Hugh Jackman Ending Solo Films After WOLVERINE 3 Or Done With Logan Entirely?

A new interview with SFX gives the impression that Hugh Jackman might be ready to step-aside as Wolverine, to allow another actor take the role after The Wolverine 3. We've heard actors talk like this before, when they are in contract talks with studios for pay bumps. I'm not entirely sure Jackman is done with the character, but I get the impression he the solo films demand a lot more from him (including time) than the X-Men movies. On the other hand, it might be time to move along, we know these films take-up a lot of his time, and we know that Jackman has been pursuing awards caliber roles.

I don’t know yet. We’re talking it through. I still am very ambitious for the character. And tonally I feel like we corrected the ship with the last one. But I feel we can still go further, in a way. If I did another one I’m 99.9% sure it would be the last, so that will inform what it is for me.


The third film hasn't locked-down a story, as you can clearly take from Hugh's comments concerning which comic stories should be used for it. He mentions the iconic Old Man Logan comics from Mark Millar, an interesting suggestion for sure. Director James Mangold is currently flushing-out the story, as he's also a respected screenplay writer. Penning films such as Cop Land and Walk The Line. I personally see there being way too many problems with the Old Man Logan comics to be adapted into a PG-13 film (which all the X-Men/Wolverine films have been rated).

Well, of course we’re looking at Old Man Logan, because that may be the only option left at this point! [laughs] We are looking at a lot of different storylines. No one has jumped out. You can tell from my answer that we’re still working it out. I’m working with Jim Mangold, which is exciting. Jim came on board The Wolverine after Darren [Aronofsky] left, so he inherited it. And of all the things that Jim can do, one of the great things he does is develop scripts. I’m excited to see what we can come up with, but I haven’t signed on signed on. I’m genuinely at that point where unless it’s better than the last one I’m not going to do it.


If the script is as good? Hm. I don’t know if that will get me across the line, man. I think it has to be better. I can still see where we can improve on the last one. I love the intimacy of that story, I liked the small stuff, I liked that it was a little unexpected. I don’t want to get into specifics, because it just upsets people, but there are certain parts of that story where I felt we were predictable. And I don’t think you need to do that with Wolverine. What’s exciting is that you can make it a more interior story, and people actually prefer that. And that was good to show and convince everyone – especially everyone who greenlights the movies!

The major problem with Old Man Logan is basically all of the characters (incestuous Hulks, She-Hulk, Hawkeye, Daredevil, Punisher, Venom, Black Bolt, Kingpin, Abomination, Red Skull, along with hints to other Marvel heroes) in it, aren't allowed to be used by Fox for their movies. Characters such as Dr. Doom, Magneto and Emma Frost, being involved would sort of defeat the purpose of a solo movie. It's also revealed he's slaughtered the X-Men team, thinking they were his enemies (Omega Red..ect). I'm not sure Fox will paint their heroic character as a tragic mass murderer, killing young children and the rest of the X-Men.

They'd have to make a massive amount changes to story to fit the grounded cinematic noir world setup in The Wolverine. I'm sure the character design, the fact he's aged significantly and it's futuristic wasteland setting might be the only elements taken from the comic, if anything at all. The untitled Wolverine 3 is set for a release date of March 3rd, 2017.

SOURCE: SFX

SINISTER SIX Lineup Revealed And Aiming To Shoot In January?

SuperheroHype has images from an Sony teaser for Sinister Six, which is linked to Amazing Spider-Man 2. The tease includes hints to the lineup, that is apparently Green Goblin (Dane DeHaan), Rhino (Paul Giamatti), Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Kraven The Hunter and Chameleon (Kraven's half-brother). It does spoil things a bit by pointing out Venom and Electro aren't apart of the group. We heard that the film would would include a non-traditional lineup, but these villains are extremely traditional.

TheWrap on the other hand, seems to be uncertain if this will be our final lineup, even though Sony is the one behind this tease. Adding that the script is still being written by director Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods, Cloverfield, Daredevil) and is looking at a possible January production start. This gives the impression that Sinister Six could be released before Amazing Spider-Man 3. Jeff is also hearing the it's Mysterio, not Chameleon.

SOURCE: SUPERHEROHYPE

Good News, Another Major Female Lead To Be Cast In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

THR is reporting that another major female role in Star Wars: Episode VII is yet to be cast. There had been good intentioned criticism concerning Daisy Ridley being the only new female cast member. Having two ladies in a cast of thirteen confirmed actors, was a bit shameful.

"Several sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that director J.J. Abrams has another substantial role to fill — and it's a female part. No further details are known."

Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyongo'O (12 Years A Slave, Non-Stop) has previously met with director J.J. Abrams for an unnamed role, which was possibly the same part Oxford actress Maisie Richardson-Sellers was linked for. The character is said to be related to Obi Wan Kenobi, but that hasn't been confirmed. Considering that they've already cast Oscar Isaac, placing Lupita in major role would be a very smart move.

SOURCE: THR

Maya Rudolph Joins BIG HERO 6, Is Likely Voicing Honey Lemon

TheWrap is reporting another awesome addition to the voice cast of Marvel and Disney's Big Hero 6. Comedian Maya Rudolph (SNL, Bridesmaids, Idiocracy) has taken an unnamed lead role in the animated film. I have to assume the role is team member Honey Lemon, as Leyu Yoshida/Sunpyre is owned by Fox (unless they're able to share the character). The film co-directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, already has TJ Miller voicing Fred and Jamie Chung is voicing GoGo Tomago. It's release date is set for November 7th, 2014.

