Gareth Edwards' 'STAR WARS' Film Lands New Screenwriter; Boba Fett And Han Solo Featured?

A couple of weeks ago it was confirmed by Gary Whitta (Walking Dead, Book of Eli) that he would be moving on from penning the script for Gareth Edwards' Star Wars spin-off to focus on Fox's adaptation of Mark Millar's Starlight.

Some sites were reporting that franchise writer-producer Simon Kinberg could be coming in to replace Whitta, but that doesn't seem to the be case.

The Hollywood Reporter says that Lucasfilm has hired About A Boy, A Better Life and Cinderella writer Chris Weitz to handle rewrites. It's unknown if the script will be getting page-one rewrites or just touch-ups since production is expected to be soon as casting is already underway. Weitz is an Oscar nominated writer thanks to About A Boy which should help fans feel better about his connections to Twilight.

Latino Review is also giving a bit more insight into the film's plot which had said to revolve around a group of bounty hunters hired to secure the Death Star plans for the Rebel Alliance.

They are also stating that the spin-off will be shooting on location in Mexico with the country possibly doubling for Geonosis, last seen in Attack of The Clones and where Jango Fett was killed by Mace Windu.

This connection to the Fetts might explain why they are hearing that both Han Solo and Boba Fett are going to be in this film.

We've been hearing for ages that these spin-offs would be focusing on one or the other, but having both as major characters would give more freedom to the other spin-offs. Along with exploring their history with each other which was teased in the two original sequels.

How they fit into the film is currently a mystery but it's possible they could have lead roles in this film. At the very least could be setting up their own movies in the future like Josh Trank's untitled sequel. since we know Solo has a criminal past as a smuggler

Concerning the film's casting lineup it's looking like the lead might be a female character. The studio is already reportedly looking at actresses such as Kate Mara, Rooney Mara, Tatiana Maslany and Felicity Jones.

It's possible this character could be already established in the universe, in my opinion it might end-up being linked to Boba Fett or the Rebel Alliance. Latino Review seemed to be taking guesses at what the role could be including characters from Clone Wars, but a couple obvious choices are being left-out and I'm not entirely sure about Lucasfilm setting a film around characters that obscure.

I wouldn't be entirely surprised if we saw Star Wars Rebels' Sabine turnout to be this female character the actresses are testing for. We've been hearing that Rebels which is now confirmed to be set in official canon is likely set during the time period when this spin-off is taking place. Allowing for the characters to interact with people like a young Han Solo or Boba Fett.

Sabine fits the timeline of this spin-off and is the right age for casting.

There has even been hints that characters from the show could be showing-up in this spin-offs or will end-up getting their own movies. Another rumor is that new characters setup in the spin-offs would start appearing in the main films. In the case of Gareth's film would likely be played by older actors if they crossover into Rian Johnson's Episode VIII.

Sabine could be sent into a group of bounty hunters posing as one of them but officially working for the Rebels who are likely bankrolling this daring heist. She could be placed into the group to make sure they don't hand over the plans over to criminals like the Hutts for even more cash or sellout to the Empire by sabotaging the mission.

There's been some talk that Boba's wife or daughter (likely changed to Jango's daughter to fit timeline) could be the character as well. Sabine is Mandorlian and it wouldn't be hard to imagine her actually being related to Jango, maybe being his legitimate daughter and revealed to be the sister of Boba. We know that family plays a big role with the original trilogy and it could become a theme here as well.

Having a film that explores the Mandorlian culture would be something we've never had with the films. Considering they are just as important as the jedi, sith and criminal underworld in the expanded universe.

It's possible we could see the Mandorlian Wars folded into the new films at some point. Since filmmakers are now allowed to pick bits from the games and books for the new films.

However, there is other information that speculates that if a spin-offs did include Fett it would sort of reboot the character slightly. Making a new mystery person behind the mask after killing the Jango clone then becoming the Boba Fett persona.

Prequel fans I'm sure would go nuts but honestly severing ties to the prequels is a good thing. Lucasfilm has already established Stormtroopers aren't clones anymore, so it's possible they could boot the clone Boba as well. Re-establishing a bit of mystery with the character which did make his character cooler not really knowing his origin.


