Writers Ed Solomon And Noah Hawley Hired For Unnamed Universal Monster Movies

Universal is moving forward world-building their horror universe with their iconic Universal Monsters. Dracula, The Mummy and The Wolfman are already set for the franchise. Dracula played by Luke Evans has already come and gone with Dracula Untold, and will be seen in other films in the future. The Mummy directed by Alex Kurtzman is about to head into production, and The Wolfman has a writer with Aaron Guzikowski (Prisoners).

THR has even more news concerning more writers joining the universe. As Ed Solomon and Noah Hawley have been tasked to write for unnamed projects for the studio. Solomon is best known for his work on Men In Black and Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure. Ed also recently worked on Now You See Me and was planning on doing rewrites on Alex Kurtzman's Venom movie at Sony. It's possible that Ed is working on The Mummy because of working with Alex previously, or it's something else entirely. Fargo writer Noah Hawely is also in the mix and seems like a good fit for these films.

The other films in the works include The Invisible Man, Van Helsing, Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. We know that Guillermo del Toro has sort of reserved Frankenstein for himself, I would also assume he would want more control over the script as well. Since it's passion project for the filmmaker, I assume it'll be next for him after he completes production of Pacific Rim 2.

The Invisible Man seems like the next logical project to move forward with. Since, the studio will likely wait for del Toro to direct Frankenstein and you need that go first before Bride happens. I feel like with Noah Hawely's background on Bones and Fargo, it might be a dark character that he can write for extremely well.

Oddly enough, Guillermo was also interested in making a new Val Helsing film with Tom Cruise in the lead role. That seemed to be a bit more interesting, and I wouldn't be too shocked if this how we get our modern Dracula film. I don't doubt that this could be good stomping grounds for Solomon, interchanging hunting aliens for monsters wouldn't be too hard for him.

Luke Evans is indeed set to return for more films as tortured vampire, and it was confirmed via a button scene at the end of Dracula Untold with Evans in modern London. He could also bleed over to The Mummy and The Wolfman as well, becoming the monster that connects all the films.


SOURCE: THR

SINISTER SIX And VENOM Happening Before SPIDER-MAN 4, Is One Coming In 2018?

It looks like the Spider-Man spin-offs are now high priority at Sony, only with Spider-Man 3. How important are they? Well Sony's Matt Tolmach told DenOfGeek they are putting Amazing Spider-Man 4 on hold, until they figure out what they are doing with Amazing Spider-Man 3, Venom and The Sinister Six. Focusing their energies on making the two spin-offs before the fourth installment.

"Before we know what we do with Spider-Man 4, we're going to do Sinister Six, Venom and Spider-Man 3. There is going to be a lot of crossover in those movies. So we're just not at Spider-Man 4, because we still have a whole other Spider-Man movie and two other movies. So we don't know yet what [Spider-Man 4] is going to be" 

The third movie is still set for release in June 2016, but Venom and Sinister Six are happening before the fourth movie. Given that that spot is highly valued at Sony, either three could take the May 2018 spot. Bumping-up the spin-offs to 2016 and 2017, before Amazing Spider-Man 3 in 2018 could make for an interesting third film. As it stands Drew Goddard (Daredevil, World War Z, Cabin In The Woods) is writing and directing The Sinister Six, while Alex Kurtzman (Star Trek 1-2, Lost, Transformers) will be writing and directing Venom. Marc Webb is expected to direct Spider-Man 3, but has not committed to making the fourth film.

SOURCE: DENOFGEEK

Sony Announces Directors For VENOM And SINISTER SIX Spin-Off Films

Sony announced today that they will indeed be moving forward with two Amazing Spider-Man spin-off movies, Venom which has been in development for years and one focusing the villain supergroup The Sinister Six. They went on to confirm new writers and directors for both projects, this comes off the recent reports that Sony was hinting to creating their own expanded Marvel Cinematic Universe with the Spider-Man characters.

Director Marc Webb and producer Avi Arad will head up the brain trust of the franchise which will see Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner (Fringe, Alias, Lost), Ed Solomon (Men In Black, Super Mario Bros, Charlie's Angels, Bill And Ted, Now You See Me) and Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods, Daredevil)  pen the scripts for the films, Kurtzman and Orci currently are involved with Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), Amazing Spider-Man 3 (2016) and Amazing Spider-Man 4 (2017). Nothing says this trust will stop at two spin-off films as there are plenty of characters that could get their own movies such as Black Cat, Morbius The Living Vampire (if they own the rights to him) and future set Spider-Man 2099 (think Star Trek Into Darkness or Minority Report with superheroes).

Alex Kurtzman is actually attached to direct Venom, which is a bit of a shocker since he's only made one film People Like Us, that didn't do so well with critics or box office as it wasn't able to even make back it's tiny $16 million dollar budget (even though Star Trek's Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks starred). Josh Trank (Chronicle) had originally been attached to direct but his commitments to Fox's Fantastic Four reboot might have led to his replacement. It also sounds like the studio is tossing the script from Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese (Deadpool, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Zombieland). Alex has been better known as an accomplished writer helping pen scripts for Hercules, Xena, Alias, The Island, The Legend of Zorro, MI3, Transformers, Star Trek, Cowboys And Aliens, Fringe and Edge of Tomorrow. It will be interesting to see which host they'll turn to for the movie, Eddie Brock has been established with the viral campaign but the more heroic Flash Thompson is the current incarnation of the villain turned hero.

While Drew Goddard will direct The Sinister Six, this not being his first venture into the Marvel world. He's currently working on Marvel Studios' Daredevil Netflix pilot that he'll write and direct, Drew will also act as the series Showrunner. Besides being a writer at Lost, Drew co-wrote Cabin In The Woods with Joss Whedon which he also directed. Not unlike Alex, he has a longstanding record as a writer also helping pen scripts for Buffy, Angel, Lost, Alias, Cloverfield (and it's untitled) sequel along with last-minute rewrites to World War Z.

The final lineup hasn't been revealed but it looks like Harry/Green Goblin will be it's leader, as it's been teased he's behind creating the villains (such as Electro and Rhino). Other additions could include The Vulture, Doc Ock and possibly a cat-burglar with a bit of sweet-spot for Spider-Man. There had been previous hints that Black Cat could be involved with the group, if she does make the cut in this spin-off it might set her up as Spidey's side-kick/love interest in future films. It's possible that other members such as Kraven The Hunter or Mysterio won't be hinted to or cameo in the film.



No release or production start dates have been announced but it's possible we could see one of two spin-offs eye an 2015 release date. As 2015 won't have a Spider-Man title released in that year.

Sony Rehires AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 Writers To Work On AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 3 Script

THR reports that Sony has hired screenwriters to start work on Amazing Spider-Man 3. They've brought back Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jeff Pinkner, who wrote Amazing Spider-Man 2. Nothing is really known about the third film for sure, but it's been hinted that the death of Gwen, Green Goblin, an introduction to Mary Jane Watson and The Sinister Six could be involved. The film will be released on June 10th, 2016 with Andrew Garfield and others expected to reprise their roles.

MAMA Director Andres Muschietti Wanted For THE MUMMY Reboot

Universal caught a bit of a break when Underworld/Total Recall director Len Wiseman dropped out of the directing job for their Mummy reboot. THR reports the studio is now looking at Andres Muschietti to direct the film. Which makes a lot of sense since he gave the studio the surprise hit Mama earlier this year and have been begging him to make a sequel. An actual horror director is what the film always needed and it looks like it will at least have some legitimate scares.

The project has Jon Spaihts (Prometheus) handling the film's script which will be set in present day. I'm guessing we'll have to wait and see if Guillermo del Toro puts his name to the project as an executive producer. No word if Legendary Pictures will be handling the production, like they will be on the studios' Dracula reboot.