“Big Hero 6” is a comedic action-adventure movie about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion — a robot named Baymax — Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city.”

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Michael Fassbender Could Reunite With MACBETH Director Justin Kurzel For ASSASSIN'S CREED

Deadline reports that New Regency and Ubisoft are in-talks with Justin Kurzel to direct Assassin's Creed. It would see Kurzel re-teamed with Micheal Fassbender, as the pair recently worked together on a new cinematic version of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The Australian director also earned acclaim for his indie crime thriller The Snowtown Murders.



Swedish director Daniel Espinosa (Snabba Cash, Safe House) has been previously in the mix to direct, but that seemingly didn't work out. He instead went with the thriller Blood On The Snow, which is setup at Warner Bros.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Lucasfilm Confirms And Reveals STAR WARS EPISODE VII Cast, Release Date Set For December 2015

Lucasfilm has officially announced the cast of J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII. We have confirmation that original actors such as Mark Hamill, Carrie FIsher, Harrison Ford, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker will be returning in their respected roles.

They've also revealed that new additions include Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver and Max von Sydow, have also joined the Star Wars universe. We weren't expecting this reveal to include this many cast members, but it's a pleasant surprise. Their roles haven't been explained, and likely won't be for a long time. The studio did however snap a photo of the cast doing a table-read of the new script.

Andy Serkis (Tintin, King Kong, Hobbit, Lord of The Rings, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, Rise of The Planet of The Apes) is also mentioned in the press release. I have to assume he'll be playing a motion capture character, due to his extensive background with it. Yet, he's just a great actor so they could use him anyway they want to.

A release date has also been confirmed for December 18th, 2015.

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

SOURCE: LUCASFILM

Jamie Chung Joining TJ Miller For Marvel/Disney's BIG HERO 6 Voice Cast

An NBC bio page (recently changed) is confirming actress Jamie Chung (Hangover 2, Sin City 2) will lend her voice alongside TJ Miller (Cloverfield, Silicon Valley) in Marvel/Disney's Big Hero 6. The film is based on the Marvel Comics team. Disney Animation has been overshadowing Pixar lately with their features such as Wreck It Ralph and Frozen, so I believe this is an excellent creative pairing. The film is set for release on November 7th, 2014.

Big Hero 6 features brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city.

SOURCE: NBC

Stunning Stills From New Adaptation Of Shakespeare's MACBETH Starring Michael Fassbender And Marion Cotillard

An adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth is on it's way from Snowtown Murders director Justin Kurzel. The Scottish play stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard in the lead roles. Other cast members include Sean Harris (Prometheus, Red Riding Trilogy), David Thewlis (The Kingdom), Jack Reynor (Transformers 4) , Paddy Considine (Dead Man Shoes, World's End, Red Riding Trilogy, Submarine) and Elizabeth Debicki (Great Gatsby, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.). Below you can see some images from the film via Empire and DailyMail.

UPDATE: Warner Bros. Confirms Zack Snyder Will Direct JUSTICE LEAGUE, Could It Be Released Against Another Marvel Film In 2017?

TheWallStreetJournal was able to speak with producer Greg Silverman about the future of DC film properties at Warner Bros. Silverman finally has confirmed that Justice League is happening, and will be directed by Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300, Dawn of The Dead) . Zack previously directed Man of Steel and it's sort-of sequel Batman Vs Superman, the latter is also confirmed to be the precursor to the events of the Justice League movie. They also confirm that the film will begin production after Batman Vs Superman, I assume the studio won't be making any other DC films before then. Silverman also hints to a release date possibly around 2018 at the earliest. A script is still being put together, I believe last we heard David Goyer was still working on it.

Confirming the studio’s plans for a movie based on its iconic super-team for the first time, Warner Bros. president of worldwide production Greg Silverman said the studio has set plans to make a “Justice League” movie.

Like “Man of Steel” and its follow-up, which starts production next month, “Justice League” will be directed by Zack Snyder. Henry Cavill is expected to return as Superman, along with Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, who play Batman and Wonder Woman, respectively, in 2016’s “Man of Steel” sequel tentatively titled “Batman vs. Superman.”

“It will be a further expansion of this universe,” said Mr. Silverman. “’Superman vs Batman’ will lead into ‘Justice League.’”

A script is still in development and Warner has not set a release date, though the movie is unlikely to come out before 2018.

Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot are confirmed as well, it's unknown if supporting actors from Snyder's other two DCU installments will have roles. Ray Fisher was revealed to be playing Cyborg in BVS, which is easy to assume he'll also be apart of the Justice League lineup.

There have been rumors that actors such as Jason Momoa (Aquaman?) and Dwayne Johnson (Green Lantern?) have been in talks to possibly join the lineup as well.

There had been talk from LatinoReview that the studio was considering filming the projects back-to-back, similar to how the Matrix sequels and the Hobbit originally was expected to shoot (both WB productions). Nothing says that Snyder will ramp-up production directly afterwards this upcoming film is completed principle photography. However, it's still early and Warner Bros. could move quickly to set a flag for a release date in 2018.

Batman Vs Superman will eventually get an official title by the time of it's release on May 6th, 2016.


UPDATE: LatinoReview has a small bit of information to add, they are hearing the rumored release date of May 5th, 2017. Oddly enough, another release date set-aside for another unnamed Marvel Studio film. It's possible this could be the date of Doctor Strange, Thor 3 or another in-development project. If true, it sounds like DC is making a play for Marvel's comfy May release dates.

