Empire's Set Images From Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Rooney Mara & Christian Bale Joining Spike Lee's Old Boy?

TwitchFilm reports that Rooney Mara (Social Network, Dragon Tattoo) is in talks to take the female role in Spike Lee's remake of Old Boy. Which is based on the cult Korean film and manga. The report also states that Christian Bale has previously been mentioned as wanted for the role of the villain. Josh Brolin will play lead character. I'm not sure how to feel about Spike Lee directing since he can push his agenda a little too far in his films. It's also been a while since I've fully enjoyed one of his movies. However, Lee has given us excellent films like 25th Hour and Summer Of Sam.

Two More Join Tarantino's Django Unchained, Production Starts In November

HeatVision reports that another role in Django Unchained has gone to actor who has previously worked with Quentin. What had been long rumored as a role for Uma Thurman has gone to Laura Cayouette. The role is Lara-Lee the widowed sister of Calvin (DiCpario). Laura had a small role playing a stripper named Rocket in Kill Bill Volume 2. They mention production is set for November which is earlier than previously reported. ShowBlitz also has revealed that Dennis Christopher (Chariots Of Fire, Breaking Away) is negoations to take the role of Calvin's lawyer Leo Moguy. The cast already includes Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael K. Williams, Kurt Russell and Gerald McRaney.

Kurt Russell In Talks For Django Unchained

HeatVision, TheWrap and ShowBlitz report that Kurt Russell is in talks to replace Kevin Costner as Ace Woody in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. Costner had to leave the film to focus on other projects he previously committed to. Ace Woody is brutal trainer of the slaves who fight at Calvin Candie's (DiCpario) Candyland. Kurt previously played the villain in Tarantino's Death Proof, his underrated jump into the horror genre. He's best known for his string of John Carpenter films from the 80's that include The Thing, Escape From New York and Big Trouble In Little China.

Could Christopher Nolan Make Twilight Zone For Warner Bros. ?

ShowBlitz has word that Warner Bros. is trying to nail-down a director to helm their new Twilight Zone project. Unlike the original which featured four directors (Spielberg, John Landis, Joe Dante, George Miller) filming four separate segments honoring the series. This new version will have one director and a single story. The site says that they have interest from Christopher Nolan, Michael Bay and Alfonso Cuarón (Children Of Men). David Yates (Deathly Hollows 1-2) had been interested but moved on, Rupert Wyatt (Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes) is also in the mix.

I was a big fan of Twilight Zone (film/series) and Outer Limits so this project sort of speaks to me. Even without the involvement of Nolan and Cuarón I'd be interested to see how it would turn out. Nolan seems a good bet as he could really reinvent this quirky genre and possibility develop it into a new franchise. The only problem is that Christopher Nolan is a one picture director and is still busy The Dark Knight Rises and I doubt he commit to this until he's in post. Bay seems an uninspiring choice as I'd rather see him make Bad Boys 3 instead of ruining something that could be a thrilling ride with seizure inducing visuals. Cuarón is slowly becoming a darling at the studio making Prisoner Of Azkaban and Gravity with George Clooney/Sandra Bullock starring. Rupert Wyatt could be interesting as this isn't a 20th Century Fox strangle-hold project and he might be able to go a bit darker. Fox more than likely has Rupert locked in for an Apes trilogy and could be asked to return to make another film sooner than later.

FIRST LOOK: Loki & Nick Fury In Avengers From EW

New Black Widow Still & EW Promo Image

Badass Set Image Of Black Widow & Hawkeye, Plus Other Images From EW

EW's Terrible Photoshopped Avengers Cover

This is one for the books, I've never seen Marvel Studios fuck up so badly with the debut of a magazine cover. They've had such great covers previously for Iron Man 1-2, Incredible Hulk, Captain America and Thor from Empire (check out below). This time Avengers isn't getting the best first look here from Entertainment Weekly. The bad photoshop makes Thor's wig look more obvious and makes Tony Stark look like here's wearing one (which he isn't). The out of place pouting face on Banner makes me question why he's looking so angry and not turning green. Cap's costume looks even more cheap looking than the set images making it look like something a comic-con fan made. Oddly enough I think Black Widow and Hawkeye look decent enough but look out of place. First impressions are important to fans and this seems like the first misstep considering how much Disney and Marvel are gambling with this massive film.

