Jack Huston Will Play BEN-HUR In Timur Bekmambetov's Remake

Deadline reports that Boardwalk Empire and American Hustle actor Jack Huston has taken the titular role in the Ben-Hur remake. Previously, it was reported that Morgan Freeman had joined the project in a supporting part. It will be directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Night Watch, Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), let's just hope the Russian director can reign-in his exploitation roots and make a coherent film. The film is expected to begin production next year in Europe.


We know that Jack Huston has been itching for a franchise role. Becoming in the mix for the Star-Lord role in Guardians of The Galaxy, and rumored to be in the running for Doctor Strange. It's now very unlikely that Huston is still in the running (or ever was) to play Steven Strange. Only time will tell if this picture will end-up more like Gladiator, a watered-down version of Spartacus or at the end of the spectrum similar to Paul W. Anderson's Pompeii.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Thomas Krestchmann Will Play Baron Strucker In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

THR is reporting a small addition to the cast of Joss Whedon's Avengers: Age of Ultron, they say that actor Thomas Krestchmann has been cast as villain Baron Wolfgang von Strucker. The creator of A.I.M and eventual successor to Hydra. He is a character actor best known for roles in films such as The Pianist, King Kong, Stalingrad, Wanted and Valkyrie. Another excellent addition to the MCU, in my own opinion. The rest of the new additions include James Spader, Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Johnson, with production expect to begin soon in the UK.

BadassDigest is suggesting that Strucker could not only be taking the place of Red Skull, but possibly also Magneto. There were a few sources (mainly HitFix) that linked Strucker for the opening sequence of the film, and would have connections to new members of the Avengers team. BAD's theory suggests that, Strucker's own superpowered children (who are also twins) might be reworked into Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. This would be a great way to sever their mutant connection, and explain why the twins start out as villains.

SOURCE: THR

Director Joe Carnahan Confirms Script Complete For NEMESIS

Director Joe Carnahan (The Grey) confirmed today via Twitter that he's completed the script for Nemesis based on Mark Millar's (Kick-Ass, Wanted, Superior, Supercrooks) comic book. The film setup at Fox focuses on a Batman-type villain who spends a chunk of time once a year destroying a city going up against their top-cop. Liam Neeson seemingly wants to re-team with Carnahan for the hard-nosed action flick.

Matthew Vaughn Eyeing Jack O'Connell For Lead Role Alongside Colin Firth In THE SECRET SERVICE

TheWrap reports that writer/director Matthew Vaughn is keen on trying to get actor Jack O'Connell (300: Rise of An Empire) for the main role in The Secret Service. The film is based on the Mark Millar comic which would be a violent mix of My Fair Lady meets James Bond. As a veteran spy trains a young street smart teen to become a spy himself. Colin Firth is already set to play the mentor of the film and Jack is wanted for the hoodie role. Two other names in the mix also include John Boyega (Attack The Block) and Christian Cooke (Cemetery Junction).

Arnold Schwarzenegger Will Play Conan Again In THE LEGEND OF CONAN

By Crom! Deadline reports that Universal is set on rebooting the Conan franchise one more time. However, they'll be brining back Arnold Schwarzenegger to play the title role in The Legend of Conan. The new project being a direct sequel to the original 1982 film and is aiming for a Summer 2014 release date. It's interesting as the end of the first movie showed an aged Conan sitting upon his throne. It could be a very excellent way to continue the franchise if they do it properly this time around. Personally, I'd be fine if Arnie only resurrected his role of Conan and staying away from Terminator 5.

Mark Millar To Consult Fox On Their Marvel Films

It's looking like 20th Century Fox is taking another lesson from Marvel Studios as they have announced that comic book creator/writer Mark Millar will now consult their Marvel movies. He'll be involved in the creative development of the Wolverine, X-Men, Fantastic Four and Deadpool franchises. Millar is best known for his creator owned projects such as Wanted, Kick-Ass, Nemesis (film setup at Fox), Superior and Supercrooks. He is also one of the creative minds behind Marvel comics Ultimates (influencing Phase One/Two Marvel films), Civil War and Wolverine: Old Man Logan. I assume that this move is similar to Marvel placing Joss Whedon in the role of creative head of their phase two films. Mark could really bring new life/voice to these projects most notably Deadpool and the budding Fantastic Four reboot.

This is a giant step for Fox who has never really used the comic book community as a resource. Previously they had studio executives call the creative side of their superhero projects. There had been rumors that the studio was trying to connect their heroes in their own Marvel universe similar to what Marvel Studios is doing at the moment. I wouldn't be shocked to see Millar spearheading the Deadpool film first. Seeing an Old Man Logan in Wolverine 3 could also be a very interesting possibility. I'm sure it didn't hurt that Millar and Matthew Vaughn (X-Men First Class, X-Men Days Of Future Past) have such a strong working relationship.

Universal In Talks To Make Mark Millar's War Heroes

HeatVision reports that Universal Pictures is in negotiations to develop Mark Millar's War Heroes into a film. Previously the project had been with Columbia Pictures but the rights lapsed. The studio is in talks with screenwriters Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer who wrote Conan The Barbarian (2011) and recently handed in a script for Doctor Strange to Marvel Studios. The premises is an alternate America where soldiers are given pills to unlock various superpowers to fight the country's enemies.

This is yet another boost for comic writer/creator Mark Millar who is starting to become the next Stan Lee in the world of comic book films. War Heroes will be his 7th comic book turned into a film. Two movies have already been completed [Kick-Ass, Wanted] and six others in development [Wanted 2, Kick-Ass 2, Nemesis, Superior, The Secret Service, Supercrooks]. It will be interesting to see who they'll get to direct the film.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Justin Lin in contention considering Fast Five/Fast Six writer Chris Morgan is producing. Lin has been rumored/attached previously to Terminator 5, Highlander, Oldboy, The Wolverine and Die Hard 5. Robert Schwentke (RED) also seems like a possbility since he walked away from directing RED 2 and is currently helming another high concept comic book adaptation R.I.P.D. (his second comic book film) for the studio.

Kick-Ass 2 (2011-2012)

Mark Millar creator of the comic series Kick-Ass and Wanted has revealed that a second film is in development. Millar says that the first film leaves it open and even hints that there will be a sequel. He also says that the comics will be contintued, they could lead into the second film's storyline. So at the very least there will be more issues of Kick-Ass. If this is true we could see the return of the cast and director Matthew Vaughn. Now that the film has Lionsgate distrubiting it, I expect the sequel could find funding a bit easier. That also depends on the success when Kick-Ass is released in April 2010.

Bootleg Footage

The A-Team (June 11th 2010)

Based on the classic 80's television show. A group of Iraq War veterans looks to clear their name with the U.S. military, who suspect the four men of committing a crime for which they were framed. Director John Singleton was attached but has been replaced by John Carnahan (Smokin' Aces). Carnahan gave a decent effort with Smokin' Aces. Although the script itself wasn't strong enough for the a-list cast performing it. There is a bit of hope with Michael Brandt and Derek Haas writing the script. The pair are responsible for Wanted and 3:10 To Yuma. We can at least expect an entertaining and fun action flick.



Liam Neeson (Taken) will play Col. John "Hannibal" Smith. Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) has also joined the film playing Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck. Sharlto Copley (District 9) will play Capt. H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock. UFC fighter Rampage Jackson will play Sgt. Bosco "B.A." Baracus.



Jessical Biel (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) has been cast as an ex-lover of Faceman. Patrick Wilson (Watchmen) will play a C.I.A. agent, who is either helping or hunting the team.