UPDATE #2: THR has confirmed LatinoReviews previous scoop that Batman Vs Superman and Justice League will indeed be shot back-to-back by director Zack Snyder. They are also hearing a possible release in 2017 as well.


SOURCE: WSJ

Gina Carano And Katee Sackhoff Are Not In EXPENDABELLES, Will Be In Competing Female Action Flick

While speaking to TheTorontoSun, MMA fighter turned action star Gina Carano (Fast And Furious 6, Haywire, Almost Human) revealed never actually being in the running for the role of Wonder Woman in Batman Vs Superman. Gina also squashed Deadline's reports she's attached for a lead role in The Expendables female-driven spin-off The ExpendaBelles. Fans of Carano should be relieved to hear, she won't be seen in ExpendaBelles. The script leaked a few months back and was littered with cliche sexist moments, including the ladies going undercover as hookers.

“I was never attached to the female Expendables, it’s just something like people put my name in there and then everyone thought it was truth,”

She does admit signing-on with producer Adi Shankar (Dredd, The Grey, Killing Them Softly, Lone Survivor, Machine Gun Preacher) for an untitled female action-heavy film. I assume Deadline got this second project mixed-up with ExpendaBelles, it also has Katee Sackhoff attached with a role alongside Carano. Confirming that Katee will also not be showing-up in the Expendables spin-off. It's script is being written by newcomer Dutch Southern.



Adi is responsible for some cool-as-hell flicks, so I'm totally on board with this. Also, it's nice to see a competing all-female action film that could blow ExpendaBelles out of the water. Shankar's Dredd had two major action-heavy female leads, which proved ladies can be badass in these action heavy films without cliches. I'm totally siding with this project, and it's casting currently top-notch.

SOURCE: TORONTOSUN

RUMOR: Jason Momoa Signs-On To Play AQUAMAN In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN?

BatmanNews is stating that Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa (Stargate: Atlantis, Baywatch: Hawaii, Conan The Barbarian, Bullet To The Head) has signed-on to play an unnamed role in Batman Vs Superman. Trades like Variety and THR previously confirmed that Momoa was in talks for a part in the film. BN don't reveal which character he's playing, but mention the reliable BadassDigest was claiming that Jason Momoa was up for Aquaman a few months back. It does make sense, as Warner Bros. was been trying to develop an Aquaman film for a while now. And with someone like Momoa in the role it could lead to a spin-off. Considering all these heroes are going to be in one film, it does support LatinoReview's story that Batman Vs Superman and Justice League, could very well shoot back-to-back.

"I was recently told by a very, very trusted source that the role Jason Momoa was up for (but is currently denying) is definitely Aquaman, but it's essentially a cameo setting up the next movie. Momoa's denials today could just be a smokescreen intended to protect the surprise nature of the cameo, although if the films are shooting back-to-back we'll know soon enough."

We already expect solo films for Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman and a new string of Batman films featuring Ben Affleck (possibly directed by as well). Momoa had also being in the mix for the role of Drax The Destroyer in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, but wasn't happy with the offer. Eventually getting his own spin-off film, or a pivotal role in Justice League sounds like a better move on Jason's part.

The Man of Steel "sequel", already has Batman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg as supporting characters. This sounds like BVS could end up like Iron Man 2 or The Amazing Spider-Man 1-2, only existing to setup future films. Something that tends to drag down character moments and detract from a single serving storyline. I'm still unsure why they just don't call this film Justice League, because it obviously won't be a Superman centred story with this many other heroes in supporting/cameo roles.

If Momoa indeed joins the cast he will star alongside Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Ray Fisher, Laurence Fishburne, Holly Hunter, Diane Lane, Callan Mulvey and Tao Okamoto. The untitled film's release date is set for May 6th, 2016.

SOURCE: BATMANNEWS

Could Pierce Brosnan, Robert De Niro And Hulk Hogan Join The Cast Of EXPENDABLES 4?

Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has confirmed to ShortList he's signed-up for a role in an Expendables installment. Stating that producer Avi Lerner has offered him a role in the franchise while shooting another film (Survivor) for Avi in Bulgaria. It's unknown if this role is for Expendables 4 or  ExpendaBelles.

"Oh, the offer has come in for the next Expendables. I just worked over in Bulgaria with Avi Lerner who makes them. He said, 'Would you like to be in The Expendables? I'd love to have you', and I said, 'Why not?' So we'll see. I have no idea which one it would be. I just said yes. It could be [Expendables 7]!"

There has been talk from Stallone that he could be walking from the franchise. The only problem is these Expendables movies are earners, while Sly's solo ventures (even with the help of Arnold Schwarzenegger) aren't making splashes stateside. It's starting to sound like Lerner could continue making sequels, with or without Stallone's involvement. If anything, these statements give the impression Avi wants more sequels.

We should also keep in mind that Avi doesn't always land the actors he pursues. John Travolta, Nicolas Cage and Jackie Chan were other names that were wanted for franchise roles, but never came together. While he was somehow able to wrangle Harrison Ford for Expendables 3. At least it sounds like Pierce is game, and we have confirmation he's going to be involved at some point.

