GAME OF THRONES Actress Maisie Williams Could Take A Lead Role In THE LAST OF US

Comic-Con is in full swing which means that casting and production news are about to make massive waves. One coming out of the event is that Sam Raimi will produce Sony's The Last of Us film adaptation. The project is based on Naughty Dog's widely popular Playstation game, which features a monstrous end of days in a mostly abandon urban environment reclaimed by nature (think Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, but with zombie-like creatures). Producers mentioned during their panel that Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams has met with them about the key-role of Ellie.



SOURCE: SlashFilm

Sony Hires Original Game Writer To Pen THE LAST OF US Movie

It's starting to look like studios are going-for-broke when it comes to adapting video games to film. reports that Sony is looking to develop The Last of Us into a film, which just happens to be a Sony owned (developed by Naughty Dog) video game. TheWrap has news Sony's Screen Gems is aiming to distribute the film with Sam Raimi producing with his company Ghost House Pictures. Neil Druckmann, who wrote the game's story has been hired to pen the script. A second game is expected to be released in 2015, which might lead to a trilogy, similar to Uncharted.


This sounds like the best situation, as the Naughty Dog games have the most cinematic stories. Having another writer mangle the material seems like the worst idea, if the original story is solid. It's the second Naughty Dog produced game property the studio is developing, they're currently taking another-shot at making an Uncharted movie. Director Seth Gordon (War Games, Horrible Bosses, Identity Theft) recently made a deal to direct that action-adventure comedy. It will be interesting if Sony ends up hiring another director tailor-made for the horror thriller.

SOURCE: THEWRAP

RUMOR: EVIL DEAD's Fede Alavarez And Co-Writer Rodo Sayagues Developing DOCTOR STRANGE For Marvel?

LatinoReview is reporting on a rumor concerning a new project at Marvel. Apparently the studio is impressed by the success of the Evil Dead reboot. Even with the mixed reactions most liked the film with it's minor flaws. Sources tell the site that writer/director Fede Alavarez and co-writer Rodo Rayagues are meeting with Marvel or even pitching a film. Which just might be Doctor Strange which will be released along with Edgar Wright's Ant-Man in Marvel's Phase Three post-Avengers 2.

A draft of the script written by Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer had been shopped around to potential directors not too long ago. Marvel's new trend is to develop their own directors with unique visions instead of hiring big names. Benedict Cumberbatch (Hobbit Trilogy, Star Trek Into Darkness, Crimson Peak, Sherlock) has long been a fan favorite to play Dr. Stephen Strange but no actual casting development has been reported. A rumor over the Summer from some respected sources pointed to Marvel introducing Strange in Thor: The Dark World.


Fede's connections to Sam Raimi might not hurt his chances considering both Spider-Man and Strange are Stan Lee/Steve Ditko collaborations. I have pegged Raimi to be a prime candidate so having Alavarez in the mix sounds about right. Since Marvel isn't likely to get Sam sign on to another franchise with Army of Darkness 2 in development. Nothing too solid here since Fede has talked about making Evil Dead 2 and Evil Dead 3.

EVIL DEAD 4 Actually ARMY OF DARKNESS 2?

It's starting to sound like Sam Raimi is indeed returning to his Evil Dead roots. When it was tweeted by Disney that Sam and his brother were writing a script for Evil Dead 4 this Summer. It was later down played later by Sam. Obviously not to overshadow the new Evil Dead film along with news that a sequel was already in the works.

However, producer Rob Tapert tells STYD that the Evil Dead 4 will actually be a sequel to Army of Darkness. Confirming at least the film is currently in development stages. Darkness took cues from the Evil Dead films and is set in the same world but brought in new elements including time-travel along with lighter comedic scenes. It's originally title was going to be Evil Dead III: Army of Darkness but Raimi ended up axing the Evil Dead angle.

"That would be Army of Darkness 2," Tapert corrected the earlier news story when we talked to him at the movie junket. "Everybody calls it Evil Dead 4 but Army of Darkness wasn't called Evil Dead anywhere except by the fans."

This would of course mean the return of cult film legend Bruce Campbell if it all comes together. Bruce was at the same Q&A and was asked about his thoughts on Army of Darkness 2. It will be interesting to see if they end up using the scrapped future ending from the original film.

"Sam threatens this every six months," he told us during the same interview. "I've heard this a thousand times, because in the back of his mind, he never wants to let go, because he loved making these movies. We all loved making them together. They were a nightmare to make, very difficult, but they lasted the test of time, so he's not going to let that go, and I'm never going to say 'no.' It'll be me and a walker fighting some other old guy. But that's what he does and who knows? It may happen."

SPECULATION: Sam Raimi A Prime Candidate To Direct DOCTOR STRANGE?

