FIRST LOOK: Tom Hiddleston In Ben Wheatley's Thriller 'HIGH-RISE'

Empire has posted the first official still image from Ben Wheatley's High-Rise which shows Tom Hiddleston's character Dr. Robert Laing.

Starring alongside Hiddleston in the film include Jeremy Irons (Batman v Superman), Sienna Miller (Layer Cake, American Sniper), Luke Evans (Hobbit, Fast 6), and Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men).

In London in 1975, on the eve of Margaret Thatcher's ascent to political power, Robert Laing (Tom Hiddleston) is a young doctor seduced by the lifestyle in a high-rise, an isolated community, cut off from the rest of society in their luxury tower block, and its creator, the architect Anthony Royal (Jeremy Irons). Taking up residence on the twenty-fifth floor, Laing discovers a world of complex loyalties, and also strikes up a relationship with Royal’s devoted aide Charlotte (Sienna Miller). After Laing befriends Richard Wilder (Luke Evans), a documentary filmmaker relegated to the second floor who is determined to provoke the class injustices inherent in the high-rise, a dangerous social situation develops and the high-rise eventually fragments into violent tribes

Wheatley is known for his odd dark films such as Sightseers, The Kill-List and the extremely trippy A Field In England.





Below is a set image that shows-off Luke Evans' look in the film which has him sporting a mighty-fine stache and chops.

SOURCE: EMPIRE

Michael Keaton Confirmed To Join Tom Hiddleston And J.K. Simmons In KONG: SKULL ISLAND

TheWrap has confirmed that Michael Keaton has indeed taken a role in Legendary's Kong: Skull Island. He'll be joining Tom Hiddleston and J.K. Simmons who were previously cast in the prequel. It's crazy that they've been able to get both leads from Whiplash and Birdman which are highly buzzed awards-level films of 2014.

Michael Keaton has closed his deal to join SKULL ISLAND. #ItsOfficial
— Linda Ge (@lindazge) January 8, 2015

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Guillermo Del Toro's CRIMSON PEAK Images Reveal His Gothic Vision For The Haunted House Flick

A bunch of images from Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak in the newest issue of TotalFilm has made it's way online. The film was shot on location in Toronto, Hamilton and Kingston, Canada. An interesting aspect the exterior buildings for both the England scenes and the haunted house were shot in the neighborhood where I grew-up, so I'm going to have a major attachment to the film.

It of course stars Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska and Charlie Hunnam which will be released just before Halloween in October. Guillermo is said to be shooting the sequel to Pacific Rim next.

SOURCE: TOTALFILM

J.K. Simmons Has Joined Tom Hiddleston In KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Deadline reports that J.K. Simmons (Juno, Thank You For Smoking, Spider-Man Trilogy, Oz) hot off his widely praised performance in Whiplash has joined the cast of Legendary Picture's Kong: Skull Island. The prequel to the original events of King Kong would explore the origins of the map that was used to find the island. Tom "Loki" Hiddleston will star as the lead of the film, which we hope branches him out to more lead roles in the future.

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kings of Summer, Metal Gear Solid) the film will be released on March 10th, 2017.


SOURCE: DEADLINE

SKULL ISLAND Starring Tom Hiddleston Retitled To KONG: SKULL ISLAND Pushed To 2017

King Kong prequel Skull Island which would explain the origin of The Skull Island map. Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures have retitled the film to Kong: Skull Island. Along with moving the release date from November 4th, 2016 to March 10th, 2017. The film's lead is Tom Hiddleston, I'm curious if the move has something to do with his commitments to Marvel films. Marvel's Doctor Strange is also set for November 4th, 2016, that could be another reason.

SOURCE: UNIVERSAL 

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

Tom Hiddleston Starring In Legendary's KING KONG Origin Film SKULL ISLAND

Variety reports that Tom "Loki' Hiddleston will star in Legendary Picture's King Kong origin film titled Skull Island. Godzilla and Seventh Son writer Max penned the first draft of the script. Joe Cornish (Attack The Block) and Neil Marshall (Game of Thrones, Centurion) had been pursued for the director's chair, but Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kings of Summer) has taken the gig instead. Jordan was actually in the mix to direct Marvel's Doctor Strange and is rumored to be considered for Sony's Metal Gear Solid adaptation.

Details aren't known about the film, but events would take place before the original film. The island is home to some exotic things including dinosaurs, giant bugs, ancient tribes and other dangerous creatures. Basically, everyone and everything is trying to end your life on Skull Island. Hiddleston's character is also a bit of a mystery.

What we do know is that the film is being headed-up by the same production studio that gave us Godzilla and Pacific Rim, so we're expecting this to be a bit more cohesive than Peter Jackson's take. Hiddleston's involvement isn't too much of a shock. Considering he recently finished shooting Guillermo del Toro's haunted house picture Crimson Peak, another project setup at Legendary. Skull Island is set for release on November 4th, 2016.