Could We See STAR TREK 3 Released In 2016?

DigitalSpy has spoken to Star Trek producer Bryan Burk about the possibility of the next Star Trek film being released in time for Trek's 50th anniversary (1966 - 2016) in 2016. A similar marketing campaign used to help the promote the release of Skyfall which also fell on Bond's 50th anniversary. Depending on when production begins on Episode VII (hopefully by the end of the year) it could actually all work out. Allowing Abrams enough time to make both films, if Disney and Paramount can figure out how to share the director's time. Even if he doesn't return to direct, J.J. and Bad Robot will stay on as producers.

Digital Spy: Given that the Gene Roddenberry series debuted in 1966 and we’ve just had a huge Bond 50-year anniversary celebration – has Paramount been talking to you about making a 2016 release date for the next Star Trek film?

Bryan Burk: We’re definitely talking about the next one, but we haven’t talked about a release date. We don’t want to wait four years, the same amount of time between the last one and this one, but it’s going to be a big year to celebrate, hopefully.


To say Paramount is hot to make another film is an understatement. The studio already sees dollar signs as curious Trek and Star Wars fans will be both dying to see what Abrams has done with Into Darkness. Along with the general audience who should be dazzled by the marketing campaign. The Trek fans are invested because it's expected to be bigger and more action driven than the last installment. Star Wars fans will be analyzing the film piece by piece to discover if Abrams is the right person to take over the franchise from a very tired George Lucas.

Abrams' commitments to Star Wars might put him out of the picture for Star Trek 3. Actually, that might not be the case. If they're aiming for a 2016 release date it could allow Abrams enough time to at least complete principle photography because ILM comes in to fill in the special effects. Giving a window in late 2014 or 2015 too shoot photography on Trek 3 allowing for a possible release in 2016 (Summer or Winter). The only issue at the moment the film's writers aren't exactly talking up a script for a third installment beyond ideas and possible outlines.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 3 Confirmed By Sony?

Collider has got ahold of Sony's official press release for actor Dane DeHaan joining the cast of Amazing Spider-Man 2. The new bit is that the headline of the release has "AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TRILOGY" which is the first time Sony has confirmed there will be three films. Giving us the impression the studio is already working on plans for Amazing Spider-Man 3.

Director Marc Webb has teased that this is a three part story but nothing had been set in stone. No word on a release date but Amazing Spider-Man 3 come out around May 2016. Writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness) have jumped into the franchise with Amazing Spider-Man 2. I'd assume if the studio is happy with their script I'm sure they'll be on board for the third installment as well.

Len Wiseman To Direct THE MUMMY Reboot

Deadline reports that action junkie Len Wiseman (Underworld, Die Hard 4, Total Recall) will direct The Mummy reboot for Universal. The site reveals the reboot won't be a period film like the successful trilogy. It will be a present day set horror flick removing the comedy elements of the other films. Giving us a "darker and scarier" take on the classic monster movie. Wiseman will be bringing his excellent visual presence and flare for action sequences. While the scary script will be handled by Jon Spaiths who recently wrote Prometheus for Fox.

SPECULATION: Black Cat To Appear In Amazing Spider-Man 2?

There is speculation that we could finally see Spidey get a crime fighting partner in Amazing Spider-Man 2. In the new film's video game the infamous Black Cat comes into play and seems to give the impression that she will make an appearance in future films. Sony had been calling the shots with what made it in this connected game so the chances are good. This has led to rumblings online that Black Cat could be making her way into the sequel.

One of the biggest problems with the Spider-Man film mythology is that Parker ends up getting his ass handed to him by every villain. It would be fresh to see him finally partner up with one of the few other heroes in the Spidey universe. Considering a decent amount of characters in this world are at Sony's disposal but have yet to be used in the movies. Now that Marvel Studios has created their own Marvel universe it would be nice to see Sony attempt this with their Spider-Man characters. The few other heroes include Scarlet Spider/Kaine (clones of Peter Parker), Morbius The Living Vampire (rights could be with Marvel), mercenary Silver Sable, along with anti-heroes Scream and Venom (getting spin-off film).