Universal Hires Writers For Wanted 2

TheWrap confirms Universal is finally moving forward with a Wanted 2. The studio has set Michael Brandt and Derek Haas to return as writers on the script. Originally Universal was intent on making director Timur Bekmambetov bring back Angelina Jolie's character back from the dead. It seemed a writing nightmare and Jolie would eventually walk from the potiential sequel. Now with James McAvoy (Wesley) taking a turn as leading man in this summer's blockbuster X-Men First Class and movement on First Class 2 already in the works. It looks like James won't need Jolie after all to get the movie made.

Hugh Jackman Talks Wolverine, First Class 2 & X-Men 4

Jackman still has a lot of love for Wolverine even though he's been playing him for ten plus years and soon to be five films. While talking to ThePlaylist he gives the impression he has a couple more films in him and wants to finally get the character right in The Wolverine. Unsurprisingly he states he doesn't believe we'll be seeing an X-Men 4 but doesn't count out showing up in X-Men First Class 2.

“I don’t see it. I can only see one movie ahead,” he said deflating hopes of a 4th “X-Men” film, despite talk in recent years by the producers of making one more. “I’m pretty sure I’m well into the second half of this match. I don’t know exactly when the end is, but I only go one at a time. If this is the last one, fingers crossed, man, I just hope we finally get that hole in one.” 

  So might Jackman pop up in a ‘First Class’ sequel? “If they come up with as good of an idea as last time,” Jackman says with a big smile, “Yeah, I could see it.”

I'm a bit skeptical about how the The Wolverine will turn out without Darren Aronofsky. It's odd that both Lauren Shuler Donner and Hugh Jackman producers on the last film have said they were unhappy with it's outcome. Odd since they made the creative decisions and allowed Fox executives to mettle with the production. I'll wait for the trailer before I start condemning but they have a lot making up to do for Wolverine fans. I'm all for more Wolverine but if they mess up Frank Miller's story they really will have lost me. On the other hand I'd rather see Jackman show up in First Class 2 as a pre-Weapon X Wolverine than watch a mess that X-Men 4 would certainly be. They could erase that magic bullet nonsense with Xavier just wiping his mind. Since the studio has established that First Class has it's own X-Men canon.

Jessica Chastain Joins Tom Cruise In Horizons

ShowBlitz reports that 2011's it-girl of the moment Jessica Chastain in now in talks to star alongside Tom Cruise in Joseph Kosinski's (Tron Legacy) Horizons (formerly Oblivion). Jessica has been taking over screens starring in a massive amount of buzzed films in the last year that include Tree Of Life, The Help, The Debt, Take Shelter, Coriolanus and Texas Killing Fields. It's unknown if she's either playing Tom's character's wife or the mysterious girl who sets all the events in motion. They say the other actresses who tested that included Noomi Rapace (Dragon Tattoo, Sherlock Holmes 2, Prometheus), Olivia Wilde and other it-girl Brit Marling (Another Earth) could also still be up for a role.

Michael K. Williams Confirms Django Unchained Role Is A Go

AICN was able to speak with Michael K. Williams (Boardwalk Empire, The Wire) about how close he is to getting a role in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. Williams came in second place for the lead of the film against Jamie Foxx. Apparently Quentin wanted him so badly in the film he's gone back to create a new role for him.

"I’m going to dare to say it’s going to go."

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy To Become A Trilogy?

ThePlaylist reports (via TheGuardian) that StudioCanal might be announcing plans to expand Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy into a franchise. Using the two other books in the Karla Trilogy, The Honourable Schoolboy and The Smiley's People for future pictures. Gary Oldman is expected to cement his role as George Smiley in the other films. The studio is keen on bringing back the cast and director Tomas Alfredson (Let The Right One In).

