Sony Developing An All Female Team-Up Movie Set In The SPIDER-MAN Universe?

While some people are under some sort of impression that Spider-Man is going to be joining the ranks of Marvel's cinematic universe, at moment that is all opinion and rumor. Sony is clearly moving forward with more movies, and they don't seem to care much about including Parker in the MCU. Honestly, I don't think Marvel Studios even needs characters like Spider-Man or the X-Men, consider their huge lineup for Phase Three. If they did share or barrow Spider-Man, it would be the most expensive/pointless fan service moment ever. It would actually only benefit Sony, and this the reason I think Marvel will never do it. Captain America: Civil War is basically the best entry point for Spider-Man, and it's seems like Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther will be filling that gap.

Sony has been scrambling to figure out how to win-over audiences after their Amazing Spider-Man franchise keeps dipping in profits, and fan support. Interesting ideas have been springing-up of how to expand the Spider-Man universe. This comes at a cost though, the studio has basically put Amazing Spider-Man 3 on ice. Along with the rumored axing of Alex Kurtzman's Venom spin-off, as Alex moves on to direct Universal's Mummy reboot instead. It's doubtful that Venom will actually get made, and could likely be folded in Sinister Six.

The studio was so eager to get their villain movie Sinister Six up and running, they pulled it's writer and director Drew Goddard (The Martian, Cloverfield, Cabin In The Woods, Daredevil) off Marvel's Daredevil series. The Venom symboite was linked to being held at Oscorp, so it's extremely possible Venom will somehow factor-in to the film. Goddard is an extremely talented writer and director, I have a lot of support for this project. However, producers like Avi Arad could fuck-up it's potential with god-awful notes. There have been rumblings the film could also see a light-reboot of Peter Parker, and could see someone replacing Andrew Garfield.

That remains to be seen, but hiring another actor could help further distance the franchise from the last two installments. Considering Andrew is the literal face of the rebooted franchise. Webb could stay or go, but if Sinister Six connects with audiences. I don't doubt they'll try to get Goddard as their archtiure of their Spidey universe. I'm fine with Sinister Six happening, and thought Weta Workshop did a decent job on the Green Goblin costume, which looked inspired by Metal Gear Solid. The lineup apparently will include Goblin (Norman or Harry?), Doc Ock, Vulture, Kraven, Mysterio and Rhino. This is fine and dandy, but else is Sony planning on giving us, while they try to fix the main guy?

Well we've been hearing about a female-led Spider-Man movie which is coming out in 2016, with a script from Lisa Joy Nolan (Westworld, Burn Notice, Pushing Daises). BadassDigest might have found out what the studio's plan is for the film. The project has the working title Glass Celling (a reference to both Shattered Dimensions and real-world struggle women face in the workforce?), and could include an entire team of female characters. Could this be the same movie Lisa wrote for the studio?

Devin gives the impression this is possibly the direction that project could be going. And provides us with a list of possible characters that could team-up together in the film. They include Felicia Hardy aka Black Cat (currently played by Felicity Jones), Spider-Girl (I'm hoping for Ayna Cortez), Silver Sable, Cindy Moon (Silk) and even possibly Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman). The latter would be a giant slap in the face to Marvel, because the character rights might belong to Sony. But Jessica has extremely strong ties to Hydra, SHIELD and The Avengers.

The brand new Spidey character Silk is mentioned, and could be a way to get around the issue of Jessica Drew. Considering that Marvel might try to block the use of her, or the character might fall-under some sort of shared rights. It's doubtful Sony will want to share any of these characters with Marvel. Cindy Moon is also one of the many ladies who becomes romantically involved with Peter Parker. It doesn't hurt that Cindy is an Asian-American superhero, and would make her the first mainstream female superhero played by a visible minority. Marvel Comics is also giving the character her own series, which speaks volumes.

