Alfonso Cuarón In Talks To Direct HARRY POTTER Spin-Off FANTASTIC BEASTS

NikkiFinke is about to make a comeback after being forced-out of Deadline, and she already has a decent scoop. She claims that Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Gravity) is now in talks to direct Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. A Harry Potter spin-off book written by J.K. Rowling and is said to be getting a trilogy treatment.

Alfonso had been rumored to be in the mix for future Star Wars films. Warner Bros. trying to lock him into these new Potter films would be a smart move, on their part. Cuarón is credited for directing the first mature installment of the Potter franchise with The Prisoner of Azkaban. Having him spearhead a new trilogy could make for something worth getting excited.

SOURCE: NIKKIFINKE

Peter Jackson Also In The Running For STAR WARS EPISODE VIII?

During a recent Hobbit video FirstShowing spotted a possible script or outline for Star Wars: Episode VIII in Peter Jackson's desk with his name scrolled across it. It could have been a bit of joke since the video was released yesterday on April Fools. Disney/LucasFilm might be actually looking at Peter to tackle the second film. Previously, Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men, Gravity) had been rumored for talks to make Episode VIII. There is a bit of speculation LucasFilm could be aiming to have different directors handle the new trilogies. Similar to how the original three films worked as Lucas (Abrams now) directed the first one and godfathered the other two productions. Considering that Paramount is talking about Star Trek 3 possibly coming out in 2016, it's unlikely that Abrams will be able to make both Trek 3 and Ep. VIII.

Jackson is currently doing post-production on The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug with some added Battle of The Five Armies scenes to be shot for There And Back Again this Summer. It's possible that LucasFilm could be aiming for a 2017-2018 release date for Episode VIII which could allow Jackson to clear his other projects including the upcoming sequel to Tintin which begins production sometime this year. Peter has personal and work relationships with Steven Spielberg which might have led to at least talk of him considering the project. Jackson hasn't exactly made a straight up science fiction film yet but was at one point producing the Halo movie. Not to mention producing Neill Blompkamp's stunning sci-fi sociological thriller District 9. Jackson did briefly talk about the new Star Wars films with MTV back in December. You never know making a Star Wars film could be on Peter's bucket-list or just a clever April Fools joke. Considering Jackson has always worked with both Weta Workshop and Weta Digital for his films. While ILM has provided the special effects for basically all of the LucasFilm projects. I don't think Jackson would direct but could help write/produce the film.

"Obviously if he (Lucas) had interest in doing himself, then that's what we would all like to see," he said. "But it's better to have more 'Star Wars' films than no 'Star Wars' films."

"The one thing that Tolkien said is that the wonderful thing with mythology — and George Lucas has created a mythology of his own — is that it keeps getting handed from one person to the next, and each person embellishes it and expands it," Jackson added. "It actually keeps mythology alive, because it should be a living, breathing organic thing where it expands over time. It doesn't just stay stagnant. So I think what George is doing with 'Star Wars' is terrific."

Could Bryan Singer Direct STAR TREK 3 And Beyond?

IGN talked to Trekkie director Bryan Singer about possibly taking over the Star Trek franchise from J.J. Abrams. Singer unlike Abrams is a die hard Trek fan and even had a small cameo in Star Trek: Nemesis which had a young Tom Hardy as the villain. If Bad Robot and Paramount were looking to hire someone on the level of Abrams but had more of connection with the fans it very well could be Singer. He admits the problems with coming into a franchise as an outsider. Bryan keeps the door open if there is a strong script/story, Abrams stayed on as a producer and supported him. Singer also talks about being friendly with the cast and even visiting the set recently.

"I don't know." "Even though Matthew Vaughn directed X-Men: First Class, I produced it, I wrote the story, I was involved in the casting and the design of the movie itself, so I don't feel like I'm taking on someone else's franchise." "I'm jumping back into my own." "Particularly with this movie (X-Men: Days of Future Past), because it involves the old cast as well." "It's a very different thing jumping into someone else's franchise, someone else's cast." "It was very tough when Brett Ratner did it with mine, you know." "And you're held up, particularly if it's something that people really like what the originator did, you're held to a very, very tough standard when you're jumping into somebody else's franchise." "It's a very scary thing to do cause' they're waiting to judge you." "And sometimes it works like Aliens." 

