RUMOR: Italian Actress Monica Bellucci In The Mix For BOND 24

On Thursday, we'll finally have the official casting announcements concerning Sam Mendes' Bond 24. This hasn't stopped a couple more casting stories coming out of the woodwork before the final reveal. Deadline is reporting that Italian born actress Monica Bellucci (Tears of The Sun, Dracula, Matrix Reloaded, Matrix Revolutions, Brothers Grimm, Shoot 'Em Up, Dobermann, Brotherhood of The Wolf, Passion of The Christ) might have a role in the film.

Monica would be an age appropriate actress for both Daniel Craig and rumored actor Christoph Waltz (said to be playing villain). Similar to Waltz, Bellucci speaks multiple languages which includes Italian, French, English and Persian. The film has been confirmed to shoot in Rome, but oddly hasn't had any Italian actors linked for roles. Bellucci would be an excellent addition to the world of Bond, so here's hoping this turns out to be true.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Keanu Reeves Talks DOCTOR STRANGE..Would This Casting Help Marvel's Diversity Problem?

While speaking with Collider's Frosty, actor Keanu Reeves was asked if he was interested in Marvel or DC roles. Bringing-up the fan demand to see him take-on the Doctor Strange role, now vacated by Joaquin Phoenix. His statements are genuinely interesting, but as we well know Keanu isn't a champion of sequels. You can see his reaction in the video, when Frosty explains how many Marvel films are involved with their contract.



"From a practical standpoint the idea of a longtime contract is sort of “errr” because you want to make sure the material is up to a certain level. Like the good or great level. I like the idea. I go to those kinds of movies. I grew up on them and comics and graphic novels. [But] I didn’t know Doctor Strange as a character, I didn’t read that as a kid. I’m gonna have to read it. I remember reading something… who’s going to play Doctor Strange? Would I be good for the role?"

Reeves' new film John Wick is apparently a beast and will be making quite the impact later this month. As we've heard many times Marvel chases heat, and Keanu might be on fire again with this action flick. It doesn't hurt that movies like Point Break, The Matrix and Speed have proven that in the right action film, he can shine pretty damn brightly.

After hearing this suggestion, I don't actual mind the idea of Keanu Reeves in the role. We've supported him in even odder pictures with The Matrix sequels and Constantine. I also think having an actor with an asian and polynesian background might actually change things up a bit in the Marvel lineup. There are actually a lot of asian elements to Strange's origins, so it would make sense to at least consider hiring an Asian actor. I

I've ranted about the need for Black Panther and Captain Marvel movies getting made to help diversify the Marvel cinematic universe lineup. Perhaps, hiring actors with different backgrounds might also be the key here. Marvel was piss-scared of hiring an Asian actor even for The Mandarin in Iron Man 3. You'd think with China, Japan and other Asian countries being huge box office markets they'd want to represent that demographic a bit more. It's actually disturbing the amount of white-guys leading these films. When we live in a very diverse world, the Western world is a giant melting-pot of different cultures. Sad these films ignore that point of reality, even in fantasy films. Casting Keanu Reeves won't change the problem, but at least it would be the start of it.

Doctor Strange includes two major Asian characters Doc's pal Wong and his teacher The Ancient One. There could be sensitivity issues brought-up here as Wong might be seen as an outdated stereotype. I'm hopeful they'll reinvent the role to a modern standard, making him more of a partner to Stephen. Seeing him fighting alongside Strange, during mystical/occult battles. It would actually be easy to mess-up the Ancient One as well, but it's unknown if he'll even be in the film. There's chatter that he might only show-up in flashbacks, as Strange might be already setup as the Sorcerer Supreme in the opening of the film.

We've actually seen this done well with Fox's X-Men franchise (The Wolverine, Days of Future Past), which for the most part has respected the cultures and actors. I know to some that Iron Fist is the property that might best suit Asian casting, but this goes back to stereotyping and racist thinking (only roles Asian can get are martial arts experts or villains). Then again, Fist is a television property and not film.

Marvel was smart enough to give us a Japanese-American Howling Commando with Jim Morita in Captain America: The First Avenger. Representing the many Japanese-American soldiers who bravely served during the war. Even though there was mistreatment of the Japanese population with those awful internment camps back home. It was actually one of the few times Marvel got the casting right everywhere, even Peggy Carter had some great scenes. Her fan support was so great she's getting her own series on ABC with Agent Carter. We might actually be seeing the return of Kenneth Choi in that series, but that remains to be seen.

Marvel has switched-up perceived ideals of what actors should play what roles, based on background. It might be nice to see the studio considering this moving forward with their future plans, that include Doctor Strange and other major lead heroes. Not just supporting roles. Women and visible minorities deserve a place at the Marvel table.

SOURCE: COLLIDER

Chad Stahelski Needs To Direct The HAWKEYE Movie!