Sam Raimi has recently confirmed that he has no plans to come back to direct the sequel to Oz, The Great And Powerful. Giving the impression he might only end up producing it, if that. This might allow him to consider other budding projects that could use from of the Raimi magic. One big project without a director is Marvel's new Phase Three feature Doctor Strange. The project has been all but given a release date by Marvel and could end up starting production sometime in 2015. Giving potential directors plenty of time to round out another feature before jumping into Strange. I haven't really attributed names that could do Strange justice besides Guillermo del Toro who is currently beyond busy with a massive amount of projects. Raimi actually could be perfect to create the world of Strange. Not to mention having deep Marvel roots already with his Spider-Man trilogy.

Sam Raimi clearly is on Marvel's radar completing a successful Marvel trilogy with his Spider-Man films. The latter installment not exactly heralded by fans, mainly due to it's rushed production and haphazard script (written at times while scenes were being shot). Raimi had even pursued Spider-Man 4 which was on the hinge of shooting but was ultimately cut over budgetary issues. Anne Hathaway was set for Black Cat and John Malkovich was going to play The Vulture. Sadly, the film never happened and Sam would walk from the Spidey franchise. He finally saw Amazing Spider-Man recently and said he loved it. Perhaps, healing ties with both Sony and Marvel? He's obviously a big fan of Spidey and Strange co-creator Steve Ditko, naming a supporting character after him (Peter's landlord Mr. Ditkovich). Also adding a hint to Stephen Strange in Spider-Man 2 as Joe's Pizza has a similar address of Mr. Strange.

During the early days of Spider-Man 4 there had been talk of Morbius being a possible addition to the villain roster. An interview while promoting Drag Me To Hell with Empire and a video interview with FearNet had the director talk about his interest in Morbius and vampires. Only Marvel's Kevin Feige can speak to this but Morbius might be back at Marvel as the Blade rights (including Tomb of Dracula) reverted back to them, when New Line Cinema failed to make more films. Morbius (fellow NYC doctor) was in the deleted ending to the original Blade and might not even be eligible for Spider-Man films. Director Stephen Norrington had originally planned on using Morbius as the villain in his sequel to Blade but it was ultimately changed when Guillermo del Toro signed on. Strange has fought vampires (most notably Dracula), werewolves (Werewolf By Night/Jack Russell) and demons previously. It would make sense to place Morbius (perhaps a villain turned ally?) and other characters like that within the Doctor Strange films. Sam likes the combination of superhero plus supernatural which is basically describes Strange as a concept. Having Strange start off fighting vampires could be way to hold off more powerful villains for future installments. Along with reintroducing Blade to audiences which Marvel seems to be keen on. I also wouldn't be shocked to see Morbius saved for a Blade reboot.

“I like it in the Marvel comics when Spider-Man fights Morbius,” said Raimi. “He’s really cool. A vampire! I like that combination of superhero plus supernatural.”

He still has comics on the brain as he was trying to put together a new version of the classic comic/pulp/radio supernatural anti-hero The Shadow which he had been developing before Oz. If Raimi was considered for Strange he would have enough time to complete a film like The Shadow before pre-production on Doctor Strange would need to begin in 2015. Avengers 2 and Ant-Man are due out in 2015 would could see Strange getting a late Summer or early Fall release in 2016. As it would make a perfect spooky Halloween adventure film. Raimi had previously been attached to Warcraft at WB which has since gone to Duncan Jones. Along with talk of Evil Dead 4 this week which turned out to be a joke Sam made. At this point besides a producing a few projects Raimi doesn't have much in the way of full length directing efforts.

His connection to Disney via Oz could be similar to how Joe Johnston (Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, The Rocketeer) ended up directing Captain America: The First Avenger. A bigger directing name than previous and current directors along with a couple of major hits under his belt (a bit of an understatement for Raimi). Johnston only made the first installment helping to flush out Cap's origins and setting up his mythos. Raimi could be a solid creative mind to setup the macabre/occult superhero within the MCU. He's already tackled magic in Oz not to mention dark laced humor with films like Drag Me To Hell and the Evil Dead franchise. Along with his more serious than usual supernatural thriller The Gift. Raimi certainly has a stronger following/fanbase than Guillermo (last person attached to direct Strange) and that could also be another factor to consider Sam for the job.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?  COULD OR SHOULD SAM RAIMI DIRECT DOCTOR STRANGE? LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!

Sam Raimi Says He Won't Be Directing The OZ Sequel

While the cast of Oz, The Great And Powerful are posed for a return for Disney's fast-tracked sequel. It doesn't seem to be the case for director Sam Raimi. He tells ComingSoon that he left the door open in the film for another director to make a sequel but another one doesn't interest him.

