Writer-Director Jeff Nichols Making WB's AQUAMAN Movie Starring Jason Momoa?

Another leaked Sony email via TheDailyBeast might be revealing plans from other studios. This new one from co-president of production Michael De Luca suggests Mud director Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter, Shotgun Stories) making WB's  Aquaman film, which stars Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa. Jeff recently shot and wrapped the sci-fi film Midnight Special for the studio. This might explain his hiring for the project, but we'll wait to hear an official announcement. Considering that they've hired Breaking Bad's Michelle MacLaren for Wonder Woman, it wouldn't be shocking to see someone like Jeff handling Aquaman.

Nichols is a writer-director so it's possible he's also tackling the script. Suicide Squad's David Ayer is holding-down double duties as well. The film is scheduled for a release date of July 27th, 2018.

SOURCE: DAILYBEAST

Jason Momoa Lobbying For Zack Snyder To Direct AQUAMAN

Jason Momoa is finally free to talk a bit about being cast as Warner Bros' Aquaman, but without really talking about his role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. He dropped a few tidbits at the Brazilian Comic-Con (via Twitter accounts), confirming we'll be seeing him in at least four movies. This could include Batman v Superman, Justice League Part 1, Aquaman and Justice League Part 2.

He was asked who his dream director would be for his solo outing, and that would be Zack Snyder. I'm sure it's a little bit of kissing-up, and a little bit of honesty. We know that Snyder's 300 is one of the more testosterone-fuelled fantasy comic book films, and it's possible that could be a blue-print for this film. Zack is going to one of the DCU brain-trusts and he'll be highly involved with the solo films, so they can fit into his Justice League movies. I'm unsure Snyder will be able to handle another production, considering he just finished Batman v Superman and still has two Justice League installments. Although, we don't know how extensive Snyder's deal with Warner Bros. is and he very well could have a larger workload.

SOURCE: TWITTER 

BABADOOK Director Jennifer Kent Recently Met With Warner Bros. For Unnamed Projects

Aussie director Jennifer Kent is getting a massive amount of buzz thanks to her small horror film The Babadook. The film is impressive and which has led to the director making wish-lists, she was linked for group of female directors wanted for Wonder Woman. While she confirms to IGN Warner Bros. never spoke to her about Wonder Woman, but they did fly her out to the U.S. to talk about other projects. What could these other projects be?

"Warner Brothers did fly me to America, actually, and I can say that -- but they never asked about Wonder Woman. And that's fine by me. But they did ask me about a lot of other projects, which I'm now slowly reading through. I'm very, very open to it. But again, I've got two films that I'm writing -- I'm a writer-director; I can generate my own material -- but I'm open to stories that move me, that suck me in. I'm looking to find writers to collaborate with on stories that I could direct, for sure. And I'm not opposed to directing films in America. I don't see myself in the tentpole arena; maybe that's disappointing to genre-makers, but you know, I'm open. It just really has to be an idea that grabs me like The Babadook grabbed me -- then I'll follow it to the ends of the Earth."

The great thing about horror directors they can pretty much handle any kind of stories, since well made horror runs the gauntlet. The studio flew her out for a meeting, it was obviously for something big as they won't do that for smaller projects. She's also talking about interest in collaborations with other writers, which would make sense since a majority of Warner Bros. projects have outlines/scripts before they are pitched to potential directors.

If we're assuming this could be other DC Comics films that could include projects like Aquaman and Flash which are expected to be next to go into production. I could even see her being in the mix for Shazam!, who I also believe James Wan (Saw, Conjuring, Fast And Furious 7) might be in the mix for. We're seeing a trend with the DC films that directors like Zack Snyder (Batman v Superman, Justice League, Man of Steel), David Ayer (Suicide Squad) and Michelle MacLaren (Wonder Woman) will either write or contribute to the scripts.

Another recent project that could be a great fit for Kent could be their high-profile reboot of I Am Legend. In October, it was reported by Deadline that Warner Bros. bought a spec-script from Gary Graham entitled A Garden At The End of The World, which is being retrofitted for their I Am Legend reboot. It balances both horror and tentpole level scale, something that could interest Jennifer a lot.

We'll likely find out in the future what these projects are, but these are the ones I feel would be the best fit for her.



SOURCE: IGN

David Ayer's SUICIDE SQUAD Cast Finalizing Talks And Will Smith Out Of The Mix?