It opened number one in the UK and is expected to do very well during the awards season. The film's cast is stellar and inspiring including some of the best British acting talent in one film. George Smiley could be just as prolific as Jason Bourne or even James Bond so it would make sense to try to make more movies. A few other books from John le Carré like Call For The Dead, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, The Looking Glass and The Secret Pilgrim could end up being used to gather more material to keep the franchise going.

CAST EM': Ridley Scott's Untitled Blade Runner Film

Now that Prometheus is wrapping up and starting post-production Ridley Scott's next film is gathering some steam. The yet Untitled Blade Runner Film is gearing up to be another exciting experiment of Ridley revisiting his past masterpieces. This time focusing on the world of replicants (cyborgs) and blade runners. We have no idea where the story will go or how it will be connected to the original film. My hope is that at the very least still it's as dark and violent as the first movie.

I have a few ideas of actors and actresses who should be considered for roles in the film. I'm using the fact that Prometheus' casting ended up with a majority of actors Ridley hasn't worked with before. The casting of Prometheus is being used to influence how I could see Ridley, Alcon and Warners Bros. could be placing actors in roles. Of course the film is from starting production any time soon with a writer only rumored to be in talks.

RYAN GOSLING: High in demand at the studio Ryan is quickly moving into the leading man role. He's gathered praise for films like Blue Valentine, Lars & The Real Girl and Half Nelson (Oscar Nominated). Along with a lot of buzz for his art house action thriller Drive that could see him earn some awards nominations this year. Gosling is currently shooting Gangster Squad, attached to Nicolas Winding Refn's Logan's Run remake and being considered for Steven Soderbergh's The Man From UNCLE.

TOM HARDY: Hardy is also quickly becoming important to Warner Bros. starring in two large Christopher Nolan films Inception and Dark Knight Rises. He's also seemingly getting his own WB franchise in the making replacing Mel Gibson in Max Mad Fury Road. Warrior could be the breakout film for Hardy as it's getting a lot of awards talk. He's also worked with Ridley previously on Black Hawk Down.

RICHARD ARMITMAGE: Richard (Captain America, Hobbit) is another actor about to explode in the next couple of years. He's mostly known for his work on British television on shows like Spooks, Robin Hood and Strike Back. However, this will all change when the two Hobbit films are released with Richard playing Thorin Oakenshield. Warner Bros. is financing the films and might look to the actor who is almost unrecognizable in his dwarf makeup for future big projects like Blade Runner. 

TOM HIDDLESTON: Tom is another rising star having a breakout commercial role in Marvel's Thor 1-2 and Avengers playing the villain Loki. He's also gathering some praise for upcoming films Deep Blue Sea and Steven Spielberg's War Horse. I'd like to think that he would fit nicely in this world either in the role of hero or villain. I could see Hiddleston becoming the next Michael Fassbender if given the right film projects.

JOEL KINNAMAN: The Swedish actor blew up when he headlined the thriller Snabba Cash. Landing roles in David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and the acclaimed show The Killing. Joel re-teamed with director Daniel Espinosa for the Denzel Washington/Ryan Reynolds film Safe House. He's currently filming the Snabba Cash sequel and is wanted by Steven Soderbergh for a lead role in The Man From UNCLE. 

ROONEY MARA: David Fincher's muse is going be big after The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is released in December. From the trailers it looks like Rooney might be Oscar bound and could end up with a nomination. Ridley actively pursed Noomi Rapace for Prometheus who played Lisbeth in in the original Swedish film. She has similar qualities being able to give a strong psychical performance.

BELLA HEATHCOTE: Bella is already making a name for herself starring alongside Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt. The Australian actress is likely to explode after she is seen in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows (A Warner Bros. Production) and Andrew Dominik's gangster flick Cogan's Trade.

FELICITY JONES: Felicity (The Tempest) is a young actress who is giving interesting performances in smaller films like Cemetery Junction and Like Crazy. She had been in contention to play Snow White in the dark fantasy thriller Snow White & The Huntsman. Jones has a lot of potential and isn't over exposed like many other actresses her age.

