider they've signed-on to direct Captain America 3, and are currently working on the film's outline. Also confirming, they were speaking with franchise writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, about the script. It's the only Phase Three project (besides Ant-Man), that has both writers and director/directors on board.



When it comes to who will be returning or added to the line-up that remains to be seen. Sebastian Stan recently revealed he has a nine-picture deal with Marvel, something that only was reserved for actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johansson (I expect could be back depending on her new baby). It's possible this could mean that Bucky (villain or friend) might be showing up in Captain America 3, Avengers sequels, his own solo Winter Soldier prequels or could very well end up replacing Rogers as Captain America.



Thomas Kretschmann (playing villain Baron Wolfgang von Strucker in Avengers: Age of Ultron) also spoke about his future in the MCU. Stating he believes his character will have a place in future films. Strucker is primarily a SHIELD and Captain America villain, so having him being the main villain of Captain America 3 wouldn't be a shocker. The Baron originates the terrorist splinter group A.I.M. (first mentioned in Iron Man 3), which has ties to HYDRA. He very well could be the successor to Red Skull, and finally resurrect HYDRA in the modern age.



We could have a better idea of what to expect in the third film, after The Winter Soldier and Age of Ultron are released. I wouldn't rule out Crossbones (played by Frank Grillo), Baron Zemo (hinted to in Winter Soldier production artwork) or even Madame Hydra (Strucker's second in-command), also being apart of/introduced in the sequel.



March 12, 2014

John Boyega And Ed Speleers Apart Of Short-List For Lead Jedi Role In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII



It looks like Star Wars: Episode VII casting is heating-up or just being dragged-out, as new names are being mentioned as contenders for a lead jedi role. Variety reports that actors such as John Boyega (Attack The Block), Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey), Matthew James Thomas (Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark) and Ray Fisher, have joined Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad) as in the mix for a lead part in the film. A character isn't mentioned but it's likely an apprentice of sorts.

Production is expected to begin in May, and nailing-down a cast is needed to happen soon. As the new actors will be given extensive fight, weapons and sword training for the film. Things will have to come together, or they won't have enough time before shooting begins.

Currently, Adam Driver (Girls) is the only new cast member expected to join the cast. Driver is said to be playing the villain of the film, which is in the vein of Darth Vader (possibly a sith?). The assumption that he'll be a new threat to the established Jedi Order, or the Rebel-led government. Boyega is my faovrite of the bunch, as he is also a fan favorite for Black Panther. He's got tons of charm and could easily bring this franchise into the right direction. After the wooden performances of the prequels, John would be a nice upgrade.

SOURCE: VARIETY

Four Actors That Could Take The Doctor Doom Role In THE FANTASTIC FOUR Reboot


It looks like the TheWrap has another casting development concerning Josh Trank's Fantastic Four reboot. The trade previously confirmed that Miles Teller (Dr. Reed Richards), Michael B. Jordan (Johnny Storm), Kate Mara (Sue Storm) and Jamie Bell (Ben Grimm) , would take the lead roles in the film. Now they claim that the short-list for villain Doctor Doom is down to four actors. The site is also debunking previous rumblings that Doom would see a gender-swap in the film.

They include Domhall Gleeson (Frank, Dredd, Never Let Me Go, Harry Potter Films, True Grit, Anna Karenina), Sam Riley (Control, On The Road, Byzantium), Toby Kebbell (RockNRolla, Dead Man Shoes, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, Warcraft, Prince of Persia, Wrath of The Titans, War Horse, Sorcerer's Apprentice, Match Point, Alexander) and Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables, Jupiter Ascending, Pillars of The Earth). Boardwalk Empire's Jack Huston was also in the mix at one point but it's unknown if he's still being considered. Eddie and Jack had been linked for roles in Guardians of The Galaxy, which may have been for Ronan The Accuser.

Irish actor Domhall Gleeson is the most interesting of the bunch, as he's co-starred with a few Marvel actors previously. Andrew Garfield (Spider-Man) in the film Never Let Me Go , the indie comedy Frank alongside Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Aaron Johnson (Quicksilver) in Anna Karenina which also starred rumored Ms. Marvel contender Ruth Wilson. He also was apart of the Harry Potter franchise, which means he is better known internationally than the rest of the candidates.



SOURCE: THEWRAP

March 10, 2014

Terry Crews Changes Mind, Waiting For Marvel To Call About LUKE CAGE Audition




Luke Cage is one of four live-action Marvel series that will air on Netflix, leading to a Defenders mini-series. It seems like Terry Crews is putting his name back in the ring, after excluding himself in respect of his Old Spice pal Isaiah Mustafa, according to a new interview with Collider. Isaiah put himself out there as contender for Luke Cage, putting out his own promo video. Crews added that he's waiting for a call from Marvel. At this point, a creative team hasn't been announced but I'm sure Marvel has people already working on it.

“Anything can happen. All I know is scheduling and all that stuff—anything can happen. I’m open to all kinds of things, but who knows? Actually I took myself out of the Luke Cage running a while back, just because it was people trying to put people against each other. [It was] Idris vs. Michael Jai and I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, this is not even greenlit! Can we talk to Marvel? Why are you talking to me? Don’t put me against my homeboy for a movie that’s not existing.’ I said, ‘Take me out!’ 

