NO JOE! Martin Cambpell Will Direct SEBASTIAN X Not G.I. JOE 3

A new report from Variety looks to have squashed any rumors that Kiwi director Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, Goldeneye, Green Lantern) could be directing G.I. Joe 3. They are reporting that Martin is now attached to direct a feature adaptation of the French graphic novel Sebastian X. This is coming from both the production company and producers behind the hit series The Walking Dead. Not to mention Walking Dead producer Gale Anne Hurd, best known for producing films like Terminator, Aliens, Terminator 2, Alien Nation, The Abyss and Tremors. Her comic book movie credits include The Incredible Hulk and Punisher: War Zone.

Here's the synopsis of the spy-like comic book. An elite cop who, after a near-fatal injury, is implanted with the memories of the world’s most notorious terrorist — Sebastian X — in order to infiltrate his group before their next attack.

It's possible Paramount wanted him for G.I. Joe 3, but it seems very unlikely any talks took place. Considering how two trade reports have linked him to other films. TheWrap mentioning him as attached for the currently stalled Hunter Killer in September. It's unlikely we'll see Campbell helping-out the real American heroes. This also seems like comic book material a bit more fitted to experience with Bond films.

You might remember that the genre hit The Snowpiercer was based on an obscure French graphic novel as well. So this could be a big deal, if handled the right way and given the right budget.


SOURCE: VARIETY 

BIG RUMOR: GOLDENEYE & CASINO ROYALE Director Martin Campbell Wanted For G.I. JOE 3?

Take this following rumor with a hugh gain-of-salt, but the iffy scoop site SchmoesKnow say they have news concerning the director of G.I. Joe 3. The site is better known for their entertaining videos/podcasts, and guesting on other video-casts. While they skirt around where the actual "news" is coming from, I have to assume to it's coming from the usual gossip channels (aka The Phantom).

They say that Bond director Martin Campbell is in "talks" to replace Jon M. Chu. Campbell is known for standout Bond installments such as Goldeneye and Casino Royale. He's also responsible for one of the biggest box office blunders in recent history with Green Lantern. Again, don't take this rumor as 100% but it's interesting to consider the potential here. We've seen rumors like this turnout to be false or directors put on studio wish-lists.

Backing this is up slightly, Chu has been doing everything in his power to avoid directing the third installment taking on other projects. Paramount in the meantime isn't likely going to wait-around for him. However, it should be noted that TheWrap recently reported Campbell was in talks to direct spy thriller Hunter Killer for Relativity Media back in September. It's possible he's meeting on multiple projects and this just yet another potential studio gig.


SOURCE: SCHMOESKNOW

Chiwetel Ejiofor And Sean Bean Join Ridley Scott's THE MARTAIN

Deadline is reporting that actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave, Children of Men) has landed a a part in Ridley Scott's The Martian. British badass Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, Patriot Games, Goldeneye, Lord of The Rings, Ronin) will also have a role in the sci-fi flick. The rest of the cast includes Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Jeff Daniels and Donald Glover. I'm actually more excited for this project than the upcoming release of Exodus: Gods and Kings. 20th Century Fox has set the release date for November 25th, 2015.


SOURCE: DEADLINE

CASINO ROYALE Director Martin Campbell Could Return To Spy Genre With HUNTER KILLER

According to TheWrap Kiwi director Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, Goldeneye) could be returning to his spy genre roots. They say he's in talks to direct Hunter Killer for Relativity Media. Other directors previously in the mix include Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Equalizer, Shooter, Olympus Has Fallen), Phillip Noyce (Salt, Patriot Games, Clear And Present Danger, The Saint), McG (This Means War) and Steve Quale (Into The Storm). The film is based on the novel Firing Point by George Wallace and Don Keith. Below is a synopsis of the novel.

A renegade Russian military leader pushing the U.S. to the brink of a nuclear confrontation and shattering a decades-old peace agreement between the two former enemies. Cut off from all outside communication, a submarine commander and an elite Navy special forces unit are all that stand between the Russian assault and all-out war.

