Andy Serkis Joins AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON And Five Characters He'd Nail

Variety has word from actor Andy Serkis that along with consulting with Mark Ruffalo for his motion-capture scenes as The Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron. That he'll also have an unnamed role in the film as well. Considering his high-profile taking lead roles in films such as King Kong, Lord of The Rings, Rise/Dawn of Planet of The Apes and Star Wars: Episode VII, we should expect a big part for Andy.

"The Imaginarium is the performance capture consultant, and I’m playing a role,"

"I’m not at liberty to mention. But it’s all the same to me. I’ve never drawn a distinction when playing a role, whether it be live action or performance capture. Acting is acting. It’s just basically what you wear to the set that’s different."

I assume that this character could be more labor intensive, than say the voice work that Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel did for Guardians of The Galaxy. Considering he's basically the best performance capture actor working today (here's hoping the Academy eventually makes performance capture a category), I doubt this is the motion-capture work for Thanos or Ultron. I have a strong feeling he'll get his own character in the film, likely setting-up Avengers 3 or future Marvel films.

KANG: Another Marvel cosmic villain that could be teased at the end of Age of Ultron (similar to Thanos in Avengers) is Kang The Conqueror. Although Kang is from the future, placing him among the ranks of Thanos wouldn't be too difficult. Marvel has already placed cosmic villains such as Ronan The Accuser and The Collector into the service of Thanos, so it's possible other villains like Kang could become his pawns as well.

I'm not sure if Marvel is ready to throw the villain into the spotlight, but setting him up for Avengers 3 could make a lot of sense. Yet, we know that Marvel is changing the origins of Ultron, having him created by Kang, might also be a new angle for the villain. Having Serkis do a cameo as Kang would allow him plenty of time to make more Star Wars and Apes films, before taking a bigger role for Avengers 3, which is expected to be released in either 2018 or 2019. Kang would also make a great villain for future installments.

The time-travelling aspect is apart of the original Age of Ultron storyline, and if the film does end-up using that theme. Having a character like Kang, that possesses time-travelling abilities in the MCU could be a way to allow that to happen. Or, at the very least keep the time-travelling aspect in place, somewhat.

GORILLA MAN: Considering how much attention Rocket Raccoon is getting, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to see another animal mo-cap character join the MCU. Mainly, Gorilla Man one of the Agents of Atlas, the team also includes SHIELD agent Jimmy Woo and Namor's cousin Namora. The gun-wielding Gorilla Man is another heroic animal from the Marvel universe, and seems like an easy character to assume Serkis could play. Having played two iconic apes in the past already, with Caesar (Rise/Dawn of The Planet of The Apes) and King Kong. Of course, Gorilla is entirely different than those previous roles, which would mean a brand new ape character for Andy to play with. Plus, getting to do more action sequences as well.

ABOMINATION: There has been more than a few teases that we could see the return of The Abomination, and a massive battle between these two could result in major civilian causalities. Leading to the eventually plot points that start-off the Planet Hulk story. I actually liked Tim Roth's Blonksy, but hated the design of Abomination. Perhaps, another redesign is in order and possibly a recasting. Since Ruffalo is now Banner, we could see other Incredible Hulk characters recast with new actors. It would also be great to see Andy play a straight-up menacing villain.

RED HULK: We strangely haven't see William Hurt return as General Thunderbolt Ross. A possible sign that both Hurt and Liv Tyler might be getting recast for future films. I think that Serkis is able to age himself up enough to pull-off both the General and Red-Hulk versions of Ross. Apparently, Red-Hulk was expected to be a feature player on the axed ABC series. It's not hard to imagine Marvel wanting to use him in the films instead. Marvel has also been setting-up the "Hulks" with their animated series The Agents of SMASH. I'd actually love to see Andy play characters like this, ones with a mix of both live-action and CGI performances. Plus, Andy rocked a great moustache in King Kong.

