Fox Nabs Rights To Remake ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK

Deadline reports that 20th Century Fox has landed the rights to remake John Carpenter's cult-classic Escape From New York. This new rights deal would mean the previous reboot project which had been in development for ages will be completely scrapped. Fox will be starting from scratch and likely ditching all previous scripts or outlines hiring their own writers.

The previous incarnation was looking for directors with little experience and was said to be a prequel of sorts as we would learn the origins of the franchise hero Snake Plissken, going from a national military hero to serial criminal and professional escape artist.

In the original film Snake is put on a forced suicide mission to retrieve the President who get's lost in Manhattan which is now city-sized prison colony which is led by murderous gang leader named The Duke. The less said about it's horrible sequel Escape From LA the better.




There have been plenty of actors linked for the recasting of Snake Plissken including Gerard Butler. More recently names like Sons of Anarchy's Charlie Hunnam, Thor's Chris Hemsworth and The Guest's Dan Stevens had been rumored but seemingly were only rumors.

Here's hoping Fox actively pursues Dan Stevens for the role of Snake.



Considering how Fox has handled rebooting the Planet of The Apes franchise I'm beyond excited by the news. It also opens the door for someone like Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman, X-Men First Class, Layer Cake) or Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, Let Me In) to direct or write the reboot.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

RUMOR! ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK Lead Down To Charlie Hunnam, Dan Stevens & Jon Bernthal?

One of the John Carpenter's most celebrated cult-film Escape From New York is getting a remake from producer Joel Silver. The dystopian sci-fi action flick follows a fallen hero who has become the most famous outlaw in a crumbling fascist America, where entire cities are setup as guard-less prisons. Propaganda and the police-state rule the country, with most freedoms becoming outlawed. Snake is forced into saving the day on suicide-missions, usually with threat of death/execution.

Starlog reports that the three new names being in the mix for Snake include  Charlie Hunnam, Dan Stevens (The Guest, Downton Abbey) and Jon Bernthal (Wolf of Wall Street, Walking Dead, Fury). Stating that Hunnam is the top-choice for the role, but cautious considering his recent involvement in top-lining Guy Ritchie's Knights of The Roundtable: King Arthur, taking the Arthur role.

Out of the three names, the one that stands-out as solid potential lead is Dan Stevens. The trailer for his well received action thriller The Guest, has gotten my attention and I expect big things for the British actor. If he decides to pursue a career in action film. I also have nominated Stevens to play Daniel Rand in Marvel's Netflix series Iron Fist. Here's hoping he lands the Plissken role first.



There has been talk the reboot will actually be a slight prequel to the events of the original movie, exploring a bit of the origins of Snake in the first film, what gave him his hero status. Before being thrown into the meat-grinder of the prison city of New York. The site mentions that it's going to be more of a team-based film than we've know the films to be. Claiming that actors being looked-at for the lead, will likely take supporting parts in the reboot. Which is said to be the first in a new trilogy (that's if this even get's made, and is even welcomed by audiences).

Producer Joel Silver talked to Collider and revealed a majority of these details back in February. Silver also confirmed they didn't have a completed script, we haven't heard names of who is actually writing or directing the film (directors have come and gone). Starlog states the studio is also looking for investment partners and will be shopping the film at The American Film Market. This could mean the remake will be made outside of the studio system, which tends to lead to more interesting films. Dredd being an excellent example of a solid indie remake.

“There was a videogame that came out a few years ago called 'Arkham City,' which shows how Gotham became this kind of walled prison and how it became a walled prison. And they never deal with that in the story of 'Escape from New York,' so part of our idea was to kind of see how the city became this walled prison and how the Snake Plissken character was a hero and how he became not looked at as a hero. And then, in the middle of the story, would be the movie that we, you know, previously saw about the President’s daughter goes down, he has to go in and get her. And then, you know, they did a sequel, 'Escape from L.A.,' but I would like to then kind of find a way to have New York go back to a place that we’d like to see what it is today.”

