Chris Pratt Confirms Involvement With Universal's COWBOY NINJA VIKING

Collider revealed a story that Chris Pratt (Guardians of The Galaxy, Jurassic World, Zero Dark Thirty) would be taking the lead role in Universal's adaptation of the comic book Cowboy Ninja Viking. An assassin with multiple personality disorder gives him the abilities of a cowboy, ninja and viking. The concept seems equally as insane as Fox's X-Men spin-off Deadpool, which shouldn't surprise us that the same screenwriters are working on both films. Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick penned the script, who are best known for writing/creating Zombieland. The project had Marc Forester (World War Z, Quantum of Solace) attached to direct, but Pratt confirms that it's without a director currently.

Pratt responded via Twitter to the rumor, by actually confirming it. Also, putting it out to Twitter who should direct it. Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing Zombieland's Ruben Fleischer tackle another Reese/Wenick script. It was revealed recently that Pratt passed on Sony's Uncharted film, and this could be a big reason for that.

“@jbkelly80: @prattprattpratt pic.twitter.com/lNR1NYxT56” YES! But who is our director? That is the question. Who do u think it should be?
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) November 20, 2014

SOURCE: TWITTER

Fox Hires ROBCOP Scribe For GAMBIT, Channing Tatum Confirmed And Ruben Fleischer Directing?

Deadline is reporting that Fox is indeed moving forward with the X-Men spin-off Gambit. Also confirming that Channing Tatum (22 Jump Street, Foxcatcher) will take the title role and also produce the film. They've hired Robocop screenwriter Josh Zetumer to work on the film's script, which is based on a treatment from X-Men comic writer Chris Claremont. X-Men Days of Future Past was highly influenced by the comics of the same name, that Claremont wrote in the 80s.

For some reason they included an image of director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Gangster Squad, 30 Mintues Or Less) in the article. Could this mean he's in the mix to direct? The writers/creators of Zombieland penned Deadpool, so it's possible that's the connection. Ruben currently doesn't have any projects about to go into production, but did announce plans to make Zombieland 2. Ruben has been in the running for other action blockbusters such as Mission Impossible 4, Ghosbusters 3, Ant-Man and Man of Steel. Being in the mix wouldn't surprise us. However, Deadline only provides an image and doesn't explain why it's there.








SOURCE: DEADLINE

ZOMBIELAND Director Ruben Fleisher In The Mix For GHOSTBUSTERS 3?

During the recent Ant-Man madness concerning who will replace Edgar Wright, a tidbit was dropped about Ghosbusters 3. TheWrap reveals that Sony is considering Zombieland's Ruben Fleisher (Gangster Squad, 30 Minutes or Less) to the direct the film, after Ivan Reitman exited. The studio seems hellbent on getting this movie made.

We know that Bill Murray wants nothing to do with the film, but did work with Ruben on Zombieland. Which did homage Murray's iconic role in Ghosbusters. Emma Stone and Jonah Hill were pursued for the two new leads, the former was also in Zombieland. I'm not entirely sure if we'll end up getting our Peter Venkman ghost cameo, but at least we know Fleisher respects the original material.

SOURCE: THEWRAP

WB Moving Forward With Ruben Fleischer's SPY HUNTER And Gets A New Writer

Deadline reports that Warner Bros. is moving forward with development on their adaptation of video game Spy Hunter. They've hired Carter Blanchard to write the script with Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) attached to direct. Ruben's last two films 30 Minutes Or Less and Gangster Squad bombed so it's likely the studio will be keeping an eye on it's production. Dwayne Johnson has been linked for the lead but it's unknown if he'll end up in the role. He'll be busy this Summer with Hercules and eventually Fast And Furious 7, it's possible he could join other projects during that time as well.

Cool Fan Made Poster For GANGSTER SQUAD By houzerart.tumblr.com

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.

POSTERS: New 'GANGSTER SQUAD' Banner

Trailer For Mobster Epic 'GANGSTER SQUAD' Starring Josh Brolin And Sean Penn

Ambyr Childers Joins Gangster Squad

Deadline reports that newcomer Ambyr Childers has joined Ruben Fleischer's (Zombieland) Gangster Squad. Ambyr recently landed a role in Paul Thomas Anderson's (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) The Master playing the daughter of a faith leader played by Philip Seymore Hoffman.

The film currently stars Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Emma Stone, Anthony Mackie, Mireille Enos (The Killing), Michael Pena, Josh Pence (Dark Knight Rises, Social Network), Giovanni Ribisi and Robert Patrick (Terminator 2).