SOURCE: VARIETY

Sienna Miller And Jeremy Irons Join Tom Hiddleston In Ben Wheatley's Thriller HIGH RISE

ScreenDaily reports that Sienna Miller (Layer Cake, American Sniper) and Jeremy Irons (Batman Vs Superman, Kingdom of Heaven, Die Hard 3) have joined Ben Wheatley's (A Field In England, Sightseers, Kill List) High Rise. The thriller already has Tom Hiddleston (Avengers, Crimson Peak) attached in the lead role of Robert Laing.

"High Rise centres on a new residential tower built on the eve of Margaret Thatcher’s rise to power, at the site of what will soon become the world’s financial hub. Designed as a luxurious solution to the problems of the city, it is a world apart. Enter Robert Laing (Hiddleston), a young doctor seduced by the high-rise and its creator, the visionary architect Anthony Royal (Irons). Laing discovers a world of complex loyalties, and also strikes up a relationship with Royal’s devoted aide Charlotte (Miller). But rot has set in beneath the flawless surface. Sensing discord amongst the tenants, Laing meets Wilder, a charismatic provocateur bent on inciting the situation. Wilder initiates Laing into the hidden life of the high-rise and Laing is shocked at what he sees. As the residents break into tribal factions, Laing finds himself in the middle of mounting violence. Violence that he also finds emerging in himself."

SOURCE: SCREENDAILY

FIRST LOOK: Charlie Hunnam, Jessica Chastain And Mia Wasikowsa On The Set Of CRIMSON PEAK

Guillermo del Toro's Victorian era horror film Crimson Peak has been shooting in and around the Toronto area for months now. We now have some first looks at Charlie Hannam, Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowsa on the set of the film, along with previously spotted Tom Hiddleston. The shots were taken by local paper TheHamiltonSpecator, as scenes were being filmed at Dundurn Castle. Other scenes had been also been shot at equally historical building The Scottish Rite, near Hess Village in Hamilton (both buildings pictured below as well). If I had to guess it's possible the Scottish Rite, could be the exterior for the haunted house, as the red brick does standout. These sets are in my old neighborhood and I've been in around those two buildings most of my life. They are stunning from the outside and inside, and will likely be major set pieces of the film. The primary stage location is at Pinewood Studios, Toronto. Which is the same place where del Toro shot Pacific Rim.

SOURCE: HAMILTONSPEC 

Should Marvel Consider Casting Eva Green As Amora The Enchantress In THOR 3?

Marvel Studios is starting to get better with their sequels. Looking ahead, Winter Soldier looks to be the best of the bunch. The same couldn't be said of Thor: The Dark World, something I blame on a very dull and ill-explained villain (Malekith). A majority of the best comic book villains have at least an once of personality to them, giving them depth. Loki and The Winter Soldier are the types of villains that Marvel should be trying to replicate. A strong backstory with our heroes, and personal struggles/arcs along their way.

One character that has been looming around the Thor franchise since day-one is Amora The Enchantress. Easily, the second most recognizable Thor villain (next to Loki) and one of the more complex ones as well. Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth have been pushing for the characters to be included, so it's likely they'll get their wish. Amora has played friend and foe, to both Thor and Loki. Her intentions are always questionable along with her feelings, having affections for both brothers. While mostly interested in her own personal gain and power status. She is someone that Marvel needs to put into play in Phase Three, and could be a valuable character in MCU.

We have had one "main" female villain in the entire run of these movies (Nebula in Guardians), it's a very odd and uneven track record. Considering that we've seen Marvel "talk-up" a Black Widow film, and a Ms Marvel one being developed behind-the-scenes. We're living in the era of Game of Thrones, when every female villain is more devilish and evil than their male counterparts. It comes down to good writing and treating your female characters like actual people, within the world you are creating.

Moving past the need to include Amora, who should eventually play her?

That answer might be more on-the-nose than you think. We've heard names like Charlize Theron and Alice Eve mentioned for the role, which are excellent suggestions. They might be too busy with their respected franchises, Eve with Star Trek 3 and Theron with future Mad Mad sequels/spin-offs. One actress has been making it her mission to tackle comic book films. That lady would be French actress Eva Green, who at the moment hasn't signed-up for a million projects. It's at least possible for her to be open to the idea of signing one of Marvel's lengthly contracts.

North American audiences were first introduced to this talented lady, in Martin Campbell's Bond reboot Casino Royale (while taking a rather large role in the mostly panned Kingdom of Heaven). Oddly enough, Eva played a character that seeming had a few characteristics of Amora in the film. Winning over Bond's confidence and trust, only to stab him in the back. It sort of reminded me of her back-and-forth with Thor and Loki.

She'll also be taking on another similar part in Robert Rodriguez's Sin City: A Dame To Kill For. While that performance's quality is currently unknown to us, another upcoming one is. Green plays the main villain in 300: Rise of An Empire. There was a recently press screening, which seemed to have everyone buzzing about one performance. That would be Eva as the battle hardened and blood thirsty Artemisia. A dark streak that does run within Amora at times, similar to Loki.

Another similarity to Tom Hiddleston is that the two actors are currently the same age. Having them paired up wouldn't be much of a stretch, something that could be an issue if Amora candidates are too young for the role. Plus, Green has played witches (Enchantress just happens to also dapple in magic) before in Dark Shadows and the series Camelot, it's also alluded to in trailers that Artemisia could be a witch as well. It's hard to imagine the pair not perfectly working-off each other.

 It doesn't hurt this lady can do comedy, drama, love stories and action roles, as good if not better than her peers (male or female). I believe that Green should at least be considered for the role of The Enchantress, and she clearly at this point is the strongest name suggested. Having an excellent history of playing villains, being the right age, having an open schedule for the foreseeable future and will likely gain the traction Marvel zeroes-in on post-Rise of An Empire.

Marvel Confirms THOR 3 Writers, Surtur And Enchantress Major Players?

Marvel has finally made it official! They are moving forward with Thor 3 announcing that screenwriters Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle will co-write the script. I had heard over the summer Marvel was tossing around ideas for an outline for a third film, and it seems the studio liked what developed. Christopher previously co-wrote The Dark World and Craig has been a producer on the two Thor films.

A director hasn't been named, but Alan Taylor is about to begin production on Terminator: Genesis, which could rule him out to return. It's possible that a 2015 production date could be eyed, with Thor 3 taking one of the two 2016 release dates, since Captain America 3 is further back in the development phase.

Craig Kyle also helped Marvel with their animated features most notably writing Planet Hulk (teased in Dark World) , Hulk Vs and Doctor Strange. He previously teased Ragnarök for the third film, which has also been stated by Chris Hemsworth and Kevin Feige. Giving more validity to Surtur being the big baddie of the movie, which has been teased since the first film. A excellent way to end a trilogy, if you ask me.

We've also been hearing from insiders and Tom Hiddleston, that Amora The Enchantress will finally make her way into the MCU for the feature. There has been an Amora/Surtur connection previously, where she is enslaved by Surtur to help bring about Ragnarök. Having Loki's love-interest turned against him and a servant of Surtur for Ragnarök, could be a reason we see Loki and Thor join forces again.

"When I was first reading the comics, the relationship with the Enchantress was one of the really fun things I thought would be good to explore and may have even pitched it to [Marvel Studios president] Kevin Feige at some point. Because she is as sneaky and as untrustworthy as he was. ... They basically had a really fantastic and twisted relationship until they both say, ‘You know what? I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you. It’s over.’ Because they keep betraying each other, in a way. So it could be good."

Chris Hemsworth even liked MTV's suggestion of Charlize Theron (Monster, Prometheus, Mad Max Fury Road) playing Amora. Having Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) return to direct the third installment might be a good way to attract Theron to the role.

"I don't know much at all but it sounds interesting," Chris Hemsworth told MTV when asked for his thoughts on the recent Enchantress rumours. "I'm not playing the usual, sidestepping that we normally have to do, I haven't read a script. They have a bunch of different ideas, but that sounds interesting." After being told that his Snow White and the Huntsman co-star Charlize Theron is a fan favourite for the role, he said: "Oh right. Well she certainly plays a pretty intimidating villain, I think she'd be awesome but I think she's tied up in 20 other films. I think she's going on to 'Mad Max' next. [But] you never know. Fingers crossed!"

SOURCE: MARVEL

Tom Hiddleston Pitching Amora The Enchantress For THOR 3?

Thor: The Dark World is about to be released in the next couple of weeks and we already have hints to where the third film could go. Actor Tom Hiddleston talked to TotalFilm revealing he's pitched Amora The Enchantress to Marvel for future films. Amora has been rumored since the first film as a villain and was linked for Dark World during it's early development. Enchantress just happens to be a villain of both Thor and The Avengers (alongside The Masters of Evil). The Asgardian sorceress is a conflicted character, playing friend and foe to both Thor/Loki.

"When I was first reading the comics, the relationship with the Enchantress was one of the really fun things I thought would be good to explore and may have even pitched it to [Marvel Studios president] Kevin Feige at some point. Because she is as sneaky and as untrustworthy as he was. ... They basically had a really fantastic and twisted relationship until they both say, ‘You know what? I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you. It’s over.’ Because they keep betraying each other, in a way. So it could be good."

Plans for a third Thor movie haven't been made public and will likely be determined by the box office numbers for The Dark World. However, since Loki won't be making an appearance in Age of Ultron and wants to see the Loki/Amora dynamic explored, it will likely be saved for Thor solo adventures. Chris Hemsworth mentioned to MTV he would love to see Charlize Theron in the role of Amora, if the actress was able to find the time to do it.

"I don't know much at all but it sounds interesting," Chris Hemsworth told MTV when asked for his thoughts on the recent Enchantress rumours. "I'm not playing the usual, sidestepping that we normally have to do, I haven't read a script. They have a bunch of different ideas, but that sounds interesting." After being told that his Snow White and the Huntsman co-star Charlize Theron is a fan favourite for the role, he said: "Oh right. Well she certainly plays a pretty intimidating villain, I think she'd be awesome but I think she's tied up in 20 other films. I think she's going on to 'Mad Max' next. [But] you never know. Fingers crossed!"

12,000 Fans Petition Marvel For A LOKI Solo Film

Well I didn't see this coming. THR reports a large group of fans (over 12,000) have signed a petition to get Marvel to make a solo Loki film. Their aim is to get 20,000 signatures from Loki supporters. We'll see Tom Hiddleston this November in Thor: The Dark World but he won't be making the rounds in Avengers: Age of Ultron. There have been rumblings that Dark World might be the last film that will include Loki. However, Marvel knows that Loki is the second most popular character. Who is second only to Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark.

This could give the studio the message fans want more Loki in the MCU but I doubt they'll make a Loki solo film. Marvel's slate of Phase Three is likely all but cemented at this point, expected to be revealed in full next July at Comic-Con 2014. If a Loki film did happen it might not even happen until Phase Four. By the sounds of things Phase Three is expected to rollout a majority of fresh characters. Ant-Man is confirmed post-Avengers: Age of Ultron in July along with possible candidates Doctor Strange, Inhumans, Black Panther and Ms. Marvel/Captain Marvel in the mix.

Tom Hiddleston Replaces Benedict Cumberbatch In Guillermo Del Toro's CRIMSON PEAK

Variety reports that actor Tom Hiddleston (Deep Blue Sea, Avengers, Thor 1-2) has replaced Benedict Cumberbatch in Guillermo del Toro's haunted house flick Crimson Peak. Hiddleston is a stellar actor and it will be nice to see him in a large project outside of the MCU. The rest of the cast includes Mia Wasikowska (Stoker, Lawless, The Double), Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, Lawless), Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim) and Burn Gorman (Game of Thrones, Layer Cake, Pacific Rim, Dark Knight Rises).

Loki And Thor Grace Empire Covers Along With New THOR: THE DARK WORLD Posters

Full Trailer For THOR: THE DARK WORLD Promises A Bigger And Better Film Than The First One

New THOR THE DARK WORLD Poster

Joss Whedon Hints Loki Won't Be In AVENGERS 2 And Brian Tyler Hired To Compose Score For THOR THE DARK WORLD

Joss Whedon has revealed to Empire that our favorite Marvel conflicted villain Loki played by Tom Hiddleston won't be showing up in Avengers 2. Loki is still playing a rather large role in Thor: The Dark World. As he has to join forces with his brother Thor to save the nine realms from a bigger threat.

“First of all, imitating what I did before is the surest way to do it not as well. Second of all, Loki’s not there to say those terrible things. Although I do think we should bring the word back. Not as an insult. It’s just a nice word.”

Also, composer Brian Tyler (Expendables 1-2, Rambo) has been hired to score the Thor sequel according to FilmMusicReporter. Tyler recently did the score for Iron Man 3 which has seemingly impressed the folks over at Marvel. He'll be replacing previous composer Carter Burwell (True Grit) who left over creative differences.

Tom Hiddleston In Early Talks To Play Eric Draven In THE CROW

We've heard names such as Mark Wahlberg, Bradley Cooper and James McAvoy linked for the role of Eric Draven in The Crow reboot. However, a new name has been revealed via The Wrap as Tom Hiddleston (Deep Blue See, War Horse) best known for playing Avengers and Thor villain Loki might take the lead part. The British actor is currently in early talks to play Draven.

Could Tom Hiddleston Direct A Film For Marvel?

Tom Hiddleston reveals to Empire (via CBM) he asked Kevin Feige if he could be given the chance to direct Thor 2. While that ultimately didn't happen Feige seemed open to the idea and we could eventually see the actor make the jump to director someday. Jon Favreau and Kenneth Brangah balancing the two roles previously and Marvel taking big chances on budding directors seems like a good chance he could tackle one of their projects in the future. Characters like Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Inhumans and Iron Fist have yet to get their big screen debut.

"Yes, I do. I did ask, half-jokingly, Kevin Feige about directing Thor 2 and he said, 'Do you have something to show me?' I said no. He said, 'If you made something and showed me, I might consider it.' But it's better for the world that he said no. It would be such a responsibility, but I think I'd enjoy it."