These aren't the first names to be linked for the Snake Plissken role, during the reboot's many years of development. Names such as Gerard Bulter, Jason Statham, Tom Hardy and Timothy Olyphant (Justified, Dead Wood) have been mentioned in trade reports concerning the recasting the Snake role. It's unknown if any of these past candidates would be willing to appear in the film.

SOURCE: STARLOG

Aussie Luke Bracey Will Be FBI Agent Johnny Utah In POINT BREAK Remake Opposite Gerard Butler

THR reports that the Point Break remake has found it's Johnny Utah, as Aussie actor Luke Bracey has landed the role alongside Gerard Butler. Luke might be an unknown in North America, but in Australia was apart of the legendary cast of Home And Away. The popular Aussie soap is the stomping ground for a lot of the country's acting talent. Former cast members include Chris Hemsworth, Isabel Lucas, Isla Fisher, Naomi Watts, Guy Pearce, Jason Clarke, Simon Baker and Heath Ledger.


SOURCE: THR

Gerard Butler Offered Lead Role In POINT BREAK Remake

THR is reporting that Scottish actor Gerard Butler (Olympus Has Fallen, 300) is being courted for a lead role in the Point Break remake. Butler would take on the Bohdi role, originally portrayed by Patrick Swayze in the film directed by Kathryn Bigelow (Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty). The remake was written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium, Total Recall, Law Abiding Citizen, Salt, Street Kings) and directed by cinematographer Ericson Core (Daredevil, Fast And Furious).

Instead of focusing on a small group of Californian surfers, it will be set within the world of international extreme sports. The lead characters will keep their original names, an actor for the role of undercover FBI agent Johnny Utah (previously played by Keanu Reeves) hasn't been flushed out yet.

 While I'm not a hundred percent on board for this remake, casting an action star who can actually surf is good starting point. Gerard is currently shooting Gods of Egypt and will be taking on London Is Falling afterwards, Break will begin production sometime this summer.


SOURCE: THR

Geoffrey Rush To Play Ra In GODS OF EGYPT Which Stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau And Gerard Butler

THR reports that Aussie actor has joined the cast of Alex Proyas' Gods of Egypt. The Egyptian god epic already has Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Gerard Butler set as the film's hero (Horus, son of slain god Osiris) and villain (Set, god of the desert). Rush will play Ra, Egyptian god of the sun who is the father of both Set and Osiris. Ra is also the next target of Set after killing Horus' father Osiris.

Gerard Butler To Play Villain In GODS OF EGYPT

THR reports that Scottish actor Gerard Butler (300, Olympus Has Fallen) has joined the cast of Alex Proyas' Gods of Egypt. He'll play Egyptian god Set who is the nemesis of Horus, played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones). Production is set to begin in the new year on location in Australia.

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.

Zack Snyder Will Talk To Frank Miller About BATMAN VS SUPERMAN And Batman Role Rumored For Older Actor

One of the biggest stories coming out of Comic-Con this Summer was the announcement that Zack Snyder would be making a follow up to Man of Steel with Batman Vs. Superman. Now there's talk (via TheIndependent) that Zack will be talking with Frank Miller (Sin City, Wolverine, Daredevil 300, The Dark Knight Returns) about the film. Taking advice and possible story suggestions from the comic book legend. Miller's Dark Knight Returns focuses on a elderly Batman coming out of retirement and is forced to fight Superman. Zack talked to FirstShowing back in 2009 about making a film based on Miller's Dark Knight Returns.

“I think the thing that’s awesome about Dark Knight, like Watchmen, is that it is a complete and total experience, that was unlike anything anyone has ever seen, and still is,” Snyder said. “I think the big challenge for me would be – it’s so ‘montage-y’ and so media thick, that you just have to – that’s the techniques you’d have to develop and make work. But as far as the rest goes, the thing I’d be really interested in is that kind of Frank [Miller] narration over that cool action, that’s a thing we haven’t really seen in that context.”