In January, while promoting their film Grudge Match, Sly mentioned talk to Robert De Niro (Heat, Ronin, Elite Killer, The Deer Hunter) about getting involved in the films, during an interview with Yahoo!. After taking roles in Robert Rodriguez's Machete and Elite Killer (alongside Jason Statham), I think anything is possible concerning Robert De Niro. The pair previously worked together on the underrated crime drama Cop Land, and De Niro seemed interested in the video. I'd love to see Robert take a role, and I'm sure others wouldn't mind seeing him playing in this kind of action sandbox.

"[Sly's] been talking about," admits De Niro. 

"Now I know him, I know his phone number, yeah," explains Stallone, "He'd definitely be great in it."

A rumor from Bulgarian news site Blitz suggests that Hulk Hogan will have a role in Expendables 4, and the production will shoot in the country this fall. That's a bit odd considering this is the first time hearing, when Sly and Lerner are usually on the promotion machine. Apparently, Expendables 3 will be getting promoted at SDCC14, might could be where they might announce their future plans. If indeed Expendables 4 is happening, or if the production is really ExpendaBelles. It should be noted they've shot the last two movies in Bulgaria, and producer Avi Lerner has made other films there as well. The country would hear news first concerning the project ramping up for production. Hogan does have a connection to Sly Stallone, having a cameo in Rocky III and Sly showed-up to his induction to the Wrestling Hall of Fame back in 2005. Stallone did hire wrestler Steve Austin for the original movie, so he could end up getting another wrestler involved.

The major problem is that we haven't any information concerning development on Expendables 4. What we do know that the studio is working on an all-female spin-off entitled The ExpendaBelles. I wouldn't be shocked if that this is the film the Bulgarian outlet is referring to, since there isn't even a hint to a fourth movie and according to Stallone he might end the franchise on with the third one. ExpendaBelles has actresses such as Gina Carano, Katee Sackhoff, and Zoe Bell attached to star. Ronda Rousy has a role in Expendables 3, which could easy transfer over to that film as well. I wouldn't be entirely shocked if they were waiting to announce the fourth film and it's cast at Comic-Con, if it exists.

SOURCE: BLITZ

DCU Finally Gets Some Diversity! Ray Fisher Cast As Cyborg In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN

Variety has confirmed the appearance of another Justice League member for the untitled Batman Vs Superman movie. They report that stage actor Ray Fisher has landed the role of Victor Stone aka Cyborg, one of the newer members of the lineup. He's also a fan favorite, thanks to involvement in the Teen Titan cartoons and recent wave of comic storylines. It's starting to sound like the entire film will only exist to setup events of the future Justice League film. Fisher joins Henry Cavill, Jesse Eisenberg, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Callan Mulvey, Tao Okamoto, Holly Hunter and Diane Lane.

It's the first step to see Warner Bros. and the DCU branch-out with some diverse characters, in this new cinematic world they're creating. I've been a championed of the character and I hope this leads to other non-white or non-male heroic characters added to future projects. Cyborg was rumored for a major part in the film and it's now been confirmed. S.T.A.R. Labs, the place of Stone's robotic origins was teased in Man of Steel. Fisher was also one of the many actors that tested for Star Wars: Episode VII. The untitled Man of Steel sequel is aiming a May 6th, 2016 release date.


SOURCE: VARIETY 

Feige Teases DOC STRANGE Announcement, Could We See A Scott Derrickson And Jon Hamm Reunion?

Marvel's Kevin Feige talked to EmpireMagazine (via CBM) in their recent issue about Doctor Strange, and what he brings to the cinematic universe. It's quite possible that Strange might be our second unnamed release in 2016, following Captain America 3.  Thor 3 is also a strong candidate with it's script currently being written, but without a director as well. Feige's statements also suggest that they could end-up fast-tracking the project, similar to how quickly Captain America 3 was put together for 2016. If Kevin finds the right director we could be hearing about a release date soon.

“There’s a whole other side to the Marvel universe, which is the supernatural side..We’ve always been very interested in this aspect and this is going back to the early days of Strange Tales with Steve Ditko and Stan Lee. I love that stuff. We haven’t done anything that mind-trippy yet and for me, Doctor Strange is our doorway into that.”

"We have stories in development, we're meeting with filmmakers and we could be making announcements if all the pieces fall into place quickly."

Since Alan Taylor is all locked-up with Terminator: Genesis, it's unknown if we'll see him return to direct. Taylor could be obligated to finish the new Terminator trilogy, and that could remove Taylor from making Thor 3. I'm kind of hoping they end-up asking Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) back, since she was originally set to direct The Dark World, but exited over creative differences.

It's usually hard for Marvel to keep it under-wraps when they are meeting with potential directors, since we haven't heard any new names for Thor 3. That project could end up releasing in 2017 instead, Feige also confirmed a second 2017 spot recently. Neither 2017 movies have been named, but it's likely the latter won't be Avengers 3, since it's projected for 2018. Ant-Man and Captain America 3 are already confirmed as the first two installments of Phase Three. If there are three other films to come before Avengers 3, making Doctor Strange the third movie in the Phase Three lineup would make sense (new film, then sequel, new film, then sequel..ect).

Marvel has been meeting with a group of directors for Strange, those early reach-outs began in 2012. It's odd we're only now hearing more concrete names such as Scott Derrickson (The Day The Earth Stood Still, Sinister, Deus Ex, Exorcism of Emily Rose), Mark Andrews (Brave), Jonathan Levine (50/50, The Wackness, All The Boys Love Mandy Lane, Warm Bodies), Dean Israelite (Welcome to Yesterday) and Nikolaj Arcel (A Royal Affair). Kung Fu Panda 3 writers Jon Aibel and Glenn Berger were also linked for penning the new script.