THR is reporting that actors Tom Hardy, Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney and Jared Leto are finalizing talks to take roles in David Ayer's Suicide Squad. Margot is expected to play Harley Quinn with Jared Leto likely set for the new Joker. It's bit weird that people are reporting Aussie Jai Courtney is being looked-at for the lead role of Deadshot (leader of the group), while British actor Tom Hardy is linked for Aussie villain Harkness. I'm really hoping meat-head actor Jai Courtney isn't the lead of this film, and he's actually being placed in the secondary role of Harkness. Hardy seems more viable as the face of the franchise, and having actors like Leto, Hardy and Robbie playing second fiddle to Courtney seems just insane to me.

The film will begin pre-production in February with shooting expected to start in April. Production stages will be in my neck of the woods at Pinewood Studios Toronto. Films shot in the city are known having set photos leak in bulk, examples include Total Recall and Robocop. I expect we'll start seeing set images start rolling-out online in April. The release date is set for August 5th, 2016 and will be the first film post-Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

This news oddly has Will Smith's name missing from the lineup, which could mean he's out of the mix. We've been cautious about Smith's participation mainly since he's notorious for entering sequel talks and backing-out last minute. I'm unsure if Will would be willing to commit to sequels this film would likely spawn. It's normal for comic book contracts to include multiple film commitments. Having a feeling these characters will be showing up in other DC Comics films in the future, since most of the characters are Batman villains. Nothing says he won't end-up in the film, it just seems odd he's not apart of this update on the film.

SOURCE: THR

SPECULATION: Idris Elba In The Running For Title Role In X-MEN APOCALYPSE?

Jeff from TheWrap recently broke casting news concerning Bryan Singer's X-Men Apocalypse. Revealing possible contenders for new Jean Grey and Scott Summers in the film. He went on the MeetTheMoviePress podcast to tease and upcoming story concerning Apocalypse casting. Mentioning three actors are in the running for the villainous role, pointing-out previously linked Tom Hardy is not one of the three. Hinting that one of them could be very familiar to us.

"We heard him say the word apocalypse a lot last year".

I have to assume Jeff is referring to Idris Elba's iconic line from the Pacific Rim trailer. We know that Elba has been reaching-out for future comic book roles. Being turned-down by Marvel for others roles in the MCU and possibly talking with Warner Bros. about a role in the DC cinematic universe. Idris had been teasing a desire to play Green Lantern which had fans foam from the mouth. We know he's disgruntled with Marvel and is begrudgingly returning (like a majority of that cast) for Thor: Ragnarok, which won't be shooting until 2016. Elba recently spoiled an appearance in an upcoming Marvel film, and seeming didn't give two-shits out the fallout with the studio. Let's just say he isn't happy with his Marvel contract restrictions and the soul-crushing work they're forcing him to do.

The Fox-Marvel relationship is probably the more heated of the bunch. We've actually seen Marvel starting to cancel the comic book properties that Fox has the rights to. They'll be cancelling Fantastic Four (oddly just before the release of the reboot) soon and have hinted to the end of the X-Men books as well (recently killing-off Wolverine). Whatever new characters they create for those comics become fair-game for Fox to use in the films. There is also been chatter that Marvel was furious with Fox for even considering making an R-rated version of Deadpool, which could have led to them trying to block it's development. Marvel has been avoiding R-rated material like the plague, likely due to keeping their brand family friendly.

I think the biggest fuck-you to Marvel from Elba before leaving the studio could be playing the title role in a competing comic book film. They themselves have little control over the X-Men films and this could be a way for Elba to branch-out even more than he already has. Since he's not really known for playing villains.

SOURCE: MEETTHEMOVIEPRESS

RUMOR: WB Working On WONDER WOMAN Trilogy Focusing On Roaring 20s And WWII?

BleedingCool is hearing that Warner Bros. has grander plans for Wonder Woman, stating they will be making a trilogy of films. This isn't shocking, since the heroine spans a extremely long timeline. They apparently have heard plot points of the greenlit script treatment. The first film will focus on warring Amazonian factions vying for control of Paradise Island and her exploration of world of man in the 1920s (I assume in the United States). It's sequel would then head into WWII set during the thirties and forties (echoing the original television series). Our final installment of the trilogy would be set in modern times.

"I have been informed by those who have seen the greenlit treatment that the film will spends the first half on Paradise Island with warring Amazon factions vying for control. An arrival of a man on the island changes that status quo, as he asks the Amazons for help. Not necessarily Steve Trevor either… Because when Wonder Woman joins him on his return to the world of Man, we all discover that it is the 1920s. And the film will then show Diana exploring that world – a world where women have only just got the vote – from her… unique perspective. A planned sequel would then take place during World War II in the thirties and forties. This of course was the period that the seventies TV show began in, before shifting to the then-modern day. And a threequel would then take place in the modern day, with the Justice League Of America."

