When Will We See Guy Ritchie's The Real RockNRolla?

 The article on the site that gets the most traffic and comments is the one focusing on Guy Ritchie's The Real RockNRolla. It's been promised ever since the original theatrical release of RockNRolla and it was even teased in the credits. Since then Guy Ritchie has been focused on many other projects. I'm going to run down what those movies are and the prospects of when we could expect Ritchie to start production on the RockNRolla sequel.

When it comes to Ritchie's current project he is shooting Sherlock Holmes 2 with Robert Downey Jr. The now established franchise is giving Guy more commercial success than he's ever had before. I expect like with other dedicated Warner Bros. directors (Nolan, Snyder) he will be rewarded with financing for his original projects. The only setback is that he might want to round out a Holmes trilogy before jumping into anything else. I wouldn't be shocked to see Sherlock Holmes 3 his next film.

Guy's previously attached projects could also become a hold up on The Real RockNRolla. He's been in talks with producer Joel Silver to helm both Lobo and Sgt. Rock which are based on the DC comics.
The studio had filmed test shots for Lobo with Jeffery Dean Morgan (Watchmen) and possibly Clancy Brown (Highlander, Starship Troopers). Sgt. Rock is also in development hell and is being re-tool from being set during WWII to the future. I'm not sure if the productions stopped because of Holmes 2 or the fact the characters were taken from Silver by DC Entertainment.


Ritchie has also been attached to direct remakes of the Dirty Dozen and Excalibur for the studio. From what I understand Dozen got the axe because of Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. I'm sure it will eventually happen but needs time between the Tarantino film.

Excalibur was once part of Bryan Singer's long list of projects in the works. He's been focused on Jack The Giant Killer which made opt out on directing X-Men First Class. Giving Matthew Vaughn the chance to finally show us his version of the X-Men universe. It would be interesting to see Ritchie take on the world of fantasy.


Another dreaded obstacle could be Ritchie signing onto new projects. Mark Millar teased that Ritchie along with Sam Raimi had been interested in making a movie based on his comic Nemesis. The project now has Tony Scott in the director's chair setup at 20th Century Fox. It's not surprising to see his name involved with Millar's projects since Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn is a friend and producer of Guy's films. Vaughn helped produce Lock Stock, Snatch and Swept Away. Millar is now teasing that his new comic Superior will become a film. Superior is a mix of iconic comic book mythology taking influences from Superman, Thor and Shazam!. The comic writer says the director would be announced in January. There is a possibility Guy Ritchie very well could be this name.

A very doubtful but still possible project could be Iron Man 3. It's unlikely because of Guy's current relationship with both DC and Warner Bros. Yet Robert Downey Jr. has director approval and could choose someone he's worked with before.

There could also be other unnamed projects which come up and he signs on. My expectations is that while The Real RockNRolla script is more than likely completed Guy could focus more on his high profile projects first. I wouldn't assume to see it go into production until 2012-2013 at the earliest. While there is enough of a demand from fans of the original he is sort of moving forward with different types of films. You can't blame him for wanting to expand his genres and can respect wanting to try different things.

Harvey Keitel Also Joining Martin Scorsese's Irishman

I'm just beyond shocked at the amazing cast Martin Scorsese is putting together for The Irishman. First Robert De Niro, then yesterday with the confirmation from the actor himself that Al Pacino and Poe Pesci are joining. Now De Niro tells ShowBiz411 that Harvey Keitel is also in the movie. It's another big reunion with the addition of Keitel who worked with both Robert and Scorsese on such classics as Mean Streets and Taxi Driver. While it's too early to say I believe this new film quite possibly could rival the Departed and Goodfellas in awesomeness.

De Niro Confirms Pesci & Pacino For Scorsese's The Irishman

Robert De Niro while speaking with MTV confirms that Joe Pesci and Al Pacino have roles in The Irishman. The mob film which will be directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Steve Zallian (American Gangster, Gangs of New York) is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated films in development. I think this very well might be the epic teaming of Pacino and De Niro we've all been waiting for.

Robert also reveals Eric Roth (Benjamin Button) wrote a script that involves flashbacks and could be considered for a sequel/prequel in the future.

5 Candidates To Take Over Iron Man 3

Now that it's been confirmed by Jon Favreau himself that he is not returning for Iron Man 3 to focus on Disney's Magic Kingdom. Could Disney favorites Andrew Stanton (John Carter of Mars) and Joseph Kosinski (Tron Legacy) be hired to replace him? Other possibilities could include Marvel directors on the current payroll like Edgar Wright or Joss Whedon. To bring a new vision and blood to the franchise Marvel might want to look at some of the following directors.

MY TOP CHOICES

Ruben Fleischer is my personal choice to enter the world of Iron Man and re-tool it. If the studio is serious in bringing in new blood they'll get Ruben to bring the perfect balance of comedy and action. His smash hit Zombieland has lead to studios like Warner Bros. to offer him their big period crime film Tales From The Gangster Squad . If Marvel is looking to get this guy on the cheap now is the time. Ruben is currently finishing up on the adrenaline fueled comedy 30 Minutes Or Less. Production on Zombieland 2 is expect to start shooting sometime this fall/winter.






Ben Affleck is gaining praise for his recent work on The Town and it's rightly deserved. Affleck proved himself as an excellent director back when he made Gone Baby Gone. He's been offered high profile directing gigs over at Warner Bros. with the Superman reboot and Gangster Squad. While he's directed mostly dramatic films he got his start in comedy. Starring in such classics like Kevin Smith's Chasing Amy and Mallrats. He  played a comic book artist in Chasing Amy so I think that's enough geek credit. Including his decent portrayal of Daredevil (in a sloppy written/directed film) opposite Jon Favreau.

Another Ben that comes to mind is Ben Stiller, yes that Ben. Stiller has come into his own with directorial efforts Zoolander and Tropic Thunder. The latter which earned Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Oscar nomination. Ben like Edgar could double as writer and director saving Marvel some money on a screenwriter. Hopefully Stiller would stay behind the camera a mistake Favreau made during Iron Man 2. His character Happy Hogan was charming in the first film but became a large distraction in the sequel.

Matt Reeves best known for his work on Cloverfield could very well be another excellent candidate. He's been in contention for directing duties on both Wolverine 2 and Superman: Man of Steel. He's been able to impress a lot of people with his remake of Let The Right One In (Let Me In). Ending up a compliment to the original rather than a horrible mistake. Reeves visual style screams Marvel if he doesn't get the gig Kevin Feige needs to consider him for other properties.





David Gordon Green might not seem like a likely choice but he's been able to double as director talented in both comedy and drama. One of his first films Snow Angels was a deep dramatic piece. It wasn't until he jumped into directing the Seth Rogen comedy Pineapple Express that we really got see his wild side. I believe like Ruben, David would be able to bring that different vision to the Iron Man world and give it the much needed face-lift. He's putting the finishing touches on his epic stoner fantasy/comedy Your Highness which uses lots of practical and digital effects. So he wouldn't be new to the world of the green-screen and pre-visualization.

Bella Heathcote Joins Brad Pitt In Cogan’s Trade

Deadline says that Australian actress Bella Heathcote has signed on for a supporting role in Cogan’s Trade. This would knock the actress out of the running for the lead role in Snow White & The Huntsman. Bella is currently filming Andrew Niccol's Now which stars Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Alex Pettyfer and Olivia Wilde.

HeatVision first reported on the project which has Brad Pitt attached in the lead role of Jackie Cogan. The film is based on the novel by George V. Higgins and will be directed by Andrew Dominik. The story centers on Jackie Cogan, a professional enforcer who investigates a heist that takes place during a high stakes poker game under protection of the mob.