Derrickson is an interesting suggestion since he's worked both in the genres of of horror and sci-fi, elements that are intertwined within the world of Doctor Strange. Scott has also been tapped to co-write and direct a feature adaptation of the video game Deus Ex: Human Revolution, another rather large scaled sci-fi action flick. It's not surprising Marvel is looking at directors with writing abilities, since it was said the studio wanted major rewrites to the existing script. I'm sure LatinoReview had a lot to do with that, as the site revealed the entire first act, along with it's villains from the original draft. Scott just happens to be screenwriter as well penning scripts for Devil's Knot, Sinister, Exorcism of Emily Rose, Deliver Us From Evil and Deux Ex. I heard from a source, that it was a sticking-point for this crop of directors to have screenwriting abilities. They want directors who can contribute to the script, similar to Jon Favreau, Joss Whedon, Shane Black, James Gunn and The Russo Brothers.








There have been a few names rumored for the title role, but only one actor has a connection to one of the directing candidates (Mads Mikkelson has been linked for Strange but A Royal Affair director Nikolaj Arcel is rumored to be out of the running). That would be the Mad Man himself Jon Hamm, who worked with Scott on the remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still. Hamm's role wasn't huge but it's a connection we shouldn't ignore. Hamm was rumored for the role of Strange not too long ago. I had already heard that Jon has met with Marvel for an unnamed role and project, before the rumor came out. It's very possible he's at least talked to the studio about the role.

Considering Hamm is a giant comic book fan, it's not hard to imagine him at least knowing who the character is. Jon's finished with Mad Men allowing him to take on franchise role like this. It also doesn't hurt that he recently made a film with Disney (The Million Dollar Arm), and we know Disney likes to test actors they've already worked with for Marvel roles. Jon talked to MTV back in 2010, about the prospect of landing comic book movie roles.

"Well, it's interesting. I'm a huge comic book fan, first of all," Hamm told MTV News. "I've collected them, I've read them since I was a kid. I am a big fan of the classic comics and also the darker ones that have sort of predominated in the last 10-15 years." 

"I don't know," he said when asked if he'd consider a role in a comic book movie. "It's a tricky road to go down with some of those heroes, because they're not flawed. Superman is Superman — he's invincible, so where's the drama?" 

"I think what people are finding with the success of things like "Batman Begins," "The Dark Knight," "Iron Man," it's much more interesting to talk about the person behind these heroic personae rather than the flying, shooting fire and lasers and all this other stuff," continued. "Although it has been interesting to see the evolution of the comic book film, because technology has essentially caught up with the ability to tell those stories." 

 "When you get a Chris Nolan or a Jon Favreau who really have a take on it, you're able to make something better than just the average popcorn movie," he explained. "Ideally, that will be the evolution of those things. ... There's a reason comic books sell hundreds of millions of copies every year - because they're interesting stories."

Mads Mikkelsen (The Hunt, Hannibal, Casino Royale, Pusher 2, Valhalla Rising)  is also rumored for a role, and he originally was attached for the Malekith part in Thor: The Dark World. He eventually had to exit to take the lead in the series Hannibal, which is considered a very good network show. Taking a role like Baron Mordo seems like a character with more depth and dimension, than what we got with Malekith.

Another major character from the Strange comics is female sorceress Clea. There is expectation she'll be in the film or at the very least introduced, since there aren't many female characters within the original comics. I'd love to see someone like Australian actress Margot Robbie (Wolf of Wall Street, Tarzan) in the role. Robbie was in the mix for Sue Storm role in Fox's Fantastic Four reboot. I think she would be suited for the MCU, but that all depends on if the character is even in the film.

SOURCE: EMPIRE

MAJOR SPOILERS: What Could We Expect To See In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 3?

It's a bit early for a write-up like this, but since a majority of the international markets are getting the film early. I decided to get his out of the way. I'm sure I missed a bunch of tidbits that were teased in Amazing Spider-Man 2. However, I have a few theories and ideas of where the third installment could be going. I'm not reviewing the film, but there are major plot SPOILERS contained in the explanations. You've been been warned!

SINISTER SIX: While it was assumed that Electro was going to be one of the six members, Max doesn't make it out alive. His return isn't very likely, and I assume that Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard will be reluctant to join the villainous team. At the end of the first film we see Curt pleading the shadowy figure to leave Peter allow, I doubt they'll be able to convince him to kill Spider-Man.

It looks like Harry Osborn and his shadowy friend are using "willing" hired guns to operate the Oscorp tech. Breaking Aleksei Mikhailovich Sytsevich out of prison to operate the Rhino mech-suit, at the end of the movie. Considering a majority of the tech is robotics, I'm starting to believe that this shadowy man might be in fact Dr. Spencer Smythe. A notorious robotics engineer who has a grudge against Spider-Man, creating the Spider Slayers. His son Alistair has already been revealed as working for Oscorp and is played by B.J. Novac. Currently, the Sinister Six lineup includes Goblin, Doc Ock, Vulture and The Rhino. I won't rule out The Lizard entirely, but it's possible from the poor reception of the character, they might not bring him back.