SILVER SURFER: Currently, the rights to this cosmic hero are at Fox. However, at one point Marvel was trying to make a deal with 20th Century Fox to regain the rights to both Surfer and Galactus. The studio was trying to include the characters in the recent production of Guardians of The Galaxy. At the moment Fox isn't ready to move forward with old plans to make a Silver Surfer film. At best, he'll end-up another secondary character in the new Fantastic Four franchise. I'd personally love to see what someone like Serkis could bring to both Norrin Radd and The Surfer. It's extremely unlikely we'll see the Silver Surfer in Age of Ultron, but he's a character Serkis could really give dimension to.


SOURCE: VARIETY

David Oyelowo Is Likely Joining The Cast Of STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

For months now British actor David Oyelowo (The Last King of Scotland, Rise of The Planet of The Apes, Jack Reacher, Red Tails, Spooks) has been linked for meetings and a role in Star Wars: Episode VII. Rumors are circling that he's indeed taken a part in the seventh installment of the franchise. It doesn't hurt he has a connection to George Lucas, via starring in his passion-project Red Tails.

LatinoReview seems to be the more respected and known of the sites reporting on this news. The lesser known sites are stating he could be playing a CGI character, but that is being disputed by LR. They also add that Adam Driver and Lupita Nyong'o are playing villainous "mercenaries", not Jedi Hunters which is another disputed claim.

David has been a standout lately and we've already included him in our wish-list for Marvel's casting of Black Panther. He was also in the mix for a major role in Jurassic World. The rising star should win-out a breakout role with this project and even more international awareness than from previous movies. It had been rumored Oyelowo's role could be Lando's son, but this was never confirmed. Here's hoping his Star Wars commitments allow him to take on projects that place him as the leading hero in the future.


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

Lupita Nyong'o And Gwendoline Christine Join STAR WARS EPISODE VII

We officially have more ladies joining the cast of J.J. Abrams' Star Wars Episode VII. There had been a bit of controversy, when Daisy Ridley was the only new female addition to the cast, among six new male cast members. A total of two actresses with eleven actors, was a bit embarrassing and earned a bit of backlash during the original casting announcement.

The pair of ladies couldn't be better and will be exciting additions to the franchise. First, we have Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong'o (Non-Stop, 12 Years A Slave), who had been rumored for meetings since the winter. The second is rising Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christine, who also recently filmed a role in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the Saga Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film. Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

SOURCE: LUCASFILM

GODZILLA's Gareth Edwards Directing STAR WARS Spin-Off Coming December 2016

THR is reporting a new development concerning the Star Wars spin-offs. They say that Godzilla and Monsters director Gareth Edwards has been hired by Lucasfilm to direct one of their unnamed spin-offs. It's been rumored for months the first one could be the Boba Fett movie. It's rumroed to have a script penned by Lawrence Kasdan (Return of The Jedi, Empire Strikes Back, Episode VII), while the other films don't have completed scripts.

UPDATE: The release date is set for December 2016, which very well could mean this is Boba Fett. Along with the addition that Gary Whitta (After Earth, Book of Eli, Akira) has written the film. Fett is rumored to be the first spin-off released, and was expected to take the 2016 spot.

SOURCE: THR

UPDATED! More Actresses In The Mix For Roles In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

It was a bit shocking when J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm announced that we were only getting one new female cast member (Daisy Ridley) for Star Wars: Episode VII. This led to some backlash, and it seems like Abrams and crew are actually adding more ladies to the cast. LatinoReview has caught-word that British actress Katie Jarvis is one of two new ladies possibly joining the production. Jarvis is best known for the 2009 British film Fish Tank starring opposite Michael Fassbender.

They also re-affirm previously rumored Oxford unknown Maisie Richardson-Sellers, who had been linked to the possible Kenobi female role. We had heard from BadassDigest that Sophie Turner (Game Of Thrones) was also in the mix. Let's keep in mind their have been many casting rumors, and not every single one has turned-out. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o  (12 Years A Slave) had taken a meeting with Abrams, but it's unknown if she'll take a role either.

