Kevin Feige Shows-Up To Watch DOCTOR STRANGE Frontrunner Keanu Reeve Kick-Ass In JOHN WICK

We've seen a huge list of names attributed to Marvel's massive casting search for Doctor Strange. Names such as Ewan McGregor, Joaquin Phoenix, Jared Leto, Oscar Isaac, Keanu Reeves, Ethan Hawke, and the heat-magnet Matthew McConaughey (True Detective, Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar). While this might seem like an overload of actors circling for one role, this was the same case for Marvel finding an actor to play both Steve Rogers (Captain America) and Peter Quill (Star-Lord).

They are being extremely tough with their casting, and are likely trying to find someone good enough to take on the the important role. It's been said that Stephen Strange will eventually replace Tony Stark as the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A huge feat and Marvel needs to make this casting choice perfect, or this concept might not work as they planned.

TheWrap is now stating the search might be two three frontrunners with a couple still in the race for the lead role. Colin Farrell fresh-off landing the lead in HBO's True Detective is the newest name added to the mix. Previously linked actor Benedict Cumberbatch makes comeback and newly resurrected action star Keanu Reeves is apart the group as well. However, it might seem like one of these gentleman is wooing Marvel a bit more.




Marvel's Kevin Feige actually showed-up to a screening of Keanu's latest flick John Wick, with the actor and director in attendance. Which is being strongly compared to the action-level of the original Matrix, earning a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from early reviews. While it says a lot that Kevin would make such a public appearance to the film of an active casting candidate. It should be noted that Adrianne Palicki is also in the film, who takes the role of Avenger Mockingbird in the Agents of SHIELD series.

Palicki has confirmed there are plans for Bobbi to make the leap to films, which could mean she's already filmed scenes. It could be just the case of Kevin sporting one of his Marvel alumni. Another theory is that Keanu is actually the main frontrunner, and Feige wanted to see audience reaction to the film first-hand. Ever since it's screening at SXSW the buzz has been huge, and it continues to impress critics and moviegoers alike. This new life given to Reeve's recent foggy action career, could be the final bit of heat needed for him to land the role.

I've already suggested that Marvel work fast to get Wick director Chad Stahelski on a project, before other studios try to lock him into a franchise. This could also be the case of Feige trying to figure out if Chad would be a good fit at Marvel as well. Chad has gone from stuntman to second-unit director to feature director in such a small span of time, this kind of talent will be noticed by a major studio very soon. It's said that excellent word-of-mouth could see Wick earning a lot more than originally projected for it's opening weekend.



Keanu Reeves is actually one of the only actors candid about the process. Talking with Collider it actually sounded like this was the first time he had heard about being a fan-favorite for the role. This could have led to him getting his agent to talk to Marvel about the idea. Reeves is famously known for being against sequels, and a Marvel contract could scare him away. However, he recently mentioned on the Jimmy Kimmel Show that his favorite film experience was making the Matrix trilogy. Could this mean he's a bit more open to a franchise role, if he's sort of clued-in to the overall plan?

Let's not forget that Keanu Reeves has worked with Doctor Strange's director Scott Derrickson on The Day The Earth Stood Still.

Keanu Reeves Action Flick JOHN WICK Looks Like A Solid Return With First Trailer

We've been seeing an interesting trend of action films in 2014, low-level character-driven stories within the backdrop of the action genre. Basically, the anti-Michael Bay/Expendables are looking like they'll deliver the fun and dark humor known previously known for the genre. Movies like The Guest and The Equalizer are gathering a lot of buzz, and looks like Keanu Reeves next film John Wick could be similar. It's trailer is slick in a Collateral kind of way, and features Reeves as an ex-hit man who is forced out of retirement.

There are so many things I like about this trailer, hopefully this isn't just a well-cut trailer and the film delivers on the potential it's footage is showing us. It's director Chad Stahelski, is best known in Hollywood for working in the stunt department for decades. Being involved with films such as Point Break, The Crow, Matrix Trilogy, 300, The Wolverine, Hunger Games 1-2, Tron Legacy, Mr. And Mrs. Smith, V For Vendetta, Rambo, Live Free or Die Hard, Spider-Man 2, Iron Man 2, Killer Elite and Expendables 1-2. That background in amazing action sequences, could see this film becoming a cult-classic or a giant hit. Check out the first trailer below.

Adrianne Palicki Cast As Mockingbird For AGENTS OF SHIELD, Will She Show-Up In The Films?

