David Fincher Remaking Hitchcock's STRANGERS ON A TRAIN With Ben Affleck And Gillian Flynn

Deadline reports that director David Fincher has chosen his next project which is a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's iconic thriller Strangers On A Train. Gone Girl's Gillian Flynn is in talks to write the remake's script.

Originally, the Hitchcock film was based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith but this new film will be updated to be more contemporary. Deadline seemingly has some details of the film which could see it likely retitled to Strangers On A Plane or the more simplistic Strangers.

A movie star–in the middle of a campaign for an Oscar during awards season–whose private plane breaks down and is given a ride to LA on another plane by a wealthy stranger.

Check out the original film's trailer below, I can already imagine Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross scoring this. I'm sure the pair of composers will again sign-on to create the score.




This news comes only a day after the Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn talked about a developing a sequel.

Ben Affleck is said to be taking of the lead of the actor character. The film is at Warner Bros. which has been extremely friendly to Affleck projects. He'll also act as one of the producers with his banner Pearl Street that he runs with Matt Damon.

Strangers is now adding to Affleck's busy film schedule. He'll apparently make the film in-between Live By Night and his extensive shoot for Zack Snyder's Justice League. Deadline also states League will start it's massive production in the spring of 2016.

This could leave room in 2017 for Affleck to make his solo Batman film.



SOURCE: DEADLINE

GONE GIRL Author And Screenwriter Gillian Flynn Open To Sequel

When asked about at the possibility of a Gone Girl sequel by New York Daily News (via The Playlist) author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn gave a promising answer. She stated it could happen along as long as the "gang" is brought back for it.

"There could be a sequel at some point if everyone is game to get the gang back together, it could be really fun a few years from now to pick it up and see what those crazy Dunnes are up to a few years down the road and if they got on — not well I don’t think,"

The assumption would be that Flynn ends-up writing the screenplay for the film, I'm not sure if a book would be released in tandem. Director David Fincher and the cast would need to return as well for Gillian to get onboard with a sequel.

Gone Girl became one of the most profitable R-rated films of the year, second only to Sony's 22 Jump Street. On a budget of $61M the film eventually earned $365M worldwide. The film also has the honor of being David Fincher's highest grossing film to date.

This leads me to believe that 20th Century Fox would love to get everyone back for a sequel.

There is even awards buzz surrounding the film, we should know on Thursday if the film will indeed get some Oscar nominations. The Academy has a lot of love for Fincher's films and in my mind Rosamund Pike is a strong contender for a Best Actress nomination.

Ben Affleck is becoming increasingly busy these days post-Batman but I'm sure could squeeze this in. The film has done wonders for Affleck since it's one his best performances in ages. Sorry, Argo fans, "Argo fuck yourself". I'm frankly a bit more optimistic for future Affleck films after Gone Girl and sort to see Ben push himself a bit more from now on.

Carrie Coon, who plays Affleck's twin sister in the film would also be an essential necessity for it's sequel.The rest of the cast I assume could be easily convinced to return the only one I see becoming a hold-out would be Tyler Perry, although he was fantastic in the film and worth haggling with.

David Fincher on the other hand might be harder to wrangle than the cast. As the filmmaker has never made a sequel to any of his films. I'm sure there are a couple of films he'd like to return to and others he'd like to forget he was ever involved with. Alien 3 comes to mind as one he'd like to forget.

He's also had a bit of trouble in the past getting Sony to agree to make his The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo sequels.

Scripts for both The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest have been written but signs of production moving forward are scarce. While Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig are still contracted for the two films even though Sony has kept them in hiatus.

A couple of months ago, Fincher seemed a bit more optimistic about The Girl Who Played With Fire getting greenlit while speaking in Sweden via Film Divider. Giving the impression the film's script will be vastly different from it's Swedish counterpart starring Noomi Rapace.

"I think because it [Sony] already has spent millions of dollars on the rights and the script so it will result in something. The script that we now have a huge potential, I can reveal as much as it is extremely different from the book."