We've all assumed that Felicia Hardy could the lead of the film, but Cindy could make a lot more sense. Considering her powers, backstory and connection to Park could make a better candidate for spin-offs and solo adventures. Having a female version of Spider-Man is great way to move forward, and help develop the franchise to modern times. As we're seeing studios begin to embrace the era of the female heroine.

There are plenty of actresses that could be excellent for the role. Brenda Song from 21 Jump Street and The Social Network comes to mind. However, I'm sure Sin City A Dame To Kill For and Sucker Punch actress Jaime Chung would get huge support. Previously, working with Andrew Garfield might make Brenda the stronger candidate. While Jaime has an excellent track record of action roles, and has a decent level of awareness. She's even voicing a Marvel character for Disney's Big Hero 6.

Sony got the jump on both Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. with their intentions being revealed months before Wonder Woman coming June 2017 and Captain Marvel coming July 2018 were announced. If the film does happen and is released in 2017, it could be our first modern mainstream female-led superhero film. While most are cynical about the prospect of Sony making more Spidey movies. At least, this might be our first out-the-gate modern mainstream female superhero movie. Still, this seems a bit more interesting than trying to give us a entire feature film set around Venom.





Black Cat is seemingly the only real lock here, since the character was introduced in Amazing Spider-Man 2 as working for Oscorp. Talented actress Felicity Jones plays her, and it's expected she'll develop into the cat burglar turned Spidey partner eventually.

The question most might ask is are there enough villains to go around? I'm sure that some of the these characters could be introduced or even become the heroic leads in Sinister Six. The straight-answer is that there are plenty of villains besides those six.

Ones that are seemingly absent from future plans include Carnage, Scorpion, Chameleon, The Jackal, Kaine, Wilson Fisk (apparently shared with Marvel), Hobgoblin, Tombstone, The Shocker, Hammerhead, Sandman and Morbius (along with Venom was teased in Amazing Spider-Man 2). It's apparent that Sony has access to a huge list of rogues to use for future movies.

Along with plenty of female villains such as Elaine Coll (Scorpia), Frances Barrison (Shriek), Donna Deigo (Scream), Anastasia Kravinoff (Grim Huntress and daughter of Kraven) and extremely obscure Delilah (Spider-Man's long-lost villainous sister). Donna over at HitFix actually wrote a stellar article mapping-out all the excellent unused female villains of the Spider-Man comics. Here's hoping we see of couple them show-up, sooner rather than later.

These world-building films aren't terrible ideas, but the fan base is already fed-up with Sony and are wishing Marvel would just takeover. I think if we go into these two films with low-expectations and maybe they'll surprise us. Writing-off the entire idea without hearing directing and casting information is a bit premature, since we would be getting the heroines we've been asking before Marvel and DC does.

Will Sony actually follow-through with this project? And do you think it's a good idea to expand the franchise this way?

SOURCE: BADASSDIGEST

Maya Rudolph Joins BIG HERO 6, Is Likely Voicing Honey Lemon

TheWrap is reporting another awesome addition to the voice cast of Marvel and Disney's Big Hero 6. Comedian Maya Rudolph (SNL, Bridesmaids, Idiocracy) has taken an unnamed lead role in the animated film. I have to assume the role is team member Honey Lemon, as Leyu Yoshida/Sunpyre is owned by Fox (unless they're able to share the character). The film co-directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, already has TJ Miller voicing Fred and Jamie Chung is voicing GoGo Tomago. It's release date is set for November 7th, 2014.

“Big Hero 6” is a comedic action-adventure movie about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion — a robot named Baymax — Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city.”

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Jamie Chung Joining TJ Miller For Marvel/Disney's BIG HERO 6 Voice Cast

An NBC bio page (recently changed) is confirming actress Jamie Chung (Hangover 2, Sin City 2) will lend her voice alongside TJ Miller (Cloverfield, Silicon Valley) in Marvel/Disney's Big Hero 6. The film is based on the Marvel Comics team. Disney Animation has been overshadowing Pixar lately with their features such as Wreck It Ralph and Frozen, so I believe this is an excellent creative pairing. The film is set for release on November 7th, 2014.