GEMMA ARTERTON: Gemma had originally met with Ridley for a role in Prometheus but ultimately didn't get it. Catching his eye with her film The Disappearance of Alice Creed. Where she went from damsel to a lady who can kick some ass. While that didn't work out I think she might be a better fit for this with her sultry look. She's been mostly a background player in large films but is moving more into the spotlight with Alice Creed and Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters alongside Jeremy Renner.

RUTH WILSON: I've been vocal on the site recently for Ruth to be put in more films. Ruth is the main reason the BBC series Luther is such a success. She's currently attached to Disney's Lone Ranger along with a role in Joe Wright's (Hanna, Atonement) Anna Karenina. 

Scott Z. Burns To Write New Blade Runner Film?

Twitch is reporting on some progress on the Untitled Blade Runner Film from Ridley Scott. They say Ridley, Alcon and Warner Bros. are looking at screenwriter Scott Z. Burns to work on the film's script. It might be a move similar to bringing on Damon Lindelof (Lost) to re-work the Alien prequel Prometheus. Burns isn't a big name but wrote The Bourne Ultimatum and Contagion. He's also written scripts for large upcoming projects such as Steven Soderbergh's The Man From UNCLE and David Fincher's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. The fact is that Burns seems to be able to write action well and let's hope the science fiction side of things works out.

Many of the details concerning the project have yet to be answered. Like, if this is a direct sequel/prequel or like Prometheus just set in the Blade Runner universe. If the film noir aspect will be brought up or if it will be a straight up science fiction action film. Along with if will be set on Earth or off-world which had been mentioned a number of times in the original film humans are busy colonizing other planets. Using replicants as work slaves and soldiers in the process of this expansion leading to an outright rebellion by the cyborgs.

UPDATE: Word from ThePlaylist via Twitter is that both Burns' reps and Scott himself are denying the rumors of him working on Blade Runner.  This could be a move by Burns to keep early talks going or Twitch's original story was bull to begin with.

Lone Ranger Still Happening, Ruth Wilson Joins

It looks Disney isn't done with Gore Verbinski's (Pirates 1-3) The Lone Ranger just yet. It was reported Disney was unhappy with the projected budget of the film which was expected to cost $250 million. Deadline reports that the studio is still trying to work out a deal to get the film made with a lower budget of around $200 million. The western has Armie Hammer (Social Network, J. Edgar) and Johnny Depp in the leads. Another bit of news is that Ruth Wilson (Luther, The Prisoner) had landed the female lead in the film. It's expected the cast will all return for the production but the December 21st 2012 release date is now in question.

Jose Padilha Wants Michael Fassbender For Robocop

ScreenRant has caught wind of an interview where director Jose Padilha (Elite Squad 2) states his choice for the lead in his Robocop reboot is Michael Fassbender. It's a great decision considering how well the actor is doing commercially and critically at this point in his career. The only thing is that Fassbender is on every one's list recently being wanted for both WB's Akira and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Not to mention reprising the role of Magento in the X-Men First Class sequel which is likely to get fast-tracked by Fox. Personally I think he'd make a better Clarence Boddicker if that's the villain they're going with for the film.

Michelle Rodriguez Joins Resident Evil Retribution

BloodyDisgusting has another returner casting update this time concerning Resident Evil: Retribution. Michelle Rodriguez will reprise her role of Rain Ocampo in the film, giving more fuel of the prequel talk. Previously Sienna Guillroy (Jill Valentine), Colin Solomon and Shawn Roberts (Wesker) have been confirmed as returning to the franchise. The key is that the latter two have been killed off in previous films. Milla Jovovich had also confirmed via Twitter that the characters K-Mart, Chris Redfield and Claire Redfield would not be in this installment. While new characters Leon Kennedy, Barry Burton and Ada Wong would be featured.

Karl Urban Returning For Riddick 3?

