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

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