Four Possible Actors In The Running For Akira's Tetsuo

Now that Garrett Hedlund is likely taking the role of Kaneda in Akira there is the possibility we already know who might be up for the second lead of Tetsuo. Hedlund was apart of casting group for his part and there was a second smaller group testing for Tetsuo. That group included James McAvoy (Wanted, X-Men First Class), Andrew Garfield (Amazing Spider-Man, Social Network) and Robert Pattinson. Joseph Gordon-Levitt had been linked for the role when it was originally reported Warner Bros. was going to develop the project.

I wouldn't count Joseph out of the race until an actual name is attached. He's been quietly gathering steam at the studio starring in Christopher Nolan's Inception and The Dark Knight Rises. Not to mention working with DiCaprio (who is a producer) on two films including Quentin Tarantino's upcoming Django Unchained. James McAvoy might be a good fit but he has sequels on the horizon that include Wanted 2 and a X-Men First Class sequel. Andrew Garfield might have a little more leeway than James as he only has Amazing Spider-Man 2 coming up which might go into production until the first film's box office numbers come back. It's expected that Akira will be starting production soon. While I don't entirely count out Robert Pattinson he is going to turn off the male audiences who attribute him to the quality bankrupt Twilight franchise. Not a good idea since there is already enough hate on this project without terrible casting choices.

Warner Bros. To Decide On The Fate Of Akira Soon

ShowBlitz reports that the studio is going to be making to decision to greenlight their Akira adaptation or not. The project has had a long history of problems loosing two of it's directors and testing many actors but nothing came from it. Names like Michael Fassbender (First Class, Prometheus, 300), James McAvoy (First Class, Wanted), Andrew Garfield (Amazing Spider-Man, Social Network), Keanu Reeves (Matrix Trilogy, Point Break, Speed), Garrett Hedlund (Tron Legacy), Chris Pine (Star Trek 1-2, This Means War), Justin Timberlake (Social Network) and Joaquin Phoenix have been linked for testing.

Fans had been angry over the whitewash casting along with moving the location from Tokyo to Manhattan. It's budget was also too large likely since the whole movie is a gamble at this point. The studio wouldn't want to spend too much money if the fanbase isn't there. Last summer they gambled with high-concept Green Lantern which turned out to be a critical and financial blunder.

Sony Moving Forward With Amazing Spider-Man 2, James Vanderbilt Returns To Write Script

HeatVision reports that Sony is starting development on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as they've just commissioned a script. They've hired James Vandebilt who worked on the first film to return and work on the sequel. Director Marc Webb and the cast including Andrew Garfield are likely to return for the sequel as well. Since studios setup trilogy contracts when it comes to possible franchises. It's a similar confidence that Warner Bros. had when they started work on Green Lantern 2 before the first film was finished. The Amazing Spider-Man is still currently shooting and won't be released until 2012.

Doug Liman's Luna Still In The Works, Meets With Actors

Doug Liman (Bourne Identity) has been working hard developing his next film previously titled Luna. The science fiction thriller film once had Jake Gyllenhaal originally attached to star but Jake would eventually drop out. It was setup at Dreamworks but has since moved over to Paramount.

"The story centers on a renegade group of former space employees, led by an Eastern European woman, who travel the world, stealing space equipment in an attempt to go back to the moon to acquire an energy source. The last item to steal -- or in this case, kidnap -- is an ex-NASA employee."

HeatVision reports that Doug has been meeting with actors for the two to three leads of the film. They include Andrew Garfield, Emile Hirsch, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, Megan Fox, Rachel McAdams, Eva Mendes, Zoe Saldana and Olivia Wilde. This news gives the impression that development on All You Need Is Kill has halted and Liman's involvement could be questionable at this point.

Short-List Of Actors For Akira Revealed

Warner Bros. had previously hit some bumps when James Franco and Mila Kunis passed on Akira to make Oz, The Great & Powerful. They the hired Steve Kloves (Amazing Spider-Man, Harry Potter) screenwriter to rework the script and now have a short list of actors for the two leads. Deadline reports that the new script has been given to Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake and Joaquin Phoenix for the role of Kaneda. Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield and James McAvoy are up for the role of Tetsuo.

Garrett Hedlund and Andrew Garfield are my favorites for the leads. Hedlund recently stepped into the world of blockbuster leads with Tron Legacy which he turned down Captain America for. Andrew Garfield is another great name to have involved as part of the best movie of last year (Social Network) and becoming the new Spider-Man his star is quickly rising.

James McAvoy could also fit the role of Tetsuo nicely. Chris Pine and Michael Fassbender are likely busy with Star Trek 2 and Prometheus. While Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake will give an instant cringe factor to the fanbase. Joaquin Phoenix seems too creditable and a little too old for the film.

SHORT FILM: Spike Jonze's I'm Here

The Amazing Spider-Man Official Title of Spidey Reboot, Plus New Still!

Sony has announced the new title of the Spidey reboot is officially The Amazing Spider-Man. Personally I think everything Sony and director Marc Webb have done with the reboot has been for the benefit of fans and I'm really looking forward to this. The studio has also released a new image of Andrew Garfield in full costume including a web-shooter pose. I expect we could see a teaser trailer sometime during Comic-Con this summer and I can't wait to see what this costume looks like in action.

Set Photo Reveals Full Spidey Costume & Web Shooters

MTV was able to get this new set photo from the new Spider-Man film. It's our first full glimpse of the new Spidey costume with mask and web shooters. If you look close the web shooter device is clearly on Andrew's wrist.

Gemma Arterton & Andrew Garfield Joining Michael Mann's Capa

Gemma Arterton revealed to Total Film (via ThePlaylist) that she is replacing Eva Green in Michael Mann's Capa. The film is based on the life of photographer Robert Capa and the novel Waiting For Robert Capa written by Susana Fortes. Arterton also says that Andrew Garfield is lined up for a role I assume Capa.

It's curious when it will actually happen as Mann's Big Tuna sounds like the better project and is currently being scripted by Sheldon Turner (Up In The Air). It would make sense that both actors could be ready to make Capa after their two large productions Spider-Man (Garfield) and Wrath of The Titans (Arterton).

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. 

RUMOR: Zooey Deschanel To Play Betty Brant?

Yet another one of my hopefuls for Spider-Man is linked for a supporting a role (previously John Slattery). Zooey Deschanel (Hitchhikers Guide, 500 Days of Summer, Your Highness) who I had pegged for the role of Betty Brant is in mind for the part. It's expected like Mary Jane she will evolve into a love interest in future films. In other news it has been confirmed the studio will not include MJ in the first film most likely to avoid a love triangle and keep budget costs down.

While some of the actors/characters haven't been officially confirmed the cast could look like this Andrew Garfield (Peter), Emma Stone (Gwen), Rhys Ifans (Dr. Connors/Lizard), Martin Sheen (Uncle Ben), Sally Field (Aunt May) and John Slattery (J. Joanh Jameson). With the possible addition of Zooey (Betty). The combination of the cast, director Marc Webb and script from James Vanderbilt (Zodiac) this film seems like it could rival Raimi's beyond previous expectations.

Martin Sheen To Play Uncle Ben In Spider-Man

Finally some more casting news from Marc Webb's Spider-Man reboot. HeatVision reports that Martin Sheen (The Departed) is in talks to take on the role of Uncle Ben.

CAST 'EM!: Marc Webb's Spider-Man

Now that we have Spider-Man's two main leads with Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy I'm curious who will be cast in other roles. I'm going to list who I'd like to see in supporting roles. Of course I could list villains but until we actually know who the villain might be I won't.

Harry Osborn: Anton Yelchin is rumored for the role and it's for good reason. He is excellent addition to any cast he's proven this with both Star Trek and Terminator Salvation (being one of only the best parts of the film). Hopefully they explore the darker side of Harry and his major anger issues early in the films.

Mary Jane Watson: Like Harry she was a hard partier and wild child. Unlike what we saw in Raimi's films where MJ was duller to watch than paint drying. Mary Elizabeth Winstead was my first choice for Mary Jane and would be a great love interest for both Harry and Peter (in sequels). MEW is best known for Scott Pilgrim Vs The World but has also had some decent smaller roles in action films like Die Hard 4 and Tarantino's Death Proof. She'll be testing her leading actress skills again in the Thing prequel in April.

Aunt May: Helen Mirren might not come to most people's minds when thinking of this role but it seems like no brainier when you do think about it. She's been able to pull off almost any role she's given and isn't opposed to doing comic book (Red), action (The Debt) or comedy(Aurthur) films. Helen is able to dress down for roles as well like she did in the Queen.

J. Jonah Jameson: John Slattery is becoming more known from his show Mad Men and is perfect for Jameson. While I believe he should be the brooding force of hatred financing supervillains like The Scorpion to capture Spider-Man. I doubt Sony will go down that road since Raimi gave us the lovable version of J.J. Yet if they did do that Stephen Lang (Public Enemies, Avatar, Conan) would be perfect for it. Slattery on the other hand could be great for both sides of Jameson if they ever decide to change him. While he played a small role in Iron Man 2 it's not uncommon for actors to be cast in more than one Marvel project (Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Ryan Reynolds).

Betty Brant: Jameson's secretary/assistant Betty Brant pretty much keeps J.J. in check and is known to flirt with Peter. It would be nice to see her more involved in the franchise. I'd like to think in each film we'll see Peter involved with different girls from the comics. Zooey Deschanel would be great for Betty since she's got just the edge to steal scenes with the small role.

Robbie Robertson: Ernie Hudson needs to return to comic book films. While it's unknown when he'll actually start work on Ghostbusters 3 I think this would be perfect for him. Ernie did amazing work on the HBO series Oz and helped make The Crow one of best comic book films of the 90's.

Emma Stone Officially Gwen Stacy In Spider-Man

In an odd last minute twist Emma Stone is not playing redhead vixen Mary Jane Watson but rather blond sweetheart Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man. Deadline both broke the original casting news but now has the official press release from Sony which lists Stone as the main love interest Gwen. I'm not sure how Emma will look blond but she's officially the female lead. Director Marc Webb had some kind words for the actress.

“The chemistry between Andrew and Emma was stunning and made Emma the clear choice. At the heart of the story of Peter Parker is not only the amazing Spider-Man, but also an ordinary teenager who is wondering what he has to do to get the girl. Andrew and Emma will bring everything audiences expect to these roles, but also make them their own. Much to my surprise, it was fun to find out that our choice for Gwen (Emma) is also a natural blonde.”

3 More In The Running For Gwen Stacy

Most know Mary Jane Watson as the love of Peter Parker's life. Yet Gwen Stacy was his original girlfriend and will be the leading lady of the new film. Peter even asked her to marry him and also was one of the first people he told was Spider-Man. Deadline reports that there are three more actresses in the running for the role. They include Dominique McElligott (Moon, Dark Floors), Dianna Agron (Glee) and newcomer Georgina Haig. Out of these actresses including Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland) I would have say I'd like to see Dominique McElligott get the part.

My choice since day one for Gwen Stacy has been Amber Heard (The Rum Diaries). She's another actress like Emma Stone who is well known to audiences and is old enough to play either high school or college versions of the character. Amber has had some decent smaller roles in films like Zombieland and Pineapple Express. She even gave an excellent lead performance in the horror flick All The Boys Love Mandy Lane which still hasn't been released in theaters or DVD in North America.

Emma Stone Is The New MJ In Spider-Man

Deadline reports Sony has sent out an offer to actress Emma Stone to play the new Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man. It's very likely she'll except the offer and will be officially announced soon. Stone would play opposite Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) in the reboot. It's known that MJ won't be be the only female lead as Parker's first love Gwen Stacy will be in the movie too. Casting seems to be revving up so more news should be coming out in the next week or so.

Emma Stone MJ In Spider-Man Reboot?

Variety reports that Emma Stone (Superbad, Easy A) is a strong candidate to be cast in Spider-Man. Entertainment Weekly also reports that Stone recently tested for the film reading opposite the new Peter Parker, Andrew Garfield.  While it's likely they're searching for Gwen Stacy they could also be looking for the new Mary Jane Watson. If MJ was to be in the film I would assume she would take the role of friend rather than love interest. Emma is one of the many actresses I previously had pegged for the role when the reboot was first announced. I believe Stone would be an asset for the franchise and could help sway audiences. She has the personality and charm to bring much needed life to the character. Which had been given a wooden performance previously by Kirsten Dunst.

Emma Roberts Vaguely Responds To Spider-Man Rumor

The Spider-Man reboot is starting to move closer to production and with that comes many casting rumors. There were months of back and fourth when it came to re-casting Peter Parker and when the dust cleared it was Andrew Garfield who came out on top. Garfield is already making waves starring in two films which might end up in the Oscar race (The Social Network, Never Let Me Go). I'm positive Andrew is the best choice for the role and will make fans proud of the new film.

                                          It's been mentioned that the main love interest would be Gwen Stacy the girl who originally won Peter's heart. Even Stan Lee predicted Parker would marry Gwen. It of course doesn't mean we wouldn't be seeing Mary Jane Watson involved in the story. The most recent names rumored for the film suggest this as well since there is mix of blonds and brunettes (easily turned redheads). They include Imogen Poots (28 Weeks Later, Centurion), Teresa Palmer (Sorcerer's Apprentice), Ophelia Lovibond (London Blvd, Nowhere Boy), Lily Collins (Priest) and Emma Roberts (Scream 4).  MTV put the question to one of the rumored candidates Emma Roberts who vaguely responded with "you never know". While it doesn't confirm she's in the running it does however give the impression she's interested.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead The New Mary Jane?

Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim, Death Proof, Die Hard 4) is one of many possible actresses testing to star opposite Andrew Garfield in the new Spider-Man reboot.

Andrew Garfield Is Officially Spider-Man

Sony Pictures has confirmed that Andrew Garfield (Doctor Parnassus, Red Riding Trilogy) has been cast as the new Spider-Man in Marc Webb's (500 Days of Summer) reboot. Garfield has previously screen tested for both Jack The Giant Killer and X-Men First Class.