“I heard [it’s greenlit] but I haven’t gotten any calls. I’ve been hearing stuff like, ‘oh you’re too old,’ and I’m like, ‘Man do my workout 20 years ago and we’ll talk about who’s too old (laughs).’”

 “Like I said, anything can happen, I never rule anything out. I’m game. There are no rules. What’s up, Marvel? I’m right here, baby. I ain’t goin nowhere. You know where I live!” 

Crews has been slowly creeping his way into pop culture, and it's been one hell of a ride. Known for beefy action roles in movies like The Expendables trilogy and Old Spice viral ads. He's also taken a shine to more comedic roles on television on shows such as Everyone Hates Chris, Arrested Development, The Newsroom and his new hit series on Fox Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Not to mention comedic supporting roles in movies like Bridesmaids, Get Smart, and his breakout performance in Idiocracy.

He has a Marvel connection voicing Blade in the Ultimate Spider-Man series. He had been originally been a fan favorite for the role, along with Dwayne Johnson. Terry has all the charm, comedic-timing, psychical presence and personality needed for a role like this. Hopefully, Marvel jumps on this and at least has him test for it.

SOURCE: COLLIDER

March 7, 2014

Sony Hires Original Game Writer To Pen THE LAST OF US Movie


It's starting to look like studios are going-for-broke when it comes to adapting video games to film. reports that Sony is looking to develop The Last of Us into a film, which just happens to be a Sony owned (developed by Naughty Dog) video game. TheWrap has news Sony's Screen Gems is aiming to distribute the film with Sam Raimi producing with his company Ghost House Pictures. Neil Druckmann, who wrote the game's story has been hired to pen the script. A second game is expected to be released in 2015, which might lead to a trilogy, similar to Uncharted.


This sounds like the best situation, as the Naughty Dog games have the most cinematic stories. Having another writer mangle the material seems like the worst idea, if the original story is solid. It's the second Naughty Dog produced game property the studio is developing, they're currently taking another-shot at making an Uncharted movie. Director Seth Gordon (War Games, Horrible Bosses, Identity Theft) recently made a deal to direct that action-adventure comedy. It will be interesting if Sony ends up hiring another director tailor-made for the horror thriller.

SOURCE: THEWRAP

SIN CITY 3 Talk Returns And Will Johnny Depp Still Play Wallace?


DenOfGeek Has caught-wind that Robert Rodriguez is talking Sin City 3 again. It's expected that the film will be based on Frank Miller's Sin City: Hell And Back graphic novel, the longest in the Sin City series. The book follows Wallace, one of the more easy to like characters, as he's flushed out in the expanded story. Miller had previously confirmed that he had started writing a third film, but it's unknown how far along the script is or when/if the film will ever get made.

A demobilized Navy SEAL who received the Medal of Honor, he lives a life of relative peace and solitude against the backdrop of crime-ridden Basin City. Having left the Navy years prior, he makes a living as an artist (usually for sleazy magazines, to his great disgust) and as a short order cook. His life changes drastically when he saves a suicidal woman named Esther from drowning. She is kidnapped and enslaved by the Colonel, one of Basin City's most powerful crime bosses, sending Wallace on a single-minded journey to rescue her and take down those responsible, no matter who gets in his way.


While it's possible Hell And Back could return to the segment format, focusing entirely on the Wallace story might be the way to go with a third (and likely final) film. Originally, Wallace was expected to be apart of A Dame To Kill For, but it seems like he will be saved for the next movie. I assume because Hell And Back is a fitting title for a final installment.



Johnny Depp was originally wanted for the role of Jackie Boy (played by Benicio Del Toro), but in 2007 Robert was quoted by MTV as saying he was eyeing him for Wallace instead (stating it was a "better role". Depp previously worked with him on Once Upon A Time In Mexico, which most consider one of his highlight performances in over a decade.

"But there is a better role for him in ['Hell and Back']. I kept going, 'Gosh, Jackie Boy is a small part, he could be really good [as Wallace].' When he wasn't available, I thought maybe it was meant to be."

"When I showed him the first sample of the work, he went, 'Man I'll do anything in that. I'll be the hunchback. You have to bring me onboard, that looks amazing,' " Rodriguez recalled. "So Frank met him that time too and he said, 'I have got to find something for that guy. I've never met him before. He's amazing.' [So we're] looking at the cast of characters and [looking] to see where he can fit."

The problem would be that Depp is a hard person to lock-in for a role, he has Black Mass, Alice In Wonderland 2, Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Edgar Wright's The Night Stalker in-development (three Disney projects). Considering how large the Wallace story is, Johnny would need to be able to commit to the entire production, rather than a just a segment (unless they scale it back). Robert is also expected to be busy with Machete In Space likely being his next film, while he's currently working on Fire And Ice.

First Trailer For SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR, Plus New Images And Screenshots



It's been nine years since the release of the first Sin City installment, and now we finally have trailer for it's sequel, which get's released this August. A Dame To Kill For looks the part, but will the four segments (including an original story created by Frank Miller for the film) live-up to the originals? As far we know, Quentin Tarantino isn't returning or hasn't been credited as one of the segment directors. Miller on the other hand is back, and considering his work on The Spirit, we should be a bit worried. Either way, Eva Green looks the part as Ava Lord and it's great to see Mickey Rourke back as Marv (a role that jump-started his career originally). I'm also interested in seeing what Joseph Gordon-Levitt brings to the table.