FELICIA HARDY/BLACK CAT: It's revealed that indeed Felicity Jones is playing Felicia Hardy, and works for Oscorp as an assistant to Norman Osborn. It's unknown where her loyalties lay, but starting her off as a villain wouldn't be hard to see. Hardy's father was a famous cat bugler, who worked for Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk. Felicia would eventually take a position at Fisk Enterprises, something that was mirrored with her employment at Oscorp. Considering that Mary Jane Watson might not even be featured in Amazing Spider-Man 3, originally played by Shailene Woodley (completed cut-out of the films and eventually recast). It's possible we could see Parker and Hardy become an item, before Mary Jane enters the picture. This wouldn't be going against the comics, since Black Cat and Spider-Man did briefly date.

Black Cat is the type of Spidey character the franchise needs. Considering we've never had a female villain in the franchise. And we know that Sam Raimi had originally intended to use the Black Cat (played by Anne Hathaway) in his never-filmed Spider-Man 4. Female characters are rare in this franchise, let alone ones that play both villain and hero. If Sony is looking for spin-offs a Black Cat film could be spot-on. Producers have been talking non-traditional lineups for the Sinister Six, adding a female character like Hardy into the mix would mess with the boys-only supervillain group.

DR. ALISTAIR SMYTHE/SPIDER SLAYER: B.J. Novac is revealed to be Dr. Alistair Smythe in the film, and is the son of notorious villain Spencer Smythe (possible identity of the shadowy figure), who invents the Spider Slayers. These are group of robots who are programmed to hunt, capture and or kill Spider-Man. Alistair himself is turned into one of these Slayers, as he's eventually becomes a cyborg. I'm not sure that's a route they'll want to go, but that door is a possibility. I still think that Spencer is the one who built, the Vulture wings and Ock's arms. Basically, becoming an evil version of Lucius Fox, providing all the robotics and bio-tech weapons he needs. Smythe could fall into the realm of an untraditional member of the Sinister Six, if they go that way. It's very possible he could end-up becoming the new Doctor Octopus.

MACDONALD GARGAN/SCORPION/VENOM: The Venom symbiote has been revealed to be an Oscorp experiment, and could easily join the ranks of The Sinister Six. It's possible we could see a new origin of Venom, but since he's getting his own spin-off movie, that could be saved for another film. The producers haven't actually revealed which host Venom will be using, my assumption is that they could end up using either MacDonald Gargan or Flash Thompson. The Gargan version of Venom worked for Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers, which could be another untraditional Sinister Six member. Plus, Mac has a long history fighting against Spider-Man as the villain Scorpion.

Having Mac start out in the Scorpion suit then having his ass handed to him by Spidey. Could fuel his anger to go a little more extreme than the other members, by bonding with the Venom symboite. At the end of the film seeing the government using it for their own means, with Flash Thompson as the host could be the way to go. Flash taking the more heroic role of Venom, recently in the comics. It's less likely we'll see the return of Eddie Brock, since that version has already been done by Raimi. Marc Webb and Sony have been seemingly trying to reinvent the villains, so not using Brock as Venom might be a good creative move. Since characters like Gargan and Thompson (a disabled veteran turned superhero) have stronger stories and arcs than Eddie.

SERGEI KRAVINOFF/KRAVEN THE HUNTER: We're starting to see that some characters from the video game tie-ins are making their way into the sequels. Felicia Hardy and Alistair Smythe were featured characters in The Amazing Spider-Man Game, and would eventually have small roles in Amazing Spider-Man 2. It's plausible to think that The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Game, could have a similar trend. In the new game we see notorious Spidey villain Kraven The Hunter, playing mentor rather than antagonist. Parker is going to need his own team-mates, if he's going up against The Sinister Six. Kraven might have been originally a member of the Six, but we've heard from producers the lineup won't be entirely traditional.

In the Ultimate comics (which the new movies are sort of based on), Sergei is an Australian (rather than Russian) reality TV host. Who wants to hunt and kill Spider-Man live on television to boost his ratings. His family has many links to Spider-Man as well his half-brother just happens to be spy for hire  and master of disguise, Dmitri Smerdyakov better known as The Chameleon. His offspring (which includes two sons and a daughter) also took up his mantle. If we do see Kraven, the writers could make him friend or foe. Sergei is one of the most popular Spidey characters, and it's shocking they haven't used him in the movies.

WILSON FISK/KINGPIN: Like Kraven, Wilson Fisk of Fisk Enterprises is featured heavily in the new video game. In the game Fisk and Oscorp start to work together, in some sort of merger. Marvel's Kevin Feige has revealed that they share the Kingpin rights, as the villain is equally known as a Spider-Man baddie as he is a Daredevil villain. We've seen Oscorp take-up a majority of threat for the city, but it would be interesting to see Osborn working alongside Fisk. Organized crime has always been apart of the Spider-Man comics, and not including that might change in the future. Fisk could have employed people like Aleksei Mikhailovich Sytsevich (The Rhino), Herman Schultz (Shocker), Lonnie Thompson Lincoln (Tombstone) and crime lord rival Hammerhead.

Fisk is also the reason Felicia Hardy gets her Black Cat powers, and the two might be tied-together (at one point Felicia works for Wilson), if Sony wants to eventually turn Hardy into Black Cat. Although, they've been messing around with origins lately, so changing Black Cat's origins as well wouldn't be surprising.

DR. MICHAEL MORBIUS: I'm not entirely sure if the Easter Egg with Morbius in the film was nothing more than just that, a tease. I haven't actually seen anything that suggests that, Sony has the rights to use Morbius in their films (as a vampire, he could be directly connected with Blade movie rights, which included all Marvel vampire characters) and have the intention to do so if they did. Showing up at the end of the original Blade film (in an alternate ending), could mean the character is either at Marvel Studios or shared with Sony (Kevin Feige hasn't confirmed this). He is a cool and complex character, that has spin-off potential and would make a cool team-up parter for Parker. I'm sure Marvel Studios would want to use Morbius, if they ever put together Midnight Sons or Legion of Monsters movies.