Emma Stone In Talks For Gangster Squad

ShowBlitz reports that Emma Stone (Amazing Spider-Man, Zombieland, Superbad) is in talks for the role of Jean in Gangster Squad. The film already boasts an interesting group of actors which includes Ryan Gosling, Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Anthony Mackie, Giovanni Ribisi and Michael Peña. The mob-drama focuses on the takedown of L.A. gangster Mickey Cohen (Penn).

Anthony Mackie & Michael Peña Join Gangster Squad, Plus Actresses Audition

Warner Bros' Gangster Squad is quickly becoming one of the studio's films to look out for. The dramatic crime thriller focuses on a unit of L.A. cops who target gangster Mickey Cohen and are tasked in taking down his crime empire. Anthony Mackie (Hurt Locker) and Michael Peña have joined the cast which already boosts an impressive group that includes Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling and Josh Brolin. It will be directed by Ruben Fleischer who made Zombieland and the upcoming 30 Minutes Or Less.

 JustJared posted a large batch of candid photos of actresses going in and leaving auditions for Gangster Squad. A majority of the ladies showed up in outfits specific to the era. They included Olivia Wilde, Ashley Greene, Amanda Righetti, Camilla Belle and Alyson Michalka. Adam Brody was spotted as well and could be testing for a role.

Josh Brolin In Talks Along With Penn & Gosling To Join Gangster Squad

Deadline reports that Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men, American Gangster) is now in talks for a cop role in Ruben Fleischer's (Zombieland, 30 Minutes or Less) Gangster Squad. They also confirm Sean Penn and Ryan Gosling (Drive, Logan's Run) are still in talks for roles. Ryan would play Brolin's partner and Penn would play L.A. gangster Mickey Cohen.

Sean Penn & Ryan Gosling Could Join Ruben Fleischer's Gangster Squad

Deadline reports that offers have gone out to Sean Penn and Ryan Gosling to star in Ruben Fleischer's (Zombieland, 30 Minutes Or Less) Gangster Squad. Penn would play the notorious L.A. gangster Mickey Cohen and Ryan could play the role of one of the two officers who try to bring him down. The Warner Bros. film could start production in the fall. Gosling recently signed up with the studio to star in lead of the Logan's Run remake.

5 Comedy Directors That Should Be Considered For Deadpool

Daredevil director David Slade recently tweeted that Fox is currently looking for "comedy directors" to make the Deadpool film. It's not surprising as the "merc with a mouth" is full of nothing but one liners and quick wit. While they had previously pursued Robert Rodriquez it's likely they're now looking for someone able to balance the high level of comedy with the extreme action of a comic book film. If Ryan Reynolds is committed to doing the film and making sure it's R-rated I have a few names in mind for Fox to consider.



DAVID GORDON GREEN: One of the only people connected with the Apatow crew that I believe could do this right. David's madness of fusing adrenaline fueled action with slapstick comedy was best shown in Pineapple Express. Your Highness looks like it could be just as crazy this time giving the director the chance to work with a bigger budget and special effects. If Fox wants a comic book film that we've never seen before he certainly could deliver one.



JAMES GUNN: On the same level of "what the fuck moments" that Gordon Green has James Gunn could be just as mad when it comes to bringing Deadpool to the screen. His films Slither and the upcoming Super are set in a surreal world that screams Deadpool. Another director who give us an exciting, violent and bizarre ride.



JODY HILL: Jody is best known for his amazing HBO series East Bound & Down along with his dark comedies Fist Foot Way and Observe & Report. His sense of smart quips and dark humor could be great for Deadpool. My only issue with Hill is that he hasn't had much experience with large scale action setups or special effects and could feel overwhelmed by the action scenes.



JOE CORNISH: Currently Joe Cornish is gaining more commercial writing gigs teaming up with Edgar Wright for the Spielberg/Peter Jackson Tintin trilogy along with Marvel's long in development Ant-Man. Edgar has enough on his plate with Baby Driver, Ant-Man and World's End so he's out of the running in my mind. Cornish on the other hand is getting a lot of buzz for his original film Attack The Block which won over a lot of critics over at SXSW this year. I have yet to see the film but if he's able to deliver a film on the cheap for Fox they would seriously consider him.



RUBEN FLEISCHER: The man behind the resurrection of America's love affair with zombies and more than likely helped AMC commit to making Walking Dead. He's currently working on post-production on 30 Minutes Or Less and has mentioned wanting to start filming Zombieland 2 in the near future. The obvious Zombieland connection to Deadpool screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett makes him a excellent choice as Ruben understands how to shoot their scripts properly while also keeping to a minimal budget.



WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD DIRECT DEADPOOL??

FIRST LOOK: 30 Minutes Or Less

5 Candidates To Take Over Iron Man 3

Now that it's been confirmed by Jon Favreau himself that he is not returning for Iron Man 3 to focus on Disney's Magic Kingdom. Could Disney favorites Andrew Stanton (John Carter of Mars) and Joseph Kosinski (Tron Legacy) be hired to replace him? Other possibilities could include Marvel directors on the current payroll like Edgar Wright or Joss Whedon. To bring a new vision and blood to the franchise Marvel might want to look at some of the following directors.

MY TOP CHOICES

Ruben Fleischer is my personal choice to enter the world of Iron Man and re-tool it. If the studio is serious in bringing in new blood they'll get Ruben to bring the perfect balance of comedy and action. His smash hit Zombieland has lead to studios like Warner Bros. to offer him their big period crime film Tales From The Gangster Squad . If Marvel is looking to get this guy on the cheap now is the time. Ruben is currently finishing up on the adrenaline fueled comedy 30 Minutes Or Less. Production on Zombieland 2 is expect to start shooting sometime this fall/winter.






Ben Affleck is gaining praise for his recent work on The Town and it's rightly deserved. Affleck proved himself as an excellent director back when he made Gone Baby Gone. He's been offered high profile directing gigs over at Warner Bros. with the Superman reboot and Gangster Squad. While he's directed mostly dramatic films he got his start in comedy. Starring in such classics like Kevin Smith's Chasing Amy and Mallrats. He  played a comic book artist in Chasing Amy so I think that's enough geek credit. Including his decent portrayal of Daredevil (in a sloppy written/directed film) opposite Jon Favreau.

Another Ben that comes to mind is Ben Stiller, yes that Ben. Stiller has come into his own with directorial efforts Zoolander and Tropic Thunder. The latter which earned Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Oscar nomination. Ben like Edgar could double as writer and director saving Marvel some money on a screenwriter. Hopefully Stiller would stay behind the camera a mistake Favreau made during Iron Man 2. His character Happy Hogan was charming in the first film but became a large distraction in the sequel.

Matt Reeves best known for his work on Cloverfield could very well be another excellent candidate. He's been in contention for directing duties on both Wolverine 2 and Superman: Man of Steel. He's been able to impress a lot of people with his remake of Let The Right One In (Let Me In). Ending up a compliment to the original rather than a horrible mistake. Reeves visual style screams Marvel if he doesn't get the gig Kevin Feige needs to consider him for other properties.





David Gordon Green might not seem like a likely choice but he's been able to double as director talented in both comedy and drama. One of his first films Snow Angels was a deep dramatic piece. It wasn't until he jumped into directing the Seth Rogen comedy Pineapple Express that we really got see his wild side. I believe like Ruben, David would be able to bring that different vision to the Iron Man world and give it the much needed face-lift. He's putting the finishing touches on his epic stoner fantasy/comedy Your Highness which uses lots of practical and digital effects. So he wouldn't be new to the world of the green-screen and pre-visualization.

Ruben Fleischer To Direct Gangster Squad?

L.A. Times reports Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer is a candidate to direct Tales From The Gangster Squad. The other two directors named were Jose Padilha (Elite Unit) and Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart). All of these are fine choices but it would visually stunning to see Ruben tackle a period crime thriller. This could be a very similar to rise of another music video director turned horror filmmaker David Fincher. The only problem is that Ruben could be asked to shoot Zombieland 2, yet it's rumored it won't start production until the fall/winter of next year. The film is the story of the Los Angeles Police Department  fighting gangland wars and trying to stem the invasion of Mickey Cohen's East Coast Mafia in the 1940s and '50. 

Writers Finish First Draft of Zombieland 2 Script

STYD reports that writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Venom, G.I. Joe 2, Deadpool) have handed in first draft script for Zombieland 2. It's expected director Ruben Fleischer (30 Minutes Or Less) will shoot one more film before returning for the sequel.

Jesse Eisenberg To Join 30 Minutes Or Less?

ThePlaylist (via Production Weekly) reports Jesse Eisenberg (Social Network) is in talks to play the second lead in 30 Minutes Or Less. Esingberg worked with director Ruben Fleischer on Zombielnd and I assume enjoyed their working relationship. I think it could be interesting to see the contrast between Aziz Ansari's outrgoues nature and Jesse's awkward straight man. The villains will be played by Danny R. McBride, Nick Swardson and Michael Pena.