Adam McKay Directing Stock Market Drama BIG SHOT Starring Brad Pitt, Christian Bale And Ryan Gosling

The Wrap reports that comedic writer-director Adam McKay (Anchorman, Step Brothers) will direct his first dramatic film with Big Shot. A-list actors such as Brad Pitt, Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling are attached for lead roles in the film. The project will be handled by Paramount and Pitt's production company Plan B.

It's based on the non-fiction novel The Big Shot: Inside The Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis. It focuses on the default credit swap schemes that helped almost destroyed the American economy during the housing crisis.

Lewis' other book Moneyball was adapted for the screen which had director Bennett Miller and also starred Brad Pitt. Earning Pitt and Jonah Hill Oscar nominations. It would get another four nominations including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Not the usual material or pedigree Adam Mckay is known for. This is a huge step-up for McKay who was recently tasked to rewrite the Ant-Man script for Marvel Studios.

Big Shot could establish McKay as a major player the awards level arena when it releases. It's expected the dramatic stock market film could end-up awards bait and we should keep an eye on this project.

I'll be curious to see if Adam's partner and friend Will Farrell will get a role since we rarely see him tackle dramatic projects.


SOURCE: THEWRAP

FIRST LOOK: David Ayer's WWII Tank Drama FURY Starring Brad Pitt

Teaser Trailer For Cormac McCarthy/Ridley Scott's THE COUNSELOR Starring Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Pene

Brad Pitt Could Return To Killing Nazis In WWII Action Flick FURY

Deadline reports that Brad Pitt is currently in talks to join the WWII era action film Fury written and directed by David Ayer (End of Watch, Ten). Ayer is likely best known for last year's End of Watch which he wrote and directed. He also wrote the screenplay for Training Day which earned Denzel Washington his Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Pitt would play one of the five men crew of an American tank named Fury during the last days of the German regime in 1945.

New WORLD WAR Z Trailer Promises Some Interesting Zombie Action Sequences

Tarantino's KILLER CROW To Focus On Black WWII Soldiers' Warpath To Switzerland

While Quentin Tarantino is relishing in the current commercial and critical success of both Inglorious Basterds and the newly released Django Unchained. There had been talk of these films being apart of an unofficial trilogy. It had been thought that Christoph Waltz would be the key factor in all three films. The third film has been given a working title by Quentin according to an interview with TheRoot (via ThePlaylist). Tarantino envisions Killer Crow as a film that could include a lot of excluded material from Inglorious Basterds. There had been a sub-plot that included black soldiers that didn't end up making the film. Talk of a Basterds-prequel also hinted to this story of black WWII soldiers story being explored. He confirms that half a the Killer Crow script is already finished. While this sounds promising, recent talk from Tarantino suggests his 30's era gangster film could be closer to production.

"There's something about this that would suggest a trilogy. My original idea for 'Inglourious Basterds' way back when was that this [would be] a huge story that included the [smaller] story that you saw in the film, but also followed a bunch of black troops, and they had been f--ked over by the American military and kind of go apes--t. They basically -- the way Lt. Aldo Raines and the Basterds are having an "Apache resistance" -- [the] black troops go on an Apache warpath and kill a bunch of white soldiers and white officers on a military base and are just making a warpath to Switzerland... I was going to do it as a miniseries, and that was going to be one of the big storylines. When I decided to try to turn it into a movie, that was a section I had to take out to help tame my material. I have most of that written. It's ready to go; I just have to write the second half of it... That would be the third of the trilogy. It would be [connected to] 'Inglourious Basterds,' too, because Inglourious Basterds are in it, but it is about the soldiers. It would be called 'Killer Crow' or something like that."

It's more than likely Killer Crow will end up starring Jamie Foxx and Samuel L. Jackson along with actors that previously were trying out for the role of Django. They included Anthony Mackie, Idris Elba, Will Smith, Michael Kenneth Williams, Terrence Howard, Larenz Tate and Chris Trucker. The Swiss setting could also allow a new crop of talented European actors to be considered as well.

The Basterds will be back and it's expected that Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine will be returning. Depending on the film's timeline we could also see Eli Roth's Donny Donowitz as well.

Chris Hemsworth Lands Role In Stephen Gaghan's CANDY STORE

TheWrap reports that Chris Hemsworth has attached himself with a role in Stephen Gaghan's thriller Candy Store. Gaghan is best known for his directorial debut Syriana which earned George Clooney an Oscar win. Stephen has even won an Oscar himself for his screenwriting work on Steven Soderberg's Traffic. Names such as Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Bradley Cooper had been previously linked. However, in the new report Pitt and Waltz are the only two mentioned.

