SPECULATION: Idris Elba In The Running For Title Role In X-MEN APOCALYPSE?

Jeff from TheWrap recently broke casting news concerning Bryan Singer's X-Men Apocalypse. Revealing possible contenders for new Jean Grey and Scott Summers in the film. He went on the MeetTheMoviePress podcast to tease and upcoming story concerning Apocalypse casting. Mentioning three actors are in the running for the villainous role, pointing-out previously linked Tom Hardy is not one of the three. Hinting that one of them could be very familiar to us.

"We heard him say the word apocalypse a lot last year".

I have to assume Jeff is referring to Idris Elba's iconic line from the Pacific Rim trailer. We know that Elba has been reaching-out for future comic book roles. Being turned-down by Marvel for others roles in the MCU and possibly talking with Warner Bros. about a role in the DC cinematic universe. Idris had been teasing a desire to play Green Lantern which had fans foam from the mouth. We know he's disgruntled with Marvel and is begrudgingly returning (like a majority of that cast) for Thor: Ragnarok, which won't be shooting until 2016. Elba recently spoiled an appearance in an upcoming Marvel film, and seeming didn't give two-shits out the fallout with the studio. Let's just say he isn't happy with his Marvel contract restrictions and the soul-crushing work they're forcing him to do.

The Fox-Marvel relationship is probably the more heated of the bunch. We've actually seen Marvel starting to cancel the comic book properties that Fox has the rights to. They'll be cancelling Fantastic Four (oddly just before the release of the reboot) soon and have hinted to the end of the X-Men books as well (recently killing-off Wolverine). Whatever new characters they create for those comics become fair-game for Fox to use in the films. There is also been chatter that Marvel was furious with Fox for even considering making an R-rated version of Deadpool, which could have led to them trying to block it's development. Marvel has been avoiding R-rated material like the plague, likely due to keeping their brand family friendly.

I think the biggest fuck-you to Marvel from Elba before leaving the studio could be playing the title role in a competing comic book film. They themselves have little control over the X-Men films and this could be a way for Elba to branch-out even more than he already has. Since he's not really known for playing villains.

SOURCE: MEETTHEMOVIEPRESS

End Of Days Looming For Asgard In THOR: RAGNAROK Coming July 2017

The Marvel sequels were also announced by Marvel and they've slated a summer release for Thor: Ragnarok. It's title hinting to the end of days in Norse mythology, and there are already rumors (via BadassDigest) that Thor might not survive this epic battle. It's expected that Surtur the fire demon, will be our main villain and will threaten the existence of all nine realms. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston are the only two actors confirmed for the film at the moment. Kevin said a few words about the film. It's release date is set for July 28th, 2017.

"This is a very important movie for us in Phase 3," said Marvel's Kevin Feige. "We plan on taking Thor to another level. It picks up where we leave Thor in 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' and impacts everything that comes after." 

Surtur isn't the only new character rumored for the film, we've been hearing for ages that Amora The Enchantress will be involved. Granted, we've been hearing that bit since the first film. However, with Loki now taking the throne of Asgard and Odin likely in some cell in the dungeon. Having Amora take the place of Frigga, as the Queen of Asgard would sort of make sense. Given, the sorceress would have just as ambitious motives as Loki. Below is what Surtur looked like in the Thor movie tie-in video game (via concept artwork).

Hemsworth actually liked the suggestion of Charlize Theron in the role, when brought-up by a reporter. I also wouldn't mind seeing actresses such as Ruth Wilson (linked for Captain Marvel role) and Eva Green (Casino Royale, Sin City A Dame To Kill For, Kingdom of Heaven, 300 Rise of An Empire) considered for Amora as well. Ruth (Luther, Lone Ranger, The Prisoner) has actually worked alongside Tom before, so the chemistry would already be there. Either way, Marvel needs to find someone that keep-up with the devilish Hiddleston. Wilson plays a manipulative character named Alice on Idris Elba's series Luther making her a perfect candidate.



There has been talk that actors such as Idris Elba and Jaimie Alexander aren't fond of their Marvel contracts (has hindered roles in other superhero films), so I'm unsure if Marvel will want to have unhappy actors on set. Yet, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins were begrudgingly brought back for The Dark World. I have to assume that production would begin sometime in Spring/Summer 2016.

There's no word on a director, and it's unlikely Alan Taylor will be returning. Due to his commitments to the Terminator trilogy, and will be shooting back-to-back sequels. I would be extremely curious if they would ask Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) back. Patty was originally set to make The Dark World but exited over "creative differences". Considering the film is expected to be a lot darker it just might suit Jenkins better than the last installment. Who knows, they could even ask another Game of Thrones alumni to help them out. Director Michelle MacLaren (Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, X-Files, Game of Thrones) was on a shortlist for Warner Bros. Wonder Woman, but might be a better fit for Marvel. Marvel has picked television directors before, and have gotten excellent results.

A script is in place by writers Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost. It could be arguably the most important Marvel film. We could see either Thor give-up on helping Midgard to rule Asgard or die trying to save the realms. There's talk Thor won't be involved with Avengers: Infinity War.

SOURCE: MARVEL