UPDATES

Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception) will star in the adaption of John D. McDonald's The Deep Blue Good-Bye for 20th Century Fox. The story focuses on a Fort Lauderdale detective who lives on a house boat named Travis McGee. Fox hopes this could end up a new franchise.



Mark Strong (RockNRolla, Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood) and James Purefoy (Solomon Kane, Rome) have joined the cast of John Carter of Mars. Also Thomas Haden Church (Spider-Man 3) has finally been confirmed as joining as well.


There had been talk of a cameo from Arnold Schwarzenegger but no actual casting information. Now there is talk of Danny Trejo (Machete) starring in the film. It's unknown if Trejo will be the major lead or will just have a role/cameo. Trejo mentioned in a recent interview he could be involved in the upcoming Rodriguez project.


Mickey Rourke will star in the film based on the true story of the Iceman. A notorious hitman for the mob based on novel by Philip Carlo. Rourke will replace Channing Tatum as the lead.



Olivia Wilde (Tron Legacy), Jonathan Tucker (Texas Chainsaw) and The Rza (Funny People) have joined Paul Haggis' The Next Three Days. They will join Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks in the thriller. Wilde and Tucker have previous worked with Haggis on his Boston based television series The Black Donnellys.


Ever since the Avengers was announced there has been talk of Bruce Banner/Hulk becoming the villain of the film. There had also been rumors he could appear in Iron Man 2, but Norton has denied this. Edward Norton has been asked his thoughts on his character becoming the villain in the film. His response?

"I think that's a fun way to go with it,"


Charlize Theron was asked if she'd love a role in the new Batman movie as Catwoman. Recently people ranging from Oscar winners Marion Cotillard (Public Enemies), Angelina Jolie (Changeling), Rachel Weisz (The Mummy) to Megan Fox (Jennifer's Body) and Rhona Mitra (Underworld 3) have been rumored for the role. It's nice that another Oscar winning actress' name is being thrown around. While I doubt Nolan would use a costumed Catwoman. I could see him having Selina Kyle becoming a new love interest for Bruce Wayne.

“It's news to me, but that's kick-ass news. I think that what has happened to that franchise is amazing, and director Chris Nolan is a genius. So I would be an idiot to not consider that.”


Geoffrey Rush has commented that he'd love to return as Barbosa in Pirates 4, the only thing is that nobody has asked him yet. It's been rumored that Depp could leave the franchise after the fourth installment and Rush could be the one to keep it going.


Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind) has jumped into the world of comic book films. His next film will be an adaptation of The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft. The series follows fictional supernatural adventures of the famous horror author.


Diablo Cody (Juno) is already attached to Sweet Valley High. Now there is talk she could write the screenplay for the Hugh Hefner film. While I'd like to see anything by Cody, the prospect of her working with hack director Brett Ratner is awful news. The one saving grace of the project is the rumored involvement of Robert Downey Jr., who could play Hefner.


The Halcyon Company who owns the Terminator rights, might have to sell them since they are in financial and legal debt. There could end up a bidding war between Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures over the rights to continue the franchise. The rights include Christian Bale lined up for at least one more Terminator film starring as John Connor. I think this is the best thing since Terminator Salvation was such a waste it could benefit from a studio like WB or Sony taking over production duties. I also expect a new director to take over for McG if the rights are transfered to a new studio. The studio would want someone like Zack Synder or another director experienced with R rated action ,if they're investing 100-200 million on the budget. I could see the paring of Warner Bros. and Bale very benfiical to a successful Terminator 5.



Resident Evil: Afterlife has officially started production and there have been a few more cast members added. Spencer Locke who played K-Mart in Resident Evil 3 is returning. Along with new additions Kim Coates (Last Boy Scout, Sons of Anarchy) and Shawn Roberts (Diary of The Dead).


Speaking of Resident Evil: Afterlife, Wentworth Miller (Prison Break) was also confirmed. The exciting aspect is that he's been cast as Chris Redfield, one of the more popular heroes from the video game series. It's expected that the character could keep the franchise going since Alice/ Milla will be leaving.


The girls who played the crazy babysitters twins in Planet Terror will appear in Machete and will play nurses.

Anton Corbijn's The American (2010)

Based on the novel A Very Private Gentleman by Martin Booth, with a screenplay written by Rowan Joffe (28 Weeks Later). The film focuses on an American assassin abroad. It will be directed by Anton Corbijn, a professional photographer who jumped into film making with his debut film Control. A personal favorite of mine, so I'm really excited to see what Anton can do with this material.



"Alone among assassins, Jack is a master craftsman. When a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, he vows to his contact Larry that his next assignment will be his last. Jack reports to the Italian countryside, where he holes up in a small town and relishes being away from death for a spell. The assignment, as specified by a Belgian woman, Mathilde, is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto and pursues romance with local woman Clara. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate."


