Darren Aronofsky Jokingly Teases Interest In Godzilla Remake

Collider found a quote from the director which sort of teases him contemplating the Godzilla reboot. A journalist asked Aronofsky whether he would like to remake Frankenstein or Godzilla one day. He very well was joking but he answered remaking the king of the monsters.

 “Why is that so funny? That’s all I ever wanted to do – remake Godzilla.”

When it comes to Darren Aronofsky I never say never. He is still hopeful to remake Robocop some day along with his Lone Wolf & Cub (Shogun Assassin) film. The latter I think he'll get out of his system with the samurai/ninja filled production of The Wolverine. With MGM getting back on it's legs Robocop is still possible. He's also been offered directing gigs on both Batman (pre-Nolan) and Superman. While Godzilla seems a very unlikely choice for a director of his caliber he must have grown up on the extensive library of Godzilla films like myself and others. It's also not that unbelievable since the studio is rumored to be looking for a writer/director to take on the project.

Previously there had been a bit of confusion when Legendary Pictures (the same studio that is making the Godzilla reboot) bought another monster-based project Pacific Rim from screenwriter Travis Beacham (Clash of The Titans). Later when Pacific Rim was rumored to be offered to Guillermo del Toro along with the film being re-tooled into the Godzilla project.  Guillmero went on the record denying any involvement with Godzilla.

“I am not involved in ‘Godzilla’ at all,” Guillermo replied once I’d explained the rumor to him.  “I haven’t read it or plan to read it.  Nor have I been approached to direct it.”

Orlando Bloom Reprising Legolas For The Hobbit

It looks like Legolas is headed back to Middle Earth. Deadline reports that Orlando Bloom is set to reprise the role of Elf Legolas in The Hobbit. It's expected that Hugo Weaving, Sir Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis will be returning as well as their characters are prominent in the book. Yet they haven't completed deals at this moment.

Interesting enough the Legolas role will be bigger than a cameo. He could very well join the adventure or show up during the Battle of Five Armies taking down hordes of goblins.

Kevin Feige Gives Insight To Upcoming Marvel Projects

In the Thor set visit interview from Collider which was held during before the production of Captain America. Kevin Feige gives the impression that The Howling Commandos will be the only Marvel hero group used in the film. Previously there had been rumors that we'd see a mix of Commandos and Invaders in the movie.

Director Joe Johnston has denied on many occasions that Namor (a member of the Invaders) would be included in the film. Saying the film would focus on only one Marvel hero. This could mean that others such as Union Jack and Spitfire would also not be featured. It makes sense that Namor and Union Jack could be better suited in their own films or contemporary Marvel sequels. So this would mean that J.J. Feild is playing Percy Pinkerton not Union Jack.

Also yesterday Feige was involved with a live chat on HeroComplex (LATimes) which was to promote the release of the new Thor trailer. Where the producer dished on tidbits of future projects and answered fans questions. Even Incredible Hulk director Louis Leterrier dropped by to say hi. I was luckily enough to join this chat yet it was beyond crowded and laggy.

Kevin gave confirmation that The Avengers' Iron Man armor will see an evolution similar to the different suits in Iron Man 2. Giving me the impression the Hulk Buster suit is an option.

 "Joss would kill me if I gave anything away, but I will say that the evolution you saw his armor take in IM2 will continue in The Avengers."

One of the biggest admissions of Kevin is confirmation that Marvel Studios has indeed got the rights back for The Punisher. A Frank Castle show is being rumored to be setup at HBO for a hardcore violent series. He doesn't comment on where we'll see Frank next. Kevin does mention how the Blade franchise had been a successful group of R-themed films.

"Punisher's back in house, and various plans are in the works."

He even spoke on the possibilities of bringing Moon Knight to life. Knight had been set to become a TV series but it ultimately didn't happen. The vigilante hero is one of the most complex in the Marvel roster living the life of cab driver, playboy, mercenary and mystical vigilante.

"Moonknight's a challenging, but extremely interesting character. We've been discussing various versions of it for years."
 

Kevin briefly confirmed projects in the works like Black Panther, Iron Fist and his love/hope for a Dr. Strange movie. He also talked Luke Cage and his love interest Jessica Jones, it's one of few times he's brought up the Luke Cage project. Liking everyone's support for Isaiah Mustafa (Old Spice Guy) to play Cage. He also gave an update on the progress of Edgar Wright's Ant-Man.

"Edgar was here a few days ago. He's already working on the next draft."

TRAILER: Thor

TRAILER: Real Steel

Ryan Gosling Considering The Flash If Nicolas Winding Refn Directs

Ryan Gosling is no stranger to the world of casting rumors he previous had been mentioned as a contender for Green Lantern. Now Ryan is starting his own comic book rumors while talking to ThePlaylist during his current press junket for Blue Valentine.

He mentions director Nicolas Winding Refn's passion for Wonder Woman. Along with the possibility of starring in The Flash if Refn was directing. Gosling is working with Refn on Drive which he mentions could get a sequel. Going with director Nicolas Winding Refn would be similar to hiring Christopher Nolan for Batman and Darren Aronofsky for The Wolverine.

“I mean, I’m not actively looking for [a franchise],” Gosling qualified, “It would be like, ‘Who’s directing it, what’s the story? ....He’s [Refn] talked to me about Wonder Woman. They should totally let him do it.”

“If Nicolas wanted to do ‘The Flash’....I don’t know. I’d probably have to think about it.”
 

Matt Damon Could Join Neill Blomkamp's Elysium

Deadline reports Matt Damon is in active talks to join the cast of Neill Blomkamp's sci-fi horror film Elysium. The only actor officially hired currently is Sharlto Copley who gave such powerful performance in Blomkamp's District 9. It will be interesting see the other big names who I assume will also want to star in the film. While the film is expected not to have any connection with District 9 I assume the action level will be just as high if not bigger.

RUMOR: Anne Hathaway Up For Barbarella?

 Not much news has been coming out of the Barbarella remake since director Robert Rodriguez left the project. Rodriguez had sets built with Rose McGowan ready to play the sexy sci-fi character. Last we heard Robert Luketic was going to direct and Jessica Biel was likely to be the lead.

  Now there is word from Pajiba that Anne Hathaway is the newest actress "attached" for Barbarella. It wouldn't be hard to imagine since she's been rumored for auditioning for Dark Knight Rises, Superman: Man of Steel and Ridley Scott's Alien Prequel.

Fassbender & Yeoh In Talks For Alien Prequels, Now Titled Paradise?

Vulture reports Ridley Scott's Alien Prequel is now titled Paradise. They also mention two new actors who are on Ridley's wishlist. For the role of android "David" Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Bsterds, X-Men First Class) is in mind along with Michelle Yeoh (Sunshine) for "Vickers".

There is also a businessman role I assume from the company who I'd like to see James Franco (127 Hours, Rise of The Apes) get. Franco had tested for the film but it's unknown for which part. Noomi Rapace is still the front runner for lead role of Elizabeth Shaw but no announcements have been made by the studio.

Screenwriter Hired For Michael Mann's Big Tuna

Variety reports that Michael Mann has hired screenwriter Sheldon Turner to work on Big Tuna. The gangster film will focus on Chicago crime lord Tony Accardo, and his young protege Sam Giancana. Turner is best known for his work on Up In The Air screenplay. While Public Enemies was a disappointment I still have faith in the director and expect big things from this project.

The Wachowskis' Next Film Is Hood, Will Smith Offered Lead Role?

HeatVision reports Warner Bros., producer Joel Silver and the Wachowskis will re-team for Hood. The film is an modern urban take on the Robin Hood tale. It will be written and directed by the pair who haven't made a film since the underrated/visually stunning Speed Racer. Knowing the Wachowskis it will have epic action scenes and could be a franchise in the making. They've reached out to Will Smith, who originally passed on the role of Neo but his wife Jada starred in the sequels. Their other project CN-9 is currently having funding issues so it seems like this one could go into production first.

Cate Blanchett & Others Join The Hobbit

New Line/Warner Bros. has announced more cast members for Peter Jackson's The Hobbit. Cate Blanchett will reprise her role of Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien. Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who) will play wizard Radagast The Brown who had been rumored for role for months. Along with Mikael Persbrandt as shape-shifter Beorn, Ken Stott as the Dwarf Lord Balin, Lord of The Rings alum Jed Brophy will play Nori, newcomer Ryan Gage will be Drogo Baggins who is Frodo's father and William Kircher as Bifur.

The film also stars Martin Freeman, James Nesbitt, Richard Armitage, Aidan Turner, Rob Kazinsky, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton and Adam Brown. It's a decent mix of seasoned and new talent which could launch many future acting careers.

Spider-Man Will Be Shot With Red Epic 3D Cameras, Plus A Blond Emma Stone

Production just started on Spider-Man Monday and it was revealed by cinematographer John Schwartzman to Engadget the camera system they'll be using. They've gone with Red Epic 3D cameras which will also be used on the two Hobbit films. It's exciting since these are the best digital cameras on the market and will boost the film's visual presence. Emma Stone who is playing Gwen Stacy was spotted donning her new blond locks. 

Jon Favreau Says Iron Man 3 Is Sequel To Other Marvel Films

We know in the Marvel time-line that Iron Man 2 is set just before the events of The Incredible Hulk then comes Thor, Captain America and Avengers. Jon Favreau admits to MTV that Iron Man 3 will be sequel to ll those films essentially expanding the world setup in Avengers.

 The Marvel film universe is expansive where all the characters owned by Marvel/Disney can interact and share villains. I assume this means we could see other "meta-humans" involved in the third film like Cap, Hulk or Thor.



"In theory, 'Iron Man 3' is going to be a sequel or continuation of 'Thor,' 'Hulk,' 'Captain America' and 'Avengers,'" he said. "This whole world... I have no idea what it is. I don't think they do either, from conversations I've had with those guys." 


MY THOUGHTS:

The only other tidbits of information we know is that Favreau is keen on using the Mandarin which would include the Ten Rings as the film's villains. Hopefully this means we could see Mandarin developing his own suits like Fing Fang Foom. Having a villainous group similar to Hydra for Iron Man could be great for the series. An established group of villains would be better than scrambling like they did with Justin Hammer and Whiplash.

If they were to include one other villain I'd love to see Ghost. He's an interesting character that could be very visually stunning if done properly. Plus it doesn't hurt that the character's suit is super-stealthy which could help him gather Stark's blueprints for the Iron Man technology and new power source.


Emily Blunt, who was originally in line to play Black Widow might have a role in the film. It would be expected she'd play either Whitey Frost or Scarlet Witch. Favreau was going to cast Scarlett Johansson in the Witch role before Blunt left the film. I wouldn't be surprised to see the two switch roles. I'm not sure if Witch is under the control of Fox considering her extensive appearances in Avengers and West Coast Avengers comics.


While I like the idea of seeing Cap and Thor in an Iron Man film they don't really need to be in it. I expect we'll end up seeing the Iron Legion which could be Stark's own personal branch of SHIELD/Avengers. Rhodey put together a group of trusted Stark employees and friends to pilot old Iron Man suits. I wouldn't be surprised to see Pepper's Rescue along with Bethany Cabe representing the female side of the group.

Sharlto Copley Joins Neill Blomkamp's Elysium

Deadline reports that Sharlto Copley has joined Neill Blomkamp's (District 9) next film Elysium. While the science fiction/horror film is being kept under-wraps it might be set off-world. It could be linked to the Blomkamp short AGM Heartland that was posted by Wired.