"I haven’t planned on directing the sequel," Raimi says. "I did leave some loose ends for another director if they want to make the picture... I was attracted to this story but I don’t think the second one would have the thing I would need to get me interested." 

Of course this could be a negotiating tactic usually actors sign multiple film contracts for potential franchises but it's not always the case for their directors. The film is tracking around 70m+ domestically for the weekend that success might allow Raimi to ask for more money or help boost original projects in the future. Sam had stated during the press tour that he and his brother were working on a Evil Dead 4 script over the Summer, but was quickly retracted.

EVIL DEAD 2 Already In Development

Deadline reports that writer/director Fede Alvarez confirmed during the Evil Dead screening at SXSW that a sequel is already in development. Fede called the film Evil Dead 2 and it sounds more solid than Sam Raimi's recent retracted statements on his Evil Dead 4. The reactions to the screening have been mostly positive to it's gory practical effects (filmmakers opted out on heavy CG). Some stating it's it's the goriest studio horror film in a decade. Sounding like the horror community are likely to embrace the film and a new franchise is in the cards.

Disney Already Working On Sequel To OZ, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

Variety reports that Disney isn't waiting for final box office numbers to move forward with a sequel to Oz, The Great And Powerful. Even with mixed reviews and somewhat lukewarm reception the film is tracking excessively high. So with that in mind the studio has brought back screenwriter Mitchell Kapner a few months back to begin a new script. Details haven't been revealed but it's safe to say that James Franco, Michelle Williams and others will be returning. It's likely Disney is moving quickly because they don't want to have to wait as long as they will for the Alice In Wonderland sequel. While nothing has been mentioned it could be possible that Dorothy might finally be back. I also wouldn't be shocked to see actress Joey King end up with the part.

I'd like to think they'd incorporate more Disney focused supporting characters such as Tick Tok and Jack Pumpkinhead from novels/Return to Oz for the next installment. Character designs which Disney flat out owns and wouldn't need to change. As Warner Bros. owns the original Wizard of Oz and many creative changes had to be made for Oz. Including the iconic ruby slippers being turned back to their original silver. I'd kid in me would love to see villains such as the Gnome King and Mombi make a return, having their origins explored a bit. It was awesome how scary those characters were in Return to Oz, nowadays wouldn't fly with the Disney brass.

Sam Raimi Will Be Writing EVIL DEAD 4 This Summer, Bruce Campbell To Return?

Wow, as a die-hard Evil Dead fan this news comes as bit of a shock. LatinoReview has picked up on a official Disney tweet that Sam Raimi has revealed plans to write the script for Evil Dead 4 with his brother this Summer. It doesn't sound like the Evil Dead remake will end up a franchise with this news, but that might be a good thing. Allowing the film which it's trailer has been well received to be it's own one-off. Bruce Campbell is likely eagerly waiting to throw on the iron arm and slinging a shotgun to fight more deadites. It's assumed that Raimi will also direct the fourth installment.

“I would love to make Evil Dead 4. My brother and I plan to work on the script this summer.”

Duncan Jones Hired By Legendary Pictures To Direct WARCRAFT

HeatVision reports British director Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code) has been hired to helm the live-action film adaptation of the wildly popular fantasy video game series Warcraft. Previously, Sam Raimi had been hired to direct but left to make Oz, The Great And Powerful for Disney instead. It sounds like the studio is gearing up for some exciting genre-based projects including Guillermo del Toro's robots versus kaiju flick Pacific Rim and Gareth Edwards' Godzilla reboot. Legendary is looking to start production in the Fall and eying a 2015 release date.

Disney Hires New Writer For PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 5

Variety is reporting Disney has hired another writer to tackle the script for Pirates of The Caribbean 5. Jeff Nathanson best known for writing Catch Me If You Can and Terminal has landed the screenwriting gig. However, he also worked on Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skulls, Speed 2, Tower Heist and Rush Hour 3. A majority of these credits don't scream quality but he might be working on existing drafts. Depp is likely a sure-thing but returning cast members such as Geoffrey Rush and others are currently unknown.

Last we heard On Strange Tides director Rob Marshall confirmed franchise writer Terry Rossio was working on the script. It seemed that Marshall was open to directing it as well. However, CinemaBlend listed a group of hopefuls Disney was looking to direct the fifth installment if Rob didn't return. That list included Tim Burton (Alice In Wonderland), Sam Raimi (Oz, The Great And Powerful), Shawn Levy (Real Steal), Chris Weitz (About A Boy, A Better Life), and Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men).

