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.

SPECULATION: X-MEN Will Be The Mid-Credits Scene In SPIDEY 2, Could Fox/Sony Team-Up In 2018?

It's been confirmed that both UK and US showings of Amazing Spider-Man 2 will feature a mid-credits trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past. The footage in question is straight from the film and not a crossover by any means. However, this might be the beginning of something bigger. It means that Fox and Sony understand the power of cross-promotion, concerning their Marvel characters. If anything, it's proving a bit of goodwill between the two studios. This isn't a giant leap towards Spidey showing-up in Wolverine 3, or Wolverine in Amazing Spider-Man 3, but could lead to the studios actually working something out for future. We know that X-Men producers Hugh Jackman and Lauren Shuler Donner have been talking-up the idea of joining the franchises.



Marvel's Kevin Feige has downplayed the idea and said they had zero plans of doing this. Giving the impression Disney and Marvel don't want anything to do with making this happen. Combining the characters would give more creditability to the other studios, and in the end disprove Feige's entire idea that Marvel can be successful with their own roster. It's true, Marvel Studios has been spending a lot of time and money developing their brand and film universe. Sharing it with Fox and Sony is likely never going to happen, when they have Disney protecting their interests and actively trying to retrieve the film rights.


Splitting a budget/profits of a massive film three-ways could be a legal nightmare, even more so when on of the three parties is actively trying to regain the rights entirely. My thought is that we might have chances of seeing Fox and Sony working together connecting their Marvel universe than every seeing Marvel Studios warming-up to the idea. The key factor here is producer Avi Arad, who's worked on  X-Men, Fantastic Four (still credited and involved) and Spider-Man franchises. Sony and Fox are watching the crazy amount of success that Marvel has been making post-Avengers, and I'm sure they are frustrated as hell. The new Spider-Man movies might be earning the most money, but they are catching a lot of criticism from fans/film critics alike, putting together an event film could really boost all three franchises.

We recently learned that Sony is planning on delaying The Amazing Spider-Man 4, which was eyeing a May 4th, 2018 release date. This slot apparently could go to one of the two spin-offs, which means there is only one major Spider-Man release officially. Oddly enough, this is the same summer that Fox planned an unnamed Marvel release for July 13th, 2018. At this point the X-Men: First Class /Wolverine/Amazing Spider-Man trilogies will be completed and Fantastic Four 2 will have already been released. It would be perfect timing to release a massive team-up, as it's also the same year projected for the release of Avengers 3.

The two studios are already gearing-up for a massive amount of X-Men (Gambit, Magneto, Deadpool, X-Force, Mystique) and Spidey (Sinister Six, Venom, Black Cat?) spin-offs, which are all in different development stages (some only mentioned in passing). If Marvel isn't willing to play-ball, it's possible we could see the two studios split costs and make it happen on their own. Avi has the ear of both Fox and Sony at this point, along with a previous working relationship with X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner. I'm sure he's hatched some sort of pitch of Spider-Man characters and Fantastic Four teaming-up with the X-Men. Even though, Matthew Tolmach and Avid Arad have actually dismissed any plans to join The Avengers. Their comments are concerning working with Marvel Studios, but not Fox, as Avi is still producing with for the new Fantastic Four movies.



In the era of Avengers and Batman Vs Superman/Justice League, the next step in superhero franchises is the event team-up. While people have already assumed Fantastic Four/X-Men team-up is down the line, adding Spider-Man to that lineup could put it on equal footing to the other big films. It's hard to believe we'll ever see a united Marvel universe, but this could be as close as we'll ever get. These studios are also in the business of making money, and if they're able to get a billion dollar film out of combining characters, they'll at least consider making deals with each other.

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

Four Actors That Could Take The Doctor Doom Role In THE FANTASTIC FOUR Reboot

It looks like the TheWrap has another casting development concerning Josh Trank's Fantastic Four reboot. The trade previously confirmed that Miles Teller (Dr. Reed Richards), Michael B. Jordan (Johnny Storm), Kate Mara (Sue Storm) and Jamie Bell (Ben Grimm) , would take the lead roles in the film. Now they claim that the short-list for villain Doctor Doom is down to four actors. The site is also debunking previous rumblings that Doom would see a gender-swap in the film.

They include Domhall Gleeson (Frank, Dredd, Never Let Me Go, Harry Potter Films, True Grit, Anna Karenina), Sam Riley (Control, On The Road, Byzantium), Toby Kebbell (RockNRolla, Dead Man Shoes, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, Warcraft, Prince of Persia, Wrath of The Titans, War Horse, Sorcerer's Apprentice, Match Point, Alexander) and Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables, Jupiter Ascending, Pillars of The Earth). Boardwalk Empire's Jack Huston was also in the mix at one point but it's unknown if he's still being considered. Eddie and Jack had been linked for roles in Guardians of The Galaxy, which may have been for Ronan The Accuser.