Oddly enough, another Gillian Flynn adaptation is coming to theatres in 2015 with Dark Places.

The thriller starring Charlize Theron focuses on family, murder and poverty. It should have some of the exact tone of Gone Girl if not darker and fans of the genre might want to keep an eye out for it.

X-Men Apocalypse casting hopefuls Chloe Mortez (Kick-Ass, Equalizer) and Tye Sheridan (Mud, Tree of Life) are also among the cast of Dark Places.



SOURCE: NEWYORKDAILYNEWS

Sony Ever Making DRAGON TATTOO Sequel GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE? David Fincher Thinks So!

ThePlaylist has caught-wind of a foreign interview David Fincher did. According to Fincher (via Google translate), the Dragon Tattoo franchise might be back in-play. He says that the current script for The Girl Who Played With Fire is in good shape and is very different from the book. I'm sure a lot of complaints from Dragon Tattoo was that it was so similar to the original Swedish film. Although, in my opinion Fincher's film felt and looked like a stronger cinematic experience.

Fincher also mentions the fact Sony has invested a lot of money in the franchise's development and obtaining the rights. Since there are two more films to be expected, with Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig likely still obligated to be in them. They have a script from Se7en and 8mm writer Andrew Kevin Walker. Not making the film would be a waste of their time and resources.

We know that Fincher has problems with working with Sony, after a rough experience making the first installment. This led to David asking for a $10 million up-front fee to direct Sony's Steve Jobs bio-pic written by Social Network's Aaron Sorkin. However, we don't blame Sony looking elsewhere for new directors, but hopefully they can at least keep Fincher on as a consultant/producer.

Fincher's latest release Gone Girl sort of echos the stylistic somber tone of Dragon Tattoo, obviously the experience made an impact. He's also busy with two new shows for HBO and considering other film projects at the moment. I wouldn't be entirely shocked if Sony approached people like director Jonathan Glazer (Sexy Beast, Under The Skin) to move the franchise forward. However, I won't entirely shutdown the idea of Fincher returning, since he'd likely earn Sony more Oscar considerations. The first film earned five nominations, including Best Actress for Rooney Mara.


Daniel Craig has at least two more Bond installments, before he's expected to hang-up his martini glass. I imagine Sony would have to work around that as well, which wouldn't be hard since Sony now distributes the Bond films under a recent deal with MGM.

SOURCE: THEPLAYLIST

First Trailer For David Fincher's GONE GIRL

The time is here, we finally have our first glimpse of David Fincher's feature adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel Gone Girl. Flynn also wrote the script and changed the entire third-act, just for the sake of the movie. Ben Affleck stars as the husband of a missing woman played by Rosamund Pike. After certain things are revealed, Affleck's character becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. The film will be released on October 3rd, and will likely get some awards attention.

Christian Bale Wanted For Steve Jobs Role In Untitled David Fincher/Aaron Sorkin Film?

TheWrap is reporting that Oscar winner Christian Bale is David Fincher's choice to play Steve Jobs in Sony's untitled bio-pic written by Aaron Sorkin. The duo responsible for The Social Network, is aiming to recapture that stellar vision for the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Hopefully erasing all memory of that terrible movie that had Ashton Kutcher in the lead. It's a promising piece of casting news, but it's still very early.



SOURCE: THEWRAP

Trent Reznor And Atticus Ross Providing Score For David Fincher's GONE GIRL

Trent Reznor has confirmed via Twitter, that he and Atticus Ross will have scoring duties on David Fincher's Gone Girl. The pair have previously composed haunting modern scores for Fincher's The Social Network and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

Their first outing earned them Oscars for Best Original Score, which should help establish the tone of the crime thriller. It will be interesting to see if the duo will also provide tracks that could be used for trailers and promotional materials, as they had added a few cover songs to the Dragon Tattoo soundtrack.