The film stars George Clooney (Up In The Air), Thekla Reuten (In Bruges), Violante Placido, Bruce Altman (Matchstick Men) and Paolo Bonacelli.

The Future of Wolverine Films

While Wolverine 2 is still in script phase I still think we could see many more Wolverine films in the future. There has always been talk of making Wolverine 20th Century Fox's own franchise separating from the X-Men films. Following a formula similar to Bond having other actors playing the role when each other feels like handing down the torch. Wolverine is no doubt the best known character from the X-Men universe and Fox's comic book films.


Hugh Jackman is 40 and there will be a point in the next 5-6 years when he won't be able to do this anymore. He's already attached to Wolverine 2 and could be involved in X-Men 4, plus a possible third Wolverine film. I could see someone like Sam Worthington (Clash of The Titans) or Scott Speedman (Underworld) take over when the time comes.

-A Family Affair, New & Old


While there was the inclusion of Victor Creed/Sabertooth as Logan's half brother, I expect that more family members could make the films. I'd also hope to see more of Liev Schreiber as Creed, since he was one of the best things from the first film.


X-23: A female clone of Logan who is given the name X-23, would later take the name Laura Kinney. Could end up being his daughter and given the same procedure to give her an adamantium skeleton. One of the more popular of the new X-Men characters, I expect her to appear sometime in the films.

DAKEN: Wolverine's long lost son from his marriage to Itsu during his years in Japan. Winter Solider kills Itsu and Daken is given the impression that Logan killed his mother leaving him for dead. When Daken grows up he searches for his father to take revenge. Like his father Daken has the healing factor and bone claws. He would later become Dark Wolverine dawning his father's uniform. Daken could either become an enemy or ally.

-VILLIANS


OMEGA RED: Born from the Russian equellent of the Weapon X project is one of the most powerful of Logan's enemies. Arkady Rossovich was a deadly and remorseless killer in the Soviet Union who later became a test subject to create a super-soldier. After much experimentation, Arkady was transformed into Omega Red.With incredible strength, advanced healing, and bionic tentacles, Omega Red became a deadly warrior. But due to a side-effect of his transformation, he is forced to feed on the life force of others in order to survive. With the fall of the Soviet Union, Omega Red is on the loose, pursuing his own agenda.


CYBER: Cyber was initially Wolverine’s commanding officer in World War I. During that time, he became a hated enemy, taking one of Wolverine’s eyes and killing someone he cared about. When they met again years later, Cyber now inexplicably had telepathic powers and adamantium plates fused to his body, making him largely invulnerable to Wolverine’s claws.


ROMULUS: Originally said to be the leader of the Lupine, a human looking species who, through parallel evolution, would have evolved from canines instead of primates. He is a shadowy character whose origin and motives remain a mystery. He is shown to have orchestrated most major events in Wolverine's life, manipulating and controlling him for most of his life. He's even played a major role in the Weapon X program and has a connection with Daken. There has been a rumor that he could be part of Logan's family tree.


DEATHSTRIKE: Previously seen in X2, there is a strong possibility the character could return. Unlike the comic Yuiko was not a cyborg just a brainwashed mutant. There could be a storyline with the pair teaming up or even becoming enemies. That's of course if she doesn't return in Wolverine 2.


MYSTIQUE: Has a relationship with Sabertooth that leads to a son. Could work together at one point to kill Logan, if there is a return of Victor I'd hope to see Mystique as well. Since her powers are gone and won't be seen in future X-Men installments, she could return in other X-Men films.


WINTER SOLIDER: Bucky Barnes who was once the sidekick of Captain America eventually becomes an evil mercenary. The character hates Wolverine and has tried to kill him many times. Even killing his wife Itsu when she was carrying Daken. He'd make a great villain similar to Maverick/Agent Zero but could be apart of the Captain America rights.

An American Werewolf In London (2011-2012)

The Weinstein Company/Dimension is remaking John Landis' classic horror comedy. While a majority of people are upset, this could end up an entertaining update. The original film centered on two American students who are backpacking through Europe. During a trip through a small village they are attacked on the moors during a full moon. One is brutally torn apart and killed. The other survives only to transform into a blood thirsty werewolf.




While this a horror film it had a lot of comedy elements. Two directors who I think that could do the film justice would be Edgar Wright (Shaun of The Dead) or Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland).

Casting Thoughts


Michael Cera (Youth In Revolt) & Jessie Eisenberg (Adventureland)

David Cronenberg's The Fly (2011-2012)

20th Century Fox is looking to reboot David Cronenberg's The Fly. The odd thing about this remake is that Cronenberg will be directing it. The original film spawned a sequel and is still considered one of the best examples of science fiction horror. I'm on the fence about the project. Although it's great that Cronenberg is heading back to genre films. I would have hoped he could have chose another classic to update, rather than his own films.