Brad Pitt teamed up with director Andrew Dominik previously on excellent western drama The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford. Other names that had been attached or interested include Sam Rockwell, Casey Affleck, Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem.

 

MARVEL UPDATES: Jon Favreau Not Directing Iron Man 3 & Pepper Not In Avengers

Vulture has learned that Jon Favreau has passed on directing Iron Man 3 for Marvel Studios. The site claims that Jon was frustrated over the studios' insistence to cram more of their heroes into the next film. One of the biggest hindrance of Iron Man 2 was the fact audiences has to endure over saturation of Marvel Easter eggs. From the pointless Captain America shield scene to the one to many Nick Fury appearances. While I doubt Iron Man 2 will be his last Marvel property I do expect him never to do another Iron Man. Of course this has yet to be confirmed by either Marvel/Disney or the director himself.

Jon is now branching out his genre brush with Cowboys & Aliens mixing science fiction with the classic western.  I'd love to see Jon tackle some hybrid Marvel heroes like Iron Fist, Black Panther and even Dr. Strange in the future. Now that Iron Man 3 is without a director I'm curious if they'll still be aiming for the May 2013 release date.

As expected Gwyneth Paltrow has confirmed that her character Pepper Potts will not be appearing in The Avengers. It's been mentioned previously that neither Jim Rhodes (War Machine) or Pepper Potts would be included in the Avengers films. Making perfect sense as not to over crowd the budding new franchise and to leave the Iron Man films somewhat separate.

McGraw Joins Denzel & Ryan Reynolds In Safe House

CinemaBlend reports that musician turned actor Tim McGraw has joined Daniel Espinosa's American debut film Safe House. The film written by newcomer David Guggenheim which made the 2010 Black List already has snagged Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds as the leads. It centers on a young U.S. intelligence agent who must go on the run with a newly arrived prisoner after his titular safe house comes under attack.

Daniel Espinosa's Snabba Cash is a wonderfully shot movie set in the underworld of Swedish drug trade. There is a lot of expectations for Safe House to be a near perfect film so everyone should keep an eye on it.

Felicity Jones Testing For Snow White & The Huntsman

Deadline reported today that Charlize Theron is still pursuing the role of the evil Queen in Rupert Sanders' Snow White & The Huntsman. They also mention Michael Fassbender is now up for the role of the Huntsman which had been rumored for Johnny Depp and Tom Hardy.

HeatVision adds to the story by releasing Universal's shortlist of actresses they'll be testing for the lead role of Snow White. The group includes mostly unknowns like Riley Keough, Bella Heathcoat and Alicia Vikander. Felicity Jones is best known actress on the list who has starred in The Tempest and Cemetery Junction. Jones is my favorite of the bunch and this could be her breakout performance.

This is director Rupert Sanders' debut film and is mostly known for his commercial work. Which includes the impressive live-action trailer for Halo ODST. He also made a short film entitled Black Hole which I assume is based on the comic book by Charles Burns.

Mila Kunis In Talks To Join Mark Wahlberg In Ted

HeatVision reports that Mila Kunis is negotiations to play Mark Wahlberg's girlfriend in the Seth McFarlane comedy Ted. The film focuses on a man who as young boy wishes his teddy bear would come alive. Twenty-five years later the bear has evolved into a pot smoking slacker and is holding him back. Seth McFarlane who wrote the film will play the bear Ted and also direct. Kunis is a regular on Family Guy playing Meg and previously worked with Wahlberg on the disastrous video game film Max Payne.

GEEKDOM: Hugo Strange Is The Best Villain For Dark Kngiht Rises!

Hugo Strange has been rumored for months now as the main villain in The Dark Knight Rises. Until this is confirmed it's pure speculation but it's very likely since he's a real-world based villain. There had been reports that Batman: Prey would heavily influence the next movie. The comic featured Dr. Hugo Strange a bizarre psychologist who is obsessed with Batman to point of wanting to replace him. Strange figures out Batman's identity then starts attacking him on a personal and psychological level.