UPDATE! TrackingBoard is confirming the addition of actresses Katie Jarvis and Maisie Richard-Sellers to the cast.


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

STAR WARS UPDATES: Disney Confirms Three Spin-Offs And Sophie Turner Possibly Linked

Today, Disney's Bob Iger officially confirmed that Lucasfilm will be making "at least" three spin-off movies. We don't know exactly what they'll be, but Lawrence Kasdan (Episode VII, Empire Strikes Back, Return of The Jedi) has been linked for writing the Boba Fett movie. Other candidates include Jabba The Hutt, Yoda, Han Solo and a possible movie based on the new cartoon series Rebels.

Another tidbit was also mentioned by BadassDigest relaying the rumor that Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner is currently meeting with Bad Robot. Abrams' production company is working on the Star Wars films, so it's expected this could be connected to Episode VII. It's been revealed that casting hasn't completed, with actors such as Zac Efron and Lupita Nyong'o still in the mix.

Considering her red-locks it's hard not to think she'd make an excellent Mara Jade. Originally in the novels, she is the disciple of Darth Vader and marries Luke Skywalker. As Lucasfilm is scrapping legacy/expanded universe canon, it's possible they could insert her into the new trilogies. It wouldn't hurt to pair her up with Ben Skywalker, if they do indeed to focus on the children. That said, we really have no clue what characters will be used.

Good News, Another Major Female Lead To Be Cast In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

THR is reporting that another major female role in Star Wars: Episode VII is yet to be cast. There had been good intentioned criticism concerning Daisy Ridley being the only new female cast member. Having two ladies in a cast of thirteen confirmed actors, was a bit shameful.

"Several sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that director J.J. Abrams has another substantial role to fill — and it's a female part. No further details are known."

Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyongo'O (12 Years A Slave, Non-Stop) has previously met with director J.J. Abrams for an unnamed role, which was possibly the same part Oxford actress Maisie Richardson-Sellers was linked for. The character is said to be related to Obi Wan Kenobi, but that hasn't been confirmed. Considering that they've already cast Oscar Isaac, placing Lupita in major role would be a very smart move.

SOURCE: THR

Lucasfilm Confirms And Reveals STAR WARS EPISODE VII Cast, Release Date Set For December 2015

Lucasfilm has officially announced the cast of J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII. We have confirmation that original actors such as Mark Hamill, Carrie FIsher, Harrison Ford, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker will be returning in their respected roles.

They've also revealed that new additions include Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver and Max von Sydow, have also joined the Star Wars universe. We weren't expecting this reveal to include this many cast members, but it's a pleasant surprise. Their roles haven't been explained, and likely won't be for a long time. The studio did however snap a photo of the cast doing a table-read of the new script.

Andy Serkis (Tintin, King Kong, Hobbit, Lord of The Rings, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, Rise of The Planet of The Apes) is also mentioned in the press release. I have to assume he'll be playing a motion capture character, due to his extensive background with it. Yet, he's just a great actor so they could use him anyway they want to.

A release date has also been confirmed for December 18th, 2015.

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

SOURCE: LUCASFILM

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Production Moving To Abu Dhabi Not Morocco

Looks like it's not Morocco that will be the home of Tatooine in Star Wars: Episode VII, but the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi and the surrounding area will be the site of production for at least four weeks starting in May. Adam Driver and Peter Mayhew have been the only cast members confirmed for the film.

"Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Star Wars: Episode VII will shoot in and around the city-state, which is part of the United Arab Emirates, beginning mid-May. Sources also say it would be a four-week shoot."

SOURCE: THR

Did Disney Kill A DARTH MAUL Game Because Of The New STAR WARS Films?

Apparently, Lucas Arts had been secretly working on a Darth Maul video game at Red Fly Studios, titled Battle of The Sith Lords. Along with revealing the game, GameInformer posted a treasure-trove of artwork from the canceled game. It looked impressive enough and could have been a massive success, and was said to be an open world type game (not unlikely 1313). So why would Disney pull the plug on it?

It's revealed that Red Fly Studios had free reign over the project and were never given a script, that was until the Lucasfilm/Disney merger. It's rumored that because Disney works with EA Games that the project was shelved. There could be other motives behind this as well.



My own speculation is that Lucasfilm and Disney might have movie plans for the character and didn't want Maul's origins or story dictated by an unaffiliated video game company. This isn't the first time Disney has killed a Star Wars video game. That had connections to upcoming movie developments.

The theory stems from the Star Wars game 1313, around the same time it was announced Disney had indeed bought the Star Wars rights and Lucasfilm, the game was suddenly canceled. This was a bit shocking, but Disney could do whatever they liked. It was later revealed the rumors had been true and 1313 was in fact a Boba Fett game. We've been hearing since 2011 that Captain America: The First Avenger director Joe Johnston (who helped co-create Fett) had been pitching George Lucas a Boba film, and possibility even had an outline for project back then.

Soon, after the announcement Star Wars: Episode VII was happening, talk of even more movies started hitting the trades and blogs. They included a prequels for Yoda, Han Solo, Boba Fett and even an interesting Seven Samurai inspired jedi film pitch from Zack Snyder. Eventually there was word from that Lawrence Kasdan (Fett's other co-creator), had been tasked to write the script for the Boba Fett film. Kasdan and Simon Kinberg had been hired by Lucasfilm to pen spin-offs for the studio, that relationship led to Larry being hired to rewrite the script for Episode VII.

At this point we have no clue if there is a Darth Maul movie being developed at Lucasfilm, but we do know that the character is still alive via The Cone Wars. And this game was going to include his robotic body and his apprentice/brother Savage, the group Death Watch and would take place during the rule of the Empire, so post-Episode III. The game also suggests Maul and other Sith lords were at odds with the Empire and didn't abide by the "rule-of-two". Nothing says Maul will be in the new films, but it's very possible he could be apart of the spin-offs.

Lucasfilm went out of their way to first resurrect Maul, and then keep him alive at the end of the series.
Out of all the prequel characters, Maul was the most interesting and the animated series supported that. One piece of art confirmed this game was to take place during the rule of the Empire, with an officer that looks very similar to actor Ralph Fiennes.

Below is the stellar concept artwork from the game via GameInformer. It the artwork also includes many different sith bosses that Maul would have had to fight. There is also footage from the game floating online as well.

Unknown Actress Linked For STAR WARS Role And Another Road-Trip To Tatoonie

THR says Oxford acting student Maisie Richardson-Sellers could be in the mix for role in Star Wars: Episode VII. The young Oxford actress is mostly known for school theatre work. This wouldn't be too shocking as Lucasfilm have been looking at every actor and actress for roles. It's said the role is a long descendent of Obi Wan Kenobi, who would interact with the Skywalker and Solo kids. I have to side with THR with this character info, as they've been able to confirm a lot the Star Wars scoops from other sites.

"One of the roles yet to be filled is that of a young black or mixed-race woman who may be a descendent of Jedi Knight Ben Kenobi."


Another bit of news from THR, is that the seventh film will head back to the dangerous desert planet of Tatooine. It might be the home planet of Luke Skywalker, but we've seen it five times previously. A majority of Phantom Menace and A New Hope taking place on Tatooine. I understand what Abrams is thinking by connecting the new era of Star Wars to the planet. However, it doesn't seem like an original way to push forward a new wave of Star Wars films. As the previous films have spend plenty of time using it as a setting, a bit uninteresting if you ask me.

I would have hoped the film would explore different planets if we're forced to deal with old characters.
Bringing back the original cast is understandable, but there have been rumors their roles could be larger than expected. I'm not sure how J.J. Abrams could manage to make 60-70 year old actors convincing action leads in a kids movie. When the new trilogy is expected to showcase a new generation of jedi. Not even factoring-in neither Mark Hamill or Carrie Fisher being major on-screen leads since the early 80s.

I'm not the only one who feels this way, THR also wrote an article, titled "Could 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Be Too Enamoured With The Original Films". The piece focuses on the lack of original steps the production is currently making. Keeping a lot of the same creative people from the original trilogy. While not pushing forward with new and fresh ideas.

We've been hearing from multiple sources that there is major in-fighting between Abrams and Lucasfilm. Leading to script rewrites and basically a massive overhaul of the director of the film just months before it's production. It's possible that George Lucas is still trying to the calling the shots. Whether that's through Kathy Kennedy or J.J. Abrams is unknown.

SOURCE: THR

Peter Mayhew To Reprise Chewbacca In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

Disney's Alan Horn recently confirmed shooting on Star Wars: Episode VII is underway, with a majority of the cast set. A new report from THR suggests that we'll be getting our favorite walking fur-ball back as well! Actor Peter Mayhew who recent underwent double-knee replacement surgery will indeed reprise the role of Chewbacca in the new film.

While it's been assumed that Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher will have supporting roles. An official announcement hasn't been made. The only returning character besides Chewie that has been confirmed is R2-D2. Adam Driver is reportedly set as the new villain.


SOURCE: THR

John Boyega And Chadwick Boseman Talk BLACK PANTHER Role

Black Panther has been a hot-topic in development project at Marvel for years now, at one point Wesley Snipes was considered for the role. More recently, Mark Bailey completed a draft for the script which seemingly impressed insiders and the Marvel offices. However, the studio has pushed it back to make way for projects like Guardians of The Galaxy, Ant-Man and Doctor Strange. Kevin Feige stated last year, that they were indeed still developing the film. It's a bit more reassuringly than the shutdown on the Black Widow film.

When it comes to grilling potential actors about Black Panther, none are betting than BlackFilm. They've been getting a bunch of responses from actors over the last year or so. Another T'Challa candidate (according LatinoReview) is up-and-comer Chadwick Boseman (Get On Up, 42), and he commented on the possibility of doing Black Panther. He starts out coy, but eventually gives the impression the character would have to standout for him to do it. We currently don't even know if he's even in the running anymore.

Could you see yourself playing Black Panther?

Chadwick Boseman: I could see myself doing anything in terms of comic book, action, or anything like that. Black Panther, in particular, I’m not going to answer that.

If not, then which character?

CB: Let me put to you this way. If it’s character driven, I’ll do it. As long as it’s character driven, I would love to do it. If it’s just you in a suit and you with powers, then it doesn’t interest me, no matter how big it is. As long as it’s character driven, I’m totally into it. If they could figure out how to do Black Panther and make it fit the original or adapt to the times we’re in now and be new and innovative and be character driven and has the sense of what the comic book is supposed to be, but not bound by it, then yes, of course, I would want to do it.

As he finished speaking on the record, he asked if folks wanted to see a Black Panther film and I said yes. Then he asked, “What about Green Lantern?”

Attack The Block's John Boyega has been more vocal about his desire of playing a Marvel role. Speaking to FlicksAndTheCity he mentioned inspiring actors which included Sam Rockwell (Iron Man 2), Anthony Hopkins (Thor 1-2), and fellow Star Wars candidate David Oyelowo (also a favorite for Panther). He was also asked about Marvel and Joss Whedon calling, and he specifically names Black Panther and Blade as dream-roles.

"First of all, if Joss Whedon called. I would leave my life behind and fly out to L.A., and train for the role...But I'm a big Marvel fan and I'm a big DC fan, so I'm into all that stuff. I know of what film is auditioning, I can tell you right now and futuristically speaking, that's just because I'm a fan. So, obviously I'd be very happy if that happened. And, I'm pretty sure hopefully if everything goes well, it might just happen."

"So..I'm just going to be specific.. I would play the Black Panther in Marvel, Joss Whedon if you're listening make a good choice. I don't know there's loads, there's Black Panther, there's Blade, they want to do a Blade reboot. If Wesley Snipes handed the baton to me, that'd be good."

Back in December, John spoke to Metro explaining why the Black Panther story speaks to him.

"The Black Panther, the Marvel character. For me it’s the back-story. My family is originally from Nigeria and the Black Panther comics are about this African nation that is wealthy and healthy and totally cut off from the world. It’s never known slavery, it’s the ultimate nation – it neither buys nor sells oil. The Americans and the British want to know: ‘What’s the deal with these people?’ – they see the Black Panther as a kind of panther god. If I ever got that role, I’d think I’d died and gone to heaven."

It doesn't hurt his Marvel connections working with Ant-Man's Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish on Attack The Block. Walking the red carpet to support Joss Whedon (Avengers) and Drew Goddard's (Daredevil) horror hybrid Cabin In The Woods, which co-starred Thor's Chris Hemsworth. Having experience at Comic-Con and being a comic book fan might be asset as well.

He was recently connected to roles in both Star Wars: Episode VII and Terminator: Genesis (didn't end up with the part). The former could allow extra international exposure which would be needed for the Black Panther lead role (similar to Hemsworth's Star Trek exposure prior to Thor). At the moment, we don't expect the Panther solo movie to show-up until Phase Four, allowing Boyega to knock-out a couple of Star Wars films first (if he ends up landing a role). ThePlaylist has also made the case to consider John for the T'Challa role.


SOURCE: BLACKFILM

Will Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong'o Play A Badass Sith In STAR WARS EPISODE VII?

Even more interesting casting news has broken over the weekend. LatinoReview has revealed that newly Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o (Non-Stop, 12 Years A Slave) is in the mix for a major role in Star Wars: Episode VII. Apparently, the lead female part could be an original sith character, rather than a jedi. THR has confirmed that Lupita had a meeting with J.J. Abrams about taking a role in Episode VII.


The newcomer has proven she can give extremely powerful emotional performances, something that would be a giant asset for a villain. Could she end-up being paired with Adam Driver? Her 12 Years co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor has also been linked for role.


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

John Boyega And Ed Speleers Apart Of Short-List For Lead Jedi Role In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

It looks like Star Wars: Episode VII casting is heating-up or just being dragged-out, as new names are being mentioned as contenders for a lead jedi role. Variety reports that actors such as John Boyega (Attack The Block), Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey), Matthew James Thomas (Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark) and Ray Fisher, have joined Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad) as in the mix for a lead part in the film. A character isn't mentioned but it's likely an apprentice of sorts.

Production is expected to begin in May, and nailing-down a cast is needed to happen soon. As the new actors will be given extensive fight, weapons and sword training for the film. Things will have to come together, or they won't have enough time before shooting begins.

Currently, Adam Driver (Girls) is the only new cast member expected to join the cast. Driver is said to be playing the villain of the film, which is in the vein of Darth Vader (possibly a sith?). The assumption that he'll be a new threat to the established Jedi Order, or the Rebel-led government. Boyega is my faovrite of the bunch, as he is also a fan favorite for Black Panther. He's got tons of charm and could easily bring this franchise into the right direction. After the wooden performances of the prequels, John would be a nice upgrade.

SOURCE: VARIETY

Adam Driver Front-Runner To Play STAR WARS EPISODE VII Villain?

Another day, another casting story concerning Star Wars: Episode VII. This time Variety is claiming that Girls actor Adam Driver is the front-runner to play the film's villain, said to be similar to Darth Vader. This isn't the first film where the actor has been a "front-runner", he was previously "rumored" for Nightwing in Batman Vs Superman. Driver also recently signed-up for Martin Scorsese's Silence which might be in conflict with the Star Wars production.



SOURCE: VARIETY

Harrison Ford Making A Deal For INDIANA JONES 5 And INDIANA JONES 6?

Recently Disney acquired the distribution rights to the Indiana Jones franchise from Paramount, after purchasing Lucasfilm back in 2012 (includes Star Wars and Indiana Jones rights). Which was seemingly was the first-step to developing more more films at Lucasfilm. A few believed it could lead to a reboot but a new rumor could put a wrench in that theory. MarketSaw has heard from their source (likely someone close to Lucasfilm) about what is going with Indy at the studio. They say that Harrison Ford is working out a deal to reprise the role for Indiana Jones 5 and Indiana Jones 6, which could have been apart of Ford's Episode VII contract.

"Regarding Harrison Ford, two more Indiana Jones features are in the negotiation stages as per Ford's contract clause on Star Wars, which is the primary reason he didn't 'publicly' or 'privately' commit, or so I'm told." 


AICN chimed in as well. Stating they have heard that Harrison Ford's contract to appear in Star Wars Episode VII, might have included two Indiana Jones films. This makes a lot of sense, since Ford isn't the biggest fan of Han Solo and originally wanted him killed off in Empire Strikes Back. Perhaps, the lure of two more Indy films was the reason he agreed to return. Ford has been talking about his desire to make Indiana Jones 5 for years now.

I don't know if it's been officially confirmed that Harrison Ford made the new Indiana Jones films part of his agreement to return as Han Solo, but I've heard it enough from a myriad of sources that I believe it's true. Plus, we all know that Dr. Jones is close to Ford's heart.

I liked the idea of an Indy reboot, since it would allow a new director, writer and actor to give us more installments. George Lucas staying away post-Crystal Skull might be a good thing as well, as he's pretty much retired from these movies. I'm not sure how compelling a 70 year old Indiana Jones would be, unless he's taking more of a Professor Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery) role. Disney's Alan Horn said "we haven't done anything...we don't have a story..we need a story". A screenwriter hasn't been announced or even rumored, so at this point it could be years until this even starts production.


SOURCE: MARKETSAW

The Twins Will Indeed Be The Focus Of The New STAR WARS Trilogy

MarketSaw is giving some updated news concerning the plot, something we haven't been getting much off. Besides the recent report Star Wars Episode VII, went from focusing on the kids to the original three. New information from Jim's source confirms that the twins (Jacen and Jaina) will be the focus of the trilogy. We've heard that the original characters (Luke, Leia and Han) would be the focus of the first film, by the end of it the kids would take over. There has been an assumption that Ben Skywalker will also be included, but he isn't mentioned here. While a female protagonist has been mentioned since the original announcement.

"Ultimately it's about twins, and which will take a path towards darkness and which will follow in their fathers footsteps, or at least that is what it used to be, that may come later as I think changes are being undertaken to bring the original cast into the forefront of the story leading to ramifications that lead up to the next generation of Skywalkers." 

We'll eventually hear actually casting confirmation, but I have to say I'd be fine with pairing up Rachel Hurd-Wood and Jack Reynor as the siblings. The tricky thing is that Abrams is sort of in control of how they approach the cannon, we'll get the twins. It's unknown if they'll be Han/Leia's children or Luke/Mara Jade's, since Lucasfilm has a bit of wiggle room to do what they want with these characters. Ben Skywalker could very well join his cousins, but having the Skywalker name for their main characters is kind of necessary thing.


SOURCE: MARKETSAW

Gary Oldman And Benedict Cumberbatch Competing For STAR WARS Role, Plus Warwick Davis Returns?

MarketSaw was uncredited in breaking the original story that Lucasfilm was working on a new Star Wars trilogy, without Lucas as director. The site was dismissed at the time, but turned out to be on the money, thanks to their excellent source. Well they also had the directors wish-list, which mostly turned out to be true as well. Now they have a bit of a casting update for Episode VII.

Jim says that actors Benedict Cumberbatch (previously linked many times) and Gary Oldman (recently confirmed talks for a role) are solid contenders, and currently are being looked at for the same role. Considering there were script rewrites anything is possible to which direction they'd want to go with the unknown character. I wouldn't even be surprised if we saw both actors in the trilogy, in the end. It had been stated by BadassDigest, Benedict was being eyed for a villain role.

They also mention a few returning cast members which include standouts Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok, various Star Wars characters) and Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine). Davis is such a staple to the series and was excellent in the Harry Potter franchise, I really hope he get's more to do.

SOURCE: MARKETSAW