SOURCE: TRENT REZNOR

David Fincher's GONE GIRL Graces EW Cover And First Official Image Released

Sony is still waiting on David Fincher to make time to direct The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo sequels The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest, as scripts are still being worked out by screenwriter Steve Zillian. Director David Fincher has kept busy producing and directing the pilot episode of the Netflix series House of Cards, and recently directed a feature based on the novel Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

Gone Girl stars Ben Affleck (Batman Vs Superman, The Town, Argo) and Rosamund Pike (The World's End, An Education) grace a spoiler cover on EW, shot by Fincher. Along with a previously released official still from the film, I'm sure a trailer and poster will be on their way shortly. The crime thriller focuses on a woman (Pike) who goes missing after her wedding anniversary, and her husband (Affleck) becomes a suspect in her disappearance. This cover photo reminds me of the EW one for Dragon Tattoo, it also gives the impression that Pike's character isn't found alive. 20th Century Fox has set the release date for October 3rd, 2014.

There's no word if Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross will be re-teaming to score the film, but there are expectations it will happen. As the composing pair previously worked with Fincher on The Social Network and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, earning them an Oscar win for Best Original Score (for The Social Network). 

SOURCE: EW

David Fincher In Talks To Direct Thriller GONE GIRL

Variety reports that David Fincher could be returning back to his crime thriller roots with an adaptation of Gillian Lynn's Gone Girl. The director is in talks to helm the 20th Century Fox project which has Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon producing and could end up with a role. The thriller focuses on a woman who disappears on the day of her fifth wedding anniversary with evidence pointing to the husband.

It's possible that Fincher could still make 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea over at Disney but talks to get Brad Pitt in the lead role didn't workout. Fincher had also been linked to direct Star Wars but had reportedly turned it down in it's early development stages. Gone Girl would take up less of his time and could allow him to go straight into the Dragon Tattoo sequels afterwards.

An update concerning The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest is also mentioned. Currently, a script for The Girl Who Played With Fire had been ordered by Sony but hasn't been completed as Steve Zallian is busy with an HBO project. There had been expectations to cutdown production costs the two sequels would shoot back-to-back. David could be looking to make a film during the writing of the sequels. He hasn't officially confirmed he will be back to direct but Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig will be returning to their respected roles.

Lucas Envisioned Four STAR WARS Trilogies And David Fincher Won't Direct?

It's been reported that Disney's acquisition of LucasFilm and Star Wars would include two new original Star Wars trilogies and other spin-offs. Michael Arndt had outlined a new trilogy and was hired to write the script for Episode VII. New information further confirms that Lucas apparently had originally outlined twelve films which means four trilogies. Empire (via ThePlaylist) mentions this and Lucas was aiming to give Hamill a sort of Obi Wan Kenobi role in Episode VII to pass the torch to another chosen-one. This lines up with the recent plot rumor that Skywalker would be setting up a new Jedi Knight Academy on Yavin 4. It remains to be seen how much of Lucas' notes will be included in the next six films.

Included is a brief update on David Fincher's involvement. ThePlaylist confirms the studio reached out to Fincher early in the process. David got early breaks working on Return of Jedi and Temple of Doom for LucasFilm. Plus, LucasFilm head Kathleen Kennedy produced Fincher's Benjamin Button. However, they state that Fincher is unlikely to make the "plunge". He's already working on 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea for Disney with Brad Pitt loosely linked to star in the lead. It's expected we'll be hearing the name of the director sometime in January.

David Fincher And Jon Favreau Contenders To Direct STAR WARS EPISODE VII?

Deadline seems to have put a bit of wrench in the recent comments from actor Jason Flemyng teasing that Matthew Vaughn had landed the job of directing a new Star Wars film. They say that David Fincher (Fight Club, Alien 3, Social Network, Seven) is "game" to make the film along with Jon Favreau (Iron Man) "panting after this job". It will be interesting to see if this effects the two large projects the directors have already setup with Disney. Fincher is developing a remake of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea with Brad Pitt possibly being looked at for the lead. Favreau is also trying to put together a larger than life live-action film based on the Magic Kingdom theme park which would be similar to Night At The Museum.