UPDATE: Halo (2012)

Peter Jackson was producing and Neil Blomkamp (District 9) was set to direct at one point. Blomkamp worked to exhaustion on the project for five months before the whole production was shut down. He's stated that he's lost all interest in the movie. Back in 2005, Alex Garland (28 Days Later, Sunshine) wrote the original script and there were rewrites from Josh Olson (A History of Violence) in 2006. Stuart Beattie (Collateral, POTC) also wrote his own spec script. Microsoft could look to studios such as Warner Bros. to pick up the film after 20th Century Fox turned down the project.


UPDATE: There has been talk that Rupert Sanders could take over for Blomkamp. He's already working on a high profile film entitled Low Dweller starring Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception). Sanders also created impressive commercials for Halo games. There is also talk that Spielberg is resurrecting the project. It could mean the film will find a studio and receive it's needed budget. It's unknown at this point if he could also take on directing duties.

Neil Blomkamp's Halo 3 Commercials



Rupert Sanders Halo 3: ODST Commercial



Weta Workshop (LOTR, King Kong, District 9, Avatar, The Hobbit and Tintin) would handle the special effects of the film. They have already worked on Blomkamp's live-action Halo shorts.

Film Concept Artwork







Casting Thoughts:



Mark Wahlberg (Lovely Bones), Sam Worthington (Avatar) and Clive Owen (Children of Men) would all make an excellent cast.

UPDATE: Fantastic Four Reboot (2011)

Green Lantern scribe Michael Green (Heroes, Kings) has been hired to write the screenplay with Akiva Goldsma producing. Goldsma is responsible for producing The Losers, Jonah Hex, Lobo and I Am Legend. The new developments are impressive to say the least and I'm hopeful that 20th Century Fox is working in the right direction. It seems they could end up making a solid film rather than a flash in the pan blockbuster. I'm expecting a drastic overhall of the franchise, including the cast and even look of the characters.

Casting Thoughts


Clive Owen (Children of Men) as Dr. Reed Richards


Cate Blanchett (Robin Hood) as Susan Storm


Sam Worthington (Avatar) as Jonathan Storm


Bruce Willis as Ben Grimm


Christoph Waltz (Green Hornet, Inglourious Basterds) as Victor Von Doom

Masters of The Universe Not Dead?

It wasn't too long ago that Warner Bros. pulled out from development of a new live-action adaption of He-Man and Masters of The Universe. The script written by Justin Marks was talked up as a mix of Lord of The Rings, The Matrix and Batman Begins. A director was lined up and things were on their way to production. Later on it seemed that because of creative differences it all fell apart. Now there is talk that Columbia Pictures might pick up the rights to the project and could start from scratch. It doesn't seem possible to use the script written by Marks since it's now property of Warner Brothers.

Let Me In (January 15th 2010)

The American remake of Let The Right One In is closer to production. Matt Reeves who brought back the monster movie genre with the shaky cam in Cloverfield will direct. It's unknown how much of the story from the novel and film will make the re-adaption. I'm still hesitant about this project because of what happened with [Rec] and Quarantine. While Cloverfield was interesting it was an hour film and I hope that they are able to tell this story in more time than that. The original film followed the story of young Swedish child in the 80s who encounters a little girl who recently moves in next door. Later he discovers she is a ageless vampire and has a brutal hunger for blood.




Kody Smit McPhee (The Road) will play Owen formerly known as Oskar. Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass, 500 Days of Summer) will play the vampire girl named Abby, formerly Eli.


Philip Seymour Hoffman could have a role in the film.

Adam McKay's The Other Guys (August 6th 2010)

The pairing of Will Ferrell and writer/director Adam McKay has given us some interesting comedies over the years. Films that include Step Brothers, Talladega Nights and Anchorman. Their next collaboration will focus on the buddy cop genre, set in New York City. More than likely influenced by Hot Fuzz, Observe & Report and A Couple of Dicks. Along with Die Hard, Lethal Weapon and heeps of cop action flicks. McKay explained the films' story during an interview with MTV.

"Basically the idea is that you have your star cops of New York City, picture like a Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson-type pair,” McKay explained. They’re the guys who get all the car chases, all the girls. But this is the story of the guys in the desk next to them, the other guys. …The premise is you have the stud cops in New York City, and the other cops are the wannabes who want to be the stud cops,” he explained. “So Ferrell and Wahlberg have another pair of cops who are competing with them to be the stars."



The film will also star Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson as the "stud cops". Craig Robinson (Hot Tub Time Machine, Pineapple Express) and Rob Riggle (Daily Show) will play fellow desk cops. The main villain of the film will be played by Steve Coogan (Tropic Thunder). Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton (Jackie Brown, Batman) and Damon Wayans Jr. (Dance Flick) will also have roles in the film.


UPDATE: Ray Stevenson (Punisher War Zone, Rome, Book of Eli) has also joined the cast.