"Right because that was a very different thing." "Alien was a science-fiction masterpiece horror film that Ridley Scott made and Jim Cameron just did an action film." "But a sequel to a character charged Star Trek...I'm friends with some of the cast and I was on the set recently." "I'm friends with J.J. Abrams and so I was on the set visiting, which was really cool and it looks really awesome." "They're really great people." "Chris Pine is lovely and I'm friends with Zachary Quinto and they're all great." "That would be the most fun part, to work with those people and to work with the lore that I love." "I just...I'm like, the pressure of doing it would freak me out." "Or might freak me out." "That being said, if someone presented a story and a structure and the original director was supporting you, really supporting you and producing with you and behind you then maybe it would be a great experience." 

While it's still possible Abrams could still make one more Trek film. Even after he completes a trilogy he'll likely move on. Nothing is set in stone about Star Wars because currently J.J. is only attached to make one film. Along with rumors of him staying on to consult on the other films with Bad Robot sticking around as well. LucasFilm could end up hiring other directors to round out the new trilogy. There has been talk of Alfonso Cuarón being looked at to direct one of the Star Wars sequels.

Singer is dying to make a science fiction film and was putting together a Battlestar Galactica movie with Universal. The last time he mentioned his BSG film was back in August. I could see him put that on hold if given the chance to make a Trek film. Producer Bryan Burk has stated that the studio isn't looking for another four year gap between the release of Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek 3. X-Men Days of Future Past is coming out in 2014 which would give Bryan plenty of time to shoot Trek 3 for a possible 2016 release date.

Could Alfonso Cuarón Direct STAR WARS EPISODE VIII?

MarketSaw has been one of the only non-trades on the pulse of the new Star Wars trilogy. They were the first ones to actually announce the new trilogy back in 2009 and took it on the chin because LucasFilm didn't confirm the news for ages. They also revealed the directors list for Episode VII which included runner-up Matthew Vaughn who was confirmed to have pitched to LucasFilm. Another name on that list was Alfonso Cuarón. The site is reporting that Alfonso is now lining-up to direct Episode VIII, Episode IX or both. If true,  J.J. Abrams might only be around for Episode VII.

The director is best known for the dystopian thriller Children of Men and his much more mature Harry Potter installment The Prisoner of Azkaban. His anticipated sci-fi thriller Gravity starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney will finally be released later this year. Alfonso Cuarón was reported back in September to be working with J.J. Abrams on an untitled supernatural/superpower series for NBC, which Alfonso would co-write/direct the pilot. It's very likely the relationship with Abrams has grown since along with the fact that Cuarón had been on LucasFilms' radar. We should keep in mind that three different directors made the original trilogy. It could be the studio is also aiming for a darker film with Episode VIII similar to Empire Strikes Back. Having Cuarón directing could find the right amount of darkness for a PG-13 film.

Disney Hires New Writer For PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 5

Variety is reporting Disney has hired another writer to tackle the script for Pirates of The Caribbean 5. Jeff Nathanson best known for writing Catch Me If You Can and Terminal has landed the screenwriting gig. However, he also worked on Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skulls, Speed 2, Tower Heist and Rush Hour 3. A majority of these credits don't scream quality but he might be working on existing drafts. Depp is likely a sure-thing but returning cast members such as Geoffrey Rush and others are currently unknown.

Last we heard On Strange Tides director Rob Marshall confirmed franchise writer Terry Rossio was working on the script. It seemed that Marshall was open to directing it as well. However, CinemaBlend listed a group of hopefuls Disney was looking to direct the fifth installment if Rob didn't return. That list included Tim Burton (Alice In Wonderland), Sam Raimi (Oz, The Great And Powerful), Shawn Levy (Real Steal), Chris Weitz (About A Boy, A Better Life), and Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men).

RUMOR: New STAR WARS Trilogy Gets Directors-List?