Big Hero 6 features brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city.

SOURCE: NBC

First Trailer For SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR, Plus New Images And Screenshots

It's been nine years since the release of the first Sin City installment, and now we finally have trailer for it's sequel, which get's released this August. A Dame To Kill For looks the part, but will the four segments (including an original story created by Frank Miller for the film) live-up to the originals? As far we know, Quentin Tarantino isn't returning or hasn't been credited as one of the segment directors. Miller on the other hand is back, and considering his work on The Spirit, we should be a bit worried. Either way, Eva Green looks the part as Ava Lord and it's great to see Mickey Rourke back as Marv (a role that jump-started his career originally). I'm also interested in seeing what Joseph Gordon-Levitt brings to the table.

Lizzy Caplan Joins Seth Rogen And James Franco In THE INTERVIEW, Plus Jamie Chung And Randall Park Linked For Roles

Variety reports Lizzy Caplan (Cloverfield) will be reuniting with her Freaks And Geeks co-stars James Franco and Seth Rogen in the comedy The Interview. The film will be written and directed by comedic partners Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Following the success of This Is The End which was also an original passion project. Lizzy will play Agent Lacey in the comedy that follows a talk show host and producer pair who find themselves caught up in an assassination attempt against the political leader of North Korea. Sony has set the release for The Interview on October 10th, 2014.

BleedingCool reports that Randall Park (Veep) and Jamie Chung (Hangover 3, Sucker Punch, Sin City: A Dame To Kill For) have unofficially taken roles as well. Park will play Kim Jong-Un while Jamie will play a North Korean woman who falls for Seth's character.

Christopher Meloni Joins SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR

Deadline reports another new addition to the cast of Sin City: A Dame To Kill For. They say that Christopher Meloni will be playing a cop in the film which could mean he's playing a baddie. Meloni recently had a supporting role in Warner Bros' Superman reboot Man of Steel. Josh Brolin (Planet Terror, Oldboy, Gangster Squad) is still being mentioned for a seperate part in the film. The rest of the cast includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper), Mickey Rourke (Wrestler), Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Dennis Haysbert (24, The Unit), Jamie Chung (Sucker Punch, Hangover 2), Jamie King, Jessica Alba (Machete Kills) and Rosario Dawson (Trance).

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Joins SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR, Might Have Passed On GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Deadline reports that Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper) is in final negotiations for a supporting role in Sin City: A Dame To Kill For. His character Johnny was newly created for the film and would be that of a smooth gambler. According to the site it was originally developed for Johnny Depp but it sounds like he passed on it. Along with confirming the return of Clive Owen and Bruce Willis. The film is currently in production and likely wouldn't conflict with JGL making Guardians of The Galaxy or Justice League as well. However, that doesn't stop the site from stating talks with Marvel for Guardians are over and the studio is considering other candidates. It's possible like with Godzilla, he could have passed on the role of Peter Quill entirely.

The site also mentions that Josh Brolin is being linked for another role in Sin City 2. Brolin previously had a villainous part in Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror.

Jamie Chung Joins SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR

HeatVision reports that actress Jamie Chung (Sucker Punch, Hangover 2) has been brought in to replace Devon Aoki for the role Miho in Robert Rodriguez's Sin City: A Dame To Kill For. Jamie King is also back along with Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke and Rosario Dawson.

Set Images From 'THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS'

It was announced during an interview with Craig Ferguson that Rza's film The Man With The Iron Fists would be released sometime in October 2012. The film shot on location in China stars Rza (American Gangster, Funny People), Russell Crowe (Robin Hood, Gladiator), Pam Grier (Jackie Brown), Lucy Liu (Kill Bill), Gordon Liu (Kill Bill), Jamie Chung (Hangover 2, Sucker Punch), Rick Yune (Die Another Day, The Fast And The Furious) and Byron Mann (Street Fighter, The Corruptor).

