RUMOR: Warner Bros. Keen On Christopher Nolan Directing Virtual Reality Flick READY PLAYER ONE?

TrackingBoard is reporting that Warner Bros. is offering the directing job for science fiction film Ready Player One to Christopher Nolan (Inception, Interstellar, Memento, The Dark Knight). The film is an adapatuon of the novel by Ernest Cline from screenwriter Zak Penn. Nolan usually isn't known for taking studio scraps, but after taking on the ex-Spielberg project Interstellar anything is possible. It should also be noted that Nolan really hasn't talked about future projects, other than his Howard Hughes movie.

"Follows a teenage boy who enters into an elaborate treasure hunt to win the fortune that was left behind in the will of the creator of his favorite virtual reality game, Oasis. He finds himself up against powerful corporations and competitors who will stop at nothing to get the inheritance."

The science fiction aspect and virtual reality aspect might be enough to sway Nolan. Even more so if he's able to rework the script himself or with the help of brother Jonah Nolan. I'm actually curious to know if he's been approached by Alcon to direct the Blade Runner sequel. Ridley Scott has been vocal in interviews about not being committal to the sequel (also backtracking to stop damage control), likely having to chose between it and Prometheus 2. You might remember that Alcon has a working relationship with Nolan, as production company helped him make the thriller Insomnia which starred Al Pacino and Robin Williams. It could also give Nolan a sizeable scale and mythology to play with, not to mention it's theme of replicant slavery.

SOURCE: TRACKINGBOARD

Guillermo Del Toro Officially Directing PACIFIC RIM 2 And It's Coming April 2017!

There was a giant-wave of anticipation last summer, concerning what to expect from Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim. An original cinematic universe influenced by the the world of anime, manga and kaiju films. It made a rather large splash internationally, earning $411 million worldwide. A decent amount of box office considering the genre and the fact it's not an existing franchise or IP. There had been talk from everyone invovled that a sequel could happen. Although, many people believed it still needed to earn more for that to happen. Critics mostly embraced the silliness of it and took it for what the film was (giant robots versus giant monsters).

The film also had a comic book and toys in stores at the time of it's release. Pacific Rim does have major merchandising potential, not unlike the Marvel/Star Wars universes. This seemingly has been picked up by the people over at Legendary Pictures, who produced the film and own the rights to it.

Guillermo has announced (via Legendary Picture's Youtube channel) that Legendary is moving forward with the sequel and he will be returning as it's director. Travis Beacham (Pacific Rim) and Zak Penn (Incredible Hulk, Avengers) will be working with del Toro to create the script. The release date has been set for April 7th, 2017, which is very similar to the Marvel's The Winter Soldier's date. It's a better placement for the release, as it will have less summer competition next time. Also, Universal will be partnering with Legendary on the project. The two companies recently developed a deal, which would see Universal distribute their films.

Production on Pacific Rim 2 would likely return to Pinewood Studios in Toronto. Where del Toro shot the original and is currently finishing-up production on his next film Crimson Peak. Actors such as Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day and Ron Perlman are expected to return for the sequel.

Legendary Pictures is highly invested in the kaiju genre, and is already moving forward with a Godzilla sequel. Gareth Edwards is attached to direct, but is also involved with an unnamed Star Wars spin-off coming in 2016. Oddly enough, Godzilla has currently earned even more than Pacific Rim. Taking in about $478 million worldwide, let's just remember Godzilla is known property that has been stomping cities since 1954. While Pacific Rim is just getting put together.