Agents of SHIELD isn't the greatest thing to come from Marvel Studios, but they are at least trying their best for it's second season. They've added an impressive new lineup of actors which include comedian Patton Oswalt, Lucy Lawless (Xena, Battlestar Galactica) and Kyle MacLachlan (Dune, Twin Peaks). Another addition has been announced via THR, and it's kinda of a big deal. As Marvel has hired actress and former Wonder Woman, Adrianne Palicki to play super-spy Bobbi Morse, better known as Marvel heroine and SHIELD agent Mockingbird.

The big deal is that Mockingbird is the sometimes partner/love-interest to Clint Barton (Hawkeye), and actually has worked alongside the Avengers as a full-fledged member. It's possible the role could be just guest starring role for the television show, to give fans a solid character from the comics. I have to assume she might show-up in future films including Captain America 3 or Avengers installments. Since Mockingbird taking a role in the third Captain America film would make things a bit more diverse.

This is an interesting turn of events, considering Palicki had been in the running for role in Guardians of The Galaxy (rumored to be Gamora).

SOURCE: THR

HUNTSMAN And NINJA TURTLES Writer Set To Script G.I. JOE 3

THR reports that Evan Daughtery has been hired by the studio to take a crack at writing the screenplay for G.I. Joe 3. Daughtery is best known for writing Snow White And The Huntsman and adding re-writes to recent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot. Jon M. Chu is expected to return as it's director along with most of it's new cast such as Dwayne Johnson, Adrianne Palicki and franchise regular Ray Park. Chu is currently also putting together a Masters of The Universe film which still in the development phase. I'm curious to see if they'll be able to fix the blunder of how they handled the Baroness in Rise of Cobra, and bring her back with a new actress.

TO BE CONSIDERED: Actresses For Gamora Of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

While it looks like Marvel has possibly found their two Guardian of The Galaxy male leads with Chris Pratt (Starlord) and rumored addition Jason Momoa (Drax The Destroyer). The studio hasn't exactly made it clear who they want for Gamora the female side of the team. We've been hearing a couple of names linked which have been from mostly untested sources but could be believed. I'm going to list the rumored candidates and my own choices. It shouldn't be too long before trades and more in tuned blogs start digging. My own choices include a few names that have been previously linked to Marvel projects.

I've posted this a couple of times but the rumored list of names for Gamora include Gina Carano (Haywire, Female Expendables, Fast And Furious 6), Adrianne Palicki (Red Dawn, G.I. Joe: Retalation), Rosario Dawson (Trance, Death Proof, Sin City 1-2), Olivia Wilde (Tron Legacy, Rush), Rachel Nichols (Star Trek, Conan, G.I. Joe, Alias), Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation, Faster, Sessions, Falling Skies) and Kristanna Loken (Burn Notice, Terminator 3, L Word, Painkiller Jane).

MY CASTING SUGGESTIONS

GEMMA ARTERTON: Gemma (RockNRolla, Quantum of Solace) had been in the mix for roles in both Iron Man 2 and Iron Man 3 previously. Being linked for Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Maya Henson (Rebecca Hall). Not to mention in the running for lead parts in Prometheus and The Dark Knight Rises. She might have had a stumble with poor roles in films like Prince of Persia, Clash of The Titans and Witch Hunters but still manages to wrangle interesting smaller films like Alice Creed Byzantium and Runner Runner. I think with the right creative team she could finally deliver the goods.

ZOE SALDANA: Already making a name for herself starting with 2008's Star Trek reboot (with future Thor/Avengers star Chris Hemsworth) and it's sequel Star Trek Into Darkness (Benedict Cumberbatch who plays the villain is a fan favorite for Doctor Strange) coming this May. Zoe has also been apart of the biggest film ever made Avatar. While her performance was mostly motion capture it helped launch her international film career. Recently, Salanda has been taking more action focused roles in films such as the The Losers (alongside Cap/Avengers' Chris Evans and Thor's Idris Elba), Colombiana and Machete Kills.

JESSICA BROWN FINLAY: The British actress had been linked as a frontrunner for a female role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It's unknown if that part was for Sharon Carter the Downton Abbey actress is on their radar. Jessica also has a few working links with some Marvel actors such as Felicity Jones (Amazing Spider-Man 2) in Albatross, Michael Fassbender (X-Men First Class, X-Men Days of Future Past) in the short film Man On A Motorcycle, Terrence Howard (Iron Man) and Garrett Hedlund (Captain America/Guardians candidate) in Lullaby, William Hurt (Incredible Hulk) and Kevin Durand (Wolverine, Guardians?) in Winter's Tale. 