"An elite, deep-cover operative who loses everything, ultimately disappearing into Brooklyn, where he must start again. He winds up as a beat up cop, only to discover the global organization he was dedicated to fighting is operating in his new backyard."

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David Fincher Wants Brad Pitt For 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

Variety reports that David Fincher is trying to court Brad Pitt for the lead role of Ned Land in Disney's remake of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Pitt and Fincher have a longstanding working relationship working together on Se7en, Fight Club and Benjamin Button. Disney is currently mulling over the budget while Fincher is itching to direct something soon. Brad isn't a lock just yet he's currently doing reshoots for World War Z and could might have to be open for more if need be.

Benedict Cumberbatch Joins Steve McQueen's '12 YEARS A SLAVE'

Steve McQueen's (Hunger, Shame) 12 Years A Slave is quickly gathering one impressive cast as ShowBlitz reports Benedict Cumberbatch has landed a role. The rest of the cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Scott McNairy, Taran Killam, Ruth Negga, and Adepero Oduye. The film is based on the memoirs of Solomon Northup, a free black man who, in 1841, was captured by men that sold him into slavery, and was only freed after earning the attention of a Canadian carpenter.

Cameron Diaz Joins Ridley Scott's 'THE COUNSELOR'

Twitch reports that Cameron Diaz has landed the female role in Ridley Scott's The Counselor which Angelina Jolie had been eyeing. While most know Diaz for her touch-and-go comedic career, she played a ruthless team owner in Oliver Stone's Any Given Sunday. The film was a career highlight but Diaz decided not to pursue more dramatic roles. Hopefully Cameron brings a similar intensity to this film. Michael Fassbender leads the cast with Javier Bardem and Brad Pitt playing villains of the picture with Penelope Cruz still circling a role.

Brad Pitt And Javier Bardem Likely To Join Ridley Scott's 'THE COUNSELOR' Starring Michael Fassbender

Deadline reports that Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem (Skyfall, No Country For Old Men, Collateral) have signed on for roles in Ridley Scott's The Counselor which is based on spec-script by author Cormac McCarthy (The Road, No Country For Old Men). The film centers on a lawyer (Michael Fassbender) who tries his hand in the drug-trade only for it to go horribly wrong very quickly. The crime thriller is quickly coming together so it won't be long before we start hearing supporting roles being filled by other talented actors.

Angelina Jolie is said to be circling the female lead but with her commitments to Disney's Maleficent her involvement could be an issue. Jolie's recent string of roles have been terrible so at least with this film it could be somewhat redeeming. Jeremy Renner had also been in the running for a role but his name is nowhere to be seen on this new report. 20th Century Fox is looking to distribute which makes sense considering their longstanding relationship with Ridley.

Javier Bardem Also Could Join The Counselor

It was reported earlier in the week that Ridley Scott's The Counselor landed Michael Fassbender as it's lead. An unnamed role alluded to as the villain had actors such as Brad Pitt, Jeremy Renner and Bradley Cooper were in the mix for the part. Now, Deadline reports that Spanish actor Javier Bardem (Skyfall) is now pursing the same role. Oddly enough in the new report Bradley Cooper is no longer mention as in the running. I assume he's either aiming for another role in the film or has moved on to other projects. Bardem seems like a given after his Oscar winning performance in No Country For Old Men.

CAST EM': Ridley Scott's The Counselor

Yesterday it was confirmed that Michael Fassbender has signed on as the lead in The Counselor. The hard-boiled drug thriller was written by Cormac McCarthy (No Country For Old Men) and will be directed by Ridley Scott (American Gangster, Black Rain). It was also mentioned that Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper and Brad Pitt are in the mix for the role of the film's villain. Pitt seems like he could take the part since he hasn't played many heavies along with his connections with both Scott and Fassbender. He's repeatedly stated he might retire soon and it would make sense for Brad to finally play a full-on villain like the one in this film.

If Ridley is smart he'll try to convince Jeremy Renner to take a supporting part even if Pitt decides on taking the main villain role. I would assume like with any Ridley Scott project well known actors will want to fill out the rest of the cast. Even with high profiled actors like Fassbender, Pitt and Renner involved I could see more awards quality actors taking the rest of the roles. Along with the standard amount of up and comers that Ridley loves to use. Below are a few of my own casting choices but since I don't know much about the story or characters the decisions are a bit blind.

TOM HARDY: Hardy is usually the go-to actor these days. From commercial films like The Dark Knight Rises or indies like Bronson, Warrior and Tinker Taylor Solider Spy he's gathering a lot of praise. He does any sort of part no matter how big or small. It seems to come down to the director and the other actors he's able to work with. The Counselor seems a great project that Hardy could attach himself to. Tom could play a thuggish enforcer, a cop, an addict or even a fellow lawyer since he has a rather large range.