Taking cues from period-set Captain America: The First Avenger. Seeing Diana likely actual fight real Nazis, not their fictionalized comic book equivalent (no Hydra here!). The site was the first to reveal Wonder Woman was going to be Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. So they obviously have an in with the future of the character at Warner Bros. I'd love to see this happen, because she lends herself to this kind of story telling.

Having a mix of fantasy and war movie elements could help further separate her from Superman. This also sounds like a crazy mash-up of genres like Boardwalk Empire, 300, Captain America and Inglourious Basterds all blended together. This tone would be similar to Man of Steel or the somber Batman v Superman.

Having Gal Gadot signed-on for six films might be the reason that bigger names didn't land the role. Her commitment is going to be huge and will be a major lead in two Justice League movies. Wonder Woman also having a trilogy, would likely scare-off potential candidates.

Warner Bros. is currently searching for a director with names like Kathryn Bigelow, Michelle MacLaren, Mimi Leder, and Tricia Brock on a reported shortlist. The release date is slated for June 2017, so production will need to come together soon.

Wonder Woman - Fan Film from Jesse V. Johnson on Vimeo.

A fan short film featuring Diana kicking the shit out of Nazis during WWII got a lot of people talking about the character, and how Warner Bros. should approach the heroine.

SOURCE: BLEEDINGCOOL

Will Smith And Tom Hardy Close To Signing-On For David Ayer's SUICIDE SQUAD..UPDATE: Margot Robbie Too!

THR was first to report that Warner Bros. was looking at Ryan Gosling, Will Smith, Tom Hardy and Margot Robbie for roles in Suicide Squad. The DC Comics film will be next installment of the DCU after the release of Batman v Superman. Deadline is now saying that Smith and Hardy are very close to signing-on, while their roles aren't being named. The film's script is undergoing a couple of rewrites, but is expected to go into production very soon. It's release date is set for August 6th, 2016, which means it will likely shoot during the spring and summer of next year.

UPDATE: Deadline has updated their original story, by adding that Margot Robbie is also close to signing-on. Robbie was attached to lead Ghost In The Shell, but Dreamworks has gone with another actress. She recently worked with Smith on the con-artist movie Focus. I'm curious if Will Smith might end-up taking the Deadshot part, while Hardy taking the roguish role of Harkness. 





SOURCE: DEADLINE

Ryan Gosling, Tom Hardy, WIll Smith & Margot Robbie Wanted For David Ayer's SUICIDE SQUAD?

Warner Bros. made a huge announcement today revealing their plans for the DC cinematic universe. Confirming that Suicide Squad will being released on August 6th, 2016 with David Ayer (Fury, End of Watch) directing. Having of a group of nasty criminals unwillingly taking the role of heroes.

THR is reporting that the studio is in early casting mode. Eyeing actors such as Ryan Gosling (Drive), Tom Hardy (Locke, Mad Max Fury Road, Inception), Will Smith and Margot Robbie (Tarzan, Ghost In The Shell, Wolf Of Wall Street). Gosling was once attached to star in WB's Logan's Run remake and wanted a small role in Wonder Woman when Nicholas Winding Refn was considering directing the film. Hardy might have played Bane, but since this is a new Batman universe his take on the villain never existed. I actually could see him playing Harkness in the film. Margot was in the mix to play Sue Storm in Fox's Fantastic Four reboot and could make for excellent addition to any franchise. Will Smith seems like the hardest-get here. However, after turning down iconic roles in films like Matrix and Django Unchained, a couple of box office bombs and being pushed-out of the I Am Legend sequel. Smith might be a bit more willing to consider a DC role.

SOURCE: THR

DC Comics Movie Lineup Revealed By Warner Bros. And Ezra Miller To Play THE FLASH!

Warner Bros. has finally revealed their plans for their DC Comics universe. This might just be on par with the amount of releases we'll be seeing from Marvel Studios. By 2020, we'll have twelve of these DCU films in theatres. The lineup includes some seriously diverse projects, which might leave Marvel in the dust. Kevin Feige and Disney are currently twiddling their thumbs about Black Panther and Captain Marvel, while WB have now committed to Wonder Woman and Cyborg movies.

Below is the order and release dates for the DC movies. It's an impressive list and should finally confirm that we won't be seeing crossovers with the CW shows.