No official word from Universal Pictures concerning a release date since that original reveal from Rza. However, the recent move of 47 Ronin from November 2012 to a 2013 release date could explain this. Iron Fists could be getting some heat during Cannes with producers Eli Roth and Quentin Tarantino already there promoting their own films. The studio could feel that Fists would be the stronger of the two films opting to release it first. Rza (Wu-Tang Clan) who scored Kill Bill will also provide the film's music. I'm sure Rza's recent cameos in G.I. Joe: Retaliation and Django Unchained has also helped slow down the film's release.

A few behind the scenes images of the production have been floating online. Not a single image of the main cast has been revealed. Besides, one that seemingly features kung fu legend Gordon Liu in a classic costume as the Abbott. The rest of the pictures feature Rza hard at work with producer Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever), production designer Drew Boughton (Expendables, On Stranger Tides, Domino) and his Chinese crew. I have to admit the sets here are impressive so far. SOURCES: PushingPixels, MartialArtsMovieJunkie, DailyGrindhouse, KungFuMagazine

Sucker Punch Review

"Sucker PUNCHED"

“Sucker Punch” is a fantasy telling of a tormented girl’s quest for freedom from an insane asylum. Cast includes Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino, Oscar Isaac, Jon Hamm and Scott Glenn.

My “Sucker Punch” experience can be best described as a bad trip to an amusement park. A Zack Snyder movie like a theme park; holds high expectations by principal alone. “Sucker Punch” is overflowing with large attractions (action sequences), big flashing lights (explosions) and cotton candy (major sex appeal). But instead of limitless enjoyment audiences are plagued with huge lines (shallow and ineffective exposition), broken rides (disconnected plot) and clown gimmicks (too much special effects and corny one-liners).

“Sucker Punch’s” monster viral campaign lead by ridiculously enticing trailers, propelled worthy hype and basically acquired pre-conceived approval. So, despite its many flaws I tired really hard to like this movie; but by the end I was frustrated and overall let down with only a hand full of exciting moments (sexy cast, badass rocket, snow samurai and germen trenches scenes).

“Sucker Punch” misses its target on several occasions. Despite the lengthy music paced exposition, there's never a real connection made between the audience and the main character. I understood the intent and direction of the film but I don't believe that the average viewer or non-Snyder fan will fully grasp and/or enjoy the films overall concept. I think this film would have benefited greatly from a R rating, lighter special effects budget and about 2 months more pre-production work on the script. Personally, I thought that the fluidity of the film was sporadic, lazy and disconnected.

Random speculation could suggest that the problem is related to the fact that Snyder's recent films were visual marvels (300 & Watchmen) having neither film presenting extensive storytelling obstacles. “The Watchmen” being an acclaimed graphic novel offered the best storyboards ever and “300” was just a fantasy embellished retelling of ancient Greco-Roman mythology with a few additions: doggy style scene, ugly deformed traitor, and an amped, greasy man beast named Gerald Butler. (Also a graphic novel from renowned author Frank Miller) I think the film suffered greatly from Snyder's lack of storytelling practice. He hasn't really faced difficulties in this area, since his directorial debut with the great remake of “Dawn of the Dead”.

If you had high expectations for this film you indeed will be "unprepared" for what you are about to see. “Sucker Punch” is a visually stunning, sometimes self-indulgent, original epic; lead by a variety of sexy subtle talents, through a fragmented, frustrating and pointless plot.

Despite my semi-professional and deeply analytical criticism, I still found enjoyment within the film and will most likely buy it on Blu-ray. A couple insanely visionary action sequences, a few surprisingly well-acted scenes and a strip club atmosphere save this film from total devastation; and round a potential epic, into an average 2 hours. “Sucker Punch” has everything movie goers could dream of, but unfortunately it was all disgustingly mishandled.

C