What could Marvel's Hawkeye movie look like? Well that remains to be seen, as people have some theories of what direction Marvel should go with a spin-off. Some think parring Clint with Black Widow to explore their shared adventures in Budapest is a good idea. My personal assumption is that Hawkeye could become a major lead in a West Coast Avengers/New Avengers splinter film. We've been hearing rumblings that Marvel is considering on using another team in a feature film, but unsure what that could be (Avengers West Coast, New Avengers, Secret Wars?).

With that said, there are plenty of awesome action filmmakers making their mark in the last couple of years. Who I think could make a pretty damn fine Hawkeye movie, whatever direction Marvel takes him. One in particular I believe could make the biggest impact for a badass solo Hawkeye movie, that would be John Wick director Chad Stahelski.



Chad is a director, 2nd unit director and stunt coordinator that has been making a name for himself with his company 87 Eleven. They are responsible for some of the best stunt/action sequences in Hollywood. He even did some stunt work on Iron Man 2, so there is a tiny connection to Marvel Studios. Some of the company's stunt credits include The Crow, Point Break, The Matrix Trilogy, Spider-Man 2, Mr. And Mrs. Smith, Serenity, V For Vendetta, 300, Die Hard 4, Rambo, Killer Elite, The Wolverine, Hunger Games 1-2, and Expendables 1-2.

One of the biggest concerns of Marvel fans is how to make a film compelling with a powerless hero. We don't seem to ask those questions when it comes to massively entertaining franchises like Bond or Bourne. I'm a bit curious why fans don't cut Hawkeye and Black Widow some goddamn slack. I believe there is some middle-ground where you could allow them to have some powers eventually. Barton does become both Ronin and Goliath, two alter-egos that have yet to be explored in the cinematic universe. There are plenty of stories to explore with both these characters, and Stahelski is the director to give fans a thrilling ride.

Below is the trailer for John Wick, a film which currently holds a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Along with his second unit work on movies like Hunger Games, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Expendables 2, and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. While a script likely doesn't exist for this possible spin-off, at least we have an idea of who should bring it to life.





Chad Stahleski Vehicle Reel from 87eleven on Vimeo.

Should Marvel Studios give Chad Stahleski a shot at giving fans an action-packed Hawkeye movie?

Michael Giacchino To Score JUPITER ASCENDING

ThePlaylist has picked up that Oscar winning composer Michael Giacchino (Up) has been hired to score The Wachowskis' Jupiter Ascending. The sci-fi epic stars Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, Tuppence Middleton and Douglas Booth. Michael previously worked with the directing siblings on Speed Racer. His other credits include Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, John Carter, Super 8 and Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol. There is speculation that he might end up replacing John Williams as the composer for J.J. Abrams' Star Wars Episode VII.

Tuppence Middleton And Douglas Booth Join Wachowskis' JUPITER ASCENDING

Variety reports another addition to the growing cast of The Wachowskis' (Wachowski Starship) next project the science fiction actioner Jupiter Ascending. They say the up-and-coming British actors Tuppence Middleton (Trance) and Douglas Booth (Noah) have landed roles in the film. The rest of the cast includes Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis and Sean Bean. In the film humans are at the bottom of the evolutionary ladder, the story follows a woman (Kunis) targeted for assassination by the queen of the universe.

Sean Bean Has Starring Role In The Wachowskis' JUPITER ASCENDING

Deadline reports that Sean Bean (Goldeneye, Game of Thrones, Lord of The Rings) will have a starring role as a Han Solo-type alongside Channing Tatum (Haywire, Side Effects) in the sci-fi movie Jupiter Ascending. The film from the Wachowskis (Matrix, Cloud Atlas) also stars Mila Kunis (Black Swan, Oz The Great And Powerful) and Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables).

Eddie Redmayne In Talks For Wachowskis' JUPITER ASCENDING

Variety reports that British actor Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables) is in talks to take a role in The Wachowski's (Matrix, Cloud Atlas) Jupiter Ascending. The sci-fi thriller already has Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis attached to star. Eddie has previously been linked for Peter Quill/Star-Lord in Guardians of The Galaxy and Harry Osborn in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

In a universe where humans are near the bottom of the evolutionary ladder, a young destitute human woman is targeted for assassination by the Queen of the Universe because her very existence threatens to end the Queen's reign.

Zack Snyder And Ruben Fleischer Candidates For JUSTICE LEAGUE?

ThinkMcflyThink (via CBM) tweeted a couple more names added to Warner Bros' list of possible directors for Justice League. We've previously heard names like Ben Affleck (Gone Baby Gone, The Town, Argo) and The Wachowskis (Cloud Atlas, Matrix 1-3) in the running. However, some uninspired directors such as Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, X3) and McG (Terminator Salvation) are being bunched into in the group. Some other interesting names include studio darling Zack Snyder (Man of Steel, Watchmen, 300) and Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Gangster Squad). The latter seemingly becoming a studio favourite in his own right. I feel The Wachowskis, Ruben and Zack have the best shot here. Zack is head of the pack in my opinion. As he was able to pull off Watchmen while the film could have been a total disaster it ended up a solid attempt.

The Wachowskis Wanted For JUSTICE LEAGUE?