Batman of course is a sociopath vigilante and psychology could be a great theme for the next film. Now that Batman is on the run after taking the blame for Harvey Dent's murders and the death of Dent himself. It's likely the manhunt would include a criminal psychologist brought in to analyze the situation and the identity of the masked killer.  

Christopher Nolan's track record of using obscure real-world villains speaks for itself. In Batman Begins he combined Ras al Ghul with Henri Ducard also using Dr. Crane (Scarecrow), Carmine Falcone and he teased Victor Zsasz. The Dark Knight used better known villains with The Joker and Harvey Dent (Two Face) but used lesser known Sal Maroni as the face of the mob. Nolan has excluded Mr. Freeze and The Riddler which gives the impression others like Poison Ivy, The Penguin and Catwoman could very well not be in the film.

While Hugo isn't very well known even to a Batman fan like myself. He soon will be courtesy of Arkham City the sequel to the massively successful video game Arkham Asylum. Strange is one of the game's main villains and with the new trailer he'll soon be known to the target audience of the next film. Considering the expectations from the gaming community it looks like the game could exceed the first installment. Giving Nolan and Warner Bros. their first promotion of the little known villain.

Tom Hardy & Jessica Chastain Join The Wettest County

John Hillcoat's (The Road) The Wettest County which had been retitled The Promised Land is finally back on track. TheHollywoodReporter says that actress Jessica Chastain has joined newly added Tom Hardy and Shia LaBeouf. Jessica is about to become better known with her upcoming films The Debt and Tree of Life. Before the project got snagged months back Ryan Gosling, Amy Adams, Paul Dano, Michael Shannon and Scarlett Johansson were involved.



The film based on the novel The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant focuses on on his grandfather and two great-uncles, the true gangsters story tells of the Bondurants boys, bootlegging siblings taking the law into their own hands in Prohibition-era Virginia while making a run for the American Dream. The film's script was written by musician Nick Cave who also wrote Hillcoat's The Proposition. I hope that Cave will also score the film like he did with the other project.

TRAILER: Pirates of The Caribbean On Stranger Tides

Martin Scorsese's The Irishman Next, Steve Zallian Handling Script

DigitalSpy (via ThePlaylist) reports on some new quotes from Martin Scorsese on one of his many gestating projects The Irishman. He reveals the film is currently in the financing stage and could shoot as early as next year. The film is based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt which focuses on WWII vet/union official turned mob hitman Frank 'The Irishman' Sheeran. Robert De Niro is attached to the role of Frank and Joe Pesci will also have a role in the project. It would be the first time the three have worked together since Casino.

Martin also confirms that Steve Zallian will be working on the script. Zallian has written scripts for films like Schindler's List, American Gangster, Gangs of New York and David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo remake. 

While I've been dying to see the much talked about prequel and sequel to the Departed, The Irishman sounds just as thrilling if not more. I'm not sure what this means for the planned roles for both De Niro and Pesci in David O'Russell's Drake's Fortune which will star Mark Wahlberg. I expect The Irishman could end up starting production in late summer or early fall giving the actors enough time to do both films.

POSTERS: Thor, Cowboys & Aliens and Green Hornet

Anne Hathaway & James McAvoy Joining Pride & Prejudice & Zombies?

Lionsgate announced Mike White would take over directing duties on Pride & Prejudice & Zombies. When David O'Russell exited the horror comedy to focus on Drake's Fortune. There had been rumors of interest from Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Mia Wasikowska, Tilda Swinton, and Catherine O’Hara.

Pajiba reports Anne Hathaway is under consideration to play Elizabeth Bennett. She's also being linked to Barbarella, Dark Knight Rises, Alien Prequel, Superman: Man of Steel and was cast in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 4 before it got axed. Her Becoming Jane co-star James McAvoy (X-Men First Class) is up for the role of Mr. Darcy.