We already know that Favreau has links to ILM working them on both Iron Man films and Cowboys And Aliens. He also voiced a character for ILM's Clone Wars cartoon and is a die-hard Star Wars fan. ThePlaylist points out that LucasFilm head Kathleen Kennedy produced Fincher's Benjamin Button which means he's had a working relationship with Kathy. Not to mention Fincher worked on Return of The Jedi and Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom. Kennedy has previously stated that they were looking at people they've worked previously and Fincher seems like a candidate having similar roots that Joe Johnston has.

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.

FILMS THAT SHOULD BE MADE: Frank Miller's Hard Boiled

Back in 2001, it was announced by Variety that Warner Bros. and David Fincher were going to be adapting the much praised and visually stunning graphic novel Hard Boiled from Frank Miller and artist Geof Darrow. Nicolas Cage was in talks to play the lead character Nixon. This ultimately didn't happen and everyone involved walked away from the film. The comic is similar to a mix of Fifth Element/Heavy Metal meets Blade Runner/Sin City. It features the setting of an over populated gritty futuristic L.A. littered with violence. The main character Nixon seems to live a double life but is unaware of it. Believing he's just an average family man. 

During the height of the successful releases of Sin City and 300 it was back in development. Frank Miller talking to MTV mentioned he was in talks to direct it. The project quickly went into limbo when Miller's directing debut The Spirit tanked. If Warner Bros. is dying to make more comic book films Hard Boiled should be on the top of their list since the material if prime for an adaptation. The studio is currently beginning production on the sequel/prequel to Miller's 300 in the next couple of months which is somewhat inspired by his new graphic novel Xerxes.

THOUGHTS ON A DIRECTOR:

My first thoughts went to Luc Besson mainly because of the design and scope of his film The Fifth Element. That film borrowed a lot of from the original Hard Boiled artwork by artist Geof Darrow. Yet it looks like he's got enough projects in development along with another original science fiction blockbuster on the way.



Ultimately the best director for this would be Paul Verhoeven who has tackled this satirical science fiction material previously with Robocop, Total Recall and Starship Troopers. Yet, the Dutch director has stated many times his distaste for sci-fi. It's extremely assuming since he's one of the best directors of the genre. Personally, I'd love to Verhoeven return for one more crazy genre outing like Hard Boiled.



I wouldn't rule out a studio loyalist like Christopher Nolan tackling the material. Since someone like Fincher was originally interested I wouldn't dismiss Nolan taking on the subject matter. He's long stated that he's a massive a fan of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner and has dabbled with science fiction elements with both Prestige and Inception. This film explores similar elements used in Blade Runner and other films based on Philip K. Dick stories. Nolan is exiting the Batman franchise but hasn't announced for sure what his next film will be. He's notorious for not committing to another film until the one before it is released, focusing his entire attention to one film at a time. Given that fact we have no clue what he'll do next.

Snyder has already proven he can handle large scoped projects and delivered somewhat successful comic book adaptations with 300 and Watchmen. The way Zack recreated a 1980's Manhattan could work when a super stylized future L.A. is the setting. It helped earn him the coveted directing gig on Man of Steel. If the studio does end up for an R-rated rating Zack seems like one of the best directors to pull this off. The only problem here is that it's expected if successful he'll be asked to make the sequel to Man of Steel. If a sequel happens I assume a trilogy will be worked out during the development of Man of Steel 2.

Newcomer directors James Mather and Stephen St. Leger seem like they could do big things with a large budget film like Hard Boiled. The pair are about to release their smaller budgeted science fiction actioner Lockout in April which they both directed and wrote with producer Luc Besson. This Hollywood-like film was made on the cheap and has some impressive sets/effects all things considering. I feel if Lockout is successful big studios will be knocking down their door very quickly. I get the impression that they could make a plausable adaptation and without a massive bloated budget. Along with writing a tailor-make script to fit both a low budget and their visual style.