SOURCE: HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS Spin-Off Film Adds Kate Mara As Candidate For Lead

The other day we learned from The Hollywood Reporter that actresses Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Rooney Mara (Pan, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Social Network) and Felicity Jones (Like Crazy, The Theory of Everything) were in the mix to test for the female lead of Gareth Edwards' untitled Star Wars spin-off film.

Variety has added Kate Mara (Shooter, Iron Man 2) as a new candidate for an unnamed role. Mara will be making the jump to blockbuster lead with Fox's Fantastic Four reboot in August. Like her sister Rooney, Kate's career upswing was thanks to David Fincher, casting her in the Netflix series House of Cards.

Twitter scoop following @Borys_Kit STAR WARS testing story from yesterday, hearing the fourth girl who tested is Rooney's sister, Kate Mara
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) January 21, 2015

I'd be fine if all these ladies end up being in the film.

The film is set to begin production sometime soon to make it's December 2016 release date. It's script is written by Gary Whitta and producer Simon Kinberg handling rewrites. Simon is also the writer and producer of Fantastic Four which stars Kate.

Kinberg is co-writing Josh Trank's (Chronicle, Fantastic Four) Star Wars spin-off as well, there are a bunch of connections between Fantastic Four and these spin-offs.

SOURCE: VARIETY

Tatiana Maslany And Rooney Mara Testing For STAR WARS Spin-Off Lead Role

The Hollywood Reporter is giving us our first casting news concerning Gareth Edwards' (Godzilla, Monsters) untitled Star Wars spin-off. Actresses Tatiana Maslany and Rooney Mara are testing for the unnamed female lead in the film.

The film is said to focus on a crack team of bounty hunters gathering intel and blueprints of the Death Star. This has been our first hint that lead could be a female character.

It's release date has been set for December 15th, 2016 and production is expected to start-up very soon as reflected by this casting news. The script was provided by Gary Whitta (Walking Dead, Book of Eli) and is said to be getting rewrites from Simon Kinberg (Fantastic Four, Rebels, X-Men Days of Future Past).

Tatiana is best known for her well received series Orphan Black where she plays multiple roles in the show which is reason for her direct praise. She also was in the running for the Sarah Connor role in Terminator: Genisys losing out to Games of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke .



Rooney Mara recently broke-out thanks to her Oscar nominated role in David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.



They also mention that Oscar nominee Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything, Like Crazy) is also on a wish-list but won't be testing as of yet.

Another bit of info that has come out is that Simon Kinberg and Lawrence Kasdan have indeed worked together on the script for Josh Trank's (Fantastic Four, Chronicle) other Star Wars spin-off movie.

Trank's film might actually turnout to be that Boba Fett film we've been hearing Kasdan had been writing. Then again, Gareth's film is said to focus on bounty hunters.

SOURCE: THR

Sony Ever Making DRAGON TATTOO Sequel GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE? David Fincher Thinks So!

ThePlaylist has caught-wind of a foreign interview David Fincher did. According to Fincher (via Google translate), the Dragon Tattoo franchise might be back in-play. He says that the current script for The Girl Who Played With Fire is in good shape and is very different from the book. I'm sure a lot of complaints from Dragon Tattoo was that it was so similar to the original Swedish film. Although, in my opinion Fincher's film felt and looked like a stronger cinematic experience.

Fincher also mentions the fact Sony has invested a lot of money in the franchise's development and obtaining the rights. Since there are two more films to be expected, with Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig likely still obligated to be in them. They have a script from Se7en and 8mm writer Andrew Kevin Walker. Not making the film would be a waste of their time and resources.

We know that Fincher has problems with working with Sony, after a rough experience making the first installment. This led to David asking for a $10 million up-front fee to direct Sony's Steve Jobs bio-pic written by Social Network's Aaron Sorkin. However, we don't blame Sony looking elsewhere for new directors, but hopefully they can at least keep Fincher on as a consultant/producer.