It's also established that since the Connors innocent, they've scrapped the animal divisions at Oscorp, so it's unknown if Michael is even still doing research at the company. This suggests we'll see less animal-spliced (Eels/Electro and Lizard/Connors) characters in future films. That could exclude Morbius and his bat experiments, that led him to turn himself into living vampiric creature.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER Has Earned $586M In 2.4 Weeks Of Wide Release

Marvel is quickly becoming the most successful movie studios currently making superhero epics. Another major success story is brewing with Captain America's sequel. In only a little over two weeks of wide release the film has made $586.6 million, in worldwide box office earnings (according to BoxOfficeMojo). It's budget is on par with Thor: The Dark World at $170 million, both films were made for $30 million less than Iron Man 2/3 and $50 million less than Avengers. Taking the number one spot three weeks in a row in the domestic market, is a solid statement from audiences that the film could have staying power for the rest of April.

Amazing Spider-Man 2 is expected to take back those domestic dollars with it's early May release, but Cap could keep earning big numbers in international markets. It's a long road to joining the billion dollar club at this point, but it could easily edge-out Thor: The Dark World ($644.7M) as the third largest grossing Marvel Studios film. It's already dwarfed Captain America: The First Avenger's worldwide take of $370.5 million. I have a feeling it will also pass DC's Man of Steel's earnings of $668 million, very soon. Proving that, Captain America 3 could actually be a major threat to the same day release of Batman Vs Superman.


SOURCE: BOXOFFICEMOJO

Tarantino Says HATEFUL EIGHT Still Shooting Next Winter, Cast Revealed With Live-Read?

A group of people were lucky enough to view a live-read of Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight. At the event, Tarantino confirmed he is currently writing the second draft, which conclude with a third draft before shooting starts next Winter, as originally planned. This whole process must have reenergized the director, as we thought the script leak (which happens with all his films) took it's toll. A release date hasn't been mentioned, but a fall/winter spot in 2015 is very likely, for awards consideration.

The live-read cast included a bunch of linked/rumored actors, along with new and familiar players as well. I have to assume that Tarantino will try to get these actors set in the roles they played in the read. The group of actors included Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Django Unchained) as Major Marquis Warren, Kurt Russell (Death Proof, The Thing, Escape From New York) as John "The Hangman" Ruth, Amber Tamblyn as Daisy Domergue, James Parks (Death Proof, Kill Bill) O.B., Walton Goggins (The Shield, Django Unchained) as Chris Mannix, Tim Roth (Four Rooms, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs) as Oswaldo Mobray, Michael Madsen (Kill Bill, Reservoir Dogs) as John Gage , Denis Minochet (Inglourious Basterds) as Frenchman Bob, and Bruce Dern (Django Unchained, Nebraska) as the vile Confederate General Smithers. Other supporting roles included Zoë Bell (Death Proof, Django Unchained, Kill Bill) as New Zealand bounty hunter Six-Horse Judy, Dana Gourrier (Django Unchained) as Minnie and James Remar (Dexter, Django Unchained, Warriors) as Jody. It's an amazing group of actors and I really hope to see a majority of them playing these roles in the film. Oddly enough, Christoph Waltz wasn't represented in the read, I assume the rewrites would add other roles.


SOURCE: FILMSTAGE

SPECULATION: X-MEN Will Be The Mid-Credits Scene In SPIDEY 2, Could Fox/Sony Team-Up In 2018?

It's been confirmed that both UK and US showings of Amazing Spider-Man 2 will feature a mid-credits trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past. The footage in question is straight from the film and not a crossover by any means. However, this might be the beginning of something bigger. It means that Fox and Sony understand the power of cross-promotion, concerning their Marvel characters. If anything, it's proving a bit of goodwill between the two studios. This isn't a giant leap towards Spidey showing-up in Wolverine 3, or Wolverine in Amazing Spider-Man 3, but could lead to the studios actually working something out for future. We know that X-Men producers Hugh Jackman and Lauren Shuler Donner have been talking-up the idea of joining the franchises.



Marvel's Kevin Feige has downplayed the idea and said they had zero plans of doing this. Giving the impression Disney and Marvel don't want anything to do with making this happen. Combining the characters would give more creditability to the other studios, and in the end disprove Feige's entire idea that Marvel can be successful with their own roster. It's true, Marvel Studios has been spending a lot of time and money developing their brand and film universe. Sharing it with Fox and Sony is likely never going to happen, when they have Disney protecting their interests and actively trying to retrieve the film rights.


Splitting a budget/profits of a massive film three-ways could be a legal nightmare, even more so when on of the three parties is actively trying to regain the rights entirely. My thought is that we might have chances of seeing Fox and Sony working together connecting their Marvel universe than every seeing Marvel Studios warming-up to the idea. The key factor here is producer Avi Arad, who's worked on  X-Men, Fantastic Four (still credited and involved) and Spider-Man franchises. Sony and Fox are watching the crazy amount of success that Marvel has been making post-Avengers, and I'm sure they are frustrated as hell. The new Spider-Man movies might be earning the most money, but they are catching a lot of criticism from fans/film critics alike, putting together an event film could really boost all three franchises.