EMILIA CLARKE: Like Jessica, Emilia was linked for Winter Soldier. Her attachment to the Game of Thrones series makes her a very strong candidate. As her fellow almuni have nabbed roles in X-Men Days of Future Past (Peter Dinklage) and Guardians of The Galaxy (Jason Momoa). Marvel Studios even took it further by hiring GOT showrunner and director Alan Taylor for Thor: The Dark World. While it seems weird that Marvel would hire two cast members from the same TV series they have hired actors who have worked together previously for chemistry sake. 

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Set Photos Show Off Impressive Production Design

French Poster For G.I. JOE: RETALIATION

RUMOR: Adrianne Palicki, Rosario Dawson And Other Candidates For Gamora In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Take with the biggest grain of salt because this site hasn't proved creditable but MCU says they have a scoop concerning Guardians of The Galaxy. This time it concerns the female lead of Gamora who is the immortal adopted daughter of Thanos who ends up joining the Guardians. A whole heap of names have been linked male roles. Starting with Star-Lord that includes Joel Edgerton, Jack Huston, Lee Pace, Chris Lowell, Eddie Redmayne, Zachary Levi, Jim Sturgess, Michael Rosenbam, Sullivan Stapleton, Garrett Hedlund, James Marsden, Wes Bentley and Cam Gigandet. Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler were recently linked for comedic roles likely aimed for Rocket Raccoon and Cosmo. A small group of names were also mentioned for Drax such as Isaiah Mustafa (Old Spice Guy), Brian Patrick Wade (Generation Kill) and Dave Bautista (Riddick, Man With The Iron Fist). Michael Rooker (Walking Dead, Super, Slither, Henry) also seems game for any role that James is able to give him, Thanos anyone?

They "claim" that Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights, Red Dawn, G.I. Joe: Retaliation), Rosario Dawson (Trance, Sin City 1-2, Death Proof, 25th Hour), Rachel Nichols (Star Trek, Conan, G.I. Joe, Alias), Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation, Faster, Sessions, Falling Skies) and Kristanna Loken (Burn Notice, Terminator 3, L Word, Painkiller Jane) are going to audition for Gamora. Nothing is concrete here but three of these ladies have worked with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He had been the actor with the biggest profile in the running for Peter Quill/Star-Lord.

New Poster For Delayed G.I. JOE: RETALIATION

TMNT UPDATES: Jonathan Liebesman Talks, Rumors And Casting Ideas

TMNT creator Kevin Eastman is officially on board the reboot, giving the project more creditability. Kevin is contributing creatively while attending the development meetings with everyone involved with the film. Hopefully this means Kevin is also able to talk down terrible ideas and isn't just collecting a paycheck/producer credit for agreeing to everything others come up with. CBM was able to find this statement from Eastman speaking on the project. Besides Michael Bay, the rest of the creative team is decent enough which includes director Jonathan Liebesman (Battle: Los Angeles, Wrath of The Titans) along with writers Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol).

"Hey Guys, Sorry to have been away for so long--completely swamped with work--but it is some pretty exciting stuff. I had been invited to check out the TMNT film development by my friend Scott Mednick over the years, and a while back had a full look behind the curtian at what writers Appelbaum and Nemec, director Liebesman, and producer Bay are doing--and trust me--it IS AWESOME. I'm officially on board, and will share more as I'm allowed... thanks all!"

Director Jonathan Liebesman has also come out to defend the project as he gives a few statements to Collider during some press for his upcoming film Wrath of The Titans. He touches on the alien angle correcting fans that in the comics the ooze itself has an alien origin. Jonathan also hints that the turtles could have a motion capture process similar to The Rise of The Planet of The Apes. He also confirmed the film is expected to start shooting this September. Paramount has set the reboot with a release date of December 25th 2013.

“Whatever mythology we’re building on or expanding is coming from that guy, Kevin Eastman’s head, who created the Turtles in the first place. And so everything will tie in with the mythology; fans will be extremely excited with what we’re coming up with. A lot of it is stuff he’s wanted to do for a long time, but just hasn’t had the opportunity because now we have the budget and things on this film to expand it in the right way. And so, I’m happy that everyone is extremely passionate, and they will not be disappointed. It’s all coming from the best possible place for this franchise.”