Irish actor Domhall Gleeson is the most interesting of the bunch, as he's co-starred with a few Marvel actors previously. Andrew Garfield (Spider-Man) in the film Never Let Me Go , the indie comedy Frank alongside Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Aaron Johnson (Quicksilver) in Anna Karenina which also starred rumored Ms. Marvel contender Ruth Wilson. He also was apart of the Harry Potter franchise, which means he is better known internationally than the rest of the candidates.

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Miles Teller, Michael B Jordan, Kate Mara And Jamie Bell Our FANTASTIC FOUR Cast?

It's starting to look like 20th Century Fox might actually shoot their Fantastic Four reboot afterall. There had been some speculation, since it had already undergone production delays, budget reconfiguring and many script rewrites, it could have been going the way of Daredevil. Back to Marvel Studios and Disney. That doesn't seem to be the case, as TheWrap reports that Fox has seemingly nailed down the young cast for their reboot.

The studio is nearing deals with Miles Teller as Dr. Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Michael B. Jordan (Johnny Storm/Human Torch, Kate Mara as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm/The Thing. No word on who will play the villain/villains of the reboot. There had been talk/rumblings that Fantastic Four characters would occupy the same world as Bryan Singer's X-Men universe.


SOURCE: THEWRAP

Emmy Rossum And Christian Cooke Testing For FANTASTIC FOUR Leads

THR is reporting new names and debunking a few for the screen tests for Josh Trank's Fantastic Four reboot. They say, that Kate Mara (Transcendence, House of Cards) and Emmy Rossum (Shameless) are up for the role of Sue Storm. Seemingly confirming Miles Teller is a front-runner for Richard Reed and Michael B. Jordan a lock for The Human Torch.

While British actor Christian Cooke is up for the role of Ben Grimm/The Thing, not sure what this means for the Josh Gad/Grimm rumor. Cooke is pretty much unknown to American audiences (besides his role in Magic City), and is best known for a lead role in the Ricky Gervais' directed Cemetery Junction. The film co-starred Felicity Jones, who has a role in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which is rumored to be possibly Black Cat (not confirmed).

They go-on to say that Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) and Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) won't be testing for roles after-all. Adding, that the role of Doctor Doom might even have it's gender-swapped. However, that could be dependent on casting, since Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) isn't even mentioned in the report. It's possible Madden might be up for Doom rather than Reed.

SOURCE: THR

FANTASTIC FOUR Script Finally Completed And Casting Is Underway

Variety has a couple updates concerning Fox's Fantastic Four reboot, stating that Simon Kinberg has completed the script rewrites (expected to tie-in with the new X-Men universe). There had been some concern that production was in trouble when casting news halted, for script reworking from Kingberg. Josh Trank (Chronicle) is still directing as production is expected to begin in Vancouver soon, First Class director Matthew Vaughn is producing the film. The studio is expected to start testing a younger cast to fill roles, by the end of the month.

Miles Teller, Kit Harington and Richard Madden (Klondike, Cinderella, Game of Thrones) expected to test for the role of team leader and uber scientist Dr. Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), but I wouldn't be shocked if one of these gentleman is also being looked at for villain Doctor Doom. Michael B Jordan (Fruitvale Station, Chronicle) is reportedly attached to play Johnny Storm (Human Torch), which could mean that Teller is the front-runner, as the pair recently worked together on the film That Awkward Moment.

The ladies in the mix for Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) include Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, Lovely Bones, Atonement) and Kate Mara (Transcendence, House of Cards, Iron Man 2), Margot Robbie (Wolf of Wall Street) had previously been in the mix too but will likely choose Tarzan instead.


SOURCE: VARIETY

Michael B. Jordan Confirmed As The New Human Torch In FANTASTIC FOUR?

SchomesKnow are claiming to have exclusive confirmation that Chronicle and Fruitvale Station star Michael B. Jordan has signed on to play Johnny Storm/The Human Torch in Josh Trank's Fantastic Four reboot. Jordan had been originally been linked for the project by TheWrap's Jeff Snider and the actor would go on to deny involvement. He had also been linked to testing for role in Star Wars: Episode VII. Michael is the first actor confirmed for the project and sounds like Fox is looking towards a more diverse cast than the previous films. While actors such as Kit Harington and Saoirse Ronan have been recently linked for other leads. The studio is still waiting for final script rewrites from Simon Kinberg.