Fincher's latest release Gone Girl sort of echos the stylistic somber tone of Dragon Tattoo, obviously the experience made an impact. He's also busy with two new shows for HBO and considering other film projects at the moment. I wouldn't be entirely shocked if Sony approached people like director Jonathan Glazer (Sexy Beast, Under The Skin) to move the franchise forward. However, I won't entirely shutdown the idea of Fincher returning, since he'd likely earn Sony more Oscar considerations. The first film earned five nominations, including Best Actress for Rooney Mara.


Daniel Craig has at least two more Bond installments, before he's expected to hang-up his martini glass. I imagine Sony would have to work around that as well, which wouldn't be hard since Sony now distributes the Bond films under a recent deal with MGM.

SOURCE: THEPLAYLIST

Rooney Mara And Adeel Akhtar Joining Joe Wright's PAN

Casting for Joe Wright's (Hanna) Peter Pan origin film Pan is currently underway. TheWrap reports that Rooney Mara (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) is in talks to play Tiger Lilly and comedian Adeel Akhtar (Four Lions, The Dictator) has joined taking the role of Hook's fellow pirate buddy Smee. Previously, additions included Garrett Hedlund playing a young Captain Hook, while Hugh Jackman will play a villainous Blackbeard. A search is going out to find a young actor to play Peter Pan.


SOURCE: THEWRAP

Emily Blunt, Rebecca Hall And Rooney Mara Up For Female Lead In TRANSCENDENCE

Deadline reports that Emily Blunt (All You Need Is Kill, Looper), Rebecca Hall (The Town, Prestige, Iron Man 3) and Rooney Mara (Dragon Tattoo, Bitter Pill) are up for the female lead in Wally Pfister's Transcendence. The sci-fi thriller has Johnny Depp attached for it's male lead and will start shooting in March.

Trailer For Steven Soderbergh's Thriller SIDE EFFECTS

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)

Rooney Mara Replaces Blake Lively In Side Effects

Variety reports that Oscar nominated actress Rooney Mara (Dragon Tattoo, Social Network) has signed on to replace Blake Likely in Steven Soderbergh's Side Effects. The financiers of the film backed out when the unproven Lively was cast in the lead role. Which forced Soderbergh to look at other actresses. Mara who isn't very well known has a bit of pedigree to her budding career starring in David Fincher's Social Network and Dragon Tattoo. The latter earned Rooney an Oscar nomination for best actress.

Catherine Zeta-Jones Joins Soderbergh's The Side Effects, Blake Lively Exiting?

Deadline reports that Catherine Zeta-Jones has joined Steven Soderbergh's next film The Side Effects. Catherine previously worked with Steven on Traffic and Ocean's Twelve. There is also talk that a financier of the production has walked after the casting of Blake Lively. Another company is likely to put things back into motion. It had been a concern that Lively isn't an actress strong enough to carry a film like this. Personally I think the mumbling Channing Tatum is someone more to be worried about, since I can hardly understand the actor when he delivers lines. I can never picture Channing as a leading man in a dramatic role.

If Blake does end up leave the production they have a few upscaled options in their pocket. As Variety reports actresses like Rooney Mara, Michelle Williams, Emily Blunt and Imogen Poots could end up in the role instead. The latter two of the actress were up for supporting roles in Soderbergh's version of The Man From UNCLE before he exited to focus on Side Effects. Poots recently signed onto Filth which could mean she'd be out of the running. Blunt had been rumored for role in Iron Man 3 but considering how quickly Soderbergh shoots his film I wouldn't say she'd miss the targeted May start for third installment. My bet would be on the two Oscar nominated actresses as it brings a bit of pedigree to the project.

Dragon Tattoo Sequels Confirmed

Deadline reports that Sony is moving forward the two sequels to David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Screenwriter Steve Zaillian has finished scripts for both The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest. However, Fire will end up getting massive changes to include Lisbeth (Mara) as more of a central characters. Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig are apparently locked in for the two sequels. David Fincher on the other hand has yet to sign on to return in the director's chair. They say that shooting could start by the end of 2012 or early 2013. Fincher previously stated that the films could shoot back-to-back if they were greenlit.