MarketSaw3D, who is touch and go when it comes to their sources/scoops has apparently learned of a group of possible directors for the new Star Wars trilogy. They include Steven Spielberg, Neill Blomkamp, Alfonso Cuaron, Matthew Vaughn, Darren Aronofsky and Joss Whedon. Take with a grain of salt, considering this isn't official information and won't be confirmed until a director is actually chosen.

Some of the names seem unlikely because of other commitments mainly Whedon and his overseeing of the Marvel films (directing Avengers 2). Darren seems cagey about signing up for a studio franchise with talks for Batman Begins and attaching himself for The Wolverine, only for him to walk. Aronofsky seemingly is enjoying his original material with Noah currently in production along with commitments for a few films for 20th Century Fox. I doubt while a strong candidate he would sign-on for a trilogy. That said, David Fincher is currently making 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea for Disney.

Blomkamp, like Aronofsky is doing fine with his own films and was burned back in the days of the Halo film. However, his ties to Peter Jackson could help bring some solid credibility to the franchise if Weta Workshop get's involved with sets and costumes. Vaughn seems a bit unpredictable as he recently jumped off the X-Men franchise to direct The Secret Service. He does seem like someone who could jump into the Star Wars universe without changing too much. Alfonso seems right too if they're albe to give him some creative and tonal wiggle-room.

Steven Spielberg has the strongest relationship with LucasFilm's new head Kathleen Kennedy as the two are longtime friends. Kathleen helped produce E.T., Poltergeist, The Color Purple, Temple of Doom, Empire of The Sun, Jurassic Park, Hook, Schindler's List, The Lost World, A.I., Munich, War of The Worlds, Kingdom of The Crystal Skull, Adventures of Tintin, War Horse and Lincoln. The only thing is that Spielberg has Robopocalypse shooting soon and Indiana Jones 5 in development. I'm sure the trilogy is his for the asking but doubtful he'll take it.

Five Directors Who Should Make Disney's STAR WARS Trilogy

It was reported today that Disney is making a whole new Star Wars trilogy. The first installment Star Wars: Episode VII is set to be released sometime in 2015. The studio has yet to name a director and it's expected that person would need to sign-on for the trilogy. Some dream names have been Edgar Wright, Guillermo del Toro, Matthew Vaughn, David Fincher, Sam Mendes, Danny Boyle, Christopher Nolan, Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg. How realistic are those choices? Not likely considering Disney would need a director to create an entire trilogy for them. They might be very unreachable because of the high demand and their other commitments to studio/original projects. However, I have a few ideas for who should be considered since Disney will be looking for a visionary to tackle a trilogy.

RIAN JOHNSON: Johnson's Looper has been a whirlwind of slick science fiction. While the prostectics used to make Joseph Gordon-Levitt look like Bruce Willis were less than convincing, the rest of the low budget film was fantastic. He could really dig deep for character development which Lucas' prequel trilogy was completely lacking. If we want a return to iconic anti-hero Star Wars characters like Solo or Lando, Rian would be the man to create them. He currently doesn't have an official project lined up but I'm sure he has a few original ideas he's mulling over. Disney would be smart to snatch him up before he's offered other franchises.

DUNCAN JONES: I'm sure his name will be thrown around the Disney offices currently. Duncan had been wanted for The Wolverine and Man of Steel but ultimately turned down the projects. His name is buzzing around Twitter and film blogs as film geeks' dream director. I can't say I feel different but he's  been trying to get his film Mute off the ground which could be a sticking point to him signing on. For him to direct a franchise project means they'd have to pay for original films to be made.

NEILL BLOMKAMP: Neill was once lined-up to direct a adaptation of Halo until the whole thing fell apart. Since then he's made two original science fiction films with District 9 and the upcoming Elysium starring Matt Damon. If anyone could create a new film universe for the Star Wars franchise it would be Neill. He would also bring back the worn/gritty look and dark tone of the original films. Blomkamp has worked inside the Hollywood machine previously and disliked it so I figure the only way to wrangle him is to give over creative control. Not sure how realistic that would be if Lucas is consulting on the films.