- SUICIDE SQUAD (August 5th, 2016)
- WONDER WOMAN (June 23rd, 2017)
- JUSTICE LEAGUE PART 1 (November 23rd, 2017)
- THE FLASH (March 23rd, 2018)
- AQUAMAN (July 27th, 2018)
- SHAZAM (April 5th, 2019)
- JUSTICE LEAGUE PART 2 (June 14th, 2019)
- CYBORG (April 3rd, 2020)
- GREEN LANTERN Reboot (June 19th, 2020)
- BATMAN (TBA)
- SUPERMAN (TBA)

The studio also confirms that Zack Snyder will indeed be directing both installments of Justice League, the first movie coming in 2017. Fury director David Ayer is locked-in for Suicide Squad, which will be our first post-Batman v Superman movie in 2016.

I think the biggest news coming out of this is that the studio is looking at releasing solo adventures for Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquman and surprisingly Ray Fisher's Cyborg. Ezra Miller (We Need To Talk About Kevin) has been cast as the DCU version of The Flash and Jason Momoa has finally been confirmed as Aquaman. Green Lantern is getting a complete reboot (goodbye Ryan Reynolds!) along with new solo stories for Superman and Ben Affleck's Batman.



SOURCE: WB

RUMOR: Lineup Revealed For DCU Film SUICIDE SQUAD?

During the same podcast LatinoReview also mentioned the possible lineup for Warner Bros' Suicide Squad movie. Writer and director David Ayer (Fury, End of Watch, Training Day) had been recently linked as a possible directing candidate for the project. The lineup of criminals-turned-heroes apparently includes Deadshot, Vixen, Harkness aka Captain Boomerang, Mindboggler, Jaculi and Blockbuster.

Some of the lineup seems a bit odd, considering some of them I've never heard of (Deadshot, Vixen and Harkness the exception). Yet, it might be their actual abilities not their awareness that is the reason for being chosen.

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

RUMOR: Brainiac The Big Baddie Of Zack Snyder's JUSTICE LEAGUE?

While on MeetTheMoviePress podcast LatinoReview scooper El Mayimbe revealed that Justice League screenwriter Chris Terrio (Argo, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice) has handed-in an outline/draft to Warner Bros. Adding, that Chris' work on Batman v Superman is actually a production polish, and not a complete page-one rewrite. Blogs and fans assumed that with another writer onboard David S. Goyer's work was getting completely tossed, not the actual case. It wouldn't have made sense to have Terrio rewrite an entire script weeks/months before production was set to begin.

The bigger news concerning Justice League is the film's possible villain. El Mayimbe names the long-waited Brainiac is going to be the big baddie of the DC team-up event flick. You might remember that Brainiac was going to be the villain of Tim Burton's Superman film with Nicholas Cage as the titular hero. That film was never made, but Brainiac has remained a fan-favorite to show-up in the films.

The cast is expected to be Ben Affleck (Batman), Henry Cavill (Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ray Fisher (Cyborg), Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and others yet to be announced. A production start hasn't been mentioned, but it was rumored it was going be next for Zack Snyder. While other DC projects are also in-development such as solo installments for Wonder Woman and Aquaman.

The MeetTheMoviePress panel did make-fun of the suggestion of Benedict Cumberbatch, but the actor had been rumored for roles in Batman v Superman, that would setup Justice League. To be fair to them, Ben has been linked to all sorts of franchises including Star Wars and Doctor Strange. BBC was saying he was in the running for the Martian Manhunter part, along with a possible villain role. Brainiac anyone? Here is what Ben had to say about the Manhunter rumor.

"I'm going to let that rumour run."


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

Director David Ayer Might Tackle SUICIDE SQUAD For Warner Bros

Variety reports that Warner Bros. might be pulling-out an old DC project out of development limbo. They say that the studio is in early talks with writer-director David Ayer to helm Suicide Squad. A group of DC villains who are thrown into a government program, that places them in suicide missions. In return, the villains will be redeemed and their prison sentences reduced. The project has been kicking around for ages, and it's about time Warner Bros. put it into production.

Ayer is best known for scripting Training Day along with The Fast And The Furious and S.W.A.T., Since then, he's made a name for himself as an action director. Making cop thrillers such as End of Watch, Sabotage and Street Kings. His most recent film is the WWII-tank action flick Fury starring Brad Pitt. We really have no idea where the film is development-wise, but there was a script penned by Justin Marks. Considering Ayer's reputable screenwriting abilities, I'm sure he would be asked to handle rewrites as well. David would bring the gritty edge needed for this type of budding action franchise, and could actually give fans on hell of a DC movie. Let's just hope these talks go well.

