Chiwetel Eijofor Conjuring Role In Marvel's DOCTOR STRANGE

The Hollywood Reporter is hearing that Marvel is currently courting Oscar nominee Chiwetel Eijofor (12 Years A Slave, Serenity, Children of Men) for an unnamed role in Scott Derrickson's Doctor Strange.

The Wrap is suggesting the role isn't villainous, which might be going to Civil War's Daniel Brunhl said to be playing baddies in both films.

Which means it could be one of three roles The Ancient One, Wong or Brother Voodoo.

Kevin Feige has confirmed that Strange would be opening a whole new world within the Marvel cinematic universe. Like Guardians opened the cosmic side, Strange would open the mystical side of the universe. This could mean the film might be acting as a launching film for other big characters.

Brother Voodoo seems like a character that would be on equal footing with Stephen Strange and could even eventually land his own film. Remember, Voodoo did fight evil alongside Strange and did take the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme from Stephen.

Chiwetel was a fan-favorite for both Black Panther and Doctor Strange roles, but obviously didn't land those parts. Perhaps, Marvel is making it up to fans by trying to land him for another part in the MCU.

You might remember that Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel shared some scenes together in 12 Years A Slave. He also has connections with Joss Whedon playing the villain in his Firefly film Serenity.



SOURCE: THR

Chiwetel Ejiofor And Sean Bean Join Ridley Scott's THE MARTAIN

Deadline is reporting that actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave, Children of Men) has landed a a part in Ridley Scott's The Martian. British badass Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, Patriot Games, Goldeneye, Lord of The Rings, Ronin) will also have a role in the sci-fi flick. The rest of the cast includes Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Jeff Daniels and Donald Glover. I'm actually more excited for this project than the upcoming release of Exodus: Gods and Kings. 20th Century Fox has set the release date for November 25th, 2015.


SOURCE: DEADLINE

Toby Kebbell In Talks For BEN-HUR Villain Messala

Variety reports that Toby Kebbell is in talks to play villain Messala in Timur Bekmambetov's remake of Ben-Hur. Jack Huston is in the title role with Morgan Freeman in a supporting role as well. Production is about to begin in Europe next year. And it's casting at the moment is beyond impressive. Interesting enough the script was penned by Oscar winner John Ridley (12 Years A Slave, Three Kings, Red Tails) and Keith Clarke (The Way Back).  The epic's release date is set for February 26th, 2016.

Toby played ape villain Koba played in the massive summer hit Dawn of The Planet of The Apes. Koba was actually one of my favorite blockbuster villains of the year, and it's mainly due to his motion capture performance. Director Matt Reeves has actually teased his return in the third film, which could mean Kebbell might be apart of that franchise for a while. This must have led to his casting as Dr. Doom in Josh Trank's Fantastic Four reboot, and we're highly anticipating seeing some footage of Toby as the iconic Marvel baddie. He also recently wrapped production on Duncan Jones's Warcraft for Legendary.

SOURCE: VARIETY

Lupita Nyong'o And Gwendoline Christine Join STAR WARS EPISODE VII

We officially have more ladies joining the cast of J.J. Abrams' Star Wars Episode VII. There had been a bit of controversy, when Daisy Ridley was the only new female addition to the cast, among six new male cast members. A total of two actresses with eleven actors, was a bit embarrassing and earned a bit of backlash during the original casting announcement.

The pair of ladies couldn't be better and will be exciting additions to the franchise. First, we have Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong'o (Non-Stop, 12 Years A Slave), who had been rumored for meetings since the winter. The second is rising Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christine, who also recently filmed a role in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

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

SOURCE: LUCASFILM

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

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

Benedict Cumberbatch Joins Steve McQueen's '12 YEARS A SLAVE'

Steve McQueen's (Hunger, Shame) 12 Years A Slave is quickly gathering one impressive cast as ShowBlitz reports Benedict Cumberbatch has landed a role. The rest of the cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Scott McNairy, Taran Killam, Ruth Negga, and Adepero Oduye. The film is based on the memoirs of Solomon Northup, a free black man who, in 1841, was captured by men that sold him into slavery, and was only freed after earning the attention of a Canadian carpenter.

Brad Pitt Joins Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave

ScreenDaily reports that Brad Pitt will have a role in Steve McQueen's (Hunger, Shame) 12 Years A Slave. Pitt's Plan B is producing the project that already stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and McQueen's golden boy Michael Fassbender.

Brad is currently having a great wave of projects that he's been choosing by director. I've been anticipating his upcoming projects World War Z, Cogan's Trade and 12 Years A Slave is no exception. This will also be his fourth straight project based on a novel. While his role in the film is unknown he previously worked alongside Fassbender in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds.

Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave Adds Fassbender

ShowBlitz originally reported that Steve McQueen's next film would be 12 Years A Slave. It tells the true story of Solomon Northrup, a New York citizen who’s kidnapped in Washington in 1841 and rescued from a cotton plantation in Louisiana in 1853. Chiwetel Ejiofor (Children Of Men) is playing the lead role and is slowly developing a serious acting presence similar to Michael Fassbender. McQueen is looking to add his good luck charm as Variety reports Fassbender is going to have a role in the film.

Steve McQueen came out of nowhere for me when his stunning film Hunger was released a few years ago. It was a excellent debut film for the new writer/director and it showed off Michael Fassbender's serious dramatic acting chops. Their latest film Shame is looking like it could be the film to beat during award season. The paring of McQueen and Fassbender is being compared to the early relationship of Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, which is fair to say.