Roberto Orci Exits POWER RANGERS And How Lionsgate Can Make This Reboot Badass

I think everyone was a bit shocked when Lionsgate announced they were resurrecting the Power Rangers movie franchise. Even more so, when Roberto Orci got involved as the project's godfather. Orci has been long since hated and championed for his contributions to the world of cinema. He's partly responsible for The Transformers franchise existing, and boils the blood of beloved film blogger Devin of BadAssDigest. Roberto co-wrote Amazing Spider-Man 2, and his promotion to director on Star Trek 3 has driven fans to panic about the direction the franchise is going. That said, Orci's priority with Trek leaves the creative vision open for Power Rangers according to.

A script is in the works from screenwriting duo Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz, best known for helping to pen X-Men Fist Class and Marvel's Thor. It also has a release date set for July 22nd, 2016. At this point the project is without a creative team, a director and actors to make-up the cast. I have some suggestions on how to make this reboot worth making, and how to ensure it's a badass one.

I have my oown theories on how to move forward without Orci, and steps Lionsgate can do to ensure this franchise is worth rebooting.



DIRECTOR



I went to Twitter and suggested a director for Power Rangers, who could actually become the next James Gunn. He's got a super stylized vision, like Gunn and similar dark humor. That would be Nova Scotia's Jason Eisener best known for his Canadian grindhouse homage Hobo With A Shotgun. Originally, he won a contest to have his original fake trailer for Hobo to play in front of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez's Grindhouse (Planet Terror and Death Proof) in certain markets. There was so much interest in the project afterwards, it actually got made.

He's also been apart of the V/H/S horror franchise and directed a couple music videos. Jason for a time was lobbying to direct a reboot of the kids monster movie The Monster Squad (original had a script written Shane Black), but that doesn't to be happening anytime soon.

Jason doesn't scream PG-13 action franchise, but I think that's kind of the point. We're seeing a very interesting trend lately with James Gunn directing a Marvel movie, and digital effects director Tim Miller (mostly known for making game cinematics/trailers) helming Fox's Deadpool. Odd choices for directors that could really pay-off in the end. The coolest part is that Jason agreed with my original suggestion, and tweeted back "sign me up!".

@_ChristopherM sign me the hell up!
— Jason Eisener (@jasoneisener) September 20, 2014

TONE AND ART DEPARTMENT



The original series is actually an American version of Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger, the 16th installment of the Super Sentai Series (started back in 1975) from Japan. The studio ended-up splicing-in existing footage from the original series, then reshot the rest with Western actors. I'm actually curious if they'll be bringing back villains and characters from the American series or coming-up with all new stuff. I'd love to see those Japanese root explored a bit further, and maybe even it becomes a location in the film.

I grew-up on the show and I felt the look was cheesy and dated, but still the action and design was impressive for what it was. What I'd like to see is a complete overhaul of it's look and tone. Yes, it's for kids but the series originally got into trouble for targeting a younger audience, even though violence is a staple of the show. Maybe, the new film should be pushing the limits of a PG-13 rating. Similar to what Lionsgate has done with their hugely popular Hunger Games franchise.

When it comes to it's look I'd love the world to be a mix of Pacific Rim and Dredd. It seems like the setting of this Power Rangers world would be futuristic. Playing-up on the science-fiction aspect, since they are fighting aliens with karate, laser guns, tech-weapons and giant robots. I think artist Dave Rapoza (his artwork is used at the top) could really help give the franchise a hardened look, similar to what Marvel Studios has been doing with their in-house artists like Andy Park, Ryan Meinerding and Charlie Wen. Rapoza is best known for recreating characters from the 80s and 90s, and shockingly hasn't been snapped-up by Hollywood. Below are some of his redesigns for the Red and Pink rangers. I think if put into this art into a final piece, these could be killer on screen. It should be also noted that Dave's creature design work is fantastic as well, and could make the villains/aliens look a bit more real-world than recent alien designs we've been seeing in movies.

MUSIC

Moving past our visionary, I think we can all agree that music tends to be an important part of a film. Even though Tron Legacy was a hugely visual film (nothing much else was there), the only thing people actually remember and talk about is it's amazing score by Daft Punk. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' work with David Fincher on The Social Network, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl have made those films even more atmospheric. I'm hoping that we see a similar move when it comes to putting together the music of Power Rangers.



Jason previously worked with Australian electro-thrash duo Power Glove on Hobo, and have come into their own scoring the wildly popular Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Playing-up the connection to the 8-bit culture would be nice a way to call-back to the video games the show spawned. I really dug the Dredd soundtrack for this reason, it was hard pumping but recalled the electronic/synth beats that would most likely populate a futuristic landscape.