ALFONSO CUARON: While I consider him as the director to make the first good Harry Potter film. Alfonso is also known for some amazing science fiction with his film Children of Men. Which blew most away by it's bleak concept and excellent look/pacing. His next film Gravity is expected to blow audiences away and is highly anticipated. He might be the closet thing Disney has to landing someone as skilled as Christopher Nolan.

PETE TRAVIS: I've been Pete's biggest cheerleader lately, after the experience of seeing Dredd has really sunk-in. I think he has the ability to make a compelling science fiction action film (even with lackluster material to work from). Dredd seemed to be a film that was going to be a total disaster and turned out to be one of the most entertaining action films in a while for me. He's more of a popcorn director compared to the other names but would be able to make the films on the scale of the originals without breaking the bank. Pete was able to shoot some rather interesting action sequences (which some on this list are still learning how to put together). While I doubt he'll be considered I'll be rooting for him none-the-less.

Gary Ross Won't Be Directing 'CATCHING FIRE', Lionsgate Has A Shortlist Of Replacements

Earlier this week it was announced that Gary Ross wouldn't be returning to direct the Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire. There had been rumblings of "problems" during the production which didn't help when Steven Soderbergh ended up offering his services as second unit director. Ross' shaky-cam shooting style was said to be the biggest flaw of the film. So it's not surprising to see the studio searching for a new visionary director. Hunger Games is now a franchise and needs to evolve that could mean different directors with each new film. The film has already earned for Lionsgate and they need to keep the production moving or risk losing Jennifer Lawrence to the X-Men First Class sequel.

24Frames reports the studio already has a shortlist of directing candidates which includes Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Gravity),  David Cronenberg (Cosmopolis, Eastern Promises) and Alejandro González Iñárritu (21 Grams, Biutiful, Babel). Alfonso seems like the best choice since he's come into an established franchise before with the Prisoner of Azkaban and is currently one of the best science fiction directors working today. Alejandro has the awards pedigree with multiple films earning Oscar nominations and wins. However, he's never made the jump to blockbusters so it could be interesting to see him take on Catching Fire, even more science fiction. Oddly enough, while Cronenberg seems the weirdest choice of this group he was previously offered to direct films like Return of The Jedi, Robocop (original) and Top Gun.

Could Christopher Nolan Make Twilight Zone For Warner Bros. ?

ShowBlitz has word that Warner Bros. is trying to nail-down a director to helm their new Twilight Zone project. Unlike the original which featured four directors (Spielberg, John Landis, Joe Dante, George Miller) filming four separate segments honoring the series. This new version will have one director and a single story. The site says that they have interest from Christopher Nolan, Michael Bay and Alfonso Cuarón (Children Of Men). David Yates (Deathly Hollows 1-2) had been interested but moved on, Rupert Wyatt (Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes) is also in the mix.

I was a big fan of Twilight Zone (film/series) and Outer Limits so this project sort of speaks to me. Even without the involvement of Nolan and Cuarón I'd be interested to see how it would turn out. Nolan seems a good bet as he could really reinvent this quirky genre and possibility develop it into a new franchise. The only problem is that Christopher Nolan is a one picture director and is still busy The Dark Knight Rises and I doubt he commit to this until he's in post. Bay seems an uninspiring choice as I'd rather see him make Bad Boys 3 instead of ruining something that could be a thrilling ride with seizure inducing visuals. Cuarón is slowly becoming a darling at the studio making Prisoner Of Azkaban and Gravity with George Clooney/Sandra Bullock starring. Rupert Wyatt could be interesting as this isn't a 20th Century Fox strangle-hold project and he might be able to go a bit darker. Fox more than likely has Rupert locked in for an Apes trilogy and could be asked to return to make another film sooner than later.

Disney Could Look To Burton, Raimi, & Cuarón To Direct Pirates 5

CinemaBlend has word that Disney is eager to start developing Pirates 5 and are looking for a director. Not surprising as the fourth film is already north of $640 million. While they have a script in place from Terry Rossio as reported by HollywoodReporter. The curious thing is that Rob Marshall hasn't officially signed on to direct, yet is still wanted by the studio (just lip-service?). While successful financially the fourth film got only average reviews from critics. Blend has word that Disney is looking at Tim Burton, Sam Raimi, Shawn Levy, Alfonso Cuarón and Chris Weitz for the fifth installment.

Burton had been looked at for Pirates 4 but never signed on. He's becoming a studio stable with Alice In Wonderland, Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and his Sleeping Beauty project Maleficent. I like the idea of Burton entering the world of Pirates but I'm not sure he would deliver a film any better than the previous ones.

Sam Raimi is directing the studio's next big fairy tale picture Oz, The Great & Powerful the Oz prequel which focuses on a young wizard. Raimi seems like the safest choice out of the bunch and could give audiences a fun film if given breathing room. My only concern is that he also had been working on pre-production for Warcraft which is likely his next film.

Alfonso Cuarón is the director that should be turning heads. His wonderful film Children of Men proved he's got the visual and storytelling chops that most directors inspired to have. Giving audiences family friendly entertainment with The Prisoner of Azkaban while keeping his dark style. Alfonso also has the promise of pumping the new blood needed to keep the franchise going. Unlike Raimi and Burton, Cuarón isn't deep in development on other large projects.

The filler choices seem to be Shawn Levy (Date Night, Real Steel) and Chris Weitz (Golden Compass) neither directors of garnered praise or success for their previous films as of yet. Levy is set to direct a remake of The Fantastic Voyage for producer James Cameron. There have also been talk of other projects with Hugh Jackman including a Real Steel sequel. Weitz seems an odd choice and left field when compared to the other candidates.

George Clooney Joins Sandra Bullock In Gravity

HeatVision reports that George Clooney will replace Robert Downey Jr. in Alfonso Cuarón's (Children of Men) Gravity. The site also confirms that Sandra Bullock will indeed star in the lead. Previously Angelina Jolie had been attached but left to focus on her directorial debut. Then a slew of talented young actresses were tested for the role they included Marion Cotillard, Scarlett Johansson, Blake Lively and Natalie Portman.

I'm excited to see Alfonso jump into the space side of science fiction but hesitant to picture Bullock in the film. It centers on a female astronaut struggling to survive and trying to make it to Earth after a disaster in space.

Sandra Bullock In Talks For Gravity

Variety reports Sandra Bullock is now in talks for the lead in Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity. Recently Natalie Portman officially passed on the movie after an offer had gone out to her. While I'm unsure of Bullock in a science fiction film Cuarón is talented enough for me not to care about casting. Robert Downey Jr. is attached to co-star but I assume could leave to focus on other projects.

Natalie Portman Offered Lead In Gravity

RiskyBusiness reports Natalie Portman has been offered the lead role in Gravity. With her performance in Black Swan wowing critics and creating Oscar buzz. It's no wonder why director Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men) is looking to Natalie to carry his film.

Many Actresses In The Running For Gravity Role

LatinoReview and Playlist report that many actresses are testing for the lead role of Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity. The science fiction thriller would have Robert Downey Jr. in a smaller role and would be focused on the female lead for most of the film. Previously it had been reported Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively had been interested in the role. Now that list has been expanded to Rachel Weisz, Rebecca Hall, Marion Colttird, Natalie Portman, Carey Mulligan, Olivia Wilde, Sienna Miller, Abbie Cornish, Sandra Bullock and Naomi Watts. The role seems up for grabs at this point but it's nice to see the level of talent they're looking at varies from newcomers to well-knowns.

Scarlett Johansson Vs. Blake Lively For Gravity Role?

It looks like Scarlett Johansson isn't the only actress interested in co-starring alongside RDJ in Alfonso Cuarón's (Children of Men) science fiction thriller Gravity. There is word from the NYDailyNews that Blake Lively (Green Lantern) is also interested in the role.

Scarlett Johansson To Star In Gravity?

NYDailyNews reports Scarlett Johansson is in talks to star opposite Robert Downey Jr. in Alfonso Cuarón's (Children of Men) sci-fi thriller Gravity.