“All I’ll say is that I love how they did [The Rise of the Planet of the Apes]. That was exceptional.”


“We’re definitely into the action, but for me what’s more important than that is that it’s a story about brotherhood and friendship and responsibility. Right now, I’m with the characters because those are what attracted me to the movie. They’re the best characters I’ll have had a chance to deal with.”

News of shorter working title for the reboot is being reported by BleedingCool which is likely to adhere to the recent development of the turtles being aliens. The site says that new title could end up being just NINJA TURTLES. They also speculate the title change might lead to the teenage angle of the turtles being axed as well.


A few other tidbits have been circling the interwebs lately as well. One rumor previous to the quotes posted by the director, points to the use of motion capture. Adding onto that is we might be seeing well known actors taking on the roles of the turtles, voicing and doing the mo-cap themselves. The biggest issue with the original films were that the turtles were played by stuntmen in costumes while voice actors dubbed the lines later on. The performances were sort of buggy and never really connected the way April or Casey did.



CASTING THOUGHTS

THE TURTLES: It sounds like the casting of the turtles may end up being a motion capture performance meaning that we won't be seeing the actors' faces on screen. With this in mind I believe actors that should be looked at include John Boyega (Attack The Block), Evan Peters (Kick-Ass, American Horror Story), Kyle Gallner (Jennifer's Body, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Red State) and Jamie Campbell Bower (Deathly Hollows 1-2, Sweeney Todd, Twilight Series). This is of course is still with the understanding the characters are going be teenagers. With the title changed to Ninja Turtles it's unknown for sure they'll be looking at younger actors for the roles.

ADRIANNE PALICKI AS APRIL O'NEIL: Adrianne (Friday Night Lights) has taken more action roles lately with films like the Red Dawn remake and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. Her connection with Paramount could lead to her at least testing for the part. Considering Michael Bay's terrible history of hiring actresses based on looks rather than talent, Palicki would be a compromise. As April is really the only main human character in the franchise she needs an actual actress playing her. With Palicki in the role if she has action scenes she'll at least look she can handle herself. It's unknown if they'll go with April being a reporter or a computer programmer but the important thing is they need to include her.

JARED PADALECKI AS CASEY JONES: Casey Jones might be a fan favorite but he doesn't get too much screentime in the franchise. It's unknown if he'll even be in the reboot as the vigilante might be saved for latter films as it's rumored Shredder and the foot might not be in this first installment. He's been used as the love interest of April along with being a sidekick for the Turtles. Jared Palicki looks the part and has a connection with Platinum Dunes starring in their remake of Friday The 13th. He has enough of a female fanbase from Supernatural that leans him towards the heartthrob category.

LANCE REDDICK AS DR. BAXTER STOCKMAN: Dr. Baxter Stockman is another side character but one of the most notable human characters in the franchise before his own mutation. In the comics he created the Mousers with the help of April O'Neil who was his computer programmer. Leading to her first encounter with the turtles. If the reboot is meant to tell the origins of April as well I expect to at least see a cameo from Baxter. Lance Reddick of the Wire and Fringe hasn't made a giant splash on the big screen yet. While his Wire co-stars Dominic West and Idris Elba have already dipped their toes in the blockbuster genre. Baxter seems like a complex enough character that could attract Reddick to the franchise.

Ray Stevenson, Adrianne Palicki & Joe Mazeello Join G.I. Joe 2

Deadline reports the new addition of Joe Mazzello to G.I. Joe 2, best known for his role as Tim in Jurassic Park. Yet more recently has earned praise for his work in the HBO series The Pacific along with his supporting role in The Social Network. Other previous additions included Ray Stevenson set to play Cobra villain Firefly and Adrianne Palicki (Red Dawn) taking the role of Lady Jaye.

RUMOR: Wonder Woman Movie Abandoned for TV Show?

With the success of Marvel Comics films, DC Comics has been desperately making efforts to keep things competitive in Hollywood and cash in on America’s resurrected love of graphic novels. Justice League’s Wonder Woman has been a film that DC Comics have been working on developing of over the past three years. From Megan Fox, to Amber Heard and even Jessica Biel many names have been rumored and attached to the film, that has recently been abandon. But fear not, Friday Night Lights Adrianne Palicki is taking over…in a new TV series. A Wonder Woman television show is currently in pre-production and is expected to air its pilot on NBC soon. So for those of you who were hoping to see a Justice League movie or even a Wonder Woman movie any time soon, unfortunately with the development of this show, its very unlikely.