Gary Whitta Leaves STAR WARS Spin-Off To Focus On Fox's STARLIGHT

Reports are coming-out from THR that screenwriter Gary Whitta is exiting Gareth Edward's Star Wars spin-off. Gary has taken to Twitter to confirm this and reveals he'll be now focusing on scripting Fox's Starlight. The film is adaptation of the Mark Millar comic which is mix of Incredibles meets Flash Gordon.

There are two other Mark Millar film projects in the works with Joe Carnahan's Nemesis and Matthew Vaughn's Superior. A director for Starlight hasn't been named but I'm sure one will be named soon. Kingsman is also looking to be gathering a lot of positive reviews which see that turn into a franchise.

My year of work in a galaxy far, far away is done! I’m onto my next project, adapting @mrmarkmillar’s STARLIGHT for 20th Century Fox!
— Gary Whitta (@garywhitta) January 10, 2015

SOURCE: TWITTER

First Trailer For Matthew Vaughn's Action Spy Comedy KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE

It's been a while since we've seen Matthew Vaughn direct a film, he was about to helm Days of Future Past before jumping ship to direct The Secret Service (based on Mark Millar's comic). The film has it's first trailer and it's been retitled Kingsman: The Secret Service. I assume that Kingsman will be the actual franchise name, if the movie is successful enough to spawn future installments. It's hooligan meets James Bond concept will likely win over a lot of curious moviegoers.

The footage seems to be on par with what we should expect from Matthew Vaughn, but it does look like he's has a larger studio budget to play with this time around. Considering how small the budget was for Kick-Ass. I'm loving this trailer, and I can even play-along with Sam Jackson's silly lisp. Something that's not hinted to in the trailer, is the crazy amount of celebrity cameos which include Mark Hamill, David Beckham and Taylor Swift.

Mark Millar's SUPERIOR Lands At Fox, With Matthew Vaughn Producing

THR reports that the feature version of Mark Millar's comic Superior has landed at Fox. The Superman/Shazam! homage will be produced by Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, Secret Service, X-Men: First Class), but a director hasn't been named. It has been hinted this could be the next directorial effort for Vaughn. A writer hasn't been announced, it's very possible Jane Goldman could pen the screenplay.

Superior will be the third collaboration between Millar and 20th Century Fox. Matthew Vaughn is already in post-production on The Secret Service and director Joe Carnahan (Blacklist, Narc, The Grey) recently completed the script for Nemesis with his brother.

SOURCE: THR

RUMOR: Taylor Swift, Elton John And David Beckham To Cameo In Matthew Vaughn's THE SECRET SERVICE?

British tabloid TheMirror is putting out the rumor that singer Taylor Swift will have a cameo in Matthew Vaughn's The Secret Service. The action comedy would see Swift kidnapped by the villain played Sam Jackson, with her escaping and kicking ass. The comic alludes to famous people getting kidnapped, hence the appearance of Mark Hamill playing himself. So it's possible she'll be playing herself but with a martial arts background. Swift isn't the only celebrity being asked to make a cameo in The Secret Service. Legendary singer Elton John and footballer David Beckham have also been approached to appear in the film according to the tabloid.

Samuel L Jackson Will Play The Villain Of THE SECRET SERVICE, Emma Watson And Bella Heathcote Circling Female Lead

Variety reports that Samuel L. Jackson will play the villain of The Secret Service. A role which was offered to both Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio previously. The site mentions that Emma Watson (Harry Potter, Bling Ring) and Bella Heathcote (Dark Shadows, Killing Them Softly) are up for the female lead alongside Taron Egerton, Colin Firth and Michael Caine.

Matthew Vaughn Eyeing Jack O'Connell For Lead Role Alongside Colin Firth In THE SECRET SERVICE

TheWrap reports that writer/director Matthew Vaughn is keen on trying to get actor Jack O'Connell (300: Rise of An Empire) for the main role in The Secret Service. The film is based on the Mark Millar comic which would be a violent mix of My Fair Lady meets James Bond. As a veteran spy trains a young street smart teen to become a spy himself. Colin Firth is already set to play the mentor of the film and Jack is wanted for the hoodie role. Two other names in the mix also include John Boyega (Attack The Block) and Christian Cooke (Cemetery Junction).