Black Cat is the secret identity of New York socialite Felicia Hardy, who just happens to be a friend of Peter Parker and moonlights as a cat bugler. While she turns out to be a villain at first her new interest in Spidey makes her change sides to win his heart. Considering the limited amount of Marvel heroines in these films it would be a welcomed change to the cliched damsel in distress.

This isn't hard to believe since the character Felicia Hardy had been wanted for Sam Raimi's axed Spider-Man 4. io9 had word actresses such as Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes) and Romola Garai (Atonement, The Last Days of Mars) had been rumored for the role. Anne Hathaway had been cast in Spider-Man 4 as the daughter of The Vulture which might have been turned out her becoming Black Cat. Of course the film was scrapped and Anne ended up landing the role of Catwoman in the The Dark Knight Rises. Considering the ages of the new leads I'm sure if they do end up casting the role they might go a bit younger.

Kurtzman/Orci Tapped By Universal For 'MUMMY' And 'VAN HELSING' Reboots, Tom Cruise Could Play Helsing

It looks like Universal really believes in the writing power of Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci even after the disastrous Cowboys And Aliens. Deadline reports the two have been given a first-look deal giving them the chance to contribute to any projects that the studio for the next two years. The writing duo has had massive success with films like Star Trek, The Island and Transformers. They were recently tasked by Sony to start rewrites on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and will likely end up writing Star Trek 3 for Paramount eventually. The first projects they've been tasked by the studio to write include horror reboots of The Mummy and Van Helsing. The Mummy reboot already has Jon Spaihts (Prometheus) working on the script but it looks like they're moving forward with rewrites, a good sign it's a priority.

Originally, Universal had Guillermo del Toro set to write, direct and produce a new gritty horror take on Van Helsing. The legendary nemesis of Count Dracula who has been played by iconic actors like Peter Cushing and Anthony Hopkins. It was the studio's hope to erase the horrible Van Helsing film from Stephen Sommers (who also made two Mummy films). Tom Cruise had been attached for the Helsing role back when Guillermo was going to direct. It seems that Cruise is still wanted for the role. The only thing is that he has All You Need Is Kill, Top Gun 2 and Mission: Impossible 5 likely to go into production first.

Alex Kurtzman And Roberto Orci Hired To Rewrite 'AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2'

Deadline reports that Sony Pictures have hired writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci to do some rewrites on The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Director Marc Webb is set to return for the sequel along with cast members Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. James Vanderbilt (Zodiac), who wrote the first film had been writing the sequel but it looks like Sony wants more development on it. The screenwriting duo are best known for writing the two new Star Trek films along with actions films like The Island, Cowboys And Aliens and MI3. That said, they also contributed to trainwrecks like the first Transformers films. It will be interesting to see what direction the second film will go. Amazing Spider-Man 2 is expected to start shooting in the first quarter of 2013 with a May 2nd 2014 release date.

Their involvement gives me the impression that sequel will be bigger and more action packed than this first film. I have to believe that they'll continue giving us Spidey villains we haven't seen. Spencer Smythe and his robotic Spider-Slayers could very well be antagonists of the sequel. Considering the screenwriters background is in science fiction and robots focused films. The slayers were funded by J. Jonah Jameson and created by Smythe a robotic scientist. There were many different versions of the robots so it could be interesting to see these drones alongside another Spidey baddie perhaps Kraven or Green Goblin.

Hailee Steinfeld Joins Ender's Game

ShowBlitz reports that True Grit breakout star Hailee Steinfeld is in final talks to take the role of Petra Arkanian in Ender's Game. Steinfeld had been in the running for the lead in Hunger Games which went to Jennifer Lawrence instead. Asa Butterfield is set for Ender with Harrison Ford in the mix as well. The film is set for a release on March 15th 2013.

