Alfonso Cuarón In Talks To Direct HARRY POTTER Spin-Off FANTASTIC BEASTS

NikkiFinke is about to make a comeback after being forced-out of Deadline, and she already has a decent scoop. She claims that Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Gravity) is now in talks to direct Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. A Harry Potter spin-off book written by J.K. Rowling and is said to be getting a trilogy treatment.

Alfonso had been rumored to be in the mix for future Star Wars films. Warner Bros. trying to lock him into these new Potter films would be a smart move, on their part. Cuarón is credited for directing the first mature installment of the Potter franchise with The Prisoner of Azkaban. Having him spearhead a new trilogy could make for something worth getting excited.

SOURCE: NIKKIFINKE

Oscar Nominated Composer Steven Price To Score ANT-MAN

Marvel is finally upping their game, concerning the composers of their films. I recent spoke to my opinion on their films having weak scores. Considering that these films will be affectionately compared to Star Wars by a generation, the scores are below the standard (for films of this size) and are pedestrian at best. My thoughts on that might change as Tyler Bates (300, Watchmen) is set to score James Gunn's Guardians of The Galaxy. Another promising name is being added to the Phase Three launch title Ant-Man.

Edgar Wright confirmed today on his Twitter account that BAFTA winner and Oscar nominated composer Steven Price (Gravity) will score Ant-Man. Price has previously worked with Wright on The World's End and Scott Pilgrim. Steven also worked on films such as The Lord of The Rings (Two Towers/Return of The King) and Batman Begins.

Another giant bonus for the project, which recently landed Oscar winner Michael Douglas (The Game, Wall Street, Black Rain ) to play Dr. Hank Pym. It seems Marvel and Edgar are swinging for the fences with everyone involved with Ant-Man. I'm still holding out hope Marvel approaches Michael Giacchino (Star Trek 1-2, Up) and Paul-Leonard Morgan (Dredd) to score future Marvel films, since they need that caliber of composer going forward.




SOURCE: EDGARWRIGHT

Could Alfonso Cuarón Direct STAR WARS EPISODE VIII?

MarketSaw has been one of the only non-trades on the pulse of the new Star Wars trilogy. They were the first ones to actually announce the new trilogy back in 2009 and took it on the chin because LucasFilm didn't confirm the news for ages. They also revealed the directors list for Episode VII which included runner-up Matthew Vaughn who was confirmed to have pitched to LucasFilm. Another name on that list was Alfonso Cuarón. The site is reporting that Alfonso is now lining-up to direct Episode VIII, Episode IX or both. If true,  J.J. Abrams might only be around for Episode VII.

The director is best known for the dystopian thriller Children of Men and his much more mature Harry Potter installment The Prisoner of Azkaban. His anticipated sci-fi thriller Gravity starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney will finally be released later this year. Alfonso Cuarón was reported back in September to be working with J.J. Abrams on an untitled supernatural/superpower series for NBC, which Alfonso would co-write/direct the pilot. It's very likely the relationship with Abrams has grown since along with the fact that Cuarón had been on LucasFilms' radar. We should keep in mind that three different directors made the original trilogy. It could be the studio is also aiming for a darker film with Episode VIII similar to Empire Strikes Back. Having Cuarón directing could find the right amount of darkness for a PG-13 film.

George Clooney In Talks For Brad Bird's 1952

Variety reports that George Clooney is talks to take the lead in Brad Bird's (Ghost Protocol) sci-fi epic 1952. The Disney franchise-in-the-making film written by Damon Lindelof (Lost, Star Trek Into Darkness, Prometheus, World War Z) and Jeff Jensen is said to be in the vein of Close Encounters of The Third Kind and involves contact with aliens. Clooney recently worked with Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men) on the highly anticipated sci-fi thriller Gravity.

George Clooney Joins Sandra Bullock In Gravity

HeatVision reports that George Clooney will replace Robert Downey Jr. in Alfonso Cuarón's (Children of Men) Gravity. The site also confirms that Sandra Bullock will indeed star in the lead. Previously Angelina Jolie had been attached but left to focus on her directorial debut. Then a slew of talented young actresses were tested for the role they included Marion Cotillard, Scarlett Johansson, Blake Lively and Natalie Portman.

I'm excited to see Alfonso jump into the space side of science fiction but hesitant to picture Bullock in the film. It centers on a female astronaut struggling to survive and trying to make it to Earth after a disaster in space.

Sandra Bullock In Talks For Gravity

Variety reports Sandra Bullock is now in talks for the lead in Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity. Recently Natalie Portman officially passed on the movie after an offer had gone out to her. While I'm unsure of Bullock in a science fiction film Cuarón is talented enough for me not to care about casting. Robert Downey Jr. is attached to co-star but I assume could leave to focus on other projects.

Natalie Portman Offered Lead In Gravity

RiskyBusiness reports Natalie Portman has been offered the lead role in Gravity. With her performance in Black Swan wowing critics and creating Oscar buzz. It's no wonder why director Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men) is looking to Natalie to carry his film.

Many Actresses In The Running For Gravity Role

LatinoReview and Playlist report that many actresses are testing for the lead role of Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity. The science fiction thriller would have Robert Downey Jr. in a smaller role and would be focused on the female lead for most of the film. Previously it had been reported Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively had been interested in the role. Now that list has been expanded to Rachel Weisz, Rebecca Hall, Marion Colttird, Natalie Portman, Carey Mulligan, Olivia Wilde, Sienna Miller, Abbie Cornish, Sandra Bullock and Naomi Watts. The role seems up for grabs at this point but it's nice to see the level of talent they're looking at varies from newcomers to well-knowns.

Scarlett Johansson Vs. Blake Lively For Gravity Role?

It looks like Scarlett Johansson isn't the only actress interested in co-starring alongside RDJ in Alfonso Cuarón's (Children of Men) science fiction thriller Gravity. There is word from the NYDailyNews that Blake Lively (Green Lantern) is also interested in the role.

Scarlett Johansson To Star In Gravity?

NYDailyNews reports Scarlett Johansson is in talks to star opposite Robert Downey Jr. in Alfonso Cuarón's (Children of Men) sci-fi thriller Gravity.