Joel Edgerton And Jon Bernthal Up For Flagg Role In SUICIDE SQUAD; Joe Manganiello Playing DEATHSTROKE?

There's a whole heap of casting rumors concerning Suicide Squad coming out online today.

The first one comes from Cinema Blend, who are saying that actors Joel Edgerton (Exodus, Zero Dark Thirty, Warrior, The Great Gatsby) and Jon Bernthal (Fury, Wolf of Wall Street, Walking Dead) are in the mix to replace Tom Hardy as Rick Flagg.

Out of the two I'd say Bernthal is the better fit since he worked with director David Ayer in Fury and co-starred with Margot Robbie in Warner Bros' The Wolf of Wall Street. Plus, he's been a much more consistent actor than Joel and Flagg could be right for him.

Jake Gyllenhaal had been offered the role recently but passed on it, and I don't blame him. It's been said the role has been cutdown a lot from Ayer's rewrites and likely won't have as much screen time as other characters in the film.

Joe almost played Superman and Batman, might as well play Deathstroke.

Another mysterious rumor via The Playlist is suggesting that Joe Manganiello (Magic Mike, True Blood, Sabotage, Spider-Man) is up for the role of Deathstroke, there had been rumors the character was in the film but nothing has been confirmed or reported by major outlets.

Joe is a bit different than the other names mentioned here since the actor did on the recommendation of director Zack Snyder did test for both Superman and Batman roles. He also previously worked with David Ayer on the Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick Sabotage.

We know that David Goyer (Dark Knight, Batman Begins, Blade, Man of Steel, Metal Gear Solid) had penned a Deathstroke movie and had planned on producing the film too, so it would be a role that could turn into it's own franchise.

The last one comes from Latino Review, who wasn't confident enough with this rumor to post it on their site but tweeted-out that Gary Sinise (Forest Gump, Snake Eyes) is said to be in talks for the role of General Eiling.

UNCONFIRMED TWITTER RUMOR: Pending more concrete sourcing, I hear Gary Sinise supposedly in talks to join SUICIDE SQUAD as GENERAL EILING.
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) January 22, 2015

Take all these as rumors at this point.

SOURCE: CINEMA BLEND

Aaron Paul Coud Join The Growing Cast Of Ridley Scott's Bible Epic EXODUS Starring Christian Bale And Joel Edgerton

TheWrap reports that Breaking Bad actor has in talks for a high-profile role in Ridley Scott's Exodus which focuses on the tale of Moses. The rest of new the additions include Ben Kingsley, Sigourney Weaver and John Turturro. Paul would play Joshua, the Hebrew slave who led Jews to the promised land and kept a close watch on his friend Moses. Bale will play Moses while Joel Edgerton in the role of Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II.

Edgar Wright Confirms ANT-MAN Starts Pre-Production In October And Shoots In 2014, Plus Simon Pegg Teases Role

Collider sat down with Edgar Wright and got a few interesting tidbits about the production of Ant-Man. He confirms that pre-production will begin in October which could include casting the lead roles and location scouting. Along with confirmation that the film will shoot in 2014. No word if they'll be shooting the same time as The Avengers: Age of Ultron said to be shooting in March or after.

Simon Pegg visited the Marvel offices for their podcast only to take this photo, where he is pointing at Ant-Man. He would later squash rumors he was alluding to role in the film. Pegg is known for messing around with fandom, being a nerd himself knows the buttons he's pushing when he makes jokes like these. We've heard previously from Simon that he would only want a villain role in Ant-Man if it was offered. Nothing is for sure casting wise but it sounds like we'll know who Ant-Man (Hank Pym/Scott Lang) will be by the end of year.

RUMOR: DOCTOR STRANGE Coming May 2016 And Villans Revealed?