CASTING

In no particular order I'd love to see these actors considered for the main lineup, who actually have a bit of an action background. They include, Anton Yelchin (Like Crazy, Terminator Salvation, Fright Night, Star Trek 1-3), Michael Angarano (Forbidden Kingdom, Knick, Haywire, Red State, English Teacher) , Justin Chon (Revenge of The Green Dragons, 21 And Over, Twilight), Haliee Steinfeld (True Grit, Ender's Game, Barely Lethal, Pitch Perfect 2), Dayo Okeniyi (Hunger Games, Terminator: Gensys, Runner Runner, Spectacular Now) and Rila Fukushima (Arrow, The Wolverine, Long Goodbye).

So, Lionsgate the ball is in your court and we hope you make the right choices here. They could just slap together a rushed project, or actually spend the effort creatively to give audiences a visually stunning and fun experience.

Roberto Orci In Talks To Direct STAR TREK 3 Without Any Directing Experience, But Why?

Variety reports that Roberto Orci, who has been a franchise writer for the new wave of films, is now in talks to direct Star Trek 3. Orci previously revealed a desire to direct the third installment, but seemed like a long-shot, considering Roberto has almost zero directing experience. Compared to high-profiled candidates such as Attack The Block's Joe Cornish. Sure, Orci has been involved as one of the franchise's many screenwriters, but what made Paramount choose him to takeover for J.J. Abrams?

"After weeks of rumblings that he was the frontrunner, sources have told Variety that Skydance and Paramount have tapped Roberto Orci to direct Paramount and Skydance’s “Star Trek 3.” Orci is currently writing the story with J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay and had been campaigning to replace J.J. Abrams as director for some time. Abrams is busy with directing the next installment of the “Star Wars” franchise and will only be producing this pic."

The big question at the moment is why? Yes, we've recently seen Orci's writing partner land the directing gig on Sony's Venom, but Alex Kurtzman has at least directed films such as People Like Us (let's try to forget how horribly it bombed on it's tiny budget). It's sort of crazy to think a first-time director would get a shot at directing the third installment in a blockbuster franchise like Star Trek. Without any previous material to back-up his directing candidacy.

We've seen first-time directors such as Wally Pfister crash-and-burn already this year with Transcendence, you'd think that would have been a wake-up-call to some studios. Not to say this will entirely turnout to be a disaster, as we've seen people like Drew Goddard shine. He at least hasn't been dubbed a terrible writer, lacking vision which Orci has.

Vision, is a major element a director needs. We've seen from scripts for Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Island, Cowboys & Aliens and The Transformers franchise, that Orci lacks the basics of storytelling, plot structure and character development as a writer. So, how the hell could he finally muster those necessary tools now, when he's placed in the director's chair? I just don't see why he's the prime choice when there are plenty of budding directors already working for Bad Robot, who could have taken-up the director's seat and given something special to the franchise. This decision screams, a rushed production to meet a release date, rather than a solid choice for a director. It's who they could get and one that was willing to take every single note from the studio, without butting-heads over the studio's vision. There's one story that's making the rounds, which could explain how Roberto was able to get Paramount to sign-off on him.

STAR TREK 3 director Bob Orci believes the Boston Marathon Bombing and the Sandy Hook massacre were set up by the government.
— Devin Faraci (@devincf) May 14, 2014

Devin at BadassDigest has been a giant advocate against Mr. Orci. Pointing out his public break-up to longtime writing parter Kurtzman, had to do with his "alcoholism" and crazy conspiracy theories. A few including the government was involved in the Boston Marathon Bombing and Sandy Hook Massacre. Painting Orci as an unstable person that just might overshadow the craziness of Mel Gibson, as Mr. Gibson never rained-down such lunacy in his own film Conspiracy Theory. It's actually shocking that Paramount would place Roberto as the face of their squeaky-clean franchise. At least the press tour will be interesting when his crazy theories are explored in front of cameras. Devin also added the following to his own write-up on the news, which might explain why Orci was hired. It's safe to say BadassDigest won't be supporting the new film, and others just might follow-suit.

"I've already told you what I heard, that Orci cock-blocked every director who came in for meetings on the project, making it look like anyone who helmed would be his dancing monkey. Who wants that when you already have pressure from the fans and the studio? Orci made a power move to guarantee his ass in the director's chair despite a huge lack of experience. How did Paramount allow this to happen?"

