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

Director Joe Carnahan Confirms Script Complete For NEMESIS

Director Joe Carnahan (The Grey) confirmed today via Twitter that he's completed the script for Nemesis based on Mark Millar's (Kick-Ass, Wanted, Superior, Supercrooks) comic book. The film setup at Fox focuses on a Batman-type villain who spends a chunk of time once a year destroying a city going up against their top-cop. Liam Neeson seemingly wants to re-team with Carnahan for the hard-nosed action flick.

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.

Joe Carnahan To Direct Vampire Action Flick UNDYING LOVE

Deadline reports that Joe Carnahan (The Grey) has been hired by Warner Bros. to direct and write an adaptation of the graphic novel Undying Love. Originally, French horror director Alexandre Aja (High Tension) had been given the job but has since left the project. Carnahan is seemingly hedging his bets as he recently had his Daredevil pitch turned down by Fox, only to be handed Mark Millar's Nemesis instead. The project has a bit of an international flare as it's mostly set in the Hong Kong underworld. Giving slight hints it could end up being on the level of a vampire action flick like Blade.

Revolves around an ex-soldier who falls for a vampire, though in order to be with her, he must taken on her creator, who is protected by an army of mobsters in the Hong Kong underworld.

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.

Mark Millar To Consult Fox On Their Marvel Films

It's looking like 20th Century Fox is taking another lesson from Marvel Studios as they have announced that comic book creator/writer Mark Millar will now consult their Marvel movies. He'll be involved in the creative development of the Wolverine, X-Men, Fantastic Four and Deadpool franchises. Millar is best known for his creator owned projects such as Wanted, Kick-Ass, Nemesis (film setup at Fox), Superior and Supercrooks. He is also one of the creative minds behind Marvel comics Ultimates (influencing Phase One/Two Marvel films), Civil War and Wolverine: Old Man Logan. I assume that this move is similar to Marvel placing Joss Whedon in the role of creative head of their phase two films. Mark could really bring new life/voice to these projects most notably Deadpool and the budding Fantastic Four reboot.

This is a giant step for Fox who has never really used the comic book community as a resource. Previously they had studio executives call the creative side of their superhero projects. There had been rumors that the studio was trying to connect their heroes in their own Marvel universe similar to what Marvel Studios is doing at the moment. I wouldn't be shocked to see Millar spearheading the Deadpool film first. Seeing an Old Man Logan in Wolverine 3 could also be a very interesting possibility. I'm sure it didn't hurt that Millar and Matthew Vaughn (X-Men First Class, X-Men Days Of Future Past) have such a strong working relationship.

RUMOR: Michael Fassbender Wanted For Nemesis?

20th Century Fox has been looking to adapt Mark Millar's Nemesis for a while now. Previously Tony Scott was attached to direct but it looks like Joe Carnahan has stepped in with interest. Joe was talking up the project during press for The Grey when he revealed that he wanted Liam Neeson for super cop Blake Morrow. Neeson seems up for the hero role which isn't surprising as it's right up his ally. Now that The Grey has been gathering a lot of critical praise and opened number one, Carnahan seems a shoe-in for the film.

There is a rumor coming out of CosmicBookNews (via ComicBookMovie) that Fox is strongly considering Michael Fassbender for the role Nemesis and are in early talks. The villain of the film pursues the greatest cops in the world only to brutally torture/kill them while destroying a city in the process. Fassbender currently is booked up for the summer with 12 Years A Slave and is returning for X-Men First Class 2. The site is also stating production won't even begin until late 2013. As usual with rumors don't take this as fact just yet.

Joe Carnahan Wants Liam Neeson For Nemesis

In the last couple of days it was revealed on Twitter that Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces, The Grey) seemed to have replaced Tony Scott as the prospective director of Nemesis. The adaptation of the Mark Millar comic that poses the question "what if Batman was a villain?". There had been rumblings that Denzel Washington and Brad Pitt were wanted for the role of super cop Blake Morrow. Joe during an interview with Collider reveals he'd like to see Liam Neeson take the part. I can't argue with him since Neeson seems perfect for these grizzled action roles. His current movie the Grey is gathering a lot of positive buzz so it could be a great move to see Carnahan take on this comic book project.

"You know it’s funny—and I’ll let this cat out of the bag just for you—Mark Millar and I were talking about Nemesis and I had mentioned that I think a particularly fantastic Blake Morrow would be Liam Neeson."