New FANTASTIC FOUR Casting Shortlist Includes Kit Harington, Saoirse Ronan And Others

Variety reports that 20th Century Fox is zeroing-in on it's young cast for The Fantastic Four reboot. It looks like Alison Williams (Girls) is now out of the running for Sue Storm. As actresses Saoirse Ronan, Kate Mara (House of Cards, Transendence, Iron Man 3) and Margot Robbie (Wolf of Wall Street) are now in the mix. They also include that actors Kit Harington (Seventh Son, Game of Thrones), Miles Teller and Jack O'Connell (300: Rise of An Empire) are now being looked at for Reed Richards. Michael B. Jordon (Chronicle) is still be mentioned as front-runner for the role of The Human Torch. There is talk that studio has yet to see a completed script and because of this haven't greenlit the project.  Even though a release date of March 16th, 2015 has been set. Producer and newly added screenwriter Simon Kinberg (X-Men: Days of Future Past) has been brought on to rewrite the existing script. Josh Trank is still set to direct with X-Men First Class' Matthew Vaughn attached to produce/shepherd the reboot.

Simon Kinberg To Rewrite And Produce Fox's FANTASTIC FOUR Reboot

THR reports that Simon Kinberg is doing major rewrites to The Fantastic Four script and will produce. Kinberg is best known for his work within the X-Men franchise. Helping write scripts for X-Men: The Last Stand and the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past. He also produced Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class, Vaughn is producing Fantastic Four with Josh Trank still set to direct. Apparently, Fox isn't happy with where the script currently is and Simon will be overhauling it. Simon is also helping produce and write Star Wars films for Lucasfilm. The script problems (four writers already working on it) are likely why production and casting haven't been announced by Fox.

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.

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.

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).

Leonardo DiCaprio To Play A Villain In Matthew Vaughn's THE SECRET SERVICE?

ContactMusic is reporting a rumor that Leonardo DiCaprio is currently being eyed by director Matthew Vaughn for a villainous role The Secret Service. The spy film based on the Mark Millar comic book focuses on a secret agent (Oscar winner Colin Firth) who helps train his young street hooligan nephew to become a spy like his uncle. Leo recently took on the villain role in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained which was a change of pace. No word on who would play the young street punk but Aaron Johnson had passed on the part. Production will begin soon with a November 2014 release date being penned-in. This would be DiCaprio's first fray into the comic book genre after being linked for a role in The Dark Knight Rises.

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.

Allison Williams And Michael B. Jordan Linked For FANTASTIC FOUR?

It looks like some possible new casting information concerning Fox's Fantastic Four reboot have started to rollout. First, Deadline says Girls actress Allison Williams might be in the mix for Susan Storm. While Chronicle's  Michael B. Jordan might be a contender for the role of the Human Torch according to TheWrap. It would be interesting to see more color-blind casting when it comes to superhero films and Fantastic Four is a perfect one to implement this. While Sue and Johnny are brother and sister, nothing is stopping Fox from making the Storms a non-traditional family.

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.

Noel Fisher In The Mix For FANTASTIC FOUR Reboot?

Ex-Variety journalist Jeff Snider dropped a bit of tidbit of information concerning Noel Fisher's recent casting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He hints that Noel might also be in the mix for a role in Fox's Fantastic Four reboot. Which is looking to shoot sometime later this year with director Josh Trank and new producer Matthew Vaughn ready to go.

There goes the Noel Fisher scoop I've been holding for 2 weeks. It's NOT the only big role he's being eyed FOUR..
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) March 25, 2013

Seth Grahame-Smith Hired To Polish FANTASTIC FOUR Script, Will The Kree And Skrulls Be Involved?

THR reports that author turned screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Dark Shadows) will polish Jeremy Slater's Fantastic Four script. It sounds like Fox is really putting the project in high-gear as Matthew Vaughn (X-Men First Class, Kick-Ass) was recently hired to produce the reboot with Josh Trank (Chronicle) set to direct.

Oddly, enough they also mention that it's possible that aliens such as the Kree, Skrulls and even characters from the Negative Zone (Blastaar and Annihilus) could be apart of the new franchise. The first two might not even be allowed to be featured in the film because Fox might not own the rights to them. While it was revealed that Fox owns the Super Skrull it was never mentioned they also owned the Kree or could use the entire Skrull race. It will be interesting to see if Marvel has agreed to share the rights with Fox or if the studio has bought them. You might remember that Marvel and Fox also share characters such as Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver.