Donald Glover Wants To Audition For Spider-Man
Comedian Donald Glover from NBC's Community and the indie comedy Mystery Team is openly campaigning to audition for the Spider-Man reboot. What seems to shock most Spidey fans is that he is hoping to play Peter Parker. It's interesting to see someone who is recently gaining fame and success doing such a grassroots thing. Forget our hangups on casting superheroes based on their ethnicity in the original comics. I believe Glover deserves an audition for the role if this campaign gains enough steam. It's still beyond unlikely that Sony would decide to deviate from the original character in this direction. I think he's the right age and could still pull off playing someone in high school. Someone has setup a facebook page to support Donald.
*Should we see more diversity with casting for comic book films?
Guillermo Del Toro Leaves The Hobbit, So What's Next?
Guillermo del Toro has announced on TheOneRing he will be stepping downa as director for The Hobbit. There has been talk for months of problems with MGM dealing with it's finical troubles which had been hindering the production start. I expect that Peter Jackson will wait it out then jump on board to diret the two films.
"In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming “The Hobbit,” I am faced with the hardest decision of my life. After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand. I’ve been privileged to work in one of the greatest countries on earth with some of the best people ever in our craft and my life will be forever changed. The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director."
So what's next for Guillermo? There seems to be lots of projects he could take on which include a new Frankenstein film for Universal Pictures. There has been talk of him directing Doctor Strange for Marvel Studios. Hellboy 3 has also been in development which would be the final movie in the series.
First Look: Jill Valentine In Resident Evil Afterlife
STYD was able to get this still of the new Jill Valentine played by Sienna Guillory in Resident Evil Afterlife. The image points out it's the Jill from Resident Evil 5, notice the the scarab device in her chest. The image below is Valentine from the video game and I've also been able to find the scarab prop from the film. This points to the fourth installment is incorporating much more video game mythology than previous films.
Dennis Hopper 1936-2010
Dennis Hopper actor, artist and legend has died. Hopper has had extensive acting career in some of the most important films of our time. They included Rebel Without Cause, Giant, Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now, Blue Velvet and True Romance. RollingStone has a decent article chronicling the actor's life. One of my favorite scenes he did was his speech with Christopher Walken in the Quentin Tarantino written True Romance.
Emma Roberts, Panettiere & Culkin Confirmed For Scream 4
ComingSoon has word Wes Craven has lined up some interesting young talent to star in his fourth installment of his groundbreaking horror series. Emma Roberts (Lymelife), Hayden Panettiere (Heroes) and Rory Culkin (Zodiac) have been cast in the anticipated Scream 4. They'll be joining returning cast members Neve Campbell, David and Courtney Cox. What I love about this series is that it's done in serious tone while still poking fun at horror film cliches. I also respect the fact Craven has directed the sequels when other directors would leave after the first film.
Could Aaron Johnson Be Magneto In X-Men First Class?
Filmonic has picked up on this image of the new Professor X played by James McAvoy, director Matthew Vaughn and actor Aaron Johnson together. Johnson was just recently linked with meeting Bryan Singer for Jack The Giant Killer. Singer has previously stated he would be simultaneously casting for Jack The Giant Killer and X-Men First Class. Johnson worked with Vaughn on Kick-Ass and has done some peroid work playing a young John Lennon in Nowhere Boy.
My assumption is that Aaron could be up for the role of Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) since it's the only other high profile role known to us. After surviving the holocust as a child he bonds with fellow mutant Charles Xavier (McAvoy). The only other role I can think he could be playing is a young Hank McCoy (Beast).
Bruce Willis & Antoine Fuqua In Talks For The Tomb
Deadline reports that director Antoine Fuqua and Bruce Willis are in talks to work on the upcoming prison thriller The Tomb. I'm a big fan of Antoine Fuqua's films they always have great casts and excellent cinematography. I enjoy his crime-based films like The Replacement Killers, Training Day and Brooklyn's Finest. So a prison film sounds like it could fit perfectly with the director's style. I'm glad to see Bruce Willis banging out all these action roles before can't do them anymore. He's already lined up action films such as Red, Looper, Kane & Lynch and Die Hard 5. I think I could handle seeing Bruce doing these type of films well into his 70's similar to Sean Connery.
"Willis is in talks to play Ray Breslin, the world’s foremost authority on structural security. After analyzing every high security prison and learning a vast array of survival skills so he can design escape-proof prisons, his skills are put to the test. He's framed and incarcerated in a master prison he designed himself. He needs to escape and find the person who put him behind bars."
Drew Pearce Hired To Write Runaways
Deadline reports that Drew Pearce has been hired by Marvel Studios to rewrite the Runaways script. He is best known for creating the British superhero comedy series No Heroics. I'm not sure how much Drew is going to rewrite or polish since the script has already been worked on by Runaways creator Brian K. Vaughan (Lost). Peter Sollett (Nick & Norah) is still set to direct but it doesn't seem that the film will start production anytime soon. Considering projects like Ant-Man, Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. could be bigger priorities.
3 Possible Villains For X-Men First Class
Now that we know X-Men First Class will focus on Xavier and Magneto as the heroes. Who could the villain or villains be? In the film's official synopsis "before they were archenemies, they were the closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known". So what or who could be the "greatest threat to the world"? My thoughts came down to three villains from the X-Men universe.
APOCALYPSE: En Sabah Nur is one of the oldest mutants, dating back to 3000 BC Egypt. He enlists willingly or forcefully highly powerful mutants to join his Horsemen of The Apocalypse. It could open the door for Mr. Sinister to finally make an appearance. Describing himself as a savior of his kind, his mission is to separate the strong mutants that will live and the weak ones that should perish.
SENTINELS: The giant mutant hunting robots commissioned by the government have been teased in X3 (Danger Room scene) but were never mentioned if they ever existed. It could be possible they were the original threats to mutants when they first started to surface. This could develop into the mutant registration act storyline. If they don't make First Class they'll most likely be in X-Men 4. I believe Matthew Vaughn was a fan of them. One of the first things I remember coming out of X3 was an image of the model for the Sentinel.
OMEGA RED: I'm not sure when they'll set this film but it's possible it could be during the Cold War. Setting up (Omega Red) as the villain could make sense. Basically medically enhanced mutunt that is developed in Russian Weapons program not unlike Wolverine. Eventually he becomes so powerful the Russian government looses control. He ends up becoming a monster who drains mutants and humans of their powers/life force. Red seems a great fit for an X-Men film set in the 50-80's. I'm sure they could involve the threat of a full scale nuclear war in there for good measure. The only issue is that Red is best known as a Wolverine villain while a decent fit for global conflict in X-Men First Class.
Aaron Johnson & Andrew Garfield In The Running For Jack The Giant Killer?
HeatVision reports that director Bryan Singer has had meetings with Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass, Nowhere Boy) and Andrew Garfield (Red Riding, Doctor Parnassus) for Jack The Giant Killer. I assume the role would be Jack of course, yet neither have been confirmed as being cast.
James McAvoy Playing Charles Xavier In X-Men First Class!
HeatVision has confirmed that the first role has been cast for Matthew Vaughn's X-Men First Class. James McAvoy (Wanted, The Last King of Scotland) will play a young Charles Xavier, who later becomes Professor X the creator/leader of the X-Men. I'm sure this means finding out our new Magneto isn't too far away.
Simon Crane Off Kane & Lynch, Wayne Kramer Now Directing
LatinoReview reports that Millennium Films has parted ways with Simon Crane who was set to direct their adaptation of the video game Kane & Lynch. The site says that director Wayne Kramer (Crossing Over) has come in to replace Crane. Bruce Willis and Jamie Foxx are still starring and the film was promoted recently in Cannes.
I think this is for the better since Wayne has a decent resume of films. They include the adrenaline fueled Running Scared and the amazing small film The Cooler. I'm expecting big things with Kramer now signed on.
Updates On DC Entertainment Films
HeatVision was able to get confirmation that the Superman reboot will be released December 2012. Flash is moving towards getting greenlit. There is also word that Wonder Woman and Aquaman films are currently in development. I still believe that Wonder Woman should be DC Entertainment's priority before Flash.
Rachel McAdams Returning For Holmes 2, Coming Dec 16th 2011
SciFiWire has got confirmation from producer Joel Silver that Rachel McAdams will return for Sherlock Holmes 2 but will not be the leading lady. HeatVision has also got news that the release date for the sequel will be December 16th 2011.
Gorgeous Music Video Featuring Clips From The Lover
I don't often see music videos using film clips that are as this breathe taking. Matt Van Schie of the band Van She is branching out with his solo work and this video features his song Journey. The clips were expertly edited from the Oscar nominated French film The Lover (set in Saigon) to the beautiful song.
Tommy Lee Jones Confirmed For Captain America
ComicBookMovie found an interesting video interview with actress Haley Atwell who plays Peggy Carter in Captain America. When asked about the film she went on to talk about her excitment to work with Tommy Lee Jones. Jones had been rumored previously but hadn't been confirmed until now. I don't think it's bad she let this slip since she didn't mention his character. It's expected the role will be a small cameo considering he's gearing up to star with Will Smith in Men In Black 3 which starts production soon.
5 Actors In The Running To Play The New Spider-Man
HeatVision says that five actors could be in the running to play the new Peter Parker in Marc Webb's Spider-Man reboot. The list includes Jamie Bell (King King, Tintin, Defiance), Andrew Garfield (Red Riding, Social Network, Doctor Parnassus), Josh Hutcherson (The Kids Are All Right), Alden Ehrenreich (Tetro) and Frank Dillane (Half-Blood Prince). I'm partial to see either Bell or Garfield get the role because they have an impressive group of film credits. I'd like to think they'll be hiring the best actor rather than the cheapest or the least known.
Carl Rinsch To Direct Logan's Run Remake?
The Logan's Run remake has been in development for a while now. Bryan Singer, James McTeigue (V For Vendetta) and Joseph Kosinski (Tron Legacy) were all once attached to direct. HeatVision reports that Warner Bros. is in talks with Carl Rinsch to direct the sci-fi action thriller. Rinsch is also set to direct Kenu Reeves in 47 Ronin and was once attached to the Alien prequel. He was on Fox's wishlist of directors to take on X-Men First Class. Carl's short film The Gift got some major buzz and helped fuel a bidding war to turn it into feature film. I'm excited to see Rinsch tackle a full length feature even more so one that's set in the sci-fi world.
Jeremy Renner Is Hawkeye?
Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker) has been rumored for the role of Hawkeye ever since he slipped and told the press he was speaking with Avengers screenwriter Zak Penn about the character. When there was follow up on his previous comments Renner clammed up. Now AICN who are very reliable are hearing that things are still in the works with Renner playing Clint Barton. There has been talk of big Marvel Studios casting announcements that will take place at this year's Comic-Con.
Akerman, Eve & Nichols In Talks With Marvel Studios?
AvengersNews is back with new casting speculation this time of the female persuasion. They name Malin Akerman (Watchmen), Alice Eve (Crossing Over) and Rachel Nichols (G.I. Joe, Conan, Star Trek) as possible candidates for a contract deal with Marvel Studios. They have no clue what the role or roles are but there are plenty of heroines in Marvel's vault. I expect the roles will end up being for Avengers, Ant-Man and S.H.I.E.L.D. film which Sam Jackson recently revealed.
POSSIBLE AVENGERS ROLES
Janet van Dyne (Wasp) who will be in Ant-Man seems the best bet since she is also a founding member of The Avengers. I wouldn't be surprised if Brunnhilde (Valkyrie) is being mentioned for future films too. Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau mentioned that Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) was once an option nd ws going to be played by Scarlett Johansson. There is also Jessica Drews (Arachnid/ Spider-Woman) who starts out as an agent of HYDRA eventually becomes a member of both Avengers and SHIELD.
POSSIBLE S.H.I.E.L.D. ROLES
Considering Alice was once up for the role of Peggy Carter she could be up for Sharon Carter. Sharon is Peggy's niece is a very prominent agent of SHIELD and becomes the present dy love interest of Steve Rogers (Captain America). If they were working on the SHIELD film the heroine would have to be involved. The other SHIELD agents could include Carol Danvers (Ms. Marvel), Barbara Morse (Mockingbird) and Maria Hill.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Joins The Thing Prequel
STYD reports that Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Bourne Identity, G.I. Joe) has joined The Thing prequel which is currently in production.
Kung Fu Panda 2 Gets More Voices & New Writer
I rarely comment on the world of kids films but I have to admit I did enjoy Kung Fu Panda. Pixar has some mystical stranglehold on the CGI animation market. So it's nice to see Dreamworks trying to branch out with their attempts. Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom (May 27th 2011) is starting to look even better with the additions to the cast and it's new screenwriter. Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind, Confessions of A Dangerous Mind) who is one of the most creative writers working in Hollywood has been brought on to polish the film's script. I'm beyond excited for Kaufman's involvement since we've seen what happens when an auteur like him develop children's films. Just look at the interesting take on the genre from people like Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr. Fox) and Spike Jonze (Where The Wild Things Are).
We already know that Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen and David Cross will return. Now comes the new additions which includes Gary Oldman (Lord Shen a villainous peacock), Michelle Yeoh (The Soothsayer a goat), Jean Claude Van Damme (Master Croc) and Victor Garber (Master Thundering Rhino). "In the sequel, Po goes on an amazing personal journey and we are thrilled to have assembled such a talented and well-respected group of actors to bring to life our new characters, who - alongside our returning cast - play such a critical role in Po's quest and his ultimate triumph over the forces of evil,"
Daniel Benmayor In Talks To Direct Hitman 2
Deadline reports Daniel Benmayor (Paintball) is in talks to direct Hitman 2. I'm fan of the video game but the last film was a horrible mess. Why Fox believed shooting a PG-13 film from a R-rated game was a good idea is beyond me. I'd like to think 20th Century has learned their lesson and will give the next director more creative freedom while letting the bullets fly.
Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Coming Dec 2011, Sequels?
The NYTimes has finally confirmed that David Fincher will direct the remake of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The film will be coming to theaters in Dec 2011. Brad Pitt and Carey Mulligan have been rumored for the lead roles. The only issue is that they'll have to be open to return for two more films.
Speaking of sequels the same article has confirmed that if the studio moves forward with more movies they'll be shot back to back. Yet there is no word if Fincher will return for the two films. It's expected they won't go into production until 2012-2013 so we'll have plenty of time to wait and see what happens. Fincher apparently has on option to direct the second film and I'm sure he would be able to shot them both relatively cheap and fast. The two books which could become sequels include The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest and The Girl Who Played With Fire.
Legendary Pictures Making Mass Effect Film
HollywoodReporter says that Legendary Pictures has just bought the rights to the successful video game franchise Mass Effect. Similar to games like Halo and Gears of War it has a very loyal fanbase which could end up turning out an epic film.
They've hired Mark Protosevich to pen the film's script. Protosevich previously wrote screenplays for Thor and I Am Legend. It's still early in development but I expect a big name director will be hired.
Jesse Eisenberg To Join 30 Minutes Or Less?
ThePlaylist (via Production Weekly) reports Jesse Eisenberg (Social Network) is in talks to play the second lead in 30 Minutes Or Less. Esingberg worked with director Ruben Fleischer on Zombielnd and I assume enjoyed their working relationship. I think it could be interesting to see the contrast between Aziz Ansari's outrgoues nature and Jesse's awkward straight man. The villains will be played by Danny R. McBride, Nick Swardson and Michael Pena.
Dominic Cooper To Play Howard Stark In Captain America
John Slattery said that he wouldn't be reprising his role of Howard Stark (Tony's father) from Iron Man 2 to make way for a younger actor. Now there is word straight from Dominic Cooper (An Education) that he's landed the role of the young Howard Stark in Captain America. Howard would become an important part of fighting the Nazis during WWII and even constructed Captain America's iconic shield. Cooper was once up for Fandral in Thor but didn't get the role. It's nice to see Marvel finding new roles for actors they've liked from previous auditions.
Kevin Pennington Now Rumored For Captain Marvel
Previously we've heard the rampant rumors of the Marvel contract for actor Kevin Pennington. While it's been confirmed by the actor himself he's signed a three picture deal to play a "fan favorite" Marvel character there hasn't been much information on which one it is. The only hint we've gotten is that he's a SHIELD agent, which could mean anyone. Clint Barton (Hawkeye) had been brought up but dismissed by the actor. It would make sense the studio would hire bigger name for Hawkeye considering the fact the hero is destand to be in his own spin-off. Now there is word from AvengersNews that Pennington is being tapped to play a small role as Captain Marvel.
The only issue is which one? There are two Kree warriors who took up the name first Mar-Vell and then later on it was Noh-Varr. There have been rumors of The Skrulls being involved as the main villain or being setup for the second film, so insterting a Kree allie could be possible. Personally I think it would be difficult to have a character named after your company being taken seriously. There is also the confusion between Marvel's Captain Marvel and DC's Captain Marvel/Shazam.
While there re plenty of alien characters in the Marvel universe. I believe there are a couple more popular ones than Captain Marvel that could end up showing up. One of course being Sentry who has been appearing in many of the new era storylines. Another interesting character that has connection to SHIELD is Nova.
Bloom, Lerman & Corden Officially Join Three Musketeers
Variety reports that Orlando Bloom (Kingdom of Heaven, Pirates 1-3, LOTR) and Logan Lerman (Gamer) have officially joined Paul W.S. Anderson's Three Musketeers. British comedian James Corden from Gavin & Stacy has also been cast.
Rosie Huntington Whitney The New Transformers Girl?
British model Rosie Huntington Whitney is rumored as the new front-runner to replace Megan Fox as Sam's new love interest in Transformers 3. It seems somewhat likely that Bay would try to break out another starlet, this would pretty much create Rosie's acting career. I'm still hoping for Gemma Arterton but it doesn't look like the studio is going with a big name.
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