Universal In Talks To Make Mark Millar's War Heroes

HeatVision reports that Universal Pictures is in negotiations to develop Mark Millar's War Heroes into a film. Previously the project had been with Columbia Pictures but the rights lapsed. The studio is in talks with screenwriters Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer who wrote Conan The Barbarian (2011) and recently handed in a script for Doctor Strange to Marvel Studios. The premises is an alternate America where soldiers are given pills to unlock various superpowers to fight the country's enemies.

This is yet another boost for comic writer/creator Mark Millar who is starting to become the next Stan Lee in the world of comic book films. War Heroes will be his 7th comic book turned into a film. Two movies have already been completed [Kick-Ass, Wanted] and six others in development [Wanted 2, Kick-Ass 2, Nemesis, Superior, The Secret Service, Supercrooks]. It will be interesting to see who they'll get to direct the film.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Justin Lin in contention considering Fast Five/Fast Six writer Chris Morgan is producing. Lin has been rumored/attached previously to Terminator 5, Highlander, Oldboy, The Wolverine and Die Hard 5. Robert Schwentke (RED) also seems like a possbility since he walked away from directing RED 2 and is currently helming another high concept comic book adaptation R.I.P.D. (his second comic book film) for the studio.

Fox Hires Screenwriter For Tony Scott's Nemesis

Since Fox is starting to put finishing touches on X-Men First Class and Darren Aronofsky's Wolverine is revving up for production it seems they're moving on to their next comic book film. LatinoReview reveals the studio has hired Matthew Michael Carnahan to write the screenplay for director Tony Scott's Nemesis. Carnahan's credits include State of Play, Lions for Lambs and the long in development World War Z. The film based on the Mark Millar comic series focuses on a Batman-type supervillain who uses his resources for evil instead of good.

Monsters' Scoot McNairy Lands Role In Big Superhero Film?

While Monsters director Gareth Edwards has gone on to helm Legendary Pictures' Godzilla reboot. There hasn't been much talk of big roles for the cast of the sci-fi indie. The film's male lead Scoot McNairy has mentioned to TotalFilm that he is indeed been cast in a large superhero film. He and his publicist don't mention the project but there are lots going into production soon. Let the speculation begin!

The three big ones include Joss Whedon's Avengers, Dark Knight Rises and Zack Snyder's Superman: Man of Steel. The other large scale superhero productions that are starting up soon include Darren Aronofsky's The Wolverine, Edgar Wright's Ant-Man and Tony Scott's Nemesis. I think McNairy would make an excellent Jimmy Olsen in the new Superman.

When Will We See Guy Ritchie's The Real RockNRolla?

 The article on the site that gets the most traffic and comments is the one focusing on Guy Ritchie's The Real RockNRolla. It's been promised ever since the original theatrical release of RockNRolla and it was even teased in the credits. Since then Guy Ritchie has been focused on many other projects. I'm going to run down what those movies are and the prospects of when we could expect Ritchie to start production on the RockNRolla sequel.

When it comes to Ritchie's current project he is shooting Sherlock Holmes 2 with Robert Downey Jr. The now established franchise is giving Guy more commercial success than he's ever had before. I expect like with other dedicated Warner Bros. directors (Nolan, Snyder) he will be rewarded with financing for his original projects. The only setback is that he might want to round out a Holmes trilogy before jumping into anything else. I wouldn't be shocked to see Sherlock Holmes 3 his next film.

Guy's previously attached projects could also become a hold up on The Real RockNRolla. He's been in talks with producer Joel Silver to helm both Lobo and Sgt. Rock which are based on the DC comics.
The studio had filmed test shots for Lobo with Jeffery Dean Morgan (Watchmen) and possibly Clancy Brown (Highlander, Starship Troopers). Sgt. Rock is also in development hell and is being re-tool from being set during WWII to the future. I'm not sure if the productions stopped because of Holmes 2 or the fact the characters were taken from Silver by DC Entertainment.


Ritchie has also been attached to direct remakes of the Dirty Dozen and Excalibur for the studio. From what I understand Dozen got the axe because of Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. I'm sure it will eventually happen but needs time between the Tarantino film.

Excalibur was once part of Bryan Singer's long list of projects in the works. He's been focused on Jack The Giant Killer which made opt out on directing X-Men First Class. Giving Matthew Vaughn the chance to finally show us his version of the X-Men universe. It would be interesting to see Ritchie take on the world of fantasy.