WHAT IF: The Lizard Was Going To Show Up In SPIDER-MAN 2

While it's not that off from the final version we saw in Marc Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man this Lizard concept art (via CBM) could have been used in Spider-Man 2. In the development of Sam Raimi's Spidey sequel there had been talk of including Doc Oc, The Lizard and Harry as the new Green Goblin. Ultimately, the screenwriter talked Sam down to one villain which helped make Spider-Man 2 one of the better comic book films. The concept of three villains was thrown in to Spider-Man 3 and became a total mess. So thankfully, Spider-Man 2 didn't end up as bloated. Dylan Baker was cast in the role of Doctor Curt Connors and showed up in both sequels.

Full Trailer For Sam Raimi's OZ, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

New Images From Sam Raimi's OZ, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

SPECULATION: Black Cat To Appear In Amazing Spider-Man 2?

There is speculation that we could finally see Spidey get a crime fighting partner in Amazing Spider-Man 2. In the new film's video game the infamous Black Cat comes into play and seems to give the impression that she will make an appearance in future films. Sony had been calling the shots with what made it in this connected game so the chances are good. This has led to rumblings online that Black Cat could be making her way into the sequel.

One of the biggest problems with the Spider-Man film mythology is that Parker ends up getting his ass handed to him by every villain. It would be fresh to see him finally partner up with one of the few other heroes in the Spidey universe. Considering a decent amount of characters in this world are at Sony's disposal but have yet to be used in the movies. Now that Marvel Studios has created their own Marvel universe it would be nice to see Sony attempt this with their Spider-Man characters. The few other heroes include Scarlet Spider/Kaine (clones of Peter Parker), Morbius The Living Vampire (rights could be with Marvel), mercenary Silver Sable, along with anti-heroes Scream and Venom (getting spin-off film).

Black Cat is the secret identity of New York socialite Felicia Hardy, who just happens to be a friend of Peter Parker and moonlights as a cat bugler. While she turns out to be a villain at first her new interest in Spidey makes her change sides to win his heart. Considering the limited amount of Marvel heroines in these films it would be a welcomed change to the cliched damsel in distress.

This isn't hard to believe since the character Felicia Hardy had been wanted for Sam Raimi's axed Spider-Man 4. io9 had word actresses such as Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes) and Romola Garai (Atonement, The Last Days of Mars) had been rumored for the role. Anne Hathaway had been cast in Spider-Man 4 as the daughter of The Vulture which might have been turned out her becoming Black Cat. Of course the film was scrapped and Anne ended up landing the role of Catwoman in the The Dark Knight Rises. Considering the ages of the new leads I'm sure if they do end up casting the role they might go a bit younger.

Day Of The Triffids Lands A Writer, Could Sam Raimi Direct?

HeatVision reports that The Day of The Triffids remake from Sam Raimi's production company Ghost House has finally landed a writer. Neil Cross best known for writing the BBC series Luther and Spooks will write the film's script. Cross recently wrote the upcoming horror film Mama from producer Guillermo del Toro which stars Oscar nominated actress Jessica Chastain and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Headhunters, Game of Thrones). Not to mention helping with rewrites on Guillermo's Pacific Rim.

While there hasn't been a director named for Triffids the property is classic enough that it very well might be a project that Raimi could direct himself. We haven't seen a horror film from Raimi since 2009's Drag Me To Hell, so Sam's horror itch might come back. Currently, Raimi will be busy with post-production on Oz, The Great And Powerful until it's release in March of next year.

Jane Levy Replaces Lily Collins In Evil Dead

Deadline reports that Jane Levy has replaced Lily Collins as the lead actress in the Evil Dead remake. Jane will play Mia who is basically the new Ash character.

Shiloh Fernandez Joins Evil Dead Remake

Variety reports Shiloh Fernandez (Red Riding Hood) has nabbed the male lead in the Evil Dead remake. The film written by Diablo Cody (Jennifer's Body, Young Adult) originally had Lily Collins attached for the role of Mia but she ended up dropping out. Shiloh had role on Diablo Cody's show United States of Tara.

Lily Collins Drops Out Of Evil Dead Remake

Jeff Sneider of ShowBlitz/Variety reported via Twitter today that Lily Collins (Mirror Mirror) has left talks to star in the Diablo Cody written Evil Dead reboot. Collins would have played the female lead Mia who is basically the new Ash in the film. Jeff briefly states that Lily's exit is over a conflict with other commitments which could mean a lot of things. I really hope that we end up more inspired names than Collins in the future.

Is Lily Collins The Lead In The Evil Dead Reboot?

BloodyDisgusting is reporting that Lily Collins (Mirror Mirror, The Blindside) will play Mia the female lead of the Evil Dead reboot. It had been mentioned previously that Community actress Gillian Jacobs and Jurnee Smollett were also in the mix.