It's very likely that David Fincher will return for the sequels as he's been mentioning his involvement in the trilogy since day one. I'm sure it will all come down to budgets for the two productions and creative control before his signs on. There is zero mention of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross returning but considering the buzz the score and cover songs did for the film. I would be shocked if Fincher/Sony didn't ask them to come back as well. I assume the the big rewrites are also to further distance the Fincher films from the Swedish movies.

Clive Owen And Mia Wasikowska In Talks For Oldboy

Director Spike Lee doesn't seem to be getting the cast he originally wanted for his American remake of Oldboy which is based on the manga and Korean film. Lee had Colin Firth in mind for the villain and Rooney Mara for the female lead, both passing. Twitch reports that Clive Owen (Children of Men) is in talks for the villain and Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland, Jane Eyre) could also join.

Dragon Tattoo Sequels Could Shoot In The Next 12-18 Months

TheNewYorkTimes (via ThePlaylist) reports while David Fincher hasn't officially committed to sequels to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo they will be shot within the next 12-18 months. It's not mentioned but it had been rumored the two sequels The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest would be shot back-to-back.

The only issue here would be if Fincher had to go back to working on Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. I've noticed one big thing about Dragon Tattoo that being the stunning amount of sets and production design. If David and his team didn't already have production designs set for the sequels (which I assume they do considering they're extensive stay in Sweden for the first film's shoot), they would need a lot more time. Here's hoping that Fincher quickly moves on finishing the trilogy before moving on to other things.

Could Colin Firth Join Spike Lee's Oldboy?

Twitch reports that Spike Lee is trying to get Colin Firth (Single Man, King's Speech, Tinker) to play the villain in his adaption of Oldboy. The film currently stars Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men) as the main character who is kidnapped and imprisoned only to be released years later. Rooney Mara (Dragon Tattoo) and Christian Bale had been rumored in the mix for roles but it was confirmed by Variety Mara has turned it down.

A Stellar Cast Being Put Together For Kathryn Bigelow's Next Film

Deadline reports that Kathryn Bigelow next film with the new title of Untitled Commando Film (Kill Bin Laden) could end up with serious talent attached to it. Jason Clarke (Wettest County, Public Enemies) is now confirmed for the lead role and the rest of the names in the mix are equally enticing. Previously Joel Edgerton had been linked to the project but he isn't on this list. He may have passed to focus on other offers.

The names that do appear include Tom Hardy (Warrior), Idris Elba (Prometheus), Guy Pearce (Hurt Locker, Memento), Rooney Mara, Jennifer Ehle (Contagion, King's Speech, Sunshine) and Nina Arianda (Midnight In Paris). A solid cast which won't break the bank allowing a solid thriller to come out and will likely end up in the awards race. Hardy has been on fire in the last couple of month choosing his directors and projects very carefully. Elba is always a great addition to any cast and I'm dying to see him in Prometheus. Rooney of course is gathering a lot of early praise and even Oscar buzz for her upcoming performance in David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon tattoo. Jennifer had some really touching and powerful scenes in Steven Sodgerbergh's Contagion, here's hoping this is a larger role for her.

New Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Poster

Rooney Mara & Christian Bale Joining Spike Lee's Old Boy?

TwitchFilm reports that Rooney Mara (Social Network, Dragon Tattoo) is in talks to take the female role in Spike Lee's remake of Old Boy. Which is based on the cult Korean film and manga. The report also states that Christian Bale has previously been mentioned as wanted for the role of the villain. Josh Brolin will play lead character. I'm not sure how to feel about Spike Lee directing since he can push his agenda a little too far in his films. It's also been a while since I've fully enjoyed one of his movies. However, Lee has given us excellent films like 25th Hour and Summer Of Sam.

CAST EM': Ridley Scott's Untitled Blade Runner Film

Now that Prometheus is wrapping up and starting post-production Ridley Scott's next film is gathering some steam. The yet Untitled Blade Runner Film is gearing up to be another exciting experiment of Ridley revisiting his past masterpieces. This time focusing on the world of replicants (cyborgs) and blade runners. We have no idea where the story will go or how it will be connected to the original film. My hope is that at the very least still it's as dark and violent as the first movie.