The lineup of the Suicide Squad (headed-up by Amanda Weller) changed a lot over the years so it would be hard to pin-point which villains will be the focus. Some of the members include prime candidate Deadshot (rumored for solo film as well), Captain Boomerang, Bronze Tiger, Nightshade and more recently Harely Quinn joined the ranks. Quinn is an interesting character as her origins stem from the Batman animated series and not the comics. Warner Bros. put out a recent animated film titled Batman: Assault On Arkham, which featured the team. A majority of the group already exists on the CW series Arrow.

I'm actually in-love with the property and believe this movie is such a better venture than Shazam!, or a couple other DC films in the works.






SOURCE: VARIETY

UPDATE: Warner Bros. Confirms Zack Snyder Will Direct JUSTICE LEAGUE, Could It Be Released Against Another Marvel Film In 2017?

TheWallStreetJournal was able to speak with producer Greg Silverman about the future of DC film properties at Warner Bros. Silverman finally has confirmed that Justice League is happening, and will be directed by Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300, Dawn of The Dead) . Zack previously directed Man of Steel and it's sort-of sequel Batman Vs Superman, the latter is also confirmed to be the precursor to the events of the Justice League movie. They also confirm that the film will begin production after Batman Vs Superman, I assume the studio won't be making any other DC films before then. Silverman also hints to a release date possibly around 2018 at the earliest. A script is still being put together, I believe last we heard David Goyer was still working on it.

Confirming the studio’s plans for a movie based on its iconic super-team for the first time, Warner Bros. president of worldwide production Greg Silverman said the studio has set plans to make a “Justice League” movie.

Like “Man of Steel” and its follow-up, which starts production next month, “Justice League” will be directed by Zack Snyder. Henry Cavill is expected to return as Superman, along with Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, who play Batman and Wonder Woman, respectively, in 2016’s “Man of Steel” sequel tentatively titled “Batman vs. Superman.”

“It will be a further expansion of this universe,” said Mr. Silverman. “’Superman vs Batman’ will lead into ‘Justice League.’”

A script is still in development and Warner has not set a release date, though the movie is unlikely to come out before 2018.

Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot are confirmed as well, it's unknown if supporting actors from Snyder's other two DCU installments will have roles. Ray Fisher was revealed to be playing Cyborg in BVS, which is easy to assume he'll also be apart of the Justice League lineup.

There have been rumors that actors such as Jason Momoa (Aquaman?) and Dwayne Johnson (Green Lantern?) have been in talks to possibly join the lineup as well.

There had been talk from LatinoReview that the studio was considering filming the projects back-to-back, similar to how the Matrix sequels and the Hobbit originally was expected to shoot (both WB productions). Nothing says that Snyder will ramp-up production directly afterwards this upcoming film is completed principle photography. However, it's still early and Warner Bros. could move quickly to set a flag for a release date in 2018.

Batman Vs Superman will eventually get an official title by the time of it's release on May 6th, 2016.


UPDATE: LatinoReview has a small bit of information to add, they are hearing the rumored release date of May 5th, 2017. Oddly enough, another release date set-aside for another unnamed Marvel Studio film. It's possible this could be the date of Doctor Strange, Thor 3 or another in-development project. If true, it sounds like DC is making a play for Marvel's comfy May release dates.

UPDATE #2: THR has confirmed LatinoReviews previous scoop that Batman Vs Superman and Justice League will indeed be shot back-to-back by director Zack Snyder. They are also hearing a possible release in 2017 as well.


SOURCE: WSJ

RUMOR: Jason Momoa Signs-On To Play AQUAMAN In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN?

BatmanNews is stating that Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa (Stargate: Atlantis, Baywatch: Hawaii, Conan The Barbarian, Bullet To The Head) has signed-on to play an unnamed role in Batman Vs Superman. Trades like Variety and THR previously confirmed that Momoa was in talks for a part in the film. BN don't reveal which character he's playing, but mention the reliable BadassDigest was claiming that Jason Momoa was up for Aquaman a few months back. It does make sense, as Warner Bros. was been trying to develop an Aquaman film for a while now. And with someone like Momoa in the role it could lead to a spin-off. Considering all these heroes are going to be in one film, it does support LatinoReview's story that Batman Vs Superman and Justice League, could very well shoot back-to-back.

"I was recently told by a very, very trusted source that the role Jason Momoa was up for (but is currently denying) is definitely Aquaman, but it's essentially a cameo setting up the next movie. Momoa's denials today could just be a smokescreen intended to protect the surprise nature of the cameo, although if the films are shooting back-to-back we'll know soon enough."

We already expect solo films for Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman and a new string of Batman films featuring Ben Affleck (possibly directed by as well). Momoa had also being in the mix for the role of Drax The Destroyer in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, but wasn't happy with the offer. Eventually getting his own spin-off film, or a pivotal role in Justice League sounds like a better move on Jason's part.