Colin Firth Could Play Spy Mentor In Matthew Vaughn's THE SECRET SERVICE

THR reports that Oscar winning actor Colin Firth has landed a role in the Matthew Vaughn comic book spy flick The Secret Service. Colin would play the uncle of young rough British street tough who is recruited by his uncle to be thought to become a spy. Aaron Johnson was being looked at the for the other role but was too busy. Likely, because of role in Godzilla.

Matthew Vaughn's THE SECRET SERVICE Coming November 2014

Deadline reports that Fox has won a battle with Universal for the rights to distribute Matthew Vaughn's (Kick-Ass, Layer) next comic book film The Secret Service. The comic from Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen) focuses on a veteran secret agent who leads a young street hooligan protege into the shadowy business.Vaughn and writing partner Jane Goldman (Kick-Ass, X-Men First Class) have taken on the film's script.No word on casting besides the iconic Mark Hamill filming a cameo.

UPDATE: Fox has set the release date for November 14th 2014 and will begin production this August.

Ryan Reynolds Says DEADPOOL's Rating Holding Back It's Greenlight, Could Director Tim Miller Exit?

HeyUGuys while interviewing Ryan Reynolds about his animated film The Croods got a brief comment about Deadpool's current status. It doesn't sound like Fox is ready to put it into production just yet, as the rating might be holding it back. Nothing says the studio will change their mind since there are plenty of R-rated comic book films coming out this year. It's had a script in place by Paul Wernick and Rheet Reese (Zombieland, Venom, G.I. Joe: Retaliation) for years now along with Tim Miller attached to direct.

"It's up to the studio. The studio I think is reluctant to pull the trigger on such a hard Rated-R script. Then the guys who wrote it and the producers won't make it unless it's that hard and, you know, raunchy." 

Fox at the moment is busy with The Wolverine (coming in July), X-Men Days of Future Past (shooting   this Spring/Summer) and The Fantastic Four reboot (later this year or early 2014). R-rated comic book films are getting more of upswing recently. 300, Sin City and Kick-Ass have been very popular and profitable R-rated comic book films post-Blade. All three movies will have sequels released in 2013 and are expected to make a solid amount of box office. So it's hard to think the rating is the only thing holding Deadpool back. Fox is also putting together an adaptation of Mark Millar's Nemesis with Joe Carnahan (attached to write/direct) which is also going to end up with a hard R-rating.

On the production side of things, since landing the directing gig on Deadpool Tim Miller has signed on to make a numerous amount of other films including Gravel (Legendary Pictures), Seasons (Sony Pictures) and just recently Artemis (20th Century Fox). I assume Miller's involvement with the film could be questionable at this point with three other films in development. My assumption is that Joe Carnahan might end up taking over direction duties. Joe already put together another Marvel film for Fox with their attempt at a Daredevil reboot. He also tried to put together a film based on the Marvel villain Taskmaster for Fox.

The elephant in the room is the disaster of Green Lantern bombing and it's massive failure could have tainted Ryan's career as a lead in superhero films. Rumblings that R.I.P.D. could have similar issues might be giving Fox cold-feet about having Ryan kept as the lead of the film. So don't be shocked if Reynolds leaves the production and Fox looks for other actors. I could see actual comedic actors like Jason Segel, Zachary Levi and Bill Hader be considered if Ryan ultimately leaves. If Chris Pratt can get super ripped for Guardians of The Galaxy these guys can do the same.

Mark Millar Promises KICK-ASS 3 Will Be The Last Film

Mark Millar is looking to the future and has a bunch of his creator owned comics being turned into films. He already has Nemesis, Secret Service and Superior in development with major players involved. Millar was also recently hired by 20th Century Fox to consult their Marvel franchises. Kick-Ass 2 was picked up by Universal (Lionsgate released the original) who is also looking to make Wanted 2 with Millar. Mark revealed to SFX Magazine (via MTV) that he'll be wrapping things up in Kick-Ass 3 meaning there won't be anyone more films after the third one. It took material from both Kick-Ass 2 and Hit-Girl to end up with the sequel's script, so it just might be too time consuming to make more than three films. I'm not sure if this means that a Hit Girl film is off the table as well.

"'Kick-Ass 3' is going to be the last one," he said. "I told Universal this and they asked me, ‘What does that mean?’ I said, ‘It means that this is where it all ends.’ They said, ‘Do they all die at the end?’ I said, ‘Maybe’ – because this is a realistic superhero story. And if someone doesn’t have a bullet proof vest like Superman and doesn’t have Batman’s millions then eventually he is going turn around the wrong corner and get his head kicked in or get shot in the face."

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

Christopher McQuarrie And Mark Millar Talk THE WOLVERINE

ScreenRant was also able to get a bit of information about Christopher McQuarrie's script for The Wolverine. While there have been rewrites since Darren Aronofsky exited the film. Christopher's original script only had one mutant in the film which was Wolverine. He names legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa (Ran, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood) as a big influence on his writing of the script.

The truth of the matter is that ‘Wolverine’ I consider to be one of my favorite scripts that I’ve ever written. I really held it near and dear to my heart, and I was sorry that circumstances worked out that I couldn’t be there and be involved in that movie. I’m almost afraid to see what it’s evolved into, because that’s the nature of the process.

"Well you know, it was an X-Men movie – it was a Marvel movie – but it existed very much in a real world. And more than anything, I love it for the very fact that – at least in the script I wrote – he was the only mutant in the movie… It was what you’d imagine the Wolverine universe to be under the control of somebody who wrote ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ‘The Way of the Gun’ and is a fan of Sergio Leone. It was Kurosawa’s Wolverine. There was a real romance to it, there was real humor to it, and a very straightforward sort of plain-faced brutality to it. I’m hoping they preserve that. 

Hugh was really great, I liked working with Hugh a lot – he was very understanding, very open and supportive of me – so I’ll be very interested to see how that film turns out." 

Fox's new Marvel creative consultant Mark Millar recently revealed he watched the first ten minutes of the film. Millar said it's a superhero film legendary director David Lean would have made. Lean is best known for iconic films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge On The River Kwai and Doctor Zhivago. It's high praise but Mark could be giving lip-service to a studio currently making films based on his comic books.

"The script is amazing and Mangold is such a brilliant director," writes Millar. "Seen the first 10 mins and it looks like David Lean doing a superhero movie. This the one that's going to surprise people. This and First Class were Year Zero for the Fox Marvel movies as far as I'm concerned." 

Could Christopher McQuarrie Help Develop Fox's Marvel Universe?

Christopher McQuarrie is best known for his screenwriting work on The Usual Suspects which earned him an Oscar. However, he's moving into the directing field with Jack Reacher and is being linked to direct Mission: Impossible 5. McQuarrie is uncredited but did help develop the X-Men franchise with Bryan Singer. Chris helped add some elements to the first two films and recently wrote the script for The Wolverine. In an interview with ScreenRant he mentions a meeting with Fox to help them flush out an expansive film universe for the X-Men. Similar to Marvel's cohesive cinematic universe that lead to Avengers' massive success.  


"You know, Bryan and I have talked about it a bunch of times – and in fact, right after I got back from shooting [Jack Reacher] I had a meeting with Tom Rothman – just a general meeting – and I said to Tom, ‘You know what I’d really love to do, is I’d really love to flesh out the X-Men Universe for you. You have this great wealth of these Marvel characters, and the X-Men franchise has only focused on a small handful of them – there’s many more.'" 

"And I thought that it’d be really cool to create a ‘bible’ – you know, a series of outlines of interlocking movies where you could do kind of what they did with ‘The Avengers,’ where you’re creating multiple movies that could come together as one movie here and there. And… you know… I never heard back [laughs]. But that would kinda be fun – to do something like that – where you could kind of become the curator for something like that." 