SOURCE: VARIETY

VIKINGS Actor Travis Fimmel And Others Also In The Mix For Lead Roles In Duncan Jones' WARCRAFT

Deadline has updated their original Warcraft casting story to include more named that are now in the mix. They include Travis Fimmel (Vikings), Paul Dano (Prisoners, Looper), Anton Yelchin (Star Trek 1-2, Like Crazy) and Anson Mount (Hell On Wheels). The most interesting name in the group is Fimmel who is the main draw to the History Channel series Vikings, which is somewhat in the same ballpark as Legendary's Warcraft. It sounds like the roles are other than one offered to Colin Farrell.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Trailer Attached To THE HOBBIT

TrekMovie reports that the first trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness will be attached to The Hobbit on December 14th. It had been previously reported that nine minutes of footage would be shown at IMAX showing of The Hobbit. The site says the trailer will be a complete theatrical trailer and won't be a scaled down version of the footage. Perhaps, this trailer will finally answer who Benedict Cumberbatch  (Khan?) is playing and if the Klingons will be involved.

CAST EM': AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2

The reboot of the Spider-Man franchise has divided most fans as most either loved or loathed Marc Webb's take on the web-head. Audiences have spoken with their wallets shelling out over $743 million worldwide. Sony has already set a release date of May 2nd 2014 for Amazing Spider-Man 2. James Vanderbilt and Roberto Orci (Star Trek 1-2, Transformers) have been working on it's script with the cast signed on to return. Director Marc Webb is still trying to talk to Fox so the studio will allow him to make Spidey 2 first before being forced into other projects. Sony could end up finding another director to fill his shoes or (less likely) buy out Webb's contract with Fox if need him badly enough. Either way, the franchise will move forward and here are some of my thoughts on future casting additions.

JANE LEVY AS MARY JANE WATSON

MICHAEL SHEEN AS NORMAN OSBORN

ANTON YELCHIN AS HARRY OSBORN

DONALD GLOVER AS MILES MORALES/ROBBIE ROBERTSON

FRAN KRANZ AS ALISTAIR SMYTHE

JUNO TEMPLE AS FELICIA HARDY

Benedict Cumberbatch Indeed Playing Khan In 'STAR TREK 2' And Klingons Rumored Again?

It's been finally confirmed by AICN that Benedict Cumberbatch's (Hobbit, Sherlock Holmes) role in Star Trek 2 is Khan Noonien Singh, best known as the villain in Wrath of Khan. It had been rumored even before Cumberbatch was announced for the role that Khan would be the main antagonist for the sequel.

New information from TrekMovie is confirming another previous rumor that Khan won't be the only baddie of the film. As the mighty Klingons are yet again being linked to the sequel. How they figure into the film along with Khan is still unknown. You might remember that Nero and his crew spent several years in a Klingon prison before escaping in the original movie. The Klingons are my favorite of the Trek aliens so any inclusion of them in the new franchise is greatly anticipated. These are arguably the two greatest villains in the Star Trek franchise so to have them both in one movie is mind-blowing.

Robocop Actor Peter Weller Joins Star Trek 2

Deadline reports that actor Peter Weller best known for his role as Alex Murphy in the cult classic Robocop has joined the cast of Star Trek 2. Weller has fallen off the map in recent years but took a rather decent role in the last season of Dexter. His role of course like every new to the project is unknown but his involvement has to be more exciting than just a cameo. I wouldn't be shocked to see Weller end up in the villain role to be honest. Alice Eve and Benicio Del Toro are also expected to join the film as well.

Is Benicio Del Toro Actually Playing Khan In Star Trek 2?

Back in 2009 Trekkies gathered to The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas for a special screening of Wrath of Khan. They instead were treated with an exclusive screening of the Star Trek reboot. From that moment it's been rumored that Khan would be the villain of Star Trek 2. When Benicio Del Toro's name came up as a possible candidate for the villain role. It started the fuel again since both Benicio and Ricardo Montalbán who originated the role are Latin actors. Now LatinoReview reports with insider information that Benicio will indeed play Khan Noonien Singh.

The genetically altered human was marooned by Kirk in the television series only to enact revenge in Wrath of Khan. Which is considered to be the best film of the franchise. There are so many angles they could go with Khan since the timeline has been altered. He could very well be a hero who becomes a villain or is straight up villain at the start. There has also been speculation of the Klingons being in the film. In the last film J.J. ultimately cut the scenes from the Klingon prison which showed guards not looking the Klingons we know. I assume it was cut because the redesign didn't work and they knew they'd have to end up going back to them eventually.

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.

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.

Aaron Johnson & Anton Yelchin Added To Spider-Man Hopefuls

It doesn't look like Jamie Bell is a sure lock to play the new Spider-Man. LATimes reports Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass, Nowhere Boy) and Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Terminator Salvation) are now inline to test for the role.


Aaron was my first choice to replace Tobey when the reboot was first announced. He's also rumored for a lead role in X-Men First Class which will shoot this summer. It's possible if Spider-Man is shot in the fall or winter he could do both but it's likely he'll have to choose one project. Yelchin is another decent addition to the candidates which I believe could do the hero justice.