I have a few ideas of actors and actresses who should be considered for roles in the film. I'm using the fact that Prometheus' casting ended up with a majority of actors Ridley hasn't worked with before. The casting of Prometheus is being used to influence how I could see Ridley, Alcon and Warners Bros. could be placing actors in roles. Of course the film is from starting production any time soon with a writer only rumored to be in talks.

RYAN GOSLING: High in demand at the studio Ryan is quickly moving into the leading man role. He's gathered praise for films like Blue Valentine, Lars & The Real Girl and Half Nelson (Oscar Nominated). Along with a lot of buzz for his art house action thriller Drive that could see him earn some awards nominations this year. Gosling is currently shooting Gangster Squad, attached to Nicolas Winding Refn's Logan's Run remake and being considered for Steven Soderbergh's The Man From UNCLE.

TOM HARDY: Hardy is also quickly becoming important to Warner Bros. starring in two large Christopher Nolan films Inception and Dark Knight Rises. He's also seemingly getting his own WB franchise in the making replacing Mel Gibson in Max Mad Fury Road. Warrior could be the breakout film for Hardy as it's getting a lot of awards talk. He's also worked with Ridley previously on Black Hawk Down.

RICHARD ARMITMAGE: Richard (Captain America, Hobbit) is another actor about to explode in the next couple of years. He's mostly known for his work on British television on shows like Spooks, Robin Hood and Strike Back. However, this will all change when the two Hobbit films are released with Richard playing Thorin Oakenshield. Warner Bros. is financing the films and might look to the actor who is almost unrecognizable in his dwarf makeup for future big projects like Blade Runner. 

TOM HIDDLESTON: Tom is another rising star having a breakout commercial role in Marvel's Thor 1-2 and Avengers playing the villain Loki. He's also gathering some praise for upcoming films Deep Blue Sea and Steven Spielberg's War Horse. I'd like to think that he would fit nicely in this world either in the role of hero or villain. I could see Hiddleston becoming the next Michael Fassbender if given the right film projects.

JOEL KINNAMAN: The Swedish actor blew up when he headlined the thriller Snabba Cash. Landing roles in David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and the acclaimed show The Killing. Joel re-teamed with director Daniel Espinosa for the Denzel Washington/Ryan Reynolds film Safe House. He's currently filming the Snabba Cash sequel and is wanted by Steven Soderbergh for a lead role in The Man From UNCLE. 

ROONEY MARA: David Fincher's muse is going be big after The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is released in December. From the trailers it looks like Rooney might be Oscar bound and could end up with a nomination. Ridley actively pursed Noomi Rapace for Prometheus who played Lisbeth in in the original Swedish film. She has similar qualities being able to give a strong psychical performance.

BELLA HEATHCOTE: Bella is already making a name for herself starring alongside Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt. The Australian actress is likely to explode after she is seen in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows (A Warner Bros. Production) and Andrew Dominik's gangster flick Cogan's Trade.

FELICITY JONES: Felicity (The Tempest) is a young actress who is giving interesting performances in smaller films like Cemetery Junction and Like Crazy. She had been in contention to play Snow White in the dark fantasy thriller Snow White & The Huntsman. Jones has a lot of potential and isn't over exposed like many other actresses her age.

GEMMA ARTERTON: Gemma had originally met with Ridley for a role in Prometheus but ultimately didn't get it. Catching his eye with her film The Disappearance of Alice Creed. Where she went from damsel to a lady who can kick some ass. While that didn't work out I think she might be a better fit for this with her sultry look. She's been mostly a background player in large films but is moving more into the spotlight with Alice Creed and Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters alongside Jeremy Renner.

RUTH WILSON: I've been vocal on the site recently for Ruth to be put in more films. Ruth is the main reason the BBC series Luther is such a success. She's currently attached to Disney's Lone Ranger along with a role in Joe Wright's (Hanna, Atonement) Anna Karenina. 

Screen Grabs From The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Teaser Trailer

David Fincher's Dragon Tattoo Remake Trailer Coming June 2nd

It looks like France and Sweden are already enjoying the first footage from David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Sony has released a Red-Band trailer in those countries for the remake which stars Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. There is word that Sony will release a domestic trailer on June 2nd.