Campbell is best known for directing the first installmets of the Pierce Broson and Daniel Craig eras of the Bond franchise, considered the highlights of those eras. Campbell has had a few hiccups lately with his Mel Gibson thriller Edge of Darkness (which I actually liked a lot at the time) not making much of a splash, and Green Lantern becoming a genre punchline. It's unlikely we'll see Campbell return to the Bond franchise. Until, I assume they get someone to replace Craig. So, it's kind of smart on Martin's part to consider jumping back into the genre with a different project. We're rooting for Campbell to get his grove back, and Hunter Killer could be the right film to do that.





SOURCE: THEWRAP

Could Pierce Brosnan, Robert De Niro And Hulk Hogan Join The Cast Of EXPENDABLES 4?

Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has confirmed to ShortList he's signed-up for a role in an Expendables installment. Stating that producer Avi Lerner has offered him a role in the franchise while shooting another film (Survivor) for Avi in Bulgaria. It's unknown if this role is for Expendables 4 or  ExpendaBelles.

"Oh, the offer has come in for the next Expendables. I just worked over in Bulgaria with Avi Lerner who makes them. He said, 'Would you like to be in The Expendables? I'd love to have you', and I said, 'Why not?' So we'll see. I have no idea which one it would be. I just said yes. It could be [Expendables 7]!"

There has been talk from Stallone that he could be walking from the franchise. The only problem is these Expendables movies are earners, while Sly's solo ventures (even with the help of Arnold Schwarzenegger) aren't making splashes stateside. It's starting to sound like Lerner could continue making sequels, with or without Stallone's involvement. If anything, these statements give the impression Avi wants more sequels.

We should also keep in mind that Avi doesn't always land the actors he pursues. John Travolta, Nicolas Cage and Jackie Chan were other names that were wanted for franchise roles, but never came together. While he was somehow able to wrangle Harrison Ford for Expendables 3. At least it sounds like Pierce is game, and we have confirmation he's going to be involved at some point.

In January, while promoting their film Grudge Match, Sly mentioned talk to Robert De Niro (Heat, Ronin, Elite Killer, The Deer Hunter) about getting involved in the films, during an interview with Yahoo!. After taking roles in Robert Rodriguez's Machete and Elite Killer (alongside Jason Statham), I think anything is possible concerning Robert De Niro. The pair previously worked together on the underrated crime drama Cop Land, and De Niro seemed interested in the video. I'd love to see Robert take a role, and I'm sure others wouldn't mind seeing him playing in this kind of action sandbox.

"[Sly's] been talking about," admits De Niro. 

"Now I know him, I know his phone number, yeah," explains Stallone, "He'd definitely be great in it."

A rumor from Bulgarian news site Blitz suggests that Hulk Hogan will have a role in Expendables 4, and the production will shoot in the country this fall. That's a bit odd considering this is the first time hearing, when Sly and Lerner are usually on the promotion machine. Apparently, Expendables 3 will be getting promoted at SDCC14, might could be where they might announce their future plans. If indeed Expendables 4 is happening, or if the production is really ExpendaBelles. It should be noted they've shot the last two movies in Bulgaria, and producer Avi Lerner has made other films there as well. The country would hear news first concerning the project ramping up for production. Hogan does have a connection to Sly Stallone, having a cameo in Rocky III and Sly showed-up to his induction to the Wrestling Hall of Fame back in 2005. Stallone did hire wrestler Steve Austin for the original movie, so he could end up getting another wrestler involved.

The major problem is that we haven't any information concerning development on Expendables 4. What we do know that the studio is working on an all-female spin-off entitled The ExpendaBelles. I wouldn't be shocked if that this is the film the Bulgarian outlet is referring to, since there isn't even a hint to a fourth movie and according to Stallone he might end the franchise on with the third one. ExpendaBelles has actresses such as Gina Carano, Katee Sackhoff, and Zoe Bell attached to star. Ronda Rousy has a role in Expendables 3, which could easy transfer over to that film as well. I wouldn't be entirely shocked if they were waiting to announce the fourth film and it's cast at Comic-Con, if it exists.

SOURCE: BLITZ