The Man of Steel "sequel", already has Batman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg as supporting characters. This sounds like BVS could end up like Iron Man 2 or The Amazing Spider-Man 1-2, only existing to setup future films. Something that tends to drag down character moments and detract from a single serving storyline. I'm still unsure why they just don't call this film Justice League, because it obviously won't be a Superman centred story with this many other heroes in supporting/cameo roles.

If Momoa indeed joins the cast he will star alongside Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Ray Fisher, Laurence Fishburne, Holly Hunter, Diane Lane, Callan Mulvey and Tao Okamoto. The untitled film's release date is set for May 6th, 2016.

SOURCE: BATMANNEWS

Director Michelle MacLaren Needs To Be In The Mix For WONDER WOMAN

We learned today that Warner Bros. is considering finally making a Wonder Woman feature, with Gal Gadot in the lead role. At this point we don't even know if this project is even going to happen, or is just an option added to her contact. The studio hasn't named a director or even a writer at this point, so we should approach this slowly. As it seems like the Warner Bros. is doing the same, seeing if Gal's performance deems a solo film.

When it comes to potential directors there is a couple of interesting names, one being Nicolas Winding Refn. While stating he'd love to make film based around the character, he will likely spend his time with his original films and producing his Barbarella series. I'd even believe that 300: Rise of An Empire director Noam Murro is being groomed by Zack Snyder and WB for future DC films. Yet, I love to see WB branch out and at least consider a female director to handle one of the most high-profile superheroine films. I'm not saying a female director "has" to direct but at least consider one or more as candidates.

I recently spoke to the fact, that Lexi Alexander would have been a excellent choice to direct The Expendables spin-off The ExpendaBelles, until the script turned out to be total misogynistic garbage. Lexi recently blogged about the challenges for female directors in the industry, she called for more open-doors, allowing an equal shot at directing studio pictures, no matter the genre or budget. This blog entry caught a lot of attention online to fellow bloggers and industry people (studios too?). I believe fully in this opinion and  hope that Warner Bros. considers taking the first step, when it comes to their big comic book films.

Marvel had a chance to do this by hiring Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) for Thor: The Dark World, but would later exit over creative clashes. Sadly, Alexander has turned out to be our only example of a female director taking on a major comic book film. Lexi did an excellent job servicing Punisher fans and we commend her for it, War Zone is what fans were asking for. Achieving something two previous Punisher directors couldn't. We need to see this across the board, but comic book films allow studios to take more "risks" by hiring their directors. I mean look at Winter Soldier, who would have thought the showrunners of Community would direct a massive Marvel film?

The MCU is lacking the department of female lead characters with superpowers. We know that Captain Marvel/Ms Marvel is being developed at the studio (script is being written), but looks like the character could be saved until Phase Four (2018-2022). Allowing Warner Bros. to make the first major superhero franchise that would focus on a female character. Surpassing and hopefully learning from previous missteps in movies like Elektra and Catwoman. It's possible that Wonder Woman will come out before Marvel, giving DC an edge in the genre.

So what kind of female director is suitable to make such leap into making a massive blockbuster like Wonder Woman? After a bit of researching to what made Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder such interesting comic book directors, I came up with their possible female counterpart. That would be Canadian director Michelle MacLaren, best known for her stellar television work. You'd be surprised how much awesome material she's directed over the years. Below is a bit of a run down of her credits and why directing these shows would make her an excellent candidate.

BREAKING BAD: A lot of people have been clamouring about the amazing series, but oddly we haven't heard a lot about their directors. Michelle directed a bunch of episodes (11 in total) and really understands how to give audiences a gritty world, without going overboard (it wasn't given a mature rating, like Walking Dead). Something we've come to attribute to Christopher Nolan's PG-13 films.

If you've come to love the dark and sometimes chilling performances given by Bryan Cranston, you'd have to give a lot of that credit to MacLaren. I think if she could pull out amazing dramatic skills from supporting/daytime players on Breaking Bad, imagine what she could do with Gadot and the rest of the Wonder Woman cast. I think the interesting turnaround performances by characters like Hank and Skyler are also due to her involvement.

GAME OF THRONES: She's only directed two episodes that have made it to air, but "The Bear and The Maiden Fair" was my favorite of last season, and it was directed by Michelle. Giving us a true sense of awesomeness that is Brienne and Jamie's friendship. In the fourth season we'll see more of her contribution to the Westeros, but if Alan Taylor can end up landing both Thor: The Dark World and Terminator: Genesis from his work on Thrones, Michelle could easily make the the jump to studio work as well. Michelle can handle telling stories within Martin's giant sprawling world, working within the DCU can't be as difficult.