I'm starting to warm up to the project with the cast they're putting together. It almost is making forget that director Gavin Hood was responsible for making X-Men Origins: Wolverine. What do you think of the casting so far? Is Harrison Ford right for the part of Colonel Hyrum Graff or should someone else be cast?

Alice Eve Lands Female Lead In Star Trek 2

While we're still waiting to find out if Benicio Del Toro will indeed be the villain in the Star Trek sequel. Along with what/who the role is. There is finally confirmation of a new cast member from ShowBlitz. British actress Alice Eve has nabbed a lead female role in Star Trek 2 which is yet to be named. However, the character is reported to be brand new and not from previous incarnations. Nothing is really known about the sequel even it's title hasn't been named. Yet the release date is set for May 17th 2013.

Eve is slowly becoming a bigger player in the blockbuster world being contentions for leads in X-Men First Class and Captain America. The former she dropped out as Emma Frost which was filled terribly by January Jones. There had been talk that she was still in talks with Marvel Studios for a future role. Alice previously worked with Simon Pegg in The Big Nothing who plays Scotty so she very well could be a new crew member or a love interest for Kirk.

Asa Butterfield Wanted For Ender's Game

Deadline reports that Asa Buttferfield (Hugo, Son of Rambow, Boy In The Stripped Pajamas) has been offered the lead role in Ender's Game. The film directed by Gavin Hood with producers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman backing the adaptation. It currently has a release date set for March 15th 2013.

Who Could Benicio Del Toro Be Playing In Star Trek 2?

We now know that J.J. Abrams wants Benicio Del Toro to play the unknown villain in the untitled Star Trek sequel. There has been speculation of who exactly Benicio could be playing. Here is a bit of a run down of the options. Considering we're now in the original series timeline and time travel won't be a plot point. The show and original films are fair game to pull villain ideas from.

KLINGONS: In this current timeline the Klingons are enemies of the Federation. Over the years their design has had an evolution. While in the original series they only had funny looking eyebrows and bronze face paint. They've developed a ridged forehead with sharped teeth. The guards in the Klingon prison holding Nero wore masks but that scene ultimately got cut out of the film. Giving the impression that they weren't happy with the designs or wanted to save them for the sequels. Benicio doesn't shy away from movie makeup playing wolf boy in one of the Pee Wee Herman films and the amazing makeup from Joe Johnston's The Wolfman. The latter makeup work from Rick Baker won him an Oscar.

KHAN: He's been considered the best villain in the film franchise with The Wrath of Khan the most well received installment. Khan Noonien Singh was one of the only cannon villains in the movies and has been rumored since the second installment was mentioned in scripting phases. The Spanish angle might work here as the legendary Ricardo Montalbán played Khan and Del Toro's accent would work in his favor.

CARDASSIANS, ANDORIANS, BORG OR NEW VILLAIN: There is a slew of other enemies that would be kicking around this timeline but never bumped into Kirk and the crew in the movies. Perhaps pulling villain species from other series could happen or even creating a completely new villain/threat.

Benicio Del Toro Might Play The Villain In Star Trek 2

Variety reports that Benicio Del Toro has met with director J.J. Abrams about taking the villainous role in Star Trek 2. Filming is expected to start in early 2012 with Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Salanda, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin and Simon Pegg returning. The villain is unknown but there have been rumblings that the Klingons could be the group of villains the U.S.S. Enterprise have to go up against. Nero (Bana) and his crew were prisoners of Klingons in the first movie but their escape was latter cut from the film. In that Trek timeline Klingons are still enemies of the Federation.

Benicio Del Toro isn't new to big films landing one of his first roles in License To Kill in which he played a Bond villain. Along with solid performances in movies like The Usual Suspects, Snatch, Traffic, 21 Grams, Sin City, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, Che and the upcoming Oliver Stone film Savages where he also plays a villain.