The only problem is that Fox hasn't really followed up on Christopher's offer and he could move on to write/direct other projects. Fox confirmed plans for their own Marvel film universe which would begin with The Wolverine leading into X-Men Days of Future Past and Josh Trank's Fantastic Four reboot. Producer Lauren Shuler Donner even stating we could be seeing the X-Men joining future installments of the Avengers if Marvel Studios was open to it. While Feige confirmed that Marvel and Fox co-owned mutants Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver who are established members of the Avengers and X-Men. Wolverine would be their big get as he's been one of the biggest faces of the Avengers team since the 90's.

Mark Millar had been hired to oversee the creative-side of this direction but a visionary hasn't been tapped to put it all together. Millar isn't a screenwriter and likely will be around to explain characters/storylines. Fox doesn't have a Joss Whedon so it sounds like they'll have to split the tasks to a group of people. Having McQuarrie involved could only improve chances for success, not to mention a director who could help make these spin-off films. Deadpool is still in limbo with Tim Miller signing on to a bunch of other directing projects. Also, if The Wolverine is successful enough they'll pursue a third film. X-Men 4, New Mutants/X-Force and Cable films have also been mentioned for possible next Marvel projects for the studio.

Joe Carnahan Confirms He's Currently Writing The Script For NEMESIS

Joe Carnahan (The Grey) tweets that he and his brother have started writing the script for Nemesis. The comic film based on the series from Mark Millar focuses on the premise of a psychotic villain who has the training and resources of Batman. This villain takes on the greatest cops in the world once a year which leaves a massive body count and a city in ruins. Liam Neeson had been rumored for the hotshot cop lead of Blake Morrow.

SPECULATION: Could Joe Carnahan Replace Tim Miller As DEADPOOL Director If He Exits?

Deadpool has been in development limbo for months even with a script and director in place. Fox is eager to put out a slew of new Marvel films including The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past and Fantastic Four it's odd that Deadpool isn't being fast-tracked. Last we heard, Fox was trying to figure out the best way to make the R-rated film with Mark Millar as the studio's new creative consultant.

Tim Miller had been hired to direct after talks with Robert Rodriguez broke down. Miller last spoke about the project in October and seemed optimistic. However, Miller has since signed on to direct two big studio films Gravel and Seasons along with major involvement on the animated film The Goon. This gives the impression these other projects will likely force him to exit Deadpool.

"We've turned in an amazing script and done some early tests and visual development that -- I'm confident -- would get the fans stoked. And Ryan still loves the project. So it's really up to Fox as to whether or not the film happens -- all I can do is hope (and beg periodically) that it be allowed to move ahead."

If Miller exits my bet would be on Joe Carnahan (The Grey, Narc) being contacted to direct. This is because of his connection to all parties involved. Joe worked with Ryan on Smokin' Aces and is attached to direct Mark Millar's Nemesis for Fox. He had been hired by the studio to put together a reboot of Daredevil which ultimately didn't happen. It seemed the studio wasn't confident in the material as the rights reverted back to Marvel. That doesn't mean Joe wouldn't be considered for future Marvel films. He had been talking with Fox about developing a Taskmaster film a while back. Besides Carnahan has Nemesis and a remake of Death Wish in development, neither have started pre-production.

THE WOLVERINE Starting Point For Fox's Marvel Universe

Fox's new creative consultant Mark Millar (for Marvel films) has talked to ComicBookResources about when his era of films will begin. Apparently, The Wolverine will be their Iron Man as the film will spark a slew of other films which will likely occupy the same world (ala The Avengers). Director James Mangold and Hugh Jackman have stated the film is darker and more serious in tone than previous X-Men films. It's not hard to imagine with Mangold comparing it to a Japanese noir movie. The Wolverine, X-Men Days of Future Past, Fantastic Four and Deadpool could all have links to each other. Millar also talks about working with director Bryan Singer on Days of Future Past.

"I felt like 'Iron Man' was really the beginning of something for the Marvel Studios movies, and 'The Wolverine' will be a similar starting point to build a lot off of for the Fox movies," 

"When Matthew decided he wasn't going to do the sequel, they just switched places with Matthew producing and Bryan coming on to direct. That's got nothing to do with me, but I'm delighted that Bryan and I will get to work together over the next few years,"

Empire talked to Mark as well and he went into more detail about working with 20th Century Fox. Which for the most part sounds promising that they actually have someone who understands the characters in there making suggestions to the writers and directors.

