Sony Wanted Phil Lord And Chris Miller To Replace Marc Webb For AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 3

Another piece of information confirms how badly Sony wants Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Lego Movie, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street, 22 Jump Street) involved with their Spider-Man franchise. An email leaked from October via TheDailyBeast has the co-president of production talking about the directing pair replacing Marc Webb on Amazing Spider-Man 3. Granted this was back in October, but we also have emails with Sony wanting them to handle an animated film.

Producer Jeff Robinov pitched a reboot idea to Sony which included a massive wish-list of creatives and directors. Lord/Miller just happened to be among those names, it's likely the studio darlings could be at the top of the pack and could be pitched to during this summit in January. All signs are seemingly pointing to these two being Sony's choice.

SOURCE: DAILYBEAST

Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Brad Bird And Lord/Miller On Sony's List To Reboot SPIDER-MAN

TheDailyBeast has picked-up on the biggest news concerning Sony's Spider-Man reboot. A list of directors and writers that could help pump new blood into the failing franchise. The email from November between Amy Pascal and producer Jeff Robinov (Her, Don Jon, The Master) suggests the reboot rehashing the origin (something we don't want a third time). Including a wish-list of directors who feels he could reboot the franchise with. Robinov isn't the only producer making a pitch to Sony, we know The Russo Brothers have also made an offer.

Below is the crazy awesome list of director hopefuls Robinov was considering.

Brad Bird, Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee (Frozen), Damien Chazelle (Whiplash), Joe Cornish (Attack the Block), Glenn Ficarra & John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love), James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), Don Hall & Chris Williams (Big Hero 6), Phil Lord & Chris Miller (The LEGO Movie), Joachim Rønning & Espen Sandberg (Kon-Tiki), Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World), Edgar Wright, and David Yates, of Harry Potter franchise fame.

I think Edgar Wright might be done with Marvel properties for while and Brad Bird is wishful thinking. However, we do have confirmation Wright is a fan, as seen above rocking a Spidey halloween costume.

James Gunn is an interesting one, mainly because Spider-Man villain Venom has connections to both Guardians of The Galaxy and Thunderbolts. The latter team could get a film if Gunn got his way, as he's been mulling-over a potential feature adaptation. It's unknown if will be ever happen, but it's to think what Gunn could do with the Spider-Verse and connecting it to the MCU. It's just unlikely since he's way too busy with getting a Guardians sequel ready for May 2017.

I'm sort of rooting for Phil Lord and Chris Miller here, since they've proved the can handle all types of comedy and action with Lego Movie, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs and Jump Street. Sony has been trying to get the pair to run their animation division, along with making an animated Spidey film. Having excellent relationship with Sony could help them greatly moving forward. If Marvel does or doesn't help with the new films, I think they could collaborate greatly with those producers. The directors get characters, diversity, gender-equality, action sequences and comedy. If you ask me the perfect type of creatives to handle a reboot like this.

Will Lord/Miller get the bump from Sony to make the live-action reboot?

Jeff Robinov's new origin pitch would have a direct connection to Kraven The Hunter, a fan-favorite villain who has never made it into the films. Kraven is expected for the lineup for Drew Goddard's Sinister Six lineup. He's also suggesting that Spider-Man become an adult, is this where Ryan Gosling fits in?

I might suggest looking at what is widely thought to be the most beloved Spider-Man storyline of all time – “Kraven’s Last Hunt” – which ran across Amazing Spider-Man #293-294, Spectacular Spider-Man #131-132, and Web of Spider-Man #31-32. (In fact, Comic Book Resources polled their readers in 2012, and this storyline was voted as the single greatest Spider-Man storyline of all time.) 

In it, Kraven the Hunter tracks down Spider-Man, shoots him repeatedly, and leaves him for dead, buried underground. He then dons a Spider-Man costume and savagely starts attacking criminals.

SOURCE: DAILYBEAST

Fox Hires ROBCOP Scribe For GAMBIT, Channing Tatum Confirmed And Ruben Fleischer Directing?

Deadline is reporting that Fox is indeed moving forward with the X-Men spin-off Gambit. Also confirming that Channing Tatum (22 Jump Street, Foxcatcher) will take the title role and also produce the film. They've hired Robocop screenwriter Josh Zetumer to work on the film's script, which is based on a treatment from X-Men comic writer Chris Claremont. X-Men Days of Future Past was highly influenced by the comics of the same name, that Claremont wrote in the 80s.

For some reason they included an image of director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Gangster Squad, 30 Mintues Or Less) in the article. Could this mean he's in the mix to direct? The writers/creators of Zombieland penned Deadpool, so it's possible that's the connection. Ruben currently doesn't have any projects about to go into production, but did announce plans to make Zombieland 2. Ruben has been in the running for other action blockbusters such as Mission Impossible 4, Ghosbusters 3, Ant-Man and Man of Steel. Being in the mix wouldn't surprise us. However, Deadline only provides an image and doesn't explain why it's there.








SOURCE: DEADLINE

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

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

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

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

SOURCE: NIKKIFINKE

Channing Tatum Wants To Play An Authentic Gambit In Future X-MEN Films

You have to hand it to dancer turned actor Channing Tatum, he's had a massive career boost in the last two years. From taking a mature path in films like Haywire and Magic Mike. Along with reinventing himself as a comedian with roles in 21 Jump Street (with a sequel on the way) and This Is The End. Can we now add mutant superhero to that list? During press (via SlashFilm) for White House Down the actor mentioned a love for the X-Men character Gambit and his desire to play him in the future.

"I would like to play Gambit. Gambit’s my favorite. I’m from New Orleans, around that area. My dad’s from New Orleans, and I like to do a Cajun accent. I could do it for real. No knock on Taylor Kitsch, though, ’cause I actually like his Gambit, but I’ve always lived around Cajun people. [...] Gambit was always like the woman-loving, cigarette-smoking, drinking [guy]. He was the punk rock of all the superheroes. He’s a thief. He kind of rode the line."

While some might be hesitant to allow him a shot, I'd be happy if he landed the role. Considering the passion for the character and connection to Louisiana the actor has. Post-Days of Future Past we don't have an exact idea of where Fox wants to go with the mainstream X-Men team. Jeff Wadlow's X-Force could leave a door open for Gambit to appear but it's unlikely since that lineup might include canon members such as Cable, Deadpool, Warpath, Domino, Psylocke and others. That said, nothing would stop Fox from adding him to whatever happens next with the X-Men and First Class franchises.

Mila Kunis And Channing Tatum Wanted For Wachowskis' Jupiter Ascending

Deadline reports that The Wachowskis/Warner Bros. have offered the two leads for Jupiter Ascending to Mila Kunis (Black Swan, Oz The Great And Powerful) and Channing Tatum (Haywire, 21 Jump Street). Channing recently gained some credibility with his comedic turn in 21 Jump Street and the studio might be betting on the fact he had two number one films so far this year. Tatum had been a candidate for The Man From UNCLE before Soderbergh exited and Guy Ritchie came on as a producer. Not too long ago Natalie Portman was wanted for the female lead so it's not surprising to see her Black Swan co-star also in the running.

Production is expected later this year but details about the film are unknown except that is indeed a science fiction project.  It will be interesting to see how close this movie will be compared to The Matrix or Cloud Atlas which the Wachowskis co-directed with Tom Tykwer. We have to assume that the title suggests a space theme but it could just the name of a lead character.

Sex Tape Might Get A Director, Ellie Kemper Needs To Co-Star

Variety reports that Jake Kasdan best known for directing Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and Bad Teacher in talks to helm Sex Tape for Sony. The comedy from screenwriter Kate Angelo focuses on a married couple who decide to spice things up by making their own sex tape. They wake the next morning only to find it's missing and scramble around the city trying to find it before it ends up online or in the hands of someone they know.

Currently Jason Segel is the only actor attached to the film. However, I'm putting it out to Sony that they need to cast Ellie Kemper in the second lead. Kemper is best known for scene stealing supporting roles in The Office, Bridesmaids and the recent hit 21 Jump Street. It would be in the studio's best interest to develop Ellie into a comedic leading lady and give her a shot at the role. The only problem is that Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Rose Byrne, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Garner are in the mix. My hope is that with Kasdan's love for casting Office regulars he might want Ellie to test with Jason.

Michael Bacall And Jonah Hill To Write 21 Jump Street Sequel

21 Jump Street was just released today and it's already projected to open with around 30+ million this weekend. Sony Pictures has now according to Variety asked writers Michael Bacall (Scott Pilgrim, Project X) and Jonah Hill to start work on the sequel. Nothing is confirmed but it's expected that Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum will be return. However, supporting actors like Ellie Kemper, Ice Cube, Nick Offerman, Dave Franco, Rob Riggle and Brie Larson might not be returning. The directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller will likely be asked to come back but it's unknown if they'll sign on.

Currently the film has a 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes which could make this the must see comedy of the year. I haven't seen this but I haven't heard too many people knocking it. It's been a while since we've seen a comedy franchise and if successful 21 Jump Street could be first one from the Apatow guys.

Michael Bacall Joins Django Unchained

Michael Bacall is slightly better known as screenwriter writing for films like Scott Pilgrim, 21 Jump Street and Project X. Yet, he's also been acting since the 80's. You're likely more to recognize him from bit parts in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds and Death Proof than anything else he's done. So with Tarantino's American set Django Unchained already well into it's production Bacall was recently asked by ScreenCave (via ThePlaylist) if he'd be showing up in the film. Michael confirmed that he would be. It's another returning Tarantino player that I'm excited to see back in the saddle.

Funny As Hell Red Band Trailer For 21 Jump Street

Ellie Kemper Joins 21 Jump Street

Variety reports Ellie Kemper (The Office, Bridesmaids) has joined 21 Jump Street. The film stars Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum Brie Larson, Ice Cube, Rob Riggle, Dave Franco, Johnny Simmons, Dakota Johnson, Jake M. Johnson and DeRay Davis with a cameo from Johnny Depp. It's expected to be more in the realm of the Apatow comedies rather than a homage to the original series.

Brie Larson Replaces Emma Stone In 21 Jump Street

Deadline reports that Brie Larson (United States of Tara) has come on to replace Emma Stone as the female lead in 21 Jump Street. Stone had to bow out of the production to focus on Spider-Man. Larson is quickly becoming a more exposed actress herself landing roles in Rampart and Scott Pilgrim.

The film already boats a decent cast which includes Jonah Hill who is doubling as the film's writer with Channing Tatum and Ice Cube. The film is based on the 80's television series which young police officers posed as undercover high school students to bust drug deals and other criminals. Johnny Depp got his start in Hollywood on the show and has mentioned he'd love to do a cameo in the film.

Emma Stone Offered Role In 21 Jump Street

 Emma Stone is becoming the new "it" girl in the world of comedies. It doesn't hurt that she delivers on the funny and charm. Her recent film Easy A opened number two last weekend. Not bad considering the indie comedy only cost $8 million to make. She's now been offered the lead role in 21 Jump Street according to Variety. The role would see Stone re-team with her Superbad co-star Jonah Hill (Get Him To The Greek) who also wrote the film. Johnny Depp has joked about doing a cameo for the film which is based on the television show that made him a teen idol.