According to MovieHole Ben Affleck isn't the only high profiled director Warner Bros. is pursuing to direct Justice League. They name The Wachowskis (Matrix) as possible candidates to make DC's answer to The Avengers. Apparently, the studio loves their experimental film Cloud Atlas and believe the duo have what it takes to make a summer spectacle while developing the characters properly. The Wachowskis are an inspired choice considering The Matrix was a massive ode to anime and manga material. I can only imagine what they could do within the DC Universe and given the time/freedom to make their own vision. I assume that they would end up with creative control and a complete re-casting of the entire hero lineup will happen. Meaning, JL won't have any direct links to the Nolan Batman films, Man of Steel or even Green Lantern.




What do you think of this directing rumor? Is it a mistake or could the Wachowskis use their skills to create the next Avengers?

Joe Cornish To Direct Cyberpunk Thriller 'SNOW CRASH'

Joe Cornish has lined up his next film which will be a cyberpunk thriller based on the novel Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. Cornish has had an interesting bit of success with his first film Attack The Block becoming a big hit among genre fans. He also helped write the Tintin script with his Ant-Man co-writer Edgar Wright. Joe had been in the mix to replace Hunger Games director Gary Ross for it's sequel Catching Fire.


Set in the near future, when the U.S. exists as a patchwork of corporate-franchise city-states, and private enterprise and the mafia control everything. The plot involves a computer virus that is manifested as a drug called Snow Crash that is transmitted visually from computer screens to unsuspecting users, frying their brains. Hiro Protagonist – that’s the character’s name – a computer hacker/samurai swordsman/pizza delivery driver who investigates and tries to stop the takeover of postmodern civilization.

 SOURCE: Deadline

Set Images From 'CLOUD ATLAS' Features Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Keith David And Hugh Grant

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Offered Role In 'JUPITER ASCENDING' Starring Milla Kunis And Channing Tatum

Vulture reports on some story details about The Wachowskis next film Jupiter Ascending. I won't post them (possible spoilers) because they could be completely false or a misdirection but feel free to click on the link to see for yourselves. The science fiction film will star Mila Kunis (Black Swan) and Channing Tatum (Bitter Pill, Magic Mike, Haywire) along with an offering going out to Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Joe is quickly gathering some impressive sci-fi credits with Inception and Looper not to mention a decent sized role in The Dark Knight Rises.

The Matrix creators will have their recently wrapped sci-fi film Cloud Atlas that they co-directed with Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) released on December 6th 2012. It stars Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Tom Hanks, Hugh Grant Jim Sturgess, Jim Broadbent, Ben Whishaw, Susan Sarandon, James D'Arcy and Keith David.

Mila Kunis And Channing Tatum Wanted For Wachowskis' Jupiter Ascending

Deadline reports that The Wachowskis/Warner Bros. have offered the two leads for Jupiter Ascending to Mila Kunis (Black Swan, Oz The Great And Powerful) and Channing Tatum (Haywire, 21 Jump Street). Channing recently gained some credibility with his comedic turn in 21 Jump Street and the studio might be betting on the fact he had two number one films so far this year. Tatum had been a candidate for The Man From UNCLE before Soderbergh exited and Guy Ritchie came on as a producer. Not too long ago Natalie Portman was wanted for the female lead so it's not surprising to see her Black Swan co-star also in the running.

Production is expected later this year but details about the film are unknown except that is indeed a science fiction project.  It will be interesting to see how close this movie will be compared to The Matrix or Cloud Atlas which the Wachowskis co-directed with Tom Tykwer. We have to assume that the title suggests a space theme but it could just the name of a lead character.

RUMOR: Keanu Confirms Two More Matrix Films & Will Smith In Hood?

AICN news is reporting from a source who heard Keanu Reeves speak on the current status of projects from the Wachowskis. He went on to confirm two more Matrix films have treatments written. The directing duo have locked in Will Smith for Hood. Their fututristic take on Robin Hood which Reeves says Warner Bros. bought for $5 Million. Curiously enough there is no mention of their gestating project CN-9. While I'm interested in anything involving the Wachowskis I'm not how of much this is true.


"Says he met the Wachowski's (no emphasis on the word brothers), for lunch over Christmas and stated that they had completed work on a two picture script treatment that would see him return to the world of the Matrix as Neo. Says the brothers have met with Jim Cameron to discuss the pro's and con's of 3D and are looking to deliver something which has never been seen again. Keanu stated that he still has an obligation to the fans to deliver a movie worthy of the title "The Matrix" and he swears this time that the treatment will truly revolutionise the action genre like the first movie. Wachowski's are working on a movie called Cloud Atlas at the moment, once that concludes they will talk again."

"Wachowski's had just sold the most expensive script in history to Warner Brothers. a modern futuristic take on the legend of Robin Hood. Says he understands WB paid $5 million for the rights and that from what the Wachowski's have told him, it will be an action movie that would have the same impact visually and technically that Terminator 2 had. Confirmed that Will Smith has agreed to headline the picture."

UPDATE: This story has been proven as being completely false.