ELIZABETH OLSEN: Olsen has blown up in the last couple of months. She's ramping up other projects but it would be nice to see her take a part in this as either a girlfriend of Fassbender or even a college observing his character's spiral into the underbelly. There hasn't been talk of any actresses involved but I would like to see Elizabeth more than most take a role.

EMMA STONE: Running on the same idea with Olsen, Emma is slowly gathering more dramatic projects. She got a lot of awareness this year for The Help and has the period mob film Gangster Squad later this year. The latter seems like the most serious role Stone has taken to date. I'd love to see her take more chances on less comedic parts like with this movie.

JOEL KINNAMAN: The Swedish-American actor has a bunch of high profile projects in the last couple of years. Joel is also gather praise thanks to his roles the series The Killing and the Snabba Cash films. Joel was attached with Kit Harington to Arthur And Lancelot but the film was put on pause. Harington ended up signing onto another project in the meantime. I would assume Joel will do the same as well.

Michael Fassbender Confirmed For The Counselor And Brad Pitt Could Play Villain

Deadline has learned that Michael Fassbender (Shame) has officially signed on to play the lead role in Ridley Scott's The Counselor. The hard-boiled thriller pits a respectable lawyer who believes he can dip his toes into the violent drug trade without it affecting him. His world spins out of control and tries to survive this desperate situation. Cormac McCarthy (The Road, No Country For Old Men) wrote the spec-script and hopefully this means the author will end up turning out more film scripts. It's expected that the film will start production in early May. They're also naming possible actors that could take the villain role they include Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper and Brad Pitt. It's not surprising since the film is being compared to the Oscar-winning film No Country For Old Men.

Pitt got his first big break from Ridley's Thelma And Louise so a re-team seems possible. He also worked with his brother Tony Scott on True Romance and Spy Games. There's also a connection with Fassbender as the two previously worked briefly together on Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. Not to mention that Pitt will have a cameo in Steve McQueen's (Shame, Hunger) 12 Years A Slave that also stars Michael that will be shooting this summer.

I wouldn't rule out Renner as a serious contender since he's known for these on edge roles. Jeremy earned two Oscar nominations for The Hurt Locker and The Town. He's seems to have completed his commercial projects with Ghost Protocol, Bourne Legacy, Avengers and Witch Hunters. I would assume he wants to get back into more awards friendly roles. Even if Pitt get's the part I would hope that Renner end's up with a meaty supporting role.

Stills From Brad Pitt Gangster Flick Cogan's Trade

Brad Pitt Joins Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave

ScreenDaily reports that Brad Pitt will have a role in Steve McQueen's (Hunger, Shame) 12 Years A Slave. Pitt's Plan B is producing the project that already stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and McQueen's golden boy Michael Fassbender.

Brad is currently having a great wave of projects that he's been choosing by director. I've been anticipating his upcoming projects World War Z, Cogan's Trade and 12 Years A Slave is no exception. This will also be his fourth straight project based on a novel. While his role in the film is unknown he previously worked alongside Fassbender in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds.

Tom Cruise In Talks For All You Need Is Kill?

HollywoodReporter states that director Doug Liman (Bourne Identity) is now in talks with Tom Cruise for the lead in the adaptation of All You Need Is Kill for Warner Bros. Now apparently given the new terrible title We Mortals Are which I assume will get yet another title change soon. Originally when Doug Liman was hired, Ryan Gosling had been mentioned as a choice for the lead. Gosling would eventually pass and end up with Logan's Run another Warner Bros. sci-fi project with director Nicolas Winding Refn. Not too long ago Brad Pitt had been mentioned and seemed likely as Liman worked with him on Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Cruise is grinding out a number of action films likely to make hay while he can still do them. He's also doing Joseph Kosinski's (Tron Legacy) Horizons (Oblivion) starring alongside Jessica Chastain which is another massive science fiction action film. I'm not sure how interesting this manga adaptation will be considering how Warner Bros. has handled Akira another project that has had casting issues and is currently in limbo.

Matthew Fox & Ed Harris Could Join World War Z

Deadline reports that Matthew Fox (Lost) and Ed Harris (History of Violence, Gone Baby Gone) are in talks to join World War Z. The film directed by Marc Forster (Kite Runner, Quantum of Solace) stars Brad Pitt, Mirielle Enos (The Killing) and James Badge Dale (Pacific, Departed). It looks like the role Anthony Mackie was being considered for went to James.