Another dreaded obstacle could be Ritchie signing onto new projects. Mark Millar teased that Ritchie along with Sam Raimi had been interested in making a movie based on his comic Nemesis. The project now has Tony Scott in the director's chair setup at 20th Century Fox. It's not surprising to see his name involved with Millar's projects since Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn is a friend and producer of Guy's films. Vaughn helped produce Lock Stock, Snatch and Swept Away. Millar is now teasing that his new comic Superior will become a film. Superior is a mix of iconic comic book mythology taking influences from Superman, Thor and Shazam!. The comic writer says the director would be announced in January. There is a possibility Guy Ritchie very well could be this name.

A very doubtful but still possible project could be Iron Man 3. It's unlikely because of Guy's current relationship with both DC and Warner Bros. Yet Robert Downey Jr. has director approval and could choose someone he's worked with before.

There could also be other unnamed projects which come up and he signs on. My expectations is that while The Real RockNRolla script is more than likely completed Guy could focus more on his high profile projects first. I wouldn't assume to see it go into production until 2012-2013 at the earliest. While there is enough of a demand from fans of the original he is sort of moving forward with different types of films. You can't blame him for wanting to expand his genres and can respect wanting to try different things.

Pitt & Depp To Star In Nemesis?

Nemesis focuses on the villain rather than the hero of the story. Instead of fighting superheroes he goes up against regular cops with an endless supply of killing skills and weapons. The comic hasn't even fully been released but Tony Scott (Man on Fire, Top Gun) has signed on to direct with the help of 20th Century Fox who will supply the film's budget. Millar offered up to Empire who he'd like to see cast in the film. Mark would like to see Johnny Depp as Nemesis and Brad Pitt as Chief Blake Marrow. Now there is word from Millar that director Tony Scott is actually reaching out to the actors for the roles.


While some might scoff at the idea of getting these two heavy weights together. Pitt's Plan B produced Kick-Ass he's also worked with Tony Scott on True Romance and Spy Games. Depp worked with Angelina Jolie on The Tourist and most likely has been in contact with Pitt. I wouldn't be surprised to see Pitt take the producer's chair again and help sway Depp into joining the film.

Tony Scott Directing Mark Millar's Nemesis

BleedingCool and Deadline report that director Tony Scott (Man On Fire, Domino) is attached to direct the big screen version of Mark Millar's (Wanted, Kick-Ass) newest comic book series Nemesis. They go on to mention that 20th Century Fox has bought the rights to the series. Yet they haven't hired a screenwriter for the project.

Millar Thinks Ritchie Or Raimi Could Helm Nemesis

Comic book writer/creator Mark Millar is no stranger to comic book films. Two of his original comics have been turned into films and more on their way. Millar's newest project Nemesis boasts the interesting concept "What if Bruce Wayne was The Joker?". Similar to Kick-Ass it's already generating film potential before it's release on shelves. On his own site's forums he's been putting out who he'd like to see direct the film.

SAM RAIMI DIRECTING NEMESIS? WTF? Can I just stomp this rumour before it gets any further? This week CAA was approached by an A-list director to buy Nemesis before it goes to auction in March… but I just want to make it clear that Sam is not the guy who contacted my agent. I actually think he’s one of the three best living directors and would be honoured to have him on anything I do, but he’s not the guy who got in touch and the truth is that I’m not taking this out until March as originally planned.

RAIMI DIRECTING NEMESIS MIGHT NOT BE CRAZY AFTER ALL! Things move fast in Hollywoodland. I just woke up to some VERY unexpected emails…

I was actually going to talk to Guy about it in the next couple of weeks, but wondered if a brilliant cop versus brilliant supervillain might be too much like Sherlock Holmes. I’m seeing Matthew this week and will see what he reckons.


I think Guy Ritchie would be perfect for the violent nature of Millar's comic book world. The only issue is the one Millar brings up it could be too similar to his Sherlock Holmes series. While I'd like to see Sam Raimi jump into more comic book films I'm doubtful he could make the film Millar wants to see made. Raimi would more than likely do his version of Millar's material. My personal choice would to see director Matthew Vaughn re-team with Millar for Nemesis. I don't think it would be all that horrible for Millar and Vaughn to keep making films together. Kick-Ass 2 is already in the works but I could see Nemesis coming out before the sequel.