BloodyDisgusting reports that Karl Urban (Judge Dredd, Star Trek, Two Towers) is reprising his role of Vaako in The Chronicles of Riddick: Dead Man Stalking. Urban is the only the second actor cast in the film and it's unknown how large the part will be. Another one of the Karl's projects Star Trek 2 is about to start production so I'm not sure how much of the actor we'll be seeing.

Could Scarlet Witch Become An Asgardian In Thor 2?

We've been hearing a bit on the progress of Thor 2 but nothing concerning villains or new characters. It's been reported that we could see the cast of Asgardians double. So that means we could see at least six new characters in the sequel. One character that's been knocked around since Iron Man 2 is Scarlet Witch.

Yes, in the comics she is a mutant and the daughter of Magneto. However, she's been more active in The Avengers and West Coast Avengers comics and has magic based powers. This might exclude her from the X-Men/Fox deal and that she very well show up in Marvel Studios' films. Previously director Jon Favreau had Scarlett Johansson in mind for the part when Witch was originally included in Iron Man 2.  Emily Blunt vacated the Black Widow role which was filled by Johansson leading to the character to be cut from the film. I don't think Kevin Feige would have even allowed Jon to play with the idea unless they actually have control of the character. I could see the studio making Witch an Asgardian since it's a good way to reinvent the character for the screen.

It wouldn't be the first time Marvel has reinvented a character to fit their Cinematic Universe. Bucky Barnes, Black Widow, Whiplash, Justin Hammer, Jane Foster and Thor have all had their characters retooled to fit the films so it wouldn't be shocking to see it happen again. My thought is that Scarlet could end up being one of the many new Asgardians in Thor 2. Thor's rogues gallery is full and colorful his group of cohorts is somewhat unbalanced. The amount of villains out weights the group of allies and friends, considering the scale of this fantasy world. We should expect characters like Balder (The Brave), Amora (The Enchantress), Skurge (The Executioner) and Brunhilde (Valkyrie) but the impression I get is that we could see the studio give us even more. Scarlet is also a prolific member of the Avengers so she could make an excellent addition to the mostly male lineup.

If I had to choose someone to play the heroine it would be Ruth Wilson who is best known from the BBC series Luther and The Prisoner mini-series. She's also attached for the female lead in Disney's The Lone Ranger alongside Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.

Other Directors In The Running For Thor 2

Variety adds to the recent story of Marvel Studios being in talks with director Patty Jenkins (Monster) to helm Thor 2. They reveal four other directors also in contention which includes Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods), James McTeigue (V For Vendetta), Noam Murro (300: Battle of Artemesia) and Breck Eisner (The Crazies). Goddard's Cabin In The Woods stars Chris Hemsworth and was written by Joss Whedon, Drew might get backing from the two. Brian Kirk (Game of Thrones) has walked because of creative/financial differences with the studio so we can cross him out.

CASTING THE MARVEL UNIVERSE PART I: The Invaders

The Invaders is an important team in the Marvel Universe it's had a few lineup changes over the years. I've come up with some actors who I'd like to see playing these interesting characters in future Captain America films or off on their own adventures in a solo film. Namor McKenzie (The Submariner) - Jason Moma (Conan, SG: Atlantis, Game Of Thrones), Joey Chapman (Union Jack) - Ewan McGeggor (Haywire, Attack of The Clones), Keene Marlow (Destroyer) - Matthew Goode (The Lookout, Watchmen), Mark Todd (Blazing Skull) - Michael Pitt (Boardwalk Empire) and Jackie Falsworth (Spitfire) - Gemma Arterton (Hansel & Gretel, Alice Creed).

Marvel Studios Considering Patty Jenkins To Direct Thor 2

Deadline reports that Marvel Studios is in full swing looking for a new director for Thor 2. It's been expected the sequel will start shooting this spring while Iron Man 3 will start in June. Considering the release date of July 2013 the studio is going to need to announce a director soon so that pre-production and casting can start. Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) is a name in serious contention for the job. Patty's film Monster helped Charlize Theron earn her Oscar. Previously Brian Kirk who is known for directing episodes of Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones had been linked for the director's chair.

FIRST LOOK: Cast Of Tim Burton's Dark Shadows