We recently learned that Sony is planning on delaying The Amazing Spider-Man 4, which was eyeing a May 4th, 2018 release date. This slot apparently could go to one of the two spin-offs, which means there is only one major Spider-Man release officially. Oddly enough, this is the same summer that Fox planned an unnamed Marvel release for July 13th, 2018. At this point the X-Men: First Class /Wolverine/Amazing Spider-Man trilogies will be completed and Fantastic Four 2 will have already been released. It would be perfect timing to release a massive team-up, as it's also the same year projected for the release of Avengers 3.

The two studios are already gearing-up for a massive amount of X-Men (Gambit, Magneto, Deadpool, X-Force, Mystique) and Spidey (Sinister Six, Venom, Black Cat?) spin-offs, which are all in different development stages (some only mentioned in passing). If Marvel isn't willing to play-ball, it's possible we could see the two studios split costs and make it happen on their own. Avi has the ear of both Fox and Sony at this point, along with a previous working relationship with X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner. I'm sure he's hatched some sort of pitch of Spider-Man characters and Fantastic Four teaming-up with the X-Men. Even though, Matthew Tolmach and Avid Arad have actually dismissed any plans to join The Avengers. Their comments are concerning working with Marvel Studios, but not Fox, as Avi is still producing with for the new Fantastic Four movies.



In the era of Avengers and Batman Vs Superman/Justice League, the next step in superhero franchises is the event team-up. While people have already assumed Fantastic Four/X-Men team-up is down the line, adding Spider-Man to that lineup could put it on equal footing to the other big films. It's hard to believe we'll ever see a united Marvel universe, but this could be as close as we'll ever get. These studios are also in the business of making money, and if they're able to get a billion dollar film out of combining characters, they'll at least consider making deals with each other.

DIE HARD 6/DIE HARDEST Includes Zeus, Nakatomi & Japan..Should John McTierman Direct?

There were possible plot-points concerning Fox's Die Hard 6/Die Hardest revealed back in November. Screenwriter Ben Trebilcook revealed to WhatCulture that McClane would be invited by the Nakatomi Corporation to Japan for the 30th anniversary of the hostage crisis. Mentioning the tone would be more similar to the 90's film Rising Sun.

“I can say that McClane is invited to Tokyo by the Nakatomi Corporation to be commended for his bravery and efforts in saving 36 lives, celebrating this on the 30th anniversary of the Nakatomi Hostage Crisis,”

“It’s by no means 'Black Rain,' perhaps has a slight “Rising Sun” type tone. It’s also not a double-act buddy-buddy story. McClane began on his own and should end on his own. Of course he’s had assistance in various guises, aiding him in his ventures; but it’s not ‘Lethal Weapon’ or a Jackie Chan film.” 



He also talked that Zeus Carver (played by Samuel L. Jackson) from Die Hard With A Vengeance could be returning.

"My story, being set in Japan, obviously has Nakatomi playing an extremely significant role; in a way that.. well, it’s John McClane in Japan and if you’ve seen any Japanese movies or at least know anything about their culture at all, you know it would have a lot of potential to be nuts. It’s not Ichi The Killer, but it is crazy and as real as you can get in these realms. It’s violent, but not over the top nor unnecessarily Loony Tune like Olympus. It’s well researched, faithful to the franchise, yet giving a possible audience such a refreshing punch to the face, they’ll be saying ‘Wow. I really wasn’t expecting that.’ You want a nugget, don’t you? I’m pretty sure it’s out there. A few Japanese fans on Twitter put two and two together when I uploaded a picture of a Katana (Samurai Sword) with some kanji reading ‘Zeus’. Yes, I’ve written Zeus Carver in for Samuel L Jackson."

"Like I said before, it’s not a buddy-buddy script, but you can’t ignore him. Zeus played a major part in McClane’s life. They went through a lot together. They would certainly, without a doubt, still be in contact. A guy I know, Stel, wrote the 51st State (aka Formula 51) with Sam the Man. I put the idea to him and he said Sam would probably love to have a sword in a movie; that’s how you could woo him. Let’s say I have a Better Tomorrow 2 vibe. Have you seen that film? Tell you what else? Probably the best ‘Yippie Ki Yay’ one could ever hope for. "

There is now a bit more hinting to Jackson and Willis reuniting for the 6th installment, as LatinoReview tweets it could be happening. Stating the project is out to screenwriters, but will have to involve both Zeus and John in the film, the size of Zeus' role is unknown. This could mean that Fox has moved-on from Trebilcook, I'm sure dishing a majority of the plot wasn't a good move, on his part.

The last two installments hired two directors, that didn't really add anything to the franchise. There has only been one director that has returned to make a sequel, and that was John McTierman. He's arguably one of the greatest action directors of the 80s, helming other films such as Predator and The Hunt For Red October. John recently was released from prison (over some wire-tapping charges, which is ironic post-NSA scandal) and is ready to get back to work. Die Hard and Die Hard With A Vengeance are the strongest chapters, and were directed by McTierman. Having him return, considering all the elements which are expected to be in the film, would be a very smart move. I can see John taking all the familiar things and giving us a bigger/better action flick.

At one point it was rumored that Shane Black (Last Boy Scout, Lethal Weapon, Iron Man 3) would consult on the project, it's unknown how true this is. That said, Shane Black is being linked to the project and knowing how the buddy-film dynamic works, he'd knock it out of the park as well. It doesn't hurt that his last film earned $1.3 billion, and Doc Savage is still stuck in development.