WALKING DEAD: Besides the other shows mentioned, I don't think you could find a larger or more loyal fanbase. She may of only directed two episodes but spending time on that set, must have been a master class on how to work with in camera special effects and makeup. Something that would be needed for a film like Wonder Woman. I have to also assume that the Wonder Woman budget won't be as gigantic as Superman, Batman or Justice League films, because it hasn't really been established as a film franchise. After Green Lantern becoming a massive box office bomb, they might want to lower expectations and will be more cautious when setting the budget. Walking Dead has a minimal production budget and Michelle must have learned a lot cost cutting measures from working on that show.


Michelle MacLaren is the type of female director we need to see making the jump from television to studio pictures. If we are going to see things changes in the industry, having talented female directors thrown into the mix for studio projects like this would be a start in the right direction. This lady can direct drama, genre, fantasy, horror, action and crime stories, why not give her a shot at Wonder Woman? It would be a logical choice to get a well rounded director to take on such a complex character/world like this.

Gal Gadot's WONDER WOMAN Contract Includes JUSTICE LEAGUE And Solo Movie

Variety is expanding on recent reports that Gal Gadot has signed a three-picture deal to play Wonder Woman for Warner Bros. The three films in question include Man of Steel 2/Batman Vs Superman, Justice League, and her own standalone Wonder Woman film. This is the first time we've heard from trades that the studio is indeed pursuing a WW movie. When these two films will be shooting is another thing, as current release delays for Batman Vs Superman (pushed to May 2016) could have an effect, on when we actually see a Wonder Woman film in theatres.

This news should make DC fans happy, since we've been waiting for ages for this to happen. At one point Avengers guru Joss Whedon was tapped to write-direct a Wonder Woman feature film, with Cobie Smulders expected to play the lead. After that was given the ol' axe, along with both recent incarnations of a new television show, it was worrying what WB's ultimate plans were for her. Placing her in a supporting role similar to Scarlett Johannson's Black Widow, would have been a bit of a concern to fans.

We have no idea who will eventually write or direct the Wonder Woman film, it's very likely that David Goyer will somehow be involved. David is currently involved with BVS, Justice League and slew of other DC film properties.

SOURCE: VARIETY

RUMOR: BATMAN VS SUPERMAN And JUSTICE LEAGUE Shooting Back-To-Back?

LatinoReview is reporting that DC Entertainment is taking a page from The Wachowskis and Peter Jackson, and are looking to double-up on their upcoming shoot of Batman Vs Superman. Stating that Justice League will also shoot either at the same time, or right after BVS. The assumption is that Zack Snyder would indeed direct both projects in 2014.

This could explain all the chatter concerning The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and other JL members showing up in a Man of Steel sequel. LR believes their incorporation is meant to include a cliffhanger that will lead into Justice League.

It's actually an older concept which dates back to the 70's, originally Richard Donner shot both Superman and a bulk of Superman II before the release of the first film. Donner would eventually get replaced with Richard Lester, but the idea was to keep the cameras going and produce a film on a regular basis. The expected length of the saga was going to be ten Superman installments with Reeves but that ended with just four. This could be a cost effective way to produce more DC films, without each one costing the studio $200 million a pop.

They also confirm that Dwayne Johnson will be involved with Justice League, but his role is uncertain. There has been speculation that it could be the new Green Lantern or Doomsday, but more plausible characters could include Black Adam (back when a Shazam! movie was in the works), Lobo (which he was considered for previously) or JL member Cyborg (mentioned by Cavill and hinted to in MOS).

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

Dwayne Johnson Confirms Meeting For DC Movie Role, Who Could He Be Playing?

2013 was a big year for Dwayne Johnson becoming the most bankable actor of the year, according to Forbes. A lot of us have been wondering, when Dwayne Johnson would make the jump to straight-up comic book films. He's currently testing the waters with G.I. Joe: Retaliation (also attached for G.I. Joe 3) and Hercules, both have origins linked to comics but started in other mediums.

We thought he was going to be landing on the side of Marvel because of his electric personality, however that doesn't seem to be. He was wanted for the role of Drax in Guardians of The Galaxy but turned it down for a starring role in Hercules instead. There had also been rumblings they were looking at him for the role of Luke Cage, the character is now getting his own Netflix series instead of a feature film. Something that would likely not be attractive to Johnson (along with other Cage contenders), since he's a legitimate action film star and is getting major offers from the big studios. 