"Fox are thinking, 'We're sitting on some really awesome things here. There is another side of the Marvel Universe. Let's try and get some cohesiveness going.' So they brought me in to oversee that really. To meet with the writers and directors to suggest new ways we could take this stuff and new properties that could spin out of it."

 "The X-Men feels like a universe by itself; there's so many characters and so many great potential spin-off characters. They asked me to come in and work out a plan, so unfortunately at this point I can't get too specific. I DO have a three to four year plan of where things could go, but you know, I'll be working with guys like Matthew and Josh Trank (the new director of 'Fantastic Four') and just figuring out how everything can work together and not contradict each other."

 "But I also don't want to make it too much of a mess either, with everyone showing up in everyone else's films. What my dream is, as a fan, is that when you go and see any Marvel movie that it feels as if they're all taking place in the one universe like in the comics." 

Mark Hamill Confirmed For THE SECRET SERVICE

Mark Millar has confirmed via Twitter that Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) will play himself in The Secret Service. The film is an adaptation of Millar and Dave Gibbon's (Watchmen) comic which is setup at 20th Century Fox. Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, Layer Cake, X-Men First Class) is rumored to have left X-Men: Days of Future Past to direct Service instead.

Matthew Vaughn Exits X-MEN DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, Will Make SECRET SERVICE Instead?

A bombshell for X-Men fans has been reported by Deadline as director Matthew Vaughn is leaving X-Men: Days of Future Past. He had been very vocal on making a sequel to the point he signed on along with developing the story/script with writing partner Jane Goldman. The relationship with Fox seems still intact as Matthew will stay on as producer of the film. Vaughn is actually looking to direct The Secret Service for Fox instead. A film concept originally hatched by both Mark Millar and Matthew that came out as a comic book series.

His replacement just might end up being Bryan Singer. However, I really hope Singer doesn't direct considering how terrible his post-X2 films have been. There has even been talk of how much of a disaster Jack The Giant Slayer (not killer) might be. It wouldn't be hard to imagine Fox might look to hire someone new to direct. Considering Singer still has to promote/edit Jack The Giant Slayer. The problem stems from setting the release date of this massive film before post-production, which to be fair would scare any director. I'd love to see someone like Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods, Cloverfield) get the gig but you never know with Fox.

Bradley Cooper Offered Lead In SUPERCROOKS

Mark Millar has announced via Millarworld that he and director Nacho Vigalondo (Timecrimes) will be sending out an offer to Bradley Cooper for the role of Johnny Bolt in Supercrooks. The comic book film focuses on a group of supervillains who decide to pull off a heist in Europe.

We've got a great director, a great screenplay and as of Christmas we'll have time to start prepping this sucker. Who we gonna call? Bradley Cooper. I am literally calling up his guys tomorrow and want to secure him as Johnny Bolt. It's about TIME he did a super-movie and having him as a likeable super-villain in a super-heist flick sounds about perfect. He's our ideal choice and we're going to pursue this tomorrow.

TO BE CONSIDERED: Five Actresses For WANTED 2

Now that it's again confirmed that Angelina Jolie won't be returning for Wanted 2 there will be a search to fill the new female lead. We learned yesterday from writer Derek Haas that Wesley will be training a new protege in the sequel. That role will likely move the franchise forward as James McAvoy isn't likely to continue for possible future installments. James is in high-demand thanks in part to his involvement with the new X-Men franchise and other projects. This protege will have a similar transformation from sheep to wolf that Wesley had. I've come up with a couple names I'd like to see pushed forward for casting consideration.

EMILY BLUNT (Looper, All You Need Is Kill, Sunshine Cleaning, Wolfman and The Adjustment Bureau) 

MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD (Scott Pilgrim, Death Proof, Smashed, Die Hard 4 and The Thing)

OLIVIA THIRLBY (Juno, Dredd, The Wackness And The Darkest Hour)

ROONEY MARA (Nightmare On Elm Street, Social Network, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and Side Effects)

JUNO TEMPLE (Atonement, Dark Knight Rises, Cracks, Greenberg, Killer Joe, Horns and Maleficent)