WHO SHOULD PLAY NIXON?:

When the news first surfaced I originally had Bruce Willis in mind but that doesn't possible as the role seems more psychical than I believe he can handle stunt-wise at his age. This is something I picture a younger 90's Willis being perfect for. With that in mind a few names come to mind. They include Russell Crowe (Gladiator, American Gangster), Michael Shannon (Man of Steel, Take Shelter, Boardwalk Empire) and Clive Owen (Sin City, Children of Men) who are able to play the everyman but can be highly action driven as well when needed.

David Fincher Might Choose 20,000 Leagues Over Dragon Tattoo Sequels

Earlier it was announced that Sony was indeed making the sequels to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. David Fincher was not mentioned as signing on to direct those two films. Now, ThePlaylist is hearing that because of tension during the production of Dragon Tattoo, Fincher might walk. They site troubles between David, Sony and producer Scott Rubins during the filming. I assume Fincher ended up butting heads with the studio over creative control and the material's graphic nature.

Fincher could end up jumping on board his long in development 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea project at Disney. The script by Scott Z. Burns which the director is happy with is currently undergoing rewrites from Se7en scribe Andrew Kevin Walker. There is no confirmation that he has chosen either project but the director has options that he can use when talking with Sony about contracts.

Dragon Tattoo Sequels Confirmed

Deadline reports that Sony is moving forward the two sequels to David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Screenwriter Steve Zaillian has finished scripts for both The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest. However, Fire will end up getting massive changes to include Lisbeth (Mara) as more of a central characters. Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig are apparently locked in for the two sequels. David Fincher on the other hand has yet to sign on to return in the director's chair. They say that shooting could start by the end of 2012 or early 2013. Fincher previously stated that the films could shoot back-to-back if they were greenlit.

It's very likely that David Fincher will return for the sequels as he's been mentioning his involvement in the trilogy since day one. I'm sure it will all come down to budgets for the two productions and creative control before his signs on. There is zero mention of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross returning but considering the buzz the score and cover songs did for the film. I would be shocked if Fincher/Sony didn't ask them to come back as well. I assume the the big rewrites are also to further distance the Fincher films from the Swedish movies.

Dragon Tattoo Sequels Could Shoot In The Next 12-18 Months

TheNewYorkTimes (via ThePlaylist) reports while David Fincher hasn't officially committed to sequels to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo they will be shot within the next 12-18 months. It's not mentioned but it had been rumored the two sequels The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest would be shot back-to-back.

The only issue here would be if Fincher had to go back to working on Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. I've noticed one big thing about Dragon Tattoo that being the stunning amount of sets and production design. If David and his team didn't already have production designs set for the sequels (which I assume they do considering they're extensive stay in Sweden for the first film's shoot), they would need a lot more time. Here's hoping that Fincher quickly moves on finishing the trilogy before moving on to other things.

David Fincher's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Gets A New Writer

Deadline reports that David Ficher's massive take on the classic Jules Verne tale 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea will have another writer. Previously screenwriters such as Scott Z. Burns , Randall Wallace and Michael Chabon were involved in the writing process. Now Andrew Kevin Walker (Sleepy Hollow, The Wolfman) will take a shot at the script. Walker is best known for Se7en but hasn't worked with Fincher since.

New Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Poster

David Fincher Options Panic Attack

Vulture reports that David Fincher has optioned the rights to Jason Starr's Panic Attack. He's set Ted Griffin (Ocean's Elven, Tower Heist) to write a treatment. The novel focuses on a New York shrink who shoots and kills a home intruder, then faces a media frenzy and the victim's vengeful accomplice. This treads on similar grounds to Fincher's Panic Room so it's likely he will only produce as he hasn't announced if he'll direct.

David also has other projects in the works including The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest, Heavy Metal, The Killer (comic book), Black Hole (comic book), Ness/Torso, Devil In The White City and Disney's 2,000 Leagues Under The Sea.

Screen Grabs From The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Teaser Trailer

David Fincher's Dragon Tattoo Remake Trailer Coming June 2nd

It looks like France and Sweden are already enjoying the first footage from David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Sony has released a Red-Band trailer in those countries for the remake which stars Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. There is word that Sony will release a domestic trailer on June 2nd.