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 

Michael K. Williams Campaigning To Play Marvel's BLACK PANTHER

We know that for years now Marvel Studios has been trying to get a Black Panther movie into theatres. It was the runner-up to land this August's release date, but lost to James Gunn's Guardians of The Galaxy. The current status of the project hasn't been made known to the public. However, Kevin Feige made it clear this summer at Comic-Con, that both Black Panther and Captain Marvel movies are in active development. Stating the strong fan demand for the films hasn't gone unnoticed.

There had been talk that Chadwick Boseman was the front-runner for the role of T'Challa. Nothing has been made official, and we would normally get a press release if a deal was done. Another actor has placed his name into the race, and that would be Michael K. Williams. Best known for his iconic role as Omar from HBO's The Wire, and his prohibition gangster Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire. Not to mention a huge list of supporting roles in films like Gone Baby Gone, The Road, Brooklyn's Finest, and . He was doing an interview with CinemaBlend about his upcoming release Kill The Messenger (co-starring with Jeremy Renner), which led to talk about Black Panther. Here is what Michael said to the site.

"No not yet. And I'm saying 'yet' with a lot of emphasis. But hopefully I'm looking forward to being apart of the franchise"

"Black Panther. Yeah, definitely.

"It would depend on the script. I would definitely bring that quintessential New York City edge. You know, just a little bit of that grit."

The only problem if any, would be that Williams has already appeared in a Marvel film. He had a short cameo in The Incredible Hulk, during the NYC fight scenes (I believe in Harlem). There was speculation at the time that Michael was playing Luke Cage in the scene, it was never really confirmed. Seeing how he's talking about another Marvel character and the Netflix series is on it's way, it's unlikely he was playing anyone but a bystander.

SOURCE: CINEMABLEND

Guillermo Del Toro Officially Directing PACIFIC RIM 2 And It's Coming April 2017!

There was a giant-wave of anticipation last summer, concerning what to expect from Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim. An original cinematic universe influenced by the the world of anime, manga and kaiju films. It made a rather large splash internationally, earning $411 million worldwide. A decent amount of box office considering the genre and the fact it's not an existing franchise or IP. There had been talk from everyone invovled that a sequel could happen. Although, many people believed it still needed to earn more for that to happen. Critics mostly embraced the silliness of it and took it for what the film was (giant robots versus giant monsters).

The film also had a comic book and toys in stores at the time of it's release. Pacific Rim does have major merchandising potential, not unlike the Marvel/Star Wars universes. This seemingly has been picked up by the people over at Legendary Pictures, who produced the film and own the rights to it.

Guillermo has announced (via Legendary Picture's Youtube channel) that Legendary is moving forward with the sequel and he will be returning as it's director. Travis Beacham (Pacific Rim) and Zak Penn (Incredible Hulk, Avengers) will be working with del Toro to create the script. The release date has been set for April 7th, 2017, which is very similar to the Marvel's The Winter Soldier's date. It's a better placement for the release, as it will have less summer competition next time. Also, Universal will be partnering with Legendary on the project. The two companies recently developed a deal, which would see Universal distribute their films.

Production on Pacific Rim 2 would likely return to Pinewood Studios in Toronto. Where del Toro shot the original and is currently finishing-up production on his next film Crimson Peak. Actors such as Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day and Ron Perlman are expected to return for the sequel.

Legendary Pictures is highly invested in the kaiju genre, and is already moving forward with a Godzilla sequel. Gareth Edwards is attached to direct, but is also involved with an unnamed Star Wars spin-off coming in 2016. Oddly enough, Godzilla has currently earned even more than Pacific Rim. Taking in about $478 million worldwide, let's just remember Godzilla is known property that has been stomping cities since 1954. While Pacific Rim is just getting put together.

RUMOR: Is NAMOR Legendary's Secret 2016 Event Film?

It was reported that Legendary Pictures/Universal would be releasing a secret even film on November 4th, 2016, The studio failed to reveal it's title or what the project was, something Marvel Studios has made a habit of lately. We had assumed it could be The Great Wall, another monster movie that had been in development for ages, with Henry Cavill in the lead role.

However, LatinoReview has another theory, they believe it could be a comic book movie. Specifically, Namor The Submariner, which has been in-development limbo for ages at Universal. They are treating it as a rumor, but it was confirmed by Kevin Feige over the summer that Namor is indeed still at Universal. We've notice more than a few references to our underwater prince in Marvel Studios' films, so it will be interesting to see if the film is apart of the greater MCU. Since, Universal did play-nice with Marvel when working together on Phase One's The Incredible Hulk. We'll have to wait and see if this is the real-deal.

Legendary was asked about the news, but said "no comment". Which isn't a denial, that we'd expect from something like this, since it's only being treated as a rumor. A Namor movie has been in works for a while now. Jonathan Mostow (Terminator 3) once tried putting together a script with the intention to direct, and Jason Statham (former Olympic diver) was even interested one point for the role. It's not hard to imagine Legendary going-back to making comic book films, after giving us The Dark Knight Trilogy and Man of Steel. The studio has also put-out comic book tie-ins for Pacific Rim and Godzilla.

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW