GODZILLA's Gareth Edwards Directing STAR WARS Spin-Off Coming December 2016

THR is reporting a new development concerning the Star Wars spin-offs. They say that Godzilla and Monsters director Gareth Edwards has been hired by Lucasfilm to direct one of their unnamed spin-offs. It's been rumored for months the first one could be the Boba Fett movie. It's rumroed to have a script penned by Lawrence Kasdan (Return of The Jedi, Empire Strikes Back, Episode VII), while the other films don't have completed scripts.

UPDATE: The release date is set for December 2016, which very well could mean this is Boba Fett. Along with the addition that Gary Whitta (After Earth, Book of Eli, Akira) has written the film. Fett is rumored to be the first spin-off released, and was expected to take the 2016 spot.

SOURCE: THR

First Trailer For Matthew Vaughn's Action Spy Comedy KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE

It's been a while since we've seen Matthew Vaughn direct a film, he was about to helm Days of Future Past before jumping ship to direct The Secret Service (based on Mark Millar's comic). The film has it's first trailer and it's been retitled Kingsman: The Secret Service. I assume that Kingsman will be the actual franchise name, if the movie is successful enough to spawn future installments. It's hooligan meets James Bond concept will likely win over a lot of curious moviegoers.

The footage seems to be on par with what we should expect from Matthew Vaughn, but it does look like he's has a larger studio budget to play with this time around. Considering how small the budget was for Kick-Ass. I'm loving this trailer, and I can even play-along with Sam Jackson's silly lisp. Something that's not hinted to in the trailer, is the crazy amount of celebrity cameos which include Mark Hamill, David Beckham and Taylor Swift.

Scarlet Witch Joining The Lineup For X-MEN: APOCALYPSE?

We already have confirmation of sorts that Gambit played by Channing Tatum, will likely appear in X-Men: Apocalypse. Other favorites like Nightcrawler, Cyclops, Jean Grey and Storm could get rebooted for the sequel as well, while not entirely confirmed. These "new" additions would be younger versions as the film is set in the 1980's alongside Beast, Mystique, Magneto, Xavier, Wolverine and Quicksilver. However, we could be getting yet another character thrown into the group.

Simon Kinberg and Bryan Singer have already mentioned that Scarlet Witch's introduction was cut-out of Days of Future Past last minute. Kinberg now reveals to TotalFilm during an interview, that they shot the footage. It does exist, maybe we'll get to see it on the Blu Ray release? He also confirms what we all expected to hear, that Quicksilver will be in the sequel.

This might not be the last we hear of Wanda's inclusion in the franchise. I've heard that Fox wants to include Scarlet in the next film, but I have zero idea how big her role could be. It's the main reason I was sure she was going to show-up in Days of Future Past. They could rework the original introduction, or she might end-up a major player in the sequel. Treat as a rumor, but if they were willing to introduce her and shot the scene, it's likely they will want to use Scarlet Witch in Apocalypse.

The character will also be getting massive exposure thanks to Avengers: Age of Ultron, and the studio will likely want to capitalize on sharing the character with Marvel Studios. Fox needs to add more female character into the mix, as Jennifer Lawrence's Mystique is really the only woman represented in the 70's scenes. Placing Scarlet, Jean and Storm into the sequel would at least overshadow the Avengers lack of female super-powered heroines. Although Ms/Captain Marvel is rumored for an appearance in Age of Ultron, Elizbeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch is the only one confirmed.

If I had to pick an actress that would make an excellent Scarlet Witch, who is also around the same age as Evan Peters (27). It would have to be Game of Thrones actress Rose Lesile, who has the look and the attitude needed for a role like this. Let's face-it, Fox needs to up their casting game if they want to compete with Marvel Studios. Hiring unknowns just isn't going to cut it anymore. Currently, the script is still being written, while a production start hasn't been announced. Even though, Apocalypse is set for release in 2016.

SOURCE: TOTALFILM

EXPENDABLES 3 Wants Some Of That FAST & FURIOUS Cash, Aiming For PG-13 Rating

The shtick of Expendables franchise is that they resurrect older or fading action stars, placing them into this ultra-violent world of mercenaries, which is an homage to action films of the 80's. It's been successful for them, but apparently not as much as they think it could be.

Deadline reports Sly Stallone made statements at Cannes about changing the direction of the franchise, by getting a PG-13 rating. I'm sure there is a collective groan coming from their fanbase, as this is obviously a cash-grab. Instead of allowing the franchise to be exposed to the next generation of action genre audiences. I assume he means the generation that has made Fast And Furious one the biggest action franchises.

“We want to reach as many people as possible. It’s very close to an R, believe me, it’s right there. But I think we owe it to the next generation. We thought we’d join that club for a while.” 

While I understand the business angle, trying to get more asses in seats and recouping the increased budget. It seems like a slap in the face to the fans who have supported the R-rated franchise. Another reason for this move might be to convince potential additions to the cast such as Jackie Chan. Even though, Stallone had made comments that this movie would outdo The Raid, it's starting to sound like this franchise might have the wind taken out of it with this move.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Alfonso Cuarón In Talks To Direct HARRY POTTER Spin-Off FANTASTIC BEASTS

NikkiFinke is about to make a comeback after being forced-out of Deadline, and she already has a decent scoop. She claims that Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Gravity) is now in talks to direct Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. A Harry Potter spin-off book written by J.K. Rowling and is said to be getting a trilogy treatment.

Alfonso had been rumored to be in the mix for future Star Wars films. Warner Bros. trying to lock him into these new Potter films would be a smart move, on their part. Cuarón is credited for directing the first mature installment of the Potter franchise with The Prisoner of Azkaban. Having him spearhead a new trilogy could make for something worth getting excited.

SOURCE: NIKKIFINKE

WONDER WOMAN Actress Gal Gadot Spotted On The BATMAN VS SUPERMAN Set

After a couple of extremely blurry photos of Gal Gadot on the set of Batman Vs Superman. We now have decent one of Gal, I have to assume as Diana Prince (or whoever she is pretending to be in the film). Gal's role hasn't confirmed has being more than a cameo, but with Justice League production up-next it could be increased. The film is still set for a May 6th, 2016 release date.

GODZILLA Sequel In The Works On The Heels Of Franchise's Biggest Domestic Opening Ever

It's a huge weekend of successes for Legendary's Godzilla reboot. The film has the 2nd largest opening weekend of 2014 at $93 million (estimated), edging out The Amazing Spider-Man 2. A giant win for the project considering, it was an uphill battle since the terrible impression the 1998 American left on audiences. The studio has been vindicated and along with that is of course talk of seuqels.

Deadline reports that Legendary and it's old partner Warner Bros. will be working together on the next installment of the Godzilla franchise. The two companies recently parted-ways, with Legendary making a new distribution deal with Universal. Let's hope they come up with a better title than Godzilla 2, maybe something like Godzilla Vs (place iconic/new kaiju monster here). I would assume that director Gareth Edwards will be asked to return, considering how the look of the film seems to have won over a lot of people. On the other hand, there were so many screenwriters on the first installment. Max Borenstein and Dave Callaham were the main writers, along with David Goyer and Frank Darabont contributing to it as well. I kinda hope they stick to one or two writers next time, but that's going to be unlikely.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Jennifer Lawrence And Natalie Dormer Looking Like Badasses In MOCKINGJAY Set Photos

DailyMail and other photo sites have scooped some new set images from Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.  Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones) is decked out with some heavy firepower, while oddly we see others like Katniss still using bows. The photos also include images of Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin and Mahershala Ali. To say this movie looks amazing is an understatement. I totally dig what I'm seeing, I avoid the final book because I wanted the last two films to surprise me. I'm glad I did because it looks like the movies might turnout better than the final book.

Hugh Jackman's Flip-Flop On Desire To Play WOLVERINE Part Of New Contract Negotiation?

We've been hearing in recent interviews from Hugh Jackman, that he might be ready to hang-up his claws as Wolverine. This would be expected to happen after Wolverine 3 is released in 2017, but nothing had been official. By 2017, Jackman will have played the role nine times. It's not hard to imagine him wanting to move-on and allowing another actors to takeover the iconic comic book role.

Not so fast, during the Australian premiere of Days of Future Past, Jackman had changed his tune. While speaking with IGN on the red carpet, he's apparently now been given new energy from the recent film. Without spoiling the film, believing there is a lot more that can be said with the character.

“At one point, you’re right, I said I was pretty sure [that 'Wolverine 3' would be my last outing in the role]. But I’m less sure as it goes along. Because after seeing this movie, the whole thing feels fresher to me than ever. And during this movie…I don’t want to spoil anything, but it’s kind of like a clean slate, so who knows where it’s going to go. As long as I have the passion for it and the fans will have me.”

I have to agree there is plenty more left to be said concerning the stories of Wolverine. Considering we're now dealing with an alternate X-Men universe. Fox could perhaps reboot Logan's time with the Weapon X program, including his history going up-again Omega Red during the Cold-War. Even introducing Canada's own mutant team Alpha Flight, which Wolverine was a member of is now a viable option. Other interesting Wolverine stories include Horsemen of The Apocalypse, which might be influencing X-Men: Apocalypse. Jackman has mentioned an interest in the Old Man Logan story, that might be lip-service as it would be a difficult adaptation. Although, combing Old Man with elements of Mark Millar's Enemy of The State could work. Now that Wolverine's new legacy is open to new stories, anything can happen. Because of this, Wolverine 3 might not even become a direct sequel to The Wolverine. I wouldn't rule-out Logan being apart of the main lineup of Jeff Wadlow's X-Force.

This could all be a contract negotiation tactic, spearheaded by Jackman. There had been rumors (via TheNationalEnquirer) that Fox was considering re-signing Hugh for at least four more movies. This new deal would have likely included Wolverine 3, X-Men: Apocalypse and two unnamed films (X-Force being another?). The price-tag was estimated to be around $100 million. Hugh went on to deny the rumblings and gave a EW statement on why he wouldn't consider something like a multi-picture contract.

"No it’s not true. I would never do that. I’ve never done that mainly because, for the fans and for me, each time I’ve gone around there’s been a really good reason to do it and I don’t know what that reason is from here. I’m in the middle of making this and I just promoted the other and I’m really happy with the way The Wolverine came out."

I have to assume that Jackman truly doesn't want to be involved with multi-picture contracts, and you can't blame him. Everyone involved with X-Men Origins: Wolverine, have basically tried to forget it even happened. Producer Lauren Shuler Donner, has said as much when it comes to Origins and X3. It's possible if Jackman isn't allowed a say in future films development, it could end-up becoming another disaster.

A play-or-pay type of deal is likely what Hugh is actually looking for. Giving him the ability to agree to a project before there is an obligation to appear in it. At this point in Hugh's career and role within the X-Men franchise, it's not crazy to think he'd get more of say of the direction of the film's he's involved with. Perhaps, he also wants his responsibilities as producer increased as well. Of course, this is all speculation on my part, but it's doubtful Fox actually wants to let him go.

His new attitude towards the character, might be a hint that's found common ground with the studio concerning future films. It's also very possible that Fox has asked Jackman to be a bit more positive when speaking about his future in the franchise. He does have another two films to make, I'm not exactly sure how he signed-off on those movies without finished scripts.

UPDATED! More Actresses In The Mix For Roles In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

It was a bit shocking when J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm announced that we were only getting one new female cast member (Daisy Ridley) for Star Wars: Episode VII. This led to some backlash, and it seems like Abrams and crew are actually adding more ladies to the cast. LatinoReview has caught-word that British actress Katie Jarvis is one of two new ladies possibly joining the production. Jarvis is best known for the 2009 British film Fish Tank starring opposite Michael Fassbender.

They also re-affirm previously rumored Oxford unknown Maisie Richardson-Sellers, who had been linked to the possible Kenobi female role. We had heard from BadassDigest that Sophie Turner (Game Of Thrones) was also in the mix. Let's keep in mind their have been many casting rumors, and not every single one has turned-out. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o  (12 Years A Slave) had taken a meeting with Abrams, but it's unknown if she'll take a role either.

UPDATE! TrackingBoard is confirming the addition of actresses Katie Jarvis and Maisie Richard-Sellers to the cast.


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

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 Real Look At Christopher Nolan's Wormhole Adventure Film INTERSTELLAR With New Trailer!

The first real trailer for Christopher Nolan's original sci-fi epic Interstellar has made it's way online. It's more than I was expecting, showing a lot of the problems facing Earth. Before the eventual mission to find something to save the planet's popular, teasing the wormhole aspect ever so slightly. I have to admit I was getting a few 2001 moments from the shuttle scenes. It will be release in November, and I'm shocked the studio didn't try to find a place for it in their summer lineup.

The A-Holes (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) Have A New Throwback Team Poster!

Zack Snyder And Larry Fong Teasing Joker For BATMAN VS SUPERMAN?

We've been hearing for months that Batman Vs Superman will be taking major cues from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. This was confirmed with Ben Affleck's Miller inspired Batsuit. Another tidbit is making the rounds thanks to director of photography Larry Fong, after posting this image below on Twitter. It's obviously teasing the Joker, as it stands we don't have an actor confirmed for the role.

So what kinda of actor could fill the Joker's shoes. It's extremely difficult to pin-point what direction Zack Snyder and the studio would go. However, my vote goes to veteran character actor Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs, Boardwalk Empire, Sopranos, Fargo, Con Air). He has the body of work and credibility to give us a chilling new take on the Joker.



 Only problem, Miller's version of The Joker is psychically imposing and built like a brick-house. An actor I could see in the role currently cast in the film is Australian actor Callan Mulvey (300: Rise of An Empire, Captain America: The Winter Soldier). He's huge and eerily looks like the Miller take of the villain facially as well. It's been rumored he would be taking a villain role, but what that role hasn't been confirmed. Then again, we already have Lex Luther (Jesse Eisenberg) and rumblings of other Superman villains, could they even have room for a Batman rogue?

SOURCE: LARRYFONG

We Need More Women Directing Comic Book Projects, How About Jane Goldman And Jovanka Vuckovic?

Yesterday, it was confirmed that Roberto Orci had been chosen to direct Star Trek 3. A screenwriter many believe is sub-par for the job, and is said to have forced his way into the director's chair. By blocking other candidates from even being considered, and bullying Paramount. It's beyond shocking that the studio would be even willing to consider a director with zero experience to spearhead a project that could be costing them north of $150 million in production costs. Orci was involved with television for decades, but it never occurred to him to direct an episode of the shows he was running/producing or writing for. The cons outweigh the pros, anyway you cut it, no matter what trolling screenwriter Max Landis (turned budding director?) will have you believe. 

This whole debacle was a slap in the face of budding directors and more the norm, female directors. 

It was pointed out that the highest budgeted film a woman directed was Kathryn Bigelow's K-19, which twelve years ago and cost $100 million. That's almost the cost for a large studio comedy film these days. The studio system doesn't even consider women for this high-profile projects, and if they do a reason if found to remove them. It's also a bit insulting to always fall-back to Bigelow as the only female director, because there are many hardworking ladies in the industry, they just aren't given the exposure she is. 

Marvel Studios famously hired Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) to originally direct Thor: The Dark World, only a month or so after her announcement she left the production. The studio siting "creative differences", and Patty sounded unfazed by the whole experience. Jenkins would have made history as the first female director to make a mainstream studio comic book movie. Of course, Lexi Alexander being our first lady of Marvel, directing the brutally-fun Punisher: War Zone. Marvel missed their mark, while movies like Captain America: The Winter Soldier proved they can be equal, when it comes to on-screen characters. There's still hope that Jenkins could return to the franchise to direct Thor 3, since Alan Taylor will be busy with his Terminator trilogy.

There are already three female-driven comic book projects coming down the line. Marvel's Jessica Jones series on Netflix and their feature adaptation of Captain Marvel (the Black Widow movie now in limbo) which is in script development. Even Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment is coming to their senses, and have Gal Gadot contracted to make a Wonder Woman movie. The latter is more up-in-the-air, as Gal has to complete filming Batman Vs Superman and Justice League before anything is announced. 

My hope is that filmmakers like Patty and Michelle MacLaren (The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad) land the directing gigs on these female-driven projects. Let's face it's about time, and these projects are tailor-made for them to direct. I've already mentioned how perfect Michelle would be for the Wonder Woman movie. However, there are two ladies I'd love to see also get into the mix. 

Jane Goldman (Stardust, The Woman In Black, The Debt, Pinocchio, Nonplayer, Miss Peregrine, Dan Leno And The Lighthouse Golem) is best known as a screenwriter, and the sometimes writing partner of director Matthew Vaughn. Her comic book writing credits include The Secret Service, Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past. I have to assume she might also get involved with scripting for other comic film projects such as Superior, Golden Age and Bloodshot.

Seeing Jane make the jump to director feels more natural than Roberto Orci or Mark Millar becoming directors. If we're going to talk about writers who deserve shots to become features directors, Jane is good place to start. There are a couple projects I think Jane would be excellent for, working closely with Matthew Vaughn on so many productions. She obviously has the vision needed to handle such a task.

The first is, Ed Brubaker's Velvet. This comic is actually very new but it takes and interesting concept, which would be perfect for film adaptation. Brubaker has describe this comic as, "what if Moneypenny was accused of killing James Bond". Considering Goldman has already written the spy genre with The Secret Service, and nailed the action-side in her Kick-Ass/X-Men scripts, she'd be perfect to also adapt the work. Brubaker is coming-off massive success with his Winter Soldier comic saga being a major influence on the recent Captain America sequel, and the third installment. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are also adapting his comic Sleeper for the big screen. It's only a matter of time before Velvet makes the studio rounds. 

Goldman also has a knack for the supernatural and superpower side of the genre. Which could make her a prime candidate to direct Dark Universe/Justice League Dark. A project which Guillermo del Toro is hatching/producing with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, that explores the horror-side of the DCU. It's very possible that del Toro, like with many other projects he's producing will hand this off to another director. Jane could help with the script and could even make the film on a lower budget, guaranteeing that she and del Toro would get more creative freedom with their vision. 

The film would consist of a group of heroes with supernatural powers (not unlike the X-Men but with a horror edge), which would include John Constantine, The Spectre, Swamp Thing, Zatanna, Deadman and others. She's proven she can handle large-scale superhero narrative with First Class and Days of Future Past. Not to mention the supernatural element with movies like Stardust and The Woman In 
Black.

Speaking of team films, there's one that we've been waiting for ages which is BPRD. The Hellboy spin-off that's been mentioned almost as many times as the now-dead Hellboy 3. It's still a viable film as there are plenty of team members yet to be explored, and could be made without Hellboy in a lead role. 

I'd also totally be onboard to see her tackle Captain Marvel or if Marvel Studios ever resurrected the Black Widow movie. There are more than a few sources claiming that Ms. Marvel/Captain Marvel will be introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron. We've been hearing for months that Marvel is ramping-up development on her solo film, with a script being penned by an unknown writer. Guardians of The Galaxy writer Nicole Perlman recently rewrote a new Widow script, which is completely different than the original film David Hayter (Watchmen, X-Men, X2) was attached to write-direct ten years ago.

Another lady that would flourish in this genre would be Jovanka Vuckovic. A Canadian horror director and of Rue Morgue fame. Her credits include The Captured Bird which was produced by Guillermo del Toro, and the all-female horror anthology XX. Variety just reported that Jovanka would make her feature directorial debut with an adaptation of Clive Barker's Jacqueline Ess with Lena Headey (Dredd, 300, Game of Thrones) in the lead role. A project that surely will get a lot of attention.  

While Goldman is not currently on Twitter, Jovanka is. During some exchanges on Twitter she mentioned being a fan of Mike Mignola's Baltimore, as I suggested she would be perfect for it. New Regency once tried to adapt the comic into a feature with David S. Goyer (Blade, Man of Steel) set to write-direct, but the studio passed with the rights reverting back to Migola and others. 

Considering her connections to Guillermo del Toro, it wouldn't be hard to imagine her being able to reach out to Mike Mignola or vise-versa. Legendary Pictures is now in the business of Guillermo del Toro working with him on Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak, which has now partnered with Universal Pictures. Universal was the studio that helped get the first two Hellboy movies made, also part of the comic universe of Mike Mignola. 

She also mentions a huge passion for Preacher. Luckily, for her Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are showrunning/writing the project for television. The pair are responsible for films such as Superbad, Pineapple Express, The Interview and This Is The End. Their work on apocalyptic comedy This Is The End is basically a great example of what Preacher could be. The series will air on AMC, the network that has given us The Walking Dead, one of the most successful comic-to-television adaptations ever made. The duo are also directors, but let's hope they give others, such as Vuckovic a couple of episodes to direct.

"Preacher" follows Reverend Jesse Custer, a tough Texas preacher who has lost his faith, has learned that God has left Heaven and abandoned His responsibilities. He finds himself the only person capable of tracking God down, demanding answers, and making Him answer for His dereliction of duty. Accompanying Jesse on his journey is his former girlfriend and a friendly vampire who seems to prefer a pint in the pub to the blood of the innocent. On his tail is one of the most iconic bad guys in print – an immortal, unstoppable killing machine named the Saint of Killers – a western lone gunman archetype whose sole purpose is to hunt and kill Jesse.

It's our duty in the fan community to voice our distain to what Hollywood is doing, with this genre. We know there are talented female directors, and we all want to see female-driven films. Keep repeating these ideas and maybe the studios will finally get it into their heads, it will work.