It was recently announced Marvel/Disney secured two new release dates for untitled projects. The unknown films are slotted for May 6th 2016 and May 5th 2017. It looks we might be getting an official announcement at Comic-Con about these films. DailySuperHero is reporting on a rumor that Marvel could reveal their Doctor Strange film plans (along with casting?) at their pannel and which might fill that May 2016 slot. A while back it was reported by Twitch that the studio had been circulating a script from writers Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer to potentinal directors. Kevin Feige all but confirmed to Collider that Strange would be among the new releases in Phase Three. Which would come after Edgar Wright's Ant-Man (the first film of Phase Three) in November 2015. A May 2016 release date sounds about right for the project. As Marvel is looking like they'll be shooting Ant-Man/Avengers 2 in 2014 after Guardians of The Galaxy wraps up leaving some room in 2015 for new a production.

ThePlaylist mentioned that there was talks the studio was looking at Joel Edgerton for the lead role of Dr. Stephen Strange. However, this was also around the same time that it was rumored the character would show up in Thor: The Dark World. Viggo Mortensen (History of Violence, Lord of The Rings, The Road, Eastern Promises) had been linked for the lead but Marvel came out to deny it. More recently Iron Man 2/Tropic Thunder writer and sometime actor Justin Theroux (Your Highness, American Psycho, Zoolander) had been linked for being in the mix as well. There had been previous rumblings that Javier Bardem (The Counselor, No Country For Old Men, Skyfall) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Hobbit, Sherlock, Atonement, Star Trek Into Darkness, War Horse) had been wanted for possible roles. Considering the pair are best known for playing solid villains it's possible they might end up being in the mix for Dormammu or Mordo.

LatinoReview, who is best known for outing villains for big blockbusters believes they know who the baddies will be. They state that the villains of Doctor Strange include Dormammu, Karl Mordo and The  Giant Mindless One. It's interesting mix of two staple villains from Strange's rouges gallery. I would have expected more of the horror/occult elements to come into play but it's only the first installment. Just remember this the same site that revealed villains General Zod (Man of Steel), Thanos (Avengers) and Khan (Star Trek Into Darkness.

A director hasn't been named but LatinoReview reported on talk that Evil Dead director Fede Alvarez and his writer Rodo Sayagues being linked for the project. Nothing besides rumors and meetings at this point but I'm sure something more solid will be announced at Comic-Con.

A New Poster For THE GREAT GATSBY

WEAK RUMOR ALERT: Paul Rudd Joining The Marvel Universe?

A really weak assumption is being paraded as a "rumor" concerning a possible casting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. AssociatedPress/NewTimes (via CBM) says that Rudd was joking around with the Avengers cast and was told by an Oscar organizer that "You look like one".  Apparently, this combined with a couple of tweets from Ant-Man writer/director Edgar Wright that focused on Rudd is sparking speculation.

I don't doubt that Paul Rudd is on some sort of radar but he's a really lousy lead actor in my opinion. His recent group of lukewarm comedies such as Dinner For Schmucks, I Love You Man, This Is 40 and Role Models doesn't inspire confidence in this being legit casting. However, Wright is known for odd casting choices hiring the ever wooden Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) for a supporting role in Scott Pilgrim.

On the other hand there are many other strong candidates to consider. One being Rafe Spall (Shaun of The Dead, Hot Fuzz) who has worked on many occasions with Wright and is prime to become another franchise actor being developed by Marvel (similar to Chris Hemsworth and now Chris Pratt). After a supporting role in Oscar winner Life of Pi and a small part in Prometheus. He also has I Give It A Year coming out soon which will hopefully give him more of an international awareness. Oscar nominated actor Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook, Place Beyond The Pines) and Joel Edgerton (Warrior, Zero Dark Thirty) have been previously linked to the film. Joel also being in the mix for Guardians of The Galaxy.

Considering the level of acting talent rumored to be linked, Rudd in my opinion would be better suited for a supporting role. I'm leaning towards Scott Lang rather than Hank Pym if it's an actual lead role. Lang ends up stealing the Ant-Man after being blackmailed and eventually partners with Pym. I wouldn't rule out Paul playing a villain either as Simon Pegg might end up being called up for Star Wars. Pegg had voiced a desire to play a baddie in Ant-Man. Even if recent casting of Park And Recs actor Chris Pratt for the Guardians of The Galaxy lead had Marvel hiring a comedian for an adventure film. Pratt had some decent Oscar connections with films Moneyball and Zero Dark Thirty to back up his abilities to handle other genres than comedy. Paul on the other hand isn't on that level and if anything would be comedic relief.

When it comes to the role of Janet (Wasp) I've finally come around to the fact that Alison Brie needs to be in that role. Alison was linked as a contender for Captain America: The Winter Soldier but was more likely being tested for another role in the MCU. A steady stream of actresses were linked for Sharon Carter but could have also been tested for multiple female leads such as Gamora for Guardians and Wasp (Anna Kendrick and Mary Elizabeth Winstead could also be strong contenders) for Ant-Man. The latter I think is where Brie fits in, as Janet is known for being as fast talking and as whitty if not more than Tony Stark. Her rapid-fire delivery on Community along with her dramatic side in Mad Men could see the actress in a similar spot as her Five-Year Engagement co-star Chris Pratt.

GREAT GATSBY Posters Show Off The Glamorous Cast And Costumes

Jay-Z Providing Score For THE GREAT GATSBY

This seems like another interesting composing move by Baz Lurman as it's being reported that Jay-Z will be scoring The Great Gatsby. His existing music has already been used in it's promotional material.

Actors Testing For Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Deadline reports that Marvel is currently looking to cast actors in James Gunn's Guardians of The Galaxy. Deals have been made to have Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty, Star Wars, Animal Kingdom, Warrior), Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire), Jim Sturgess (Cloud Atlas), Lee Pace (Hobbit, The Fall, Lincoln) and Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables) test for Peter Quill/Star-Lord. While Peter Quill aka Star-Lord will be the main role there are still key parts left to fill which could include Drax, Nova and Adam Warlock. I wouldn't be shocked that these actors will also be considered for supporting parts in the franchise which will hit theaters on August 1st 2014.

Joel Edgerton has the best chance here with Zero Dark Thirty gathering a massive amount of attention and could land some serious awards consideration. He had been previously linked to speaking with Marvel for a role which very well could have been Peter Quill all along.

While they aren't confirmed for tests, actors such as Garrett Hedlund (Tron Legacy), Sullivan Stapleton (Strike Back, Animal Kingdom) and James Marsden (X-Men 1-3, Superman Returns) are also interested in the project. Sullivan is already heading up a comic book film with the prequel to 300. Garrett apparently turned down a chance to play Captain America to land Tron Legacy, something the actor regrets? A name that seems to be the odd man out is James Marsden best known for playing Cyclops in the original X-Men trilogy. Like Chris Evans, James has roots already in the Marvel film universe but doesn't seem like a good fit among these choices.

Second Trailer For ZERO DARK THIRTY

Brooding Teaser Trailer For ZERO DARK THIRTY

Trailer For 'THE GREAT GATSBY'

Fares Fares Joins Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty

Everyone involved with Safe House seems to be scoring some prime gigs recently. THR reports Fares Fares best known for roles in the previously mentioned film has landed a high profiled part in Kathryn Bigelow's (Hurt Locker) Zero Dark Thirty, formerly known as Kill Bin Laden. It's been stated while his role is unknown he'll be playing one of the "good guys". While he did play an excellent antagonist in Safe House he was definitely playing a military man.

The growing cast is littered with well known and soon to be well known actors. It includes Jason Clarke (Brotherhood, Public Enemies, Wettest County), Joel Edgerton (Warrior, Animal Kingdom), Jessica Chastain (The Help, The Debt), Mark Strong (RockNRolla), Edgar Ramirez (Domino, Carlos), Kyle Chandler (Argo, King Kong), Jennifer Ehle (Contagion), Harold Perrineau (28 Weeks Later), Chris Pratt (Moneyball), Nina Arianda (Win Win, Midnight In Paris) and Nash Edgerton (Attack of The Clones, Revenge of The Sith).

Kyle Chandler Joins Kathryn Bigelow's Bin Laden Film

Deadline reports another stellar addition to Kathryn Bigelow's (Point Break, Hurt Locker) untitled Bin Laden film. Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) has joined the production who is best known for films like King Kong, Super 8, and the upcoming CIA thriller Argo. The film focuses on the mission given to SEAL Team Six to ultimately kill the terrorist leader hiding in Pakistan. The rest of the cast includes Jason Clarke (Public Enemies, Wettest County), Joel Edgerton (Warrior, Animal Kingdom), Jessica Chastain (Help, Tree of Life, Debt), Mark Strong (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Chris Pratt (Moneyball) and Edgar Ramirez (Che). It's release date has been set for December 19th 2012.