A new Tweet from the man himself, might be serious confirmation that he's more likely getting a role within the DC film universe. Dwayne confirms a meeting with Warner Bros. about a DC role. He doesn't give details, but we some ideas of what it could be. 

We just had a big meeting w/ Warner Bros CEO re: @DCComics 2014 we will partner up and create the cool bad assery. #RockTalk @ActionTilson
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 31, 2013

Johnson at one point was wanted for the role of Lobo, which at the time had director Brad Peyton attached to direct (Guy Ritchie had been originally attached). The pair previously worked together on Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and will be re-teaming for the earthquake action flick San Andreas. The project had been priority at the studio at one point with Joel Silver producing and Guy Ritchie set to direct, and screen testing Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Watchmen) for the lead. The film had a script from Akiva Goldsman (I Am Legend, Winter's Tale, Fringe) and in 2009 he spoke to the LATimes (via FirstShowing) about Ritchie being involved. 

"There's something hyperbolic and authentic about a Guy Ritchie movie. His best movie are deeply, deeply stylized yet they are all grounded; there's a grit of stylization, which sounds like an oxymoron but it makes perfect sense when you've seen his films," Goldsman said. "We've never seen Guy's sensibility married to a project with such a large special effects budget."

Guy would later exit the film to focus on Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. which co-stars Henry Cavill. With Ritchie wrapping up The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (also at Warner Bros.) the director could be coaxed into coming back to direct. That's unless his Treasure Island film is ready to go next, as Deadline reported back in the summer that writers had been finally hired, the pirate film is setup at Warner Bros. 

Johnson spoke about the project earlier in the year, stating to MTV (via ScreenRant) it was currently off the table. Things change since DC is scrambling to find feature films (mostly with obscure characters) to roll out into theatres to compete with Marvel. Nothing is set in stone as the project had been revived once already. 

“It was [there] for a minute, but then it kind of just went away. As things happen in Hollywood sometime. For a minute I was interested in it (Lobo), then it went away.”

A member of Justice League has been assumed because Dwayne is the type of actor able to handle his own franchise. A bankable American action star (a rare breed these days) that has already re-energized franchises like Fast And Furious and G.I. Joe, having him headline a feature film for DC doesn't sound unlikely. We know more than a few these characters will be teased, cameo or have supporting roles in Zack Snyder's Batman Vs Superman. 

Characters such as Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and Cyborg have been linked to appear in the film, and each could very well get their own standalone films. There is also the possibility he's being considered for the villain roles of Doomsday and Metallo, who are rumored for Batman Vs Superman. Seeing Johnson added to the mix would make sense if it led to a franchise down the line, but I don't really see him taking on one-shot villain role, unless it would allow him to be centre stage like Tom Hardy's Bane. He was once rumored for the new terminator role in Alan Taylor's Terminator: Genesis. 

One character I haven't seen mentioned is Deathstroke, who is expected to get his own feature which is being produced and possibly written by David Goyer (Dark Knight Trilogy, Man of Steel, Batman Vs Superman). The character will also play a major role in Suicide Squad, another Goyer produced DC feature that has been in development for ages. Both Squad and Deathstroke have been the more recent projects reported in development at Warner Bros. (along with Sandman), we have to assume that Deathstroke's future in the DCU could be big enough that it might attract Johnson. As we haven't heard officially or from trades that Warner Bros. is considering taking another crack at Green Lantern or giving Cyborg his own film, but Deathstroke seems like a character that could be huge. 

To be fair, we don't know for sure he's up for any of these roles, but it's something to consider when every blog is claiming different angles. 

SOURCE: TWITTER

Ben Affleck Officially The New Bruce Wayne/Batman For SUPERMAN VS BATMAN, Will He Direct The New BATMAN Films?

WB has officially announced that Ben Affleck (The Town, Argo, Runner Runner) will be taking over the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman for Zack Snyder's Superman Vs. Batman (World's Finest?) which has the release date of July 17th 2015. The deal will likely include Ben being apart of the Justice League film and his own string of Batman films. It's currently unknown if Affleck will be writing or directing the new Batman films along with starring.

Gerard Butler Also In The Mix For New Batman In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN?

We recently heard names like Josh Brolin being the front-runner to play the new Batman in Zack Snyder's Batman Vs. Superman. However, LatinoReview reveals that Snyder alumni Gerard "300" Butler is also in the mix. Bulter has the size and action background needed for the part. It doesn't hurt he already has a previously working relationship with Zack and the studio. He's also in a position to commit to more films (such as Justice League installments) since he doesn't have other franchises on the horizon. Gosling might commit to three Star Wars films which is why I don't really think he's in any serious contention for the part.