Marvel Studios Meeting With Writers And Directors For DOCTOR STRANGE

We finally have some concrete news concerning Marvel's Doctor Strange. THR reports that the studio is meeting with directors Mark Andrews (Brave, John Carter, Samurai Jack, Star Wars: Clone Wars), Jonathan Levine (50/50, Warm Bodies), Nikolaj Arcel (A Royal Affair, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) and Dean Israelite (Welcome To Yesterday). The plan is that they will have double-duties, helping with the script as well. These names are mostly writer-directors which confirms my initial report, that the studio was looking for a director who could contribute to the script.

Kung Fu Panda franchise writers Jon Aibel and Glenn Berger are also in the mix to write the script. Marvel is likely tossing out the previous script from Conan The Barbarian's Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer. That original draft leaked, and some of it's plot was revealed by LatinoReview. It had was reported that Marvel was possibly doing page-one rewrites, and this confirms that talk. Having both writers and a director close to deals, could mean the film might be ready to be released for 2016 or 2017. Falling inline with Kevin Feige's statements, Strange would be apart of Phase Three.

If I had to choose a front-runner or my favorite of the bunch, it would be Oscar winning director Mark Andrews. He previously co-wrote and co-directed Pixar's Brave (earning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature), film nerds champion anyone involved with the animation studio. He understands supernatural worlds writing for Star Wars: Clone Wars, Samurai Jack, and co-writing the John Carter script. Andrews also might be the type of director to give us something we won't be expecting and give audiences (including children) a fun ride. Not to mention giving us strong female characters, which is surely needed in this project. If Marvel doesn't land him, I have a feeling Lucasfilm will give him a call.





SOURCE: THR

Trailer For Zombie Rom-Com WARM BODIES

Jonathan Levine Could Direct Dead Spy Running For WB

Twitch reports Warner Bros. is currently in talks with Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies, 50/50, Wackness) to direct Dead Spy Running. The social network generation spy thriller originally had McG attached to direct. Which seemed odd since they had well respected screenwriter Stephen Gaghan (Traffic, Syriana) handling the script with Jamie Moss. McG would later exit the project and with talks of Gaghan making his directing debut. I assume WB got scared after McG's flop with the spy rom-com This Means War.

Jonathan Levine is a director who is somewhat similar to Jason Reitman which would be a big bonus to the studio. Warner Bros. is always looking for new talented directors to nurture into making blockbusters. He's able to make drama, horror, suspense and comedy, it's hard to say the same of McG. Levin is also tapped into the generation of today and his casting selections reflect this as his films usually filled with talented actors rather than pretty faces. Yet, another massive difference between Jonathan and McG. This would also be a big step into the world of Hollywood blockbusters for Levine who is known for smaller scaled projects.

Warner Bros. has also been very skittish lately greenlighting rather large films. They've previously put an axe to Akira, Arthur And Lancelot and Paradise Lost. The studio might be aiming for more low budget films to fill their slots after the massive loss from Green Lantern last year. Dead Spy Running looks like it could be in that category.

FIRST LOOK: Jonathan Levine's Warm Bodies

REVIEW: 50/50

50/50, tells the story of Adam (Levitt) who is a young man in the prime of his life and discovers he has cancer. His best friend Kyle (Rogen) helps him through this tough time while he also seeks comfort from an even younger therapist (Kendrick). This is actually based on Seth Rogen's friend Will who was a co-worker/friend when Seth worked as a writer on The Ali G Show. Will was brave enough to put his story to pen writing the film's screenplay. It's an intense journey and was well worth the wait.

I went into this film expecting a little more humor but considering the serious subject matter it didn't really matter. Joseph Gordon Levitt knocked it out of the park I'd be shocked if he didn't get some awards consideration. James McAvoy must be kicking himself knowing that he walked away from the role. Anna Kendrick plays a character a little more sexier than previous roles which was nice to see. Kendrick is a great actress but has down played her looks in films like Rocket Science and Up In The Air. She does play realistic female roles adding her own personality and here is no exception. Giving enough frailty and humanity to a usually two dimensional part. Rogen was his humorous-self giving the film the comic relief it needed and the right amount. In a surprising turn, Angelina Huston (Adam's mother) was able to steal a few scenes of her own. Director Jonathan Levine has made a great drama/comedy with cancer being the main plot point. A lot of people are going to be scared off by the premise alone but it was one of the better films I've seen during the year. It's worth seeing but understand it's not a straight up comedy, there are lots of euphoric and serious moments but are laughs mixed in as well.


B+

Analeigh Tipton Joins Warm Bodies

Variety reports Analeigh Tipton (Crazy Stupid Love) has joined Jonathan Levine's (50/50, The Wackness) Warm Bodies along with Dave Franco (Superbad, 21 Jump Street) and Cory Hardrict (Battle: Los Angeles). They join Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Rob Cordry and John Malkovich (in talks).

Tipton gave an impressive performance in Crazy Stupid Love, somewhat stealing some of the heat from Emma Stone. So I'm all for seeing her in more high profile roles.

Teresa Palmer Joins Jonathan Levine's Warm Bodies

Variety reports a few additions to Jonathan Levine's (The Wackness, 50/50) adaptation of Isaac Marion's Warm Bodies. The zombie comedy stars Nicholas Hoult (Jack The Giant Killer, X-Men First Class) alongside him will be Australian actress Teresa Palmer (Take Me Home Tonight) and Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine). John Malkovich is talks for the role of the film's villain. Palmer and Hoult are also starring together in Mad Max: Fury Road, which has Tom Hardy in the role of Max.

Nicholas Hoult To Star In Jonathan Levine's Warm Bodies

A press release has gone out that Nicholas Hoult (Jack The Giant Killer, X-Men First Class) has been cast in Jonathan Levine's Warm Bodies. Based on the novel by Isaac Marion it focuses on a zombie who falls for a victim's girlfriend.

Levine is best known for his indie hit The Wackness along with the controversial cancer comedy 50/50 (Joesph Gordon-Levitt & Seth Rogen). Yet he also has a background in horror with the still unreleased All The Boys Love Mandy Lane.

Jonathan Levine To Direct Little Girl Lost

TheWarp reports Jonathan Levine (Wackness, Mandy Lane) will direct the Little Girl Lost for Universal. The film-noir is based on the pulp novel by Richard Aleas and will be adapted by Michael Becall (Scott Pilgrim). Levine just finished filming the cancer based comedy Live With It (I’m With Cancer) starring Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bryce Dallas Howard. He is also attached to direct the adaptation of the zombie romance novel Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion.