RUMOR: KICK-ASS 2 Director Jeff Wadlow Front-Runner For Sony's MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Reboot?

SchmoesKnow have been apparently keeping an eye on the race to direct The Masters of The Universe reboot. This reboot was setup at Warner Bros., but after development stalled it was moved over to Sony Pictures. The original director Jon M. Chu, left to focus on making The Jem movie and G.I. Joe 3. The names previously mentioned included Robot Chicken's Chris McKay, who was recently hired to make the sequel to The Lego Movie.

They now claim that candidate Jeff Wadlow has already signed-on to direct. Wadlow is best known for writing and directing Kick-Ass 2, and was tasked by Fox to write the X-Men spin-off X-Force. I'm a bit hesitant to believe this is the real deal. Schmoes' source has been giving them a lot of scoops, but the results haven't been there quite yet. Consider this news is a rumor. If true, this could mean Wadlow won't be directing X-Force anytime soon, or Fox might look at another director.

SOURCE: SCHMOESKNOW

Aaron Johnson Confirmed For Quicksilver Role In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

LatinoReview is now confirming that Aaron Johnson has signed on as Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Johnson had been linked for the role for months and has been talking like the deal was pretty much closed when being interviewed at Comic-Con and during the release of Kick-Ass 2 (based on a comic book from Marvel's offshoot company Icon). Aaron will be the third new cast member added to the sequel at this point. Sam Jackson confirmed Elizabeth Olsen for Quicksilver's sister Scarlet Witch and Marvel officially announced James Spader as Ultron. The returning cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Renner.

Aaron Johnson Gives Possible Character Details On Quicksilver In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, Sounds Like He Has The Role

The more Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass 1-2, Godzilla) talks about Quicksilver in interviews the more it sounds like he pretty much has the role. Just the passion and the detail he talks about the character gives the impression that Marvel is indeed interested. A new interview with TotalFilm has the actor giving a few character details that he likes about Quicksilver. Could these details be the building-blocks of what we'll see in Age of Ultron? Johnson's involvement reminds me of the dragged out casting of Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, who gave similar answers in the early talks to play Clint Barton.

"There's years - over 50 years - of backstory on him all there to use, and I like doing that. Him and his sister [Scarlet Witch] have been abandoned by their parents and their father, and they grew up in Eastern Europe defending and looking out for themselves and each other....His sister really is his guidance - emotionally she's the one who looks after him, and vice versa. He's very overprotective physically - he doesn't want anyone touching her.....He has real anger frustration - I like that. I always thought it'd be quite funny if you saw him eating loads and people asked him why and he'd explain it's because he's burning so much energy all the time. Or ideas that you'd see him come back round - but he's already nipped out and got his lunch somewhere else. He just got bored - his attention span is so fucking quick."

"That's what we're in talks about really, right now - how I could become that character and not feel forced. I might not look right with white hair, and the accent may be wrong... it just doesn't work like that....It's about - unless you're Jim Carrey or Nic Cage and go 'This is the character', people go ‘OK, OK…’ “When people haven't been shown your range like that, then they're a bit more skeptical - they may not want you to push the boundaries in that way. But that's what I'm interested in as an actor…"

X-MEN Spinoff X-FORCE In The Works As Jeff Wadlow Signs On To Write And Possibly Direct, Will Cable Be The Focus?

THR confirms rumblings the Fox is looking to announce an X-Force film at Comic-Con. They add that Kick-Ass 2 director Jeff Wadlow has been hired to script the X-Men spinoff and could even direct it. Wadlow's connection to Matthew Vaughn (director of First Class and producer of Fantastic Four reboot) and Mark Millar (creator of Kick-Ass and Fox's Marvel consultant) might have nudged the studio to select him.

There's no word on the lineup which has been changed over the years. Yet, there has been talk Fox is looking for a way to introduce a film focusing on Cable and is a staple of the comics. The more recent incarnation of the group includes Wolverine, Domino, Psylocke, Archangel, Deadpool, Warpath, X-23 and Fantomax. I would assume that Fox wants to connect these franchises together and would like see Wolverine/Deadpool involved in some way. While Jeff is writing this, I'd like see Matthew Vaughn return to the X-Men franchise and be allowed to have his own set of mutants to play with.

New KICK-ASS 2 Poster

Aaron Johnson Front-Runner For Quicksilver In AVENGERS 2

TheWrap is reporting that British actor Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass 1-2, Godzilla, Anna Karenina, Savages) is the front-runner to play Quicksilver in Joss Whedon's Avengers 2. Recently, Bryan Singer cast Aaron's Kick-Ass co-star Evan Peters in the same role in X-Men Days of Future Past. However, since both Fox and Marvel share the character rights (Scarlet Witch and Qucksilver) they are eligible to hire different actors to play them. There was some question if they would have the same pair of actors play the roles in both films but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Aaron Johnson was actually in the running for a role in X-Men First Class. Which was likely Hank McCoy/Beast that ended up going to Nicholas Hoult (who was championed by then producer Bryan Singer). There was also speculation Johnson was in the mix for Cyclops or even Gambit but neither characters ended in First Class. Aaron was also a possible candidate for Peter Parker in Marc Webb's Amazing Spider-Man but role ultimately went to Andrew Garfield. So it's likely he's keen on a Marvel role it's just finding the right one. Marvel is rumored to be looking at Irish actress Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) for the role of Scarlet Witch.

Three Directors In The Mix For FAST AND FURIOUS 7, Expected To Shoot This Summer For 2014 Release Date

Universal sees a way to expand it's franchise beyond Fast And Furious 6 but will have to do it without director Justin Lin. As Justin is walking away from making the seventh installment to focus on many other developing projects. Universal on the other hand is looking to shoot the next sequel this Summer without Lin for Summer 2014 release date according to THR. LatinoReview also reports the first three names linked to the director search. Which includes Jeff Wadlow (Kick-Ass 2), Brad Furman (Lincoln Lawyer, Runner Runner) and Harald Zwart (Karate Kid Remake). The former seems to have already impressed the studio with his action heavy sequel to Kick-Ass. Which might make Wadlow the standout so far but could slow down plans to release Kick-Ass 3. Dwayne Johnson will be shooting Hercules this Summer so it's unknown if he'll be among the cast for this next one or will have to make due with a cameo. Johnson revealed to Empire that it's possible his character Luke Hobbs could end up getting a spin-off.

I assume that Justin might be getting tired of having to dropout of films like Terimator 5 and The Highlander because of his commitments to Fast And Furious. He'll also be busy with post on the sixth film while pre-production work on the next film will be have to be underway for it's Summer shoot. This could be mean he might end up jumping into a another film not to soon after the release. Lin still has his Lone Wolf And Cub adaptation that could go next if the script is ready to go.

Matthew Vaughn Will Produce Josh Trank's FANTASTIC FOUR Reboot

Mark Millar has tweeted confirmation that Fox has landed Matthew Vaughn as a producer for Josh Trank's (Chronicle) Fantastic Four reboot. It's the first real update on the project in a very longtime since the hiring of screenwriter Jeremy Slater. This could mean that Vaughn will be apart of the casting process, helping to wrangle major talent to the reboot. The film has a set release date of March 6th 2015. While nothing is confirmed it's expected that Fantastic Four could be the next film to go into production after X-Men Days of Future Past is done shooting.

There had been some questions about Vaughn's relationship with Fox when he exited X-Men Days of Future Past to focus on The Secret Service. Matthew had also pitched his vision for Star Wars Episode VII to LucasFilm before J.J. Abrams ultimately landed the gig. Kick-Ass 2 which is another project Matthew has produced will be released later this year.

Elizabeth Olsen And Bryan Cranston Circling GODZILLA Reboot

Variety reports that both Elizabeth Olsen (Red Lights, Oldboy, Martha Marcy May Marlene) and Bryan Cranston (Argo, Drive, Breaking Bad) are both in talks for roles in Legendary Pictures' American Godzilla reboot. They are currently waiting for a finished script (currently being rewritten by Frank Darabont) before agreeing to star. Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass 1-2,  Nowhere Boy) had been previously offered the lead role (which is expected to be an American soldier).

Empire Reveals New Images From THE WOLVERINE, KICK-ASS 2 And THOR: THE DARK WORLD

SOURCE [CBM]

Chloë Moretz Pitched As Lead In STAR WARS EPISODE VII?

While SlashFilm has been fuelling the rumor that a female Skywalker would be the focus of the new trilogy. They've recently dropped another tidbit of information that could see a female lead in J.J. Abrams' Episode VII. Apparently, when Matthew Vaughn was still in the running he had pitched Chloë Grace Moretz ( 500 Days of Summer, Kick-Ass 1-2) to LucasFilm. This could really mean that the studio is looking to have the trilogy centered around this unnamed female Skywalker (likely Jaina Skywalker Solo).

Moretz has taken on a lot of adult material in her career including the iconic Hit-Girl in the Kick-Ass films. Along with taking on the role of scream queen in horror remakes Let Me In and Carrie.  I don't doubt the studio could still consider her but Abrams will likely cast his own choices. At least we have an idea that the lead of the new trilogy could be a teenage girl. Hitting the trend of a female driven franchise such as Hunger Games, would also help fans get a fresh take on the Star Wars universe.

Jim Carrey And Adam Sandler Wanted For GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, Plus More Actors In The Running For Star-Lord

The very reliable LatinoReview is reporting that Marvel Studios is looking into getting both Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler for the upcoming production of James Gunn's Guardians of The Galaxy. While the roles aren't named they speculate it could be for Rocket Raccoon and Groot. Those roles would likely involve motion capture and voice acting similar to Mark Ruffalo's work as the Hulk.

Jim Carrey has had experience with motion capture when he made A Christmas Carol. Carrey recently filmed a supporting role in Kick-Ass 2 which could help his credibility with comic book fans. Also, opening doors for him to tackle action roles in the future. He's tackled dramatic roles in Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind and Man On The Moon. I feel like if Marvel/Gunn has re-imagined Groot like they with Drax and Gamora, Carrey could make a great Groot.

Adam Sandler on the on the other hand has been loosing a lot of respect with a wheel-house of terrible low-quality comedies recently. It's possible taking on a lovable role like Rocket Raccoon would help his image with audiences. Sandler took on a lead voice role in Hotel Transylvania and has decent roles in the past with Punch-Drunk Love, Airheads and The Wedding Singer. So it's possible he could knock it out of the park if he actually put some effort into this project. Quentin Tarantino originally wanted Sandler for the role of Sgt. Donny Donowitz (Eli Roth) in Inglorious Basterds but he had to turn it down because it conflicted with the shooting of Funny People.

The site also mentions new names to the candidates running for the lead role of Peter Quill. They include Wes Bentley (Hunger Games, American Beauty), Chris Lowell (Up In The Air, The Help), and Cam Gigandet (Easy A, Pandorum, Twilight, Never Back Down). These names don't exactly inspire me to get excited but none-the-less they could end up with supporting roles instead of Star-Lord. Marvel is known to test everyone in Hollywood for leads to make sure they get the right actor in the role.

The list of actors linked to the role is starting to move into Captain America territory. They include Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception, Looper, Dark Knight Rises, Sin City 2), Zachary Levi (Chuck, Thor The Dark World), Jim Strugess (Cloud Atlas), Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire), Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, Zero Dark Thirty), Lee Pace (Hobbit, The Fall), Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables, Jupiter Ascending), John Krasinski (The Office, Promised Land), Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Sullivan Stapleton (Strike Back, Animal Kingdom, 300: Rise of An Empire), James Marsden (Superman Returns, X-Men Trilogy) and Garrett Hedlund (Tron Legacy, Troy).

However, out of the new names I think Chris Lowell has a decent shot. Lowell has history on television with supporting roles on Veronica Mars and Private Practice. While also landing roles in films such as The Help alongside Emma Stone (Gwen in Amazing Spider-Man) and Jessica Chastain (who was looked at for Iron Man 3). He also had a small part in Jason Reitman's Up In The Air.

FIRST LOOK: Official KICK-ASS 2 Still With Jim Carrey And Aaron Johnson Doesn't Hide That Toronto Is Doubling For NYC

Aaron Johnson Frontrunner For GODZILLA

Deadline reports that British actor Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass) the front-runner for the unnamed solider role in Godzilla. Johnson credits include Nowhere Boy, Anna Karenina, Savages and Kick-Ass 2: Balls To The Wall. Other actors had been also the mix which include Henry Cavill, Caleb Landry Jones, Scoot McNairy and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (passed on an offer). Production will begin soon with a release date of May 16th 2014. Johnson had been previously rumored to be in the mix for X-Men First Class and The Amazing Spider-Man. It could be his first franchise role post-Kick Ass. Walking Dead's Frank Daranbont (Shawshank Redemption) is currently doing rewrites on the script.

Olga Kurkulina Wanted For KICK-ASS 2?

Jim Carrey has been confirmed as Colonel Stars and the casting news keeps rolling in. As bodybuilder/model Olga Kurkulina is being rumored (via CBM) for the role of Mother Russia. The character is the personal bodyguard of The Motherfucker and member of the Toxic Megacunts. Writer/director Jeff Wadlow had previously tweeted an image from one of the readings which seemingly confirms they've cast the role.

Donald Faison And Andy Nyman Join KICK-ASS 2

HeatVision reports that David Faison (Scrubs, Clueless) has joined Kick-Ass 2 as Doctor Gravity.

Andy Nyman (Severance) has also confirmed via his website that he will indeed play a villain The Tumor in Kick-Ass 2. The character is a member of the villain team The Toxic Mega-Cunts lead by Motherfucker formerly Red Mist.

Lindy Booth To Play Night-Bitch In KICK-ASS 2

THR reports that actress Lindy Booth (Cry Wolf, Dawn of The Dead) is set to play Justice Forever member Night-Bitch in Kick-Ass 2.

Jim Carrey Offered Role In KICK-ASS 2

Deadline reports that Jim Carrey has been offered the role of The Colonel in Kick-Ass 2. The character is a former gangster turned vigilante that creates the superhero group Justice Forever. Jim hasn't taken the offer but it would likely boost his credibility with audiences. Plus he could tons of fun as did Nic Cage playing an Adam West inspired Big Daddy.

Cast In Talks To Return For 'KICK-ASS 2'

Deadline reports that Universal is close to making deals to see cast members Aaron Johnson, Chloë Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Nicolas Cage (in a cameo) return for Kick-Ass 2. Jeff Wadlow would be directing the film this summer while Matthew Vaughn would stay on as a producer. Vaughn is currently prepping for the next X-Men film which will shoot early next year. It's expected Kick-Ass 2 will get a Spring 2013 release date.

Chloë Moretz Continuing Her Reign As Scream Queen With Zombe Film 'MAGGIE' And Possibly 'KICK-ASS 2'

Chloë Moretz is quickly cementing herself as the unofficial modern "scream queen" of our era placing herself in genre focused projects such as Let Me In, Kick-Ass, Texas Killing Fields, Dark Shadows and the upcoming remake of Carrie. Variety reports she's in talks to play a young zombie in the film Maggie which would co-star Paddy Considine (Dead Man Shoes, Submarine, Red Riding) as her father. The zombie genre couldn't be bigger at the moment with The Walking Dead taking over TV along with films such as the romantic/dramedy Warm Bodies and the event film World War Z starring Brad Pitt.

Set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, story concerns a father's unconditional love for his daughter. Considine is in talks to play the father, while Moretz would play his titular daughter.

There's no word if this project would conflict with the summer production of Kick-Ass 2 which has Jeff Wadlow attached to direct. It's been reported that original cast members are in talks to reprise their roles. However, Moretz has grown considerably since the first film so it wouldn't be hard to imagine Universal re-casting Mindy/Hit-Girl. That said the Kick-Ass spin-off comic Hit-Girl does feature a more mature Chloë as the violent heroine in a varient cover.