BatmanOnFilm is reporting on an exciting casting rumor for Superman Vs. Batman. As they state the studio could be looking to cast an older actor (mid-40's) in the role of Batman. Likely, scrapping previous incarnations (Christian Bale and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) seen in Nolan's trilogy. This news added to the Frank Miller's involvement it's possible there could be some elements from his take on the DC Universe, such as The Dark Knight Returns. The site also mentions their own solid casting choices such as Jon Hamm (previously championed by fans for Superman), Josh Brolin, Gerard Butler (had been one of my suggestions when the film was announced) and a few others.  Hamm and Butler seem like decent choices, along with the fact they've previously worked with director Zack Snyder on previous films.

New Poster For OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN

New International And Domestic Posters For OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN

Trailer For Antoine Fuqua's OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN Starring Gerard Butler

Tommy Wirkola To Direct 'AFTERBURN' Starring Gerard Butler

HeatVision reports that Norwegian writer/director Tommy Wirkola is now attached to the adaptation of the graphic novel Afterburn. Along with directing he would do some rewrites to the script. Gerard Butler is set to star with Neal H. Mortiz (Total Recall, 21 Jump Street) producing. Tommy had a great first outing with Dead Snow and has Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters is coming out in 2013. Some were worried about Witch Hunters being pushed back to 2013 but it sounds like waiting until the releases of Bourne Legacy and Avengers is a smart move.

"Set in a future where solar flares have left half the world a ravaged wasteland filled with mutants and pirates. Buried beneath the ash and rubble are priceless artifacts and some of the world’s most valuable works of art – for which wealthy Americans will pay any price. The story centers on a treasure hunter who leads his team into the quarantine zone, braving rival bounty hunters, rogue armies, pirate gangs and deadly mutants along the way."

Antoine Fuqua Offered 'OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN' Starring Gerard Butler

HeatVision says that Nu Image/Millennium Films is looking to offer the Olympus Has Fallen director's chair to Antoine Fuqua. Olympus is being compared to Die Hard set in the White House and has Gerard Butler attached to star. The action veteran director is best known for films like Training Day, Brooklyn's Finest, Shooter, The Replacement Killers, King Arthur and Tears of The Sun.

Another White House set action film White House down is making the rounds at Sony so it looks like Nu Image/Millennium is eager to get their project into production first. Fuqua has aligned himself with many projects in last year or so, it could end up he doesn't take the offer.

Xavier Gens Should Direct The Escape From New York Remake

New Line Cinema has been slowly developing a remake of John Carpenter's cult favorite Escape From New York. Producer Neal H. Mortiz (Total Recall) got a hold of the project and screenwriter Ken Nolan (Black Hawk Down) took a shot at the script. Scottish actor Gerard Bulter was attached for Snake Plissken when director Len Wiseman (Total Recall, Die Hard 4) was going to make the film. Wiseman dropped out to make Total Recall instead and it lead to Butler's exit as well. Jonathan Mostow (U-571) came on to also work on the script with some intention to direct. That also didn't pan out so the studio looked to newcomer Breck Eisner and he's the last name attached to the remake. Jeremy Renner had been rumored for Snake but he would later deny his involvement.

While Len Wiseman could have made a fun action film I doubt the quality would have been there. I recently watched The Divide from French director Xavier Gens (Frontier(s)) which is a mix of genres that includes psychological thriller, science fiction and post-apocalyptic horror. The film isn't breaking new ground as it takes key elements from projects like The Walking Dead and Screamers. That being said it ended up a great little low-budget genre flick. There are even some moments it felt like an John Carpenter film, I assume it was also taking cues from his films as well.

If New Line wants a visionary director who can work with a lower budget then I believe that Gens should be given a shot. Breck Esiner's films Sahara and The Crazies didn't exactly set the world on fire. As a fan I don't have confidence in his limited vision. I feel the only reason he's being looked at is because he'll do it on the cheap. Xavier would be an inspired choice compared to Mostow, Eisner and Brett Ratner.

Rodrigo Santoro In Talks To Reprise The Role Of Xerxes

While speaking with Collider actor Rodrigo Santoro confirmed that he was in talks to reprise the role of Xerxes in 300: Battle of Artemisia. Currently the only actors confirmed for the film include Eva Green (Casino Royale, Kingdom of Heaven), Sullivan Stapleton (Animal Kingdom) and Jamie Blackley. There had also been talk of Gerard Butler and Lena Headey reprising their roles as well.

Guy Ritchie Gives A Real RockNRolla Update

Guy Ritchie is become a staple director at Warner Bros. handling their Sherlock Holmes franchise and is in talks for their 60's era spy blockbuster The Man From UNCLE. Ritchie talked to MovieLine and revealed the status of his sequel to RockNRolla that had the working title of The Real RockNRolla. The sequel had been teased at the end of the first film and fans have actively waiting for Guy to finally get around to making it.

"You know, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it! I’ve written a script, I think it’s a great script, and Joel [Silver] wants to pay for me to do it. But up until now we haven’t had the time to do it," Ritchie said. "It’s sitting there and we’d all like to do it, it’s just a question of when we’re going to fit it in. So we’ll wait and see."

Luckily, RockNRolla had been a Warner Bros. film with studio producer Joel Silver also involved. Silver is also working with Ritchie on his Sherlock Holmes franchise. It seems like RDJ is keen on taking a bit of break from Holmes even if the studio is currently writing a third film. So like I've said previously he could end up making two films between Sherlock Holmes 2 and 3. The only thing that could derail The Real RockNRolla is possibly The Man From UNCLE and it's sequels. Also, the cast of the original seems to be blowing up on their own. It might be hard to lock in Gerard Butler, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong and Toby Kebbell for the sequel.

Ridley Scott And Gerard Bulter Want To Make African Coup Film

It seems like every couple of months a new Ridley Scott project springs up. There is word from Deadline director Ridley Scott is putting together an interesting fact-based thriller with Gerard Butler attached for the lead. It would focus on the story of Simon Mann, a former British army officer who in 2004 put together a band of mercenaries to attempt a coup against the president of Equatorial Guinea. The coup attempt was thwarted in Zimbabwe, where Mann went to pick up weapons. He spent five years in a harsh prison there before being taken to Equatorial Guinea where he was sentenced to 34 years–but spared that sentence when he received a presidential pardon in 2009.

Ridley has a ton of other projects to consider next but it seems like this one has a little more depth than some of his other prospects. He has more than a few options to consider which include a Blade Runner sequel, Forever War, A Brave New World, Monopoly and a possible sequel to Prometheus.

Joel Edgerton In Talks For 300 Battle Of Artemisia

ThePlaylist reports that Joel Edgerton is now in talks for the lead role of Themosticles in 300: Battle of Artemisia. Written/produced by Zack Snyder and based on the work of Frank Miller tells the story ten years prior to the first film. Noam Murro is set to direct with an estimated release date in 2013. Gerard Butler and Lena Headey are rumored to have cameos in the film as well.

Snyder Says Xerxes Script Done Might Not Direct, Could Joe Manganiello Join?

MTV caught up with writer/director Zack Snyder at the Sucker Punch premiere and got some updates on Xerxes. He confirms that he and his writing partner Kurt Johnstadt have finished the script but isn't sure if he'll direct. There had been rumors that Guy Ritchie was in talks with Warners Bros. to direct.

Snyder was also asked if Superman runner up Joe Manganiello (True Blood) would be in the film. Zack liked the idea but also said Joe was a busy man. The film would focus on Themistocles which could be a good role for Joe. Gerard Bulter could return as Leonidas if the script allows.

"This one starts off with a quick retelling of the why of the Persian wars. It starts off at the Battle of Marathon and then it goes back to Themistocles finding out that Persians are invading again. And off we go over to learn a little bit about why Xerxes is the way he is."

Viggo Mortensen Not Joining Superman, Could Gerard Butler?

Director Zack Snyder has confirmed to LatinoReview that Viggo Mortensen will not be joining Superman: Man of Steel. It had be reported that Viggo had been up for the role of Zod along with Daniel Day-Lewis. ThePlaylist is hearing "whispers" that Snyder wants to reunite with Gerard Bulter (300, Gamer, RockNRolla) and he could end up in the movie.

Butler is great on screen when there is a decent script and solid director behind him. It would be interesting to see him play Zod or other possible villains. Nothing is confirmed or even mentioned by the trades so it's just wishful thinking at this point.