Sullivan Stapleton Joins 300 Prequel

Variety reports that Aussie actor Sullivan Stapleton (Strike Back, Animal Kingdom) has landed the lead in the untitled 300 prequel. I'm a little confused about which role Sullivan has actually nabbed. Deadline reports it's Xerxes while ThePlaylist says it's the lead role that was originally offered to Joel Edgerton which had been reported to be Themistocles. Variety is even more vague and doesn't even give a hint what the role is. Stapleton hasn't had many high profiled projects since Animal Kingdom but has a supporting role in the gritty mob thriller Gangster Squad. Eva Green (Casino Royale, Kingdom of Heaven) has already joined the production playing the female lead Artemisia.

UPDATE: Jeff from ShowBlitz has confirmed to me that Sullivan is indeed playing General Themistocles.

Jessica Chastain And Others Join Kathryn Bigelow's Bin Laden Film

Deadline reports that three more actors are in talks to join Kathryn Bigelow's Bin Laden film from Hurt Locker writer Mark Boal. The actors include Jessica Chastain (The Help, The Debt, Tree of Life), Mark Strong (RockNRolla, Body of Lies, Sherlock Holmes) and Edgar Ramirez (Domino, Che, Wrath of The Titans). It's an impressive addition considering they'll be joining Jason Clarke (Public Enemies, Wettest County), Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, Warrior) and Chris Prat (Moneyball). It will focus on the group of Navy Seals that ultimately killed Bin Laden. Sony has set the untitled film for a December 9th 2012 release date.

Eva Green Could Join The 300 Prequel

HeatVision reports that French actress Eva Green (Casino Royale, Kingdom of Heaven, Dark Shadows) is in talks for the role of Artemisia in the 300 prequel. The film currently titled 300: Battle of Artemisia is expected to take place before and during the events of the first movie. Joel Edgerton (The Thing, Warrior) had been in talks to take the male lead of Themistocles but ultimately passed on the project.

Chris Prat Could Kill Bin Laden For Kathryn Bigelow

Twitch reports that Chris Prat could join Kathryn Bigelow's Bin Laden movie which focus on Seal-Team Six. If Prat lands the role it very well could be the same career changing part that helped Jeremy Renner blow up and earn two Oscar nominations.

Jeremy Renner before Hurt Locker was known for supporting roles in action films and hadn't been in the spotlight. Chris is currently best known for supporting roles in Parks And Recreation, Wanted, Take Me Home Tonight, Jennifer's Body, Moneyball and the upcoming Five-Year Engagement. If Prat joins the project it's very likely that he'll end up landing leading man roles in all types of films, giving his career a massive boost.

Jason Clarke is currently the only actor locked in for a role. Other names that have been mentioned for the film include Joel Edgerton (likely out), Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce.

CASTING DROPOUTS: Joel Edgerton And Ezra Miller

Two actors seem have to moved on from involvement with big Warner Bros. projects. Joel Edgerton has decided to pass on 300: The Battle of Atermisia and Ezra Miller denies any casting rumors of Akira. It's odd since both Hollywood Reporter and Twitch reported on Miller being reputable sources. Edgerton was also offered the second lead in The Man From UNCLE so he might looking at other projects. However, there is talk that the UNCLE script is boring and many actors have walked from it.

Channing Tatum Could Join The Man From UNCLE

It looks like casting is all over the place with for Steven Soderbergh's The Man From UNCLE. Deadline now reports that Channing Tatum (21 Jump Street, Haywire) is now in mind for the role of American spy Napoleon Solo. That role had been linked to the likes of George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Matt Damon, Michael Fassbender, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bradley Cooper. Channing recently worked with Soderbergh on Haywire and his male stripper film Magic Mike which is currently shooting. There is no word if Joel Edgerton (Warrior) is still up for the second lead as the Russian agent.